Law of Attraction in Art and Politics

My city is a wonderful place to live. I love all the art that we have here. I love how supportive the community generally is...so I find it so interesting when a lot of negative attention is focused on a particular piece of art.

A couple of years ago it was a sculpture entitled "Triangle"...theoretically a permanent installation. Critics didn't like it or didn't like the location. This piece was moved and is still part of our permanent collection in town.

The current controversy is about an exhibition at our museum. Apparently one of the prints that is on display has been deemed to be offensive to some...either because it offends their religion or their sexual sensibilities...or both.

I'm not really here today to comment about the content of the art, whether it is "art" or as the detractors claim, "pornography", I'm really reflecting on Law of Attraction in action.

It is ironic that this exhibition would largely have gone unnoticed were it not for a single City Council member who brought it to the attention of the Council and thereby the newspaper and the City at large.

This council member failed to get a discussion on the work on this week's agenda, so he has loudly proclaimed that any citizen can speak about any topic, on the agenda or not...therefore, you guessed it, it is now anticipated that there will be lots of folks at tonight's council meeting "commenting" on this piece.

Why am I saying this is LOA in action?

Because in his pushing against this print he has brought lots more attention to it. More visitors have been to the museum and more financial contributions have been received. Rather than getting the print removed and having fewer people be "subject to it" he has actually increased the number of people who are not only aware of it but who have seen it!

The lesson to be learned here is that when we see something we do not like then we should turn our attention elsewhere. Like a dog seeking your attention, if you turn your back it will quiet down.

Know Your Why

At a meeting the other night a speaker said "to succeed in this business you have to know your why"...that is something I completely agree with, whether it is that business, or any business, or your personal life...especially if you want to experience a change in direction.

It is more important to know your WHY than to know the HOW.

The WHY is about how you feel about it, not how you will accomplish it.

The WHY is what will keep you motivated when things aren't always going smoothly.

The WHY is what gets you energized so you want to get up in the morning.

The WHY is what makes it easy to take the steps that lead to the change.

Many of us choose a why that doesn't inspire us...if you are doing things and it feels like drudgery then I suggest you look at your WHY. If you only come up with with whys that are SHOULDS then dig deeper (or dig sideways perhaps.)

If you absolutely cannot come up with a WHY that gets you excited, can you find a WHY that lets you feel better?

For example, if you hate your job and you have no WHY that gets you pumping about it, try to see if you can focus on a couple positive aspects of your job and then see if you find a why. Does your job provide you with a stable income? Paid vacation? Do you have pleasant co-workers or customers? Does your job provide you with training?

Perhaps your WHY is that you know you are learning and growing as a person, an employee, or as a business person and that you will be able to apply all this growth and knowledge to your next job, the next phase of your life, to starting your own business...

Do any of those WHYs pump you up? Then follow your heart...that doesn't mean you have to jump ship right now...keep feeling that feeling as you work your current job and then next step will unfold...

As long as you know your WHY!

Serendipity Strikes

I had a wonderful, powerfully serendipitous day yesterday.

I was open to meeting just the right teacher for me at that specific moment and then had an awesome conversation with an incredible gal. From that conversation I was so jazzed and empowered, it was awesome.

During that conversation, she mentioned that 2 guys she works with were flying in to Fort Collins to speak, and "if you have time" you might want to go...something about it rang a bell and I looked at the agenda for a group I sporadically attend and lo and behold...the speakers where these 2 guys.

So of course I went to the meeting, met the gents and had a nice conversation with them before their presentation and found out I had several points of commonality with one of them, including we both had worked on nuclear power plants some years back. (That's a big long story...)

By being open and allowing Law of Attraction to bring me great connections I not only made 1, not only 3, but also a 4th! You see, my hair was really shaggy and so I decided I really wanted a haircut before going to the meeting...so I went to a new salon I had read about...and got a great cut in a relaxed atmosphere, had some good laughs...just all-in-all a high-energy day!

Happy Earth Day Blessing

I was feeling such gratitude for our earth today...we had wonderful rain, the grass is green, trees are starting to bloom...and "coincidentally"* someone sent me this fantastic blessing from Doreen Virtue

Happy Earth Day everyone!

*Of course you know that I don't believe in coincidences! These "chance" blessings are the Universe and the Law of Attraction at work.

Horses and Holidays Video

Happy Holidays!

I love horses and the holidays...and I am a big sucker for commercials that feature them...even if I don't buy the product...plus I love dalmatians...so this video was sure to catch my attention...

But beyond the horses, holidays and hounds, I like the message...have a vision, pursue it and the Universe will support you in achieving it. You don't have to know HOW it will happen, just believe that it will! That's what the Law of Attraction is all about!



Do you think this little guy knows his life's purpose, or what?!

We can learn from him...be clear on what you want, visualize it--create your vision board, have photos that support your vision, whatever it takes to hold onto that image...believe it is possible, take steps to achieve it, then allow yourself to receive it!

Here's to all of us manifesting our dreams today and everyday...with a little help from our friends!

Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th...

This is the third Friday the 13th of the year...the maximum number possible in a single calendar year.

So if you are thinking it is an unlucky day, cheer up, it is the last one of the year. Even better, treat it as an opportunity to recognize that you can change your thinking and your experience!

I love Friday the 13th...it has always been a good day for me. When I was in school if we had tests on Friday the 13th I aced them...and I continue to expect that these will continue to be good days for me in the future.

Take extra time today to think about good things...the things you want to experience in your life. If you have the feeling that this day is unlucky then think about all the things that are already going right in your life. Remember the Law of Attraction states what you focus on expands...be grateful for the blessings you have and give only short attention to any annoyances you experience today.

As you fall asleep, think about what a great day you had...recite all the good stuff.

Then tomorrow when you wake up, remind yourself what a wonderful day Friday the 13th was...

Now you have started a new pattern! And expect the NEXT Friday the 13th to be an awesome day!

Vegan Message from Universe?

Last week I watched the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Ellen DeGeneres Show...both had vegan chefs on...am I being sent a message?

I like to sit up and take notice when "coincidences" come my way...of course, there are no coincidences in life...it is just the Law of Attraction at work!

Then in our Wednesday paper there was an insert for a new (to me) grocery store in the neighboring town. Hmmm.

I decided it was time for a shopping expedition! OK, not as exciting as "Road Trip!"...but it was exploring none the less.

So I went to Ft. Collins to the new (to me) Sprouts Farmers Market...verrry nice! They had a great assortment of fresh produce, natural health products, vegan proteins and a butcher shop. Not so big that you get lost, but big enough to have a great variety.

I didn't find the exact vegan item I was looking for..."gardein" as mentioned by Chef Tal on the Oprah Show, but there were lots of other items...some of which I have had trouble locating here in Loveland...especially since we don't really have a natural foods store and the oils & herbs lady has moved.

It may not be the most exciting development on the planet, but it made for a fun outing and a new discovery!

Musing on LOA and Social Media

Have you been participating in the Web 2.0 world of social media other than blogs?

I was introduced to Twitter almost a year ago and reluctantly got involved...there are things I really like about it, things that drive me nuts (if I choose to let them!) and things that I find down right amusing!

One of the things that strikes me as funny is the number of LOA "experts" there are on Twitter...some of them seem to be real--and offer wonderful advice and thoughtful comments. Others are well-known and you rarely hear from them, but you can follow just about all the teachers from the Secret, for example.

Then there are those people who claim to follow LOA and that they can teach you all sorts of things about it...and really all they are doing is sending out junk trying to get you to buy from them. One of my favorites is when they say they can teach you how to use LOA to attract "thousands of followers" (a follower on Twitter is someone who chooses to receive your messages aks Tweets.) It seems that whenever I get a message like this, the person who sent it out has very few followers. Hmmm...what is wrong with that picture?

Anyway...not an earth-shattering thought...but it is interesting that the people who seem to raise their hands as the "expert" rarely demonstrate it.

What does that say? About experts? About us? About people in general?

I think there are lots of great people to learn from--and you don't necessarily have to be an "expert", as in well-known, to be a great teacher...but if you are going to say you can teach me how to attract followers, shouldn't you have a lot of followers?

Or are they really demonstrating Law of Attraction principles? By stating they know how to attract thousands of followers maybe they will.

Interesting thoughts to ponder. ...What do you think?

Are they living the Law of Attraction? Are they in the process of attracting what they want? Are they sending out lots of positive vibrations and taking the actions necessary to create the life they desire?

Or are they just trying to capitalize on the New Thought / Affirmation rally that is happening around the world?

Seems to me WE can choose to experience them either way. We can be bothered by them or we can learn from them. Interesting that when I started writing this I was leaning towards the annoyed...mostly amused, but I admit to being slightly annoyed...and now that I've pondered it, I'm actually grateful to them.

By causing me to pause and think, I have been able to get more clear about what I want in my life--the type of people with whom I want to associate, to learn from...how I want to act and be perceived by others. It is really true that by (briefly) looking at what we DON'T want we get clear on what we DO want! (Thanks to Michael Losier for first teaching me this concept!)

With that, I'm going to end with joy and love in my heart. Thanks!

Give to Others from Love Not Obligation

Catherine Carey wrote in her blog, Taking Care of Yourself, yesterday about how good it feels to give to others...it is so true--but it is important that when we give we do so for the right reasons.

It definitely feels fantastic to support organizations that you believe in…it is so important to give back to the world…but we often get caught in the idea of “should” contribute.

When we are donating…either our time or our money…we (and the organizations we are supporting) deserve to be 100% behind the cause. Rather than giving out of “should” or obligation, when we give out of love our efforts are multiplied by the universe.

The good feelings we have when we donate out of love are sent out and others feel the energy and are inspired to give to organizations that they believe in, too!

Remember--it is your life, your time, your energy and your money. Give freely...let it circulate...and give in ways that uplift you so that you are circulating love in addition to money! In fact, the circulating of love is more important...and something that everyone can do--even if they don't have physical (fiscal) money to spare!

Something Bigger Out There?

Is there something bigger out there? I believe there is. Some people call it Source or God or the Universe...

No matter what you call it, there is definitely something that is bigger than each individual. And we all can feel it if we are open to it.

Listen to 2 or more people exchange ideas--and if they are open to it--the ideas build one upon another and get better and better. Bigger and better than anything they would have come up with on their own.

That is why teams are so wonderful. The group energy is greater than the sum of the parts! Call it synergy, call it collaboration, whatever. The label really isn't important.

This group energy exists even when we are not part of a team. Doctors have studied the powerful effect had upon patients who are being prayed for--by people hundreds and thousands of miles away. People who don't even know the patient.

Joseph Campbell talked about the Collective Unconscious. This unseem bond that we have with one another.

Whether it is "the matrix", Source Energy, the Universe, Angels or God...there is SOMETHING that is linking humanity. And if we choose to be open to that link, to tap into that energy, then all things are possible--because we will think of them, believe they are possible and attract the right events and people into our lives and act upon our inspirational ideas.

That, my friends, is the Law of Attraction Put Into Action

Fear is the Opposite of Love

There are 2 basic emotions: love and the lack of love. Some people will say that the opposite of love is hate. But where does hate really come from? Fear. When we are not coming from love, we are actually coming from fear.

Esther & Jerry Hicks refer to this in the Teachings of Abraham (Check out the book Ask and It Is Given...great!) So does scientist Gregg Braden. Many other fantastic teachers point this out.

When you want to manifest, or attract, something into your life (some thing or person or event or skill...you name it) it is crucial to be aware of the emotion behind the desire.

Coming from love will allow you to attract what you want. The same exact thoughts that are powered by fear will bring you the lack of what you want or some other negative aspect of what you want.

Abraham uses an example about money...if you desire to have more money, you can not attract it if your feelings are about the lack of money, or jealousy that someone else has money and you don't.

Whether it is money, or health or an ideal relationship, if we come from our place of "not having" or fear of not getting it, then we will not attract it into our lives. I wrote a post last month in response to a question about this topic...if you didn't read it then, check it out by clicking here.

My goal is to approach everything from a place of love. I am not perfect at it (yet!) but I am on the path. I am pleased that my awareness grows every day and I find myself being more clear and loving all the time.

I believe when we all come from this loving place there will be peace on earth. And isn't that a lovely (and loving) thought!

Is Happiness Contagious or is it the Law of Attraction?

Associated Press recently cited a British medical journal paper that concludes happiness is "contagious"...they sounded surprised to find that good cheer can be and is passed "even to total strangers"...

It may have been a British medical journal, but the study was done by American researchers. And no, they weren't following people in sunny California, but in Framingham, Mass. This report was part of a 20 year study on the heart.

Co-author of the study and professor at Harvard, Nicholas Christakis says, "Happiness is like a stampede"

Your happiness depends on your actions and according to the study the behaviors, thoughts and actions of people you don't even know. I agree--if you let it! You do have a choice about it, after all. You can live unconsciously and be happy because of other people...or you can create your life deliberately and be happy regardless of other people.

In other words, choose to be happy and you be the light, the contagion, if you will! Let others become happier because of your example. If you run across unhappy people, you can repell that energy!

That being said, it is a great idea to surround yourself with happy people. According to this study, each "happy friend" you have boosts your chances of being happy by 9%. Have grumpy friends drops your chances--fortunately not quite as much, by 7%.

Guess the song was right: Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Listen to the Messages and Take Action

While we are contemplating the possibilities, it is also important to be open to the messages that we get from the Universe/Source /God /Infinite Intelligence...what you call it is not crucial.

These messages, if we listen, will tell us the step(s) that is in our best interest to take.

I've talked about this before, but it is worth repeating...

Sometimes this will come as a full-blown idea. Other times it will be a tiny step that may seem inconsequential.

The message may come when you are first waking up, in that foggy time between subconscious and consciousness. Or the message may come while you are relaxing in the shower or during meditation.

Or it may come in a physical form--you see or hear mention of the same thing repeatedly, say on the news, in the paper, in the mail, at the water cooler, in line at the store. Whenever we hear things repeatedly it deserves to be paid attention to. It may or may not be a message from the Universe, but if we don't hear it we won't know!

Another way to receive a message is that it may actually awaken you during the night...for example I have been woken up between 4:44 and 4:57 every morning for several weeks to use the bathroom. I believe that I am getting a message (that has nothing to do with the toilet!) My job is to be awake enough to write it down and then ACT UPON IT!

Positive thoughts and words are great...and they are a start...if and when we get the message and the impulse to act, then we must act. At that point the thoughts and words alone are not enough!

Why Haven't I Gotten What I Want Part 4

Some people have been critical of the movie, The Secret, saying it talks about money and things too much. They'll say "money can't buy happiness" and some will say "money isn't important."

In The Secret, they discuss using the Law of Attraction for health and relationships, not just money and things.

It is certainly true that money doesn't buy happiness, but money in today's world is important! And it is something that pretty much everyone can understand and relate to. Money is quantifiable and money is not reflective of a specific taste thereby making it very universal.

If you are someone who has no use for money that is fine. Then don't put thoughts of money in your pan "A". It is your pan--put in it what YOU want. Be aware of not putting negative thoughts in your pan "A". If you fill your pan with negative thoughts about money then you are putting in negative thoughts and the Universe will respond with negative experiences.

So fill your pan with thoughts of peace, happiness, love, whatever, and leave the criticisms out all together. Don't close the flow of what you do want in your life by being critical of what other people want.

Why Haven't I Gotten What I Want Part 2

Another visual is an old-fashioned scale, with two pans. One side (pan "A") holds the item to be weighed--the item you want to buy for example. The other side (pan "B") holds the objective weights.

Now envision Lady Liberty blindfolded holding the scales, like the Scales of Justice but here they are the Scales of Attraction!

The contents in pan "A" are whatever you put in, whatever you desire. The objective weights represent the response in direct proportion to whatever you put in pan "A". Lady Liberty is the Universe. She is blindfolded because she doesn't see what you put in pan A; she doesn't judge what you put in pan "A", her job is only to respond.

So if you say you want a relationship but you fill pan "A" with thoughts of "I don't have a partner", "what is wrong with me", "why am I alone", "no one wants to date me", "I'm not good enough", etc, the Universe will fill pan "B" with experiences that match what you put in. Providing you with more opportunities to experience those feelings of loneliness.

Check in tomorrow to see how you can change what you are putting in pan "A".

Is Suffering Good or Necessary

Some people and religions teach that suffering is a virtue. The Law of Attraction, which is neutral, will just provide you more of what you focus on, so if you want to suffer and think it is a good thing, then you will be given ample opportunity to suffer and see suffering in the world.

I prefer to think that JOY is a virtue. Think of Randy Pausch, the author of The Last Lecture, who died from pancreatic cancer this summer. His philosophy was one of joy. He created a great image by saying you can choose to be a Tigger or an Eyeore. It is up to you.

I think the world could use more Tiggers. I will be working on my Tigger-tude!

*If you haven't see the Last Lecture, be sure to click the link. It is incredible!