57 Asians

21 Europeans

14 Americans (northern and southern)

8 Africans

70 Colored-skins

30 Caucasians

89 heterosexuals

11 homosexuals

6 people would own 59% of the wealth of the entire planet and . . .

All of them will be from the United States of America

80 would have bad living conditions

70 will be uneducated

50 will be underfed

1 would die

2 would be born

1 will have a computer

1 (only one) will have higher education

From this vantage point, there’s an apparent need for solidarity, understanding, patience and education.

Also think about the following . . .

If you woke up healthy this morning, you are happier then one million people that will not survive next week.

If you never suffered a war, the loneliness of the jail cell, the agony of torture, or hunger, you are happier than 500 million people in the world.

If you can enter into a church (mosque) without fear of jail or death, you are happier than 3 million people in the world.

If there is a food in your fridge, if you have shoes and clothes, if you have bed and a roof, you are richer then 75% of the people in the world.

If you have a bank account, money in your wallet and some coins in your pocket, you belong to the 8% of the people on the world, who are well-to-do.

Since you were able to read this . . .

You are likely in the 8% well-to-do group.

You are likely in the 1% group of computer owners.

You are likely in the 1% group with some higher education.

Now, depending on your belief system, this means either . . .

You are very, very lucky.

Or, there is a reason you are among the fortunate few, and you likely had a hand in orchestrating the situation that allows you to live a life of such abundance.

The question is WHY?

By global standards, you are very powerful.

What did you come here to do?

Are you doing it now?

Can you do it better?

You are likely in the well-fed group, comparatively speaking.

Now you have more food-for-thought.

Bon apetit.

This past summer we tackled the daunting task of cleaning out the garage. (I can hear your groan of sympathy from here … thank you.) An unidentifiable mass was stacked to the ceiling and to the back wall. Boxes towered and teetered precariously on each side. To make matters worse, it wasn’t only our stuff. Generations, starting with my grandparents, have lived here before us and each one left their stuff behind. And it wasn’t the good stuff either. Somehow they managed to take that with them. What’s left is mostly crap piled high and wide, leaving barely enough room to step inside.

Tupelo and I stood together at the opened garage door, nearly defeated before we  started as we looked at the mangled mess before us. Luckily, my friend, Lidia, had given me a mantra to mutter as I began to wade through the task at hand. She suggested I ask myself each time I picked something up:

“Do I love it? Do I use it?”

If I answered either of these questions with a positive, then it stayed. If not, out it went. This helped me tremendously. I asked myself this question over and over again throughout the next few weeks, and eventually, we got through it. For the first time ever I saw that Grandpa had built the back wall with logs … I never knew this, and we have lived there since the 90’s.

This mantra, “Do I love it? Do I use it?” can work on many things besides material possessions. We just have to tweak the last one to, “Do I use it for my greater good?”

For instance, a habit or a routine, “Do I love it? Do I use it for my greater good?” Tupelo gets up every morning and does an exercise called the “Five Tibetans.”

Here’s a link to his article about it:
http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2007/03/16/5-tibetan-rites-easy-yoga-for-busy-people/

No matter where we wake up in our motorhome, even if it’s a rest stop by the interstate or a Wal-Mart parking lot, there he is spinning and doing the downward dog. Cars slow down and people point, but this doesn’t stop him. He loves it and he does it for his greatest good. This is a case where a habit or routine is beneficial.

But we all have habits and routines that are not. If we ask ourselves these important questions we see which ones we need to discard from our life. If we’re honest with ourselves, we wouldn’t love it if it weren’t for our greater good, would we?

How about our job? The first question is a biggie. “Do we love it?” If not, why would we want to spend our precious time on earth doing it?

And the place we call home? Same thing. Do we love where we’re living, and do we use this place to nurture our greater good? Simple questions. Big answers.

Relationships? This is a tough one, but the questions need to be asked. One of the greatest gifts this life has to offer is close friends and loving relationships. We hold these close and treasure them. But toxic relationships that are poisoning our well-being should be thrown out. This may take some time and guts, but it can be done.

Another tough subject that can come under scrutiny is our belief system. As we grow in our spirituality and open our minds to new ideas, some of our old beliefs fall by the wayside. Sometimes they are an ingrained habit. We have to wake up to this fact and ask ourselves consciously. “Do we love it? Do we use it to our greater good?” If not, you know the drill.

And what about our thoughts? So much garbage floats through and then hangs around, caught in a negative eddy in our mind. When it’s time to release them, we’ll know it. But it takes a conscious effort to do so.

Old habits, crippling thoughts, past beliefs, stale relationships, stifling jobs, and all the stuff in our lives that we don’t love and that we don’t use for our greater good can be cleaned out if we just buckle down and do it. It’s a daunting task, but once we see the results, it is oh so worth it.

Just ask the resident squirrel that now has a nice, cleaned-out garage that he can start filling with a winter’s supply of pine cones. He loves them and he uses them. He has learned this lesson well.

When I open the door and step into my studio, it is like stepping into a warm hug of a close friend. Comforting. Joyful. Always patient for my return, never admonishing me for my “never visiting –  never calling …” Whenever I need my studio, it is there, welcoming me with loving arms.

I usually have a few promised stained glass commissions to get done before we leave on our six month tour, so when the countdown begins, the energy to get things done speeds up. The glasswork always takes me longer than the time I have allotted, so I find myself putting in extra hours out in my studio.

But every time I’m there, I’m reminded of how much I love it. It is full of light and love and music and creative vibrations. It feeds every molecule of my body and rejuvenates me. Every time I’m there, I wonder – why didn’t I call? Why didn’t I come visit every single day?

Tupelo and I, with the help of our friend, Patrick, built my studio in 1995. It is the ultimate artist’s dream. My own creative space. All the counter tops are my height and the tools of the glass trade are in easy reach like a well-designed kitchen. A picture window looks out over a postcard-perfect creek and the piney woods beyond. A skylight allows creativity to drip from the sky, like a faucet that can’t be turned off. It is a glorious space where I turn up the rock and roll and dance because no one can see me. It is a slice of heaven.

When I’m there, gratefulness overflows, and at times I can hardly believe my good fortune. It is a comforting place where I can do whatever I want, be whomever I want. I get my best ideas out there because it is a space I have created just for this purpose. It is hot wired into the creativity of the universe.

Tupelo has his own space too. A few years after we built my studio, we built him a recording studio right beside mine. He filled it with electronic gadgets, computer widgets, and surrounded himself with musical instruments. He relishes the solitude of his space on a daily basis.

When people visit us for the first time, they comment how lucky we are because of our incredible studios. We look at each other. Lucky is not the word we would use. Fortunate, yes. Lucky, hum. Our studios didn’t materialize up from the earth while we slept. We didn’t wait around for them to appear. We donned our bib overalls, strapped on our tool belt and made our dreams come true with sweat and desire.

Now we each have a place of renewal. A place of rejuvenation. A place of inspiration. Oh, if only everyone could be so lucky.

I encourage you to create a place of renewal, a place of comfort, a place of creativity that will help you live how you want to live. Carve out a place in your busy life where you can go to be by yourself. Make it simple, but make it a priority. It could be a studio like mine, or a spare bedroom, a chair in the corner of the den or a rock by the lake. It doesn’t matter where.

Not every one wants to be alone, but alone time is crucial in the quest for personal development.

When we are alone, we separate ourselves from the confusing chatter of the world and have the opportunity to settle into who we really are. We give ourselves permission to better understand ourselves. We go deeper. We realize what makes us happy, what makes us sad, what makes us feel energized, what has disappointed us, in ourselves and in others, and most important, what to do about it.

If everyone made an effort to create a space of their own, not only would their own life improve, but the consciousness of the planet would as well. Imagine what our world would be like if we allowed ourselves to be in a place of solace that betters our life. If we tap into the power of becoming more joyful, it is like throwing a pebble into a pond. That one pebble makes many ripples, affecting many shores. We can bring peace to the world by finding peace within one person at a time.

I have a lot more to say on this subject, but my studio is calling.

Occasionally an original thinker comes along, and everyone benefits. Steve Pavlina is such a person and his new book is destined to become a classic. It’s called “Personal Development for Smart People: The Conscious Pursuit of Personal Growth.”

What I appreciate most about Steve’s style is that he has a fresh perspective. He’s obviously very intelligent (he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 3 semesters), but beyond his keen intellect is a well-balanced student of expanding consciousness. Yes he has a big brain, but his heart is equally well developed. Most personal growth experts are either brainiacs or love gurus. Steve has pioneered a refreshing blend of head and heart based on common sense and direct experience. This is a rare quality.

“My greatest breakthroughs usually come from personal experimentation…” – Steve Pavlina

His refreshing approach is obvious at the beginning of the book where he outlines how the book was born and how it is organized. (And yes, it is very organized!)

“It took me almost two and a half years, but I eventually found the solution I was looking for. It consists of just three core principles: truth, love and power. Four secondary principles are directly derived from the first three: oneness, authority, courage and intelligence. Oneness is truth plus love. Authority is truth plus power. Courage is love plus power. And intelligence is the total combination of truth, love and power . . . these principles are universal; they cannot be successfully compartmentalized without sacrificing something far more important – our true nature as conscious beings.” – Steve Pavlina

The book is organized around these fundamental principles. Personal anecdotes from Steve’s life illustrate his points and keep the material easy to grasp. The principles are sometimes obvious and sometimes deep. I found myself occasionally thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” (Many times, I did think of that, but had never articulated it so succinctly.) I appreciate his honest communication style and his gift of making deep concepts easy to catch.

“Genuine personal growth is honest growth. You can’t take short-cuts through the land of make-believe.” – Steve Pavlina

Truth

I resonated deeply with Steve’s recommendation for the importance of discovering your own truth and then learning how to live it on a moment-to-moment basis. We have all grown up in an era where we are brainwashed by the media. I know that’s a harsh assessment, but my own personal experience convinces me that it’s true. It’s a matter of degrees – some of us are mildly brainwashed and know it, while others are thoroughly brainwashed and clueless. (I explored this idea in depth in previous articles, “The Trouble with TV” and “Trade TV Time for Habits of Personal Development and Success.”)

“The cumulative effect of mass-media exposure is to condition you to adopt a false view of reality – one that upholds pro-advertiser values. The more you expose yourself to mainstream media such as television, the more skewed your mental model of reality becomes . . . this is a path of long-term laziness, apathy, and decay, not intelligent self-actualization.” – Steve Pavlina

Love

Here’s another topic that I have also explored in depth – connecting with other people. Steve explains how his wife, Erin helped him to open up to the fact that deep inside, we are really all one. Once that is experienced, relationships are forever changed. Close relationships become deeper, and new relationships begin to take on new dimensions. (I enjoyed exploring these important ideas in a previous article, “Meaningful Spiritual Relationships – Namaste Matters.” )

“There are few greater joys in life than the experience of conscious communication with another person. No ego games, false fronts, or manipulative tactics are employed. Both individuals simply want to connect with each other for the purpose of learning and growing. Once you’ve experienced such open, loving communication with another human being, it’s hard to settle for anything less.” – Steve Pavlina

Steve explains how Erin is a master of quick connections. She does this easily because she believes, rather she knows in her heart that we are all deeply connected, like individual cells forming one body. It’s not necessary for her to labor over creating new connections with people. Instead she just taps into the underlying connection she knows is already there. I’ve known a few people who can do this – my wife, Janey, for one, and it is a wonder to behold. It feels great, but I must admit, I’m still learning. I believe it, I love the idea of it . . . it’s just that I am still breaking through years of social conditioning and erroneous preconceived notions about our separateness.

“Instead of having to break the ice with someone, assume that there is no ice.” – Steve Pavlina

Power

The idea of exercising your own personal power and deliberately creating your best life is a theme that has run through many of my articles. I have known the value of this for a long time and continually explore new ways to do it better and better. It feels right to take the reins of life firmly in hand and deliberately steer it toward your deepest desires. What could be more important or more satisfying than to manifest the best version of yourself and the best life possible? (See “Your Passion as Your Compass,” and “Integrity Through Self-Reliance” and “Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God.”)

“When you set a goal that improves your present reality, what does it matter how long it takes to achieve the final outcome? Whether it takes one week or five years is irrelevant. The whole path is fun and enjoyable. More important, you feel happy and fulfilled this very moment. This drives you to take action from a state of joy, so you’re productive too. Instead of going after goals you think will make you happy in the distant future, focus on goals that make you happy right now.” – Steve Pavlina

Self-Discipline

Successful people usually have it. Unsuccessful people usually don’t. That’s a good clue about the importance of self-discipline in a successful and fulfilling life. To me, the idea of self-discipline is simply a promise I make to myself based on my current understanding on what’s best. It has to be best for me, as well as the good of the whole, for me to be able to get behind it and push when necessary.

“It’s your fail-safe, your motivational backup system . . . motivation starts the race, but self-discipline ultimately crosses the finish line.” – Steve Pavlina

Besides the satisfaction of completing self-appointed tasks as a result of well-functioning personal self-discipline, it feels good while the task is in progress too. It helps you feel good about yourself when you know you are capable of making an important promise to yourself . . . and then keeping it. (See previous article, “Self-Discipline in 3 Easy Steps.”)

Authority

Socrates said, “Know thyself.” That’s a good first step to being authentic. You can’t be yourself until you know yourself. Social conditioning has a way of turning us into homogenous drones . . . cogs in the wheel of industry and consumerism. There’s more to life that that. Much more. It all begins with our personal authority. Unless you assumne your own authority, don’t expect anyone else to simply grant it to you by default. (See previous article, “Know Thyself – Ignore Comparisons and Be Yourself.”)

“When you live without authority, your default behavior is to squander your time. You may acquire some knowledge, but you won’t apply it well. You may take some action, but your movements will be chaotic and unfocused. You have the potential to live a powerful, self-directed life of your choosing, but until you step into your true authority, this potential remains a fantasy.” – Steve Pavlina

Each of us have the responsibility and the profound privilege to take the raw materials of our life and turn it into the life of our dreams. It’s satisfying beyond measure – easily worth whatever it takes to learn how to do it well. This habit of mental discipline is not done in broad strokes but in the small details of life. It’s the little things over a period of time that add up to making a big difference. What are you doing today that has the potential of making a lasting difference in the quality of your life and your personal satisfaction?

“People of authority focus on what really matters to them. They don’t waste time on trivialities . . . What’s important to you in life? What’s a relative waste of your time? . . . If you can’t honestly predict a positive long-term impact from your actions, admit that you’re wasting your time, and set some goals that really matter to you. There’s no substitute for investing your life in something that has the potential to make a real difference.” – Steve Pavlina

Persistence

It’s easy to give up. Anyone can do that. And most people do. Succesful people, in all areas of life, are simply people who have tried and failed enough times to have gained a good education. They fall down, get up and keep going. They recognize it as part of the journey. The failures are opportunities to learn, so they don’t shrink from them. Instead they embrace the new lesson learned and press on. Persistent people are inspired people, and they are inspiring. (See previous article, “Persistence and Perseverance for Winners – Losers Just Quit“)

“I don’t get inspired by people who have all the external trappings of success like money and fame. I’m moved by those who I can see are destined for greatness, but no one else knows it yet. The telltale sign is always the same – persistence.” – Steve Pavlina

Courage

One of my favorite authors in Carlos Castaneda and the way he described his tutelage by the Yaqui Indian shaman, Don Juan. I’ve read all his books, some of them several times, so I wasn’t surprised when Steve Pavlina quoted Don Juan . . .

“Before you embark on [any path] ask the question: Does this path have a heart? If the answer is no, you will know it, and then you must choose another path . . . When a man finally realizes that he has taken a path without a heart, the path is ready to kill him.” – Carlos Castaneda

Does this idea hold any special meaning to you? The idea of a path with heart is a very personal idea, and only you can recognize the truth of your answer. It reminds me of the lyrics to one of my songs:

“And no one but you can find the answer to your quest
Your answer’s for you and not all the rest
(You know your answer’s the best, it’s not a contest)
The question is easy enough, and any honest answer is good enough
You really gotta know . . . . . what do you love?”
- From the song, “Do What You Love” by Tupelo Kenyon

When you are in alignment with what you love, your path has heart. You find it easy, even joyful, to take action. You’re commited, and you like it that way. It’s not a chore but a thrill to do things when you are on your path with heart. (To honestly explore your personal path with heart, see this previous article, “10 Steps to Discovering Your Life’s Purpose.”)

“It’s a great idea to consciously intent what you want, and I highly recommend you do that, but if you don’t want something badly enough to take direct action, then what does that say about your intention? Doesn’t that suggest you aren’t really commited to it? When you’re really hungry, will you wait patiently for food to arrive, or will you get up and make something to eat? When your intentions are important to you, direct action becomes part of the manifestation process. The best instruments of the Law of Attraction are your own hands and feet.” – Steve Pavlina

Intelligence

There’s something deeply satisfying about reading what an intelligent person has to say about intelligence. That’s one of the reasons why I have enjoyed reading Einstein’s words, who said, “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.”

Steve is a very imaginative person, plus he has learned how to apply the knowledge he has gained. It takes intelligence to do that. His book allows him to take the next step which is to share what he has learned. He has worked hard on his communication skills because he recognizes the importance of sharing the wealth of his intelligence with others. I love being inspired by articulate, intelligent, big-hearted people . . .

“Intelligence is the highest form of human expression. Our intelligence is what defines us as human beings. It is our greatest strength, our staunchest ally, and our most noble pursuit. Without it, we are nothingness; we are form without substance and existence without purpose. It is only through the deliberate exercise of intelligence that we give our lives meaning, a meaning that is consciously chosen . . . the most intelligent thing you can possibly do with your life is to grow.” – Steve Pavlina

Habits

Personally chosen, deliberately cultivated habits help keep us on track. They are tools that allow us to translate our resolve into our daily lives. They simplify the day-to-day activities that help us get from where we are to where we want to be. Good habits are our friends, and I really appreciated the following jewels of insight Steve offered on the subject of habits . . .

“How do you know if a habit is positive or negative? Use your mind’s predictive powers to imagine what long-term, cumulative effect each one will have if you maintain it for the rest of your life . . .

“Since habits wield power over your results, you must wield power over your habits . . .

“Take a moment to consider the social consequences of your actions. Do your habits help others align themselves with truth, love and power, or does your behavior lead people astray? . . . Which habits put you on a path with a heart? . . . When your habits are aligned with truth, love and power, the guy in the glass is your friend.” – Steve Pavlina

Career

It’s inspiring to learn from someone who has figured out a way to harness his greatest gifts to experience abundance while helping others at the same time. This paradigm is still rarely manifested in our current society, but examples like Steve can inspire us to our own greatest potential of contribution.

“. . . the best way to optimize your income is to find a career medium that allows you to share your most important message. By sharing your message with others, you provide exactly the kind of value that can generate abundant income.” – Steve Pavlina

I appreciate Steve’s take on contribution vs. mooching. Many of us are taught to get as much as we can for as little as possible. That is, maximize the return while minimizing the input. The natural extension of this mindset is a nation (or a world) of people expecting a handout. It’s entitlement mentality run a muck.

Instead, Steve does a fine job of extolling the virtues (personally and globally) of a mindset based on contribution. When you provide value, it is inevitable that you receive value in return. It’s a wonderful idea and a tad sad that such a common sense approach has fallen out of favor in modern society. Imagine what it would be like if everyone dealt with one another with this dedication to contribution, rather than focusing on, “What can I get?”

“To build an authentic career, you need to find the path that keeps you aligned with truth, love and power. This requires paying attention to the following four questions:

1. Body (needs): What must I do?
2. Mind (abilities): What can I do?
3. Heart (desire): What do I want to do?
4. Spirit (contribution): What should I do?

“An authentic career is found in the place where all four of these questions produce the same answer . . . When you have all four areas working synergistically together, the combined effect is truly amazing. Instead of meeting your needs, you experience true abundance. Instead of applying your knowledge to your tasks, you unlock your true genius. Instead of tolerating your daily routine, you work in a state of joy. And instead of just putting in your time, you fill your days with a sense of purpose.” – Steve Pavlina

Money

It’s best to learn from those who know. I once had a college instructor who never once demonstrated what he taught. He taught a swimming class, and he never got wet. It was difficult to believe the teacher was much of an authority on the subject when he shouted his instructions from the sidelines. It would have been easier to learn from him if he would have joined us in the game.

StevePavlina.com is one of the world’s most popular personal development blogs (if not the most popular). With over two million visitors per month, he knows what he is talking about, whether he is speaking about personal development or financial development.

“. . . money is a human invention to facilitate the exchange of value. To shun money as something evil or unnecessary is a huge mistake. When properly aligned with truth, love and power, it becomes a valuable tool of conscious living – one that’s too important to ignore. If you want to live consciously, you must learn to use money intelligently . . . work within the area of overlap between your personal values and social values. This will enable you to do what you love while creating something that others treasure as well. Don’t force yourself to focus between your integrity and your income – demand that both be satisfied.” – Steve Pavlina

The section on money in Steve’s book is thorough and thought-provoking. It will challenge you to rethink your assumptions about money and how to get more of it. I feel confident almost everyone will benefit from this enlightened look at money.

“Do your best to create and share your value with others, and you’ll help create a richer and more abundant world for all of us.” – Steve Pavlina

Health

True to his commitment to personal experimentation, many of Steve’s major health improvements have been a result of his 30-day trial technique. This is how he proved to himself that his body responded best to vegetarianism. More energy, clearer focus, less sleep required, and other benefits convinced him to adopt it as a lifestyle choice after the 30-day trial period was over.

I am also interested in diet, nutrition and health and have devoured many books on the subject. I wrote a thorough review on one of my favorites. (See previous article, “Finally the Truth About Diet – The China Study Review.“)

The ideas in Steve’s section on health and in “The China Study” are not mainstream. In fact, they are controversial, not because they are so outrageous but because we have drifted so far away from common sense in our dietary choices. Yes, we are the product of insidious social conditioning and are trained to eat, not what is good for us, but what is most profitable for the advertisers to sell. Recognizing this fact is the first step to assuming responsibility for our own health and deliberately choosing what we put in our mouth.

“In order to be healthy today, you must exercise your self-discipline to overcome the drag of social conditioning. Summon the maturity to make intelligent choices for yourself, regardless of what throngs of sick people encourage you to do . . . the truth is that if the average person wouldn’t consider your current health practices extreme, you probably aren’t very healthy.” – Steve Pavlina

Diet and nutrition is a science in its infancy. It’s easy to find conflicting advice from different experts. (That’s one reason why I appreciated “The China Study” so much. It’s not based on any fad diet or conjecture or marketing hype. In fact, it’s based in emperical scientific evidence gathered during the largest nutritional study ever done on planet earth!)

Ultimately, each one of us makes the decision of what we eat. That one seemingly simple decision has a major impact on the level of health and vitality we experience throughout our lifetimes.

“You can delegate control, but never responsibility . . . If I give you any particular advice in this area that doesn’t resonate with you, you should reject it and trust your own judgement instead.” – Steve Pavlina

Relationships

We are all in this together and we are all in this alone. It’s an interesting paradox. Our lives are defined and given shape by the other people in our lives. The people we choose to spend time with influence us in many seen and unseen ways. Especially for those of us interested in personal development, we need to pick our companions carefully and deliberately in order to support our chosen direction of personal growth. (These ideas were explored in previous articles, “Choose the Companionship of Positive People Who Inspire You” and “Life Drama as Blockage to Personal Development.”)

“I’ve learned to place a great deal of trust in my feelings when it comes to relationships. When something feels wrong to me, I know the best thing I can do is to go to the other person and explain that something doesn’t seem right so that we can work together to sort it out. When you bring truth to your relationships, you build closeness and trust.” – Steve Pavlina

Some of our most important life lessons and aha moments come as a result of our relationships, so it makes sense to do our best to communicate well and be considerate of others. A little kindness goes a long way . . .

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting battles too,
Cruel wars within themselves, just like it is with you.
Be kind, because you’ll never know just how much good you’ll do,
A heartfelt word or two can soothe a hidden wound.

“Sometimes the ripples from our deed’s a gentle touch, doesn’t seem to matter much,
It’s like dropping flowers in the Grand Canyon.
And though we’ll never know just what becomes of them, it’s all the same to them,
So drop them anyway, because you can.”
- from the song, “Be Kind” by Tupelo Kenyon

One of the things I appreciate most about Steve’s book is the way he threads the themes of truth, love and power through all the aspects of personal development, including his very insightful look at relationships.

“Exchanges that are lacking in truth, love, or power eventually grow stale, but when all three elements are present, the blocks to deeper levels of connection and closeness are removed . . . What mix of truth, love, and power do you use to connect with others? Realize that your weakest channel will be the source of many of your communication problems . . . When you know your dominant connection strategy, you can use it deliberately to regain your closeness whenever you start feeling a little distant from one another.” – Steve Pavlina

Building close relationships involves an element of risk, but a little courage can make a big difference in the quality of your life. You can’t always expect other people to initiate the contact. Sometimes it’s up to you to extend your hand (and your heart) and invite people in. Imagine what you could miss out on, if you don’t.

“The biggest risks are missing out on laughs you never shared, people you never helped, and the potential partner you sentenced to solitude . . .

“Since all human relationships are impermanent, live with the awareness that every one of your current connections will eventually end. Take the time to appreciate them while they last, and don’t take them for granted. Even when a relationship ends in death, it can still continue in your thoughts. The memories of loving relationships can become your most sacred treasures.” – Steve Pavlina

One of our most popular songs explores this idea. Like love itself, it’s a timeless idea. Those we love go right on living in our hearts, long after they’ve left this world.

“And even though you’re hurting now, the hurting will not last,
The strength you gain from such a pain remains when it’s all past.
And even this will pass away, like this life itself someday,
And all that we take with us is the love we gave away.”
- from the song, “All That We Take with Us” by Tupelo Kenyon

Spirituality

In this section of the book, Steve challenges us to look at our idea of spirituality through the lenses of truth, love and power, rather than the conditioned habits of custom, peer pressure, and heredity. It’s an enlightened approach to spirituality, stripped clean of outdated dogma and exclusive ideas designed to keep us loyal to one particular brand. What passes for spirituality has a history of tearing us apart rather than bringing us together.

I love the way Steve encourages us to consider all things spiritual and take the best of what each has to offer. It assumes the ancient words of Shakespeare were actually true and that we actually care enough to keep an open mind rather than blindly clinging to any one viewpoint . . .”There are more things in heaven and earth than ever dreamed of by your philosophies.”

“Just as your physical senses act as a lens through which you perceive different subsets of reality, your spiritual senses also act as cognitive filtering mechanisms. These filters allow you to focus on bits and pieces of preprocessed information which may or may not be useful to you. The more spiritual sensory data you can access and comprehend, the richer your spiritual life will be, and the more accurately it will model truth . . .

“When we confront the key spiritual question of our lives, such as Who am I? And What is my purpose in life? . . . we can limit our input to a small subset of these channels. In general, when we limit our input too severely, we end up making things harder than necessary, much like trying to prepare a meal while wearing a blindfold and earplugs. This is what happens when we say, ‘I’m only going to consider this single spiritual point of view because it’s the one and only truth’ . . .

“Even though each channel of input has limited expressiveness, if you can access a diverse enough set of channels, each one compressed and filtered in different ways, you can develop a more accurate and complete picture of reality. Each belief system you consider provides another way of viewing the same underlying data, thus helping you develop a better understanding of the whole . . .

“By examining your problems from different philosophical viewpoints, you empower yourself. Holistic solutions finally start to emerge. You gain the ability to solve problems you were previously unable to solve . . . most of us are socially conditioned to overlook the simplicity of across-the-board, high-level solutions because we cling to fixed belief systems that prevent us from seeing the big picture.” – Steve Pavlina

These ideas are close to my heart as I look around the planet and see the result of so many people stubornly clinging to some particular brand of spirituality and refusing to see any merit in any other viewpoint. That’s got to be the manifestation of ultimate insecurity to not even be able to consider the validity of a different idea. (I explored this idea in previous articles, “Beyond the Brands of Truth” and “Beyond Science, Philosophy and Religion.”)

Clear thinking and honest exploration of truth is a refreshing approach to spirituality, and that’s why I appreciate Steve’s style of saying what he thinks and feels, even though it’s not the mainstream viewpoint. Far from it. But, I recognize that the tide is turning as more and more people worldwide are beginning to take responsibility for their own spirituality and making their own choices, rather than settling for being spoon fed by tradition.

“A multispectral philosophy of life – that is, one that combines input from multiple perspectives – aligns closely with what’s considered common sense . . .

“The point of spiritual exploration is to help you make conscious, empowering choices . . .

“Many serious conflicts in the world result from the decision to pass on beliefs that label other human beings as unworthy, damaged, or evil . . .

“Your beliefs are not merely observations of reality; they also shape and define your experience of reality. Many of the thoughts you hold most sacred may reveal hidden falsehoods once you take the opportunity to consider the alternatives.” –Steve Pavlina

Celebrating an Expansive Viewpoint

This empowering book, like all great books, performs magic. It allows us to take a peek inside one of the great minds of our time. As a result, it makes the inside of my head (and heart) feel bigger. What more could you ask for in a book?

These last Steve Pavlina quotes do a fine job of tying it all together . . .

“The ultimate goal of any sound spiritual path is to be infinitely truthful, infinitely loving, and infinitely powerful. By extension, this also requires infinite oneness, infinite authority, and infinite courage . . .

“If it were somehow possible for everyone on earth to come together and agree on a single spiritual philosophy, it would be one that incorporates the universal principles of truth, love, and power. These are the ideals that guide us not only as human beings, but also as spiritual beings . . .

“Invest in creative self-expression, service and contribution, and you will suffer no scarcity. Your greatest gift to the world is to share who you really are . . . No one is served by your refusal to shine.” – Steve Pavlina

Personal Appreciation

Although I don’t personally know Steve and his wife, Erin, they both feel like old friends that Janey and I haven’t yet met. Steve’s writings have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to me for a couple of years. I first went to his website as a result of a link in an email from Derek Sivers, founder of CDbaby.com. Derek was impressed that anyone could graduate from college after only three (very busy) semesters, and recommended an article Steve wrote on how he accomplished that.

I began exploring his other articles and it soon became clear I had found a kindred spirit. His example inspired me to begin writing again, and TupeloKenyon.com was born shortly thereafter. The blog spawned the “Inspired on Purpose” newsletter which provides satisfaction and inspiration for myself as well as others. I have Steve Pavlina to thank for all this.

Thanks Steve, for all you do . . . and all you are.

Sincerely,
Tupelo Kenyon

P.S. Get this book, while it’s in first edition. It’s a classic, and I could only hint at it’s empowering breadth and depth in this (rather long) gushing review.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Do What You Love Discovering what we have a true passion for, and then figuring out a way to build a life around that passion is one of life’s greatest feelings of accomplishment. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor10 Be Kind Your example and the kindness shown to others can have a rippling affect that goes on and on. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor9 All That We Take With Us Even sorrow brings us gifts of deeper understanding and a clearer perspective of what is really important. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor3 Endless Journey Traveling has so many gifts to give! Spectacular scenery, interesting cultural differences, and the inspiring people you’ll meet. What a well-rounded education is provided by getting away and looking around . . . and, it’s an inspiring education that never has to end. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor8 Songs by Tupelo
The Trouble with TV Does TV enhance our life experience or get in the way of living our lives? Celebrate life with this refreshing perspective on the boob tube. Trade TV Time for Habits of Personal Development You” be glad you did, and once you go through the withdrawal stage, you’ll never look back. Your Passion as Your Compass Allow your passions to stretch their wings and the direction of your life could surprise you – in a good way. Celebrate life with passion! Integrity Through Self-Reliance When you live your life as if the whisperings from your soul really matter, you are living life in your own way, on your own terms, based on your own realizations on what is right . . . what is good . . . and what is true for you. You are tuned into your own station. The signal you are receiving and the message you are broadcasting with the story of your life are both on the same frequency. You are joyfully and gratefully choosing your favorites from the buffet of life. Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God There are two approaches people use to manifest their desires. Some set goals. Others surrender and presume the universe is conspiring to deliver to them their every desire without strain, in its own way and in its own time. Which way is better? Can these two methods be used together? Self-Discipline in 3 Easy Steps Why is it so difficult to follow through and accomplish what you set out to do? Usually, there is one important missing ingredient: personal discipline. For most of us, the idea of discipline is an external force – it’s something that comes from the outside. For instance, we discipline our children. Most of us are familiar with discipline as a verb (something we do to someone else), but we’re not so familiar with the concept as a noun – something we cultivate from within and apply to ourselves. Know Thyself – Ignore Comparisons and Be Yourself The average person is content to base self-knowledge on comparisons to other people. If this is the measure of self-knowledge, it is based on someone else’s standards. This practice misses the point of “Know Thyself.” Instead, it’s all about how to fit in. We are all unique individuals with our own strengths, talents and nudges leading us to embrace our own best life. True knowledge of self is attained from personal insights of looking inwardly rather than outwardly towards others. Persistence and Perseverance for Winners – Losers Just Quit Giving up is easy. Most people make a habit of giving up. In fact, they make a life of it Persistence through a solution-oriented attitude is for visionaries, dreamers and other winners who refuse to take “no” for a final answer. 10 Steps to Discovering Your Life’s Purpose Of all the self-help ideas I’ve come across through the years, this one has been the most helpful. For me, it’s been the Rosetta Stone of personal development techniques. After getting a handle on the idea of “purpose”, other areas of my life fell into place more easily. Finally the Truth About Diet – The China Study Review Finally, here’s an authoritative diet and nutrition book based on hard science and exhaustive research. This revealing book is written by one of the world’s most respected authorities in the field of nutrition. In his own words, he has been “in the system for almost fifty years, at the very highest levels, designing and directing large research projects, deciding which research gets funded and translating massive amounts of scientific data into national expert panel reports.” There is so much useful information in this book, I consider it one of the most important books I have ever read and give it my highest recommendation. Change your diet and change the quality of your life. Choose the Companionship of Positive People Who Inspire You If the people you spend the most time with are inspiring, supportive, encouraging, and they demonstrate qualities you want to emulate – great, you are on the right track. If not, it’s up to you to do something about it. Life is too short to put up with other people’s pity parties, bitch-and-moan marathons, and oh-woe-is-me clubs. Life Drama as Blockage to Personal Development Some people seem to relish drama in their lives. They go from one catastrophe to another. They thrive on it as if drama is what makes them feel alive. You may be able to see that they are attracting these experiences by their daily thoughts and feelings. But, they don’t recognize it from within the narrow confines of their personal drama. To someone immersed in drama, the idea that they are creating it is completely foreign. With intent, practice and mindfulness, what was once considered drama that snowballed out of control becomes simply examples of the contrasts of life to help you sharpen your preferences and shape your desires. Beyond the Brands of Truth Truth depends upon your belief. If you believe something is true, that makes it true . . . true for you. Of course, if you don’t believe that statement, never mind, because your belief defines your truth in another direction. But, we can commit to finding our own personal truth. We can hope our example will inspire others to look inside for their own truth rather than looking outside at the tumultuous world of competing brands of “truth.” Beyond Science, Philosophy and Religion Is truth absolute or relative? Is there anything beyond science, philosophy and religion? Many of the world’s top quantum physicists think there is. Celebrate life by stretching you imagination. Articles by Tupelo

How many people have you met in your lifetime not interested in more abundance? Allowing more abundance and actively manifesting more abundance is a fundamental urge of nearly everyone.

As we get in closer alignment with our creative center, this urge for “more” is inevitable. It is natural for us to desire a life of more freedom, more abundance and more joy. This is the same urge as the expansion of all life to grow into more than what it has been before.

Inspired by the Abundance of Others

Those of us interested in personal development and living an inspired life are familiar with the concept of abundance. We see other people manifesting more abundance in their lives than us, and it inspires us. If they can do it, we can do it. So we keep our eyes and ears open for creative ways to make it so.

Use the Law of Attraction to Create Abundance on Purpose

We know from the Law of Attraction . . . “that like unto itself is drawn.” In the context of abundance, that means thoughts and emotions of abundance spawn more of the same. The opposite is also true. Thoughts of neediness and poverty snowball into more of the same. Our experience reflects what we think about all day.

Abundance Mindset

That’s why it’s so important to adopt the abundance mindset. Even when the outer evidence suggests the opposite, we must learn to discipline ourselves to think abundantly and picture our world through the eyes of an allower of abundance.

“Abundance is, in large part, an attitude.” – Sue Patton Thoele

Nurturing Our Fertile Minds with Superior Mental Nutrition

It all begins with out thoughts, so we must nourish our mind with mental nutrition of abundance. When we adopt this habit of plenty, the Law of Attraction goes to work and dutifully delivers exactly whatever is our predominate thought about abundance.

“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” – Napoleon Hill

We Can’t Afford the Luxury of Stinkin’ Thinkin’

That means we can’t get away with thinking abundantly only 20% of the time while the other 80% is working against us. We can’t allow ourselves to be lost in thoughts of lack and limitation. It’s up to us to make a deliberate decision to tip the scales in our favor.

Whenever we notice thoughts working against what we truly want, we pause and turn it around – right then and there. We re-work the thought in the moment so it contributes to our desire of living an ever-more abundant life.

“To be healthy, wealthy, happy and successful in any and all areas of your life you need to be aware that you need to think healthy, wealthy, happy and successful thoughts twenty four hours a day and cancel all negative, destructive, fearful and unhappy thoughts. These two types of thought cannot coexist if you want to share in the abundance that surrounds us all.” – Sidney Madwed

Free Tool to Help Program the Mind for Abundance

Have you seen my free video course yet? It’s called, “The Subtle Side of Abundance – How to Make Your Biggest Dreams Come True.” The video, as well as the ebook and audio-book are powerful tools to help you adopt this crucial mindset of abundance.

To get your free crash-course in creating abundance, go to the form at the beginning or the end of this article, and type in your name and email. You’ll have it FREE . . . within moments. Since it is delivered in three formats, video, audio, and written, you can experience it over and over until these age-old principles sink in deep and work their magic in your life.

“Any ideas, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought.” – Napoleon Hill

More is Good

It’s true that Janey and I have always created together an exciting and unusual life of freedom, personal satisfaction and adventure. We are grateful for the abundance we have manifested in all areas of our life, and at the same time, we look expectantly into the future for more. More freedom. More joy. More abundance.

In fact, everyone we know is looking for more.

“When you have too much month for you paycheck, then what you need to do is realize that there is abundance all around you and focus on the abundance and not your lack and as night follows day abundance will come to you.” – Sidney Madwed

How do we inspire ourselves to discover what is possible and then, do something about it? The quickest and most efficient way to experiencing more abundance is to learn from those who have already manifested more into their lives.

It’s a simple idea: Learn from those who know . . . those who have already done what we wish to accomplish.

This is not a new idea. In fact, it’s the exact process used by Napoleon Hill in the 1930’s while doing research for his book, “Think and Grow Rich.” He personally interviewed fifty of the richest men of the time, looked for the common denominators, and condensed it into one of the all-time classic books of personal growth and abundance.

Was it a successful way for him to train his mind and manifest more abundance personally? Yes, definitely!

“Think and Grow Rich” is one of the best-selling books of all time with over 20 million copies reported sold. (By the way, you can get a free copy of this timeless classic HERE – just pay shipping.)

Copying Success

Impressed by Napoleon Hill’s example, my newsletter, “Inspired on Purpose” incorporates this same principle of success that has stood the test of time.

The desire for more abundance is a natural expression of expanding awareness. As consciousness grows to embrace things like better relationships, better health, more vitality, true purpose, right livelihood, and the gratifying pursuit of contribution, the desire for increasing abundance is an integral part of the package.

“Expect your every need to be met, expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level, expect to grow spiritually.” – Eileen Caddy

Abundance is Natural and Everywhere
(With the possible exception of in our hearts and minds . . .
but that can be corrected.)

Abundance is not something to be denied, subjugated or ignored. Instead, it can be welcomed and embraced as another important ingredient of the sincere intent to live a life of fullness and satisfaction.

Abundance and Success Equals Freedom

What most of us really want is freedom – freedom to do our own thing, in our own way, in our own time. These days, in order to experience this satisfying level of freedom, it takes money. It’s neither good nor bad – it’s just the way our society has evolved.

My newsletter, “Inspired on Purpose,” is dedicated to this complete package of inner growth, personal development and inspiration. This includes tips, tools and techniques on how to discover how to live your very best life . . . in ALL areas of your life. This includes the science of manifestation and the art of allowing more abundance.

Proven Method Updated

Napoleon Hill didn’t have it as easy as we do. He had no internet access. He had to physically travel all over the world to find his inspiring mentors. He had to spend a small fortune in order to put himself in the position for their millionaire mindset to rub off on him. He was committed to his quest, no matter how long it took. How many of us would be so diligent?

Fortunately, we have it much easier. Today we can be inspired by the masters of abundance while sitting in our pajamas. Their stories of success and failure are available through the magic of the internet. We can emulate their success and avoid their failures, simply by benefiting from their experience. We can lean in moments what it took them years to fine-tune. This is truly an amazing age we live in.

“Inspired on Purpose to Wake Up to Abundance”

An ongoing series included in my newsletter is called, “Inspired on Purpose to Wake Up to Abundance.” It’s called that because I like the double meaning . . .

(1) Abundance already exists, whether we are aware of it or not. The first step is to wake up to this fact.

(2) Personal manifestation and the experience of abundance can happen quickly with the right mindset – tomorrow morning, for example, as soon as we wake up.

Learning from the Voices of Experience

This series will be on-going case-studies of some of the most inspiring, most successful, most abundant people of our time. Many of these modern heroes of manifestation have discovered clever ways to harness the power of the internet to allow them to enjoy lives of ever-growing abundance.

Through this series, we can pick and choose which ideas and techniques best resonate with our personal style and sense of purpose. We can enjoy the inspiration and open our eyes to what is possible, as we compare the mindsets and methods of the abundant elite.

“Success in its highest and noblest form calls for peace of mind and enjoyment and happiness which comes only to the man who has found the work he likes best.” – Napoleon Hill

Just as Napoleon Hill did decades ago, we can learn from the best. As a result, we’ll also discover many different ways to put the wheels in motion to allow more abundance into all areas of our lives – including money.

Take Action . . . to Let Abundance Know You Are On Its Team

The first step is to make sure you are getting my newsletter, “Inspired on Purpose.” You will get regular installments of inspiring articles about all aspects of personal development and inspiration. This includes the abundance series detailed in this article, “Inspired on Purpose to Wake Up to Abundance.”

Type in your first name and email address in the boxes below, and you’ll also get $346 worth of free bonus gifts including, “The Subtle Side – How to Make Your Biggest Dreams Come True.” (Video, ebook and audio-book.)

My wife, Janey, is also a frequent contributor to the newsletter. She is an excellent writer (a published author) and provides a refreshing viewpoint. Very inspiring!

The newsletter subscription and the bonus gifts are all free. (It gives me great satisfaction to contribute something with such uplifting, life-changing potential.)

If you change your mind later and decide you no longer want to receive the newsletter, you can easily cancel at any time.

The Subtle Side course and the music album can provide you with years of inspiration, even if the newsletter doesn’t resonate with you. Even if you cancel, you can keep all seven bonus gifts as my “thank you” for checking it out.

The Easiest Way to Learn

Learn from those who know. The trial-and-error method is slow, inefficient and often expensive. Why invest time and money in things that might work when you can easily discover what is already definitely working for others? That’s common sense.

The smart way is to look over the shoulders of those who are already manifesting abundance on an impressive scale. They say it’s easy when you know how.

Here’s an easy (and free) way to be inspired by the example and methods of today’s shining stars of freedom, independence and personal satisfaction. Imagine how it must feel to provide for their families on such a scale. Imagine their warm glow of contentment as their friends recognize their accomplishments.

These are the masters of abundance. And here’s a way to harness today’s amazing technology to deliver these secrets of success by email, straight to your inbox, on a regular basis. As technology evolves and methods change, you’ll be kept up to date on the latest and greatest.

Learn abundance from those who are abundant. You have nothing to lose and a whole new world of abundance, financial freedom and personal satisfaction to gain.
Scroll down and type in you name and email in the boxes near the bottom of the page. (It’s in the large box that says “FREE Inspired on Purpose Newsletter.”)

Your email address is secure. I will not sell, rent or trade your information to anyone for any reason. Period. That’s a promise. I will not contribute in any way to spam of any kind.

Begin Here and Now Attracting and Allowing More Abundance

It’s all free . . . so get started now with the process of manifesting more abundance. Get the “Inspired on Purpose” newsletter. This is a good way to continually inspire yourself to get from wherever you are now to wherever you want to go.

“Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.” – Napoleon Hill

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Don’t Tell Me No Just don’t do it. It’s better that way . . . for both of us! http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor3 Miracle in Disguise Synchronicity is such a positive and hopeful idea, it begs the question, "Why not actively look for it and even expect it, as long as it feels good?" http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor11 Time of Our Lives Time is so fleeting, so elusive, it’s good to remember the importance and power of living right now. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor7 Take the Plunge Their advice is "for your own good", but the last thing you need to hear is their worst-case scenario. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor11 No, Yes! Examines the folly of continually holding conflicting thoughts at the same time. Yes I can. No I can’t. I want that. But do I really deserve it? Around and around it goes. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor10 Celebrate Life Create your own personal celebration of life by your choices, rather than allowing life to be something that merely happens to you, or around you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor2 Just One Step Just begin. If you will just get underway, the project itself gains momentum and carries you along to its completion. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor12 Hell or a Whole Lotta Fun Nothing to do? How about too much to do? Our attitude seems to make the difference. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor16 You Gotta Have Fun Our moments are fleeting . . . and finite. Too few to squander on "bad news". We must steer our attention deliberately in order to attract the kind of life we were born to live. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor20 Songs by Tupelo
	Get a Broader Perspective – Do It Different and Work Smarter When I think of the view from our broader perspective, to me, it means the viewpoint of our inner self . . . who we really are. Without the filters of our ego, the world looks quite different. The problem is . . . this lofty viewpoint seems illusive. People occasionally identify with broader perspective with no apparent effort or intent, but it’s rare to arrive at such a viewpoint accidentally. More commonly, brief glimpses are caught deliberately by intent, and repeated by personal discipline and the use of clever techniques. How to Accelerate Manifestation Whenever a new desire or grand plan is born within us, the tendency is to share it with others. Every time we talk about it, the energy of the dream seems to deflate a little more, until it becomes merely a topic of idle chatter. Why is that? How can we add to the excitement and urgency of our dreams instead, and speed up their manifestation? How to Live the Life of Your Dreams Through Intuition Intuition feels good. That should be enough of a clue it’s something that can be trusted. But, our culture has done a thorough job of instilling doubt about the wisdom of following our instincts. Instead, we are taught to think things through and be logical. These mental tools are important, but they were never intended to be used instead of intuition. They work better when used in conjunction with intuition. If we are open to it, we get nudges and insights to move us in the direction of our greatest joys, our most valuable contributions, and our most satisfying life. Those quiet whispers and gentle taps on the shoulder are examples of inner guidance in action – intuition. Balancing Desire with Contentment It’s a fine line we walk between wanting more and feeling satisfied with what we have. Desire is unavoidable – it comes with the territory. So, the trick is to find the balance. There’s a middle ground to be found where deep feelings of contentment and satisfaction are spiced with the delicious excitement of something more on the horizon. Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God There are two approaches people use to manifest their desires. Some set goals. Others surrender and presume the universe is conspiring to deliver to them their every desire without strain, in its own way and in its own time. Which way is better? Can these two methods be used together? Work – Just a Job or Visible Love Do you love what you do and do what you love? Here’s a step-by-step method on how to put your passions to work and start living the life you were born to live. The Dilemma of Desire What is desire? Where does it come from? Why do we have it? Does it serve us in a positive way, or does it distract us and keep us perpetually in discontent? This article sheds some light on these important questions so that each of us can find our own answers. The Law of Attraction With anything as important as the law of attraction, it’s a good idea to hear it described many times from many different angles. This article looks at it from several viewpoints as well as revealing how to get the understanding of the law of attraction from the prime source. Many links are provided including links to streaming mp3 songs that incorporate the principles of attraction in the lyrics. Celebrate life with an ever-clearer grasp of how the law of attraction determines your life experience. Manifestation Fill-In-the-Blank Formula Here’s a simple technique you can adapt to your own style. First, I’ll give you the formula as I currently use it. Next, I’ll discuss each word so you’ll see how it has evolved into its present state. Then, I’ll add some supporting information to provide you with a ready-to-go affirmation for your own experimentation. This manifestation technique is built around one simple sentence . . . Articles by Tupelo

Intuition can provide you with some amazing viewpoints, helpful solutions and unexpected answers. As you develop the habit of becoming still and looking within for clues, it gets easier to hear that still, small voice within.

How can this inner communication become a trusted resource? How can it be leveraged to consistently increase the quality of life?

The answer my intuition provides for that question seems disarmingly simple – implement what you learn.

Actions

Ideas are cheap. Answers are easy. Solutions are more plentiful than problems because there are usually several ways to solve any particular problem. Intuition is happy to provide these insights and delighted when we notice help is being given. But these whisperings from the subtle side are all useless unless we actually do something with what we learn.

“For whereas the mind works in possibilities, the intuitions work in actualities, and what you intuitively desire, that is possible to you. Whereas what you mentally or ‘consciously’ desire is nine times out of ten impossible; hitch your wagon to a star, or you will just stay where you are.” – D. H. Lawrence (1885 – 1930)

Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night with a great idea? Here’s an example of one way intuition is providing answers to your questions . . . spoken and unspoken.

Have you ever told yourself you’d remember the idea in the morning and gone back to sleep? Was the idea there in the morning?

Usually ideas like that are long gone by morning. Occasionally they can be resurrected. Maybe these words can serve as a catalyst to help you remember something important that you had forgotten until this moment. Pause to reflect on it, and allow your mind to recapture the idea and let it expand

Write it Down

All too often, ideas and answers delivered by our intuition are gone forever. Why? Because we never took action. In fact, sometimes we don’t even bother to write it down. Instead we fall for that old trick, “Oh, I’ll remember THAT!”

But do you? Have you remembered it in the past? Always? What’s the point of encouraging and developing intuition, only to ignore it when it offers help?

“As soon as you think it, ink it.” – Mark Victor Hansen

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost a song idea by not writing it down immediately when inspiration struck. I told myself, “Surely I’ll remember it!” Yeah, right. Occasionally. Usually not.

It’s a shame to lose a potentially good song, but that’s nothing compared to the “big questions” intuition can help us shed light upon. These are clues we don’t want to lose. That’s why it’s so important to get in the habit of capturing insight now, in the moment, while it’s fresh.

Later is an Illusion – Capture it Now

I read about neuroscience research findings concerning intuitive insights. Any new idea not captured within 37 seconds will likely be forgotten. After seven minutes, it’s almost certain to be gone forever.

So how do you compensate for such a rapid evaporation rate? You simply develop the habit of capturing intuition whenever possible. Too much trouble? Take a moment to review what’s at stake, and see if that will help you generate the internally driven inspiration needed to actually get it done.

“Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. – Steve Jobs (b. 1955

It’s an Easy Habit to Be Ready for Inspiration

Here’s how I do it. I prefer to wear shirts with a pocket. I almost always keep a small spiral notepad and a pen there. Through the years, I’ve been able to capture some helpful nuggets, just by my willingness to be prepared.

We travel quite often. Janey keeps a small notebook within easy reach while we’re rolling down the road. Frequently, she grabs her pen and writes for a couple of minutes, grabbing an idea while it’s fresh.

I also have a miniature recorder that I keep by the bed. It’s funny when Janey wakes up abruptly saying, “Huh?” When she realizes I’m whispering into my recorder again, she rolls over and goes back to sleep. She’s used to me writing in the dark or talking to the recorder in the middle of the night.

Use It

Receiving, recognizing and capturing intuition is a good start, but it’s a job half done. Without implementation, it’s all for nothing. Whenever possible, I try to take action on my inner impulses as soon as possible. Whenever I do, I find that related impulses come right on the heels of my action.

When I take action on that, more intuition arrives. As the time gap continues to shorten between the nudge and the action, it begins to feel easy, effortless, even magical.

Let’s examine the opposite. If you get a nudge and don’t write it down and don’t take action on it, that’s another way of saying you’re ignoring it. That sends a message to your intuitive nature that goes something like this, “Yeah, I heard you, but I’m too busy. Not interested. Thanks but no thanks.”

With this attitude, it’s natural for intuition to dry up. Use it or lose it. In my own experience, if I go through a spell where I “put off” song idea impulses, before long they quit coming. Ouch.

“Trusting your intuition means tuning in as deeply as you can to the energy you feel, following that energy moment to moment, trusting that it will lead you where you want to go and bring you everything you desire.” – Shakti Gawain (b. 1948)

It’s all about trust. It’s about a way of life beyond the narrow confines of the logical mind. Logical, predictable, left-brained thinking definitely has its place, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

“Intuition isn’t the enemy, but the ally, of reason.” – John Kord Lagemann

“Brain researchers estimate that your unconscious data base outweighs the conscious on an order exceeding ten million to one. This data base is the source of your hidden, natural genius. In other words, a part of you is much smarter than you are. The wise people regularly consult the smarter part.” – Michael J. Gelb, author of “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci”

“Intuition comes very close to clairvoyance; it appears to be the extrasensory perception of reality. All great men are gifted with intuition. They know without reasoning or analysis, what they need to know.” – Alexis Carrel (1873 – 1944)

Many of the most brilliant people who have ever lived tapped into their intuition and used it daily. When it becomes a habit, it becomes expected and natural. It’s an effortless way of life – a no-brainer. To others, not privy to the process, it looks like living in the flow, like magic.

“The intellect has little to do on the road to discovery. There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, and the solution comes to you, and you don’t know how or why.” – Albert Einstein

“Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next.” – Dr. Jonas Salk (b. 1914), doctor, discoverer of polio vaccine.

“During [these] periods of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and can produce the sudden clarifying insights which give so much joy and delight.” – Fritjof Capra, physicist

Watch for clues. They come in many ways . . . goose bumps, (a.k.a. thrill bumps), a sudden chill, butterflies in the pit of your stomach, a constricted feeling in your chest, a sudden, expansive feeling of relief, sudden nausea. These are examples of how effective your body can be at communicating with you directly, without the need for words. If you are pondering a particular question and your body gives you one of these sensations, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to translate the message . . . “Yes” feels good. “No” feels bad.

“The mind can assert anything and pretend it has proved it. My beliefs I test on my body, on my intuitional consciousness, and when I get a response there, then I accept.” – D. H. Lawrence (1885 – 1930)

Other times, you may see words form on the inner screen of your mind. Or you may hear words in your imagination. How do you know if these “messages” are real?

“Trust your feelings, Luke.” – Obee One Kenobee, “Star Wars”

True messages often come with a feeling of lightness, euphoria or joy. Questionable ones are often accompanied with a sense of foreboding, doubt or fear. If a new idea shows up and it gives you energy and hope, that’s a good vote of confidence that you can trust it.

If you feel drained of energy, that’s a good clue your intuition is warning you to go the other way. Intuition has its own language, and like any other language, it becomes easier with deliberate resolve, attention and practice.

“Intuition isn’t mystical.” – Dr. James Watson – Nobel laureate and co-discoverer of DNA

When we’re in the flow, it’s effortless and it feels good. Very good. We expect intuitive help, and our expectation expedites its manifestation. We expect it to be helpful and so it is. We expect it to enhance the quality of life, and so it does.

We expect to be in the zone . . . enjoying the benefits of a life inspired on purpose by inspiration. And so we are. And so it is.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Miracle in Disguise Synchronicity is such a positive and hopeful idea, it begs the question, "Why not actively look for it and even expect it, as long as it feels good?" http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor11 Angels Around Us Is it your higher self, or your guardian angel, or perhaps an over-active imagination? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor3 Blue Water Water and the sea are such perfect metaphors for the larger reality we are all immersed in. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor6 What Would Love Do Now It’s tough to remember to ask yourself this question in the heat of the moment, but it can pay big dividends. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor10 Take the Plunge Their advice is "for your own good", but the last thing you need to hear is their worst-case scenario. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor11 Here A love song to the beloved and/or to the larger part of ourselves. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor16 Ten Purdy Word Song The style and mood of the song matches the flow of the words themselves, painting a colorful word picture that is easy on the ears. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor14 Songs by Tupelo
Inspiration from a Stroke of Insight from Jill Bolte Taylor You’ve heard about the "right brain" and the "left brain," right? The left brain is all about logic and sequential thinking and the right brain is all about the abstract flow of consciousness and how it relates to "the big picture." Have you ever heard a description about watching from a peaceful, detached viewpoint as the cognitive brain functions slowly quit functioning? Have you ever heard anyone talk about what it feels like when the inner chatter finally quits and all that’s left is awareness? On this video, you will. Prepare to be amazed, moved, inspired and thrilled with this intelligent look at something that is rarely seen . . . and the fact that you’re hearing about all this from a brain scientist makes it even more fascinating. Get a Broader Perspective – Do It Different and Work Smarter When I think of the view from our broader perspective, to me, it means the viewpoint of our inner self . . . who we really are. Without the filters of our ego, the world looks quite different. The problem is . . . this lofty viewpoint seems illusive. People occasionally identify with broader perspective with no apparent effort or intent, but it’s rare to arrive at such a viewpoint accidentally. More commonly, brief glimpses are caught deliberately by intent, and repeated by personal discipline and the use of clever techniques. Transform Your Inner Critic into Your Inner Coach Whatever is the predominant thought and attitude about any given subject is what we create in our experience. So if we allow our inner critic to run amuck with the usual garbage dished out by the modern media conglomerates and cultural conditioning, we lock ourselves into a self-perpetuating cycle of negativity, lack and disempowerment. If you look beneath the surface, these prolific comments from our inner critic contain concealed, valuable and powerful gifts. To receive the gifts, it’s necessary to shift your attitude about the nature of the inner critic self-talk. Quit considering it as a negative hindrance and out-of-control annoyance bent on your self-destruction. Instead, see it as an attempt at communication from your higher self, urging you to make improvements in order to live up to your potential. How to Live the Life of Your Dreams Through Intuition Intuition feels good. That should be enough of a clue it’s something that can be trusted. But, our culture has done a thorough job of instilling doubt about the wisdom of following our instincts. Instead, we are taught to think things through and be logical. These mental tools are important, but they were never intended to be used instead of intuition. They work better when used in conjunction with intuition. If we are open to it, we get nudges and insights to move us in the direction of our greatest joys, our most valuable contributions, and our most satisfying life. Those quiet whispers and gentle taps on the shoulder are examples of inner guidance in action – intuition. Inspire Yourself on Purpose – Inspiration from Inside Out Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. How Do You Feel – About Inner Guidance? Is it a hunch? Is it a voice in your head? Is it something you feel? Don’t confuse what you feel with who you are. Once you are able to access this awareness of pure being and identify yourself with it, you won’t get carried away by whatever emotional cloud happens to be passing by. Celebrate life through one of the more subtle forms of communication available to us – inner guidance. Articles by Tupelo

We all get in a funk occasionally. It’s part of living here in this playground of duality – light and dark, hot and cold, up and down. Without occasional bad moods, how would we recognize a good mood? Without feeling despondent occasionally, how would we recognize euphoria?

Recognizing the fact that you are experiencing a bad mood is the first step to getting out of it. Once you realize your spirits could use a lift, here are some tips to help make it as quick and painless as possible.

Find the Cause and Make Inner Adjustments

Negative emotions of any kind, regardless of what you call them, are there to bring you a message from your deepest inner self. The message is something like this: “Your current train of thought is out of sync with the personal direction held most dear by the best possible version of yourself.”

When your thoughts are in alignment with your sense of purpose, you infuse your life with happiness, enthusiasm and joy.

So step back from the mind and settle into the objective viewpoint. From this perspective of pure awareness, take a good look at the thoughts you have been thinking lately. (It’s likely more accurate to say, “your thoughts have been thinking you,” before you brought the light of pure awareness to the table.) Your funky mood is telling you those thoughts are not serving you well. They are not bringing you happiness, enthusiasm or joy . . . so make a decision right now, in this present moment, to change the color of your thoughts.

Do a 180-degree mental pivot, and deliberately point your thoughts in the opposite direction.

Replace despair with hope.
Replace worry with confidence.
Replace fear with love.

This kind of deliberate, directed thinking is a choice. It’s a personal decision based on understanding what you want and how to get it. If you’re tired of seeing your life through the dark lens of a funky mood . . . and are serious about letting the light in, change your thoughts.

Nobody can do it for you. Nobody else has to change in order for you to feel better. Nobody has to behave differently. All that needs to change is your attitude . . . the way you react to the events in your life makes the difference. Once you get a handle on that, you can maintain mental and emotional equanimity, regardless of outer circumstances.

“. . . the way that you choose to take it into view,
Makes it hell or a whole lotta fun.”
- from the song, “Hell or a Whole Lotta Fun” by Tupelo Kenyon (written in 1976)

3 Steps to Busting Bad Moods

* Notice how you feel.
* Examine your predominant thoughts.
* Redirect your thoughts, as needed, in sync with your highest ideals and your sense of purpose.
* Repeat as needed.

Accelerate the Process with Outer Adjustments

Once you’ve addressed the inner causes, here’s a list of 17 funk fixers:

1. Meditate – If your stinkin’ thinkin’ is responsible for your funk, and if it’s a challenge keeping your thoughts in a better place, try placing your attention elsewhere. Take a few deep breaths and relax deeper and deeper every time you exhale. Become still, and focus your attention on your breathing. Notice that you aren’t controlling it – just notice how the breath seems to be breathing you, without any help on your part. Allow stress to melt away as you become deeply relaxed. Look for the stillness between the breaths and between the thoughts. Be here, in the stillness, as you simply witness everything – your breath, your thoughts, sounds and other physical sensations. (See previous articles, “Simple Toning Meditation” and “Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development.”)

2. Change Your Environment – Get out of the house. Go for a walk. A radically different environment can expedite a radical shift in the color of your thoughts. (This can help you get a fresh perspective on things, but going somewhere else is never the entire solution because . . . wherever you go, there you are.)

3. Exercise – Get your blood pumping. Increased heart rate and respiration sends more oxygen and endorphins to your brain, and that feels good.

4. Use Your Imagination – Relive happy moments. Pull out an old photo album (or photo folder on your computer) and look for photos that feel good. Spend some time with them, wrap your thoughts around them, and allow the positive emotions to wash over you.

5. Gratitude – Have a personal gratitude party. You can do this alone or it’s fun to share it with someone you love. Notice (and feel deeply) all the things you are grateful for. To take this to another level, express your gratitude whenever you can. Look for opportunities to do that.

6. Be Here Now – Bad moods are often the result of worrying about the future or regretting something in the past. Refocus your attention on this present moment, and notice that, right now, all is well. The secret is to keep your attention sharply focused in this micro-moment. At this precise instant, I’m alive, I’m breathing, I’m not starving, and there are no wild animals gnawing on my leg. It’s good to be alive – it’s a priceless gift, and life is now.

7. Listen to Uplifting Music – Music touches us and transports us emotionally like nothing else. Pick your music deliberately to produce the desired result – happiness, enthusiasm and joy. (See previous article, “Benefits of Music for Personal Development.”)

8. Watch a Good Movie – Choose something that will give you a lift. Pixar and Disney animations are good for a change of emotional scenery. Some fantasy and science fiction movies work well, as do romantic comedies. Anything funny breaks up the brittle edges of a bad mood and lets in a little fresh air and sunshine.

“What was significant about the laughter . . . was not just the fact that it provides internal exercise for a person . . . a form of jogging for the innards, but that it creates a mood in which the other positive emotions can be put to work, too.” – Norman Cousins (1915-90)

9. Play with Pets – Puppies and kittens are fun. Better yet, try to find a litter, and just hang out with them for a while. If you can find some youngsters, six to eight weeks old, that’s ideal for a good laugh and an emotional facelift.

10. Indulge Yourself – You deserve it. Take some time for you, and do whatever makes you feel good – a hot bath, massage, nice meal, etc. (See previous article, “Take Time for You.”)

11. Help Someone – When we slide down into a funk, often it’s because we think, “It’s all about me,” or worse yet, “Poor me.” Be useful to someone else and get some perspective. Notice all the people in the world who, compared to you, have serious problems. Feel empathy and compassion, and do whatever you are inspired to do about it, but mostly . . . pause and be grateful for the blessings in your own life, as you help others. Get some perspective and blast yourself out of myopia by asking yourself, “Okay, really . . . how bad is it?”

12. Smile – Just the firing of those facial muscles can help lift your mood. It’s a psychological and physiological way to reverse engineer happiness. There have been impressive studies done demonstrating how this works. A smile activates the pressure points on both sides of the mouth, which triggers good feelings. So even a fake smile helps. Try it now. Paste a big, wide, cheesy grin on your face, and just hold it there for a few seconds. (You might want to do this while nobody’s looking . . . otherwise, they might give you something real to smile about.) As you feel the smile muscles exercised in your face, can you feel the subtle changes in your brain? Interesting, eh?

13. Enjoy Alone Time – If your life is full of juggling your schedule with lots of other people, get away for a day . . . or a week, and just be your own best friend. Remember who you are – not who everyone else thinks you are or who everyone else wants you to be. Get re-grounded and centered. Then you have more of yourself to offer others.

14. Be Inspired on Purpose – Whatever makes you feel good and enthusiastic is good medicine for the soul and poison to bad moods. Ask yourself what inspires you, and deliberately focus your attention on that.

15. Sing – Even if you don’t sing or haven’t sung for years, try it. Put on a favorite song or an album you are very familiar with, and sing along. When you don’t know the words, hum. Allow the magic to work on you. It’s almost impossible to remain bummed out while singing. Like the fake smile (tip #12), complex psychological and physiological factors come into play when your body is generating tones. (That’s why Tibetan monks chant.) Harmony, melody and breath are powerful. They revitalize your psyche and nourish the soul.

16. Visualize – Imagine how you want to feel. See it clearly in your mind’s eye. Once it’s identified and clearly defined in your brain, move it to your heart. Feel it. Imagination can apply to feelings too, so explore how you want to feel in great detail – mentally and emotionally. Once that’s done, guess what? You’re already there. Now just sustain it with the three steps offered earlier:

* Notice how you feel.
* Examine your predominant thoughts.
* Redirect your thoughts, as needed, in sync with your highest ideals and your sense of purpose.
* Repeat as needed.

17. Decide to Change Moods – Mean it. If you’re fed up with bad moods, make a conscious decision to do something about it. Personal resolve and commitment make it happen.

Banishing Bad Moods

Bad moods are unhealthy. They are stressful and take their toll on you. They also affect those around you who you love most. With practice, attention and deliberate action, inspired by your personal decision, you can make bad moods a thing of the past. You’re going to love how that feels. (So will your family and friends!)

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Trash Our Treasures People seem to have a history of awarding seemingly insignificant details with places of prominence in our lives, while ignoring or even destroying the most important aspects. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor2 May You Have Joy Have you ever felt a warm appreciation for someone in your life, and just wanted to wish them well? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#anchor12 Who is the Watcher Explores the silent witness within and the idea that life occurs in this present moment. Always. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor-14 Seriously A reminder of the importance of making it a point to deliberately live life in joy, reverance, and with a light-hearted spirit. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor15 Blue Water Water and the sea are such perfect metaphors for the larger reality we are all immersed in. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor6 Celebrate Life Create your own personal celebration of life by your choices, rather than allowing life to be something that merely happens to you, or around you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor2 Do What You Love Discovering what we have a true passion for, and then figuring out a way to build a life around that passion is one of life’s greatest feelings of accomplishment. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor10 Just One Step Just begin. If you will just get underway, the project itself gains momentum and carries you along to its completion. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor12 Hell or a Whole Lotta Fun Nothing to do? How about too much to do? Our attitude seems to make the difference. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor16 Songs by Tupelo
	Simple Toning Meditation When it comes to meditation and contemplation, all we really need is a simple technique that produces obvious results. Celebrate life through this easy method of calming the mind and getting in closer touch with your inner being. Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development It’s helpful to have a helping hand once in awhile. I was fortunate to have friends show me how to meditate. It was just friends showing friends something cool . . . because they could. Or maybe it was some kind of big brother / big sister program for the spiritually ripe. It was easy. It was casual. It was a life-changing experience. Benefits of Music for Personal Development All music is not created equally. This article takes a look behind the scenes to catch a glimpse of how the intent of the composer translates to the feeling evoked in the listeners. Many links are included to streaming mp3s. Celebrate life through music! Take Time for You Don’t put yourself at the end of the list. You deserve to be first, at least some of the time. Don’t let your entire life slip by with everything else (and everyone else) getting preferential treatment over your most important priorities. Their needs are important, but yours are important too. Celebrate life by taking time for YOU! How Do You Feel – About Inner Guidance? Is it a hunch? Is it a voice in your head? Is it something you feel? Don’t confuse what you feel with who you are. Once you are able to access this awareness of pure being and identify yourself with it, you won’t get carried away by whatever emotional cloud happens to be passing by. Celebrate life through one of the more subtle forms of communication available to us – inner guidance. Integrity Through Self-Reliance When you live your life as if the whisperings from your soul really matter, you are living life in your own way, on your own terms, based on your own realizations on what is right . . . what is good . . . and what is true for you. You are tuned into your own station. The signal you are receiving and the message you are broadcasting with the story of your life are both on the same frequency. You are joyfully and gratefully choosing your favorites from the buffet of life. Life Drama as Blockage to Personal Development Some people seem to relish drama in their lives. They go from one catastrophe to another. They thrive on it as if drama is what makes them feel alive. You may be able to see that they are attracting these experiences by their daily thoughts and feelings. But, they don’t recognize it from within the narrow confines of their personal drama. To someone immersed in drama, the idea that they are creating it is completely foreign. With intent, practice and mindfulness, what was once considered drama that snowballed out of control becomes simply examples of the contrasts of life to help you sharpen your preferences and shape your desires. Six Killers of Individuality and Personal Independence Is the course of your life determined by your own internal road map or by a map made by someone else? Each of us can choose our direction deliberately and live a life custom sculpted. Each life can be as individually unique as the person living it. If you pattern your life after someone else, exactly what is it you have to offer? Self-Discipline in 3 Easy Steps Why is it so difficult to follow through and accomplish what you set out to do? Usually, there is one important missing ingredient: personal discipline. For most of us, the idea of discipline is an external force – it’s something that comes from the outside. For instance, we discipline our children. Most of us are familiar with discipline as a verb (something we do to someone else), but we’re not so familiar with the concept as a noun – something we cultivate from within and apply to ourselves. Relax and Rejuvenate for Balance and Productivity Whatever you do, taking time to relax and regenerate helps you to do it better. If you don’t pause occasionally, shift your mind into neutral and recharge your batteries, your productivity plummets and you may not even realize it. You need time to let your mind wander – time to imagine new possibilities – time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life – time to nurture soul. Life is more than an endless to-do list, and many of its most important gifts come when you allow yourself to put the daily details on pause and just experience the simplicity of life in the moment with nothing in particular on your mind that needs to be done. Appreciate Here and Now No matter what’s going on in your life right now, there’s something to appreciate about it. The act of appreciation rivets our consciousness to this present moment. With our attention focused on the here and now, we are living life fully, since right now is the only time there ever is. Articles by Tupelo

]]> http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/05/02/17-bad-mood-remedies/feed/ 1 http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/04/11/why-i-blog-on-personal-development-and-advice-for-other-writers/ http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/04/11/why-i-blog-on-personal-development-and-advice-for-other-writers/#comments Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:00:11 +0000 Tupelo http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/04/11/why-i-blog-on-personal-development-and-advice-for-other-writers/ For instrumental music while reading, choose: hi-fi (broadband) or low-fi.

I was recently interviewed by Alex Blackwell for his series called, “The Next 30 Blogging Heroes.” He asked some good questions, so I decided to reproduce the interview here.

Alex says, “Inspired by the book ‘Blogging Heroes: Interviews with 30 of the World’s Top Bloggers’ by Michael A. Banks, this series features the next group of exceptional bloggers who are making an impact in the blogosphere.

“Blogging heroes create quality content and build a loyal, and very large, base of readers. This series will center on their best blogging practices as well as tips and advice. You will benefit from their helpful tips, advice and insight.”

“The Next 45 Years is proud to welcome author and musician Tupelo Kenyon of TupeloKenyon.com.”

It was an honor to be included in this series. For interviews with other bloggers, visit Alex’s site: “The Next 45 Years.” Here’s the complete interview:

What prompted you to start TupeloKenyon.com (please mention when it was launched)?

“Prompted” is a good choice of words. A few years ago, in preparation for one of our concerts, we were loading our equipment through the back door of the venue. An intriguing old man was sitting on an overturned white bucket, outside the door. He was ancient, with a joyous and mischievous sparkle in his eye. I slowed my step, even though the load of instruments was heavy. With no small-talk preamble, he looked me straight in the eye and said matter-of-factly: “I’m here to tell you it’s time for you to start writing books.”

I acknowledged his strange statement with a nod, took it in stride and continued with the task at hand. There were people behind me, also carrying heavy loads, so I kept moving to get out of their way. I was eager to go back for details on my next trip. When I returned, he was gone. I asked around and none of the employees recognized my description of the old man. I never saw him before or since.

I enjoy a good mystery and pay attention to “coincidences,” hunches and inner nudges, but this experience was over-the-top. The weirdness of the circumstances and the bluntness of his message percolated within me for a few years as I contemplated “writing books.”

The mystery man planted a seed and successfully prompted me to begin. When I discovered blogging, I recognized it as an ideal vehicle for outflow that combines some of my favorite passions with several personal skills: writing about personal development ideas, contemplating great quotes, song-writing, instrumental music composition and computer skills.

When I think back on the aspects of my life that have provided the most satisfaction and joy, I realize they all started with a hunch, a quiet whisper in my ear, or an intuitive tap on the shoulder. Gratefully, I did not write them off as musings from an overactive imagination and ignore them. Instead, I was willing to at least consider it might be an important “prompt.” Usually, I’ll play along and take the next step in the direction of my nudge, and then the next, and the next, curious where it may lead.

One of my songs is about this willingness to live on the edge with an adventurous spirit:

“So I’m taking off those blinders and throwing them away,
There’s so much more to living than the safe and narrow way.
The meek will surely inherit the earth . . .They won’t get very far,
While the bold go for adventure, exploring beyond the stars.
So I’ll encourage inspiration, and I’ll soak it up like a sponge,
Instead of terminal safety, I’m ready to take the plunge.”
From the song, “Take the Plunge” by Tupelo Kenyon

So, I took the plunge and started the learning curve on the mechanics of blogging in November of 2006 and launched TupeloKenyon.com on New Year’s Day 2007. The blog is titled, “Personal Development Inspiration and Uplifting Music” and the very first article was titled, “The Power of Beginning.” Perhaps blogging is the first step to the old man’s prompt to “start writing books” since I have already published enough content online to fill a couple.

Your blog is unique in the sense you connect your articles with your music. What is your musical background and experience?

I am mostly a self-taught musician, although I did take guitar lessons for a few months when I was about fourteen. (Thanks, Mom.) After earning my Associates of Mathematics degree, I changed my major to music at the University of Texas in Austin. That lasted about three months. I learned some valuable music theory, but soon realized I’d much rather be making music than studying it. So I moved to Alaska and began making a living singing and playing guitar by the time I was 21.

“Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule.” – Samuel Butler (1612-80)

The musical teamwork with my wife, Janey, has resulted in 11 music CDs and performances in all 50 states plus several foreign countries. We are known as “Laughing Bird.” We’ve also produced a feature-length video DVD titled, “Celebrate the Journey” of our unusual lifestyle as touring musicians for the last thirty years. (You can see a 7-minute preview online free.)

More information about our unique musical journey is in the article titled: “Benefits of Music for Personal Development.”

What is your process for choosing how you link a song to an article on your blog?

The songs I recommend at the end of each article are chosen to support the subject matter and tone of the article. Sometimes they are specific and the reference is obvious. Other times, the song may be a related tangent. Sometimes the songs are chosen to facilitate the listeners to come to their own understanding and discover their own insights about what a particular idea means to them. Those are always the best.

Choosing which songs fit best with a particular article is a fairly straight-forward process since I also wrote the songs. As I am writing an article, song titles will pop into my head as good choices for related themes. After I finish writing the article, I usually scan a list of all the songs we’ve recorded (112 so far, with more added regularly). This helps me make sure I don’t overlook any appropriate recommendations.

The instrumental selections available at the beginning of each article require a different process. I currently have three CDs of original instrumental music to choose from, so I try to match the feeling of the article with the instrumental selection that best supports it. It’s a more subjective process, so I try not to over-think it too much and just go with whatever feels right at the time.

Are you achieving what you set out to do with the site?

It’s a good start, and I’m enjoying the process. I’m also recognizing the benefits of surrounding myself with these powerful, empowering ideas in such an active way. I’ve been attracted to these themes of personal development and inspiration since I was 17, so these are the ideas I contemplate in my quiet time. The process of writing the articles gives me the opportunity to explore deeper and discover what I really think about these important topics. The act of writing clarifies ideas and inspires new viewpoints that I may never have considered otherwise.

The site has evolved into an extension of my own process of personal development and my dedication to living an inspired life. So yes, I am achieving that aspect of continually taking the next step in the expansion of consciousness that has been so important to me for about forty years.

One of my songs explores this theme . . .

“My feet are in the water, my head’s up in the clouds,
Floating on a fantasy, but living out loud,
Living out loud.
An’ I wonder if I’ll ever do you proud.

“I’m not exactly grounded, but I’m not entirely free.
I’m not exactly ready to go, but this never felt like home to me.
So I’m eager for that next step, even though I’ve come so far,
With my seat right here in the saddle . . . and soul in the stars.”
From the song, “Soul in the Stars” by Tupelo Kenyon

One of things I set out to do with the site was to supplement my income, and this intent is manifesting slower than I had hoped. However, my quality of life is more important than stressing over the blog’s income issues, and the blog has contributed to my excellent quality of life from the very beginning. I knew blogging was not a get-rich-quick scheme, so I began with lots of patience and a long-term attitude.

As I continue my focus on delivering quality content with the potential to make a real difference in the quality of life for my readers, I am confident that the readership and the income will continue to grow. Since we have other income streams from other passions (concert performances, CD sales, and our recording studio), there’s no pressure to risk compromising my vision by trying to prematurely squeeze money out of TupeloKenyon.com.

Although success is usually associated with money, according to Emerson’s definition of success, I am already enjoying a measure of success . . .

“The definition of success–To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one’s self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived–this is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82)

Where do you get your ideas for content for your blog and for your songs?

I enjoy reading a wide variety of authors, philosophies and disciplines. I consider myself a “free agent,” so I don’t prescribe to any one particular “brand.” Some of my favorite authors include Esther and Jerry Hicks, Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Lee Carroll, Richard Bach, Paul Twitchell, Dan Millman, Steven Covey, Joseph Campbell, Neale Donald Walsch, plus many others.

There’s a page on my blog with brief reviews of the fifty or so books that have had the biggest impact on me. These books have moved me, opened me up, amazed me, thrilled me, and helped me feel something profound.

While reading, something will strike me just right, and an article title will occur to me. I use the original idea as a springboard and do my best to find a fresh perspective. Whether I’m writing an article or a song, I never know where it’s going. Instead, I trust the process and enjoy the ride. I am often surprised where it ends up compared to where it started.

I realize it’s an unconventional way to write, but it’s satisfying to me because it’s not as rigid and structured as strictly left-brained writing. Instead, it allows for the freedom of random associations and an overview of the big picture made possible by allowing the right brain to have free reign also. Since I enjoy the process of working this way, songs and articles get completed.

What do you find to be the more difficult aspects of blogging?

Time constraints are the most difficult hurdles I face with my personal commitment to publish a new article every week. My average article takes between 8 and 14 hours to complete. I decided at the beginning not to create a blog of short posts. There are plenty of excellent blogs with short posts, but in the interest of something for everyone, I decided to concentrate on the more in-depth coverage made possible by the technology.

I have published one new article per week since TupeloKenyon.com was launched on January 1, 2007. That may not seem like a big time commitment, but it feels like it with all the other activities that require so much time. Janey and I do major concert tours every year that keep us on the road for about six months. When we are at home, our recording studio, Riversong Studio, keeps me busy. I produce CD projects for other artists as well as our own. Busy, busy, busy. You know what they say about the self-employed: “You only have to work half-days . . . and you can choose which twelve hours that is!”

They also say, “Busy people get things done.”

“It is not enough to be busy. The question is: what are we busy about?” – Henry David Thoreau (1817-62)

Do you do anything special to increase your readership?

I stay focused on providing consistent, quality content that can make a difference in people’s lives. My intent is to make it so compelling that my readers won’t be able to keep it a secret and will share it and recommend it to the people they care about. I provide a link at the end of every article to make it easy to “email this article to a friend.” I also make it easy for people to submit each article to their favorite social networking sites.

I have also dabbled in carnivals, listed the site with blog directories, and have begun to learn more about the social networking phenomenon. All these things take time, so I haven’t explored them in depth.

I am not interested in spending my entire life in front of a computer screen, so I budget my computer time carefully. As I prioritize the limited time I am willing to stare at a computer screen, most of that time is spent writing articles.

Do you use SEO? If so, which techniques provide the best results?

I made sure my META tags include specifically chosen keywords that relate to the theme of my site. My decision to submit my articles to carnivals was driven, in part, by the hoped-for advantage of getting incoming links from related sites. I have a few hundred by now, but I honestly don’t know how much they help.

I try to use keywords in the article titles and in the body of the copy, but mostly I write in a stream of consciousness style better suited to human readers rather than search engine spiders. The algorithms used by the search engines will continue to get more sophisticated and keep getting better at catching on to the myriad ways used by people who try to “game” the system. The purpose of the search engines is to find the sites that do the best job in providing value and reward them with higher search rankings. If my purpose is also to provide value, the search engines will recognize that and everyone wins. And hopefully, I won’t have to spend too much time on boring, mind-numbing busy work like SEO. (Warning, this may be a blue sky, pipe dream with no basis in the real world of online traffic-building. Sometime in the future, I may change my tune and discover that yes, indeed, it is necessary to be more proactive in this area – but I hope not!)

What do you find gratifying about blogging?

It’s always gratifying to hear from someone who was touched by one of my articles or my music. It’s fascinating to hear how someone was able to apply an idea from a song or article to the unique circumstances of their life in a way that would never have occurred to me. I love to hear creative interpretations and stories of how something made a positive difference in someone’s life. The lyrics to one of my songs express this idea . . .

“The way we live our life is like a pebble dropped, into a quiet pond,
It carries on just like a circle growing.
The ripples that we make may touch another shore,
You may never know for sure,
How much you’ve helped someone without you knowing.

“Sometimes the ripples from our deed’s a gentle touch,
Doesn’t seem to matter much,
It’s like dropping flowers in the Grand Canyon.
And though we’ll never know just what becomes of them,
It’s all the same to them,
So drop them anyway, because you can.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting battles too,
Cruel wars within themselves, just like it is with you.
Be kind, because you’ll never know just how much good you’ll do,
A heartfelt word or two can soothe a hidden wound.”
From the song, “Be Kind” by Tupelo Kenyon

What are your future plans for TupeloKenyon.com?

I realize that big companies and corporations must have detailed, well-thought-out business plans for the future, but my approach with TupeloKenyon.com has been more organic . . . more in the moment . . . more about now. I take it one article at a time and do the best I can with the amount of time I have available.

I do have a vision for the future but have not nailed it down with any step-by-step action plan. I enjoy a wide-open approach to allow the universe plenty of latitude to take it in any direction . . . whatever is in the interest of the greatest good. I appreciate surprises, serendipities and “coincidences” orchestrated in the more subtle planes of consciousness, well beyond the one-dimensional confines of my best, well-laid plans.

My vision for TupeloKenyon.com is an ever-growing site contributing inspiration to those attracted to ideas of integrity and techniques of personal development and expanding consciousness.

It is personally satisfying when readers of my blog discover my music and when my music listeners discover my articles. As these readers and listeners continue to grow in number, this provides me with a ready outlet for more articles, songs and music. I see it as a full circle of contribution. I am gratified that all this is made possible by my own personal commitment to inner growth.

It feels like right livelihood. When people buy our CDs, download our music and contribute in other ways, it’s a vote of confidence that I am on the right track of making available something worthwhile for the good of the whole. That inspires me to become an ever-clearer conduit for ideas, words and music to flow through me, knowing there is an appreciative place in the world for it.

Now, after all that, here’s the short answer: My plans are open-ended. My vision is win/win.

What advice can you offer other bloggers?

Since I am a relative newbie myself, my first morsel of advice would be to take my advice with a grain of salt. One of the ideas that made a lasting impression on me came via Esther Hicks to a fellow-writer friend of mine: “Write for your own connection.”

To me, that means the act of writing should be done first and foremost as an exercise to deepen your own understanding and facilitate your relationship with your own inner self. It allows you to entertain ideas, concepts and feelings in detail that have the power to make a dramatic difference in the quality of your life. Instead of being motivated to write for money or fame or recognition or shallow ego gratification, write for you. Write for (and from) that deepest part of you, which cries out for its connection to the infinite. I am confident that this approach provides the greatest benefit for the greatest number, including the writer.

Actively engage the mystery in your life. Be unique, be yourself, be the brilliant individual you were born to be, and do it in your own way. Nobody else in the whole world can do what you do. Be sincere, be real and light-hearted, and be committed to excellence.

Learn whenever you can from whomever you can. Be aware of any advice offered. But also beware.

“No one can give you better advice than yourself.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC)

Instead of basing your direction on the advice of others, look inside for your own way. Listen for (and expect) nudges, hunches and intuitive taps on the shoulder from you inner self. Learn to trust them and discover for yourself that your intuition has your own best interests at heart.

Whatever you do, do it well, and others will recognize your commitment to excellence and will be attracted to whatever you have to contribute. Make it fun so you enjoy the process. Be in the moment. Give first without attachment to outcomes. Balance that with your expectation of great things already moving toward you. Receive the abundance of life graciously. Be grateful every day. Take nothing for granted – especially the wonder of life itself. Most importantly, do whatever brings you joy.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Did you get something good from this article? You can also enjoy the feeling of giving. Click here to leave a donation for Tupelo. Thank you.

Listen FREE to the song samples below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Take the Plunge Their advice is “for your own good”, but the last thing you need to hear is their worst-case scenario. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor11 Soul in the Stars It feels good to try to see the bigger picture once in awhile,and to focus on gratitude for what we have, rather than the frustration of what we are lacking. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor4 Be Kind Your example and the kindness shown to others can have a rippling affect that goes on and on. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor9 Do What You Love Discovering what we have a true passion for, and then figuring out a way to build a life around that passion is one of life’s greatest feelings of accomplishment. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor10 Celebrate Life Create your own personal celebration of life by your choices, rather than allowing life to be something that merely happens to you, or around you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor2 Songs by Tupelo
The Power of Beginning The most important part of any project is the beginning. Just begin and follow through and you will be amazed at the momentum. . The creative power of the universe responds by lining up the details to bring it into manifestation. Coincidences begin to occur. Your job is to choose and then begin. Benefits of Music for Personal Development All music is not created equally. This article takes a look behind the scenes to catch a glimpse of how the intent of the composer translates to the feeling evoked in the listeners. Many links are included to streaming mp3s. Celebrate life through music! Take Time for You Don’t put yourself at the end of the list. You deserve to be first, at least some of the time. Don’t let your entire life slip by with everything else (and everyone else) getting preferential treatment over your most important priorities. Their needs are important, but yours are important too. Celebrate life by taking time for YOU! The Law of Attraction With anything as important as the law of attraction, it’s a good idea to hear it described many times from many different angles. This article looks at it from several viewpoints as well as revealing how to get the understanding of the law of attraction from the prime source. Many links are provided including links to streaming mp3 songs that incorporate the principles of attraction in the lyrics. Celebrate life with an ever-clearer grasp of how the law of attraction determines your life experience. Relax and Rejuvenate for Balance and Productivity Whatever you do, taking time to relax and regenerate helps you to do it better. If you don’t pause occasionally, shift your mind into neutral and recharge your batteries, your productivity plummets and you may not even realize it. You need time to let your mind wander – time to imagine new possibilities – time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life – time to nurture soul. Life is more than an endless to-do list, and many of its most important gifts come when you allow yourself to put the daily details on pause and just experience the simplicity of life in the moment with nothing in particular on your mind that needs to be done. How to Live the Life of Your Dreams Through Intuition Intuition feels good. That should be enough of a clue it’s something that can be trusted. But, our culture has done a thorough job of instilling doubt about the wisdom of following our instincts. Instead, we are taught to think things through and be logical. These mental tools are important, but they were never intended to be used instead of intuition. They work better when used in conjunction with intuition. If we are open to it, we get nudges and insights to move us in the direction of our greatest joys, our most valuable contributions, and our most satisfying life. Those quiet whispers and gentle taps on the shoulder are examples of inner guidance in action – intuition. Inspire Yourself on Purpose – Inspiration from Inside Out Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God There are two approaches people use to manifest their desires. Some set goals. Others surrender and presume the universe is conspiring to deliver to them their every desire without strain, in its own way and in its own time. Which way is better? Can these two methods be used together? Work – Just a Job or Visible Love Do you love what you do and do what you love? Here’s a step-by-step method on how to put your passions to work and start living the life you were born to live. Your Passion as Your Compass Allow your passions to stretch their wings and the direction of your life could surprise you – in a good way. Celebrate life with passion! Articles by Tupelo
Why wait for inspiration to strike? Be proactive, and go get it. Better yet, this newsletter brings it to you. “Inspired on Purpose” newsletter by Tupelo Kenyon contains articles, reviews and resources to supercharge your personal development, inspiration, productivity, abundance and joy. FREE e-book Instant download – when you subscribe. Personal Development Supercharger 101 Tips and Techniques by Tupelo Kenyon It’s FREE. Subscribe now. Enter name and email address below: Name: Email:
Privacy policy: Your email address is secure. I will not sell, rent or trade your information to anyone for any reason. Period. – Tupelo Kenyon

While traveling in Costa Rica, I was fascinated by leaf-cutter ants. I read about their efficient, organized and highly evolved society and watched them at work for hours. From this experience, I learned the value of working smarter by trying a different approach inspired by a broader perspective.

The ant trail looks like a miniature super highway with thousands of ants marching in single file. They are all carrying a piece of leaf, each one about the same size, carefully cut for maximum efficiency. Each load is larger and heavier than the ant itself and maxes out its carrying capacity.

The ant trail leads to a rocky area with an abrupt ten-foot drop – a miniature undercut cliff, impossible to walk down, especially with such an unwieldy load. Even though it’s breezy, there’s still a big pile of leaves at the edge of the cliff, dropped there by the ants that gave up. The cliff is obviously a dangerous route, especially when carrying a large leaf, which acts like a sail in the breeze. It’s too tall to jump, although there are leaves at the bottom of the cliff scattered around a few crippled ants and a few dead ones. Many ants get blown off the cliff or make the jump, even though their chances for success from the evidence below doesn’t look good.

A small percentage of the ants veer off before the cliff and climb a gentle incline. From up here, you can see the road taken by the majority, you can see the cliff, and you can see that route is not working. You can also see an easy route that goes around the cliff through the brush, protected from the breeze, and leading back to the ant colony.

Most of the ants continue to work harder. They struggle against the wind with their heavy loads. Some take perilous risks at the edge of the cliff. Some are damaged from their misguided exertion. Others are blown away. Some die.

A few ants dare to explore a new way, even though most of their peers continue blindly in the direction of the ant in front of them. These innovative ants explore a new direction. They try something new. They do things differently. They step away from the crowd, climb a little higher and are rewarded with a broader perspective.

They don’t fight the wind because they see it’s not necessary. They don’t jump or hang-glide off the cliff because they see it’s not necessary. Their overview of the situation provides them with an obvious solution . . . go around the cliff.

They work with less exertion; less danger. More efficiency. More success. They reach their objective.

Eventually, more and more of their peers will catch on and realize they too can reach their objective by working smarter instead of harder. In time, the route around the cliff will become the new super highway . . . until some free-thinker is inspired to strike out on his own to see the broader perspective and find an even better way.

Thinking about the ants, I realize how often we work harder . . . and harder . . . and harder . . . at the very same things. The solution is not to work harder. In fact, working harder is often the problem. We’re so consumed by the details of our busy-work, we don’t pause long enough to look up and catch a glimpse of the broader perspective.

Whatever our task, whatever our goal, there is likely a better way to approach it. There is likely a new and improved super highway waiting to be discovered by those willing to leave the herd mentality, be different, and trust their personal vision from the broader perspective.

Our Broader Perspective

What is our broader perspective, and how do we access it?

When I think of the view from our broader perspective, to me, it means the viewpoint of our inner self . . . who we really are. Without the filters of our ego, the world looks quite different. The problem is . . . this lofty viewpoint seems illusive. We all have access to it, but most of us spend the vast majority of the moments of our lives viewing the world through the eyes of ego.

Ego’s Perspective

We are conditioned by our current culture to identify ourselves with what we do, what we have and where we are. Who we are is missing from ego’s viewpoint.

Ego is anchored to the past and attached to the future. This present moment – right now – is illusive to the ego because ego’s realm is the world of thought rather than the world of being. The realm of being is all about the present and has nothing to do with yesterday and tomorrow.

Ego says, “I am a writer.”
The view from broader perspective is, “I am soul and enjoy writing.”

Ego says, “I am rich.”
The view from broader perspective is, “I am pure being and enjoy the process of manifesting in my life the abundance permeating the entire universe.”

Ego says, “I am an American.”
The view from broader perspective is, “I am that I am . . . currently focused in a particular body residing in this particular place.”

Ego says, “I am defined by my history and concerned about the future.”
The view from broader perspective is, “I am here and now in this perfect moment, as I always have been and as I always will be.”

Identifying with Broader Perspective on Purpose

People occasionally identify with broader perspective with no apparent effort or intent, but it’s rare to arrive at such a viewpoint accidentally. More commonly, brief glimpses are caught deliberately by intent, and repeated by personal discipline and the use of clever techniques.

Intent

After understanding the difference between society’s default sense of identity (ego) and who we really are (pure being), the natural inclination is to explore the realm of being. This is done by deliberate intent. It’s a subtle shift of attention away from all things outward (the realm of the ego) to inward states of being.

In the process, it’s not necessary to deny or deprive yourself from the myriad delightful physical experiences available. It is enough to loosen the attachment to them and most importantly, stop the personal identification with the physical senses and the objects of the senses. All these things are enhanced and enjoyed to the fullest once the intent is made to shift the personal identification away from the ego’s world of things to the soul’s realm of being.

Discipline

Discipline is simply a promise you make to yourself, once you are willing to apply the effort necessary to keep it. It seems the entire world conspires to make you forget who you really are – being. Through discipline, you promise to remind yourself to look through the illusion and identify with pure being in this present moment.

Clever Techniques

There are tools available to help access the realm of being more fully and more often, rather than hoping you will meander there accidentally.

1) Be still with attention on your breath. Breathe in. Breathe out. In and out. Over and over. Between the in and the out is a still point. Allow your attention to flow and expand into this stillness. This is only possible to do in this present moment – now. Whenever you are here, in the stillness, you are in the realm of being, experiencing your broader perspective, beyond the reach of ego.

2) Be still and observe your thoughts. Just watch them go by. It’s not necessary to try to change them or slow them or stop them. Just observe. Look for the gaps between thoughts. This quiet and peaceful (although fleeting) stillness is also available only in this present moment – right now. Whenever you detect a gap between thoughts, pour your attention into it and enjoy the sense of being that exists beyond thought. This awareness is the field that thoughts occur within. From here, you are able to watch the thoughts as they parade by, one after another. Since you are observing them, you are obviously not the thoughts . . . you are the watcher of the thoughts.

“Who is the watcher, who sits in the stillness and knows,
And who is the looker, who notices the king wears no clothes.
Who is the seer, who sees beyond the mind,
And who is the seeker, who’ll find the grand design.

“It’s everyone, and nobody at all,
Crying out, and heeding the call.
Reaching out . . . it’s the silent kind,
Reaching in . . . with an eye on the mind.

“Cause time keeps the sun shadowed from the face
It’s dawning is now and here is the place.
Not up ahead and not back then,
What else is there . . . If not now . . . When?”
From the song, “Who is the Watcher” by Tupelo Kenyon

3) Learn new meditation techniques. Here are some tips offered in previous articles, “Simple Toning Meditation” and “Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development.”

Focusing Our Perspective

The view from our broader perspective is not the kind of thing that you catch a glimpse of once and then automatically have it forever. True, you will likely remember it forever because this shift of identity away from ego and toward being is one of life’s grandest ah-ha moments. But it must be recaptured again and again. Intent, discipline and clever techniques are necessary because our culture constantly reinforces identifying with the ego – what you do, what you have and where you are.

Society’s machine depends upon an army of egos to make it tick. That’s just how it is. Still, society is a good tool to use deliberately to enhance our physical experience. We’re here to enjoy all aspects of our lives, including everything made possible by our senses, our cultures and even our egos. But to benefit from all these things, we don’t have to identify with them. It is not necessary to confuse any of them with who we are.

We are soul, pure being . . . the eyes, ears and hands of the universe itself – here on the leading edge of creation. Deep inside all of us is a spark of our source, and we can choose to identify with it or choose to ignore it. We are powerful beings. In fact, we are so powerful, we can chose to believe we are powerless and make it so by our belief.

Or, we can identify ourselves with the creative power of the universe, now experiencing its grandest creation from within the creation. Once we catch a glimpse of a view of this magnitude, our deliberate intent, personal discipline and clever techniques help us continue to sharpen the focus of our broader perspective.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the song samples below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

	Who is the Watcher Explores the silent witness within and the idea that life occurs in this present moment. Always. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor-14 Way of the World Life is so huge . . . so diverse . . . the possibilities are literally infinite. What’s the best way to sort it all out and carve out a little niche of our own? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor1 It’ll Be All Right Now It’s one thing to understand intellectually that the thoughts we think mold our experience, and another thing to live every moment as if it really is a basic law of nature. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor10 A Heartbeat in Eternity’s Highway In the grand scheme of things, what’s the difference between a single moment and all of eternity? What’s the point of reference? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor17 Soul in the Stars It feels good to try to see the bigger picture once in awhile,and to focus on gratitude for what we have, rather than the frustration of what we are lacking. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor4 Story Belt Celebrates the importance of keeping things in perspective while being a part of the bigger picture. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor8 Love is Who You Are "What is love, anyway?" Is it something you give or get, have or make? Or could it be, down deep, simply who we are? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor1 Within Without An atom and a solar system is virtually the same thing – mostly empty space! Even quantum physics is still wondering, "Is the universe a great big thing, or a great big thought?" http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor6 Same Olde Time Time – it’s so relative. "What if distant starlight shining in the endless sky is just the same, by a different name, as the twinkle in your eye?" http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor7 Songs by Tupelo
Simple Toning Meditation When it comes to meditation and contemplation, all we really need is a simple technique that produces obvious results. Celebrate life through this easy method of calming the mind and getting in closer touch with your inner being. Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development It’s helpful to have a helping hand once in awhile. I was fortunate to have friends show me how to meditate. It was just friends showing friends something cool . . . because they could. Or maybe it was some kind of big brother / big sister program for the spiritually ripe. It was easy. It was casual. It was a life-changing experience. Know Thyself – Ignore Comparisons and Be Yourself The average person is content to base self-knowledge on comparisons to other people. If this is the measure of self-knowledge, it is based on someone else’s standards. This practice misses the point of “Know Thyself.” Instead, it’s all about how to fit in. We are all unique individuals with our own strengths, talents and nudges leading us to embrace our own best life. True knowledge of self is attained from personal insights of looking inwardly rather than outwardly towards others. Appreciate Here and Now No matter what’s going on in your life right now, there’s something to appreciate about it. The act of appreciation rivets our consciousness to this present moment. With our attention focused on the here and now, we are living life fully, since right now is the only time there ever is. Self-Discipline in 3 Easy Steps Why is it so difficult to follow through and accomplish what you set out to do? Usually, there is one important missing ingredient: personal discipline. For most of us, the idea of discipline is an external force – it’s something that comes from the outside. For instance, we discipline our children. Most of us are familiar with discipline as a verb (something we do to someone else), but we’re not so familiar with the concept as a noun – something we cultivate from within and apply to ourselves. Enhance Your Self-Image on Purpose Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Ego or Soul? Who’s Driving Even though I identify my sense of self with soul, there seems to be another “something” inside forever jockeying for position and making its presence known. This is the ego. What’s the difference? How can you know which one is in charge? What are their characteristics? Since I prefer peace to mayhem and contentment to perpetual, blind striving, my goal is to keep soul in the driver’s seat as often as possible. Instead of an either/or situation, I like the idea of soul and ego peacefully coexisting in a manner that best serves the greater good. Articles by Tupelo

]]> http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/04/04/get-a-broader-perspective-%e2%80%93-do-it-different-and-work-smarter/feed/ 4 http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/03/28/trade-tv-time-for-habits-of-personal-development-and-success/ http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/03/28/trade-tv-time-for-habits-of-personal-development-and-success/#comments Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:00:56 +0000 Tupelo http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/03/28/trade-tv-time-for-habits-of-personal-development-and-success/ For instrumental music while reading, choose: hi-fi (broadband) or low-fi.

We are creatures of habit. In fact, psychologists say that up to 90% of our behavior is habitual.

Think of all your daily routines and notice how many of them are habits – good or bad. We have developed habits to get out of bed in a certain way, brush our teeth in a certain way, get dressed in a certain way. Likewise, most of our day is consumed by various habits: coffee drinking, the route we drive to work, the way we organize our projects, the foods we eat, and our TV time. All habits.

Once we recognize how much life is absorbed in habits, we are free to change them.

Successful people, in all areas of life, have cultivated habits deliberately to help support their intentions. Successful people, including those who excel at personal development don’t just accidentally meander to the top. Their journey is one of deliberate intent, discipline, and the cultivation of good habits that help attract the outcomes they envision.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Default Habits

The other people, the ones not at the top of their game, have allowed bad habits to monopolize their time and energy. Instead of choosing deliberately which habits best support their vision for the future, they allow default habits to drive their lives.

Default habits are the ones we inherit from others. Adopted unconsciously, they are often developed at a young age and come for our parents or other family members. It’s the way things have always been, so it seems natural to continue in the same way. It seems natural until you really stop and think about it, that is.

So many of these inherited habits were not deliberately chosen by your parents either. They were inherited from their parents. And so on, throughout the generations. This is one of the reasons why it feels uncomfortable at times around certain family members. They are still gripped by default habits that you have deliberately retired from your experience.

Examples of inherited habits include dietary details including the way you snack, the tone of voice you use talking to your spouse, your tolerance for clutter, how you maintain your vehicle, the way you interact with strangers, and the way you react to . . . (fill in the blank). Of course, each family passes on many of their own habits and idiosyncrasies.

For example, when Janey and I were first together, she had the annoying habit of leaving the kitchen cupboards open. I’d mention it to her as I followed her around closing cabinets, again and again. When I pointed it out to her, she’d shrug and say, “Okay.” Then I spent some time with her at her parent’s place. Ah ha . . . her Mom did the same thing. As a joke, when nobody was looking, I opened every single cupboard and cabinet, top and bottom, then went into the living room to wait. Throughout the evening, Janey and her Mom went into the kitchen several times, separately and together, but nothing was said. When I went back in the kitchen after everyone else had gone to bed, all the doors were exactly as I had left them – wide open. Nobody even noticed. So I went around and closed them all with a sigh.

Do a little brainstorming. Think of all the habits you have inherited unconsciously from your family. Make a list. Once you see them written down, it will be apparent which ones are serving you and which ones are working against you. Those inherited habits that support your vision of yourself can be reinforced and made stronger by your deliberate intent. The habits that are in opposition to your personal vision of yourself can be more easily modified or eliminated once you focus your conscious attention on them.

“Habits…the only reason they persist is that they are offering some satisfaction…You allow them to persist by not seeking any other, better form of satisfying the same needs. Every habit, good or bad, is acquired and learned in the same way – by finding that it is a means of satisfaction.” – Juliene Berk

Personal Examples of the Different Kinds of Habits

1) Inherited Default Habit (Useful) – Like most of us, I learned the habit of brushing my teeth from my parents. When I was in my mid-twenties, I became friends with an excellent dentist. He taught me the value of proper brushing technique and flossing every day. I adopted his good habits, and haven’t missed a day in over 30 years. A few years later, I added two more steps to my routine. I learned the benefits of gum massage with an electric “Sonicare” toothbrush, as well as daily rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. This daily dental hygiene routine is a good example of a beneficial habit, originally inherited and later adapted (improved) to fit my specific objectives. It has been effective. I’ve never had a cavity and have no caps, crowns, root canals or anything else artificial in my mouth . . . and that’s rare for a 56 year old.

2) Inherited Default Habit (Destructive) – Both of my parents smoked the entire I lived at home, so it seemed only natural that I smoked too. (In fact, I was probably smoking the equivalent of a pack a day since birth, just from the second-hand smoke recirculating in our house.) I started the “first-hand” smoking habit at about 16 and continued until I was 25. That’s a long time, but fortunately I quit that nasty habit instead of mirroring my parents’ habit. They smoked into their 60’s.

3) New Habit (Chosen on Purpose) – About ten years ago, I realized how beneficial it would be to adopt a daily exercise routine. When I discovered “The Five Tibetans,” I recognized it as a good fit for my traveling lifestyle. It’s easy, quick, thorough and I can do it anywhere at any time with no special equipment, apparatus or specialized clothing. And it is effective. I have stayed strong and fit and have good muscle tone in those places where most people my age have become overweight, loose and flabby. This is an example of a new habit deliberately cultivated to produce a desired effect. (See a previous article, “5 Tibetan Rites – Easy Yoga for Busy People.”)

Do You Have Habits or Do Habits Have You?

Those habits that are deliberately chosen by you to support a particular objective or goal are habits you have. The other habits, the default ones that you inherited from others are habits that have you. You are in their grip, whether you know it or not. It’s up to you to show them who has the power. This can be done in three simple steps:

1) Make a list of your habits and identify them as either a default, inherited habit or a personally cultivated habit deliberately chosen to support your direction.

2) For all inherited habits, either modify them to fit who you are now and where you are going, or if it feels like a bad habit, replace it with a good habit that feels better. For all your inherited, good habits, how can you improve them to make them serve you better?

3) For all your deliberately chosen habits, revisit them from time to time and evaluate whether or not they need to be modified to better fit who you are now.

“Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.” – Nathaniel Emmons

The TV Habit

Watching television is another habit – one of the most insidious. We reach for the remote control like zombies. The same routine occurs almost every day at the same time. The TV flickers to life, while our life is put on hold. Instead of living a real life, we watch other people live a make-belief life, strategically concocted by network executives to increase their corporate bottom-line by convincing you to buy stuff you didn’t realize you needed . . . (and you probably don’t!)

The programming has little to do with your personal journey of personal development and nothing to do with the success you envision in your future. Since your TV time is not contributing to the attraction of your personal vision, it is working against you by filling your head with ideas and images that take you in every conceivable direction except the one you have deliberately chosen.

Granted, some of the programming can be inspiring and expose you to new people, places and possibilities, but few people are selective enough to actively choose the inspirational and avoid the detrimental. Instead, it’s all too common for the average viewer to be content watching whatever happens to come on next. If nothing good is on, they choose the best of the bad instead of turning the TV off.

Is it Relaxing? Really?

Is it Relaxing? Really?

A common defense of the TV addict goes something like this: “After a long day at work, I’m tired. I just want to relax and turn off my mind. Watching television is relaxing.” This is a habit of thought. Many of us are so hoodwinked by television, we have forgotten what is truly relaxing . . . a stroll after dinner, soft music and candlelight, a massage, meditation or curling up with a good book. What’s so relaxing about seeing all that violence and all that inane fluff on TV?

By the age of 14, the average American teenager has already witnessed over 12,000 simulated murders on TV. This number just represents the fatalities. They have also been up close and personal with untold episodes of televised violence of every description . . . all in the name of entertainment!

Is this really our collective idea of the proper images to pound into these young, receptive, formative minds? Is this the best we have to offer them, or are we just lazy, complacent and indifferent because we have been desensitized ourselves by tens of thousands of the same gory images? As a race, how did we evolve (or de-volve) to this point where we consider murder entertaining? Is this kind of personal psychic abuse really the method chosen by millions to “relax and turn off the mind?”

Yes, their thoughts are successfully drowned out by the bright colors, flashing lights and carnage of TV, but at what cost? If by relaxing, the average person means they enjoy their gray matter turning to pudding, the addictive drug of television is perfect.

But people like you, who read these articles, are not average. (In fact, calling you average would be an insult.) You are interested in personal development and living an inspired life. You probably watch far less TV than average and you are probably selective and use some of the technology now available to cherry-pick the programs and watch only the best of the best.

However, TV time is a black hole for most because it is such a common default habit. It’s good to review just how bad it has become in order to stay alert to the danger of this most pervasive habit.

A Default Habit Run Amuck

The average person, according to the most recent figures from Nielsen Media Research Inc., watches TV for 4 hours and 35 minutes every day. (I’ve read other research indicating we watch 6 hour per day.) Furthermore, according to Nielsen, the average household has a TV playing for 8 hours 15 minutes every day. Looking at the figures, let’s say the average American is “subjected to” TV about 6 hours per day, whether or not it has the viewer’s full attention. That is a huge chunk of time that could be used more productively. Let’s take a look at how much time this really is, and put it in perspective:

Six hours a day equals 42 hours per week. (That’s in the ballpark of an average work-week.) 42 hours per week equals about 175 hours per month, which equals 2100 hours per year. Six hours per day is one-fourth of a twenty-four hour day. So, the average American spends about one-quarter of all time available in their entire life (including sleep time) staring at the boob tube. After sixty years of allowing this habit to have its way with you, a full fifteen years of your life is gone . . . down the tube.

That’s a huge chunk of life, and only in the last few generations has it been an option to invest so much of one’s life energy vegetating in front of flickering images. Is it fulfilling? How much does it contribute to your quality of life? Is that good enough for you?

Imagine lying on your deathbed and saying, “Gee, I wish I would have watched more TV!”

Imagine what you could do with an extra fifteen years of life. Read a thousand books? Write a few of your own? Learn to play a musical instrument? Spend more quality time with family and friends? Start a new business? Enjoy the satisfaction of taking great strides in your own personal development and expansion of consciousness?

What’s important to you? Whatever it is, could you use an extra fifteen years to enjoy it?

Just One Hour a Day Adds Up

Quitting television cold-turkey is impractical for most people, but my own personal experience makes me recommend the “off” button anyway. (See a previous article, “The Trouble with TV.”)

You may be more comfortable weaning yourself away from the TV habit a little at a time. Begin by re-appropriating just one hour per day away from the TV. Let’s see how that adds up over time:

An hour per day is 7 hours per week, 30 hours per month, 365 hours per year. If you consider an average 40-hour work-week, turning off the TV for just one hour per day frees up over nine 40-hour work-weeks per year. That’s over two months of work-time available to be reinvested by “sacrificing” only one hour of boob-tube-time per day!

What to Do with All That Extra Time

Could you handle having extra time? Most of us are so busy, so frazzled and worn out from the pace of modern life, the prospect of all that free time seems too good to be true. How do you choose the best way to spend so much time?

Begin by examining what you’ve been telling yourself and others for years. Have you ever said this? “If I only had more time, I’d love to . . . (fill in the blank.)”

Choose something that brings you joy and personal satisfaction. You could choose to exercise more, take a college course or further your own personal education by reading more.

If you trade an hour of TV time for reading time, you could read a book per week, four per month, fifty-two per year. In twenty years, that’s over a thousand additional books that you didn’t realize you had time for. Imagine what a thousand books could do to help round out your knowledge on topics such as personal development, inspiration, success, motivation, health, fitness, awareness and spirituality.

Just in the area of success, if you read more books than the average person in your field and apply even a small percentage of what you learn, you’ll have a tremendous advantage. If knowledge is power, your new habit of re-appropriating an hour per day can pay off in powerful ways.

And what do you have to give up for all these benefits? You will be giving up only one hour of TV that you were probably only marginally interested in anyway! You’ll never miss it.

Real Relaxation

If you watch TV to “relax and turn off the mind,” just imagine what you could do with an hour per day deliberately invested on relaxation without TV getting in the way. Focus directly on deep relaxation and stilling the mind without all the harmful side effects of bombarding your subconscious mind with TV’s violent images. You’ll find it easier to de-stress with the TV off.

To experience deep, revitalizing relaxation, get comfortable and listen to music specifically created to help you enjoy peace and tranquility. Here’s a good place to start: “Celestial Sounds of Harmony and Light” and “Celestial Sounds Volume 2.” This music was created deliberately to help you calm your mind and relax your body. The mellow instruments, soothing harmonies and peaceful pace of approximately 60 beats per minute work wonders to help your heartbeat and breathing also calm down to 60 per minute. From this serene state, it’s easier to slip into the alpha state of consciousness where deep peace, increased vitality, spiritual revelations and personal healing occur. (For more details, see a previous article: “Benefits of Music for Personal Development.”)

For even deeper states, learn how to meditate . . . or take your meditations to new levels by trying new techniques. (See previous articles for details: “Simple Toning Meditation” and “Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development.”)

If you have always considered TV as relaxing, and justified your TV-time as a tool to help you unwind, try this: As an experiment, substitute just one hour of TV-time with soothing music, meditation, or a combination of both. Try it for two weeks. Give it an honest test, and then take an unbiased inventory of your feelings. Which makes you feel more relaxed, peaceful, centered and energized? How did it affect your work-day? Which makes you feel better about yourself and your life? What gives you more joy? How do you feel?

Everyone wants to feel better, so why not try this one-hour-per-day test and evaluate your own results?

The Next Step

The one-hour-per-day approach is like baby steps. Once you experience the advantages of more deliberately choosing your habits and how to invest your time, you will likely be inspired to take off the training wheels and turn off the TV more often. Before long, you’ll notice you’ve developed new habits (on purpose). Remember both meanings of “on purpose:”

1) On purpose – deliberately, intentionally, consciously, knowingly, by design.

2) On purpose – in alignment with your personal sense of purpose, in sync with your chosen direction, in harmony with your current idea of living your life in such a way as to contribute the greatest good for the greatest number, and that includes you.

Your new habits will become good friends – trusted allies. Instead of inherited, default habits, these new habits will be ones you chose for yourself because they help take you where you want to go. Instead of reaching for the remote and hitting the “on” button, you’ll habitually hit the “off” button and pick up a good book. Whenever the TV is blaring and dominating your thoughts, your conversations, your life . . . you will enjoy the habit of picking up the remote, squeezing the power button and taking back your own personal power.

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryan

The Good, the Bad and the Insidious

Habits are a fact of life. They can be good for you or bad for you. With growing awareness of the power of habits, you can recognize which is which. Then, you can deliberately transform the bad ones into whatever is good for YOU.

“Sow an act…reap a habit;
Sow a habit…reap a character;
Sow a character…reap a destiny.”
- George Dana Boardman

You are not forever stuck with the habits of others. Recognizing them for what they are is the important first step in reclaiming the moments of your life previously frittered away unconsciously. You have so little to lose and so much to gain by deliberately re-appropriating the moments of your life to support your personal vision of the future.

“Choose the life that is most useful, and habit will make it the most agreeable.” – Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

Turn off the TV and begin NOW. If you choose to reinvest your valuable time in personal development and inspiration, here’s a link to an inspiring list of books, any one of which can bring you more benefits and life-long dividends, compared to tonight’s episode of . . . (fill in the blank).

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the song samples below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Way of the World Life is so huge . . . so diverse . . . the possibilities are literally infinite. What’s the best way to sort it all out and carve out a little niche of our own? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor1 Trash Our Treasures People seem to have a history of awarding seemingly insignificant details with places of prominence in our lives, while ignoring or even destroying the most important aspects. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor2 A Heartbeat in Eternity’s Highway In the grand scheme of things, what’s the difference between a single moment and all of eternity? What’s the point of reference? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor17 Time of Our Lives Time is so fleeting, so elusive, it’s good to remember the importance and power of living right now. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor7 Takin’ My Time It’s easy to simply give away so much of your time that there’s none left for you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor15 Celebrate Life Create your own personal celebration of life by your choices, rather than allowing life to be something that merely happens to you, or around you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor2 Do What You Love Discovering what we have a true passion for, and then figuring out a way to build a life around that passion is one of life’s greatest feelings of accomplishment. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor10 Fill o’ the Fair This carnival of life is so rich and diverse, let’s squeeze every bit of happiness, joy, and delight as possible out of every single day. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor14 You Gotta Have Fun Our moments are fleeting . . . and finite. Too few to squander on "bad news". We must steer our attention deliberately in order to attract the kind of life we were born to live. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor20 Songs by Tupelo
	The Trouble with TV Does TV enhance our life experience or get in the way of living our lives? Celebrate life with this refreshing perspective on the boob tube. Benefits of Music for Personal Development All music is not created equally. This article takes a look behind the scenes to catch a glimpse of how the intent of the composer translates to the feeling evoked in the listeners. Many links are included to streaming mp3s. Celebrate life through music! Simple Toning Meditation When it comes to meditation and contemplation, all we really need is a simple technique that produces obvious results. Celebrate life through this easy method of calming the mind and getting in closer touch with your inner being. Guided Meditation for Self-Healing and Personal Development It’s helpful to have a helping hand once in awhile. I was fortunate to have friends show me how to meditate. It was just friends showing friends something cool . . . because they could. Or maybe it was some kind of big brother / big sister program for the spiritually ripe. It was easy. It was casual. It was a life-changing experience. 5 Tibetan Rites – Easy Yoga for Busy People Everywhere you look, people seem to be too busy . . . too busy to take care of themselves and exercise. Here’s a quick solution that you won’t have to force yourself to do. In only 10 or 15 minutes per day, you can stretch your whole body (all muscle groups) and even help rev up your charkas (if you subscribe to that sort of thing). It’s fun, it makes you feel good and you can see the results. Self-Discipline in 3 Easy Steps Why is it so difficult to follow through and accomplish what you set out to do? Usually, there is one important missing ingredient: personal discipline. For most of us, the idea of discipline is an external force – it’s something that comes from the outside. For instance, we discipline our children. Most of us are familiar with discipline as a verb (something we do to someone else), but we’re not so familiar with the concept as a noun – something we cultivate from within and apply to ourselves. Enhance Your Self-Image on Purpose Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Inspire Yourself on Purpose – Inspiration from Inside Out Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Choose Excellence and Lose Mediocrity What if you knew that a life of excellence was lurking right around the corner, if you would only prioritize your moments in such a way so that you could recognize it. Take an objective look at the various activities of your life. Get inspired to lose the mediocre to make room for something better. Methods as Temporary Tools Instead of Lifetime Crutches We are obsessed with our methods. We become attached to our particular way of doing things. The trouble comes when we cling to an old method that we have outgrown. We feel bogged down and then stuck when our personal development potential is being limited by an outdated method. If your method feels more like a crutch than a tool, it’s time to take an objective look at it. Is the method in question bringing you peace and joy? Is it helping your personal growth, or is it just a familiar and comfortable habit of thought? Integrity Through Self-Reliance When you live your life as if the whisperings from your soul really matter, you are living life in your own way, on your own terms, based on your own realizations on what is right . . . what is good . . . and what is true for you. You are tuned into your own station. The signal you are receiving and the message you are broadcasting with the story of your life are both on the same frequency. You are joyfully and gratefully choosing your favorites from the buffet of life. Spiritually Thriving Through Choice As we go through the motions of life, eventually it becomes apparent that what we have to do to get by needs to be balanced with our deep longing to thrive spiritually. Our activities need to be undertaken consciously. Our choices need to be made deliberately – with full awareness of the potential consequences as well as the potential rewards. The Power of Beginning The most important part of any project is the beginning. Just begin and follow through and you will be amazed at the momentum. . The creative power of the universe responds by lining up the details to bring it into manifestation. Coincidences begin to occur. Your job is to choose and then begin. Articles by Tupelo

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