The Power of Patience

There are countless books on the Law of Attraction that repeat the same formula: Ask, Believe, and Receive. We know that to ask is to know what we desire. We know that to believe is to have faith that our desires can be fulfilled. We know that to receive we must act in ways that are congruent with our desires. All of this we know. What we may not realize, however, is the power of patience. Although it may seem counter-intuitive–or even ludicrous–to link power and patience in the same sentence, the title of this article holds great truth. Think of this for a few minutes, if you will.

In our fast-paced culture–that routinely demands instant gratification–we’ve grown accustomed to wanting results fast! We want our food fast; a product fast; our travel fast. Advantages have come with this mentality, but we’ve also experienced disadvantages from expecting everything to occur today, if not yesterday. This becomes even more obvious when we examine our attitude regarding the achievement of our goals.

We have become clear about what we desire in life–the new home; our own business; better health; increased wealth; a wonderful relationship. And with our desire in mind, we begin taking steps toward its achievement. Initially, we may be making great strides. We witness progress on a regular basis. If we’ve started a business, we may have opened a shop and attracted our first customers. If we’ve committed to being an artist, we may have improved our skill and learned how to market our art. However, a time may come when our results stall or take a downturn. It’s at this point of deliberate creation that we need to practice the power of patience. What may we do?

Realize, first, that this time is not wasted. Although trite, the old saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day still holds truth. Our business or work of art will not be completed in a day, either. To expect so is unwise, and may lead to negative thinking that works against us. However, if we maintain the view that we’re gaining every day–even if the results aren’t obvious–we’ll be given the fortitude to achieve our goal. Step by step is the way of our journey toward greatness.

Through an attitude of patience, we become a conduit to inspiration, which–if acted upon–will elevate us to the next level of accomplishment. Solutions arrive because we remain calm and expect them. If we permit impatience to dominate our spirit, however, the channel to inspired thought actually constricts. We may consequently feel distanced from the Universal Intelligence we seek. Fortunately, if we live from a point of wisdom, we realize what’s to be gained by nurturing a positive and patient attitude. Without this, we may be sabotaging the achievement of our desires.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Good Storytellers

Remember with me now, to when we were little children, perhaps six, seven, or eight years of age. At that time, someone we knew may have told us a ghost story. Listening attentively, we felt our muscles tighten, shivers run down our spine, and our breath tighten as we imagined ghosts in the attic, the creak of doors opening by invisible forces, or a sudden frostiness in darkened halls. In spite of being frightened, we may have soon begged to hear another.

What we didn’t realize at the time, was that our body was creating real reactions to those fictitious ghosts. Now, of course, we know that the ghosts–the ones with eyeballs dangling from empty sockets, severed body parts, and oooohhhh-sounding voices–aren’t real; but at the time we believed they were. And because of that, our hearts beat faster, our eyes dilated, and the rate of our breathing increased. Our bodies reacted as though those ghosts were real. And the point of this article is?

This: That even though the ghost stories are long gone, we’re still telling stories. They’re just different. In fact, we’re telling them to ourselves every day. The stories we tell now most likely revolve around health, wealth, family, careers, and relationships. They also relate to what we imagine is possible or impossible. We’re telling ourselves: I am this, or I am that. I can or I can’t. Life always works out for me, or I was born to lose! I’m unlovable, ugly, and poor; or I’m lovable, beautiful, and rich! And as a consequence of the nature of stories we’re telling we experience correlating positive or negative consequences. For example:

Every time we tell ourselves illness-based stories, our bodies react by matching what we’re telling ourselves–perhaps by delivering more aches and pains, or another health issue to be investigated. The body might deliver the ache first, but we are the ones who add to the story by thinking, “Oh, there’s that ache again. Could it be…?” Conversely, if it’s a health-based story, we have nothing to do but enjoy the harmonious ease with which our body functions. Every time that we tell ourselves a poverty-based story, our subconscious mind delivers a way to fritter away money, turn down a great financial opportunity, or instill another belief that we’re destined to remain poor. A prosperity-based story, of course, functions by motivating us to create the results that match that type of story. It’s just the way this reality works. The sad part is that many people don’t realize that results are directly related to the type of thoughts we entertain. This will make more sense when we realize that it wasn’t real ghosts that frightened us as little children; it was merely the thought of ghosts that created the effects. The point? That thought was, and still is, the power.

Consider this: Do you believe that repeatedly telling yourself “I’m having a crappy day” makes any difference to the quality of your experience? Do you believe that thinking “I’ll never find a wonderful partner” can help you find that great relationship? Do you believe that saying “I’m broke, and I’m always going to be broke” can help you effectively manage your finances? Amidst even the most chaotic and unsettling circumstances, we may tell ourselves the most amazing story and maintain our calm center. Émile Coué, a french psychologist and pharmacist, realized the importance of what we’re habitually telling ourselves. A firm believer in the power of autosuggestion, he coined the well-known expression: Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”

So how do we make a better life? By realizing that the type of story we’re telling ourselves can transform our lives! If we want to be scared, we can focus on a fear-based and negative stories. If, however, we desire a wonderful life, we’re wise to make great health, wealth, success, peace, and joy the underlying theme. To empower ourselves even more, we might use wording such as “I am strong, confident, powerful, courageous, and whole.” It’s our book of life. We’re the author. We owe it to ourselves to tell a good story, now. Don’t you think?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡

Right Mental Attitude

I’ve just finished reading The Ideal Made Real by Christian D. Larson (1874 -1954), who was a popular American New Thought leader, teacher, and author. First published in 1909, the book is still in print today, and I can understand why. I found it inspiring and informative from start to finish.

In Chapter Five, Christian D. Larson wrote at length regarding the distinction between what he called Domineering and Harmonious mindsets. He made it clear that the Law of Attraction “is at the foundation of all natural constructive processes; therefore to promote construction, growth, advancement, and real success we must work in harmony with the law.” He cautioned that when a confused or negative attitude dominates our mind, we are actually resisting life and, therefore, moving away from the very power (Source) with which we desire to align. What does this mean on a practical basis?

This: In whatever situations we may find ourselves—including the most trying—we must do our best to maintain the Right Mental Attitude. When we do so, we are aligned with the flow of life and, therefore, Source. At this point in our education regarding the Law of Attraction, we are well aware that like attracts like. When we permit a confused or negative attitude to dominate, we are at risk of attracting more of that nature. This is detrimental for two reasons: It disempowers us, and also perpetuates more of the circumstances that may have triggered our negative attitude in the first place. The solution: To regain our right mental attitude as soon as possible. How is this achieved?

By accepting what has occurred—even seemingly negative events—and by making it our habit of seeking the sometimes not-so-obvious good beneath the surface of circumstance. Think of it: Isn’t it common knowledge that great men and women share the habit of seeking the good in every situation…and thereby finding it? We, too, may rise to their ranks! When we habitually maintain a right mental attitude, we not only move through the trying situations more easily, but also rise in character. And, as we might remember from the famous quote by Lao Tzu, character creates our destiny!

With practice, this will be our natural way of being. No more will trifling matters disturb our calm center. Old patterns of anger, resentment, frustration, despondency, and reactivity will fall away as we elevate our attitude. From that vantage point, we’re going to attract more of what we desire. And isn’t that what most of us are seeking?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Susie’s Going to Be Late!

“I’m going to be late! I’m going to be late! Susie just knows it! She can feel it in every fiber of her being. She’s been late for as long as she can remember. She arrived late at her graduation party; she’s almost always a few minutes late for work; and she was even late to her best friend’s wedding! It’s just the way she is…or so she thinks.

What Susie isn’t aware of, is that it’s not by accident that she’s habitually late. The pattern of her behaviour began a long time ago, when she was just a little child. Her mother unintentionally reinforced her behaviour by repeatedly saying, “Well, our late little girl finally decided to make an appearance!” Her father also contributed to the programming by kidding that Susie would even “show up late to her own life!” Teachers, too, played their roles.

Susie’s also unaware that her subconscious mind has been eavesdropping on what she’s been telling herself. From every thought, word, and experience, it has formed the paradigms (collection of beliefs) that are governing almost every aspect of her life. Whenever Susie thinks she has allowed lots of time to prepare for work or a special occasion, her subconscious mind directs her to begin a minor task that will just take a few minutes; or convinces her to underestimate the time required to travel a certain distance; or trick her into forgetting to set her alarm. It has a multitude of ways of delivering the results that Susie secretly believes.

Susie’s not alone; for all of us live with our unique paradigms. It’s part of life. And just as Susie knows that she’s going to be late, Elizabeth knows she’ll never find the man of her dreams; Ralph knows he’ll never be able to shed those extra pounds; Beverley knows her new business will probably fail like; and Tim knows that he’s an absolute klutz, especially when under stress. What none of them realize, is that as long as they keep reinforcing the same thought patterns, they’re going to keep manifesting the same results!

For anything new to occur, we have to change our thinking and claim our right to govern. There’s no diety floating on a cloud and dictating that this will occur first, and then that. Now, here’s a question to consider: Are we going to learn how to think differently and engage our power of imagination, or continue to be late for the wonderful life we deserve?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

This Orderly Universe

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for people regarding the Law of Attraction is the truth that there are no accidents. Period. The teachings are definite. For people who balk at such a notion–that they couldn’t possibly have attracted such tragic or painful circumstances–I offer a quote from the The Kybalion, which relates to the Principle of Cause and Effect: “Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; Everything happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized.” In other words, we could say that a mystery only remains a mystery until the cause is discovered.

We live in a Cosmos; that is clear. A Cosmos functions in an orderly fashion. Sound and Light travel at constants–not some of the time, but all of the time. There is rhythm and balance, ebb and flow, cycles and seasons that predictably follow one another. Spring follows Winter one-hundred-percent of the time; and the two remaining seasons are also true to their sequence. It is not by accident that this occurs. Based on such order, we absolutely know that we must plant–first–before we may reap. Innately, we also understand that the nature of a harvest is dependent on what we sow. If we desire wheat, we plant wheat. Corn, we plant corn. We, too, are immersed in the great natural laws and forces of life; and therefore subject to them. However: Unlike other life forms, we may determine the nature of our harvest–and environment–through our unique ability to choose our predominant thoughts. When we align with Source (which only functions for good) we may govern our own world.

Chaos, on the other hand, suggests that nothing is truly under our dominion. Due to the function of the Law of Attraction, people who believe in chaos will reap chaotic and random results. They have, in effect, attuned themselves to expect nothing less. This is easily understood if we imagine the Universe matching our beliefs…even if such beliefs are not connected with Truth. The Placebo Effect–which is well known and widely studied–is another term for what we’re describing. Think that there is Fate; then a fated life shall seem our experience. Conversely: Know that we are free–to imagine the very best of this life–and that, too, shall be matched. Freedom requires such a system.

The truth of this information holds life-transforming importance: We are free! Free to think what we will; believe what we will; act how we will! The Creator of All did not decree that we would be blessed or cursed, for what loving Father would bless some of His children and yet curse others? However: That we may curse or bless ourselves through either our ignorance of–or alignment with–Truth, places the responsibility right where it belongs: with us. That’s actually great news; for with that responsibility comes tremendous empowerment.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Unconditional Living

By the time we reach adulthood, we’ve been exposed to a countless array of beliefs. Some of them are good and some are bad. Many serve us, but many don’t. Our beliefs cover every aspect of the human condition. We have been told this, that, and something else about everything. To be successful in a certain field, here are the prerequisites. This is the path that must be followed, for the way has been defined. No other routes exist. Such thinking is gift wrapped to look attractive; and as good human beings we most often receive it, unquestioned, with open arms. Taught by people in authority, we have been conditioned in a way that leaves little or no room for different ways of being. Or thinking.

The problem with this type of conditioning is that it contains flaws. Although it may point toward “a” path that will lead to the manifestation of our dream, it can set roadblocks between us and what we desire to achieve. Think of where Microsoft might be today if Bill Gates had absolutely believed he had to graduate from Harvard. Where, too, would the world be if Edision, who was home-schooled from the age of seven, believed that his hearing deficit and apparent lack of intelligence would determine his future? Would the world have the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were largely self taught, if they hadn’t believed in their own talent?

With regard to certain goals and aspirations, no one is debating that certain conditions might be better met than tossed aside, especially if supported by logic. But, from a Law of Attraction viewpoint, it’s also important to realize that believing in a certain set of conditions actually creates those conditions! A balance between the two perspectives might be the best: to live from a practical viewpoint that also leaves room to receive inspiration from Infinite Intelligence.

The point about unconditional living is that we, as deliberate creators, live more successfully when we remain open. A questioning mind will always take us farther than one that knows it all. We’re also wise to realize that a multitude of ways exist to do anything: new ways; better ways; ingenious ways; creative ways. These avenues to creation come alive within us when we question our beliefs for validity. An open mind is a conduit to the very best that life has to offer. Our dreams and goals will manifest in ways that are unique to us. We have the gift of intuitive powers through which we may find our way.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Gardeners of The Mind

A friend of mine named Lisa, who’s been an avid gardener and member of a horticulture society for several years, recently told me a true-life account that beautifully and simply illustrates one of the teachings of the Law of Attraction. It’s about her passion for gardening, and also our study of mind.

The point of this article is related to a tour of her gardens that occurred last year. As she was walking beside an older lady, Lisa suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, I missed a weed!” The older woman smiled and then said, “My dear, with so many beautiful flowers to look at, why would you ever focus upon that one weed?” The comment made a lasting impression on Lisa; and we may also take a lesson from it.

Every day, in every waking moment, we are focused upon something. Such is just part of being human. If we’re focused upon the outer, that something might be a person, place, object, or anything else that can be brought into our awareness through our five senses. If we’re focused upon the inner, that something might be a thought, memory, a worry, or a flight of the imagination. Our focus shifts so frequently, and automatically, that it can be easy to forget that we possess the power to direct it. That ability is our birthright; and whether we are master of it, or enslaved by it, makes a big difference in the quality of our lives.

Doubt this could be true? Imagine the following situations and consider the real life difference that focus can make: Dining at a restaurant and choosing to focus on the delightful atmosphere, rather than what seems wrong about the service. Picking up your car after repairs and choosing to focus on being grateful that it’s fixed, rather than the size of the bill. Beginning another night shift and choosing to focus on being grateful for being employed, rather than how tired you may feel in the morning.

For those who desire to consciously create better lives, it’s imperative that we learn how to deliberately direct our focus. The alternative, which is well known among those who meditate, is termed monkey mind. The term applies perfectly, for it depicts a mind leaping from stimuli to stimuli, unable to stop itself. A quote by Robin Sharma also holds relevance:

The mind is an excellent servant but a terrible master.

In How The Mind Works, Christian D. Larson cautioned that outer stimuli should never be allowed to make an impression upon the unconscious mind. Why? Because if we’re mentally absent, we become vulnerable to the consequences related to negative thoughts. How, though, do we rid ourselves of the negative, and often repetitive, weeds that might keep popping into our mind? The method is simple and becomes easier with practice: by withdrawing our attention from them! When we do, negative thoughts wither from our experience.

We are creators or, if you will, gardeners of the mind. It’s our responsibility to properly tend the garden of our mind; no one can do it for us. At first, such may seem a daunting task; but it’s actually a privilege. The rewards of learning how to direct our focus–from weed to flower, or from negative to positive–are well worth the effort. Just take a look at Lisa’s garden to be reminded.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Positive Techniques and Tips

There are times when we will face challenges. We may be feeling down or experiencing the valleys of life. When such occurs, it can be frustrating to hear someone–no matter how well-intentioned–say that we should just think positively! That type of advice, in fact, may drive us deeper into a negative mindset; for it can seem as though we’re being advised to deny reality.

Although such advice may seem hollow or trite that doesn’t negate its truth, when we interpret it in a different manner. Logically, we realize that we can’t possibly benefit from dwelling intensely on the problem. We know that for every time we think I’ve got a huge problem we’re only making the problem larger. We also realize that the solution cannot possibly be discovered through a problem-based perspective. The key is making a practical shift; so that positive thinking can offer real solutions. Below are a few techniques and tips to help make that shift occur when we need it most.

Wear something–perhaps a bracelet, ring, or necklace–that serves as a reminder to reach for positive thoughts. Consider inscribing it with a meaningful message.
Choose your friends and company wisely. It’s well known that environment–either positive or negative–contributes to how we feel about life. Since feeling (vibration) is integral to what we attract into our lives, it’s important to feel good as much as possible. If our friends are habitually negative, we may need to develop more positive-minded companionship.
Guard against the negative news that you allow into your life. Replace it with inspirational messages and books. Consider subscribing to daily or weekly positive email reminders.
Seek people and mentors who are positive toward life and who habitually experience great results.
Question your beliefs. Ask yourself if you must always react negatively in challenging situations. Consider the alternative: Could you develop a more positive attitude that’s grounded in courage, perseverence, and patience?
Realize that life is always changing. Such means that challenging situations must also pass. They will eventually change on their own. However, their transformation will occur more quickly and easily when you live through a positive attitude.
Make time for you. Exercise, meditation, a walk in nature, and other enjoyable activities will help you redirect your focus.
Do something kind for someone else. This practice effectively redirects your attention from your own troubling situation.
If possible, live from a more detached perspective. View your negative thoughts as though objects outside of yourself–perhaps as clouds crossing the sky. With practice, you’ll be able to redirect your attention with greater ease.
Realize that you’re only destined to be a certain way in life–perhaps negatively focused–if you believe that to be true. New and better habits can be learned. The key is to realize your own freedom. This is easier when you stand in your rightful place–as the witness of circumstances–rather than being mired in them.
Gratitude is a powerful tool to shift your life. Can you, now, be grateful for even one thing?

Perhaps most important is to allow ourselves to be who we are in any moment, even if we’re feeling down. The lows actually remind us to grow stronger and reach for better thoughts.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

The Open Road

For anyone new to the study of the Law of Attraction, the teachings related to deliberate creation may seem confusing or even illogical. We are taught so much: that there’s a Divine Source which permeates everything; that It is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent; that we should Ask, Believe, and Receive; and that we should habitually act on our best intuitive nudges. The subject of this article relates to yet another teaching: Detached Intention.

What does detached intention mean? It means that we are to know what we desire, and then release it–in a relaxed and detached manner–and let the Universe guide us toward its achievement. The teaching initially turned me away from my study of the Law of Attraction because it seemed ludicrous. How, I reasoned, am I ever to achieve my goal if I relax about it? That, however, only revealed my own ignorance.

The benefits of detached intention are many, but first lets examine the subject through the use of an analogy: Imagine that we’re going on a road trip. We have a clear destination–intention–in mind. We have plotted your course, and have a rigid and unyielding route regarding how to get there. Day One: We set out driving toward our desired destination, and all goes well. We’re on schedule and happy, heading in the right direction. Day Two: We awaken at our pre-set time, jump in our car, and set out with our preconceived plan of how the day must unfold. An hour into the drive, however, we come upon an unforeseen roadblock that forces us to stop. We’re heading nowhere, or so it seems. We have no plan for such an occurrence; and it begins to frustrate us, for we have places to go, people to see, and a goal that must be achieved. With no alternate route in mind, we have no choice but to sit and wait. In fact, we wait so long that we begin to question the value of our goal. It seems so distant, perhaps not even worth the drive.

Fortunately for us, there’s another way to travel, which is taught through the law of attraction teachings. We learn:

That by remaining open, we may access the vast intelligence of the Universe. By comparison, our own intelligence is miniscule.
That by aligning ourselves with uncertainty, we leave ourselves open to discovering the best and shortest route toward our goal. Source–as we are told–will guide us through our faculty of intuition.
That we can trust life. In the process, we will foster patience and faith.
That the more relaxed we are, the more easily we attune to guidance. We will make an unplanned phone call, read a book unfamiliar to us, connect with someone new online, unexpectedly visit a tradeshow. Worry, as mentioned in a previous article, always works against our best interests.
That the world won’t fall apart if our goal isn’t met! Through this, we may gain a healthier perspective and become more grateful.
That being detached doesn’t mean being lazy! Far from it. Work is still required, but it will be in response to our intuitive nudges. We will plot our way, as far as we can see, but we will also be willing to change course.
That contrary to popular opinion, life isn’t intended to be a struggle. Our misguided thinking is what often makes it so. When we become more comfortable in the flow of life, we will find our way more quickly and easily.

How easily we may convince ourselves that we know the best and only road to travel toward our goal. Such a practice, however, attempts to make the world yield to us. The truth, however, is that we don’t apply the Law of Attraction but align ourselves with it! Knowing this, we’ll understand that the wisest and most positive way to travel is via the open road.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

No Complaints

January 7th, Tuesday, 2:34 in the afternoon: That was the exact moment that I realized the senselessness of complaining. About everything. It was a grey day; the sky blanketed with low-flying clouds that held the promise of a snow storm in the making.

On that day, having just overheard a woman remark about having not too bad a day, and a man state that the weather was terrible, I experienced an epiphany about the Law of Attraction. It included insights into my own life. Suddenly, I realized that I was–and had always been–the one labelling my own experiences. All of them. No experience came pre-stamped with either Good or Bad, Right or Wrong! I alone was the one judging my day, through the power of my mind. In that moment, I realized the insanity of wasting even one more moment to negative thoughts, words, or actions!

Some people might ask if that has changed the quality of my life. Whether dropping a habit could help me deliberately create better days, more success, greater happiness? Yes, it absolutely can. My answer to that question may seem simple, but it’s logical. It’s based on information I learned through a YouTube presentation by Bob Proctor, who studied and taught the Law of Attraction for many years. He stated that nature abhors a vacuum. He said that on the physical plain we can easily understand that two objects can’t occupy the same space at the same time. It’s impossible. With this in mind, I also realized that on the mental realm, no two thoughts can occupy the same place in mind. Therefore: By withdrawing focus from one mental habit–in this case, complaining–we create space for a new, more positive, thought to fill it. Any psychologist will tell us that we don’t eliminate a habit; we merely replace one with another.

When we stop complaining, it leaves our mind open to focus on what’s right with the world, instead of harping about what’s wrong. It also allows us to drop the limiting word “should.” This should happen or that should happen; or the day should be like this. In place of should, we leave room for an attitude of radical acceptance of life–as it is, here and now. Through this, we open a gateway toward peace and joy. When we awaken, we realize that we are creators, who use focused attention to weave the fabric of our life.

Confession time: Have I really given up complaining, cold turkey, completely, forever? No, but a shift is definitely occurring, and it’s strong. My focus, now and onward, is toward the positive. And only the positive! That’s good, for the quality of our life depends on it.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Tag: The Universe

The Power of Patience

Good Storytellers

Right Mental Attitude

Susie’s Going to Be Late!

This Orderly Universe

Unconditional Living

Gardeners of The Mind

Positive Techniques and Tips

The Open Road

No Complaints

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