Found this video this morning.... makes a great start for a positive, fulfilling day!
Enjoy!
Here's to continuing the Journey.... choosing inspiring words to live by....
-Becky
Life is a journey. We may never reach "perfection", but it doesn't matter. The process - the Journey - and how we live our lives day-to-day - that is what matters! Striving to live with intention, passion and open-hearted awareness, I share tips, tools, techniques, and motivational materials along the way. I hope you'll join me in the Journey....
Showing posts with label personal growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal growth. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Allegory of the Cave & The Matrix
I remember Plato's Republic from High School/College, but don't remember his "Allegory of the Cave." So, when I found the video of it awhile back, I was very intrigued.
The idea of seeing (and knowing) only the "illusion" vs seeing and knowing the "Truth" is a constant quest of mine. And helping people see beyond the illusion of their self-limiting beliefs to embrace the Truth about themself is one of my passions.
As both a student of A Course in Miracles - which talks about seeing beyond the illusion - and a sci-fi buff, I loved the movie, The Matrix. So when I found this video I had to share it! It talks about Plato's Allegory as well. (A video of the whole Allegory of the Cave is below this one.)
Whether you agree with the philosophies presented, the main message to me, is to explore for yourself and not believe everything that is handed to you in the media, in advertisements, or from any organization.... (and yes, that includes government and church.)
There is usually an agenda. (just for starters..... Media - to keep their ratings high, advertisement - to get you to buy their stuff, government - to keep them in control, church.... well, let's just say that in any "organization" one of its chief concerns is to keep itself "alive"....)
The point is.... Ask questions, look for second, third, fourth opinions. Think.... Feel..... for yourself.
The ancient adage, "know thyself" includes examining your beliefs and knowing why you believe them.
.... Okay.... I'll get off my "soap box" :) and let you enjoy the videos.... Please leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.
(And just to be clear, my "agenda" here is to offer thoughts, ideas, experiences, etc that encourage you to ask questions and to search for your own answers.)
"The greatest obstacle to discovering the shape of the earth, the continents, and the oceans was not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge." - Daniel Boorstin, American social historian and educator
Matrix Philosophy - The Cave:
Plato, The Allegory of the Cave:
Here's to continuing the Journey..... learning.... expanding.... seeing past the illlusion...... on the Road to Enlightenment.... (which is what the Journey is all about!)
-Becky
The idea of seeing (and knowing) only the "illusion" vs seeing and knowing the "Truth" is a constant quest of mine. And helping people see beyond the illusion of their self-limiting beliefs to embrace the Truth about themself is one of my passions.
As both a student of A Course in Miracles - which talks about seeing beyond the illusion - and a sci-fi buff, I loved the movie, The Matrix. So when I found this video I had to share it! It talks about Plato's Allegory as well. (A video of the whole Allegory of the Cave is below this one.)
Whether you agree with the philosophies presented, the main message to me, is to explore for yourself and not believe everything that is handed to you in the media, in advertisements, or from any organization.... (and yes, that includes government and church.)
There is usually an agenda. (just for starters..... Media - to keep their ratings high, advertisement - to get you to buy their stuff, government - to keep them in control, church.... well, let's just say that in any "organization" one of its chief concerns is to keep itself "alive"....)
The point is.... Ask questions, look for second, third, fourth opinions. Think.... Feel..... for yourself.
The ancient adage, "know thyself" includes examining your beliefs and knowing why you believe them.
.... Okay.... I'll get off my "soap box" :) and let you enjoy the videos.... Please leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.
(And just to be clear, my "agenda" here is to offer thoughts, ideas, experiences, etc that encourage you to ask questions and to search for your own answers.)
"The greatest obstacle to discovering the shape of the earth, the continents, and the oceans was not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge." - Daniel Boorstin, American social historian and educator
Matrix Philosophy - The Cave:
Plato, The Allegory of the Cave:
Here's to continuing the Journey..... learning.... expanding.... seeing past the illlusion...... on the Road to Enlightenment.... (which is what the Journey is all about!)
-Becky
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Obstacles are like Log Jams...
Log jams in our life can do the same thing. Except, we get to choose their outcome....
- We can choose to stomp our feet, get angry, and complain about how unfair things are or how bad life treats us.
- We can choose to throw up our hands, accept defeat, and use that as an excuse to give up and not move forward.
- We can choose to take on the challenge and find a way around it, through it, or over it.
Decide to win.
Whatever problem or difficulty you are currently facing, make a decision in your heart that you will get through this to the other side.
Take responsibility for where you are and stop fighting it. It is what it is. Nothing will ever change by wishing things were different. You've got to roll up your sleeves and get in there, determined to rise above the it.
Dr. Maxwell Maltz, (1927-2003) US plastic surgeon, motivational author, creator of the Psycho-Cybernetics, reminds us:
"We are built to conquer environment, solve problems, achieve goals, and we find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve."
We're built to conquer, solve, and achieve. It's part of what makes the human experience .... well, "the human experience"!
"It still holds true that man is most uniquely human when he turns obstacles into opportunities."
- Eric Hoffer, American Writer, 1902-1983
What obstacles are you being presented with? How might you turn them into opportunities?
Life challenges us to grow and expand and develop into our highest potential.
Will you take the challenge presented to you? Or will you use it as an excuse to stay stuck?
It's up to you.
Here's to continuing the Journey.... deciding to grow..... or not.
-Becky
Friday, January 15, 2010
Every Day is an Opportunity...
Take yourself into unknown places. Discover a new way of doing things. Don't be a prisoner of your past. Everyday is an opportunity to become the person you want to be.
- in an email from the Kabalah Center, Atlanta GA
The new moon in Capricorn that began at 11:11 last night in Californa (Pacific Time) - Universal Time 07:11 this morning - gives us an energetic portal to start fresh... to rebuild our lives from the ground up... in order to fulfill our life purpose.
It's time to regroup. It's time to go within - into the solitude - and rediscover who we really are.... and who we want to be.
Here are some questions to ponder from the New Moon Telegathering last night...
- What are you passionate about? What really gets your juices flowing?
- What feeds your soul and makes you feel alive?
- What role were you born to play at this moment and at this time in history? How are you here to serve?
- What are you holding on to that keeps you from stepping out and BEing who you came here to be?
- Where do you need to step out of your comfort zone so that you can make the changes you know will transform your life?
- What inside you is crying to be born?
- What are the structures in your life that are no longer working for you?
- What do you know you absolutely need to let go of?
- Where do you want to be in your life, your business, your relationships, or your career this time next month? By this time next year?
- What is one thing you can do right now to move you forward?
-Becky
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Practice doesn't make perfect...
... It makes confident!
The more you do something, the more comfortable and better you get at it.
For instance, we all "sucked" at walking the first time we tried it. But we kept trying, kept "practicing" it till we got confident enough to let go of mom or dad's hand (or whatever support we were holding on to) and DO IT ourselves. Then there was no stopping us!
Do you still have that kind of determination to succeed now?
Make a list of things that you want to do or achieve. With each item ask yourself:
Experience.... "practice" .... makes confidence.
And that confidence - or lack of it - determines your beliefs.... which determine your actions... which become your experience....
... Which can either turn into a vicious downward cycle or a happy empowering consequence.
The choice is yours.
Here's to continuing the Journey.... practicing.... and growing confidence.... daily.
-Becky
"I have more self-confidence now. Starting out I was very nervous. My heart would be going very fast. I get a lot of practice in front of the television cameras and I'm more comfortable doing shows now."
- Mike Pascual
The more you do something, the more comfortable and better you get at it.
For instance, we all "sucked" at walking the first time we tried it. But we kept trying, kept "practicing" it till we got confident enough to let go of mom or dad's hand (or whatever support we were holding on to) and DO IT ourselves. Then there was no stopping us!
Do you still have that kind of determination to succeed now?
Make a list of things that you want to do or achieve. With each item ask yourself:
- How confident do I feel right now doing/achieving this?
- What would I need to feel more confident?
Experience.... "practice" .... makes confidence.
And that confidence - or lack of it - determines your beliefs.... which determine your actions... which become your experience....
... Which can either turn into a vicious downward cycle or a happy empowering consequence.
The choice is yours.
Here's to continuing the Journey.... practicing.... and growing confidence.... daily.
-Becky
Monday, November 23, 2009
7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 7
This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)
Soul Message #7: Communication is The Golden Key
Clear communication is critical in relationships - whether at work or at home.
At work... If you're the supervisor or manager, you must know what you want and be able to express it in a way that is understood by your employees....
If you're the employee, you have to have a clear understanding of what's expected, and be able to communicate any needs or limitions to fellow colleagues or management....
At home, communicating needs, desires, wants, feelings, and upsets is essential for harmonious co-habitation!
You also need to be able to communicate with your Self.
To communcate means to "be in touch" and... don't you really have to "be in touch" with yourself BEFORE you can communicate honestly with another person?
Sharing what has been withheld can be a transformational, healing experience. It helps you clarify your ideas, feelings, and position. And it restores trust. This is true whether the "sharing" is with another person or with your Self - your Higher Self.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings on paper is the best way I know to honestly get "in touch" with your Self. You can sit and just "think" about it... but it's too easy to get off track, start day-dreaming, or allow distracting mind-chatter to get in the way.
Using a pen and paper to physically write things down slows your brain so that you CAN actually think! Plus the kinesthetic act of writing taps in to the subconscious mind where non-verbalized thoughts, feelings, and beliefs live.
Writing also helps you tap in to your intuition, which is the language of the Soul.
Journal Exercise
Start keeping track of your ideas, feelings, insights, questions, beliefs, goals, commitments, etc. No need to write in it everyday, but write in it at least 3-4 times a week.
Writing things down opens the door for what's deep inside and gives it permission to come out and be heard. And with that comes growth, change, and deeper understanding.
And the more deeply we understand ourselves, the clearer we can communcate to others.... Because communication IS the golden key.... to healthy, happy relationships with others... and with ourselves.
Here's to continuing the Journey... speaking up and speaking out.... communicating clearly from the heart...
-Becky
Soul Message #7: Communication is The Golden Key
Clear communication is critical in relationships - whether at work or at home.
At work... If you're the supervisor or manager, you must know what you want and be able to express it in a way that is understood by your employees....
If you're the employee, you have to have a clear understanding of what's expected, and be able to communicate any needs or limitions to fellow colleagues or management....
At home, communicating needs, desires, wants, feelings, and upsets is essential for harmonious co-habitation!
You also need to be able to communicate with your Self.
To communcate means to "be in touch" and... don't you really have to "be in touch" with yourself BEFORE you can communicate honestly with another person?
- How can you truthfully speak about your needs and desires if you haven't made time to reflect on what they are?
- How can you set healthy boundaries or limits when you haven't explored what really means for you?
- How can you verbelize an upset when you're unclear about what it is you're actually feeling?
Sharing what has been withheld can be a transformational, healing experience. It helps you clarify your ideas, feelings, and position. And it restores trust. This is true whether the "sharing" is with another person or with your Self - your Higher Self.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings on paper is the best way I know to honestly get "in touch" with your Self. You can sit and just "think" about it... but it's too easy to get off track, start day-dreaming, or allow distracting mind-chatter to get in the way.
Using a pen and paper to physically write things down slows your brain so that you CAN actually think! Plus the kinesthetic act of writing taps in to the subconscious mind where non-verbalized thoughts, feelings, and beliefs live.
Writing also helps you tap in to your intuition, which is the language of the Soul.
Journal Exercise
Start keeping track of your ideas, feelings, insights, questions, beliefs, goals, commitments, etc. No need to write in it everyday, but write in it at least 3-4 times a week.
Writing things down opens the door for what's deep inside and gives it permission to come out and be heard. And with that comes growth, change, and deeper understanding.
And the more deeply we understand ourselves, the clearer we can communcate to others.... Because communication IS the golden key.... to healthy, happy relationships with others... and with ourselves.
Here's to continuing the Journey... speaking up and speaking out.... communicating clearly from the heart...
-Becky
Thursday, November 19, 2009
7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 3
This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)
Soul Message # 3: Commit for the Long Haul
When you decide to take a trip, whether it's just a few days or a couple of months, you don't typically start out the first day saying, "Well, we'll try this for a little while and see if we like it...."
No, you commit to the whole trip!
But when it comes to making changes in our life, I hear so many of my clients say... "Yeah, I know I need to (insert desired change)... but (insert excuse)....."
Or they get started then peter out because of (insert your favorite excuse)......
To make any kind of life or personal change, you've got to commit for the long haul..... NO MATTER WHAT! You can't have one foot in the door and expect to go anywhere.
To "change" means to undergo a transformation or a transition to something different. And just like changing any habit, that takes dedication and persistence.
It takes being willing to let go of your fear, doubt, limiting beliefs.... whatever it is that's holding you back, and giving yourself permission to expand, grow, and achieve.
Even if it's scary...
Actually, if you're feeling a little uncomfortable... that's a good sign! Feeling "comfortable" means you've still got one foot in the door and you're not really moving forward.
So take a stand and declare to yourself and the Universe that you will accept nothing but excellence. Then get a move on!
Not moving forward because of fear of failure sends a message to your subconscious mind that you ARE a failure. And that's simply not true!
The only failure is not deciding.
Fear also keeps your joy and freedom at bay. So forge ahead! Make that decision you've been putting off.... and Commit to it 100%
Commit for the long haul. If you get side-tracked, that's okay. Just forgive yourself - without shame - and recommit.
The more committed.... the more joy and freedom you'll have.
Here's to continuing the Journey.... letting go of fear, making that decision..... and going for it!
-Becky
Soul Message # 3: Commit for the Long Haul
When you decide to take a trip, whether it's just a few days or a couple of months, you don't typically start out the first day saying, "Well, we'll try this for a little while and see if we like it...."
No, you commit to the whole trip!
But when it comes to making changes in our life, I hear so many of my clients say... "Yeah, I know I need to (insert desired change)... but (insert excuse)....."
Or they get started then peter out because of (insert your favorite excuse)......
To make any kind of life or personal change, you've got to commit for the long haul..... NO MATTER WHAT! You can't have one foot in the door and expect to go anywhere.
To "change" means to undergo a transformation or a transition to something different. And just like changing any habit, that takes dedication and persistence.
It takes being willing to let go of your fear, doubt, limiting beliefs.... whatever it is that's holding you back, and giving yourself permission to expand, grow, and achieve.
Even if it's scary...
Actually, if you're feeling a little uncomfortable... that's a good sign! Feeling "comfortable" means you've still got one foot in the door and you're not really moving forward.
So take a stand and declare to yourself and the Universe that you will accept nothing but excellence. Then get a move on!
Not moving forward because of fear of failure sends a message to your subconscious mind that you ARE a failure. And that's simply not true!
The only failure is not deciding.
Fear also keeps your joy and freedom at bay. So forge ahead! Make that decision you've been putting off.... and Commit to it 100%
Commit for the long haul. If you get side-tracked, that's okay. Just forgive yourself - without shame - and recommit.
The more committed.... the more joy and freedom you'll have.
Here's to continuing the Journey.... letting go of fear, making that decision..... and going for it!
-Becky
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing - Message 2
This "7 Soul Messages for Spiritual Healing" Series is meant to offer a different perspective, or a new way of looking at things, and give some tips to help heal those "imbalances and disharmonies" we've collected along the way.... (see original post)
Soul Message # 2: Take Care of Yourself First
Everytime you ride in an airplane you're reminded of this.... if there's an emergency, put the oxygen mask on YOURSELF first, then help those around you.
But in everyday life, conventional wisdom tells us to do the opposite - take care of others... put yourself last.
It's even programed into most of us as we pay bills - we pay everyone else first and then if there's some left....
But what usually happens? There's none left -or we at least we feel like there's none left.
Same when you give and give to others.... pretty soon there's nothing left and you begin to feel drained and resentful.
But like Beverly De Angelis says, You've got to fill your own love take.
You do this by taking care of yourself - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Physically
Do you give yourself enough sleep to feel refreshed in the morning?
Do you eat nutritious food that gives your body the energy it needs to maintain health?
Do you exercise to maintain the flexibility and strength your body can give you?
Mentally
Do you give yourself a mental "time-out" when your brain is tired?
Do you you move beyond your fears and let go of worry and "what if" games?
Can you maintain a positive attitide even when things are not going according to plan?
Emotionally
Can you maintain a sense of calm when everyone else is in a panic?
Do you feel your emotions fully - the positive ones and the negative ones?
Do you have a system to work through the negative emotions that come up?
Spiritually
Do you have a spiritual practice that you do daily to keep you centered and grounded?
Do you know your higher purpose and mission in life?
Are your thoughts, words and actions inline with your values and purpose?
We aren't here to be ordinary. We're here to step beyond self-imposed boundaries and limitations. Taking care of yourself on all levels - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually - allows your Soul to shine through and gives your Spirit freedom to fly.
Here's to continuing the Journey... taking care of your Self on all levels.... breaking out of the bonds of "ordinary".....
-Becky
Soul Message # 2: Take Care of Yourself First
Everytime you ride in an airplane you're reminded of this.... if there's an emergency, put the oxygen mask on YOURSELF first, then help those around you.
But in everyday life, conventional wisdom tells us to do the opposite - take care of others... put yourself last.
It's even programed into most of us as we pay bills - we pay everyone else first and then if there's some left....
But what usually happens? There's none left -or we at least we feel like there's none left.
Same when you give and give to others.... pretty soon there's nothing left and you begin to feel drained and resentful.
But like Beverly De Angelis says, You've got to fill your own love take.
You do this by taking care of yourself - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Physically
Do you give yourself enough sleep to feel refreshed in the morning?
Do you eat nutritious food that gives your body the energy it needs to maintain health?
Do you exercise to maintain the flexibility and strength your body can give you?
Mentally
Do you give yourself a mental "time-out" when your brain is tired?
Do you you move beyond your fears and let go of worry and "what if" games?
Can you maintain a positive attitide even when things are not going according to plan?
Emotionally
Can you maintain a sense of calm when everyone else is in a panic?
Do you feel your emotions fully - the positive ones and the negative ones?
Do you have a system to work through the negative emotions that come up?
Spiritually
Do you have a spiritual practice that you do daily to keep you centered and grounded?
Do you know your higher purpose and mission in life?
Are your thoughts, words and actions inline with your values and purpose?
We aren't here to be ordinary. We're here to step beyond self-imposed boundaries and limitations. Taking care of yourself on all levels - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually - allows your Soul to shine through and gives your Spirit freedom to fly.
Here's to continuing the Journey... taking care of your Self on all levels.... breaking out of the bonds of "ordinary".....
-Becky
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