Connecting with the fullness of who you really are . . .

"THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN CONNECTING WITH THE FULLNESS OF WHO YOU ARE" ~ Abraham

In my last posting, I wrote about meditation and how important quieting the mind is for all aspects of well being and dream fulfillment. I also mentioned how quieting the mind and entering that place of allowing and connection with your Inner Being, doesn't necessarily have to be through conventional forms of meditation. It doesn't have to be you sitting on a mat with your legs crossed trying desperately to clear your mind.

The following video from Abraham-Hicks explains what I mean beautifully. I encourage you to hear it now:

When I first heard this segment, I immediately connected with it. You see, my art is just like this woman's fly fishing. I love doing it. I would spend all day and night creating. I rather be working at my drawing table surrounded by my markers and pencils than do just about anything else. I've been able to control it a little better but when art first entered my life, it brought such joy, the kind of joy I had never in my life felt before, that I didn't want to even go out of the house. If I was out with Jhon or with friends, although I would still have a good time, most of my thoughts revolved around "when am I going to be able to go home and draw?" I guess at the start, I needed to focus as much as I could on what was happening. Ever since the moment I listened to my inner being and acted upon what I heard and started working on my art, my life changed! It has been a journey of coming into alignment with who I am.

The more I do it, the more I discover things about myself. The more I create and spend time with the work, the more the Universe gives me the opportunity to connect with this JOY. Within the last month and 1/2, I have been able to shift and concentrate my focus more onto my work, my real passion. What I once thought impossible, which was working on my art all day long, every day . . . is now almost a reality. I am now able to spend 4 days out of the week fully connected to my source. And I am certain that devoting some time every day to my art, has helped all these new adventures and opportunities to manifest so easily and effortlessly.

So my point here is that if you can take some ACTION that involves whatever it is you love to do. . . If you can devote five minutes, ten minutes, a 1/2 hour or an hour each day and do whatever makes you forget everything else around you and brings you profound inner joy . . . If you can sing for ten minutes a day . . . create some art for 15 minutes . . . write a paragraph for your novel . . . do whatever it is that sparks that passion within . . . if you can do some action every single day that connects you to the energy of the Universe, the Universe will reward you by strengthening that connection more and more . . . And the more you focus on your passion, the more it will expand. . . the more you are grateful for being able to do what you love, even if for five minutes each day, the more you'll be rewarded with opportunities to do it.

Do these things for the pure enjoyment of doing them. When I sit down and work on a piece I'm not thinking about anything else but rejoicing in the pure act of doing. I'm doing it! I'm living my dream! It doesn't matter where or how I'm doing it . . . I'm just DOING. . . LIVING . . . CONNECTING . . . ALLOWING . . . MANIFESTING!

Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel

Taking ACTION by doing almost NOTHING . . .

All know the way; few actually walk it. ~Bodhidharma

Action. Taking action. This week, we are focusing on taking actions towards the manifestation of our dreams. This is something that scares many people. And, you know, at first glance, it can be a really scary thing. Somehow, when you put together the words action and dreams, people freak out. I think it's because our minds make it a much bigger deal than it really is. Those that are working horrible, life-sucking jobs think taking action means quitting their jobs and jumping headfirst into poverty all for the sake of dream fulfillment. Other people aren't quite sure what they want or if they even have any dreams they'd like to fulfill. So, they think that since they don't know what they want or what their dreams are, they can't really take any action.

Well, I'm here to share my experience with uniting those two words, action and dreams, and surviving . . . thriving! I can promise you that it's not as scary as it seems and if you just trust the Universe and most importantly BELIEVE that you will be alright, no matter what, the action part of the equation will literally take care of itself. At least the big actions, the physical ones where you actually have to move and do things.

As the quote above says, we all know the way. I say this all the time, we all have the answers we seek. And, the first step in taking some action towards fulfilling our dreams is to actually do very little at all, at least physically. I'm talking about meditation of course. This is the first thing I tell someone that seems to be having a hard time dealing with life or not sure of what they are doing. Like I said, we have the answers inside, the way to get to them is by listening to the stillness within.

This is an action step of the spiritual kind. And I think one of the most valuable ones on the road to manifestation. Again, some people just don't get the whole meditation thing. They can't quiet their minds. They can't sit still. They can't keep thoughts from popping up every single minute. It seems impossible to be able to get any answers when all they keep hearing is the melody to Gaga's "Pokerface." I personally don't accept any of these as excuses to not meditate. As with anything else that might tackle in this life, the more you do it, the easier it gets. And, I'm one for doing away with rules for just about everything and meditation isn't spared.

The goal is to have what Abraham calls, pure positive thought. They believe it's easier to teach us to meditate than to have just pure positive thought. And, I believe they are right. But, on the way to pure positive thought, which can be achieved via a great meditation practice, feel free to try other meditative practices.

For example, although I do meditate and love my meditation practices, my biggest form of meditation is my art. When I am working on my art, I am taking part in almost 100% pure positive thought. Why? Because I love it! I can do it all day and night if I could get away without sleeping. When I am creating a piece of art, my mind is so focused on the work and I am in such a state of JOY that hardly a thought enters it. What does that remind you of? Meditation! By doing what I love, I am connected to the creative power of this Universe and nothing of a negative nature can be attracted to me at that moment. Hence the reason I am in BLISS. I am able to reach pure positive thought and in a sense practice hours of meditation while I am doing my art.

So, if meditation scares you and quieting your mind seems like an insurmountable feat, I urge you to do something you love doing for at least 10 minutes a day. Find something that will help you focus and be able to rest your mind, quiet those thoughts. Listen to some music and make it your intention to just concentrate on the music itself, on every single note of the song. Paint, draw, sing, go for a walk in the park . . . do whatever it takes to get you as close as possible to having pure positive thoughts. This is an important and life-changing step on the road to your dreams. Believe. Listen. Allow.

Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel

Living . . . in the light of TRUTH!

Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you? ~Fanny Brice

Ah . . . to live constantly in my own truth . . . to go from one moment to the next without fakery or trickery. To constantly be so in touch with source that all I do is radiate authenticity. That is my intention. I wish to always be secure in who I am and what I believe in. I wish to attract the same in those I come into contact with. For to be honest and myself at all times, will not only benefit me but living in that truth will definitely benefit those around me.

Years ago, the Pet Shop Boys came out with a song, on one of their countless greatest hits package, that I used to love. The song was titled "Too Many People."(Video) It was a song about identity and being "too many people at once" depending on who you were with. At the time, I related to this song because that's how I was living my life. I went from place to place, always pretending to be someone. I went to a job I hated and tried my best to pretend to like it and be that "worker." I then went out with friends to the clubs, etc. and pretended to be somebody else. I'd change from being one person to the next depending on where I was and who I was with. I'm not saying I was a complete fake to everyone but there were elements of me that were always changing to suit the situation. This behavior came from really not being in touch with who I was. Oh, I thought I knew. But, I didn't really like that guy. . . the one I thought I was. You see, I hadn't taken the time to really get to know me and begin to like me. Why would I want to be this "real" me when I wasn't too crazy about him?

Anyway, after years of "pretending," I was finally ready to live my life as the bright being that came here to do so many things. One thing led to another and I kept attracting the teachers and the tools to get me closer to my authentic self. It is a process I work on every single day. But, it is worth it. Life opens up when you are true to your self. The Universe finally understands what it is you are all about and aids you in becoming more and more of that person you want to be. Where there are no pretenses or walls to hide behind of, there is nothing blocking the GOOD coming your way. Your mind is clear. Your vision is bright. You are secure and comfortable in your human suit. The space you occupy in this world finally feels right!

The more you practice living an authentic life the easier it is. Authenticity becomes the norm and whenever you are about to do something that doesn't fit with who you really are, you know it! You can feel it in every cell in your body. This is a wonderful tool to have since it can save you from making decisions based on ego or delusion and instead, you are always making decisions based on truth. There is nothing better than that. Even in the smallest things, you will always do your best to act from an authentic place.

By living with authenticity, all areas of your life will benefit. Your relationships, your work, your health, your JOY will expand and flourish. Everything grows stronger and beautiful in the light of truth. Shine this light upon every corner of your being and see the transformations begin!

No creature is fully itself till it is, like the dandelion, opened in the bloom of pure relationship to the sun, the entire living cosmos. ~D.H. Lawrence

Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel

Peeling off the layers . . .

"Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this." Eleanor Roosevelt

In researching quotes and articles pertaining to authenticity today, I found something quite interesting. Most of the quotes or essays made a clear connection between being authentic and being happy, joyful, creative, at peace, empowered, and most importantly, being of service. This last connection was the one that struck me the most. What did being authentic have to do with being of service or having the desire to be of service?

In today's text message to the Dream Circle, I used Andrew Cohen's quote about being our authentic selves. Part of it reads as follows: ". . . when your Authentic self miraculously awakens to itself . . . you will actually begin to make a difference in this world. . . " This connection between being authentic and true to yourself and subsequently wanting to help others kept on popping up everywhere. I guess I hadn't seen it as clearly as I did today. The more I connect with my Inner Being or Authentic Self, and peel off the layers and bullshit I've hidden under in the past, the clearer everything gets in my life. And, the less stuff I'm hiding behind, the easier it gets to focus on what is important in my life.

This is what all those quotes I read and posted today are saying. If we don't take the time to connect with our authenticity, with the being that resides in our human suits, then the less likely we are to be able to lead a fulfilling and successful life. It's hard work always being something you're not. It really is! I mean, depending on how hidden behind your facade you are, acting the part of somebody else can get rather complicated and tiring. That is definitely not a way to live your life! How can joy make its way in when we've built so many layers and walls around us? How can anything truthful or meaningful get through? How then, can we take the time to be aware of others and start asking ourselves how we can be of service? We're too busy pretending to even care.

I believe that there is nothing more pivotal to our physical, emotional and spiritual health than being authentic in all ways. Sometimes, it's not so easy. We do live in a world where conformity is thrust upon us from the minute we are born. . . I think it's time to reevaluate that. . . I think it's time to break out of whatever shell we've been living under. . . I KNOW the time has come to let our light shine . . . and in so doing, be able to move freely in this world and quite possibly see the world around us, clearly, for the first time . . .

Peace and Light and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel

A fixed INTENTION to achieve a desired end . . . a dream!

How long should you try? Until." - Jim Rohn

This week, it's all about determination: firm or fixed INTENTION to achieve a desired end. The word had a lot of other definitions, but this is the one I liked best. The INTENTION to achieve something, your dreams, goals, aspirations and see it through until the end. As many of you know, I have some big dreams that I'm going to make come true. And the only reason they seem big is because I've never tried anything of this magnitude before. In actuality, I really believe that realizing my dreams, all of them, is as easy as attaining anything else. It's just a matter of allowing the manifestation in without hesitation or resistance.

But, since so many of my dreams are things that I've never even gotten close to thinking about before, well, that's the part that can be a bit daunting. But, only when I sit and think about it and tell myself that it's daunting. Therefore, I barely ever do that. The majority of the time I'm concentrating on the actual actions that will manifest my dreams. When I'm concentrating on creating my beloved and sacred art, there is really no time for any other thoughts to come into my consciousness. The only ones that I let in are usually affirmations to help me with my goals and aspirations. One of my favorites is from Louise L. Hay of course, "I express myself creatively with my art and earn a great income doing it." I repeat this over and over and over and over again as I work. And, one thing to remember when doing affirmations is that the Universe isn't responding to words . . . the Universe responds to feelings. So, as I'm working (action) and saying my affirmations, my goal is to use those affirmations to get me to the feeling place of my dreams. This helps in my determination.

As I create both physically, by working on my art, and spiritually, by reciting the affirmations, I use both things to help me feel the end result of my work. Whenever the two are done together, there is very little room for anything else to happen. This is why I always say that it is so important to devote some time, preferably every single day, to act on your dreams. I make sure that I do some sort of creative, artistic act every day. No matter how late it gets, I make sure to pick up a marker and at the very least, put that marker to paper and create something. This practice also helps with my determination to see my dreams come to fruition. And let me tell you a little somethin' somethin' . . . it's working! More info next time . . .

Peace and Light and KEEP DREAMING ~ KEEP DREAMING ~ KEEP, KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel

Hope and Light for Haiti

At this time of such devastating tragedy in Haiti, I send all the loving light I can muster to them. I urge you all to do the same. Approach the situation with a sense of HOPE, LIGHT and UPLIFTING ENERGY.

Be Strong.

Be Powerful.

Be of Service.

Help in whatever way you can. . .

Here's some information from the US Department of State and Doctors Without Borders:

US Department of State Official Blog

Doctors Without Borders

Peace,

Gene-Manuel

Theme song for 2010 . . . SHINING LIGHT

"These are the days you often say, there's nothing that we cannot do." ~ Annie Lennox (Shining Light)

Almost a year after its release, Annie Lennox's song "Shining Light" found me! I love Annie but for whatever reason, when The Annie Lennox Collection was released last year, I completely ignored it. I thought, I have every song already since I own all her records, so why bother? But, all things that are meant to happen . . . happen and in searching for some images last night, her photo came up over and over again with the title "Shining Light." I clicked on a link, that lead me to the video . . . I was hooked!

I can't tell you how much JOY this song has brought me in less than 24hrs. I am declaring it my theme song for 2010 and feel free to do the same! Download it! Listen to it every morning and start your day knowing YOU ARE A SHINING LIGHT!

ENJOY!

Gene-Manuel

Trust you'll make the right decisions . . . always . . .

Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. ~Benjamin Spock

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know I'm a big believer in always, always, always . . . ummm ALWAYS trusting your instincts. I can't stress it enough! I mean, whenever I've gone against what my solar plexus is telling me, things have not turned out right. Ever! So, back on December 3rd, I wrote about an old friend, FEAR, coming in and trying to mess with my head. There were a few things going on at that time, a few changes that seemed to be happening, and I started to feel a hesitation. Since these were good things and they seemed to be along the same path that I wanted to go in, I just thought that my hesitation and lack of being 100% excited was due to FEAR of change. I thought it was FEAR of taking the necessary steps to move to the next phase of my life. I mean, I had been working with Erin Stutland in the Magical Manifesters group for a couple of months at this time. Some of these changes that were being presented to me stemmed from opportunities that had come up due to our work together. So, of course FEAR was trying to mess with my head and get me to start questioning my decisions . . . or was it?

It is now January 12th and in hindsight, I see that I was right . . . it was fear rearing its ugly head at me back in December. But, it wasn't for the reasons that I had previously thought and mentioned above. It was fear of NOT trusting my own instincts and making the wrong decisions about the steps I needed to take to make the necessary changes in my life. Does that make sense? I was afraid that the opportunities that were presented, weren't the right opportunities for me. Now, don't get me wrong . . . the opportunities and ideas were pretty damn good. And I do think that the reason my solar plexus wasn't in an outright uproar was because these ideas grew from a state of peace and calm, rational thinking and not out of desperation. So what if it wasn't exactly what I wanted, it was still a great thing happening.

Well, I decided to take it easy on this new venture. I took some time off towards the end of December and meditated on everything. I worked on my art. I started work on two commissioned Magicalized Portraits. I enjoyed time with Jhon and friends and time at home just relaxing and being open to the possibilities. I basically surrendered to the Universe once again. Letting it know that I completely trusted the fact that only GOOD would flow to me. And in a matter of a couple of weeks, I am happy to announce that only BRILLIANT, SHINING GOOD has indeed come my way.

The path is clear. The clarity of mind and spirit has never been greater. There is NO FEAR present in any cell of my body. Every step I take is decidedly sure and strong. I feel protected. I feel empowered. I see why everything happened the way it did. I also realized how wonderful the support and work done with Erin's Magical Manifesters has been and hopefully, will continue to be. Working with the group gave me the confidence to really trust in myself. And, I also felt that if one thing didn't work out as planned, I had the ability and support to try another, and another, and another if there was a need. As more details are revealed to me, I will then reveal them to you. Just know that some times, your gut instincts aren't as loud as you might think they'd be. You'll still feel something, but not as strong. Some times, they are a little bit muted and those are the times when it is best to take a breather. Stop all decision-making and let the answers flow. . . they'll come in due time. It's all MAGIC!

Peace and Light and KEEP DREAMING, no matter what!

Gene-Manuel

Healing . . . in musical form . . .

Thank you for life

Thank you for everything
I stand here in Grace and Gratitude
And I thank you ...
~ Grace and Gratitude by Olivia Newton-John

I've been meaning to write about Olivia Newton-John's 2006 release, Grace and Gratitude, for a long time now. I couldn't think of a better time than right now, especially after I've had the entire record on repeat on my iPhone for the past several days.

Just in case you're not aware of this CD, here's a message from Olivia:

"I am very proud to introduce you to my latest CD, Grace and Gratitude, so named for my appreciation of this incredible gift of life I have been blessed with! I hope these songs will help you to take time out of your busy life for relaxation or meditation. As a long-term cancer survivor, I have learned how important it is to take care of both my physical and emotional health. In my recovery, I became even more aware of the power of music. It can heal the body, calm the mind, and lift the spirit; but above all, it can connect us to our hearts." (This "healing" CD was released in America September 25, 2006.)

I absolutely LOVE the idea of calling this a "healing" CD and I wholeheartedly agree! Every single song is infused with magic and an authenticity that is palpable. There is also great love. Olivia's voice has never sounded more incredible as it does on this record. You can feel her connection to the music and her commitment to the messages. The messages are all here: having grace and gratitude, the power of the NOW, letting go and releasing, being of service, and so many others. This record is a beautiful reminder of how amazing and precious life is.

Here is Olivia performing the title track: Grace and Gratitude

The beauty continues . . . the healing continues . . .

Here is Let Go and Let God:

I urge all of you to add this music to your collection. Make it a part of your meditation or gratitude practice. It will become your "go to" piece of music whenever you need a little push toward some healing light. Music does indeed have incredible power - to move the listener, to bring joy, to enlighten, to heal.

Peace and Light and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel

The power to rekindle someone else's light . . .

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." ~ Albert Schweitzer

I really love this quote from theologian and philosopher Albert Schweitzer because there is such truth in it. But, instead of focusing on those times when our inner light is somewhat dimmed or has completely gone out, I'd like to focus on the times when the light is rekindled by someone else. Although my inner light hasn't gone completely out in a very long time, there have been those instances where the light has dimmed somewhat. For whatever reason, usually I've started thinking too much and lost focus on the moment, a dimming has occurred and I've found myself temporarily in the dark. It has been at those times when I've found solace in others and it has been their light, their spark as Mr. Schweitzer says, that has rekindled my own.

It can be anything. A simple, quiet smile from a stranger on the street or a quick phone call or text from a loved one or dear friend. To relight a flame not much is needed. There have been times when a short voice mail from a friend telling me they're thinking of me and sending me some love has worked miracles on my state of mind. Most of the time they don't even know what they've done. But, if you are always open to those moments, then they will come to your rescue, for lack of a better word, just at the right time.

This is a good thing to keep in mind when we are out in the world and living our every day. Especially this coming Decade of Light! Right? As I mentioned in my last entry, waking up and lighting our own brilliant inner light each morning is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves at the start of our day. This goes far beyond just our own well-being and self-care though. As we go out and radiate our light, we actually have the ability to do just what the quote above states. Studies have been conducted that have been able to measure how someone feeling happy can actually affect their environment and the people around them. (Happiness spreads in waves)

Imagine that! We have the power at our disposal to create a happy, jovial, brilliant and even healthy environment. It's contagious! Now think about it. What are you emanating as you go about your life each day? And what are you picking up in return? The thoughts you're letting in and sending out into the Universe have the power to do a lot of good to not only you but those around you. Make them all count. What kind of energy do you bring to your work place or school or into your home? How is this energy affecting you and those you love?

Peace and light to you and KEEP DREAMING!

Gene-Manuel