Sooooooo....
The new website is up and running, and I intend on having it filled with great content throughout the rest of this month. I am going to be keeping this blog open, but new posts and updates are going to be published on this new website.
Feel free to keep checking back here for posts unrelated to With Light Design, but do include the new website in your Favorites!
Richest Blessings!
A space where visuals meet words. Thoughts meet feeling. Meaning meets life.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
The Spheres of Design
Later this month, I will be releasing a free Ebook outlining the platform of With Light Design, and how it aims to assist people and business's to reach their greatest potential and genius through aligning with the Universal Order.
Some of the idea's I will be presenting in this Ebook might be very new to most people, so I want to make sure that some of the key concepts are clear. That way, when you have the literature in front of you, your not stopped by misunderstandings or confusions.
The key of this publication is to get people familiar with the platform, the key terms, and some preliminary practices and exercises to get them started with re-designing their life to reflect their full potential and genius.
In this post, I want to talk about an integral aspect of the Design process, and they are what I call the Triumvirate. Now, I know that this word is used primarily to represent a political regime (and not a nice, democratic one) but I am re-establishing the meaning and use of this word for something that is far more powerful. (I do this often, take a word that is suckie now, and make it mean something empowering).
The new meaning and use for this word is;
Learning about these qualities can be a powerful step in Designing our lives to reflect our full potentials. We cannot realize these potentials unless we are 1) Aware of them, 2) increase our understanding of them via intelligence, 3) and utilize them consciously through our engagement.
Sit with this, and look forward to a more in-depth look at these concepts and others with the release of the E-book, later this month. Follow With Light Design on Twitter and Google, so you don't miss any of the updates!
Aum
Some of the idea's I will be presenting in this Ebook might be very new to most people, so I want to make sure that some of the key concepts are clear. That way, when you have the literature in front of you, your not stopped by misunderstandings or confusions.
The key of this publication is to get people familiar with the platform, the key terms, and some preliminary practices and exercises to get them started with re-designing their life to reflect their full potential and genius.
In this post, I want to talk about an integral aspect of the Design process, and they are what I call the Triumvirate. Now, I know that this word is used primarily to represent a political regime (and not a nice, democratic one) but I am re-establishing the meaning and use of this word for something that is far more powerful. (I do this often, take a word that is suckie now, and make it mean something empowering).
The new meaning and use for this word is;
A Co-Arising Trinity of Powers and Qualities inherent in Consciousness.In this Triumvirate, we have 3 inherent qualities of consciousness. They are; Awareness, Intelligence, Engagement. Each and every single sentient being in the Earth actively (but not always consciously) utilize these elements of consciousness, moment to moment. Think of them as co-dependent operating systems that constitute our waking state, or the Algorithm of Extension in which we determine the quality of the experiences we create.
Learning about these qualities can be a powerful step in Designing our lives to reflect our full potentials. We cannot realize these potentials unless we are 1) Aware of them, 2) increase our understanding of them via intelligence, 3) and utilize them consciously through our engagement.
Sit with this, and look forward to a more in-depth look at these concepts and others with the release of the E-book, later this month. Follow With Light Design on Twitter and Google, so you don't miss any of the updates!
Aum
Monday, January 13, 2014
Magnet VS Hose - Conscious Opinion Sharing
Everyone has an opinion. And it seems to be a part of human nature to share that opinion, and if possible, to influence others to adopt your opinion (thus validating a state of 'rightness'). There's nothing inherently wrong with doing this. I wouldn't hesitate to convince someone to not nose dive off of an apartment building roof, because IMO, they should stay alive.
There seems to be one of two ways we can go about sharing our opinions, or idea's, or products, or whatever it is your sharing with others. You will recognize each method when I describe them, because they are both used often in marketing and advertising modalities daily.
The Magnet Method
In this method, a persons opinion is appealing through the power of its own merit. Its not being forced on you, or shared in a sense of providing a solution THE OPINIONATED believes you need. Its shared openly, humbly, and provides enough space to be expanded on through the thoughts of others.
The Hose Method
The hose method is usually utilized by what are called "Hosers". In this method, a person literally SPRAYS their idea's and opinions at anyone and everyone they perceives as being in "need" of them. In the course of the Hose method being used, there's really no room (or time) to object or expand on the idea's or thoughts, due to the incessant flow of the 'hoser'.
We have all used both methods, here and there, throughout our lives. In some instances, its wise to use the Magnet method and in others, the Hose method is more applicable. I can't think of an instance off the top of my head when the Hose method would be helpful at all.... maybe someone can give me some examples...
Heh.
There seems to be one of two ways we can go about sharing our opinions, or idea's, or products, or whatever it is your sharing with others. You will recognize each method when I describe them, because they are both used often in marketing and advertising modalities daily.
The Magnet Method
In this method, a persons opinion is appealing through the power of its own merit. Its not being forced on you, or shared in a sense of providing a solution THE OPINIONATED believes you need. Its shared openly, humbly, and provides enough space to be expanded on through the thoughts of others.
The Hose Method
The hose method is usually utilized by what are called "Hosers". In this method, a person literally SPRAYS their idea's and opinions at anyone and everyone they perceives as being in "need" of them. In the course of the Hose method being used, there's really no room (or time) to object or expand on the idea's or thoughts, due to the incessant flow of the 'hoser'.
We have all used both methods, here and there, throughout our lives. In some instances, its wise to use the Magnet method and in others, the Hose method is more applicable. I can't think of an instance off the top of my head when the Hose method would be helpful at all.... maybe someone can give me some examples...
Heh.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Don't Give it Personally
I am sure many people are familiar with the 4 agreements, not the book but the agreements themselves. One of them is "Don't take anything personally", and the wisdom inherent there is sound and True. I want to complete this insight with the topic of this blog.
DON'T GIVE IT PERSONALLY
Not taking something personally is directly related with the degree in which we experience ourselves as a person. We express the reality we hold to be most true, and if we are taking things personally its because we experience ourselves (for the most part) as a person, rather then as Spirit or Consciousness.
The same can be said with GIVING personally. Let me explain. Feelings play a huge role in what we experience moment to moment. How we feel about something can drastically influence how we choose to respond, molding our thoughts and perceptions of reality. Yet, what we are feeling has very little to do with whats going on "out there", and much more to do with the our interior design.
I know I have caught myself having feelings about people, and whether they are good or bad, they are feelings which stem from my projected idea about them. I have chosen to view them as a person, rather then as a Divine expression of Consciousness. Accepting person-hood is a great way to completely loose sight of the Truth that is each of us.
Being mindful of what we are taking personally AND what we are giving personally involves vigilant self-reflection, because in either case we have chosen to accept a less then idea about reality in place of the True reality, which is that we are not persons (or Local Phenomena) but in fact are the Universe in person, individualized and focused locally in space and time.
Ok, that last bit might be a lot to take in so early in the morning, but chew on it none the less. We are more then we accept.
Much more.
Aum
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Deliberate Design
This is going to be a continuation from my previous post, because I felt that there is some other points that need to be touched on when it comes to designing our life.
Of course, there is a lot of people who don't think of their lives as being designed at all. Instead, life is merely an inconsistent stream of happenstance and exterior events outside the realm of control. This type of a mindset can keep a person in the same cycle of experiences, well, for their entire life.
When I say that we design our life, I mean it literally. So the obvious question becomes How do we design our life? Well the Truth is you are ALWAYS designing your life, because the tools we use to design it are ALWAYS ON.
Think about it. What is something that you are always doing?
Its not eating. Or sleeping. I'd hope for most, its not talking.
The one thing we are ALWAYS doing is Thinking.
Thinking leads to a whole series of internal events (that become expressed outwardly), but all Cause lies in Mind and what we are thinking. You may have even heard this before (its not NEW information), but it may very well be in your own life.
So another question emerges.
Are we thinking deliberately?
Seems like an odd question, I mean, have we ever just stopped and thought deliberately. Usually thoughts come and go, seemingly, of their own volition. It isn't like we have much control over the whole thing. Well we do, and the DESIGN that is inherent in the Universe places all the power (and responsibility) of our experiences squarely in our personal domain, under our personal control. The name of that power?
CHOICE!
There is an amazingly simple way of taking the controls over our life, so that it reflects our Deliberate Design. Conscious Evolution is about shifting from merely a BodyMind/Ego who is a victim of circumstance to the very Essence of our Spirit, which is all powerful, ever present, and Divinely Inspired by the Mind of God.
I'll give you a tidbit to chew on, (while the Ebook that highlights all the different ways to DESIGN WITH LIGHT is being completed).
Ask yourself these three questions;
What am I aware of right now?
What am I thinking?
What am I feeling?
Revisit these questions DAILY. Reflect on the answers. Be conscious of whats going on within you. Build on your conscious participation with life.
Catch ya on the flip side!
Aum
Of course, there is a lot of people who don't think of their lives as being designed at all. Instead, life is merely an inconsistent stream of happenstance and exterior events outside the realm of control. This type of a mindset can keep a person in the same cycle of experiences, well, for their entire life.
When I say that we design our life, I mean it literally. So the obvious question becomes How do we design our life? Well the Truth is you are ALWAYS designing your life, because the tools we use to design it are ALWAYS ON.
Think about it. What is something that you are always doing?
Its not eating. Or sleeping. I'd hope for most, its not talking.
The one thing we are ALWAYS doing is Thinking.
Thinking leads to a whole series of internal events (that become expressed outwardly), but all Cause lies in Mind and what we are thinking. You may have even heard this before (its not NEW information), but it may very well be in your own life.
So another question emerges.
Are we thinking deliberately?
Seems like an odd question, I mean, have we ever just stopped and thought deliberately. Usually thoughts come and go, seemingly, of their own volition. It isn't like we have much control over the whole thing. Well we do, and the DESIGN that is inherent in the Universe places all the power (and responsibility) of our experiences squarely in our personal domain, under our personal control. The name of that power?
CHOICE!
There is an amazingly simple way of taking the controls over our life, so that it reflects our Deliberate Design. Conscious Evolution is about shifting from merely a BodyMind/Ego who is a victim of circumstance to the very Essence of our Spirit, which is all powerful, ever present, and Divinely Inspired by the Mind of God.
I'll give you a tidbit to chew on, (while the Ebook that highlights all the different ways to DESIGN WITH LIGHT is being completed).
Ask yourself these three questions;
What am I aware of right now?
What am I thinking?
What am I feeling?
Revisit these questions DAILY. Reflect on the answers. Be conscious of whats going on within you. Build on your conscious participation with life.
Catch ya on the flip side!
Aum
Friday, January 10, 2014
Designed with Light
So things are coming along with my platform idea's (With Light Design). Working on a landing page, and in the process have been faced with some very interesting decisions. I'll admit, at first, I was somewhat influenced by the idea of marketing this platform using a cliche'd "WE CAN HELP YOU" design. After a few mock ups, it just didn't sit with my soul.
So I sat down with legal pad and pen, and love-stormed a more thorough outline of what this platform is going to be about, what type of services I will provide, will I work with a team, and how will it all look?
Suffice to say that I become quite INSPIRITED, and what has come through is very exciting. And no, I will not be revealing anything here, so you'll just have to wait until the landing page is complete and published online. That is if I can find someway to register my domain. That is a whole other story, and I am holding thoughts of surety that ALL IS DONE.
One of the prominent themes with developing this platform/business has been how our lives are designed, and the degree of conscious participation we take in designing our lives. Whether you want to admit it or not, your life reflects the design you have accepted as being True for you. So if life is reflecting to you negativity, what kind of design have you internalized?
Self-reflection has been such an important role in my own development. Without it I would not be where I am today. Most if not all conflict is inner conflict. Recognizing this through reflection will lead you to greater Awareness, which allows one to utilize their Intelligence to develop their Engagement with life.
Whoops... there goes some of the Design Essentials. Well, chew on that for a bit.
Richest Blessings!
So I sat down with legal pad and pen, and love-stormed a more thorough outline of what this platform is going to be about, what type of services I will provide, will I work with a team, and how will it all look?
Suffice to say that I become quite INSPIRITED, and what has come through is very exciting. And no, I will not be revealing anything here, so you'll just have to wait until the landing page is complete and published online. That is if I can find someway to register my domain. That is a whole other story, and I am holding thoughts of surety that ALL IS DONE.
One of the prominent themes with developing this platform/business has been how our lives are designed, and the degree of conscious participation we take in designing our lives. Whether you want to admit it or not, your life reflects the design you have accepted as being True for you. So if life is reflecting to you negativity, what kind of design have you internalized?
Self-reflection has been such an important role in my own development. Without it I would not be where I am today. Most if not all conflict is inner conflict. Recognizing this through reflection will lead you to greater Awareness, which allows one to utilize their Intelligence to develop their Engagement with life.
Whoops... there goes some of the Design Essentials. Well, chew on that for a bit.
Richest Blessings!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Healing through Communication
It has been a repeating lesson in my life that to maintain a healthy relationship with ANYONE, there has to be a space for open, and authentic communication. Whether the relationship is with another person, with yourself, or with creature from the other kingdoms of life. There is no separation. We are One.
I recently came across a video that recounts an amazing experience between Anna, whom is a highly developed telepath that communicates with animals, uncovering the trauma they have experienced and aiding them in the healing process.
This video is only a segment from a much longer documentary, but is powerful none the less.
While watching it, try to release the idea's of separation that may exist in your mind about animals and mankind. Behind the form lies a singular consciousness, the I in the midst of us, as Joel Goldsmith would say. We are ONE, and this video offers demonstration of that.
I recently came across a video that recounts an amazing experience between Anna, whom is a highly developed telepath that communicates with animals, uncovering the trauma they have experienced and aiding them in the healing process.
This video is only a segment from a much longer documentary, but is powerful none the less.
While watching it, try to release the idea's of separation that may exist in your mind about animals and mankind. Behind the form lies a singular consciousness, the I in the midst of us, as Joel Goldsmith would say. We are ONE, and this video offers demonstration of that.
The truth lies behind the eye, deep within our soul.
No conflict has the space to rise, when we see that we are Whole.
Aum
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Pushing past the "Liar"
For some of you who are regulars to my blog, you might remember me reference the "Liar". This is the voice in our heads that has a repository of comments which includes [but is not limited to];
"No, that's not going to work" or "It is simply not possible" or "Don't bother, your not good enough".
This "Liar" is deeply embedded in our cultural narrative. Its something given to us from our predecessors, our parents, friends, society. Its reinforced through mainstream media, television, news, commercials, movies, and music. It is EVERYWHERE.
Its what drives you to buy the latest, whether its clothing, makeup, diet plans, technology, books, or insurance policies. The Liar is what makes life seem dangerous, unfair, fearful, and void of any real security [or meaning]. Its the booming reminder that you will never be happy, but keep trying at it anyway.
During this era of Conscious Evolution, where mankind as a whole is evolving how we operate in the world from the fundamental to the gross, we are facing the need to dissolve this Liar through re-writing our cultural story as a species. This happens first on the individual level, when each one of us makes the prominent choice of not listening to this liar any more.
When we let go of the falsehoods of which the liar seems to have an endless supply, the more we open to the abundant glory that life can provide. We are tapped into a stream of beauty, Love, grace, and Joy at all times. The question is, are we open to it? If we are listening to the liar, the answer is most likely, No.
So how can we start saying yes?
We need to build up the inner strength and resolve to PUSH PAST THE LIAR. In other words, the routines and habits of thinking which are generated from the attention we give to what the Liar has to say, has created grooves or patterns of thinking that keep us from accepting the ever present good and joy we are entitled to. We have to break these habits.
To do this we need to first have Awareness of the lies we are being told. Next, we must utilize our Intelligence [thought + word] to re-establish Truth in our consciousness. This can be accomplished through Affirmation or Spiritual Mind Treatment, which assist us in forming new thought trends.
Finally, Engagement. This sphere represents our activity in the world. And not just quantity, but Quality of Engagement. Its great to think and speak with power, but are we demonstrating what we think and say as being TRUE in our lives?
With this recipe, you will learn to PUSH PASSED THE LIAR, and take control of your thought, words, and actions, which will lead to a more pure, loving, graceful, and joyous expression [and experience] of life.
Aum
"No, that's not going to work" or "It is simply not possible" or "Don't bother, your not good enough".
This "Liar" is deeply embedded in our cultural narrative. Its something given to us from our predecessors, our parents, friends, society. Its reinforced through mainstream media, television, news, commercials, movies, and music. It is EVERYWHERE.
Its what drives you to buy the latest, whether its clothing, makeup, diet plans, technology, books, or insurance policies. The Liar is what makes life seem dangerous, unfair, fearful, and void of any real security [or meaning]. Its the booming reminder that you will never be happy, but keep trying at it anyway.
During this era of Conscious Evolution, where mankind as a whole is evolving how we operate in the world from the fundamental to the gross, we are facing the need to dissolve this Liar through re-writing our cultural story as a species. This happens first on the individual level, when each one of us makes the prominent choice of not listening to this liar any more.
When we let go of the falsehoods of which the liar seems to have an endless supply, the more we open to the abundant glory that life can provide. We are tapped into a stream of beauty, Love, grace, and Joy at all times. The question is, are we open to it? If we are listening to the liar, the answer is most likely, No.
So how can we start saying yes?
We need to build up the inner strength and resolve to PUSH PAST THE LIAR. In other words, the routines and habits of thinking which are generated from the attention we give to what the Liar has to say, has created grooves or patterns of thinking that keep us from accepting the ever present good and joy we are entitled to. We have to break these habits.
To do this we need to first have Awareness of the lies we are being told. Next, we must utilize our Intelligence [thought + word] to re-establish Truth in our consciousness. This can be accomplished through Affirmation or Spiritual Mind Treatment, which assist us in forming new thought trends.
Finally, Engagement. This sphere represents our activity in the world. And not just quantity, but Quality of Engagement. Its great to think and speak with power, but are we demonstrating what we think and say as being TRUE in our lives?
With this recipe, you will learn to PUSH PASSED THE LIAR, and take control of your thought, words, and actions, which will lead to a more pure, loving, graceful, and joyous expression [and experience] of life.
Aum
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
IN SPIRIT Writing
As I have begun to build myself a freelance/designing/writing business, I've been keeping my eye out for experts in the field of social marketing, networking, and how to get your stuff seen.
I am not one to shy away from what I want to write about, but recently there have been times I have felt hesitant in writing what I usually write about. Look back at most of my older posts, and they all deal with spirituality/consciousness/GOD is some way.
I have also been keeping an eye on what is usually trending on social media sites, and rarely if ever do I see something that is up my alley. I simply cannot contend with with the #Olympics, #Steammachine, or the myriad of other trending topics I really am not motivated to write about.
Am I being forced to "drop the bar" and write to what people are interested in, even though in my heart of hearts I know that what I have to say is vastly more important then anything that is currently trending? Should I concede to the status quo?
NEVER!
However, I have picked up some amazing tips on how to make my content more engaging and interesting, so even if its about a not so popular topic, it will still have the potential to engage my readers and at the very least, strike up conversation.
Apparently, everyone loves pictures. So I've made it a point to include original images in most of my posts, as well as making the share link on Google stand out among the plain posts.
I have connected with more people in the last 2 weeks on Google + then in my entire time using this social network. I have found the greatest success through engaging with people from my heart, and sharing what they find important. Especially if its original, because I wish to honor that space of Spirit that has inspired them to write and create.
Writing from the Heart and Soul is what I do. My inspiration comes from Spirit, from Truth. And I truly believe that EVERYONE'S inspiration is sourced from this same dimension. So, my worries of not being "seen" on Google are dissolving, because I know that those who are meant to see it, will.
Aum
I am not one to shy away from what I want to write about, but recently there have been times I have felt hesitant in writing what I usually write about. Look back at most of my older posts, and they all deal with spirituality/consciousness/GOD is some way.
I have also been keeping an eye on what is usually trending on social media sites, and rarely if ever do I see something that is up my alley. I simply cannot contend with with the #Olympics, #Steammachine, or the myriad of other trending topics I really am not motivated to write about.
Am I being forced to "drop the bar" and write to what people are interested in, even though in my heart of hearts I know that what I have to say is vastly more important then anything that is currently trending? Should I concede to the status quo?
NEVER!
However, I have picked up some amazing tips on how to make my content more engaging and interesting, so even if its about a not so popular topic, it will still have the potential to engage my readers and at the very least, strike up conversation.
Apparently, everyone loves pictures. So I've made it a point to include original images in most of my posts, as well as making the share link on Google stand out among the plain posts.
I have connected with more people in the last 2 weeks on Google + then in my entire time using this social network. I have found the greatest success through engaging with people from my heart, and sharing what they find important. Especially if its original, because I wish to honor that space of Spirit that has inspired them to write and create.
Writing from the Heart and Soul is what I do. My inspiration comes from Spirit, from Truth. And I truly believe that EVERYONE'S inspiration is sourced from this same dimension. So, my worries of not being "seen" on Google are dissolving, because I know that those who are meant to see it, will.
Aum
Why I am not bothered By Atheism
Over on Google +, I have come across a good handful of conversations discussing the ideology of Atheism. It started with a video post from +Deepak Chopra defending against +Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science , which exploded into a large debate on the issue of Atheism Vs Religion.
And as I sift through all of the different points of view, I can't help but notice how much I don't feel a part of the debate. From one perspective, I am atheist (insofar as I don't believe in the Christian idea of God or Deity), and on the other I can't, on any level (logically, rationally, intuitively) accept that there is not an Absolute Source of all life, love, and intelligence (which I sometimes refer to as God), which permeates all creation, and in which I live, move, and have my being.
I simply cannot commit to a 'belief' in God, simply because God (as I experience it) does not require belief. And this is so, because God simple IS.
However...
And as I sift through all of the different points of view, I can't help but notice how much I don't feel a part of the debate. From one perspective, I am atheist (insofar as I don't believe in the Christian idea of God or Deity), and on the other I can't, on any level (logically, rationally, intuitively) accept that there is not an Absolute Source of all life, love, and intelligence (which I sometimes refer to as God), which permeates all creation, and in which I live, move, and have my being.
I simply cannot commit to a 'belief' in God, simply because God (as I experience it) does not require belief. And this is so, because God simple IS.
However...
Burden of Proof.
Given that God is the Source of all Life, Love, and Intelligence, the proof is in the presence of all 3 in our Universe. Some might argue that just because you have intelligence, doesn't mean that there HAS to be an Absolute source of that intelligence.
I beg to differ...
Take your computer for instance. Without you (Source), the intelligence it operates with (merely an extension of your own), would have no context for its existence (and then would not exist).
I agree that for most religions, and how they describe God, the burden of proof is necessary, and something they should closely inspect. The truth of the matter is that most people who claim membership to a religion, weren't given much of a choice. Religion is deeply tied with culture, geographic location, family beliefs, etc..
I consider myself fortunate enough to have not been raised in a home where religion was a big issue, which afforded me the opportunity to pave my own path, and think (and experience) for myself. And yes, I did go through them all, finding Truth sprinkled in each.
One of Dawkin's arguments seems to be that combining what occurs within the Universe, does not carry over to the Nature of the Universe itself. So that the Universe as a whole and what goes on 'within' it, are two different things.
I suppose the argument changes to Atheism Vs Non-Duality....
Monday, January 6, 2014
The "Free Hug" Experience
I know that this may make me sound like a hippy, and I am totally fine with that.
I love FREE HUGS.
Some of my most powerful, and trans-formative experiences have occurred during a Free Hug event.
I've only participated in about 3 of them, but each one was such an amazing experience and wonderful opportunity to break open from my introvert's shell, and give out some Love to my fellow man (and woman), that I'd be open to doing it as often as possible.
I'd like to share with you my first ever free hug experience, that took place about 3 years ago in downtown Toronto. I had met a wonderful guy +Shawn Jason, through a group of people who formed the "Love Crew", of which Shawn was a founding member, and who organized many of these types of events before.
We all met up at Yonge and Dundas square early in the morning (the early birds scored free shirts and sweaters that had awesome quotes on them. Here is a link to the company's site), to meet and greet, design signs to promote that we were giving away free hugs, and to organize those who were present on the routes we were going to follow, and also who we would be walking with.
[On a side note, it was during this event that I learned that you are considered a "Gang" if you are joined with at least 9 other people (10 in total), and to do so is against the law. I wonder if this law is waved on every Black Friday?]
Anyway, once the signs were finished, my wife and two children teamed up with some other wonderful folks and began down our route that would eventually lead us to a central location where the other groups would all meet up.
(And yes, we definitely brought our two children with us, whom at the time were 7 and 10 months, and who had a blast!)
I can remember that every moment up to when we began our walk, I was feeling the butterflies in my gut. I had never done anything like this before, and giving total strangers a full on hug was something that was quite outside my own comfort zone.
Interestingly enough, as soon as we headed out, something came over me. All fear and hesitation had left me completely, and I totally surrendered to the choice I had made, which was to be a vehicle for Love and kindness.
So I began belting my voice as we walked, marketing our free service with such enthusiasm and humor that most people were immediately disarmed, unable to respond in the typical fashion (which consisted either of about facing, or ignoring my presence all together. Which some people did in fact try, and I respected it), and met me with sometimes timid acceptance or in other cases, equal zeal.
And I tell ya, I have never felt so open and free in my entire life then when I hugged someone I had never met before. There was such a powerful moment of connection, of a unifying energy that wasn't created with the hug, but revealed.
This walk went on for several hours, as we made it through our route, with occasional stops in between at different locations where large numbers of people would pass by in a short period of time. I can remember one particular hug that was so epic for each of us, that 10 minutes after, the same person (and their friend) returned to get another, commenting that they had never had such an awesome hug before.
In another instance, one of the other volunteers present was stopped by someone who had looked very sad and alone. I don't recall if anything was said prior to the hug (which was powerful and deeply heartfelt), but afterward the individual pulled back, and with tears in their eyes and a breaking voice, generously thanked them, explaining that they were in real need of a good hug today.
If you have never experienced the "Free Hug", either through receiving one or giving one, then consider this to be my personal recommendation. Get out there with some friends as soon as possible, and spread some free love with hugs, because not only is it incredibly powerful for you, but you might just change someone's life.
Aum
I love FREE HUGS.
Some of my most powerful, and trans-formative experiences have occurred during a Free Hug event.
I've only participated in about 3 of them, but each one was such an amazing experience and wonderful opportunity to break open from my introvert's shell, and give out some Love to my fellow man (and woman), that I'd be open to doing it as often as possible.
I'd like to share with you my first ever free hug experience, that took place about 3 years ago in downtown Toronto. I had met a wonderful guy +Shawn Jason, through a group of people who formed the "Love Crew", of which Shawn was a founding member, and who organized many of these types of events before.
We all met up at Yonge and Dundas square early in the morning (the early birds scored free shirts and sweaters that had awesome quotes on them. Here is a link to the company's site), to meet and greet, design signs to promote that we were giving away free hugs, and to organize those who were present on the routes we were going to follow, and also who we would be walking with.
[On a side note, it was during this event that I learned that you are considered a "Gang" if you are joined with at least 9 other people (10 in total), and to do so is against the law. I wonder if this law is waved on every Black Friday?]
Anyway, once the signs were finished, my wife and two children teamed up with some other wonderful folks and began down our route that would eventually lead us to a central location where the other groups would all meet up.
(And yes, we definitely brought our two children with us, whom at the time were 7 and 10 months, and who had a blast!)
I can remember that every moment up to when we began our walk, I was feeling the butterflies in my gut. I had never done anything like this before, and giving total strangers a full on hug was something that was quite outside my own comfort zone.
Interestingly enough, as soon as we headed out, something came over me. All fear and hesitation had left me completely, and I totally surrendered to the choice I had made, which was to be a vehicle for Love and kindness.
So I began belting my voice as we walked, marketing our free service with such enthusiasm and humor that most people were immediately disarmed, unable to respond in the typical fashion (which consisted either of about facing, or ignoring my presence all together. Which some people did in fact try, and I respected it), and met me with sometimes timid acceptance or in other cases, equal zeal.
And I tell ya, I have never felt so open and free in my entire life then when I hugged someone I had never met before. There was such a powerful moment of connection, of a unifying energy that wasn't created with the hug, but revealed.
This walk went on for several hours, as we made it through our route, with occasional stops in between at different locations where large numbers of people would pass by in a short period of time. I can remember one particular hug that was so epic for each of us, that 10 minutes after, the same person (and their friend) returned to get another, commenting that they had never had such an awesome hug before.
In another instance, one of the other volunteers present was stopped by someone who had looked very sad and alone. I don't recall if anything was said prior to the hug (which was powerful and deeply heartfelt), but afterward the individual pulled back, and with tears in their eyes and a breaking voice, generously thanked them, explaining that they were in real need of a good hug today.
If you have never experienced the "Free Hug", either through receiving one or giving one, then consider this to be my personal recommendation. Get out there with some friends as soon as possible, and spread some free love with hugs, because not only is it incredibly powerful for you, but you might just change someone's life.
Aum
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Upended
We are only four days into the new year, and I have a deep sense that this is going to be a BIG one for a lot of people (myself included). Its going to be a mix of the good and bad (bad being the mask of one's TRUE good).
Whether its a personal struggle with self-defeating routines and addictions, cultural upheaval, societal breakdowns, or on the flips side having everything you need to move forward with your relationships, career, or personal development just falling into your lap, we should all expect some waves of change for 2014.
I know for myself, deciding to take my creative ventures to the next level, I've had some amazing new tools and inspiration show up like crazy in under a week. On the other hand, some of my relationships have begun to deteriorate, giving rise to deep wounds and hurts that have been masked in the subconscious, finally finding an avenue to rise again.
It hurts to think that people have a poor image of you in their minds. That they have solidified an idea about you, and regardless of how you choose to 'show up', those idea's won't easily dissolve. I feel caught between a rock and a hard place.
A part of me knows that the opinions of others are just that, opinions. I refuse to fall for them. On the other hand, I need to reflect on how I can be open to healing these 'false thoughts' that I may be harboring in my own consciousness, because as long as they have a place to call home in my own mind, they surely won't leave the minds of others.
My attention cannot be placed on the things I don't want. That's self defeating. Instead, I should remain focused on what is true and beautiful, like LOVE.
I am not sure how or when these diminishing relationships will be healed, but I accept that they are healed in my own mind NOW.
Ya hear that Universe? NOW.
Whether its a personal struggle with self-defeating routines and addictions, cultural upheaval, societal breakdowns, or on the flips side having everything you need to move forward with your relationships, career, or personal development just falling into your lap, we should all expect some waves of change for 2014.
I know for myself, deciding to take my creative ventures to the next level, I've had some amazing new tools and inspiration show up like crazy in under a week. On the other hand, some of my relationships have begun to deteriorate, giving rise to deep wounds and hurts that have been masked in the subconscious, finally finding an avenue to rise again.
It hurts to think that people have a poor image of you in their minds. That they have solidified an idea about you, and regardless of how you choose to 'show up', those idea's won't easily dissolve. I feel caught between a rock and a hard place.
A part of me knows that the opinions of others are just that, opinions. I refuse to fall for them. On the other hand, I need to reflect on how I can be open to healing these 'false thoughts' that I may be harboring in my own consciousness, because as long as they have a place to call home in my own mind, they surely won't leave the minds of others.
My attention cannot be placed on the things I don't want. That's self defeating. Instead, I should remain focused on what is true and beautiful, like LOVE.
I am not sure how or when these diminishing relationships will be healed, but I accept that they are healed in my own mind NOW.
Ya hear that Universe? NOW.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Regardless of what is coming up for any of us, we must always remain centered in the Truth. The Universe is for our GOOD. It might seem like things are not going the best they could right now, but when something breaks down, it never looks good at first.
Lets look with the 'eye behind the eye', and see the perfect re-arranging of our life as a blessing from God, that as we ask we shall receive (And we are always asking/declaring/affirming).
Allowing the old to give way to the new might hurt a bit, but in the end, its a beautiful hurt.
Aum
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)