Tired of being lonely? Meditation for 5/30/14

Awendaw; SC

“One is the loneliest number. . ♫”  - Three Dog Night

“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you're alone with.”   - Wayne Dyer

     Reluctance to be alone can be rooted in many things – childhood abandonment, fear of facing our resentments, guilt, shame or many other things.  Modern society makes avoiding ourselves seem all too natural – online social networks, television, I-Pods and a host of other things conspire with us to make sure that we do not take the time to be comfortable in our own skin.  The prospect of being alone and undistracted can seem sure to bring on feelings of loneliness.

     The only person we have to spend the rest of our lives with is our self, so does it not make sense to come to know and be allied with ourselves?  It is only in solitude and through self-observation that we can comprehend the elegance of our spirit. It is only in learning to dwell in our spirit that we can develop enough detachment from ourselves to be able to observe and come to know our “self.”  It is also in solitude that we come to experience and know God.  Although it may take some courage and persistence to develop ourselves enough spiritually that we can “get to know ourselves,” the payoff is that we will realize that we have a new best friend, and we will never be lonely again.

Today, may I be good to myself.

Have a great Friday
David

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What are you trying to avoid? Meditation for 5/29/14

Atlanta's George Murray circa 1982, winning Atlanta's first wheel-chair race.

“We can complain that rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice that thorn bushes have roses.”  -  Abraham Lincoln

♫ “You’ve got to accentuate the positive…♪ ♫”  -  Johnny Mercer

      We are far better off when we are focusing on positive action rather than dwelling on negatives.  This carries into many areas of endeavor.   One of these is when we focus on “dont’s” rather than “do’s.”  It can be something ordinary – like say we do not want to react badly to Aunt Mildred who always irritates us.  We know we have to go to Mildred’s house this weekend, so what is our “self-talk?”  If we spend our time telling ourselves we are not going to react to Mildred, we probably have ourselves pretty well convinced when we arrive that we are not going to react poorly no matter what Mildred does.  So then we busy ourselves carefully analyzing everything she says so we know what it is that we are not reacting to.  Even if Mildred doesn’t say anything that would usually set us off, our time with her is spent in anticipation that she will.   If she doesn’t we will probably leave disappointed.  If she does we will be proud of ourselves for not reacting or angry with ourselves for having reacted – both equally destructive manifestations of ego.  

     What if we instead say that we are going to Aunt Mildred’s and we are going to show love and understanding toward her no matter what she says or does?   It is a completely different dynamic – we are looking for opportunities to connect rather than looking for fodder to congratulate ourselves over.  The same applies to any behavior we want to change.  If we focus on the behavior itself it tends to draw us in as never before.  But if we develop and engage in a positive plan of action that precludes that behavior most of the struggle is lifted off of our shoulders.

     The same holds true for guilt and shame.  Are we going to make ourselves feel penitent or are we going to correct the behaviors, right the wrongs and bring ourselves back into alignment with the spirit?  Are we going to live today trying to avoid doing things “wrong” and working to avoid “stepping on anyone’s toe” or are we going to focus on making the positive changes we can in our environment?  Are we going to fall into self-pity over the things we are not or are we going to rejoice in what we are?   Are we going to bemoan the things we cannot change or will we cheerfully engage the things we can?  The choice is ours today – and we must remember, what we are doing with today is what we are doing with our life.  Life is not something that is going to happen in the future – it is right here and it is right now.  Let’s all embrace it today.

Today may I engage life.

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Are you a sinner? Meditation for 5/28

Gray Bay; SC

"All sins are attempts to fill voids."  Simone Weil

Sin definition - "To miss the mark."  - origin is archery. (Greek)

     Many of us grew up in environments that taught spirituality was a list of rules that we had to follow.  There were harsh punishments if we didn't - after we died we would cook in "fire and brimstone" for all of eternity.  Some of us were told that to acknowledge the human desires that awaken during puberty was a "sin."  Using certain words or expressions, questioning authority, not cleaning up our dinner plate - it can get downright ridiculous.  This created in many of us the tendency to be ashamed of our birthright - the very fact that we are human.  It gets worse.  Some of us were even told that it was a sin that we were born.  This created a black and white thinking in many of us that isn't realistic or healthy.  We grow into adulthood ashamed of who we are - and for most we never can put our finger on it.  We live our life trying to live up to some elusive and imaginary standard that isn't realistic.

     If the word "sin" means to miss the mark, then we must ask ourselves - what is the mark we are aiming for?  Can it be anything besides being immersed in the present moment and fully attuned to and following the will of the spirit that would guide us?  If this is the mark, then there has never been a human that has not "sinned" numerous times every day.  Matter of fact, every hour.  But the reality is that the closer we come to hitting this mark the more peace, joy, serenity, connectedness, love - the more of all of the greatest attributes of humanity we feel and know.

     So, can the first quote be true - can it be that every time we mentally stray from being fully immersed in this moment and completely engaged in what we are supposed to be doing that we are filling a void?   I am not sure that I would draw that line of reasoning out that far.  Sometimes there is something very spiritual about a sandwich and a nap.  But most times when I get out of the present I am either beating myself up for something I did, being anxious about something that may or may not happen, passing judgment on someone else or giving in to some desire that I know is probably not the best thing for me.  But one thing I know for sure.  No matter how long or how far we stray, the spirit never makes harsh terms with us when we work to get reconnected.  And the further we travel the spiritual path the more we see the sense of following it.  Yes, the path narrows as we travel, but the vistas improve as we climb. But the reality that we must remember is that the spirit is far more forgiving of us than we ever are of ourselves.  So let's not waste much time on guilt and shame.  When we err, we make it right as best we can and get back on the path.  Otherwise, our life will be spent trying to convince ourselves and others that we are "godly" rather than doing the work that we are here to do.

Today, may I be realistic. 

All have a great Wednesday

David

Feeling sorry for yourself? Meditation for 5/27/14

Atlanta; GA

(To view today's article, click here.)

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  -  Benjamin Franklin

"Self pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, it gives momentary pleasure and it separates the victim from reality."  -  John Gardner

     Little things in life pile up.  Someone double bills our debit card setting off a cascade of overdrafts.  We pick up a nail in the tire that leaves us with a flat tire, setting our schedule for the day behind.  People don't do what they promised, the job is a hassle, the kids drive us nuts, it seems everyone wants in our wallet and we have no place to go that feels safe.  Our ego loves these moments - it gets to assert itself like no other time.  "Why me?" we cry.  We start to relive the past as though figuring out what we could have done different will change our current circumstance.  No sooner do we finish that than we start to project all manner of additional doom in the future.  We get ourselves worked into a frenzy and then end up feeling like just resigning from the whole life thing.

     Self pity is a powerful emotion that can become debilitating if we allow it, and when we understand how untrue and how costly it is we see the need to look for a solution. Yes, when trying times come we can pause to back up and regroup.  Yes, we can pray for intuitive guidance and inspiration that will help us get through it.  Depending upon how far we work ourselves into despair, it can take hours, days, weeks - even years of time before we work ourselves out of self-imposed depression.  Anyone who has lived through this can easily see the value of an antidote for this.

    And such an antidote exists.  It is simply doing the work to make sure that we are living a life that is full of gratitude.  We can get rid of unrealistic expectations and learn to want what we have.  We can take the time to regularly write down a list of things we are grateful for.  But the best thing we can do is to give of ourselves on a regular basis to those that are both in need of help and willing to do the work to receive help.  Opportunities abound - even if we cannot find it in a career we can certainly find a way to volunteer or at least show up where others are struggling.  There are cancer wards, accident rehabilitation facilities, community outreach centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, groups that work with developmental disabilities - the list goes on and on.  And the benefits are not just that we will give ourselves a good dose of immunity toward self-pity, but we will gain compassion for our fellows and increase our sense of self worth.  It is one of those few things in life that will cost us nothing but will pay us great dividends.

Today, may I show up for life.

Have a great Tuesday !!

David

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Life too complicated? Meditation for 5/23/14

“There is a majesty in simplicity far above all the quaintness of wit.”  - Alexander Pope

“A smile increases your face value.”  - Unknown    

     Using simplicity and harmony as our guide-posts when we are not spiritually connected through intuition has many benefits.  One of the things we seem naturally to do after we have lived this way for a while is to begin to accept most things at face value.  When someone gives us a gift out of the blue, we graciously accept the gift without having to wonder and analyze what their ulterior motive is.  When it rains on the day of our party we appreciate the fact that moving it indoors enhanced the closeness of the participants rather than stressing over the change of plans.  When someone who is typically negative says something nice, we appreciate that they are displaying an improved demeanor without speculating about how soon they will lapse back into negativity. 

     Accepting things at face value can be criticized as being naïve – that we are too “simple.”  Well, that happens to be one of the benefits of living a spiritual life.  We look for the commonalities we have with others, we look for the good in situations, we encourage others when they make improvements, regardless of how minor they seem.  And to those that would criticize us for our simple-mindedness?  Well, they may never comprehend the functional difference between bridges and walls, regardless of how hard we try.  We just reap the rewards of giving things the benefit of the doubt, and are enhanced by the additional blessings that each new bridge brings into our lives.

Today, may I be appreciative.

Happy Friday!! 
David

Tired of people blowing smoke? Meditation for 5/22/14

(For today's photo journal. click here.)

“Courage is fire; Bullying is smoke.”  - Benjamin Disraeli

“Difficult people are your key to self-empowerment.”  - Janice Davies

    How do we deal with people that have a sense of entitlement – those immersed in the concept that they somehow are victims of life?  Sarcasm abounds – they spend much time telling tales of woe and want us to commiserate with them.  When we give of ourselves to them, they are placated for a moment but soon want more and more.  When we do not give in to them, they are ready with an arsenal of carefully crafted statements designed to hurt us on the issues that are most dear to us.  They are masters of rooting out and exploiting whatever leverage they can use to get us upset and engaged in drama with them, even sabotaging our work if need be.   They avoid putting forth the effort to do the work on themselves to find contentment in life; they blame rather than assume responsibility.  They are by turn cynical and sulking or grandiose and arrogant.  When we have to deal with someone like this for a period of time – when we realize we cannot avoid them for a time, how do we keep from joining them in their madness?

    First of all, we can avoid competing with them, because to do so requires us to crawl down into the sewer with them, and they are sure to have a much better arsenal of barbs designed to denigrate.  Victory for them is getting us upset – then they have the drama they need to perpetuate the blame game and continue avoiding reality.  We refuse to make their decisions so that they can blame us later.  We can offer no resistance to their attacks – a cheerful attitude and refusal to take a dim view of things gives nothing for them to gain leverage against, but we confront lies immediately and unflinchingly.  It is important that we keep our side of the street as clean and stick to our boundaries.  We reject discussion pertaining to anything besides the issue at hand to avoid the clever use of confusing the issue.   We are not to blame for their dysfunction, and need not feel guilty about refusing to accept misbehavior.  If a respectable relationship cannot be reached, they refuse to get help and we cannot make further adjustments without compromising ourselves, then all that is left is a change of location for them or us.  We cannot help those that will not accept help, and hopefully the next go-around we spot the behavior earlier and nip the situation in the bud. 

Today, may I stick to my boundaries.

Happy Thursday!!
David

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Think you tell the truth? Meditation for 5/21/14

Rural Georgia

(For today's journal, just click Here.)

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.”  - Thomas Jefferson

“If you do not tell the truth about yourself, you cannot tell it about others.”  - Virginia Wolfe 

   

     “Honesty” means fairness, uprightness, wholesomeness, sincerity and truthfulness.   How often this word is misused.  So often when we have something we want to get, we use information about others to manipulate the situation in our favor.   Sometimes, what we want to get may be easily rationalized on the grounds that others are “doing wrong” and therefore we are justified in disclosing damaging information.  Often, this information causes much long term damage to the ones we would be “honest” about – and we justify this manipulation by saying “Well I was only telling the truth.”  The repercussions go on long after the event that precipitated them, and if we look back we often see that what we thought was the best outcome for a situation at the time is very different than what really was the “best case scenario.”  So, we convince ourselves that we are “telling the truth” when in fact we are telling a big lie.  Rather than arguing the merits of the position we are taking, we debase ourselves and others by engaging in deception through distraction.

     The better part of honesty is prudence, and prudence can only come if we are tuned into our own motives.   When we get involved in things and events start happening fast, it is easy to lose our way and begin engaging in these “big lies,” thus engaging in an even bigger lie – justifying wretched behavior to ourselves on the basis that we are on “moral high ground.”  So how can we keep the perspective on situations to remain an honest person – wholesome, fair and upright?

     Since I cannot see myself, the only way I know is to keep a person in my life who is totally detached from these situations themselves in the loop.  Having a person who we respect enough to actually hear what they say and be willing to “reign ourselves in” is invaluable.  Often, another party can give us “out of the box” ideas that come at crucial times.  But if we are to be “true” to ourselves – to be “honest” with ourselves, we had better start with the fact that none of us can see ourselves, and we need others in our lives that we allow to keep an eye on us.   The result is that others will call us and rely upon us as well – and soon our life is enriched as we are able to watch other situations unfold and learn lessons that we would never have had the opportunity to.  Charity may begin at home, but honesty begins in accountability to another. 

Today, may I be true to myself.

 Happy Wednesday!!  

David  

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Are you good for nothing? Meditation for 5/20/14

Bull Bay; SC

(Click here for today's article)

“Be good for nothing.”  -  Chip Lingle  (Minister in Savannah GA.)

“Who you are has much more impact than what you say.”  -  Anon

     As we mature on the spiritual path, we learn to make peace with our past and all those we have interacted with, thus freeing ourselves from the weight of guilt that can so easily drag us down.  We come to recognize who and what we are and make peace with our own humanity which frees us from all of the shames that can plague us.  We come to know trust in the intuitive voice of the spirit, and thus stop dwelling on anxieties about the future.  Our focus shifts to living in the present moment and increasing our awareness not just of our life and the experiences that it offers, but also we have a great desire to hear that intuitive voice better. 

     We come to realize that the intuitive voice is always there, it is we that block ourselves from it.  And thus we realize that judgments and desires distract and hinder us from realizing our maximum effectiveness.  Often this distraction is in the form of the self-dialogue that runs on and on between our ears – other times it is a yearning for something we are convinced will make us feel good.   We might even realize that it is rigid beliefs that cause us to be judgmental and it is our fear of inadequacy and abandonment that makes us crave more than what we need.  But we still often find ourselves “stuck” – distracted and unable to stop the mental dialogue that robs us of the deep awareness that brings richness to the life experience.

     There is a fix that works, and it is called service.  When we find ways to be of service to our fellows – when we do for them what they cannot do for themselves without expectation of acknowledgment – something happens within us.  We create a momentary opening in our curtain of selfishness and get to see life and the world much more clearly for a little while.  We feel some self-worth, our judgmentalism and our cravings are pushed aside for a little while, and we receive glimpses of deeper insights and wisdom.

     But, if we have an agenda that is tied to our “giving” the whole thing is short-circuited.  Our mind begins to fixate on how well we have done the service and how much recognition is appropriate.  When we do receive recognition we want more the next time and when we do not receive it we feel slighted.  This is the reason for “anonymous” service – service without these expectations of reward are the only type that pay deep spiritual dividends.  So try being “good for nothing” today.  You might just love it.

Today, may I be genuine.

    

Happy Tuesday !!

David

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Chasing a fantasy? Meditation for 5/19/14

Charleston; SC

“First rule of the Calvary: When the horse you are riding is killed, dismount. “  – John Cato

“First rule of Holes: When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.”   - Chris Crolley

     When we are unwilling or unable to accept a negative fact in our life that serves as an irritant to us, we still must address the irritation it causes.  The alcoholic and the drug addict pursue continuing prescriptions or bottles to fend off the pain of withdrawal long after the addictive substance has ceased bringing pleasure.  The abused spouse works harder after every tirade to regain approval that never was.  The business owner in a dying industry skimps suppliers, cuts corners with the quality of product, slights his employees and compromises his principles.  The list goes on, but all are chasing an illusion of what they think something was at some point in the past.  If we are unwilling to part with a romantic notion of the past and realize that what we have carried forth is a fantasy, we will continue addressing symptoms of the problem even while it grows ever worse.  We put forth ever more clever schemes to address our “problems,” but our efforts are by definition doomed.  Our horse has died and we are still swinging the crop.

     Expectations are a belief that something will happen in the future, and to these notions we pin hopes and dreams.  Some are realistic (if I breathe in air I will get oxygen) some are not (if I prove my point, everyone will respect me.)  None of us can see ourselves and our situation with a very detached view, so without trusted and wise people in our lives that will be honest with us it is easy to fall into these holes.  It is acceptance that we need – because until we fully accept what “is” – the truth in our lives, we do not have a chance of obtaining the detachment necessary to get into a solution that addresses the actual problem.  So, when we find ourselves in a frenzy of activity and nothing is going “our way,” it is time to realize that we are allowing our circumstances to define us, rather than being who we are and us accepting and defining our circumstances.  It is time to realize that what we want things to be is not the same thing as what things are, and to look at what the core issue is that is causing all of the problems (symptoms) we are  flailing about trying to resolve.   It is one more important way that we can be true to ourselves.

Today, may I focus on acceptance rather than expectations.  

Have a great Monday!!

David

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Let's get it on !! Meditation for 5/16/14

Folly Beach; SC

“We must let go of the life we have planned so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”  - Joseph Campbell

“The big question is if you are going to be able to say a hearty “yes” to your adventure.”  - Joseph Campbell

      At what point do we stop making the apparent decisions in our life and start making decisions based upon what we are supposed to do?  And how are we to figure out what we are “supposed” to do anyway?  Well, the first thing we can do is to start finding meaning in our lives each day.  Taking the time for a morning routine to ask for direction and the lesson in the day, and then reviewing the day at its close will start making apparent what we are suited to do and what our passions are.  If we tune ourselves into the needs that exist around us, soon we will be matching up what we are good at, what we enjoy doing and what there is genuine need for.  Procrastination and “boredom” can block us if we are in what we consider a “dead end” situation at the moment, but what will they do but conspire to keep us in a rut?  We can always find opportunities within what we are doing as well as extending ourselves outside our “comfort zone” to experiment with and discover new things that fit.

     If we break out of the box of what others (and ourselves) view as our limitations, there are infinite possibilities that await.  We can let other people’s self imposed constraints identify them, and push our envelope daily to realize new friendships, connections, opportunities, talents and ideas.  We can pray for knowledge of the directions we are supposed to take and the strength to make the changes needed.  We can start giving credibility to the possibilities that await us and let go of the anxieties that hold us back.  Why give any credibility to those that would give negative outlooks about or direction – who are they to say what we can or cannot accomplish?  We are unique – we cannot follow the path that is ours and ours alone and still march to the cadence set forth by others.  We can start seizing our destiny only if we seize this day – this moment, and be true to ourselves and our purpose.  Will we find the necessary faith within ourselves or will we find ways to rationalize caving in to our fears?  The answer lies in what we are doing right now, because what we are doing now is what we are doing with our life.

Today, may I surge forward.    

Happy Friday !!

David

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Thankful or grateful? Meditation for 5/15/14

“He who has lived one day has lived an age.”  - Jean de la Bruyere

“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero, one truly appreciates all he has.”  - Stephen Hawking

     To be thankful is to be aware and appreciative of a benefit.  To be grateful is feeling or showing a kindness in appreciation.  Although these two words get interchanged a lot and the dictionary does not draw a clear line, for me they have a subtle but very different meaning.   Thankfulness is for a kindness already received.  Although we are thankful in the moment, it is backward looking in time to some material object, circumstance or action that we have the awareness to recognize was “favorable” to us.  The word gratitude I like to use in the forward looking mode – although I can only feel it this moment the feeling has to do with recognizing and being appreciative of the potential that lies within and about me.  I am grateful for an opportunity, I am grateful for my existence, I am grateful that I have people around me that I can count on to help me when I need it. 

      I make this distinction because it is crucial to understanding unconditional love.  This “love with no opposite” only comes to me when I am simultaneously deeply appreciative of the beauty and infinite potential of life itself and not thinking of myself at all – so humble that I am able to be completely immersed in that specific moment in time.  When this “magic” combination of gratitude and humility combine I feel an awe and one-ness with everything.  I quit feeling this state as soon as begin the noise of “thinking” again -I pick back up my judgments, desires, fears or other personal debris and thus launch back into selfishness.  But these glimpses, when they come, are powerful, full of insights and full of inspiration.  They are gifts of doing the work, and they will go far to sustain us when the pains of new growth arrive again.

Today, may I quiet my mind in awe.  

Happy Thursday !!

David

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Want to feel 50% lighter? Meditation for 5/14/14

Isle of Hope; Ga

(For today's article, click Here.)

“Regret for the past is a waste of spirit.”  - Bill Wilson

“It is the confession, not the priest, which gives absolution.”  -  Oscar Wilde

     We can only dwell in our spirit and have the opportunity to know God in this moment, fully present and aware.  There are many things that can keep us from being fully present for our lives, and two of the major ones are guilt and shame.  I define guilt as remorse for things I did (and shouldn’t have) or for what I am and shame for things that I didn’t do (and should have) or for what I am not.  Guilt is for what is and shame is for what isn’t.  There is a way to be rid of these, and when the pain gets bad enough we will find the courage to begin.  Once rid of a couple and feeling the relief, more are desired because there is no feeling like freedom from bondage.  Here is a basic outline of an approach that works.

     It is important to write these things down, because something happens between pens and paper that does not happen when just thinking things or saying them.  If you are suffering from more than one that is dragging you down, try to identify them all at once.  First, identify who you harmed.    Then identify clearly what you did.  Next, identify the part of self that caused the damage.  Was it fear of loss?  Fear of failure?  Sexual instinct?  Etc.   Next, write down what harm did it do to the other(s).  Did it cause jealousy, anger, fear, etc?  Did it cause lost opportunities or undue stress?  What should have been done instead?  Next, write down where selfishness, dishonesty, fear and inconsideration played into the scenario.  If this is done honestly, then there is just one more step.  Find a trusted other person and admit it fully – the whole thing to them.  Honestly look at what amends should or could be made.  Then, approach the person(s) harmed and make the amends.  “I am sorry” is just hot air.  Amends count.  But remember that ultimately the process of doing this is about us – not the other person.  If we want to be free of our self-constructed prison cells, we can be.  It just takes overcoming fear and taking the proper positive action.  We are then free of another bit of self denial, and further along the road to loving ourselves.

Today, may I remember that guilt is the primary source of sorrow.

Happy Wednesday !!
David

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Who are you talking to? Meditation for 5/13/14

Isle of Hope; GA

(For today's article, click Here.)

“As long as the critical voice in your head is your authority, you will not be able to hear the voice of God.”  -  Anon

“Be sure that your worst enemy is not residing between your ears.”  -  Unknown

     I was talking to a high level athlete today about his game.  He works hard at clearing his mind before he plays so that he can perform at a higher level.  He said if he allows “self-talk” to interfere with his thought processes his game suffers.  To combat this he listens to self-affirmation tapes prior to play in an attempt to clear his head.  He also tries to combat the self-talk by inserting positive thoughts rather than negative ones.  He readily agreed that all of the “negative” thoughts were fear based and the “positive” ones were based upon “winning.”  But, he said, his best performances ever were when he could play intuitively – completely without the “negative” or “positive” self-talk.  He referred to this state of intuitive play as being “in the zone,” a state athletes all desire.  I asked him if he had ever thought about rooting out the fears that drove the “self-talk” to start with.  This was a foreign concept to him.

     You don’t have to be a high level athlete to know that self-talk inhibits performance.  Many folks call these various voices “the committee in my head.”   If we will take the time to learn to detach a bit from our thoughts, we come to find out how many of them are nonsense.  They are about assigning blame, justifying actions, plotting imaginary future conversations, worrying about next month’s bills or next year’s events, rehashing old tapes of situations in the past – it goes on and on.  And the thinking is almost always circular – when we get all done with it we end up back where we are and the only new thing we have to show for it is a headache.

     Unless we are taught different, we come to think these voices constitute who we really are – after all, if we are not our thoughts, who are we?  And why wouldn’t just inserting positive thoughts rather than negative ones be the best solution?   Well, we already know everything we know.  Rehashing the past is usually a futile exercise unless we have some fresh input that is worth considering.  And the future – how often are our projections accurate?  The majority are doom, and when we are projecting something good it is usually because we are refusing to deal with the situation at hand.   And all are rooted in fear – fear that we won’t get or will lose something we want, that we won’t get rid of or will get something we don’t want – even rehashing the past is usually rooted in the fear that if we don’t re-write the script that others will think less of us.

     Getting out of the negative self-talk and learning to live in intuition takes work – and a lot of courage.  It requires rooting out our deepest fears and shames and exposing them to the light.  They don’t hold up to scrutiny, and each time we do this there is one less thing that will trigger the “committee in the head.”  It might take a bit more time and effort to root these things out now, but it is the only way to eliminate the bickering between our ears and start living at our potential.  And the hidden bonus?  We are much more effective while spending a fraction of the energy we do otherwise.

Today, may I do the work.

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