How the Oklahoma Tragedy Can Strengthen “You”

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson
Dawn by Dan

“Dawn” by Dan

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It’s so easy to be depressed, saddened, and fearful watching disaster images of the Oklahoma tornadoes that have left residents without their loved ones and so many homeless.

However, it’s a spiritual opportunity to strengthen your faith.

You can feel sorry for them and yourself, or you can have compassion and do what you can to help them.

Compassion and pity are two different things. One keeps you wallowing in darkness. The other brings light to the situation. You know, which is which.

They don’t need more darkness. They need us to lift them up. They need your love and support.

redcross-logo

Click the Cross to Help Oklahoma Residents

You can’t give that to them and others in your life if you are down in the dumps.

I have three close friends facing serious health issues.

When I think of them, I realize that I have a choice. Fear that I too may one day have their health challenges, or be grateful for my health, and help them to be thankful for the part of their lives that is still vibrant and strong.

I am offering to do things for them that they can’t do for themselves, but I realize the greatest favor I can do, is to help them see any glimmer of light.

This is not for me to be a phony cheerleader, but to actually see the light in their lives to help them to be grateful. Just seeing anything that we can be thankful for, helps us to mentally build upon it to regain health, finances, and relationships to restore our lives.

I can’t be supportive of my friends if I am looking into the darkness. I have to find the hope for them and for me.

How can we see the light when things look so bleak?

I find my strength in the spiritual books and recordings that I read every morning religiously. Sometimes I get up early and read an entire chapter or two, and there are some days, I read just one line.

You have to find something to lean on that gives you strength. It neutralizes the negatives.

Even if you turn off the news, or click away from a website where disaster is shown, you still have the images and the information in your head.

This is just one more thing to stuff down. Remember, that’s energy, and it collects in your subconscious mind. This is why sometimes you can find yourself nervous and out of sorts for “no reason.”

So how do you deal with things like the Oklahoma tragedy?

Sending and collecting donations for people in need is certainly what they need. It will not only help them, but it also helps you to know you’re doing something wonderful.

Another thing you can do for them and yourself, is to stop where you are, and allow yourself to feel

the fear that may be bubbling up when you think of Oklahoma, the Boston tragedy, or other challenges in your life.

Allow yourself to hold “you” in your arms with love. Give the small frightened child inside of you love. Comfort that child, the way parents, teachers and others are comforting the scared children in Oklahoma. Nurture and care for yourself.

You can’t help others if you are broken.

LOVE 

When you are comforting yourself, or whenever you think of people facing disasters, send them your love.

There are scientific studies that prove the energy of love can be felt across the miles.

nstead of allowing your mind to replay the Oklahoma tragedy in your head, think of the possibility that they will rebuild better than ever. Think that so many residents were able to escape the tornadoes with their lives. In other words, look at the bright side for them.

Hope can lift a nation.

These wonderful Oklahoma residents need your strength. The child inside of you needs that love and support too.

“Find the good and praise it.”
~Alex Haley, Pulitzer Prize winning author “Roots”

Overcoming

New Upcoming Book

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Have Doubts About Yourself?

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson

Everyone doubts themselves.   Don’t let their suave poker face fool you. 

When you get a wonderful idea how to improve your life, you may be on a high.  You’re going to try something new. This is exciting.  You feel so good about the possible new venture.

Photo by: Podpad

Photo by: Podpad

But then comes the sledgehammer of doom and gloom…doubts set in.   So all the good feelings and the new energy you experienced are suddenly zapped away.

What happened?

When you don’t stop to tune into those doubts, they become beliefs.  Beliefs become programs, and no matter how hard you try to make something happen, there is an unconscious program running that says, “I can’t” which sabotages your goals.

So What do You Do?

When you begin doubting yourself, you have a decision to make. Try to suppress or run away from those thoughts, or stop and face them.

First of all, you can’t run from the thoughts.  They are yours, and “whatever you resist, persists.”  Yes, it can be scary facing those doubting thoughts.  You may find out something about yourself that you would rather not admit.  Something like you are scared.

Good!

Facing those unflattering thoughts, empowers you.  It teaches you about yourself, and gives you a blueprint on how to improve your life.

Most people would rather not know their weaknesses, but that only keeps them imprisoned by them.

So, instead of pretending that the doubting thoughts are not there, or attempting to drown them out, listen to them.

What are they saying to you?  Write them down.  They may not be your thoughts, just something you heard from the media, or others.

Go through each doubt and make an inquiry.

Here are some questions Byron Katie (author of “Loving What Is” ) suggests you ask yourself when those nagging thoughts try to hold you back :

“Is this the truth?”

“Is this really the truth?”

“Who would I be without this thought?

You can also ask yourself :
“Are these thoughts fearing the future or fearing what happened in the past?”  Overcoming doubts and fears is about living in the here and now.

After you do an inquiry, practice Mindfulness.

Notice how each thought “feels.”   First comes a thought, then if unchecked, an emotion surfaces.  Emotions are felt in your body.  So, place your attention inside and notice how you feel. Be courageous.

Is it in your head?  Your stomach?

Is it sharp, or moving?

Does it have a color, or a shape?

You’ll notice the feeling (emotion) changes, and finally dissipates.  Along with it, the doubting thought goes too.

You may have to do this over and over again with each doubt, but each time you do, there is relief, a space opening inside of you.   Some doubts take more time and need more inquiry.  The doubts you have may stem all the way back from your childhood.

You can ask yourself, “When did I feel this (doubt )about myself before?”

Remember this.  When you get a great idea, it came from your Higher Power, and it knows how to bring it into fruition.

Let go of doubts and trust.  Go for it. You deserve the best!

NEW BOOK COMING SOON:

Overcoming

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Who Or What Is Holding You Back?

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson
Gift David Castillo Dominici

Image by David Castillo Dominici

Inside each of us are gifts.

It doesn’t matter how young you are, or how old you are. You have them.

You were put here to share your gifts with the world. Your gifts are your talents.

Your talents don’t have to be elaborate, like building a rocket-ship, or performing open-heart surgery. They are the little things that come natural to you, that you may have over-looked.

Perhaps if you can’t find your talent or talents, it’s because they come so easily to you.

You may feel you have to struggle and because your research on the Internet reads that you have to be a certain way, do specific things in order for your gifts to come forth.  Or, you procrastinate using them. On the other hand, maybe you feel there is simply too much competition, so why try.

I have certainly felt that way about writing at times, and that kept me procrastinating. The overwhelming process of marketing sometimes kept me stuck from doing what I was put on earth to do, to write, and then to speak to others about what I wrote.

I learned that it’s not what I do, but what I feel and think that makes my gifts as a writer a success. This means letting go of old limiting beliefs.    Miracles then happen.  Actually they are not miracles.  We are put on earth to be a success, we just get in our own way with limiting beliefs which cause worry and fear.

However, It’s all about knowing that deep inside of you, is your God-Presence that will take care of whatever you think must happen for you to be a success. All you have to do is to allow your talents to come forth, and stay out of the way.  Stop worrying about how your talents will materialize wealth.  Just do the work, and your abundance will come.

Write down your limiting beliefs about your talents.  When you see them on paper, you may be shocked that you have harbored those blocking feelings.  However, being honest with yourself and allowing those fears to come forth, will allow you to release them.

Next write a step-by-step plan on how to best use your talent. Focus on one step at a time, and leave the rest to your Higher Power.

So, what is your gift?

Is your gift simply your smile to give to others?

Gardening?

Starting a business?

Real estate?

What do you love? What comes easily to you?

Your talent was given to you like the gift of breath.

Use it and have faith.

 

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You Gotta Let Go to De-Stress

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson

photo-2“How do I let go?”

Relax

“RELAX?!  How can I let go and relax?   I have this to do.  I gotta go here.  I gotta go there.  People are pulling on me.  My kids need this, my boss needs that from me.  I don’t have enough time.”

Exactly!  That’s why you have to let go.

You’re under so much stress, and that stress is stored in your body, which creates toxins and illness.

A certain amount of stress is normal.  However, more than ever we are all under constant stress, even if we’re not working.

Why?

Because of wonderful technology we are constantly bombarded with negatives.  The world problems are always in our faces.  Before it was just the media talking about what was wrong in the world and we could turn off the three  television channels.  Now we have hundreds of channels to choose from and everyone has a voice because of FaceBook, Twitter, blogs, forums, and other outlets.  And, of course, just like on this blog, there are comment sections on everything.

Other people’s negative opinions can cause you stress on your body.  Even if you are casually surfing the web on a Sunday afternoon, you are bound to run into someone’s problems, or someone talking about someone else’s problems, which trigger your own, or create fears and worries.  Most of all it creates stress.

There is so much noise in our heads these days from everyone’s chatter, even on this blog.

So just as you take the time to brush your teeth, make it a practice to sit down and be quiet for your own sanity and inner peace.

According to WebMd.com:

  • Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.
  • Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
  • Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace. Stress costs American industry more than $300 billion annually.
  • The lifetime prevalence of an emotional disorder is more than 50%, often due to chronic, untreated stress reactions.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AND LET GO OF STRESS?

You can do this by sitting quietly to observe your breath, which calms your body and mind.

However, it’s not easy just to start observing your breath, even for trained mediators like us who have been meditating for at least 30 years.

TIP

Here is what we do to start the meditative process, and minimize stress throughout the day.

We have found videos that help us to unwind.  We keep these videos running on our big-screen television in the house and on our laptops as we work.  Some people may say it’s expensive running videos on your television all day.  Maybe, but so are  high-blood pressure medications, surgeries, and other things we humans pick up from stress-related illnesses.

We sit in from of these videos when we first get up in the morning, and before we go to sleep.  Then we meditate.

The ocean videos are our favorites, and we give them as gifts.  They have the option of clicking on music as you watch the waves, or not.  Try only listening to the waves without the music, because the tides are just like your breath going in and out.  You can synchronize your breath. Turn on the relaxing music portion when you are working.

There are plenty of FREE ocean, rain, aquarium, waterfall r relaxing videos on YouTube, but they often freeze over ten minutes.   Spend a few dollars (2 less Starbucks coffees) to buy any stress release video because they play in a loop until you turn them off.

We love fish, but it was stressful, not mention expensive, trying to keep our fish healthy and the tank clean, so we now have our aquarium on our television :)

Another tip:  Set your home page to the Google Search page, or a relaxing site.  Often when you turn on the computer for information, you see the news page, and you get sucked in with immediate world stress.

Don’t think that you don’t.

Your subconscious mind records most, everything and you don’t even realize it.  Protect it as much as possible by reducing what you consciously take in see and hear. This includes the negative “friends” in your life and on Facebook who bring you down.

YOU CAN RELAX AT WORK 

If you can put on a video or turn on a video at work from YouTube, or put on your own video,  put your earplugs in and reduce the screen box while you work on another screen.  That way when your boss or co-workers walk by, they are not the wiser.

For lunch, instead of hanging out with complaining co-workers, turn on a relaxing video on your phone, while you sit in your car, or if you didn’t drive, find a place to hide for your lunchtime where your co-workers won’t walk by.  Relax with these videos.

If you can find any greenery, sit by that. Plants, grass and trees help us to relax.

Here are video sites we order from.: (We don’t get any compensation recommending them to you.)

Hawaii Beaches: www.HDnatureTV.com

www.ScreenDreamsDVD.com

Love, Light and Blessings,

Signature

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Have You Forgiven Yourself Lately?

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson


Our love and prayers go out to all affected by the Boston tragedy.  Please give to the Boston Emergency Services Fund  through the Salvation Army

 

Last week our desktop, business computer and backup both crashed. This is insignificant compared to what is happening across the country. But it’s important to bring up, because small things can give all of us the most stress simply because they often are under our radar.

Photo by Chaiwat

We may not know why we are angry, stressed or filled with anxiety because of little things that happen to us. However, it’s important to tune into the small things that keep us off balanced, which sometimes include not forgiving yourself.

I remember a week before the crash, our computer didn’t come on right away, and I suspected something was wrong. But, I played with it, and it finally functioned. We have laptops too, so I didn’t pay much attention. Even though it crossed my mind to make sure backups were being recorded properly, and to take the desktop in for a check up, but I didn’t so now we have lost years of precious photos and video.

I did what most of us do. I blamed myself, and I mentally got violent by constantly beating up on myself. Finally, I said to myself. “STOP. JUST STOP! Enough!!!”

I had to forgive myself. When I did, peace and acceptance came. After all, I couldn’t change what had already happened.

It’s so easy to fall into that role of the self-abuser. We’re programmed to be the best, and do our best. When we slip, the mental weapons come out.

There may be people who are directly affected by the Boston Tragedy, who are right now beating themselves up. “Maybe I should have not gone.” “I should have been standing where my child was standing.” “I should have been more supportive. I should have left earlier.”

Often things happen that are out of our control. Beating ourselves up over something that happens, does not help. You need all of your energy just to get through a situation and hating yourself takes away energy.

FORGIVING OTHERS? HOW ABOUT FORGIVING SELF?

In fact we hear a lot about forgiving others, but rarely do we hear “Forgive Yourself.”  We can’t move on with our life unless we forgive ourselves.  Some of us beat ourselves up because we can’t forgive others.  So now not only don’t we forgive someone else, we don’t forgive ourself.

This is like keeping yourself imprisoned in pain twice as long.

FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR NOT REACHING A GOAL

There are a lot of talk about reaching goals.  You can work like crazy to reach those goals, but if you haven’t forgiven yourself about a past unsuccessful attempt related to your goal, you may not reach it.

Studies have shown that stress is the major source of illnesses, and unresolved childhood issues are often a source of diseases.

I had to look at alcoholism in my childhood years, and realized yes, I was still holding onto things decades later which did affect my health.

THE FORGIVENESS PROCESS

There are many ways and many good books on the market to help you forgive yourself, so we won’t go into details here. For deep issues, you may need to consult someone to help you through the self-forgiveness process.  Contact a therapist, clergy, or a trusted friend if you need help.  Don’t be embarrassed, everyone needs help now and then.

Here is one way:

Find a quiet space where you wont be disturbed.

Take a few deep breaths, and calm yourself.

Then ask yourself or write down the answers to these questions:

“What am I holding onto from the past?”

(Don’t discount the small things that may come up.  Roadblocks in life, can be tiny things.  Allow whatever  that is in your past to come up.  You may feel slightly uncomfortable, but realize it’s just trapped energy of the past.

It’s just an old picture in your head.  You can let it go now.  The event no longer exists.  Let it go. Live in the present)

“What do I need to let go of?”

“What do I need to forgive myself about?”

Breathe.

Do Heartmath breathing.  Breathe into your heart, exhale through your heart.  Think of someone you love…and continue this breathing exercise. Transfer that love from the other person, or thing to yourself.

MINDFULLY FORGIVING SELF

Just being aware that you haven’t forgiven yourself, is Mindfulness. Notice how your body feels when you discover you have been beating up on yourself. Our bodies store emotions, and beliefs. Illnesses carry deep repressed feelings.

However, when you place your attention on the parts of your body that feel tensed or stressed when you think about an issue you need to forgive yourself about, you will find relief. Maybe not right away, but with attention (Mindfulness) placed LIGHTLY on body tension or sensations, you will find an inner peace begins to rise.

Ask your body, “What is the emotion I am holding onto?”

Trust the answers and forgive yourself.

This is true Self-Love.

 

 

 

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Own Your Power

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson

It’s not surprising that many people feel powerless in today’s extremely fast moving world.

Image by Victor Habbick

Even when you are sleeping you are moving with the earth  almost 1000 miles per hour as it turns on its axis once a day.  You don’t know it because we are held to the earth by gravity.

So we are constantly in a state of motion.  You may especially feel out of sorts when there’s a full moon which passes through Earth’s magnetic tail every month.  Police and hospital personnel report that they are busiest during this time of the month.

This is where the slang word for crazy “looney” or “lunatic” comes from, meaning the lunar effect (relating to the moon) on our bodies.

We too are made up of mostly water and electrical activity like the earth.

What does this mean?

We are far more sensitive to things happening around us than we realize.

For example, you may be engrossed in a task, but you don’t realize you are picking up something negative  on a news station you hear coming from the next room.  You can also be in a  really good mood, but then you get a phone call from a relative, or you walk into your job, suddenly you feel down.

You may even feel  depressed, and you don’t know why.

But you don’t have to feel that way.  You can own your power.

How?  By being aware of your thoughts and your emotions.

Some people try to stop negative thoughts, or change what they are feeling.  Can you really stop thoughts?  No.  We have over 60,000 a day.  However, you can change your reactions to them, and this automatically elevates your feelings.

The way to do it is to be mindful of what you are thinking.  Tune in.

Be the objective observer and let your thoughts come and go like waves.

You are the mighty powerful ocean.

However, you are being swept away and are drowning in thoughts that are not true, and often they are not yours.  Remember, you are sending and receiving signals all the time, mostly subconsciously.

This is nothing to fear, or worry about.  Just be aware.

When you take the time to just be quiet and tune in, you can really see what thoughts are disturbing you, and why you may feel bad when you think you should feel happy.

Stop judging how you “think” you should feel, and just observe.

Be the quiet witness and you will find that there is a space between you and your thoughts.  In that space is peace, creativity, abundance and happiness.  The more you practice Mindfulness, the easier it gets.

In that space between your thoughts, is your true, quiet power.

Take it back.

To Read more about the Earth’s effects on our bodies CLICK HERE 


 

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Transcending Fear and Worry

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson

We often hear people ask, “How can I get free of my troubles?”

Photo by Chaiwat

You are already free, you just don’t know it.

This is the time of year when Christians all over the world are recognizing that Jesus over came huge challenges.  The world and death.

Even if you are not a Christian it can still be a reminder that you can overcome your challenges if you just believe that you can.

Sometimes our problems seem like they will never go away . And because we have been wrestling with them for so long we take on the identity of the problem.

For example, if you think you are always sick or broke, or without love, you may think that’s just you.  You may even think that this is just the deck of cards that life gave you.  Or, your parents had these problems and you have inherited them.  Or, other people have all the luck, but not you.

No!!

Instead, realize that this is simply the ego-mind keeping you in bondage.  It’s not the truth!

You are more than your challenges.  You are power.

So how do you deal with these thoughts that keep you in bondage?  Remember, first it is not the problem.  It’s what you think about the problem that keeps you in fear.

Do all of the physical things that  you can do about your situation, then  let go . You don’t give up, you let go of the worry and fear about the challenge.

Think of it this way.  Will worry and fear help the challenge?  No.

Will worrying and fear just make it worse?  Yes!  Why?  Because you are attracting more of the same by keeping your mind focused on something that is out of your control.

So how can you stop worrying?

You can’t stop the thoughts, but you can just notice them, without reacting.

Write down what those thoughts are saying, and then ask yourself, “Is that the truth? Is this really true?”  Ninety per cent of what you fear, never happens.

When Jesus was on the cross, he said  “Into thy hands I command my spirit.”

He was letting go and letting God.  If you are uncomfortable with the word God, just know it can be whatever that word means to you. The name does not begin to capture that power which is already inside of you.

The result of Jesus letting go, was that he transcended the world and his body.  The message as we know is that he didn’t die.  Energy which is everything, including you, never dies, it just changes forms.

You too can transcend your problems and challenges.

Let go and let God.


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How to Relax in Stressful Situations

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson

Heart Breathing

Stressed?  Who isn’t these days?

Image by Dream Designs

It may seem like if it isn’t one thing, then it’s another.  Right?

However, just holding onto that type of thinking will stress you out.  It’s like expecting the other shoe to drop.  And if you are expecting more stuff to happen, you will definitely attract it…so let those dread thoughts go.

It’s not what happens in life that makes or breaks us, it’s how we accept it.

In other words, our thoughts about a situation keep us suffering.  Why? Because we are either thinking about the past, (what stressful thing happened), or worried about the future.

You are not living in the here and now, the present moment where there is peace.

Remember, we are all having these experiences and challenges to fully live life, and to grow from challenges.  This is why we are on earth.  So stressful situations will always come, but they will always go as well.

So how do you find inner peace and calm in stressful situations? 

Finding inner peace during chaos, is like riding the waves of life.  It’s like being a surfer  hanging five on the big one.  It takes balance.  And, sometimes we fall.  Sometimes we successfully ride life’s waves… up and down.

The most important thing is not to get angry at yourself when you are not balanced and are stressed. Don’t beat yourself up because you lost your cool.

Just recognize that you have made a misstep or fallen off the wave.    That in itself is Mindfulness.  Being mindfully aware is huge.  Be grateful that you recognize that in yourself.

Most people can’t or refuse to look.  They simply blame others and situations, which cause them more stress because they can’t control outside forces.

However, you can control how you accept your challenges.

Here is one powerful way.  Heart Breathing.

Why heart breathing?  The Institute of HeartMath has done loads of scientific research into how the heart affects your entire emotional energy system.

They have discovered that the heart is not just a pump.  It is a processing center with a “brain” that communicates with the crainial brain and body through the nervous system, pulse waves, hormones and electromagnetic fields.

This communication helps us to calm down.  Visit their website for scientific studies.

They recommend Heart Breathing to balance yourself and de stress. It is powerful and instant.  Don ‘t take our word for it, try it.

Here is how you can Heart Breathe:

Find a place to be quiet.  If you are at home, and can turn off your electronics, that’s fine.  However, you may be at the job, and you are stressed.  Go into a stall in the rest room, or somewhere you cannot be disturbed.

Put your right hand over your heart to focus.  Put your left hand over your right hand and notice your breath. (you don’t have to put your hands over your heart.   It just helps you to quickly focus).

If you are stressed, most likely you are doing shallow breathing.

Now, imagine your breath coming into your heart and exhaling out of your heart.

Don’t try to control or manipulate your breath…just observe it going into your heart and exiting your heart.

Do this for about three minutes, or as long as you can.

You can also visualize on the exhale stress, anger, frustration or whatever leaving your body in murky smoke.

Or, just focus on the inhale and exhaling of your breath.

Allow yourself to relax into the calm.

One last scientific fact:

Did you know your heart’s electromagnetic signals can affect others around you?

This is why we should heed the advice of spiritual leaders through-out the ages like Jesus and Buddha,who taught the importance of loving yourself and others.

 

 

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Finding Peace in the Middle of Chaos 

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson

Right where you are is peace.  However, your mind may be  focused on the disturbances around you.

Photo by: James Barker

When you shift your awareness to that inner place of serenity that is constantly present, you will find that no matter what is going on in the world, you will not be disturbed.

There is always going to be something to upset you. The Sequester, weather, war, the economy, cut-backs, job loss, failed relationships, illness and death. So the question remains, where will you dwell? In chaos, or peace?

And, how will you find that peace?

You don’t have to find peace. You allow it to be the focal point of your life. It’s your life saver boat.

 It’s going home. 

There are numerous practices that help you to be aware of that state, including yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, prayer, meditation, and a variety of self-help programs. When you seek out that state of serenity, you will eventually find it. Remember, peace is inside of you, and these programs are simply tools.

The quickest way to get there is simply to stop in your tracks. Stop the madness that is swirling around in your head. Stop running around in circles like a dog chasing its’ tail.

Close your eyes, and allow yourself to sink into that space you will find when you simply let go.

And, in that space, you can connect with your old friend called “Breath.”

Observe your inhales and exhales without trying to manipulate.

Your mind will fight to take back over. It hates peace. It operates best in confusion. Instead of trying to suppress those thoughts,which you can never do, allow them to come and go.

Allow any sensations and feelings to come and go.

DO NOT TELL YOURSELF A STORY ABOUT THE THOUGHTS OR FEELINGS.

Just watch. You are the observer. You are not your mind or your body, but that is what you identify with.

Your Identity

When you are focused on thoughts, you believe that you are those thoughts which are wrong perceptions, conditionings, and memories. They are not the truth. They are not you.

For example. When you are focused on lack of finances, you begin to believe that you will never have enough money. You may think that something is wrong with you. This is identifying with the problem. You begin to believe that you will never have enough, and that you are simply one of those people who don’t have. So, the universe obeys your command, reflecting back to you, your beliefs and identity. It’s the law of attraction.

The truth is in the here and now. You are fine. The present moment is always filled with wealth.

How Can You Be in the Present Moment? 

Stay as much as you can only on any task at hand, from brushing your teeth to working on the job. This may mean slowing down so you can focus. Even though you are operating at a slower pace, you will find that your task is more complete, and better. Why? Because those dizzying thoughts won’t keep you distracted with feelings of resentment, fear, and anger.

Remember when you are overwhelmed with life, just stop. Step into that space where you will find your Higher Self and rest in that place.

“When you focus on the Self (Higher Self inside you) the world will disappear. The physical world will stay, but the drama, will go away.” ~ Mooji

Upcoming Public Event.  Janet will be speaking on this same subject at the upcoming
  Women’s Conference

 



Posted in Happiness, Inspiration, Meditation, Mindfulness, Motivation, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FAILURE AND HOW TO LEARN FROM IT

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Walter Jackson & Janet Alston Jackson

FAILURE OR AWAKENING?

So we didn’t reach our goal, or even come close to the goal for our new upcoming book  on relationships which we launched on Kickstarter.

"Success And Failure Computer Keys" by Stuart Miles

However, it prompted us to write this posting because so many people are dealing with the subject of failure, especially in this economy.  Do you know there are over 13 million searches on Google each month for that subject?

And, unfortunately, many people equate failures with who they are.

If you are one of those people.  You are not your failures.

In fact, the word failure has such a heavy emotional charge, that we prefer to use the term that defines failure in the dictionary which simply means “unsuccessful  at an act or instance.”

Looking at the greatest inventions and discoveries on this planet, you will find the inventors and scientists who made those discoveries failed, or were unsuccessful over and over again before they reached their goal.

If you are in sales, you know you have to get through all the “no’s” to reach that one “Yes.”  And, look at the big companies that have blatant “failures,” like: Microsoft’s Web-TV, Life Savers soda, Coors Rocky Mountain Spring Water, Frito Lay Lemonade, Ben Gay Aspirin, McDonald’s Arch Deluxe sandwich and of course, the New Coke.

Corporations are always rolling out new products, because they constantly have products that didn’t sell. If you are in business, failing on something simply comes with the territory.

Look at the cold hard facts of your unsuccessful attempts in life 

If you look at the reasons why your project “failed”, it helps you to become better and do better. They are facts which you can learn from, so how could you call that a failure?  It’s important to analyze why you haven’t succeeded, and only then, think the following:

MAYBE IT WASN’T MEANT TO BE

A few people have asked us, weren’t we disappointed that we didn’t come close to our goal?  No.  Because when we go after any project, we always remember to go in prayer and say, “Thy will be done, not our will be done.”  We then surrender the project to our Higher Power and think, either (this project) will be successful or something better will come along.  And, it always does.

In other words, don’t insist that a certain thing you try has to be the way.  Step back and let go and let God.   This is perfect for those looking for a job, or a relationship.

It’s a good thing we all don’t always get what we want.  Why?  Our lives would be a mess.  We don’t always know what’s good for us.  In fact, we block our Higher Good, because we insist that our way is the way things have to be.

For us, our attitude, is, this:  If this thing doesn’t work out…something better will come along.  And guess what?  Just in the last week, we had several big opportunities come our way.

And, you will have these opportunities too if you stop insisting that what you try has to work out.    You are blocking your good for better opportunities and people to come.  Remember,  “God does not make junk,” so you are not a “failure” if your idea doesn’t “fly.”

NEVER GIVE UP

We are certainly not giving up on our book.  We are writing it now.  Full steam ahead.

You won’t believe this:

In fact, the day before our missed goal date, we were asked to speak at one of the top universities in the country for their special graduation ceremony in June.  Guess for what graduating class?   Student-parents.  That’s our target audience for the book!!!  Young people who are in relationships and may get stressed out raising their children and working.  We want them to try to work things out in their love relationships before walking away.  Or at least to effectively communicate with one another for their children’s sake, especially if they are not living under the same roof.

(we’ll let you know exact date in June and where soon).

So we got a spiritual confirmation, and you will too.

YOUR IDEAS ARE DIVINE

If you are inspired to do a project, then look at the word which means “coming from God.”  Often we think we get an idea, but when we look deeply at inspiration, you will discover the root words.    “In-Spire” is “In Spirit.”

So, if your idea comes from inspiration (Spirit), and not your ego, don’t give up on a project so easily.  It was Divinely given to you.  Keep trying.

Look around the room you are in.  The objects came from someone’s inspiration.  How many times did the inventor go through “failures” before they got it right?

When people don’t fail in life, it means they haven’t tried. They are trying to play it safe.  Life is about growing.

YOU ARE SPECIAL

We have all come on this planet to give our unique talents and gifts.   There is no one like you.

Don’t let the fear of failure stand in your way to a golden opportunity.

So if you try something, and you fail, remember motivational speaker Les Brown’s words, “If you fall down, try to fall on your back, because if you look up, you can get up.”

FORGET WHAT OTHERS SAY

Some people don’t try anything new, because if they are unsuccessful, they are worried about what other people will say.

SO WHAT!!!

The ones who are rooting for you to succeed, and are there for you, are the ones you want  in your corner.  The others…well lets just say…don’t spend any energy trying to impress them, because you can’t.

Don’t worry about what others think.  You can’t control them.  Just focus on you.  This means giving yourself love whether you win at something or lose.

And, are people  really judging your success or failures?  How do you know for sure?  Most people are too busy worrying about their own lives to think about yours.

Also remember this, if someone pooh-pooh’s your idea, they are often thinking that they couldn’t do it themselves, so they throw cold water on your idea.

The dream was not given to them.  It was given to YOU!  Keep your dreams to yourself.

We love Terry Cole Whitaker’s Book, “What You Think of Me is None of My Business.”

LOVE YOURSELF 

Go after projects for the right reasons, not to impress others.  Act on inspiration.  And remember to love and give yourself support.   Your success is because of who you are, not what you do.

Besides, just being born you are a winner.

Keep your heart open and keep trying. But most of all, have hope and believe.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF OUR FAVORITE QUOTES

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. ” ~Michael Jordan

AFRAID OF SUCCESS

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~Marianne Williamson

 

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