A long time friend has been posting some great quotes on Facebook recently. The quote he offered today was from Benjamin Franklin.
"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?" -- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
It is a reminder that each and everyone one of us has a calling. We were born to make a difference. It is our nature. It is our devine inheritance. Don't hide your gift under a basket. Today I encourage you to "Speak up and speak your truth." Your opinion counts and needs to be a part of the conversation. I also encourage you to take a risk. Do that one thing you've been procrastining about.
It's been said that Elenor Roosevelt endeavored to do one thing a day that scared her. She did so, not to eliminate the fear but to demonstrate that she had control over her fears. This enabled her to continue to give her gifts to the world. Have a wonderful day!
Showing posts with label success. Show all posts
Showing posts with label success. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Catch A Quote A Day
Words matter. The Science of Mind teaches use that your spoken word sets the Law in motion. Think of it this way:
"Every word that comes out of your mouth - is your pronouncement of what you want to be."
The result of your word is creation.
The word is the mold, which acting through Law produces form. If you had a teacher, or a mother, that said: "If you can't say anything nice - don't say anything at all." she was on to something - something big.
Ponder this: "The reality you are experiencing right now, was molded by the "words" you've spoken and/or allowed into your universe."
As there are many words, choose words that empower, affirm and define a world/experience that you want.
I recommend that you Catch a quote a day. If you you read or hear a quote that affirms your values - write it down. I have a little booklet of 3" x 5" index cards that are spiral bound.
It is my intention to catch a quote each and everyday. when I do, I write it in my little spiral book. In about 7 weeks I have a full book of quotes, affirmations and wise sayings that mean something to me. Whenever I need inspiration, I reach for one of these little booklets. It serves me well, and it's one more way to Think Bigger Than Big! Have a wonderful day!
"Every word that comes out of your mouth - is your pronouncement of what you want to be."
The result of your word is creation.
The word is the mold, which acting through Law produces form. If you had a teacher, or a mother, that said: "If you can't say anything nice - don't say anything at all." she was on to something - something big.
Ponder this: "The reality you are experiencing right now, was molded by the "words" you've spoken and/or allowed into your universe."
As there are many words, choose words that empower, affirm and define a world/experience that you want.
I recommend that you Catch a quote a day. If you you read or hear a quote that affirms your values - write it down. I have a little booklet of 3" x 5" index cards that are spiral bound.
It is my intention to catch a quote each and everyday. when I do, I write it in my little spiral book. In about 7 weeks I have a full book of quotes, affirmations and wise sayings that mean something to me. Whenever I need inspiration, I reach for one of these little booklets. It serves me well, and it's one more way to Think Bigger Than Big! Have a wonderful day!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Your Life is Like a River
This week's dialogue is born out of a quote in my mediation lesson for April 17, in the book "365 Science of Mind - A year of daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes" it reads:
" If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, 'Be thou removed, and be cast into the sea': it shall be done." - Matthew 21:21.
It's about intention! It's about the power of our words. Each word we whisper, speak, shout, or say silently to ourselves is a declaration of our intention for what we say to be so. Ernest Holmes' lesson went on to say:
So ponder this:
As you meditate today - in your minds eye stand on the bank of the river of your life. See that river flowing before you and notice the content. Don't judge what you see - just notice. Know that whatever is there - is the manifestation of your words. It was born out of an urge, an idea - it was your intention for it to be there. Now, if you no longer desire for "it" to be there - bless it and allow it to flow on by. Allow it to be washed down stream.
Now notice your reflection. Bless the being that is you. Take a breath and notice "what's new". What beautiful new thing has come down stream to enrich your life? Allow yourself to see all that good that surrounds you. This is also the manifestation of your words. Relish in the idea that through the power of your words, you can cast the mountain into the sea. Now "Go" do what you've been called to do. "Give" graciously to those that you have been called to support and "Get" the love and the gifts that are Divinely yours.
" If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, 'Be thou removed, and be cast into the sea': it shall be done." - Matthew 21:21.
It's about intention! It's about the power of our words. Each word we whisper, speak, shout, or say silently to ourselves is a declaration of our intention for what we say to be so. Ernest Holmes' lesson went on to say:
Our activity of though is actually a Divine compulsion of the One Mind in us seeking an ever-increasing achievement and expression through us. The forms and outlets for this self-conscious process of though, which appear as a unique creation of life in man, may manifest in many ways.
We each interpret and use the urge for greater expression. For some, the fulfillment of this inner drive may be found in a new home, increased business activity, or better health, as well as in a desire for greater spiritual awareness.
All of these desires are urges of the indwelling Intelligence and we either can combat the urges we feel or we can give then expression. The choice is ours to make. But we cannot stand still. We have to continue to express this action of Life within us because creativity is our Divine Essence.
Our lives and experiences may well be likened to a river. If we stand on the bank of a river and watch it flow by, we become aware that the river never changes but that its content is always new. By analogy, we might say the purposeful dynamic quality of life within us never changes, but the content of our experience of living never remains the same.
So ponder this:
As you meditate today - in your minds eye stand on the bank of the river of your life. See that river flowing before you and notice the content. Don't judge what you see - just notice. Know that whatever is there - is the manifestation of your words. It was born out of an urge, an idea - it was your intention for it to be there. Now, if you no longer desire for "it" to be there - bless it and allow it to flow on by. Allow it to be washed down stream.
Now notice your reflection. Bless the being that is you. Take a breath and notice "what's new". What beautiful new thing has come down stream to enrich your life? Allow yourself to see all that good that surrounds you. This is also the manifestation of your words. Relish in the idea that through the power of your words, you can cast the mountain into the sea. Now "Go" do what you've been called to do. "Give" graciously to those that you have been called to support and "Get" the love and the gifts that are Divinely yours.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Move One Rock
In August of 2008, I had published over 100 columns with the Tracy Press. The following article received the most email, phone calls and comments from folks I've run into. In these tough economic times it seemed to touch a cord with many many people. Many of you have asked that I post it here. Enjoy! - Rev. J
“If you want to change the direction of a waterfall –all you have to do is change (move) one rock.“
For me this metaphor offered by my mentor and psychologist, ignited an “ah ha” moment. It reminded me that when it feels like life is “out of control” we can shift the momentum by changing just one thing. Anything – the secret is to take action – just move one rock. Do something - anything. Then observe.
Using the analogy of the waterfall consider what might happen if the rock you move causes the waterfall to split and to go in two different directions. Perhaps the volume of water will be more “manageable” when the force of its delivery is cut in half. Perhaps the water now cascading off to the left is directed to a reservoir that will adequately contain and preserve it for a time when it is needed.
Perhaps, once the water fall is split into two, the void in the middle will reveal the valves and levers that control the pump, thrust, volume and the amount of water released – so you can now shut it off.
For many of us that last couple of years has been like that waterfall. Life (call it recession, real estate crisis, gas prices and/or job downsizing) has been coming at us like a torrent. Some of us have been swept away when we took our eye off our task – for others, the change came out of no where.
Many of us believe we are powerless and surrender to the current and let go and proclaiming “what will be - will be.” Others of us fight the good fight, but learn to late that they were fighting with brawn rather than with brain.
During the last couple of years, I have been drenched by the waterfall. I thought I had a plan. I thought I had life all figured out. But then the water came, I found my plan was obsolete and that I had no “plan B”.
The first wave to hit me was the reality that my 12-year, long-term relationship, was unraveling and coming to an end. I wasn’t prepared – I nearly drowned. Then a good buddy had a major stroke – wave two. I had not anticipated being a caretaker, but I took on the challenge – besides it distracted me from the pain of the first wave.
Wave three came when it was time to refinance the home I’d purchased for my partner and me. Values dropped and it would be impossible to refinance for the amount owed. For the first time in my life I was stunned by realities thrust upon me. Nothing was going to plan and I found myself isolating. I couldn’t preach, teach or write now – my life’s a mess!
When I found myself hovering near the same state of depression that enveloped my life right after 9/11/01, I immediately took action. I call my mentor and psychologist. In the very first session he reminded me of a teaching he’s used as a metaphor time after time: “If you want to change the direction of the waterfall –all you have to do is change one rock. “ Calling him was the demonstration of moving that first rock.
The second rock I moved was to call my mortgage holder. My broker and I laid out the facts. If she called the note due, she’d be getting a house back that she would not be able to sell for anything close to what was owed on it. She decided to “freeze” the note for two years.
Emotionally, I decided I needed to lease the house out for that two year period. I’d purchased the house for “us”, if it ever is to be “my” house – I needed some emotional distance - rock three. I called the landlady that owned the one place I’ve lived in Tracy where I felt good. It was vacant. Moving back was like coming home – rock four.
Now, in a testament of honesty, I must say the waterfall of life is still cascading my way faster than I want, but now I’m endeavoring to use my brain rather than my brawn to calculate which rock to move next. Everything in my life must be re-examined. What was true 18 months ago is not be true anymore. There’s a new reality. There are new rocks to be moved.
If you are experiencing a new reality yourself, know that even in the mist of ciaos you can still effect change. Don’t give up; don’t surrender; don’t let go - Just move one rock.
“If you want to change the direction of a waterfall –all you have to do is change (move) one rock.“
For me this metaphor offered by my mentor and psychologist, ignited an “ah ha” moment. It reminded me that when it feels like life is “out of control” we can shift the momentum by changing just one thing. Anything – the secret is to take action – just move one rock. Do something - anything. Then observe.
Using the analogy of the waterfall consider what might happen if the rock you move causes the waterfall to split and to go in two different directions. Perhaps the volume of water will be more “manageable” when the force of its delivery is cut in half. Perhaps the water now cascading off to the left is directed to a reservoir that will adequately contain and preserve it for a time when it is needed.
Perhaps, once the water fall is split into two, the void in the middle will reveal the valves and levers that control the pump, thrust, volume and the amount of water released – so you can now shut it off.
For many of us that last couple of years has been like that waterfall. Life (call it recession, real estate crisis, gas prices and/or job downsizing) has been coming at us like a torrent. Some of us have been swept away when we took our eye off our task – for others, the change came out of no where.
Many of us believe we are powerless and surrender to the current and let go and proclaiming “what will be - will be.” Others of us fight the good fight, but learn to late that they were fighting with brawn rather than with brain.
During the last couple of years, I have been drenched by the waterfall. I thought I had a plan. I thought I had life all figured out. But then the water came, I found my plan was obsolete and that I had no “plan B”.
The first wave to hit me was the reality that my 12-year, long-term relationship, was unraveling and coming to an end. I wasn’t prepared – I nearly drowned. Then a good buddy had a major stroke – wave two. I had not anticipated being a caretaker, but I took on the challenge – besides it distracted me from the pain of the first wave.
Wave three came when it was time to refinance the home I’d purchased for my partner and me. Values dropped and it would be impossible to refinance for the amount owed. For the first time in my life I was stunned by realities thrust upon me. Nothing was going to plan and I found myself isolating. I couldn’t preach, teach or write now – my life’s a mess!
When I found myself hovering near the same state of depression that enveloped my life right after 9/11/01, I immediately took action. I call my mentor and psychologist. In the very first session he reminded me of a teaching he’s used as a metaphor time after time: “If you want to change the direction of the waterfall –all you have to do is change one rock. “ Calling him was the demonstration of moving that first rock.
The second rock I moved was to call my mortgage holder. My broker and I laid out the facts. If she called the note due, she’d be getting a house back that she would not be able to sell for anything close to what was owed on it. She decided to “freeze” the note for two years.
Emotionally, I decided I needed to lease the house out for that two year period. I’d purchased the house for “us”, if it ever is to be “my” house – I needed some emotional distance - rock three. I called the landlady that owned the one place I’ve lived in Tracy where I felt good. It was vacant. Moving back was like coming home – rock four.
Now, in a testament of honesty, I must say the waterfall of life is still cascading my way faster than I want, but now I’m endeavoring to use my brain rather than my brawn to calculate which rock to move next. Everything in my life must be re-examined. What was true 18 months ago is not be true anymore. There’s a new reality. There are new rocks to be moved.
If you are experiencing a new reality yourself, know that even in the mist of ciaos you can still effect change. Don’t give up; don’t surrender; don’t let go - Just move one rock.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Are You Living An On Fire Life?
Jeff Bordes and I have just launched a new website called Ignition Factor. Ignition Factor's website is a gateway to an inovative coaching enterprise designed to help people live what we call "an on fire life."
It’s our job to provoke the conversation. We’ll throw out the idea — and then you offer the real life examples and/or questions to the topic presented.
Also, if you have a challenge, dilemma, or anything that is keeping you from living an “on-fire life” then we want to know about it. You post the question, and the solution may come from either Jeff, me or another reader.
Here are a few of the questions that have come to us this past week at jack@theingnitionfactor.com — Read the posts, and the let us know what you think.
Let the conversations begin!
Post #1 — The Fire Triangle as a Metaphor
Question: "Why do you use “fire” as a metaphor?"
The Ignition Factor is based on the metaphor of the Fire Triangle, a simple model dating back to ancient Greece, and still used in the modern science of firefighting.
The Fire Triangle represents the three elements fire needs in order to ignite and modulate the burn: Heat, Fuel, and Oxygen. If one of these elements are missing or removed, fire will not exist.
In the Science of Fire, there's a fourth element, combustion. Combustion is a chemical reaction which feeds fire, allowing it to continue and burn hotter and stronger. At Ignition Factor, we teach that the forth element of combustion is the manifestations realized for “purposefully” living an “On-Fire Life. In order to experience “on fire”, we teach that you must accept the responsibility to tend to the three essential elements of the fire within you: You have to be accountable. You have to do stuff. To do so will allow you to feel "on fire" within all 7 major areas of your life: Mind, Body, Career, Wealth, Family, Relationship, and Spirit. Are you On Fire? If you’re not now, you will be after having spent some time with us on this blog site or at www.theignitionfactor.com.
At Ignition Factor, we believe that the only way to experience a truly fulfilled life is to purposefully dedicate oneself to living a life that is consistently and constantly “on fire!” Read on and we'll teach you how!
Post #2 — “Catch Fire!"
[Imagine what it would be like to feel completely fulfilled at the end of each and every day!]
Question: "What does it mean to be fulfilled?"
Before we answer your question, we have a question for you: “At the end of the day — how do you feel?”
• Exhausted and overwhelmed?
• Overwhelmed because of all the “to-do’s that went undone?
• Grateful because you fall asleep counting the wins of the day — like others count sheep?
If you take the time to understand and implement the principles offered by Jeff and I (Your life coaches) at Ignition Factor, you will experience some tremendous new results in your life. You’ll be “fired up” because you will be in control of your own destiny.
Imagine at the end of each day, feeling fulfilled. Feeling satisfied with all that you accomplished and experienced — just in that one day. You can know the gift of falling asleep counting the “wins” of the day rather than sheep. We’ll teach you how! When you visit us at Theignitionfactor.com you can order our 30-day Guide to Living A Fulfilled Life. We believe that at the end of the that thirty days you will be more in control of your time, activities, relationships and you will be well on your way to experiencing what we at Ignition Factor call a fulfilled life.
Post #3 — Begin With The End In Mind
Question: "I think I’m living a fulfilled life, but how do I know?"
Ask yourself this question:
How do you define a fulfilled life? There may have been a spontaneous answer that popped right into your mind. And if that answer “feels” right — then go with it. But if that answer didn’t ignite a spark of motivation within your gut — then perhaps you should ponder the question a bit more.
Some people look at it as a legacy question. They choose to live what we at Ignition Factor call “A Principled Life". It is their intention to make sure that their children and their children’s children understand the values and beliefs that have enabled their family to endure hardships and/or experience success.
Others believe that they were born with a purpose to complete. They endeavor to make the world a better place because they feel called to do so. But this is your journey.
At Ignition Factor our intention is to provide you with tools so you can look back on this journey and say “I did it!” I accomplished all that I wanted. I am fulfilled!
Post #4 — In Order To Be Fulfilled — You've Got To Go To The Source!
Question: "I feel like I’m always fighting fires and that I’ ve lost all control of my life. What can I do?"
At Ignition Factor we use the symbols of fire and especially the “fire triangle” because they serve as a vivid metaphor for living a fulfilled life. For example, in our “Ignite the Spark Within, Seminar and Retreat” we teach students to visualize their own ‘inner flame”. Once they can do that, we then teach them that what they are really witnessing is their “eternal flame.”
That eternal flame is your source. — It is where legacy and fulfillment are manifested. It is what burns within you — it tells the story of who we are and what we came here to do.
We’re lucky. We get to control that eternal flame. We get to fuel it; to modulate the temperature and to control the burn. However, if we do not accept this responsibility, that flame will continue to burn.
It will burn out of control. Relationships, jobs, families and even our own sense of self — will go up in flames. If that happens, we’re accountable. So whenever you hear yourself say: I spent the entire day “fighting fires?” Guess what — you’ve let your "internal" fire burn out of control. You didn’t modulate the temperature and you failed to control the burn!
Along the way, you may discover that “oops this window needs caulking”— so you add a step and then move on — keeping the end in mind. Soon a neighbor comes by and offers a ladder — how helpful! Now you modify your plan, to accommodate the use of your new tool. Soon, by concentrating on the step in front of you — you realize — it’s done! And you say to yourself: “It’s just as I thought it would be!”
It’s our job to provoke the conversation. We’ll throw out the idea — and then you offer the real life examples and/or questions to the topic presented.
Also, if you have a challenge, dilemma, or anything that is keeping you from living an “on-fire life” then we want to know about it. You post the question, and the solution may come from either Jeff, me or another reader.
Here are a few of the questions that have come to us this past week at jack@theingnitionfactor.com — Read the posts, and the let us know what you think.
Let the conversations begin!
Post #1 — The Fire Triangle as a Metaphor
Question: "Why do you use “fire” as a metaphor?"
The Ignition Factor is based on the metaphor of the Fire Triangle, a simple model dating back to ancient Greece, and still used in the modern science of firefighting.
The Fire Triangle represents the three elements fire needs in order to ignite and modulate the burn: Heat, Fuel, and Oxygen. If one of these elements are missing or removed, fire will not exist.
In the Science of Fire, there's a fourth element, combustion. Combustion is a chemical reaction which feeds fire, allowing it to continue and burn hotter and stronger. At Ignition Factor, we teach that the forth element of combustion is the manifestations realized for “purposefully” living an “On-Fire Life. In order to experience “on fire”, we teach that you must accept the responsibility to tend to the three essential elements of the fire within you: You have to be accountable. You have to do stuff. To do so will allow you to feel "on fire" within all 7 major areas of your life: Mind, Body, Career, Wealth, Family, Relationship, and Spirit. Are you On Fire? If you’re not now, you will be after having spent some time with us on this blog site or at www.theignitionfactor.com.
At Ignition Factor, we believe that the only way to experience a truly fulfilled life is to purposefully dedicate oneself to living a life that is consistently and constantly “on fire!” Read on and we'll teach you how!
Post #2 — “Catch Fire!"
[Imagine what it would be like to feel completely fulfilled at the end of each and every day!]
Question: "What does it mean to be fulfilled?"
Before we answer your question, we have a question for you: “At the end of the day — how do you feel?”
• Exhausted and overwhelmed?
• Overwhelmed because of all the “to-do’s that went undone?
• Grateful because you fall asleep counting the wins of the day — like others count sheep?
If you take the time to understand and implement the principles offered by Jeff and I (Your life coaches) at Ignition Factor, you will experience some tremendous new results in your life. You’ll be “fired up” because you will be in control of your own destiny.
Imagine at the end of each day, feeling fulfilled. Feeling satisfied with all that you accomplished and experienced — just in that one day. You can know the gift of falling asleep counting the “wins” of the day rather than sheep. We’ll teach you how! When you visit us at Theignitionfactor.com you can order our 30-day Guide to Living A Fulfilled Life. We believe that at the end of the that thirty days you will be more in control of your time, activities, relationships and you will be well on your way to experiencing what we at Ignition Factor call a fulfilled life.
Post #3 — Begin With The End In Mind
Question: "I think I’m living a fulfilled life, but how do I know?"
Ask yourself this question:
How do you define a fulfilled life? There may have been a spontaneous answer that popped right into your mind. And if that answer “feels” right — then go with it. But if that answer didn’t ignite a spark of motivation within your gut — then perhaps you should ponder the question a bit more.
Some people look at it as a legacy question. They choose to live what we at Ignition Factor call “A Principled Life". It is their intention to make sure that their children and their children’s children understand the values and beliefs that have enabled their family to endure hardships and/or experience success.
Others believe that they were born with a purpose to complete. They endeavor to make the world a better place because they feel called to do so. But this is your journey.
At Ignition Factor our intention is to provide you with tools so you can look back on this journey and say “I did it!” I accomplished all that I wanted. I am fulfilled!
Post #4 — In Order To Be Fulfilled — You've Got To Go To The Source!
Question: "I feel like I’m always fighting fires and that I’ ve lost all control of my life. What can I do?"
At Ignition Factor we use the symbols of fire and especially the “fire triangle” because they serve as a vivid metaphor for living a fulfilled life. For example, in our “Ignite the Spark Within, Seminar and Retreat” we teach students to visualize their own ‘inner flame”. Once they can do that, we then teach them that what they are really witnessing is their “eternal flame.”
That eternal flame is your source. — It is where legacy and fulfillment are manifested. It is what burns within you — it tells the story of who we are and what we came here to do.
We’re lucky. We get to control that eternal flame. We get to fuel it; to modulate the temperature and to control the burn. However, if we do not accept this responsibility, that flame will continue to burn.
It will burn out of control. Relationships, jobs, families and even our own sense of self — will go up in flames. If that happens, we’re accountable. So whenever you hear yourself say: I spent the entire day “fighting fires?” Guess what — you’ve let your "internal" fire burn out of control. You didn’t modulate the temperature and you failed to control the burn!
Therefore you must consciously fuel the flame and modulate the burn so that the results that you want are manifested. By using the principles taught at Ignition Factor you will create results that make you proud — that will add to your experience of living a fulfilled life.
POST 5 — See The End — At The Very Beginning
Question: "I want to turn my life around, but I just don’t know where to begin?"
Do not begin any ask without taking a moment to visualize how you think the end will be. If you’re about to paint your house you just don’t throw up any old color and think that it will do. You imagine your house, beige, blue or green. Then you set out to create your vision.
POST 5 — See The End — At The Very Beginning
Question: "I want to turn my life around, but I just don’t know where to begin?"
Do not begin any ask without taking a moment to visualize how you think the end will be. If you’re about to paint your house you just don’t throw up any old color and think that it will do. You imagine your house, beige, blue or green. Then you set out to create your vision.
You carefully select the paint that will fulfill your vision. You anticipate which steps to take first, cut back the shrubs, sand the walls, tape off the windows and then you begin to paint. When you follow “a plan” you’re much more likely to experience the results you imagined. Then off you go – step by step on your journey toward a beautifully painted home.
Along the way, you may discover that “oops this window needs caulking”— so you add a step and then move on — keeping the end in mind. Soon a neighbor comes by and offers a ladder — how helpful! Now you modify your plan, to accommodate the use of your new tool. Soon, by concentrating on the step in front of you — you realize — it’s done! And you say to yourself: “It’s just as I thought it would be!”
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