Fishing For Soul
Angling for Spiritual ReconnectionPositive Affirmations Help Me To…
“Explain to people that everything they say is an affirmation. Everything they think is an affirmation. Everything! What you want to do is to get control of what you are saying and thinking, so these things bring you good experiences in life rather than rotten experiences.”
- Louise Hay, author of the best-selling You Can Heal Your Life, and founder of Hay House Publishing
Positive affirmations help me to stay focused on what I want.
Positive affirmations help me to see how often I am not present to the now.
Positive affirmations help me to believe that everything is possible.
Positive affirmations help me to push beyond my limiting thoughts, patterns and habits.
Positive affirmations help me to be open to receiving all that I ask for.
How do positive affirmations help you?
Would you like to share your affirmations? If so, leave them in the comment section below and I will happily post them.
Today I am grateful for my health, my breath, my bones, my blood, my boundless energy, my birthday, warm November days in NYC, the food in my fridge, quiet nights at home, messages in meditation, my work, my clients, my teachers, and new ideas.
Amen.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
A Powerful and Positive You
‘As you continue to move your life forward into the place that you are dreaming of, please give your self permission to experience the joyfully abundant person that you are NOW.
It does not matter where you were born, what level of education you have, how much money you have, what you own, what your skin color is, how tall you are, or what sex you are. All human beings are capable of creating a life that is powerful and purposeful.
The more POSITIVE you are, the more GRATITUDE you SINCERELY EXPRESS, the more IN LOVE you are with everything, the more you will understand and accept that there are no limits, there never have been limits and there never will be any limits on what is possible.
YOU ARE POSSIBLE!
There is nothing stopping you. When will you BELIEVE that?
Breathe possibility.
All is well.’
- At One and JM
A Fishing for Soul YES! I AM Practice
Sit with your spine as long and tall as possible.
Breathe in gently through your nose and out through your mouth. Give your self time to allow any distracting chatter to slow down.
Close your eyes and begin to create an image in your mind of yourself in a very peaceful, beautiful, happy place, surrounded by things that make you feel safe and secure. It could be in a place in nature, your childhood home, a place that you often dreamed of, etc. From that place, begin to call forth images of the successful, positively prosperous, peaceful and powerful person that YOU ARE NOW and will continue to grow into in the future.
What message do you receive from those images?
Look. Listen. Feel.
Be open.
* * *
Today I am grateful for friends with cars, a healing road trip, Leslie, Fred, Lynn and Greg, abundant silliness, corn bread, Rosa and Mark, the NY State Thruway, connecting with a positive and powerful image of what is possible, birthdays, telling the truth, candlelight, Mexican food, my book agent, editor and publisher, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Amen.
Thanks and peace to all, everywhere.
Joe
What Path Will You Travel?
One day each year (usually on my birthday) I take time to read the passage below from Carlos Castaneda’s The Teachings of Don Juan and recommit to what feels best for me – a path with heart.
“For me there is only traveling on the paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart. There, I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length, and there I travel looking, looking breathlessly.”
What path will you travel?
Today I am grateful to Lorna Roberts for bringing the above quote to my consciousness back in the mid 1990’s, and for helping me to see that a path with heart lies within.
I am grateful to my parents for having the strength, courage and wisdom to bring me into this world and for providing me with great comfort for many years.
I am grateful for the fruitful abundance of this planet and all the beings who walk here with us.
I am happy and grateful to have work that I love, friends who tell me the truth, peace of mind, music to dance to, a bed to sleep in, the ability to travel around the world, time for stillness, silence and conscious breathing, laughter and tears, and a peaceful and prosperous re-birth year.
Amen.
Thanks and peace to all!
Joe
Do You Need A Reason To Be Happy?
I dipped my tortilla chip into the mound of guacamole resting on top of my vegetarian Burrito Bowl and smiled. Was I smiling in anticipation of the pleasure that my tastebuds were going to experience?
It was a sunny and crisp Wednesday afternoon in New York City and I had an unexpected hour-and-a-half free after an appointment was canceled. Maybe that was making me smile.
I polished off my lunch and looked out through the large windows of the Chipotle Mexican Grill and onto 6th Ave. just in time to see my friend Nancy walk into the Mailboxes, Etc. store across the street. The napkin I used to wipe my mouth could not remove my grin. I dumped my garbage in the can by the door, and walked across the street to surprise Nancy.
“Oh, Joe, what are you doing here?”
“I came to see you.”
“Let’s go eat some sushi and drink tea.”
We spent the next hour laughing and talking about Nancy’s recent pneumonia, burials at sea, Mike Bloomberg’s win in the NYC mayoral election, Buddhist retreats, and the YMCA where I teach the Water Exercise class that Nancy attends.
As we said goodbye outside the Japanese restaurant, I was aware of that smile again. It just spread across my face so easily.
I walked one block north, and then hurried to catch the bus I saw on the corner of 15th St. I caught up with a woman who was obviously hurrying to reach the bus as well. Just as we got to the corner, our ride pulled away. The woman frowned. But wait, the hybrid-electric MTA vehicle hit a red light! I stepped into the street, walked up to the bus and banged on the door.
“The driver is going to ignore you!” yelled my fellow traveler in typical New York fashion.
The doors swung open. I was not the only one smiling after that.
Ten blocks later I got off the bus and walked over to my office. My smile caught my attention as it flashed in the elevator mirror.
“Why am I smiling now?” I wondered.
“Do you need a reason?” came the response.
Amen.
Today I am grateful for the unexpected surprises that life always brings, rice and beans, hot tea, the sun, clouds, the moon and stars, the way things magically and effortlessly fall into place, baseball, my body and breath, friends and family.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
Photo by Sarah Sloboda, http://www.sarahsloboda.com
What’s Great About You?
I seem to be more introspective than usual lately. Someone suggested that it may be due to my upcoming birthday and that perhaps I’m doing a little life check-in. Perhaps.
Ever since my birthday in 2001, two months after the events of 9/11 and the passing of a beloved teacher, my intention has been to celebrate myself on my birthday and this year I’m looking for a way to do that again.
As I’m typing at 11:28pm on Sunday, Nov. 1st the song ‘No More Drama’ by Mary J. Blige is playing on iTunes. An excerpt from the lyrics:
“Hooh it feels so good
When you let go
Of all the drama in your life
Now you’re free from all the pain (free from all the pain)
Free from all the games (free from all the games)
Free from all the stress (free from all the stress)
So find your happiness
I don’t know
Only god knows where the story ends for me
But I know where the story begins
It’s up to us to choose
Whether we win or lose
And I choose to win
Ohhhh…
No more pain
No more games
No drama
No more in my life…”
That’s it! No more drama. That’s what I want for my birthday this year, a drama-free life. I’m going to celebrate the amazing turnaround that has happened over the past 12 months as I’ve watched old drama, old stories, old BS fall away, and I’ll gratefully embrace the people, events, relationships, etc. that reflect my deeper sense of freedom and joy.
All the negative chatter in my head for nearly 44 years caused me incredible pain and, quite frankly, I’m through with it. Of course, as Byron Katie might say, I’m open to it coming around for a visit just in case there’s more to learn from it. But I’d rather learn from joy.
Hmm… Maybe I haven’t been so introspective lately. What I notice now is that I’ve been doing a lot of visioning about the next 20 years of my life – beyond the walls of my home, beyond New York City, and beyond my current work environment. Could it be time to create a new Vision Board that visually describes what I am seeing and hearing in my mind, something that answers the question, “What’s great about me”? I like that.
What’s great about you?
Amen.
Today I am grateful for another chance to question my thoughts, to practice positive thinking, to see the sun, feel the cool breeze, laugh with friends, laugh at myself, watch my cat knock things off the kitchen table, savor Mexican food, write my blog, listen to my neighbors celebrate the Yankees win over the Phillies in Game 4 of the World Series, and plan another birthday ceremony.
(Be Open t-shirt photo by Sarah Sloboda, http://www.sarahsloboda.com)
Thanks and peace to all!
Joe
That Felt Good! Do It Again.
What makes you feel good?
I was observing my 3-year-old niece and her not-yet-two-year-old twin sisters a few weeks ago and I realized once again that one can learn a lot from kids. Maybe I should spend more time around them!
As my nieces played at their local playground, I noticed that they only did what made them feel good. Anything else was met with resistance – a “No!”, a cry, a scream, or an abrupt change in direction. If they wanted to play on the swings, they went on the swings. If they wanted to run across the field, they ran across the field. Up and down the sliding board? Get out of their way! They played until they exhausted themselves, until it didn’t feel as fun – as good – anymore. Sound familiar?
Most people who come to my shamanic healing and coaching practice are looking for help, seeking answers to a life challenge. They all want to feel better about themselves or about a certain situation. I like to joke that no one ever comes to me and says, “Joe, can you show me how to feel worse about myself?”
People want to feel GOOD, plain and simple. Anything else seems to go against human nature.
“When you permit your self to ENJOY what you are doing, you give the Universe an opportunity to offer more and more and more of what is making you feel that way. It may not appear in the exact form, but you are GUARANTEED to ATTRACT more feel-good situations, events, people, etc.” – At One + JM
Try this Fishing for Soul Practice:
For one day, pay close attention to the thoughts you have that make you feel good. What is your waking thought? What thoughts and feelings follow throughout your day? Write down your most fantastic, feel-good thoughts, feelings and actions.
Celebrate your achievements.
Allow your self to use your powerful mind to create more and more GOOD thoughts. It is possible to do that!
Amen!
Today I am grateful for smiling children, deep sleep, meditation, Doug McGill, time to write, thinking BIG, morning workouts, new business opportunities, my J.O.B., Fall colors, my breathe and body, friends, family, and fortune.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
What Are You Grateful For Today?
“The litmus test for self-realization is a constant state of gratitude. This gratitude is not something you can look for or find. It comes from another direction, and it takes you over completely. It’s so vast that it can’t be dimmed, or overlaid. The short version would be ‘mind in love with itself.’ It’s the total acceptance and consumption of itself reflected back at the same moment in the central place that is like fusion. When you live your life from that place of gratitude, you’ve come home.”
- Byron Katie, A Thousand Names For Joy
This year more than any other I feel like I have touched that eternal place of gratitude that Byron Katie speaks of. I have many people (I’ll start with myself!), events, and situations to thank for helping me to achieve that feeling. Each time I experience it I am overcome with a sense of oneness, deep connection, and serenity. That sense of gratitude always brings tears to my eyes, no matter how long it lasts, and no matter where I am. It stops me in my tracks and nearly takes my breath away before asking me to breathe deeply, to see the magnificence all around me, and to hear the heartbeat of all things. It gives me a glimpse into what peace and acceptance really are.
In the video below, Dr. Wayne Dyer reminds us of a few things we can be grateful for:
“Certainly, when you feel the deepening of your own gratitude, you are touching the pulse of a reality that exists throughout the Universe. The never-ending joy that is possible when you are immersed in gratitude allows you to consciously create more and more and more of that which you are grateful for. Isn’t it nice to know that one moment of gratitude can yield hundreds of moments more that are similar? How open are you to that?” – At One + JM
Amen!
(I found the Gratitude image at the top of this post at http://twinmuses.com. Twin Muses creates ‘greener greeting cards.’ I highly recommend that you check out the web site and look at the Gratitude, Hope and Breathe cards – among many other inspiring works. Thanks!)
Today I am grateful for a daily gratitude practice, my parents, siblings, friends and mentors, Byron Katie, a clutter-free office, my students and clients, new business opportunities, my life partner, sex, the ability to think and act ‘out of the box’, Sunday music sessions, the gym, all of the money that I have now and that is on the way, my book agent, editor, and publisher, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Thanks and peace to all, everywhere!
Joe
‘Being’ in Action
On Tuesday I had an acupuncture session scheduled for 6:30 P.M. On my way to my appointment I spoke to a friend and told her where I was headed. She asked if there was something wrong with me.
“There must be something wrong if you’re going to have acupuncture,” she said.
“Everything is fine,” I said. I was going to have a self-care, feel good, preventative medicine treatment and was very much looking forward to my session.
I bounded off the 6 train at 68th St. and Lexington Ave. and walked several blocks to the office of my gifted acupuncturist (who is also a good friend). I rang the bell and out walked Susan with a furrowed brow and a frown.
“I screwed up,” she said. Her regular Tuesday, 6:30 P.M. client, whom she thought was not coming this week, had shown up unexpectedly.
“He’s in there now. I didn’t know what to do. Can you wait until 7:30 and I’ll treat you then? I feel so stupid. I’m sorry.”
“Waiting an hour doesn’t work for me,” I told her. “Let’s talk tomorrow and reschedule.”
“Oh, Joe, I feel so awful.”
“It’s OK,” I assured her, knowing that my words may not soothe her.
I left the office as content and happy as ever. I spontaneously decided to walk north on 5th Avenue and give myself a chance to experience the sights and sounds there. What a gift! The taxis, buses, joggers, and dog walkers went about their business as I strolled. There was the Metropolitan Museum of Art without people or traffic in front of it, the Guggenheim Museum lit up and inviting me in to the Kandinsky exhibit, Central Park beckoning with the colors of fall leaves, doormen chatting on cell phones and hustling to help tenants with bags and kids.
“Look how this evening turned out,” I thought. “I’m so glad I took the time for this. This is my self-care session.” And off I went to Starbucks to sit, enjoy a cup of tea, and write.
“When you release expectation and allow your self to be present to what is, you marry mind and spirit. Giving your self a chance to ‘be’ is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give receive. What can you do now that is full of ‘being’?”
Amen!
Are you feeling stuck, unmotivated, or lost in a sea of fear-based thinking?
There are still a few spots left for my 30-Day, Small Group Magical Manifesting TeleCourse. Details below.
30-Day Magical Manifesting TeleCourse
This five-session Law of Attraction Coaching Intensive is designed to help you break through self-imposed barriers, get you focused on your J.O.B. (Joyful, Outrageous, Bliss), build your Trust Fund, and create more of what you want in your life.
When: Tue., Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, & Dec. 1, 8: 30-9:30 P.M. ET
Where: TeleConference Line (phone # given upon registration)
Your Investment: $150 when you register and pay by Oct. 20th, $215 after Oct. 20th (Fee includes daily, inspirational updates, a 1:1 On-Track session, and ongoing support throughout the course.)
Registration and info: joemonkman@earthspiritworks.com, 917.609.5682
Today I am grateful to Susan for the opportunity to be in the practice of being, to the sights and sounds of a Fall evening in NYC, for my ability to say no, to Starbucks, morning laughs at the gym with the Diva of Harlem, thinking BIG, meditation, new business opportunities, my book agent, editor and publisher, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Thanks and peace to all!
Joe
I Am Possible
The other day I was recalling a TV commercial I loved and was inspired by a few years ago that was very similar to the one below.
The I M Possible message always came at the perfect time (of course) and I have happily shared it many times. It helped me stop playing the tape of an old story that was on constant rotation in my head.
“When you allow your self to hear and receive the many messages that come from an unlimited number of sources – the messages of love, support, and caring – you open your self to the incredible infusion of positive energy that surrounds you all ways.
What would it be like for you to go out into your day and BE OPEN to receiving the messages that you are asking for? Do you think that the Universe is turning away from your calls? THAT is IMPOSSIBLE!
All parts of you know what a joy it is to be at one with the abundant flow of Universal Force. All parts of you are aligned with that flow now. All parts of you are assisting in the creation of that flow now. All parts of you know exactly what it takes to step out of or into the flow at will. YOU decide. In or out? Positive or negative? Possible or impossible?”
What is possible for you today? Ask and you shall receive. Try it.
Amen.
The 30-Day magical manifesting Intensive begins on Nov. 3rd! Join us for the excitement, the challenge and the rewards.
30-Day Magical Manifesting TeleCourse
This five-session Law of Attraction Coaching Intensive is designed to help you break through self-imposed barriers, get you focused on your J.O.B. (Joyful, Outrageous, Bliss), build your Trust Fund, and create more of what you want in your life.
When: Tue., Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, & Dec. 1, 8: 30-9:30 P.M. ET
Where: TeleConference Line (phone # given upon registration)
Your Investment: $150 when you register and pay by Oct. 20th, $215 after Oct. 20th (Fee includes daily, inspirational updates, a 1:1 On-Track session, and ongoing support throughout the course.)
Registration and info: joemonkman@earthspiritworks.com, 917.609.5682
Today I am grateful for my silly house guest, reminders to chill out on the weekend, lilies, laughter, meditation, Asher, Lynn, Robin, Fred, my parents and siblings, the AEV community, new business opportunities, quiet time, reading in bed, naps, renewed commitment to my book vision, my breath and body.
Thanks and peace to all!
Joe
What Is A Community?
There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community.
- M. Scott Peck
On Wednesday night the Almost Economically Viable Community met in New York City. Almost Economically Viable is a social and business networking event that launched rather suddenly this past summer when I got together with three other people who wanted to share their unique gifts and bring entrepreneurs and others together in a setting that was interactive and a bit unusual, and that would help prove that ‘Networking Doesn’t Have To Suck.’ We succeeded and found ourselves referring to the participants as ‘The AEV Community’.
Was building a community our goal? Honestly, I don’t remember (Robin, Melea, Sarah, help me out here!), but it has happened nonetheless.
“Frankly, if you create a great product, you may not be able to stop a community from forming even if you tried. By contrast, it’s hard to build a community around mundane and mediocre crap no matter how hard you try,” says author Guy Kawasaki on his How to Change the World blog.
When I looked up the word community online I found these definitions:
1) a group of people living in a particular local area
2) a group of nations having common interests
3) (ecology) a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other
Social media marketing strategist Jacob Morgan writes, “I think it’s time we move away from defining a community as anything having to do with a physical presence at all. Sure that can be a factor, but in my mind a community is a collection or group of people that interact and share something in common. A community is actually best defined by the person being associated with a particular community.”
Think about people who are connected and who interact on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Those are online communities that are thriving.
When I facilitate workshops or healing circles, I like to remind people that for the time we are together, we are a community, and that the community may continue to evolve when the weekend or night is over.
What is your idea of community? What types of communities are you a part of? What community building action are you taking today?
Amen.
Today I am grateful for the AEV Community, Robin, Melea and Sarah, a full stomach, endless amounts of cash pouring into my hands and my bank accounts, fantastic new business opportunities, a steady flow of heat and hot water, lilies, New York City, my book agent, editor and publisher, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Thanks and peace to all!
Joe
PS – I am facilitating a community building workshop of sorts for gay men called The Cosmic Orgasm at Easton Mountain in upstate New York Nov. 13-15. Maybe you’ll be part of that ecstatic weekend.
Community. Common unity. Communion.
