Everyday Wisdom (18)

Jul 14, 2011 5:33 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
I've listened on/off to Hayhouse Radio at various times over the past view years. There is alot that I don't bother with but sometimes I do find inspiring words/thoughts for self growth that strike a chord within me.

Today I received this message and just thought I'd share because its something personal that I'm also trying to work on within myself. It takes me back to a mind seminar that I attended that allowed me to look at myself with "outside eyes" and the message that I was delivering to myself and others. I admit that its something that I'm still struggling with - alas the joys of life's journey is that we also have the opportunity for a fresh start each and every day!!!! Hopefully it can inspire someone else who is struggling with their inner words/thoughts and encourage them that a few simple changes can result in a different outlook and inner look.

By Denise Linn

Change your language, change your life.

Your identity is a detailed concept about yourself that you cart around with you through life. It is a jumble of evaluations, opinions, rules, and perceptions about yourself that serves as a filter through which you view every experience. For example, if your filter contains the thoughts and beliefs that this is an angry world, you will continually see angry people and situations around you.

The problem is that you may not be aware of even a small percentage of the enormous number of beliefs about yourself and the world that you hold. Your beliefs about life and yourself are so ever-present that you often do not even know that they are there. They can be likened to the air that is all around us, but we are rarely aware of it. In other words, the more aware you become of the thoughts, concepts, and perceptions you have about who you are, the more you begin to discern who you really are.

Today, observe your thoughts and the situations around you—become the Sacred Observer. Watch your internal dialogue, and observe the language and words that you use. If you discern that your language is filled with disempowering words, consider substituting more empowering ones. You feel different when you use different words.

Changing your language can change your life. For example:

“I am depressed” can become “I am a little down.”

“I am exhausted” can become “I am recharging.”

“I am pissed off” can become “I am a tad cranky.”

“I am lonely” can become “I am open for love.”

“I am overwhelmed/overloaded” can become “I am stretching myself to discover my capabilities.”

“I have too much to do” can become “I am expanding my horizons or “I’m seeing what I’m capable of.”

“I am okay” can become “I am great!”

“I am all right” can become “I am superb!”

“I am good” can become “I am excellent!”

Be aware of your reactions to the experiences you have on this day. Ask yourself, “For me to feel this way about this situation, what would I have to think and believe about myself and the world?” and write down those thoughts.

Become a silent witness for a day. Without judgment or evaluation, watch yourself, your actions, and your reactions. Observe the language you use. Do you use empowering or disempowering language when talking about yourself or about life? Notice the types of thoughts that you think on a consistent basis. Do your thoughts bring you closer to your authentic self or take you away from your source? Write down your observations in your journal.

Denise Linn, the best-selling author of 16 books, has researched healing traditions from cultures around the world for more than 35 years. As a renowned lecturer, author, and visionary, she regularly gives seminars on six continents, and also appears extensively on television and radio shows. Visit: .
Jul 14, 2011 9:52 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
The problem I find with most people when it comes to discussing whether or not these types of "approaches" actually work, and many say,..."They don't work!" And for them, as the unique individuals, they very well may not be of any use - for they are seeking the quick fix to their problems, the short path to self-discovery. They grip you while you’re reading them, but they tend to leave your consciousness after a while. The problem is that it’s not possible to develop anything substantial within a short timeframe. And with todays "me" generation, and the ultra-rapid exchange of information, there is an expectation that a quick "skimming" can be an instantaneous "solution". And IMHO, that simply will not work.

There is a requirement for constant motivation. Immersion, repitition, and experimentation are needed, and most importantly is to recognize that it takes years of commitment to build skills and habits- self-mastery takes a lifetime.

The reason that I made these statements is not that I disagree with the author's words - they are completely valid! It was the concept that you become a witness to yourself and your actions for a day,...to keep a journal for a day. It was this that prompted me to comment as I have! But I may be TOTALLY unjustified in my comments, for I have not read her entire of body of work.

And thank you very much for the post and link!bouquet
Jul 14, 2011 9:58 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
A_Non_A_Moose: The problem I find with most people when it comes to discussing whether or not these types of "approaches" actually work, and many say,..."They don't work!" And for them, as the unique individuals, they very well may not be of any use - for they are seeking the quick fix to their problems, the short path to self-discovery. They grip you while you’re reading them, but they tend to leave your consciousness after a while. The problem is that it’s not possible to develop anything substantial within a short timeframe. And with todays "me" generation, and the ultra-rapid exchange of information, there is an expectation that a quick "skimming" can be an instantaneous "solution". And IMHO, that simply will not work.

There is a requirement for constant motivation. Immersion, repitition, and experimentation are needed, and most importantly is to recognize that it takes years of commitment to build skills and habits- self-mastery takes a lifetime.

The reason that I made these statements is not that I disagree with the author's words - they are completely valid! It was the concept that you become a witness to yourself and your actions for a day,...to keep a journal for a day. It was this that prompted me to comment as I have! But I may be TOTALLY unjustified in my comments, for I have not read her entire of body of work.

And thank you very much for the post and link!
I think the point of observing and keeping a journal "for a day" is to actually make a conscious effort to start observing your inner thoughts and language that you speak to yourself.

You need to have a starting point for reference, and I believe that this is merely the first baby step, for I also agree with you that practice/reflection/and some more practice will in the end and over time give people the ability to make more positive choices and reinforce good habits.
Jul 14, 2011 10:05 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
langleygirl: I think the point of observing and keeping a journal "for a day" is to actually make a conscious effort to start observing your inner thoughts and language that you speak to yourself.

You need to have a starting point for reference, and I believe that this is merely the first baby step, for I also agree with you that practice/reflection/and some more practice will in the end and over time give people the ability to make more positive choices and reinforce good habits.


Agreed. But how do does one "motivate" ones self to remain "motivated"? To go beyond that first "baby step"? I have also noticed that often, even when people continue on past the first few steps, if "reward" or "gratification" for their efforts does not meet their expectations, they will lose interest. How does one remain motivated?
Jul 14, 2011 10:13 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
A_Non_A_Moose: Agreed. But how do does one "motivate" ones self to remain "motivated"? To go beyond that first "baby step"? I have also noticed that often, even when people continue on past the first few steps, if "reward" or "gratification" for their efforts does not meet their expectations, they will lose interest. How does one remain motivated?
Well since this is an internal journey that translates into an outer expression I would think it wise to share with others (who support you) and find someone that you can be accountable to and hopefully vise versa as you partake of this inner journey.

The idea of a life circle EXCITES me and I think I've finally found a couple of people who are interested in pursuing this as well. I frankly think that I'm learning to stop listening to those who are so willing to tear me down, but also be wise to recognize those around me who are unbiased, honest and have the balls to hold me accountable.

I think as well, that motivation can certainly be documented ie. the jounral idea. If you can step back and really read what your written thoughts are ...... would it be easy to see the transformation. I remember someone recently pointing out to me that "it was the first time they heard me excited about something" .... that is something I need to hear .... whether it be good/bad for until that time I didn't realize what I was letting others see of my world. That is part of my inner journey - to observe, change and maintain more self awareness.
Jul 18, 2011 11:37 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
langleygirl: Well since this is an internal journey that translates into an outer expression I would think it wise to share with others (who support you) and find someone that you can be accountable to and hopefully vise versa as you partake of this inner journey.

The idea of a life circle EXCITES me and I think I've finally found a couple of people who are interested in pursuing this as well. I frankly think that I'm learning to stop listening to those who are so willing to tear me down, but also be wise to recognize those around me who are unbiased, honest and have the balls to hold me accountable.

I think as well, that motivation can certainly be documented ie. the jounral idea. If you can step back and really read what your written thoughts are ...... would it be easy to see the transformation. I remember someone recently pointing out to me that "it was the first time they heard me excited about something" .... that is something I need to hear .... whether it be good/bad for until that time I didn't realize what I was letting others see of my world. That is part of my inner journey - to observe, change and maintain more self awareness.


I am glad that you have found a life circle and that it generates excitement within you! Life is indeed an exciting adventure! I wish you nothing but the best in your quest! (Wow! that even rhymes!) Learn from the past, live for today, and always remember that tomorrow will be your future yesterday,..wink grin hug
Jul 19, 2011 2:14 AM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
Today on the drive home from work I was listening to a radio show broadcast wherein the speaker was talking about the things that rob us of happiness.

One comment that he made that really struck a chord within me, was that sometimes we focus too much on "listening to ourselves" instead of "talking to ourselves". Part of being in control of our inner self is taking charge and not letting our emotions/feelings take over. That made alot of sense to me, for I remember all too well those times when feelings of sadness and depression dominated my life previously.
Jul 19, 2011 2:17 AM CST Everyday Wisdom
StillOfTheNight
StillOfTheNightStillOfTheNightClarenville Area, Newfoundland Canada11 Threads 2,832 Posts
Change is easy, but what is hard is not going back. Its something that will require a little work.
Jul 19, 2011 5:07 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
StillOfTheNight: Change is easy, but what is hard is not going back. Its something that will require a little work.


If you find it hard to keep from going back, have you really changed or are you actually still dwelling there, cut in a whirlpool in the river of life? Time is linear. It always moves forward, just like a river. Paddling down the river is the journey. Each stretch of river slides away into the past as we continue on,…we learn from each rock along the way, each wave, and keep it in our memory, but we continue forward, taking what we learned from the past and applying it to the moment, with consideration as to what lies around the next bend. Going back takes work, its an upstream paddle. And we have to labour. Its hard work to stay there,….but far too often I see people agonizing to get back to a stretch of river, a point in their life, that caused them pain or caused them joy now lost, and they get caught in a whirlpool of emotion.

Sometimes I feel it just might be easier to quit paddling so damn much and just let the river carry me. Set down the paddles, stretch out in the canoe and enjoy the ride!

Hmmm, does that sound like a waterfall coming up? Nah,…probably just my imagination!! And even if it is a waterfall, I have full intentions of enjoying the ride down,….simply because I only get to run this river once!


Then there are days I think I don't have a clue as to what its all about! I just keep having fun stumbling down the path! rolling on the floor laughing rolling on the floor laughing

Nice to meet you!handshake

Da Moose
Jul 19, 2011 5:08 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
langleygirl: Today on the drive home from work I was listening to a radio show broadcast wherein the speaker was talking about the things that rob us of happiness.

One comment that he made that really struck a chord within me, was that sometimes we focus too much on "listening to ourselves" instead of "talking to ourselves". Part of being in control of our inner self is taking charge and not letting our emotions/feelings take over. That made alot of sense to me, for I remember all too well those times when feelings of sadness and depression dominated my life previously.


So true! It is truly an art to learn how to “handle” people effectively! And one of the trickiest people to learn how to handle is yourself! Sometimes you just have to take yourself by the hand and lead the way. Question yourself, excite yourself, defy your own negative attitudes, talk to yourself! And yes, take a breather and every once in awhile, listen to yourself! And as you do this, open mind to the voices and thoughts of others,…its all part of the journey, don’t you think? Sometimes it can be difficult not to listen instead of talk, and that is where a friend, aa supporter can nudge you and say, “Take charge of yourself,….you are listening to much to the negative within you”

I believe that self-discovery is a lifelong journey. I believe that it can be enhanced by finding support within and from like-minded individuals. I believe that there is great merit in doing this. I also believe that sometimes we can spend too much time trying to discover ourselves, as opposed to simply just being comfortable with ourselves and simply living life in the now! The past is what gives us experience, the future is what gives us hope, but it is the present that is life!

Back in those sad times,…you were listening as opposed to talking to yourself? If you were, what would you have talked to yourself about? Would you have listened?

Any sadness, any traumatic situation, must be dealt with, must be understood. The breakup of a relationship, the death of a loved one, a failure in life,….these ALL require a period of grieving. Of reflection. Of coming to terms. Of acceptance. Yes, if you dwell in these thoughts and allow yourself to become mired in them, they can indeed become a dominant and over-riding factor in life. But do you not think that if we beginning talking to ourselves too soon, taking our own hands and leading us away from the negative too quickly that we could possibly be robbing ourselves of possibly gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and a losing a valuable “learning” opportunity?

But I know you can laugh,….I have heard you,….isn’t life fun? ?
dancing cheering hug
Aug 21, 2011 12:01 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
I've subscribed to Cheryl Richardson's Life Makeover For the Year. I love the practical knowledge that she gives for everyday living as I sometimes tend to think more than do. Her words remind me of what's important and she just seems to have a wisdom to express what I sometimes struggle to vocalize within myself.

I love to read self-help books, but when it comes to the "exercises" I tend to bog down. Perhaps I try to make it too complicated and analyze myself to death instead of just doing life.

I received my weekly email from Cheryl and I really liked this particular one which I'm going to share with you today as it once again reminds me that TODAY is all I have, so stop thinking about yesterday, worrying about tomorrow or the upcoming months, but simply be present in the moment ...... more importantly where am I at in this moment? Is my life running on a flat tire, am I even in the driver's seat or merely a back seat passenger or have I stuffed myself in the trunk?

Three questions she proposed to ask myself were:

1. If this were my last hour on earth, would I be happy with how I've spent my time today, this week, or this year?

2. Would I feel good about the priorities I'm focused on right now at this point in my life?

3. Do I feel complete and at peace with the people who matter most?

Consider these questions and think about what you need to do differently to realign your actions with your head and your heart. Honour your life by living it with integrity and thoughtful purpose.

These questions/thoughts remind me that I need to be in a constant state of refocusing ..... our eyes do it without thinking when we turn our heads and look in a new direction. Just like we get our eyes checked, life checks are a good maintenance routine as well. I think its time for a checkup!
Aug 22, 2011 11:59 AM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
langleygirl: I've subscribed to Cheryl Richardson's Life Makeover For the Year. I love the practical knowledge that she gives for everyday living as I sometimes tend to think more than do. Her words remind me of what's important and she just seems to have a wisdom to express what I sometimes struggle to vocalize within myself.

I love to read self-help books, but when it comes to the "exercises" I tend to bog down. Perhaps I try to make it too complicated and analyze myself to death instead of just doing life.

I received my weekly email from Cheryl and I really liked this particular one which I'm going to share with you today as it once again reminds me that TODAY is all I have, so stop thinking about yesterday, worrying about tomorrow or the upcoming months, but simply be present in the moment ...... more importantly where am I at in this moment? Is my life running on a flat tire, am I even in the driver's seat or merely a back seat passenger or have I stuffed myself in the trunk?

Three questions she proposed to ask myself were:

1. If this were my last hour on earth, would I be happy with how I've spent my time today, this week, or this year?2. Would I feel good about the priorities I'm focused on right now at this point in my life?

3. Do I feel complete and at peace with the people who matter most?

Consider these questions and think about what you need to do differently to realign your actions with your head and your heart. Honour your life by living it with integrity and thoughtful purpose.

These questions/thoughts remind me that I need to be in a constant state of refocusing ..... our eyes do it without thinking when we turn our heads and look in a new direction. Just like we get our eyes checked, life checks are a good maintenance routine as well. I think its time for a checkup!


Some thought provoking words and questions. In response to the first question posed - yes, yesterday and today - I am indeed happy in the way I have "spent" them - wrong words,....I "spent" nothing for that would be indicative of a net loss,.....I was "enriched" would be the proper terminology! ;-) I shall continue to muse further upon the statements in your post,....but right now, it feels like a good time for a nap! :-)
Sep 18, 2011 4:21 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
Last night I had the opportunity to relax, unwind and watch a bit of t.v. .... its not something that I do on a regular basis and I happened to watch the movie that was based on the life of Terry Fox.

I was inspired by the amount of inner strength and courage that he had to have found within himself .... for the movie protrayed some portions of that attribute, but truly I think the "reality" would have been far more intense. His focus was on others and his goal to achieve money to help with research to save others - there were moments shared wherein he gave and also received far more than that. It was those small moments that were captured that touched my inner being.

I later watched the last show with Oprah and the message that I heard loud and clear from both of these shows was to live my life passionately. The stage, venue, etc. can all vary for each one of us, but how is our experience and results so much more mirrored by those who around us are inspired and with whom we are inspired.

We can all be an inspiration and a ray of sunshine to others - they feed off of us and we in turn are nourished. The validation that each of us is valuable and treasured - do we do that with others - do we say that we see them, hear them, notice them? Or do we simply walk by and ignore them? Give to another good and amazingly it is returned - smile and generally you'll receive a smile back. Its contagious and its something that I'm trying to concentrate more on giving to others in my life.

What the results will be are going to be interesting and I think totally worthwhile for both of us. When the focus is on "me me me" ..... nah, thats good for awhile but empty after awhile. What excites me is what I can share with another .... life to me happens in those small moments. Those are the moments that make me stop and think.
Sep 18, 2011 7:07 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
langleygirl: Last night I had the opportunity to relax, unwind and watch a bit of t.v. .... its not something that I do on a regular basis and I happened to watch the movie that was based on the life of Terry Fox.

I was inspired by the amount of inner strength and courage that he had to have found within himself .... for the movie protrayed some portions of that attribute, but truly I think the "reality" would have been far more intense. His focus was on others and his goal to achieve money to help with research to save others - there were moments shared wherein he gave and also received far more than that. It was those small moments that were captured that touched my inner being.

I later watched the last show with Oprah and the message that I heard loud and clear from both of these shows was to live my life passionately. The stage, venue, etc. can all vary for each one of us, but how is our experience and results so much more mirrored by those who around us are inspired and with whom we are inspired. We can all be an inspiration and a ray of sunshine to others - they feed off of us and we in turn are nourished. The validation that each of us is valuable and treasured - do we do that with others - do we say that we see them, hear them, notice them? Or do we simply walk by and ignore them? Give to another good and amazingly it is returned - smile and generally you'll receive a smile back. Its contagious and its something that I'm trying to concentrate more on giving to others in my life. What the results will be are going to be interesting and I think totally worthwhile for both of us. When the focus is on "me me me" ..... nah, thats good for awhile but empty after awhile. What excites me is what I can share with another .... life to me happens in those small moments. Those are the moments that make me stop and think.
So very true and an excellent attitude to develop and nuture.
Sep 18, 2011 7:20 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
A_Non_A_Moose: So very true and an excellent attitude to develop and nuture.
Yup, I'm still working on it! sigh
Sep 19, 2011 9:40 AM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
langleygirl: Yup, I'm still working on it!


And from what I have come to know about you, you are doing an excellent job!!
Sep 19, 2011 11:21 AM CST Everyday Wisdom
langleygirl
langleygirllangleygirlWestlock, Alberta Canada70 Threads 8,202 Posts
A_Non_A_Moose: And from what I have come to know about you, you are doing an excellent job!!
You are far too kind. hug
Oct 4, 2011 5:29 PM CST Everyday Wisdom
A_Non_A_Moose
A_Non_A_MooseA_Non_A_MooseWestlock, Alberta Canada116 Threads 8 Polls 4,340 Posts
langleygirl: You are far too kind.


And you my very dear friend,.. are far too modest!hug teddybear

(What's that Chuckles? And what is the fan for? No,...I said "modest",...not hottest,....although she is hot,...nudge, nudge, wink, wink,...know what I mean ya furry bear,...and by the way,....you and I have to have a talk,.....yes,...we do,...about animal crackers and such things,....scold )
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