You Are A Gift

Each of us is individual, special and different for a reason: You are a gift to the planet.

Anthropology tells us we are different because we survive better that way-the recombining of genes in sexual reproduction makes us a stronger species than cloning would.

However, that doesn't account for the beauty of our differences. Each of us is a special package, a gift to the planet. If you're looking for a reason for your life, look into your gifts. The whole point is to discover what you have to give, and to give it as effectively as possible.

I believe I came into this planet to heal: First, to heal myself and learn to value who I am, then to help heal the planet, one person at a time.

Healing is an art; not just a science or a technology. It's not enough to throw the latest scientific discovery or medical advance at the problem -you have to get into all the messy, bleeding, hurting parts, sort out the problem, and clear the blocks so the healing can begin.

All my experience, personal and professional, verifies that this is the only way it can be done. There are many different paths that can be used to get into the healing mode, and they all lead to the same place-love. Healing only takes place in an atmosphere of love. My clients heal as they learn to love themselves, and demonstrating love to those around you will create a healing atmosphere. But what is love?

Love is a confusing word. We use it to mean obligation: "If you love me you'll... " We use it for dependency: "I love you, I can't live without you." We use it for ownership: "Weíre in love, we belong to each other." We use it for charity: "I do this for you because I love you."

I want to see love freed. I think the world exists on love, and that it is love which binds us together.

Science has not yet understood the mysterious force which holds the tiny particles of the atom together, and thus holds everything in our physical world together. Pretend with me that the binding force is love: If that were true, then weíd each be an expression of love and surrounded by love. The phrase"God is love" would take on new dimensions.

We would be free and able to let our partners be free, because we would not have to do anything to be bonded. And we would not have to prove to ourselves that we love-it would be obvious to all around us. We could let our partners be different without being scared-just as protons and neutrons are different and express themselves differently, yet remain bonded.

So, I talk frequently about love, and as much as possible, walk my talk. I want my life to be about freeing love. I believe love grows out of freedom, that free beings are open to loving and being loved. It is not possible to push or force people into loving. The only thing that works is leaving enough room for love to grow.

The more free people there are, the more love will be freed in the world. I invite you to join me in creating as much non-demanding, non-possessive love as we can in the world.

https://ezinearticles.com/?You-Are-A-Gift&id=10290244

It Could Have Been Me (By Dave Harm)

He who is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her - John 8:7

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? - Matthew 7:3-5

I make some extra money working in the security field at a major transportation hub in the United Kingdom. As such I meet people from all sorts of life. And many of these lives I have lived. I can walk down the road from one location to another and see a dozen homeless people. Holding a cup begging for loose change.

It is hard not to look and see the loss of a will to live. Eyes that are dead. Bodies that are well underweight. Faces that are sunk in. Workers at homeless shelters say it is not wise to give these folks money because it keeps their lifestyle going. If they don't receive any money than they may go to a shelter to get the help they need.

I can't judge these folks. I have been homeless. I was homeless because I lost a job. Why did I lose a job? Because I was a drunk and an addict. When you get to that point it is hard to get away from it. I'm not sure what the answer is but giving them your pennies is not the answer.

In the city of Manchester (England) they have started a charity to raise funds for the homeless. This is a start. If the majority of the money is used for the sheltering, feeding, medical care, and helping these folks become part of society again then it is well worth it. Time will tell.

Another group of people I see a lot. Are women of the night. Prostitutes. Like it or not it is a profession. It is a service. I am on a talking basis with a couple of these ladies. Most of the time, I see them late at night - after their work is done. I see them carrying their backpacks with what I assume is their "work uniforms." They are dressed in plain clothes, jeans and a loose top just wanting to get home. We see each other and say hello and then I wish them a good day, which always rewards me with a smile and a thank you.

It wasn't until just recently I saw one of these ladies on her way to work. She had on her outfit, which left little to the imagination. Just by looking at her and our very light conversations, I believe she isn't an addict or an alcoholic. She is a lady who is trying to earn money. Whether it is right or wrong doesn't matter. She is working, she is earning a living. She isn't stealing from anyone. She is not robbing some store for money.

What I found sad about it was seeing her basically with nothing on. She was all business, as in she didn't try to cover anything up, nor did she break eye contact with me. Without saying a word, she was telling me that she was still the same person that I say hi too. The same person whose chest and ass was exposed for any customer to see, is the same person I chat with who wears jeans and plain trainers.

When I started this job, I was told that I can't be nice with "them" or they will walk all over me. I never really separated them from me. Who are "them"? I can't judge. I have been homeless and there is no doubt in my mind that if I could have made money selling my body I would have done that as well. The only difference between me and these ladies that I have met is that they are doing it to keep a roof over their heads, while I would have done it to feed my addiction.

https://ezinearticles.com/?It-Could-Have-Been-Me&id=9814290

Change, Oh No, Not That

How many times have you thought, or heard, someone say, "I hate change."

Change seems to be one of those words, like confrontation, that makes us shiver. Somehow it seems to have a negative connotation, like it's a bad thing. It's something to be avoided. It's something to fear.

So often we judge our fear of change and call ourselves names, by saying things such as, "I'm such a baby." Or "What a wimp." Judging our fear of change will tend to cement the fear into place as opposed to helping us tune in to that fear and discover what is at the core to help us to work through this fear.

What is it About Change that is So Uncomfortable?

As creatures of habit many of us love routine and predictability. Most of us find comfort in the familiar and resist changing our status quo. We must explore just what it is about change that makes us feel uncomfortable in order to begin the process of working through our fear and discover what spurs our anxiety at the very thought of a new approach.

Is your Fear of Change Rooted in your Childhood or Adolescence?

As a child, adolescent, or young adult, if we lived in the same place for a long period of time and were not exposed to much change, then change as an adult is unfamiliar and may feel uncomfortable. The thought of change may provoke anxiety.

If we experienced frequent change in our youth, and were not emotionally prepared by our parents to learn how to adjust to the new experience, then as an adult we may crave the need to stay in one place, physically, emotionally, spiritually, or relationship-wise.

• We might have heard messages like... "Don't do that, you might get hurt."

• Perhaps we had a helicopter Mom, or Dad, who hovered when we were exploring outside the family box of friends, games or activities.

• We may have lived in a rigid and confining household.

• Or our household was so chaotic, and inconsistent, that as an adult we crave "stability". Even if what we are doing is not fulfilling and making us happy.

Is Fear, or Anxiety, the Primary Reason that Change Feels so Uncomfortable?

If we identify fear or anxiety as the root cause, then it's important to know this, and honor these feelings. To connect with that part of ourselves, and look deep inside, so we can explore the origins. To begin to explore what that part of us has to teach us before we move forward to make changes.

Is it the Fear of the Unknown, the Unfamiliar, or of What Might Happen?

• What if I make a mistake?

• Is it that we believe that the enemy we know is better than the one we don't and we have a fear of the unknown?

Often when we think of change, we consider the possible negative consequences of it, as opposed to the possible positive consequences.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Change,-Oh-No,-Not-That&id=9663273

The Path to Peace, Happiness, and a Sense of Purpose Through the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path

Sweet Medicine SunDance Path: What Programs does DTMMS Offer?

The Sweet Medicine Sundance Path offers an approach to modern life that helps people live with greater integrity, maturity and individuality. Their worldwide programs address the crucial need of humans to move knowledge beyond mental facts and into lived experiences. This experiential approach to learning provides a creative space for each person to gain spiritual transformation. DTMMS is the parent organization of the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path. Their vision is to inspire beauty, excellence, and knowledge so that all people gain direct access to peace, happiness and a higher sense of purpose.

Longhouse Program: Why is it Important?

Students and teachers meet in community settings called Longhouses where specific teachings are provided. Once the concepts and ideas have been discussed, students leave the classroom and spend time in nature to absorb what they learned on a deeper level.

Being in nature allows people to experience the elements and "worlds" of Grandmother Earth. The earth is home to 5 elements (water, earth, air, fire and the void) and 5 worlds (plants, minerals, animals, humans and the spirit realm). Nature becomes a teacher that helps each individual test knowledge for themselves. In this way, knowledge becomes wisdom.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge is a Longhouse program for people dedicated to reaching their highest potential. It celebrates community by bringing together people who desire to learn about their connection with all forms of life. Red Lodge students gain tools and experiences that help them create greater life balance, health, and spiritual connection. The teachings are designed to enhance each person's individual spiritual understanding and therefore people of all spiritual traditions and religions can find incredible benefit and growth. Red Lodge Longhouses are currently offered in Arizona, Italy, Canada and Australia.

What is Ceremony?

Ceremony is one of the foundational features of the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path and is included in all programs and events. Through ceremony, people create a deep connection with Spirit, one of the names for the mysterious, all-encompassing, divine energy of the universe. Ceremonies are done in both individual and group settings, and each ceremony has a purpose and intent for creating a desired change in reality.

Life Transitions: Who needs Rites of Passage Ceremonies?

Rites of Passage ceremonies support and facilitate a person's maturation and growth throughout their life. They occur at specific life transitions and honorably mark the movement into the next phase of the person's development. These ceremonies are said to be essential for human growth. Without them, humans can mature at a much slower speed and experience unnecessary challenges in relating to their world.

A Rites of Passage ceremony marks the transition from one phase of life to another; life, marriage and death to name a few. This can include Baptisms, Naming Ceremonies, Debutante balls and the Quinceanera as well as the Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah in the Jewish traditions. The Sweet Medicine SunDance Path offers Rites of Passage ceremonies at several key places throughout a person's life. There are ceremonies for the parents before a child is born, after the child is born, naming ceremonies and various phases of the child's life into their adulthood. There are adult Rites of Passage ceremonies as well.

The Sweet Medicine SunDance Path supports the availability of spiritual knowledge for all humans. Spiritual knowledge is a roadmap for how to live with integrity and place attention on what actually works. Many people who attend programs and ceremonies in this tradition learn how to overcome personal challenges and access their individual excellence.

https://ezinearticles.com/?The-Path-to-Peace,-Happiness,-and-a-Sense-of-Purpose-Through-the-Sweet-Medicine-SunDance-Path&id=10067309

The 3 Requirements to Level Up Your Success

For the majority of us, success doesn't come by accident. Success happens because of a chain of events. Though the word success may be a subjective thing, the words achievement and progress are not. In order to reach success, whatever it means to you, you must achieve and progress. It's easy to lose focus and motivation especially in the down times so I want to give you my trick that has helped me stay focused on my success over the years. I learned these through my martial arts training and have been applying them to my health, businesses, and relationships. I call them my 3 requirements to level up and reach success.

Motivation, drive and focus crumble when the greater vision is lost or doubt or something negative grabs your attention pulling you away from your goals. I've found this happens because the connection to your purpose was broken. The first step here is to refurbish your purpose. What are you thriving for? Be specific.

For example, this article has two main purposes. Number one, I really hope these three tips help people to get back on track toward reaching their goals and success. Secondly, it helps to get my name out there. Why is this important to me? So perhaps I could help as many people as possible in achieving their successes.

Define what your purpose is. Write it down and know it's okay if it evolves over time. As you reach levels of success, you want to adjust your purpose accordingly but, by stating your purpose and knowing it gives you a direction where to put your focus and apply your effort.

Once you have your purpose you need to get obsessed with it. Obsession is a powerful tool to keep the fuel in the tank, foot on the gas and do what you have to keep pushing through. Obsession glues you to your daily tasks.

What are you doing every day? Why is what you're doing important? Re-confirm your goals daily until you become obsessed with your goals.

Finally, you have to get committed. As a teacher of the martial arts for over 10 years I've found people have to become obsessed in order to truly get committed.

Knowing your purpose comes first. You have to know what you're committing yourself to. I hear personal development experts all the time saying you have to commit. Commit, commit, commit! Commit to your goals! But, they miss the purpose thing. How do you know if you're setting the right goals for yourself if you don't have your purpose down? Which means you may be committing to the wrong thing, that you're not obsessed about and you can't get obsessed about because you know in the back of your mind that it's not what you want to achieve.

Leveling up your game and your success isn't about creating habits. It isn't about creating goals to check off the list. It's about making success a daily requirement and knowing exactly where to aim your efforts. Know your purpose, get obsessed with your purpose and now you're going to get committed to your purpose. Now you have a real foundation to build real ideal goals for yourself.

It's easier to read the map when you already know where you're going and where you're starting from.

If you can't get obsessed with a purpose you gave yourself then it's probably not your purpose. Don't take what somebody else is doing and confuse yourself about having to or wanting to do the same thing the exact same way. Here's an exercise I do and I have my students do to find what your true purpose is.

Turn off the videos, close the books and block out any outside influences for about 2 weeks. Go somewhere secluded in a natural environment and spend 2 weeks with just yourself and your thoughts. To locate your purpose you need to break off outside influences.

Anytime you're falling off track just go reconnect with your purpose. Leveling up is not about what motivates you. Motivation wears off. Drive and obsession don't wear off. What you're obsessed with you'll be committed to.

https://ezinearticles.com/?The-3-Requirements-to-Level-Up-Your-Success&id=9848248

The Truth About Beliefs - How The Masses Get Programmed

Success - "Ignore Everything"

Without sounding egotistical, one of the "core" tricks to massive success I have found is to "ignore everything else". What does this mean and why it is important?

Success is a huge word, and can mean anything from recovering from a terminal disease to being able to walk again after a horrific crash. Most people attribute it to the accumulation of wealth, which is fine.

The point is that if you want to be "successful", the BIGGEST problem will likely be *you*. You'll either talk your way out of actually stepping up and doing - what ends up being quite mundane / simple - things.

Becoming "successful" basically means being able to follow through on a specific goal no matter what else might be distracting you. Everyone has distractions - from your kids to bills. The best people are absolutely and completely focused on the fulfilment of the various goals they may have.

These "goals" differ - but the process remains the same. They are absolutely committed to their fulfilment. The level at which you're able to do this typically determines the level of success you'll be able to achieve in the wider world.

Take "making money" - what most people would attribute to "success".

The earning of money doesn't differ between people. You exchange a service for a token of value - which in our society is money. The money you earn - or at least what other people attribute to you - is based primarily on the level of service you provide. Effective services typically equal higher paying buyers.

If you're looking to embark on a journey of successful money-making, you basically need to identify your ability to create an effective service. This can be anything. But - most importantly - you need to stick to that level of service no matter what.

This BIGGEST MISTAKE people make (and I've made it countless times) is to become distracted - either by shiny objects, other people... or the voice that lives in your head. The latter option here (the voice) is actually the biggest reason why most people never really do very much; they give in too easily.

If you wish to overcome your current standing in life - the big thing you need to do is to essentially "train" yourself to focus on one goal at a time, and pursue it with all vigor. Those who do this actually end up being successful in other areas of life, too.

The trick to doing this is actually quite simple - create a "reward" system which gives you little bits of respite in the pursuit of the goal.

For example, say you're looking to "start an online business" - and say you're looking to create $100,000 turnover in the first year (which won't happen)... the "reward system" you create needs to be tied to you building a simple mechanism through which you're able to sequentially work your way up to the $100,000.

To do it, you'd basically break the goal down into "two" parts - "long term" and "short term" revenue projects.

• Short term revenue is basically where you'll go out and look for paying work - either online or offline. There are many "freelancing" websites such as Fiverr and Upwork which can do this. You'll use this as your "food money" budget - allowing you to create services or provide value in order to feed and house yourself.
• Long term revenue is somewhat different, and where most people become disjointed. Creating $100,000 income is not really that difficult if you appreciate what goes into doing it. However, the issue for most is they will try and pursue it immediately. This doesn't work; you need to invest into more rigid products & projects in order to bring in that sort of money consistently.

To get to the $100,000 revenue target, you will need to essentially feed your momentum with many smaller goals - short term revenue - which you can then use to fuel the higher level projects that can be used to create the $100k income.

You'll note that ALL of this is absent of "competition" and "market conditions" - it's entirely based on YOUR output. Quality output towards your goal equals success. This is what you have to do - blind yourself to the various "problems" which may stand in your imagination - but not real life.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Success---Ignore-Everything&id=9943180