Fishing For Soul
Angling for Spiritual ReconnectionArchive for motivation
What Does It Mean To Pursue Happiness?
One of my renewed commitments to myself is to follow impulses and allow my intuition to guide me more often. That’s a New Year’s resolution that I’ve started working on in the past two weeks.
This morning, as I was having a conversation on the phone with my friend Fred about being true to one’s self and being happy in what one does, I followed an impulse and grabbed Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love from my bookshelf. For those of you unfamiliar with that bestseller, it is “a meditation on love in its many forms – love of food, language, humanity, God, and most meaningful for Gilbert, love of self.”
I looked for a passage in the book that I had highlighted a couple of years ago. There it was on page 260:
“I keep remembering one of my Guru’s teachings about happiness. She says that people universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you’re fortunate enough. But that’s not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don’t, you will leak away your innate contentment. It’s easy enough to pray when you’re in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul hold tight to its good attainments.”
I read that passage several times and questions formed in my mind. Ah, the Fishing for Soul process continues.
I asked myself, “How tightly am I holding on to my happiness? How and why do I let my thoughts move me away from my innate contentment?”
In response I heard, “Pay attention. Pay attention. Pay attention.”
Another book, Iyanla Vanzant’s Yesterday, I Cried, beckoned to me. I pulled it off the bookshelf and said, “Show me what I need.”
The following quote by John Randolph Price is on page 253, at the beginning of Chapter 17, which is titled ‘What’s the Lesson When You Get the Lesson but Don’t Know What to do With It?’
“Truth must be realized individually.
It must be realized by you, otherwise it is not your Truth.
Only your Truth, not the truth, is expressed in your life, not anyone else’s.
How do you find your truth?
By seeking and finding the teacher within.
You see, the Teacher and the Truth within are one.”
And so it goes…
Today I am grateful for early morning calls with my action partner, questioning myself, exploring my stressful thoughts, Byron Katie, Rosa and Lorna, my intuition, my blog, my wise cat Wicca, hot tea, Truth and Happiness,
Thanks and peace to all!
Joe
What Is Your New Year’s Resolution?
What is your New Year’s resolution? Have you even begun to think about additions, deletions, or tweaks here and there for 2010? Do you want to? Do you need to?
According to the ProActiveChange web site, “40 to 45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year.
Among the top new years resolutions are resolutions about weight loss, exercise,” and to stop smoking. “Also popular are resolutions dealing with better money management / debt reduction.
The following shows how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:
- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%
While a lot of people who make new years resolutions do break them, research shows that making resolutions is useful. People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.”
Good to know. Perhaps you can combine those statistics with this:
“As you move through your day and into a shining new year, we invite you to imagine the lifestyle you desire. Picture it. Feel it. Yes! You are living it right now. As soon as you see it in your mind, All That Is gathers the momentum and moves it into your energetic field.
Keep your self in tune with what is and what can be.
You ARE possible.” – At One and JM
I caught this quote in Byron Katie’s book A Thousand Names For Joy:
“”I wouldn’t give myself less than the best of what is available at any moment.”
Now what was your resolution?
Today am I grateful for time to reflect on the new year, abundant smiles, the #3 train, quiet nights, sunny days, my book agent, editor and publisher, House Publishing and Radio, understanding the Law of Attraction, falling down and getting up, the gym 3 blocks from my apartment, my nieces and nephews who continuously make me laugh and teach me about playfulness and their parents for having the courage to bring those amazing beings into this world.
Thanks and peace to all!
Joe
Thanks for the Reminder Madonna!
‘Say what you like, do what you feel
You know exactly who you are
The time is right now
You got to decide
Stand in the back or be the star.’
- from Madonna’s Beat Goes On
Yes, I’m quoting a line from a Madonna song. I’ve been listening to 2008’s Hard Candy on my iPod during my workouts at the gym. The music, especially Beat Goes On, inspires me to move faster and push a little harder. The quoted lyrics have also grabbed my attention as I review this soon-to-be-ending year and decade, and look forward to 2010.
As the new year approaches I am envisioning myself in some new, unexplored geographical locations, growing my business as I speak in bigger venues, reaching more people through my J.O.B., forming new and powerful professional and personal alliances (that would mean I’ve got a new love, baby), and happily sharing more of myself with the world as I shine brighter and brighter.
I am ready. I am willing. I am open.
Madonna’s song rings in my ears: ‘The time is right now, You got to decide, Stand in the back or be the star.’
There is no time like right now to step into your greatness. Go on, be the star. What are you waiting for?
I’d like to send a shout out to my Facebook friend Thomas who often quotes Madonna song lyrics in his status updates to great affect. Thanks for your humor, intelligence, and inspiration Thomas! Rock on.
Today I am grateful for my Facebook friends and their endless stream of humor and insights, the world wide web, my computer skills, Jennifer at the new mani/pedi place in Chelsea (thanks for the tip Leslie!), my dentist, clean sheets, heat and hot water, my happy cat, bare trees, my body and breath, and the god/goddess in all things.
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
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 Have You Discovered About Yourself Lately?
“Every one of us has in him a continent of undiscovered character. Blessed is he who acts the Columbus to his own soul.” ~Author Unknown
Monday was Columbus Day and it got me thinking about discovering and conquering. As I considered my latest self-discoveries and what I’ve conquered this year, I encouraged my fitness class participants to use their exercise time to discover something new about the body and it’s amazing abilities, and to conquer a new challenge – do an extra pushup, push a bit harder in the Spin class. Some realized that physical limits often exist as a strong beilef and nothing more. That’s good news!
“And every time you question what you believe, you become a kinder human being.” – Byron Katie
I’m reading Byron Katie’s A Thousand names For Joy – Living in Harmony with the Way Things Are. It reminds me once again of how much has changed in my life this year – 10 short months – and how grateful I am to all who have been a part of my evolution. That’s a good reminder!
One of the greatest things that has happened for me on this journey of self-discovery is that I no longer believe a lot of the old stories that I used to tell myself. I seem to have conquered those ‘demons’. Or so I think. Maybe I’ll discover that there is more work to do there and then I’ll conquer yet another old fear, limiting thought, or self-destructive pattern. That’s an interesting thought!
I went back to my hometown last weekend. I sat in my parent’s house looking at the familiar and unfamiliar things that fill it. I took my three-year-old niece to the the elementary school that I attended and we ran together around the playground and across the soccer filed. I saw myself as a 6, 8, and 10 year-old running around that field that once seemed so vast, competing with ghosts from the past. “I’m certainly not that little boy anymore,” I said to myself (yes, that was relief you heard). That’s reality!
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” ~Nelson Mandela
I like to celebrate myself and my achievements. I’ve been buying myself flowers again (lilies) and enjoying the aroma that fills my apartment. I bought myself a gift on Sunday – a book that I’ve been wanting to read for quite some time. I was reading it on the subway yesterday and was happily lost in the world that the author created. That’s so rewarding!
And so it goes…
What have you discovered and conquered lately? How will you celebrate your achievements?
Amen!
Today I am grateful for The Work of Byron Katie, time to read, new business opportunities, my amazing clients, an abundance of cash, my warm bed, friends and family, letting go of the past, my beautiful life partner, iContact, Robin and Melea, an island getaway in December, my book agent, editor and publisher, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
What Sustains You?
Sustain \Sus*tain”\, v.
1. To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support; as, a foundation sustains the superstructure; a beast sustains a load; a rope sustains a weight. [1913 Webster]
2. Hence, to keep from sinking, as in despondence, or the like; to support. [1913 Webster]
3. To maintain; to keep alive; to support; to subsist; to nourish;[1913 Webster]
4. To aid, comfort, or relieve; to vindicate. –Shak. [1913 Webster]
5. To endure without failing or yielding; to bear up under; as, to sustain defeat and disappointment. [1913 Webster]
What sustains you? What daily (or near-daily) practice do you have to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy, uplifted, centered, clear and focused? Is it meditation, exercise, talking things over with friends, the love of your family? Is it a combination of things?
I rely on a daily meditation practice, regular gym workouts, healing sessions of various kinds (shamanic, massage, acupuncture, etc.), and a good dose of laughter. That’s my ‘preventative medicine’ and sustainability package.
“When you commit to a practice that sustains you, you find that you have all that you need, all that you wish for, all that could ever be thought of, created, and known.
Indeed, the essence that one seeks is found on the inside. Through the practice of self-care, self-nurturing, and self-love, one finds that the everyday ‘challenges’ that life offers no longer create the energetic drain that they once did.
When the heart and mind are clear and calm, creativity and receptivity know no bounds. How unbound are you?” – At One
Well?
Maybe this will help you:
Starting Nov. 3rd…
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
I look forward to sharing that journey with you.
Today I am grateful for the opportunity to create more time for myself and my joyful practices, an abundance of business opportunities, love from a multitude of sources, my workout partner who motivates me to get out of bed in the morning, the wind, this blog, my friends and family, clients, teachers, my book agent, editor and publisher.
May you have your best day ever, and then some.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
Positively Positive! Inspiration and Affirmations
After I sit in silence and clear my head in the morning, I often pull out a notebook and pen and listen for messages that come from a few of my favorite spiritual guides. When the words (sometimes in the form of questions or very direct, thought-provoking statements) start to flow I am ready to record the inspirational nuggets. I have been blessed with reams of the stuff!
Some recent thoughts about Louise Hay, the power of positive affirmations, and the movie The Horse Boy prompted me to take a look at some of my meditation notes again.
Below are some words of wisdom, happiness, and healing from the past year that I thought were worth sharing. As I typed that I understood again that the words are not mine, they are Universal and are indeed meant to be passed on. Feel free to do the same.
– “You are in the driver’s seat. You have the key. Where will you drive to now?”
- “You are your greatest asset. Know that.”
- “As you continue to release more of the deep-rooted energies of ‘doing’, we remind you that ‘being’ is always an easier route. BE in the flow of creation. BE open to allowing your utmost brilliance to project itself. BE in relationship with YOU.”
- “You crossed certain bridges long ago so that you could be exactly where you are now.”
- “When you are feeling good, what do you think about? Do you think about how good you feel, or do you wonder how long it will last, or do you just feel the good feeling?”
- “Go beyond your walls – the walls of your home, your city, your country, this Earth. You are a Universal Energy. Tap into that source.”
- “Perhaps it seems like you are falling, falling, falling, but what is really happening is that you are flying into new territory.”
- “Continue to hold your new awareness. Allow it to work with you.”
- “Why are you focusing on what is not? We believe it is much more powerful to focus on what IS, and what is possible.”
- “We implore you – please – take a breath and allow God to do the work. You ask. God does. You receive.”
- “Freedom is on the inside. Set yourself free.”
- “You are swimming in love as you go fishing for soul.”
Affirmation: “I invite my calm, clear, and connected heart and mind into my life now.”
Remember: Positive Action = Positive Outcome
Amen!
If you’d like to learn how to form a deeper connection with your inner wisdom and your spiritual guides through a practice of silence, stillness and writing, please join me for a SPECIAL, FREE Fishing for Soul Teleclass on Wed., Oct. 7th, 8:30-9:30 P.M. ET. Just call the Conference Line at 218.862.1300, ext. 951782 and tap into the Universal Force inside of you.
Today I am happy and grateful for the positive abundance of spiritual and human guidance all ways, friends who remind me what is real, gardening, sunshine, Sacred Center NYC, meditation, music, memories, french fries!, deep breaths, exercise, and a bright and brilliant tomorrow.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
Committed to Change
I’ve been listening to friends, family members, and clients quite intently the past few weeks and I keep hearing the same thing over and over again. It goes something like this:
“I want this situation to change!”
Does that sound familiar?
That statement often comes from a place of frustration and desperation which, if we let it, can bring about the exact change we desire.
One thing I keep reminding myself and others about getting what we want is that it often requires a commitment – a commitment to self and to a practice that can make change happen.
Maybe you already have a practice that you are committed to – meditation, exercise, affirmations, 5 daily actions toward your goal – and that helps you to stay focused. If you don’t have something like that in place right now, perhaps it is time to find something that keeps you on track.
One question that can help you to get clear about what practice, or combination of practices, will help you stay on purpose is, “What do I want?” Ask yourself that question from a place of absolute curiosity and listen for an answer. Keep asking until something appears that FEELS GOOD.
Try this Fishing for Soul Practice:
For 5 minutes (or longer if you like), sit quietly in a position that allows you to keep your spine long and tall. Take three deep, cleansing breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Notice – just notice – how your body feels. Notice what emotions are present. Notice what thoughts you are having. Just notice. If you find a ‘negative’ thought passing by, ask for the next best thought to appear, and then the next best thought and so on.
As you sit in this listening practice, allow your self to focus on one thing that you would like to change in your life. Ask your self this question: “What is the kindest thing I can do for myself to make this situation change to a better feeling place?” Maybe your answer comes in the form of one word, or an image, or a deep knowing. Allow your brilliance to reveal itself. With PRACTICE, this becomes easier and easier.
Are you committed to making your life more joyful, more peaceful, and more prosperous? Are you willing to commit to a practice that can help you live that life NOW?
Look for an announcement at the end of this week about my NEW, 30-day Magical Manifesting TeleCourse. It starts Nov. 2nd.
Today I am grateful for new ideas that lead to new opportunities, sunny days in autumn, morning workouts, amazing synchronicities, time off, my J.O.B., dreams that come true, Nature, my friendly neighbors, laughter, my book agent, editor and publisher, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
How Committed Are You to YOU?
If you’ve been following my blog this week you know that I’ve been pondering the question ‘What do you want?’ and sharing ideas on how to manifest the thing or things that answers that question.
Today I’m looking at the role of COMMITMENT in the Law of Attraction process.
According to Merriam-Webster’s on-line dictionary, commitment is defined as:
a: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date
b : something pledged c : the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled
“When you are committed to a process of the Self – self-exploration, self-examination, self-awareness, self-actualization, self-love, self-discipline, self-motivation, self-realization, self-esteem, self-worth, self-care, self-trust, etc.- you find that the Universe takes great care in helping that process to unfold majestically, brilliantly, in Divine Time and Order.
When you are committed to your Self and your dreams, you have an opportunity to learn once again how to allow you inner light to shine.
What is it that you want? Can you name it? Can you describe it in great detail?
Do you have a plan of action – a Plan of Attraction – that you can commit to that will help you become clearer about what you want and how it can come to you?
Are you willing to let go of what is not working?
Are you willing to ‘ride the wave of chaos’ as you move into the life of your dreams?
How committed are you to YOU?” – At One + JM
I’m considering the possibility of facilitating a 30-day Magical Manifesting course, possibly via Skype (a FREE calling service on the web), that will help all of us get real and get clear about commitment and living the life that we talk and talk and talk and talk about. It would be an opportunity to STRETCH our Law of Attraction muscles. Would you like to be a part of that? Would you be willing to COMMIT to 30-days of journaling, visioning, affirming, digging deep into your bullshit and finding the gold within? There would be a morning group and an evening group. If that intrigues and excites you, leave a comment/message below.
Here is some more helpful guidance from one of my favorite Law of Attraction teachers, Abraham-Hicks:
Today I am grateful for my renewed commitment to my business and my dreams, Eduardo Scissorhands, Universal support, money for Creativity Time at the beach, my parents, the McBurney Y, new business opportunities, a clear and concise business plan for 2010, the easy completion of my fitness CECs, laughter, sunshine, financial freedom, my life partner, my book agent, editor and publisher, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
