Fishing For Soul
Angling for Spiritual ReconnectionArchive for Positive Affirmations
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
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
Are You Affirming the Negative?
I went to church on Sunday. It was my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary and it felt good to be joining them and honoring their years together in the Catholic church that inspires them and gives them peace of mind.
I was raised a Catholic but don’t consider myself part of that group anymore. When I was a teenager I began to question the validity of Catholic doctrine and eventually found spiritual teachings that suit me much better.
As I sat through the mass I was fascinated by the vocabulary that was used throughout the service. One line really caught my attention:
“Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”
I listened as people all around me declared that to each other and to God.
“I am not worthy.” I know that line. I’ve heard myself say it to myself and others in exactly that way and in a million other ways.
“Is anyone really hearing those words?” I wondered as I looked around. “Is anyone questioning those words? Do the people in this church believe that they are unworthy?”
Those statements are repeated in churches all over the world. What affect is that having?
Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life and a revolutionary in the field of personal development has said “Every thought we think is creating our future.” If we continue to tell ourselves and the world that we are not worthy, what kind of future are we creating?
This morning I decided to change that ‘I am not worthy’ statement into something that made me feel good:
“Lord, I am so worthy to receive you. Help me to say more good words so that more good may be revealed.”
Try this Fishing for Soul Practice:
For one week, pay very close attention to what comes out of your mouth. Are you affirming something positive or something negative? Are you feeding the hungry ghosts of the past or laying a strong, empowered foundation for the future? How will you change the negative to a positive?
Happy Fishing!
Today I am grateful for my parents and siblings, my nieces and nephews, my aunts and uncles, an opportunity to revisit my childhood home and stomping grounds, NJ Transit, SEPTA, my driver’s license, morning workouts, eggs, my Blackberry, my cat, positive abundace of all kinds, my weekend Creativity Time, new clients and business opportunities, cash in hand.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
Did You Get What You Wanted? Pay Attention!
“Choice of attention – to pay attention to this and ignore that – is to the inner life what choice of action is to the outer. In both cases, a man is responsible for his choice and must accept the consequences, whatever they may be.” – W.H. Auden
For the past week-and-a-half I’ve been doing my best to pay attention to signs, signals, omens, and moments of absolute clarity. It seems my vigilance has paid off.
When I returned from Hawaii in March and declared that it was time to leave New York City, I suspected that I was summoning the forces that would help me to see what truth that statement held. If there were inner and outer changes to be made along the way, then so be it.
As I spoke to my friends about my relocation ideas, I got a lot of feedback. When some suggested that I make sure my business affairs were in order before taking leave of my beloved city, I took heed. Part of my plan then became to create more financial prosperity and I decided to look for full-time employment with someone other than myself for the first in many years and keep my coaching and shamanic healing practice running as best I could. The thought of job hunting created feelings of excitement and I was surprised and happy about that. (Oh yes, there was also a bit of fear.)
As I came closer to manifesting a job offer, I found that the signs I had been asking for were popping up left and right. How could I ignore them? The Universal signals were becoming more intense and frequent as I was leaning toward saying yes. Eventually what I heard from the Universe was, “NO! This is not the right thing for you! Take a moment to ask your self what you really want.”
As I sat with that information I realized that my job hunt had become a journey back home, back to me and my dreams. Self-worth, self-care, and trust were issues that had manifested once again in order for me to get to know my true self a bit better.
So, what do I want? Let’s go back to a statement I made in May of 2006 after attending T.Harv Eker’s 3-day Millionaire Mind Seminar:
‘I am happy and grateful to be financially free, working only when I choose to as New York City’s #1 Shamanic Healing Practitioner, the NY Times #1 best-selling author of inspirational books, and the #1 world-wide leader of transformational seminars that inspire millions of people and teach them how to pursue and live their rich vision.’
I share that Vision Declaration as a reminder of the power of thinking and acting big (from a place of integrity and authenticity, not of grandiosity). I know that when I allow myself to do that, the Universe always supports my dream and moves me closer and closer to it by helping the parts of me that don’t believe in it’s reality to wake up and see the light.
Sometimes there is chaos on the road, but when you face yourself you are guaranteed to be rewarded with an abundance of self-confidence, courage, and love.
Will I leave New York? Maybe some day. For now, I am happy to be realigned with a powerful vision for my future.
What do YOU want? Are you willing to think BIG? Are you willing to face your fears and your future with wild abandon?
“When you ask, you all ways receive. When you ALLOW the receiving to take place, the exquisite design of the Universe reveals itself to you. Can you let it happen for you?” – At One
Amen.
If you are in NYC today, Wed., Sept. 16th, and would like some FREE guidance on getting what you want, as well as insight into Law of Attraction principles, I will be facilitating a FREE Empowerment Life Coaching Class at the McBurney YMCA (125 W. 14th St. @ 6th Ave.) from 6:15-7:15 P.M. Show up with a notebook and pen, and an open heart and mind and you are guaranteed to walk away with something that you can immediately apply to your life.
Today I am grateful for taking time to explore ideas with an open heart and mind, for all who have been a part of my ‘job’ journey, to the Spirits who spoke to and through so many of those people on my behalf, for a growing trust fund, September mornings, the gym, meditation, my cat, continued growth in all areas of my life, my wonderful life partner, all who help my business grow, my book agent, editor and published, Hay House Publishing and Radio.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
The photo of the Be Open Designs T-shirts was taken by Sarah Sloboda
Make It Happen! The Law of Attraction and Positive Affirmations
Here’s my testimonial for the day:
‘The Law of Attraction/Creation/Abundance is real and powerful. It shows up in all areas of my life and constantly gives me what I want. Positive Affirmations enhance the Law of Attraction experience by helping me become truly conscious of my manifesting abilities, and by teaching me to take responsibility for what shows up.’
The LAW part of Attraction means that it is happening all the time, no matter what you think, say or do. You can’t stop it, but you can make it work for you in the most positive way possible.
Your thoughts are all ways creating a feeling, and that feeling leads to an action and an outcome. Think about it. What you focus on grows. What have you been focusing on lately? Have you been expending your mental energy on what is not good in your life, or on what is working well now. Pay attention. You are what you think.
Anthony Robbins has been writing self-help books and inspiring millions through his seminars and TV infomercials for over 20 years. In his best-selling book Awaken the Giant Within, published in 1991, he says, “If you wanted to, couldn’t you get depressed at a moment’s notice? You bet you could, just by focusing on something in your past that was horrible. If you focus on it enough, and you picture it and think about it, pretty soon you’ll start to feel it. You can focus on something right now that you think you’re missing out on, and feel bad. Better yet, you can focus on something that hasn’t even happened yet, and feel bad about it in advance! …unfortunately that’s what most of us do day to day.
Could you focus on or remember a time when you were in absolute, total ecstasy? Could you remember it with with such vivid detail that you are fully associated to those feelings again? You bet you could. Or you could focus on things you’re ecstatic about in your life right now, on what you feel is great in your life.”
Louise Hay brought the use of Positive Affirmations to a worldwide audience in 1984 with her book You Can Heal Your Life. A Positive Affirmation can help us attract the necessary changes in our life when we bring daily attention to what we are intending to create. It’s a mantra, a meditation.
Here are some examples of my Positive Affirmations for the month of May:
“My life is fluid, spontaneous and open.”
“I am in LOVE all ways.”
“Everywhere I go, God goes. I am all things.”
On Tuesday, May 12th I am offering a free teleconference on the Law of Attraction and Positive Affirmations. I hope you can join me and give yourself an opportunity to learn from and connect with others who want to make positive change now. Details are below.
In the meantime, follow Anthony Robbins advice: “Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear.”
(The quote in the black box at the top is by Henry Ford.)
Join us for a FREE Law of Attraction/Positive Affirmation Teleconference!
Get yourself on track with this back-to-basics review of proven Law of Attraction principles. These aren’t just concepts, these laws are working for you EVERY DAY. Plus – Learn to create Positive Affirmations to enhance your Positive Attraction Power.
AND – Qualify to win a FREE, One-Hour Coaching Session!
When: Tue., May 12th, 8:30 – 9:30 P.M. ET
Where: On the phone. Call the Conference Line at 218.486.1300, and enter bridge # 951782
What to Bring: A notebook and pen, a friend or two
Your Investement: One hour out of your day! FREE of charge.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
Positive Affirmations: Sharing the Dream
I’ve been looking through my meditation notebooks from the past three years and I see that I’ve got a heck of a lot of information written down. I’ve sorted through some of the channeled messages and have chosen a few to share as positive affirmations, fruitful phrases, and inspirational prayers.
- I invite TRUTH to live in me.
- The more you love you, the more you see, feel and know love from other sources.
- Allow your self to feel good about all of the changes that you have manifested.
- I choose to BE.
- I am whatever I say I am.
- Smile! Life is a wonderful experience.
- Ask for more. What are you waiting for?
- If you want a greater return on your investments (your thoughts), then your thoughts must be greater, clearer.
- Pay attention to your ’small’ ideas.
- Reduce your drama by breathing LOVE into all parts of you.
- I have all that I need.
- We ask you: How do you celebrate your self? Do you take the time to say, “I did a good job”, “I was really on tonight!”, “I am magnificent”? Those are words of celebration.
Send me your affirmations/prayers/visions and I’ll post them on this blog for all to read. As more people read your words, more positive energy will go into them and your dream will be carried out into the world with greater strength and love.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
The Time Is Now.
April arrived yesterday and I woke up in the morning feeling incredibly enthusiastic and renewed. It felt so good to start the day that way! I called my friend and business partner Robin and set a goal for the month. That goal inspired me all day and I felt the power of my intention as I pitched my services in a business meeting, sat on the train, had a great vegetarian dinner with friends (at Curly’s on 14th St. between 1st and 2nd Ave. Thanks Colin!) and moved ahead on what I once thought was a stalled t-shirt project (coming soon, soon, soon!). This morning, I awoke again with a feeling of extraordinary excitement coursing through me. I sat in meditation and asked about the blossoming of this positive energy. This is what I received:
‘As Life flows through you, you are all ways being inspired to think and feel in ways that are best suited for your current energetic vibration. Your thoughts have been leading you to answers about how to be more positive in certain areas of your life. Why does it surprise you to feel good about these things now? Isn’t that what you have been wanting? Isn’t that what you have been waiting for? The timing for all of this is perfect. Your sense of empowerment increases when you truly believe that you are worthy of all that life has to offer. It does not matter what that thing is. Believe that you can have it and it will appear. Use your powerful mind to focus on where you want to be and suddenly the road will open up, all lanes will be clear, and you will reach your destination easily (and sometimes far ahead of when you ‘thought’ you would arrive). The time is NOW for you to know that you are all ways in the right place, at the right time, for all of the right reasons. The Universe does not make a mistake. The Universe only responds to your plan and the thoughts that guide you in the fulfillment of that plan. Ask and you shall receive. Believe and you shall conceive. The time is NOW for you to move into the life that you are wanting. What are you waiting for?’
Thanks and peace!
Joe
Yogi Tea Wisdom
There’s a saying: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Well, I have found my latest teacher dangling from the end of a tea bag.
Yogi Tea has quietly become my favorite brand of tea over the past two years. I love their Mexican Sweet Chili, Chai Redbush, Stomach Ease, and Green Tea Decaf Kombucha. What I love even more are the words of wisdom that can be found at the end of the string attached to the tea bag:
‘When ego is lost, limit is lost.’
‘I am beautiful, I am bountiful, I am blissful.’
‘Open up to infinity and you become infinity.’
Every time I rip open the individually wrapped bags I get ready for a message that I KNOW! has been sent directly to me from Spirit. It is a love note, a gentle nudge, a warm reminder.
I often save the little notes and post them on my computer, on the refrigerator, and on the bathroom mirror. I also like to share them with friends. The words that I encounter at tea time remind me of something another teacher said to me many years ago: “Make having a cup of tea a ceremony.” Yogi Tea and the inspiration received with each cup makes that possible.
Time to put the kettle on the stove…
Peace!
Joe
Fun Not Fear
As I walked along 5th Avenue from 96th St. to Central Park North in Manhattan last night talking on the phone with someone from college I’d seen earlier in the day for the first time in 20 years, the message “There is so much life to be lived” kept running through my head. Sharing memories with Carole, who I reconnected with via Facebook, made me laugh and remember how much fun we had as silly, confused, searching, 18-22 year-old students. YES! We had fun! Perhaps it didn’t all seem that way at the time, but we can choose now to focus on the fun and not the drama we created.
When I hung up the phone I walked into the subway station and waited for my train. I pulled out my iPod and hit ’shuffle’. A dance tune came on and I began to sing quietly and move my feet to the beat. “Why don’t you dance, right here, right now?” I dared myself. Thinking about my Radical Openness policy and a commitment to do something Radically Unusual once a day, I started to dance, slowly and self-consciously at first, and then I just closed my eyes and let the rhythm consume me. Spinning around on the subway platform I again heard “There is so much life to be lived.”
When the #3 train came I hopped on and sat down. The next song on my iPod was a slow one by Patty Griffin called Heavenly Day. The song is about focusing on what is beautiful right here, right now. Again the message came, “There is so much life to be lived.” I thought about my dream of moving to a warmer climate, near the beach, on the west coast, of taking chances, of stepping more fully into the life I want. “There is so much life to be lived. How much fun do you want to have?”
Melea Seward is a great people connector and genius idea generator who has been teaching me a lot about blogging, Facebook, storytelling, and following an impulse. She recently introduced me to a project she’s involved with called Fun Not Fear. She said, “Check it out. You’ll like it. It’s your kind of thing.” So I checked it out. I like it. It’s my kind of thing. The Fun Not Fear web site says: “With the ‘fun not fear’ Facebook campaign, we are combating the culture of fear with good news, good acts and a focus on the importance of everyday creativity. The goal is to have 1,234,567 Facebook members participating by April 1, 2009.” How perfect. I’m holding that Fun Not Fear concept close to my heart as I move into this next phase of life’s incredible journey. Thanks Melea!
Now here’s a challenge: Can you find one fun, upbeat, positive thing to discuss or do today? Start by joining the Fun Not Fear campaign, http://www.tinyurl.com/funnotfear . Go ahead. I dare you. There is so much life to be lived. Have fun, not fear. And if you find that fear comes up, do what someone recommended to me the other day: Do it afraid. (a quote from Dr. Joyce Meyer)
Have a heavenly day (and lots of fun!).
Joe
Today’s links:
http://funnotfear.typepad.com/
http://www.meleaseward.com/Home.html
http://www.pattygriffin.com
