http://www.SelfAwareWorld.com/ Your best source of Personal Growth information on the Internet. en-us Tue, 10 Jun 2003 04:00:00 GMT Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:46:33 CST 20 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=41 Several years back, I got laid off from a job where I was working as a contract computer programmer. The company decided to "out-source" the whole department. I've never been laid off before so I really didn't know what to do next.<p>So, being a typical private pilot, it didn't take me long to come up with a definitive answer, "I'll go flying!". What better way to leave your troubles behind. When I fly, I can't think about anything else.<br><br>So I picked up my girl friend and we took off for a nice long evening flight. The Cessna floated on the winds like a new Cadillac and the air was clear. We watched as the sun went down over the horizon, waiting for the orange edge of the glowing sphere to pop out of sight. Then, it was time to go home.<br><br>After a nice landing, we taxied back to the hangar and I saw my new next-door neighbor watching us as we went by. He waited for me to shut down the engine and walked over to introduce himself.<br><br>"Hey, did you guys have a good flight?" he asked.<br><br>"Incredible! You couldn't have asked for a nicer evening." I answered. <br><br>"My name is Ethan. I haven't had a chance to meet you yet." he said.<br><br>"Nice to meet you. This is Susan and my name is Smitty. We're out celebrating my very first lay-off ever!" I joked.<br><br>"Really, what do you do?" he asked.<br><br>"I'm a computer programmer." I answered. <br><br>"Interesting... How about you come see me tomorrow where I work. We need some more programmers." he said excitedly.<br><br>"Sure, well... Heck yeah!" I said.<br><br>The next day I drove to his office, not knowing what to expect. He invited me in and took me for a tour of the office, all the time talking with me about my programming experience. After we made the rounds and met some of staff, he grabbed a few of them and we went into one of the conference rooms. <br><br>"Mind if we have an impromptu interview?" he asked.<br><br>"Sure, no problem." I answered.<br><br>We spent the next few minutes talking about the job and my experience. Then Ethan got up from the table and paraded the others out into the hallway, leaving me behind, wondering what was going on. Then, after only a few minutes, he came back in.<br><br>"The job is yours if you want it." he exclaimed.<br><br>I was flabbergasted. "Am I awake, Is this really happening?" I thought to myself.<br><br>Then I said "Well, let me think about it... hmm... OK, I've thought about it. I'll take it!" I said with excitement.<br><br>"Great!" he said, "We'll see you in the morning!".<br><br>As I was walking out to my car, I still couldn't believe it. I had a job, and in less than 24 hours of getting laid off! <br><br>Can I be so bold as to credit aviation for my good luck? You bet your boots! Those of us that are part of the aviating community take care of their own.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=41#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=41 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=40 Many years ago, before I met my one and only, I invited a lady I met to go flying with me and have lunch. <br><br>When you're a pilot, finding a mate that will love aviation as much as you do is pretty tough. Even if you meet someone that says they like flying, it's not always true. Many times a prospective mate will say anything to make you happy, to keep you interested in them. Then after the marriage, things change and the truth comes out. They may finally admit that flying is too scary after all. At times there can also be some resentment towards the other woman in your life, your airplane.<p>Meanwhile, back to my story.<br><br>On a beautiful Saturday morning, I drove to my hangar and pulled out my trusty old Cessna. I had to clean her up from the last adventure before this young lady arrived. I didn't want her to think I was a complete pig. I cleaned the windows and vacuumed her out. Ready to go! <br><br>Not long after, she arrived, but not alone. She had her small dog, "Buffy" the Shih Tzu, tagging along.<br><br>"Oh" I said. "You brought your dog".<br><br>"Oops, I'm sorry, Is that OK?" she asked.<br><br>"I dunno. I've never flown with a dog before. I guess it will be OK." I said, not really wanting to have a dog in my airplane.<br><br>So after the pre-flight, we boarded my bird and taxied out to the run-up area. The dog seemed to be pretty calm, as it sat quietly in her lap. I did my run-up, all the time keeping one eye on the dog. Still, all seemed to be well.<br><br>Time for take-off. I pulled the airplane out on the run-way, while announcing my departure. I pushed in the throttle and started down the runway. Meanwhile the dog was starting to get agitated, but I didn't notice, since I was concentrating on my take-off.<br><br>Right after we went airborn, the dog had leaped from her lap and started running around the interior of the airplane, just like Roger Rabbit in the movie. Around and around it went, yipping all the way. Since I was already airborne, I really couldn't do anything about it. Not only was the dog going wild, but it was pooping and peeing at the same time.<br><br>I knew I had to get the plane on the ground as soon as possible. I was worried that that damn dog was going to do something stupid like lodge herself under the rudder peddles. <br><br>I made the pattern and landed safely. We got out of the airplane and put the dog on a leash, tied to one of the struts. Both of us were covered with pee and poop, not to mention the interior of my airplane!<br><br>She was mortified and apologized profusely. I said "Don't worry, it's OK".<br><br>We pulled the airplane into the hangar and she gracious helped my clean it up. After everything was back to normal I turned to her and said:<br><br>"I do have one suggestion though."<br><br>"What's that?" She asked.<br><br>"I think you should change the dogs name to Sue". I answered.<br><br>"Why Sue?" She asked.<br><br>"Well..., then we can call her by her real name, Shit-Sue!"<br><br>We both laughed and went out to lunch, in a CAR.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=40#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=40 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=39 This morning I was shaving in my bathroom mirror, not looking forward to the day. The guy in the mirror looked beaten down, discouraged and downright depressed. "I wish things were different" I said to myself. I really didn't like what I saw.<p>Then, just for grins, I decided to see what I would look like if some wizard waved his magic wand and then "Poof!", I had plenty of money and a career that I really loved.<br><br>Then I watched as my reflection changed. I was holding my head high and had a glow about me that was dripping in confidence. "Now, that's more like it!" I exclaimed. <br><br>Then I started having visions of me going through my usual daily activities and seeing vast differences. Instead of my usual complaining about work and my boss, I had a new attitude because I didn't need the old job anymore. I watched myself as I packed up my office stuff, smiled at my former cube mates and waltzed out the door, headed straight for my new career.<br><br>The visions continued. There I was, eating at a nice restaurant, not even looking at the prices, and enjoying the company of new friends. I looked down. I was wearing new expensive clothes and "looking good" as Freddie Prinze would say.<br><br>Then I walked out to the parking lot. There was my new black 2-door Mercedes, shining the sunlight, begging for me to take her for an evening drive. As I glided inside, sliding over the leather upholstery, I looked over and saw the loving eyes of my beautiful wife, who kissed me on the cheek.<br><br>Needless to say, this experience felt really good, really alive. In fact, sometimes I go back and read what I just wrote to rekindle that feeling again.<br><br>"I want to feel that way all the time!" I thought. So, why can't I? I know that I'm the one who created this life in the first place! All of this couldn't have come into existence without me participating in it. It is up to me to change it.<br><br>I have been told that when I change, my world changes. It's time for me to become the person that I want to be.<br><br>"Look inside yourself, Simba. You are much more than you have become." – The Lion King –<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=39#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=39 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=38 Wow, what a turnout. Good friends, good food and great fun! You could not have asked for a nicer day than yesterday. Click on the link below for a slideshow of the event:<p><center><iframe style="width:680;height:700" src="http://www.eaa1246.org/eventslideshow.asp?slideshowid=50"></iframe></center><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=38#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=38 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=37 Today I'm headed out to airport for our EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) chapters fall Chili Cookoff Fly-in. This is a big deal for our chapter. Every year our members cook up their best home-made chili recipe and share their wares.<p>Over the years the word has really gotten out. We have airplanes of all sorts fly in from all over Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma to sample our chili and fixins'. And it's not just airplanes. We usually have some motorcycle clubs wheeling in as well. <br><br>Our average attendance at the cook-off is over 200 people. We have big-band music playing in the back ground inside a monster hangar. The only thing that is missing is B-17 in our midst. It really has that old hangar dance from the 40's feel. <br><br>If you're ever in North Texas in October, look us up at <a href="http://EAA1246.org" target="_blank">EAA1246.org</a>. You won't regret it. Sometimes indigestion can be fun!<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=37#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=37 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=36 The term "synchronicity" is defined as "the coincidental occurrence of events that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality". It is a word that is widely used by many people today in the New Thought movement.<br><br>For me, synchronicity is more than just a strange coincidence, it is evidence to show us how we bring things into our personal life experience.<p>For those of you who are not familiar with synchronicity, I have a simple example of an occurrence that happen to me just last week. I was trying to help my son with his new German class, without knowing any German at all. We tried to make sense of his school textbook but didn't get anywhere with it. <br><br>Instead we downloaded some free software off the internet that taught German by listening to spoken translations from English, and then tested you by having you type the German words into the program. Needless to say, we both learned a lot that night.<br><br>Around 10 pm, it was time for my son to go to bed and for me to have my own private time with the TV remote. I started watching a show about how your body ages over time and how there isn't much you can do about. Eventually time catches up with you and you croak. It explained, on a cellular level, exactly what happens to your body. I ended up going to bed around midnight, because I just couldn't stop watching that show.<br><br>The next morning, after I got out of the shower, my wife yelled at me to come over watch a special news report on aging in America. While I was standing (and dripping) next to her, I noticed that she was reading an article in the newspaper called "Auf Wiedersehen". This article was about how public schools were having problems getting kids to sign up for German classes.<br><br>I can understand a single synchronicity or coincidence, but this was a double whammy. I have had countless experiences like this.<br><br>I think that synchronicities are like reports that are sent to us, showing what's going on in our heads.<br><br>Another term that is thrown around a lot in New Age circles is "Manifestation" and "The Law of Attraction". In my opinion, there is very little difference these terms and the phenomena of synchronicity.<br><br>Let's look back at my example and break it down into it's primary elements. <br><br>First, there was "interest". I was preoccupied mentally with both scenarios. I wanted to help my son and learn German myself. I was also fascinated by the subject of aging and how it worked.<br><br>Secondly, there was "emotion". My son was upset that he was going to fail his German and I felt empathetic, having been there myself. Also, the show on aging really caught my attention and was spooking me to the point of wanting to join a health club the next day.<br><br>Interest and emotion seem to be primary components in bringing stuff into anyone’s life. Yet, like some New Ager's, we "visualize" what we want and don't seem to receive it, or it takes a long time.<br><br>I think it's time to examine our own synchronicities when they do occur. When one happens, we should sit down and write out everything that we can think of that led to the synchronicity, and try to repeat those scenarios. This "cause and effect" method of analyzing really works.<br><br>When we are trying to "manifest" something into our lives and don't receive the thing we want, we need to go back and examine our previously fulfilled synchronicities to see where they differ from our manifesting efforts.<br><br>Every day synchronicities are simple, they just happen. We need to start making conscious synchronicities occur.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=36#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=36 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=35 Collection of funny clips I put together for the joy of smiling and laughing. You've got to love Abraham's sense of humour! <p><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a5ZeYGWS3zw&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a5ZeYGWS3zw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=35#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=35 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=34 Part 2 of "Get Happy!". This is great stuff.<p><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/umxO5YK5NSU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/umxO5YK5NSU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=34#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=34 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=33 I love this video by Abraham-Hicks. It pretty much somes it all up - GET HAPPY!<p><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w4pk1r-eg8s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w4pk1r-eg8s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=33#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=33 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=32 This video is my favorite from Abraham. Yeah, I know, I'm on a Abraham tear today, but I just love the idea behind the Law of Attraction. It just makes so much sense. Everyday events become a tangible thing that you can see, feel and experience, knowing that YOU are behind it all. <br><br>Enjoy the Video!<p><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fTMx3LFCuPE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fTMx3LFCuPE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=32#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=32 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=31 I didn't know for a long time that there was version of the DVD The Secret that featured Abraham - via Esther Hicks. I think I'm going to try to get a copy at Ebay. In the video which is posted in second half of this blog, Abraham (via Esther) explains why there are two versions of "The Secret" DVD and why Abraham is no longer in the video.<p>Seems odd to me that Abraham has been teaching about the Law of Attraction for years(and years) and is left off the video??? I don't get it.<br><br><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CFp-iPSPplE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CFp-iPSPplE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=31#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=31 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=30 I awoke abruptly this morning to a host of unpleasantries. <br><br>"Oh crap, I forgot to mail my bills yesterday."<br>"Holy moley, look at the time. I'm going to be late AGAIN."<br>"OW! Who left that %^*& Leggo on the floor?"<br>I really felt tired, having staid too late the night before, <br>and I really didn't need that last glass of wine.<br><br>Jees, what a way to start the day. By the time I made it to the bathroom, my brain was in bad-mood overdrive.<p>Then, as I was brushing my teeth, I realized that I was setting myself up for a really miserable day. I also knew that somehow I needed to dump the trash in my head or pay the consequences.<br><br>Then I remembered what my mother used to say "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!" <br><br>I decided to modify her mantra to "If you can't think something nice, don't think anything at all!"<br><br>I immediately shut the negative mind chatter down and got in the shower, quietly listening to the water as it gently washed my blues away. Soon I was feeling quite peaceful and stress free.<br><br>I don't care who you are, or how "one with the universe" you may think you are. Everyone has days like this. It's what you do with them that counts.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=30#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=30 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=29 Life is indeed a puzzle. I'm going to be rambling here, so get ready.<br><br>Puzzles have a lot of pieces, fragments that don't seem to be related to each other upon opening the box. You can see some similarities, giving you clues to the eventual assembly of the puzzle.<br><br>Just like puzzle pieces, seemingly random events occur in our lives. But they also seem to come in sets or groupings, where the theme of these occurences appear to be related to each other.<p>I can think back of Junior High when I was the fat piano playing pudgy boy, being heckled and picked on by various bullies. I wasn't doing so hot in my classes either and had trouble with my teachers. Friends were hard to come by and my parents weren't so happy with me either. It was generally a sad and depressing time for me.<br><br>Later in High School, my talent in music was discovered and I became a desired commodity in the band and choir, not to mention the various theatrical productions that were put on during the year. Everything else in my life followed suit. I had good friends and my classes went well. I remember my parents faces in the audience, beaming with pride about "their boy".<br><br>Being brought up Southern Baptist, I was taught that everything was "God's will". I can remember thinking that if God is so great, why did he find it to OK to torture in me in my early years, only to grant me popularity in later years? It just didn't make any sense to me.<br><br>After college, I was introduced to the idea that we, as fragments of God (or the Universe), were individual pieces of that powerful force. And as fragments of the power, we have the same power which is contained in the whole. We, as individuals, control and create our lives.<br><br>After studying the Law of Attraction and watching the Movie "The Secret", I was able to look back at the puzzle pieces in my life experiences and see how they were related to one another, and more importantly "why".<br><br>It was ME, I was the author of my life. I did it to myself. <br><br>"As A Man Thinketh, So Is He!"<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=29#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=29 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=28 Here's the trailer for The Living Matrix Movie. Produced by Emaginate. The film, The Living Matrix – The Science of Healing, uncovers new ideas about the intricate web of factors that determine our health. <br><br>In this film, they talk with a group of dedicated scientists, psychologists, bioenergetic researchers and holistic practitioners who are finding healing potential in new places. And energetic information-based medicine looks particularly powerful. Tapping into the power of information Leaders in science are examining the body through the lens of quantum physics. They’ve discovered that we're far more than biochemical machines.<br><br><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ne-I7JTXCbo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ne-I7JTXCbo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br><p>Check out <a href="http://thelivingmatrixmovie.com/">TheLivingMatrixMovie.com</a><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=28#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=28 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=27 Here's a new video/audio selection from "YourDreamsAreWaiting" on Youtube.com:<br><br><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T3vu8kR0VWM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T3vu8kR0VWM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><p>This is a good one!<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=27#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=27 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=26 It's time for Tom to go home now. He's not looking forward to it at all. His wife is on the war-path and has been for the past several weeks. His son has just hit his "terrible teens" and treats him like a dog. He would rather just stay at work and surf the Internet in his cubicle, just to delay the inevitable for a little longer.<br><br>"TGIF!" used to be theme on Fridays, but not anymore. Tom just sees it as two contiguous days of dread, accompanied by hopeful dreams of getting back to work on Monday, where no one can bother him.<p>"How did it get this way?" he asked himself. "What did I do to deserve this?"<br><br>Mike is his buddy at work. Every day when the daily grind is slowly coming to an end, Mike is watching the clock. He can't wait to get home and play. He reminds Tom of Fred Flintstone, yelling "Yabba-Dabba-Doo" as the imaginary whistle goes off and the clock on the wall strikes four.<br><br>Mike joyfully gathers his stuff and walks by Toms cube announcing "Come on Tom! It's time to boogie!"<br><br>Tom responds with a lowly "Right….."<br><br>"Hey, what's up with you?" asked Mike.<br><br>"Going home is just not fun anymore. There's just too much crap going on." Tom said sadly.<br><br>"Forgive me for saying so, but you are just setting yourself for a lousy weekend." Tom replied. "I promised myself a long time ago that I would never leave work until my head was straight and my mood was joyfully in tact."<br><br>"Does that really help?" Tom asked.<br><br>"Ya' never know till you try." said Mike.<br><br>"What the heck. It's seems to work for you." Tom replied.<br><br>"Here's Dr. Mikes prescription. See yourself enjoying your evenings and weekends, feeling what it would feel like to happy, and then head home." said Mike.<br><br>"That's it?" asked Tom.<br><br>"Yep, pretty simple, huh?" said Mike.<br><br>Tom started following Mike's advice everyday and over time things started getting better. His relationship with his wife and son began to change. <br><br>Pretty soon Tom was walking by Mike's cube as saying "Come on Mike! It's time to boogie!"<br><br>Jake Cameron<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=26#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=26 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=25 I just finished listening to an audiobook that was over 15 hours long. It took several trips back and forth from work to hear the whole book. This was the first time I’ve ever listened to an actual novel. Most of the podcasts and audiobooks I’ve listened to in the past were self-improvement and motivational type recordings. So this was definitely a different type of listening for me.<br><br>I been hooked on IPod type recordings for quite a while now, every since I “borrowed” my sons IPod. <br><br>On this occasion, the book I chose to listen to was an action/mystery/fantasy type novel, filled with joy, love, death and deceit. I have to admit I was hooked early on after listening to the first chapter of this book. I found myself listening to it on the way to work, at lunch, on the way home from work and even on trips to the grocery store.<br><p>Just like the movies, I found myself pulled into each chapter, easily projecting mental pictures of every scenario read by the narrator. The dark corridors, the lovely ladies, the sinister villains, the smell of the air, the heat or coolness of the day; it was almost impossible to not be engrossed in every subtle nuance.<br><br>As the days went by, I started noticing things begin to change on the road as I drove to and from work. At my job things were starting to change too. As the book proceeded through its story, so did my everyday experiences, in like manner. Some things were noticeable, some not, but nevertheless, different somehow.<br><br>Two days ago, the book reached its climax. The villains were attacking the good people of the village and a full battle broke out. They began to fight each other, face to face, hand to hand, slashing at each other with swords and knifes, even picking up stones and hurling them at each other. This battle continued on until its conclusion where the elder of the village was murdered by one of the villains. The villains were finally run off, leaving the village people to pick up their dead and wounded. <br><br>As I was driving home from work that evening, I noticed at the very outset of my journey home that it was “idiot” day on the highway. People were driving like maniacs, occasionally flipping each other off as they cut in and out of lanes. There were at least two drivers that decided I was driving too slow and rode my bumper for miles.<br><br>Today it finally hit me. I was participating in the story, seeing in my mind what the characters saw, feeling their pain, their joy. Their story became true and manifested itself, in my world! WOW!<br><br>I think I’ve discovered a new tool here. What do you think? <br><br>Jake Cameron<br><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=25#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=25 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=24 Many years ago (and I mean MANY), I decided at the young age of 19 that I was going to be bonified Church Youth Director and felt "called" to do so. I talked with my preacher and he set me up with a small church across town as their new Youth Director and offered to pay me a whopping 15 dollars a month.<p>I reported for duty the first Sunday of that month and was introduced to the congregation at the morning service. I was excited. After church, the preacher set up a youth luncheon so I could meet the kids. All went pretty well and they seemed like a nice bunch of teenagers.<br><br>At the luncheon he announced that we would all be leaving first thing in the morning to go to a church youth camp and that I would be going too. Everyone seemed eager and happy to go. All except me. I had never done this kind of thing before and didn't know if I could handle it. Regardless, I was determined to give it my best shot.<br><br>Now for the worry wart part. For many months, I had been nursing a seed wart on the face of my left thumb. It was driving me nuts. Nothing I tried got rid of it. Even after attacking it with a pair of toenail clippers until it bled, it just wouldn't go away, and seemed to get bigger and bigger. I was consumed with getting rid of it. Well, no time for that now. I felt I needed to concentrate on this new task at hand.<br><br>Early that Monday morning we arrived at the church camp and loaded our stuff into 2 cabins, one for the boys and the other for the girls. One of our church ladies volunteered to stay with the girls.<br><br>After we were settled in, the preacher walked into the boy’s cabin and announced "Well, you guys have a good time. I will be back on Friday to pick you up".<br><br>My eyes must have bugged out like Dobby the House Elf from Harry Potter. I walked with the preacher out to his car and told him "Wait, I've never done this before!” Then he retorted "You'll be fine. See you on Friday!"<br><br>I walked back to the cabin and looked into the faces of the 6 boys, whose countenances had seemed to change immediately to that of demon possession.<br><br>From that point one, they didn't listen to a thing I said. They went to the daily gatherings at the Church Camp Cathedral, but that was only because the camp owners threatened everyone with expulsion if they didn't attend.<br><br>Then the fun began. One day after lunch, I was walking back the cabin and saw the front door open, but only a couple inches. This seems odd to me, so I poked the door open with a stick. Suddenly a large plastic cup filled with pee came crashing down and barely missed me. Instantly I heard giggling in the background behind some bushes.<br><br>The list of treachery went on and on. One of kids threw his down pillow into the wall attic fan and it exploded, putting a snow like layer of feathers over everything in the cabin. They short-sheeted my bed. They put mud in my underwear. They flushed the toilet while I was showering. The cursed me to my face. They snuck out at night to either smoke or to meet some girls in the woods. Needless to say I was miserable and completely frustrated.<br><br>Finally Friday had arrived and the preacher loaded the little bastards into the church van. Then he asked "How'd it go?" Then I answered "Fine. I quit!” Luckily I had brought my own car and could leave without answering any additional questions.<br><br>On the way home, I was going over the whole experience in my head, rethinking my so-called "call" to the ministry. Then I looked down and the seed wart was gone! No, it was not divine intervention, more like diverted attention intervention. <br><br>The whole experience had been good for me. Showing me that what you pay attention to.... GROWS.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=24#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=24 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=23 I just found this video that was added to YouTube a few days ago. I really like this one. Abraham does a comparison of our inner guidance system to GPS. Enjoy!<p><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AwBCFuq9SuY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AwBCFuq9SuY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=23#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=23 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=22 Yesterday, my wife and I went to watch our 13 year old son play in small football scrimmage game. When we arrived at the stadium we found that the scrimmage had been moved to an open field behind the big stadium. No biggy, we just followed the other parents and walked out to the field.<br><br>When we arrived at the field, we found that there weren't any bleachers to sit on, just God's green grass and row after row of very old pecan trees. These old leathery trees leaned over a grassy area, covering everything with a lovely shade. As we claimed our spots to watch the game, we began to notice a nice refreshing breeze coming out of the west. The smell of freshly mowed grass, accompanied by the moist fragrance of a distant rain shower, filled me with memories of my own childhood adventures, playing in open fields around my neighborhood. This, without a doubt, was much better than baking in the sun on some hot and hard metal bleachers.<p>Many of us jumped to our feet and cheered as our kiddos made great plays. I was really enjoying this whole experience. Grass fields, lovely old shades, a soft breeze and kids having fun. You can't beat it.<br><br>Then it started. After a few minutes, one of the mothers starting talking about "Oh, I hope I don't get chiggers out here! I hate chiggers! We will all have to go home and take hot bathes after this over to get rid of them."<br><br>Soon after that she started rubbing and scratching her legs and arms, complaining non-stop after each episode. "Damn chiggers!" She exclaimed.<br><br>I decided from the outset to ignore her behavior and enjoy the ballgame and the outdoors. But the other parents began to exhibit the same symptoms, itchin' and scratchin', almost like an invading virus had engulfed the crowd. Soon this plague was all they could talk about, wishing for a quick end to the game.<br><br>I, on the other hand didn't experience anything. I kept my "eye on the ball" (or the game). Watching my son gallop over the field with a huge grin on his face. We were both having a good time.<br><br>After the game concluded, we all made our way to the parking lot. I still wasn't feeling anything, except for the excitement of watching my son play football. However, the other parents looked like family of apes, scratching and swooping through parked cars, eager to get home and wash off the "chiggers".<br><br>The mind is indeed a curious thing.<br><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=22#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=22 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=21 When a car is stuck in a rut, it can't move. It's stays in the same position until someone comes along with a tow cable or a tow truck. When we take a closer look at this car, we see all sorts of power potential that is just lying dormant, unable to help in any way. When in it's element, this machine can zoom through traffic, go over a hundred miles an hour, and bring itself to a complete safe stop.<br><br>When people get stuck in a rut, like cars, they sometimes perceive themselves as being helpless, looking for someone or something to pull them out of the rut. The refuse to see that they have their own tow cable and they alone have the hidden power to pull themselves out.<p>I recently came up with an idea for a new way to make money on the internet. It was like a shot of adrenalin. I jumped in and started working on the backend programming for a new website. I was so excited that I couldn't even sleep all night. I would wake up at 4 in the morning and go straight to my home office and start programming. This new website was going be centered around a subject that I really didn't know that much about, but I kept hammering away. <br><br>Things were going great, and I was feeling great. Every snag that I ran into was easily resolved, as if someone was handing me the answers. Within a few days I was ready to launch. This in itself was unusual, since a complex database application like this one sometimes takes weeks or months. <br><br>I went about spreading the word about my new application. The first few weeks were great and I was even making a little money. <br><br>But I wanted the website to be successful NOW and started getting frustrated. Things were not moving fast enough for me, they weren't getting worse, but they weren't getting any better either. I found myself getting anxious and a little depressed. My fire wasn't as hot as before and it really upset me.<br><br>Then one rainy day, I was driving home from work and saw a brand new Porsche, which slid of the road and was stuck in the mud on the road side. The driver was desperately trying to get the car unstuck, rocking back and forth, racing the engine and spinning the tires. But that car wasn't going anywhere.<br><br>Then it hit me, I'm that Porsche! When I started getting frustrated that was me sliding off the road! Now I'm stuck in that rut! That car couldn't do anything about it's predicament, but I certainly could. <br><br>I had to go back and recall all the teachings and lectures I had heard about "seeing yourself doing the thing you love" and "seeing yourself as being successful" in spite of outward appearances.<br><br>I decided then to change my attitude and continue my work towards my goal, all the time seeing myself already attaining that goal, with joy and excitement. <br><br>Things immediately started to pick up again and I an now definitely out of the RUT!<br><br>Jake Cameron<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=21#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=21 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=20 Being in a loving relationship with someone is truly one of the greatest adventures in life. Especially those warm fuzzy feelings you feel at the beginning, are wonderfully delicious. At this point in any relationship, life if just great. Both parties have a heightened awareness of the others needs and desires, more than willing to do for the other.<p>As time goes by, things start to change a little. Those warm "gushy" feelings are not as strong. Oh, you still love and care for the other, but those "drop what you're doing" actions you took before are not as prevalent.<br><br>You, as an individual personality or soul, still have to be concerned with yourself, how you feel, where your life is headed and not loosing the person that you are. Realizing this is sometimes tough. Feelings of guilt can come over you. You can even feel a little selfish about caring for yourself more than the other.<br><br>Also, in most relationships, one or both of the participants will sometimes notice that the other is not doing as much as they used to. Again, this is not because they don't care, it's just typical behavior for any long-term relationship. <br><br>I am reminded of that song "What Have You Done for Me Lately?". Don't you just want to slap that singer?<br><br>Now enter the term "Great Expectations", a really boring book and not the way to have a good relationship. Sometimes we go into relationships with expectations that we inherited from our parents, watching Mom and Dad do for the other. In my first marriage (haven't most of us had one of those?) I demanded that wife keep the house clean, fold my cloths and put them the dresser, because that's what "Mom" always did. She in turn wanted to go out and get a "real" job like her father did, sacrificing himself for the family. I really liked my job. It didn't pay much, but I was happy with it. We both started resenting the other one big time.<br><br>As I mentioned before, there are those expectations for things we used to do when we first entered into the relationship. It's kind of like volunteering to do something for an organized group. Now it's expected! I soon learned that I really didn't enjoy doing all the things I used to do. I just did them to gain her favor at the beginning. So I stopped doing them and so did she.<br><br>In my new marriage, my wife and I set down at the very beginning, rehashing what had gone wrong with our first marriages. We soon came to the same conclusion that those "Great Expectations" were the primary cause of our divorces. We then vowed at the very beginning to not expect anything from the other, and to only do things out of love and respect for each other.<br><br>I have to say this works. I never expect anything from wife and therefore I'm never disapointed. If you think about it, if you have an idea in your head of how the other is supposed to perform some task or act a certain way, you will never get what you want. They will either fall short or go beyond your expectation of them. And if she does something for me because I "expect" her to do it, how can she enjoy what she's done for me?<br><br>Do for the other, out of love, and expect nothing in return and ALL will be well.<br><br>Jake Cameron<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=20#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=20 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=19 My wife loves to do scrapbooking. She meets with her friends at least once a week where they gather around the kitchen table and put beautiful works of art and imagination together. If you're not familiar with scrapbooking here's a <a href="http://www.whatisscrapbooking.com/">website</a> that best explains just what it is. On this website, here's how the owner describes it <i>"Scrapbooking is a method for preserving a legacy of written history in the form of photographs, printed media, and memorabilia contained in decorated albums, or scrapbooks. Historically, scrapbooking was a tradition similar to storytelling, but with a visual and tactile focus."</i><p>When they meet at our house, I can hear them joyfully cackling in the kitchen, sharing their family photos and decorative ideas between them. At each session, they concentrate on building one page using family and friends photos, combined with colorful paints, stamps and cutouts, all designed to enhance the subject matter of the photos.<br><br>All of these pages are then stored in a scrapbook. Each scrapbook usually has a theme. Like "Our Wedding", "Our Trip to Hawaii", "Mikeys Soccer Team", you name it. As you look through these colorful scrapbooks, you can't help but get a "warm fuzzy" when you're done. These pictorial presentations are just oozing with love and joy.<br><br>Which now brings me to the Law of Attraction. What are the key ingredients in the Law of Attraction? Visualize what you want. See yourself already in possession of that which you desire, and finally, FEEL the feelings of having it in this moment. Sounds like scrapbooking to me!<br><br>What a tool to get you centered in on what you want to have in your life! Oh, and did I mention it's fun to do? <br><br>Get your camera and start taking pictures, get a pile of magazines, or any media that displays the things you want. Glue these images to a piece of paper and then start embellishing the page with all sorts of reinforcing and affirming colors, cutouts and statements. You WILL start to feel the excitement of having what you desire. Then everyday, go through your scrapbook and lose yourself in it. Daydreaming is permitted! Soon you will begin see the pages turn into reality.<br><br>Live large!<br><br>Jake Cameron<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=19#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=19 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=18 Stacy is a really nice lady. She has been working with me for several years now. Here lately she has been down and depressed and not her usual bubbly self.<br><br>One day at lunch, I happened to run into her at my favorite burger joint. After getting our food, we sat down together at a small table and started to chat about work.<p>I said "I hope you don't mind me asking, but you seem down here lately."<br><br>Her eyes watered and she replied "Things are really tough right now. My daughter is 24, still living at home, and is having emotional problems. She is really depressed and has tried to commit suicide a number of times. I don't know what to do."<br><br>"Oh man!" I said. "That's got to tough to deal with."<br><br>"Yes, she doesn't have any friends and doesn't want to get out of the house anymore. She yells at me every time I try to help her. I am always worried now that when the phone rings at work it will be someone telling me she's back in the emergency room after a suicide attempt or she's actually succeeded in doing herself in. It's really killing me!" <br><br>Then I asked "Is she in some kind of therapy?"<br><br>Stacy replied with "Yes, but she is smarter than the therapist and convinces him that everything is all right. It's almost as if she's torturing me for something I did in the past. I just don't know!"<br><br>Then she added "It's almost like a game to her, she knows I'll come running to rescue her, but then chews my butt out when I offer my help!"<br><br>Reluctantly I said "Your story reminds me of my older brother. He dropped out of high school and joined the Army. Then he went awol and was lucky that he got a dishonorable discharge and not jail. My mother was there for him at every turn. It just about killed her too. Then he started drinking and messing around with drugs. Every time he got put in jail, my mother was there to rescue him. Sometimes he would show up at her door, drunk, asking for help. She was afraid that he would hit her if she didn't cooperate. Then one day she got a call that he had over-dosed and died. They found his body in somebody's front yard."<br><br>She exclaimed "That's awful!"<br><br>Then I added "I wish my mother would have just let him go and stop rescuing him. I think he would have either made a decision to fix himself or die. When someone get's to the point that they're determined to destroy themselves, it may be time to backoff." <br><br>Sadly she said "You may be right. I may hurting her by helping her."<br><br>Then I said "I'm not saying to totally pull yourself away, but try not to help so much that she never tries to help herself."<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=18#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=18 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=16 We are all becoming very aware of this Law of Attraction. We watch what we think, we visualize, we affirm, we attempt to control our attitude, we try to be happy, we try, try, try! That's when people just quit trying, it's just too damn much work!<br><br>Here's where I must step in say "Stop trying to manifest what you want!". The more you "try", the more you will be disapointed, not seeing what you want actually come into being.<p>Are these disturbing statements? Yes, especially after all we've been told about the Law of Attraction.<br><br>Let's stop for a moment and look at young children, toddlers, to be specific.<br><br>Toddlers are naturally full of joy. Everything about life thrills them. They laugh out loud at the most simplest things. They see something that interests them, they go for it, without any thought of what might happen if they did. Just put a bucket of Play-Doh in the middle of a group of toddlers, then sit back and watch the fun.<br><br>Enter the parents of the toddlers and the Universe as a parallel metaphor to those parents.<br><br>When a child shows interest in something, the parent tries to interpret what the child is wanting. Since the kiddo is too young to voice his desire, the parent guesses at what the child wants and tries to fulfill their desire by giving he or she what they want. <br><br>When the toddler gets the object of their desire, they express joy and excitement, reinforcing the parents decision that they got it right. Then the parents provide more things along the same lines of the childs interest. Thus begins a life long line of reinforcement and support from the parents, seeing their child in joy.<br><br>This is where I begin to understand what Jesus meant when he said that if you don't "become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven". The "kingdom of heaven" is not out there somewhere, it is within you. It is true personal joy, peace and fulfillment. <br><br>Seeing your life as child would will truly give you everything you want. You don't have to "try" to get what you want. Just dig into that bucket of Play-Doh and have a blast. Go for what makes you happy, enjoy the trip along the way, and the Universe will provide the rest. <br><br>Jake Cameron<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=16#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=16 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=15 I hate fad diets. They just don't seem to work for me. It's a band-aid on a boo-boo, except the boo-boo is in your head. You try a diet, lose the weight you want to lose, then "poof" it's back.<br><br>Recently I read an article about a "Car Diet". It sounded so intriging, I had to give it a try.<br><br><center><img src="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blogpics/20081225_01.jpg"></center><p>Here's the general idea. Your body is like a car. When you wake up in the morning and you're hungry, your cars gas gauge is pointing to "E". You have no fuel, it's all been burnt up during the night.<br><br>So you hop out of bed and go to the gas station (the kitchen) and fuel up by eating some breakfast. Now you have enough fuel in your car to drive you to lunch. During this trip to lunch you're busy working, running around and generally doing stuff. All this activity burns up the fuel in your stomach.<br><br>Around noon, your stomach starts to growl, indicating that the fuel you had earlier has been totally burned up, and now your gas gauge is now pointing to "E" again. Now it's time to tank up again by enjoying a good lunch and drive your car to supper. This trip also involves more movement and activity, burning up your supply of gas (food) as you journey toward supper.<br><br>Finally you arrive at supper and you are hungry once again. Here's the burning question, "Where are you going to drive to after supper?". The answer is "no-where". Most people tank up at supper and sit, watch TV and then go to bed. Meanwhile all that gas (food) is sitting in their stomachs not being used for anything. So what does the body do then? It packs all that food away as fat in case you need it later, like if your starving.<br><br>Remarkably this diets works. I eat whatever I want for breakfast and lunch and just skip supper, when I can. The weight has been steadily dropping off and I even sleep better now.<br><br>It has now become a lifestyle change for me, one that a lazy man like myself can follow.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=15#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=15 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=14 I'm a pilot. I've been flying general aviation and experimental aircraft for over 20 years now. It's not my full time job. I'm a programmer/analyst in a large metropolitan area.<br><br>I think being a pilot and metaphysics go hand in hand. Everytime I go up in the air I'm taking responsibility for my life and whether I live or die. It's up to me as far as what happens and what doesn't happen. Sound familiar?<p>My state of mind and emotional well being play an important in my flying. I try to replace "fear" with "fun" because, well, it's just fun to fly airplanes. I can't enjoy myself if I'm worried about something going wrong. I have noticed that my flights are a lot more fun and adventurous when I'm "one" with aviation.<br><br>I recently visited a friend who is building his own experimental aircraft. In order to same money he purchased a crashed aircraft that was identical to the one he was building. There was about $30,000 worth of avionics in the this crashed aircraft along with an engine that was still functional. He planned on saving big bucks by transplanting parts.<br><br>The crashed aircraft was built about a year ago. After about 30 or so hours of previous successful flights, the engine stopped during an outing. The pilot was forced to land the plane in an area not suitable for landing and the aircraft flipped, crunching just about everything on the plane except for the pilot, avionics and engine. He survived unharmed.<br><br>I looked the aircraft over and found that the plane had been built with great care and finess. The thing that struct me the most was the overkill on the equipment on the engine and avionics. It had two of just about everything. Backups were everywhere. Almost all of these backups were to do with the continued operation of the engine, to insure that it wouldn't never die.<br><br>Then I realized what must have happened. The pilots fear of the engine dying in flight was evident. His every thought must have been "I don't want the engine to quit, I don't want the engine to quit!". Sure enough the engine quit.<br><br>Such is life. Think of "fun", not "fear" and your future will soar.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=14#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=14 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=12 Well, it's been one of those weeks. My sciatic nerve in one leg was acting up. It hasn't done that in over 10 years. If you've never had an attack of sciatica, imagine the worst headache or migraine you've ever had, starting in one butt cheek and running down the side of your leg, while someone is poking you with an ice pick. It's that painful. Sciatica usually happens when five nerve roots in one leg are compressed and/or irritated for some reason.<p>Being the consummate "law of attraction" new age connoisseur that I am, I wondered what in my makeup, attitude or feelings made this happen?<br><br>Yesterday, it hurt so bad that I couldn't go to work. I was told by my doctor to "Stay off my feet". So I decided to take a day off. <br><br>Pretty soon I was bored to tears. I went into my home office and started working on my various websites, something that I really haven't had time to do. <br><br>As I worked, updating stuff and adding new features, it occurred to me that I was really enjoying myself, in spite of the pain. I couldn't quit working. I was on a tear.<br><br>At the end of the day, I had completed every web related task that I have ever put off. After switching off the computer (and feeling incredibly successful), I had to ask myself "What have I been thinking about all week to have brought this on?".<br><br>Then it hit me. For the past week, I had been obsessing about finding time to work on my real love, blogging and website building. I had been thinking about all sorts of new functionality, blog subjects and visual improvements for my websites for the last five days. All this, without really being consciously aware that I was, in reality, evoking the Law of Attraction. How cool! <br><br>Who would have thought (excuse the term), that feeling like crap could be a good or productive thing? <br><br>Today I'm back at work and feeling fine, but with added "buttload" of self satisfaction under my belt.<br><p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=12#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=12 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=11 We've all seen the wonderful movies about Harry Potter and his magic wand. With a wave of the wand, "swoosh", things appear! I think everyone has a fascination with this magic wand thing. It's like on some level, we are already familiar with it, as if we've done it before.<br><br>Maybe we have.<p>Personally I think that once we leave this earthly plain and shed the human experience, we will return to an existence where there is no time and space. We will be one with everything. We are everything. Here we can wave our theoretical magic wands and produce instant manifestations. Nothing is denied, all is one.<br><br>So why can't we "swoosh" things into existence on the physical plain? Why can't we just pop from place to another in an instant? Actually we do, it's just takes time and space, since that's where we live right now.<br><br>As I mentioned, in the non-physical plain, there is no time and space, and therefore no waiting is required. We are one with whatever we want. And the thing we want is one with us. There is no separation between who we are and what we want. On this plain, we are definitely wizards.<br><br>Depressing? No, not really. Think about it. What is the biggest difference between physical and non-physical (other than the obvious body/no-body thing)? In the physical we have time and space, and in the non-physical, there is no time and space.<br><br>So, if I'm a non-physical being, there is no distance to traverse between what I want and its attainment. "Poof", there it is. <br><br>Now, on the physical plain, we do exactly the same thing. The only difference being that we must travel through time and space to arrive at our desire.<br><br>What have we been taught to do to get what we want, metaphysically speaking? We are told to visualize what we want, feel the feelings of what it's like to have it and believe that it is ours. Then, over time and space, we get what we want. That is, unless we sabotage it up by incorrect thinking and doubt.<br> <br>If you think about it, the non-physical manifesting exercise is no different. The only difference being the time/space effect. We are all wizards indeed.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=11#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Sat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=11 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=10 I have always been interested in religion and philosophy. Over the years I have gathered a plethora of books and articles on every subject. Everything from the Bible to some of those really weird new age books that you hide from your religious friends. <br><br>I found that I started to adopt many of the mindsets and practices in these books and make them my own. These new ideas just seemed to make sense to me, far more sense than the stuff I learned in Sunday school.<p>The one practice that surprised me the most was meditation. At the time when I was introduced to meditation, I was single and bored. So this was a new and interesting challenge that for me. <br>It all seemed fairly simple to me, just sit in my lazy boy for long periods of time and don't think about anything. Right...<br><br>Holy moly! My thoughts flopped around in my head like a fish out of water. I had no idea that my mind was like a tape player caught in a never ending loop. Nevertheless, I decided to that I was going to win this contest and control my thoughts until all was silent.<br><br>After several days, I finally started to gain control over my mind. To my surprise, I found that there was a place of sweet release behind my thoughts. A place where I didn't know that I had a body. I didn't know that I had bills or a crummy job. A place of complete peace and wholeness. I loved this place. <br>I meditated in the morning, at lunch (when I could find a spot) and at home in the evening. I had finally learned to control my thoughts! I actually looked forward to sitting in my chair and doing nothing!<br><br>That's when stuff started happening. I was driving to work one day when a lady in black Mercedes cut me off on the freeway while jabbering on her cell and putting on makeup in the rear view mirror. Ordinarily this would have sent me into a cursing rage, with finger extended. Instead, I just noticed what happened, I took the appropriate action to avoid hitting her, and didn't react at all. It didn't make me mad, it didn't make me anything. I just drove on to work as if it didn't happen.<br><br>As time went by, other unexpected things began to occur. Out of the blue, I decided to go to a nearby college to hear a lecture on philosophy (which I never do). At this lecture, the most beautiful girl I have ever seen sat down next to me and we began to chat. She told me that she never goes to lectures and came to this one just for the heck of it. I married that girl. This was after 15 years of searching for a wife with no luck and finally giving up. <br><br>I'm not through yet... received a call from a job placement agency and was asked to interview for a job not far from my house. I went to the 17th floor of a plush, gorgeous building and spoke with a manager that reminded me of Captain Picard. The offered me a job with a huge salary and a really nice office. Somebody pinch me!!<br><br>These kinds of wonderful events continued for a long time, until I found that I no longer had time for meditation. It didn't take long for my old habits to return. The worry, the frantic thoughts and mental stuff that I had fought to get rid of were back. <br><br>This marked the end of the wonderful happenings of the previous months. My life returned to the way it was before I started meditation. Same ol' same ol'. <br><br>Several years went by before I was introduced to the Law of Attraction. This concept struck a chord in me. When I heard that I was responsible for everything that surrounded me, I knew that it had to be true. All my friends, home, job, health and wealth (or the lack there of) were a direct result of my thoughts and feelings.<br><br>I felt like a kid with a new toy. "Oooh, what I can create now?" I felt excited that I'm finally in control of what goes on in my life. <br><br>Then it hit me,"Oh crap, I responsible for what goes on in my life". I wondered where to start. What books to buy. What method to use. And the all important question "What do I want"?<br><br>I went many months feeling inadequate at the creation game. "Visualizing", "affirmating", "feeling", "believing" and getting more frustrated by the minute. "Where's my stuff?"<br><br>Is seems the more frustrated and disappointed I got, the more "frustrating" and "disappointing" things showing up in my life.<br><br>Then one day, I remembered my meditation days from long ago. How everything in my life seem to fall into place with complete perfection. I didn't "visualize" or "affirm" anything, the things I really loved just seem to show up as a result of my clear mind. <br><br>I pulled out the old lazy boy recliner and started my regime of daily meditation and mind clearing. Pretty soon the good stuff started to happen again. All things I wanted started to show up. It was as if the inner most part of me knew what made me happy and what I loved to do. If something new caught my interest, then everything lined for me to pursue it.<br><br>My life is now simple and sweet again. Meditation clears my mind and provides a private place of peace and relaxation. My days are filled with the pursuit of the things I love to do. I have found the real truth behind the Law of Attraction.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=10#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=10 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=9 We often use the term "blood" to refer to family, but what is family? This word covers a wide spectrum of individuals. These include wives, husbands, kids, grand-kids, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grand-parents, and the dreaded in-laws. We perceive this people as linked to each other by a bloodline, otherwise known as "kin".<br><br>The vast majority of us are brought up hearing about our relatives and how they are an important part of our world. We are taught to maintain (or at least try to) close ties with these individuals. Vacations and outings are carefully planned to include everybody in the clan, making sure not to exclude anyone, to avoid hurt feelings.<p>During these interactions we establish a hierarchy of who we like and who we don't like, favorites and non-favorites. Then afterwards we get together and complain about our relatives as a favorite pastime. Very often we think "I don't know why I go to these family things!! Some of these people just make me angry!" Nevertheless we hold true to the "code" of the clan, and just keep going back. "We are family" as the song so strongly states.<br><br>Now, we need to return to the original question, what is family? <br><br>We come into this world as a soul, a single soul occupying a single body. We don't come into it like a set of dishes, incomplete without the rest of the set. Yes, the body is born into the family, but the soul isn't. The soul is born into a body. When the body dies, the soul discards it like an old shirt. This event also marks the end that particular blood line for that soul.<br><br>So, with this in mind, shouldn't we be looking at our relationships with relatives from a different perspective?<br><br>Let's talk for a second about our friends, not relatives, but true friends. Why do we have these people in our lives? The answer is simple, we LIKE them! Having them around brings joy, satisfaction and feeling of belonging into our lives. We chose these people to be in our lives and value them greatly. We will do anything for them. Why? Because we love the way we feel when we do things for them.<br><br>OK, back to the relatives. Let's play a game. Pretend for a moment that you don't know any of your relatives. You don't have any memory of them, and you don't know that they are "kin" to you. Now, in your mind, go to a big party and meet each of these people for the first time. After about 4-5 hours of interaction, how many of these people would you choose as personal friends? You may be surprised, gathering in a few that please you, but, I dare say that the majority of them would never make the mark. <br><br>This is a tough issue. Guilt plays a big part of our mindset when it comes to relatives. This feeling of guilt is internal signal that was implanted into our brains long ago. It has been reinforced time and time again by family members, not maliciously, but because they were raised the same way too.<br><br>It is now time that we see other people as souls, not as bodies, or relatives. We need to collect these souls, as a child collects colorful Easter eggs, in the "friends" basket. <br><br>The answer to this "collecting of Easter egg friends" is simple. How do we feel? If we play out a scenario in our heads, comparing past interactions with our relatives, with interactions with our true friends, which won wins out? Which one leaves us feeling good?<br><br>Our TRUE family is made up of souls. Souls that WE choose.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=9#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=9 http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=8 How is it that some have more than others? How is it that some have lives that others only dream of? What is the secret ingredient in these people's lives, that bring all the wonderful things that life can offer?<br><br>We see people all around us, going through life, frustrated and unhappy. Many struggle and work hard and don't seem to make any headway. The breaks they hope for, never seem to come. They feel that they are in a deep spiral, with no hope of escape. Yet they look over their shoulders at those who are doing the same work and "they" experience success at every turn. They are happy, excited and interested in what they are doing. For them, life is like an amusement park; an exciting roller coaster ride, with joy at every turn.<p>So we must ask ourselves, "What are these people doing that I'm not doing?"<br><br>Through closer examination we can find one trait that both the successful and unsuccessful have in common. It is their attention to what they are doing.<br><br>Successful people love what they are doing. They approach every facet of their life with excitement and joyful anticipation of what's coming next. They see setbacks as opportunities to improve. They have focused their attention on those things that bring joy, harmony and bliss into their lives.<br><br>Unsuccessful people are generally frustrated with their lives. They have been taught that hard work and discipline will reap the benefits of success. They see their work as a challenge or an uphill battle. They often get angry when things don't go right, using anger as a motivator for to fix the problems they encounter, only to see their efforts fail or create more problems. Their focus is on being irritated and unhappy about where they are.<br><br>It is our attention to what we are doing that brings more of the same into our lives. When we dedicate ourselves to only paying attention to those things which bring us joy and excitement, then those things began to grow and expand. When we focus on what we love, we experience feelings of delight and enthusiasm. These feelings let us know we are on the right track. Then we begin to notice that the problems that have frustrated us in the past start to slowly fade away and disappear, like plants that are not watered. <br><br>Attention is the water of life. That which receives this water has no choice but to grow and expand.<p><a href="http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=8#1"><b>Got Comments?</b></a> Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://www.selfawareworld.com/blog.asp?ID=8