Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted. ~Aldous Huxley
I honestly can't believe that it is the end of 2009! I mean, really? Really? The year is over? It feels as if I just recently became comfortable with writing the number 2009 every night in my Gratitude Journal. But, even if it's hard for me to comprehend how the year has flown by, there's no denying that it indeed has. Not only has the year come to a close but so has the decade. It's all a wondrous miracle and an eye-opening experience because this feeling of how fleeting time is means, to me at least, that I didn't really pay much attention. Somehow, I went into auto-pilot for the past 10 years, or let's say 8 & 1/2, since for the past year and a half I've been in the process of awakening. But, instead of lamenting over the time that I've lost, it's time to take stock of all the incredible things that have happened to me and all of the things I've done and accomplished.
In my last Magical Manifesters meeting this month, Erin had us write down a few of the things we had manifested over the past year. She broke it down into different areas, such as Work, Personal Life, Career, etc. It was such a great exercise because unless you take the time to acknowledge all of the work you've done, it's very easy to dismiss it all. How many times in the last few days have you heard someone say Good Riddance to 2009! Yeah! They can't wait for this year to be over. . . It was such a bad year! Next year must be better than this one. And on and on and on. The interesting part is that most of these people said the same thing last year, and the year before that, and most likely, the year before that one as well.
This time around, I suggest we all follow Erin's lead and take some time to go over the past year and write down all of things that jump out at you. They could be obvious things like getting a big promotion at work or having a baby to the little things, such as painting your apartment or buying that new winter coat you needed so badly. You can break the lists down into categories, such as Work, Personal Life, Home Life, Relationships, Career, Health, Dreams, etc. Take your time and go through the year and allow these things to come forth. When you've finished with this list or lists, read them over and pay attention to how some of the things you've written down make you feel. This is a great way to determine how your year has gone for you. Do most of the things on your list bring you joy? Happiness? A sense of accomplishment? A sense of Peace? Or, are there areas where an obvious improvement is necessary? What are the actions you could start to take right now to bring that improved state to that particular area of your life?
Making this Year-End List is a great way to be able to visualize all the different parts of your life. Once you've taken stock and are more aware, then you'll be in a much better place to move forward. If you see a pattern that you've been stuck in for the past year, what are some of the steps you can take to get out of it? On the other hand, where did you excel and what did you do in those areas? What action steps did you do, either without knowing or on purpose, to get you where you wanted to be? Can those same steps help you in other areas of your life? See how this works? It all comes down to being aware. What works and what doesn't. Once you know, you are more apt to be able to move forward in the right direction.
Of course, gratitude plays a huge role in end-of-the-year recaps. Love, love, love Gratitude! Hmmm that's another wonderful list to do. I'll go into that on my next entry. I have so many, many incredible things to be grateful for that have happened to me this past year. In addition, 2010 has already started to shine its light . . . it's quite bright . . .
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
'Tis the Season . . .
If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give. ~George MacDonald
I would like to first apologize for not writing an update sooner. I have been so busy that I honestly didn't have the chance to sit at my computer and write. No, I wasn't busy going nuts over Christmas shopping or pulling my hair out trying to figure out what to give "so and so" and "the other." I've actually been busy creating art and finishing the first of two commissioned pieces. I've been busy envisioning my life in the coming new year. I've been busy enjoying the company of friends and loved ones. I've been busy decorating our home and spending an entire Saturday night listening to new Christmas music from Tori Amos and Mary Chapin Carpenter with Jhon. I've been busy laughing, feeling joy, living the moment, loving, taking it easy, doing IntenSati, looking at our Christmas tree, watching the snow fall, looking forward to time at home . . . these are the things that have gotten my attention.
I haven't set foot in a shop or a mall. I haven't gone into debt trying to buy things I can't afford just out of obligation or to show off. There hasn't been one day so far where the thought of wanting Christmas to be over has entered my mind. Why? Because it has been my intention since the holiday season began, to feel only JOY. It has been my intention to give and receive only JOY. I've made it my intention to focus only on what makes me feel GOOD and in turn, when I'm feeling GOOD, I am able to make those around me feel GOOD as well.
I was struck by some Facebook updates today. So many people were complaining about leaving everything until the last minute. They hadn't bought gifts or had forgotten somebody and needed to run back to the mall. Others were dreading having to wrap 30 presents. Quite a few were wishing Christmas was over and others were asking themselves, "why do we do this to ourselves?" Hmmmm All these depressing updates made me ask the same question actually. Why do this to yourself? Why make the season so overwhelming and dreadful? Why make it so much about the gifts?
There are so many ways to spread holiday cheer that have nothing to do with a Target or a Macy's! There are so many beautiful things you can make yourself that will be treasured and remembered for years to come and not just for a couple of days. There are so many special memories that are waiting to be created and shared among friends and families that will put any store-bought gift to shame. All you have to do is start with the intention to have the best time ever without going crazy. Make it your intention to feel as much loving energy as you can and in return, give that loving energy out into the world. Give of yourself to others and let that be the best gift you give this year. Take a little time to investigate how you can redefine the season. You'll be surprised how all of a sudden, the holiday crunch will seem to have disappeared. In its place will be full-blown holiday cheer. Remember, what you focus on expands . . . what will you give your attention to this Christmas? What really matters?
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
I haven't set foot in a shop or a mall. I haven't gone into debt trying to buy things I can't afford just out of obligation or to show off. There hasn't been one day so far where the thought of wanting Christmas to be over has entered my mind. Why? Because it has been my intention since the holiday season began, to feel only JOY. It has been my intention to give and receive only JOY. I've made it my intention to focus only on what makes me feel GOOD and in turn, when I'm feeling GOOD, I am able to make those around me feel GOOD as well.
I was struck by some Facebook updates today. So many people were complaining about leaving everything until the last minute. They hadn't bought gifts or had forgotten somebody and needed to run back to the mall. Others were dreading having to wrap 30 presents. Quite a few were wishing Christmas was over and others were asking themselves, "why do we do this to ourselves?" Hmmmm All these depressing updates made me ask the same question actually. Why do this to yourself? Why make the season so overwhelming and dreadful? Why make it so much about the gifts?
There are so many ways to spread holiday cheer that have nothing to do with a Target or a Macy's! There are so many beautiful things you can make yourself that will be treasured and remembered for years to come and not just for a couple of days. There are so many special memories that are waiting to be created and shared among friends and families that will put any store-bought gift to shame. All you have to do is start with the intention to have the best time ever without going crazy. Make it your intention to feel as much loving energy as you can and in return, give that loving energy out into the world. Give of yourself to others and let that be the best gift you give this year. Take a little time to investigate how you can redefine the season. You'll be surprised how all of a sudden, the holiday crunch will seem to have disappeared. In its place will be full-blown holiday cheer. Remember, what you focus on expands . . . what will you give your attention to this Christmas? What really matters?
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Intending a JOYfilled season . . .
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie
I didn't grow up with Christmas. My parents were, still are, Jehovah's Witnesses, so Christmas was never a part of my childhood. Therefore, I came into it, the whole tradition of Christmas, not too long ago. My first tree, a small fake 3ft tree, was bought in like the year 2000. Then, once Jhon and I moved in together, that's when I experienced my first real tree, which was pretty amazing.
I write all this just so that it's clear that I don't have any kind of sentimental attachment to the season. But, even with all that, I have to say that the Holiday Season, has become my favorite part of the year. I can feel some of you rolling your eyes or asking out loud, "Are you kidding me?!" Yes, it can get really hectic and out of control. I've seen that. Luckily, I've never experienced anything like that. And, I really believe that with a little focus on what's truly important during the holidays, anyone can make the season a truly magical time. I'm not suggesting to get rid of the presents or the parties or family get-togethers. By all means, these are all wonderful opportunities to share and create and brighten up the lives of many. Herein lies the opportunities to infuse magic into our lives. How awesome is that?
As in every other part of life, we have the power to make this time of the year, just how we'd like it to be. So, with that in mind. . . how would you like to spend this time? How would you like this festive season to be different from years past? What would make you and those around you the happiest? Is it the "things"? Or is it the laughter, the joy, the smiles of those you love. Material things are lovely and opening presents is one of my favorite things. But, what brings me an insurmountable amount of glee is giving someone else a present. Just the act of picking something out or creating it, and wrapping it, then giving it to that person I care about and knowing that they will love it . . . THAT'S the precious part of it all. So, in actuality, it's not the gift itself that brings the joy, it's the ACT of GIVING. Isn't it? Such a simple thing.
The season is filled with opportunities to bring and receive joy from the simplest of things. The smallest gestures have the capacity to change lives. If we all take the time to focus our energy in making the holidays as JOYfilled as possible for everyone around us, that in itself will change the energy around the entire season. It can go from a stressful couple of weeks to some of the happiest ones you've ever experienced. It's all in how we come into it and with what intentions.
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
I didn't grow up with Christmas. My parents were, still are, Jehovah's Witnesses, so Christmas was never a part of my childhood. Therefore, I came into it, the whole tradition of Christmas, not too long ago. My first tree, a small fake 3ft tree, was bought in like the year 2000. Then, once Jhon and I moved in together, that's when I experienced my first real tree, which was pretty amazing.
I write all this just so that it's clear that I don't have any kind of sentimental attachment to the season. But, even with all that, I have to say that the Holiday Season, has become my favorite part of the year. I can feel some of you rolling your eyes or asking out loud, "Are you kidding me?!" Yes, it can get really hectic and out of control. I've seen that. Luckily, I've never experienced anything like that. And, I really believe that with a little focus on what's truly important during the holidays, anyone can make the season a truly magical time. I'm not suggesting to get rid of the presents or the parties or family get-togethers. By all means, these are all wonderful opportunities to share and create and brighten up the lives of many. Herein lies the opportunities to infuse magic into our lives. How awesome is that?
As in every other part of life, we have the power to make this time of the year, just how we'd like it to be. So, with that in mind. . . how would you like to spend this time? How would you like this festive season to be different from years past? What would make you and those around you the happiest? Is it the "things"? Or is it the laughter, the joy, the smiles of those you love. Material things are lovely and opening presents is one of my favorite things. But, what brings me an insurmountable amount of glee is giving someone else a present. Just the act of picking something out or creating it, and wrapping it, then giving it to that person I care about and knowing that they will love it . . . THAT'S the precious part of it all. So, in actuality, it's not the gift itself that brings the joy, it's the ACT of GIVING. Isn't it? Such a simple thing.
The season is filled with opportunities to bring and receive joy from the simplest of things. The smallest gestures have the capacity to change lives. If we all take the time to focus our energy in making the holidays as JOYfilled as possible for everyone around us, that in itself will change the energy around the entire season. It can go from a stressful couple of weeks to some of the happiest ones you've ever experienced. It's all in how we come into it and with what intentions.
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Fear of a dark place . . .
A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dark places . . . they can be quite nice . . . if you're sleeping or taking a nap. This wasn't the kind of dark place I ventured into this past Saturday. I woke up and started to get ready for the day ahead, going about business as usual. But, I felt a bit different. My energy was very low and my thoughts kept on focusing on what was NOT going on in my life rather than on what WAS. I tried my best to guide my thoughts in the right direction and for the better part of the morning, early afternoon, I sort of . . . well . . . did my best. Towards mid-day I decided to just go there. I decided to feel as miserable and dark as I wanted to. I wasn't going to fake it or stop it.
This little sojourn into a low and dark place was brought on by Fear of course. I had been battling it for the past couple of days and completely ignoring it the day before (Friday). I finally let it take me down although I was fully aware of the fact that I had within me all it took to come out of it. The first step was to promise that I would only allow myself to be in this state for a maximum of a couple of hours. That was it. I was going to feel the darkness, touch upon the misery, feel sorry for myself but only for the allotted amount of time. The other, was to not keep it a secret or fake my way through it. In the midst of it all I updated my Facebook status letting everyone that read it know what I was going through.
Almost immediately there were responses to my posting. Jhon already knew how I was feeling before the update so he had already given me his support, like he always does. The outpouring of concern and the sending of positive and uplifting vibes was palpable. By the time I got home, I was already coming out of the funk. Jhon had prepared an incredible dinner and we waited until I was fully in the clear before enjoying it. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by my art and by the people I love and love me unconditionally. Affirmations came to mind and I started to repeat them, almost without being aware of it. More than just repeating them, I entered the place of "feeling" them. "The Universe always has the best in store for me." "I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy." Two of my favorites that always have the ability to uplift and raise my energy.
Pretty soon I was able to do another status update that declared I was OUT of the dark place and into the light. In hindsight, my little adventure, because why call it anything else, really lasted about an hour total. Less than what I had given myself permission to experience! Ha! That was an awesome realization. The fact that I was able to go through a rough time, willingly, fully knowing that I was responsible for it and to then know that I had the ability to come out of it at any time. Giving myself permission to do feel as terrible as I wanted to, putting a time limit on that, and then receiving all of the positive energy from friends and loved ones are the reasons that I came out of the state so quickly.
Lots of things were proven to me by going through this. At least, for me, personally. First, that it's OK to some times just feel bad, sad or mad and full of rage and still hold on to the power we have within to get ourselves out of it. We always have it. In every single situation we are faced with, we always have control over how we feel. I also realized how important and powerful is the energy of friends and other people around you. I truly believe that when we genuinely send out positive, loving, caring or healing thoughts towards someone else, that is energy being released and sent directly to that person. And, it works. Believe me . . . it really does work. When my friends posted their comments on my update, encouraging me and sending me love and good energy . . . I FELT it. That was just through a computer. Then I received a phone call from another good friend asking me who's ass she had to kick for me . . . ah laughter and more loving and caring energy via a phone call and the sound of her voice. So, it's OK to let people know when you're not feeling 100%. It's OK to let others know how you are feeling and be truthful. The right people will come to your aid or offer just what you're needing.
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
Dark places . . . they can be quite nice . . . if you're sleeping or taking a nap. This wasn't the kind of dark place I ventured into this past Saturday. I woke up and started to get ready for the day ahead, going about business as usual. But, I felt a bit different. My energy was very low and my thoughts kept on focusing on what was NOT going on in my life rather than on what WAS. I tried my best to guide my thoughts in the right direction and for the better part of the morning, early afternoon, I sort of . . . well . . . did my best. Towards mid-day I decided to just go there. I decided to feel as miserable and dark as I wanted to. I wasn't going to fake it or stop it.
Almost immediately there were responses to my posting. Jhon already knew how I was feeling before the update so he had already given me his support, like he always does. The outpouring of concern and the sending of positive and uplifting vibes was palpable. By the time I got home, I was already coming out of the funk. Jhon had prepared an incredible dinner and we waited until I was fully in the clear before enjoying it. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by my art and by the people I love and love me unconditionally. Affirmations came to mind and I started to repeat them, almost without being aware of it. More than just repeating them, I entered the place of "feeling" them. "The Universe always has the best in store for me." "I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy." Two of my favorites that always have the ability to uplift and raise my energy.
Pretty soon I was able to do another status update that declared I was OUT of the dark place and into the light. In hindsight, my little adventure, because why call it anything else, really lasted about an hour total. Less than what I had given myself permission to experience! Ha! That was an awesome realization. The fact that I was able to go through a rough time, willingly, fully knowing that I was responsible for it and to then know that I had the ability to come out of it at any time. Giving myself permission to do feel as terrible as I wanted to, putting a time limit on that, and then receiving all of the positive energy from friends and loved ones are the reasons that I came out of the state so quickly.
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The return of an unwelcomed friend . . .
Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile... initially scared me to death. ~Betty Bender
I've recently experienced something quite interesting. I was faced with some opportunities that had in them the potential for great things. They had the potential for some dreams to come true and real results, real change in my life. You're probably thinking, "Great! That all sounds wonderful!" And, you're right. Everything does sound and is quite wonderful. Imagine my surprise when I found myself not really wanting to go through with the necessary steps needed to get these projects rolling!
I actually found myself coming up with excuses not to keep a meeting that had been scheduled for weeks. Then, I started to ask myself whether I really wanted this to happen or that to happen. Was I sure? Did it all make sense? Was it the right time? I had a couple of very important meetings with people that could very well help me on my way. And again, my mind wanted to come up with excuses why I didn't think I was ready for this next step or the other. It was all quite ridiculous. Especially because, thankfully, I knew what my ego was trying to do. I knew what was behind all of it. Our good friend FEAR.
That little bugger knows exactly when to strike. Right at the point of actual change, Fear likes to come in and start to mess with our heads. I couldn't believe it! I actually started to laugh out loud the second I realized Fear was trying to get in my way. And it's such a sneaky thing . . . really quite talented at what it does. If you're not careful, Fear will get you to believe anything. Most of the things Fear was coming up with made sense to me. You know why? Because Fear uses our past against us. It takes our bad experiences, childhood traumas, the unknown, past failures and a slew of other things from our lives and twists and turns them to fit the current situation. So, when Fear gets started playing the tapes in our heads, it all sounds quite true because, well, we've been listening to those tapes for quite a while. The words might be different but the sentiments expressed are the same.
Luckily, I refused to listen to any of it. I stopped Fear dead in its tracks and went ahead with all my meetings, plans and decisions. I kept repeating positive affirmations and focusing on the ultimate goals I was in the process of accomplishing. But, Fear wasn't about to give up so easily. Even with all my armor, Fear dragged me down to a dark place. I'll get into that on Thursday. Until then, think about the role, if any, that Fear likes to play in your own lives. Is it a constant visitor or have you shown it the door OUT of your life for good? Does it stop you from LIVING and REALIZING your dreams? If so, what are you willing to do to take back full control?
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
I've recently experienced something quite interesting. I was faced with some opportunities that had in them the potential for great things. They had the potential for some dreams to come true and real results, real change in my life. You're probably thinking, "Great! That all sounds wonderful!" And, you're right. Everything does sound and is quite wonderful. Imagine my surprise when I found myself not really wanting to go through with the necessary steps needed to get these projects rolling!
I actually found myself coming up with excuses not to keep a meeting that had been scheduled for weeks. Then, I started to ask myself whether I really wanted this to happen or that to happen. Was I sure? Did it all make sense? Was it the right time? I had a couple of very important meetings with people that could very well help me on my way. And again, my mind wanted to come up with excuses why I didn't think I was ready for this next step or the other. It was all quite ridiculous. Especially because, thankfully, I knew what my ego was trying to do. I knew what was behind all of it. Our good friend FEAR.
That little bugger knows exactly when to strike. Right at the point of actual change, Fear likes to come in and start to mess with our heads. I couldn't believe it! I actually started to laugh out loud the second I realized Fear was trying to get in my way. And it's such a sneaky thing . . . really quite talented at what it does. If you're not careful, Fear will get you to believe anything. Most of the things Fear was coming up with made sense to me. You know why? Because Fear uses our past against us. It takes our bad experiences, childhood traumas, the unknown, past failures and a slew of other things from our lives and twists and turns them to fit the current situation. So, when Fear gets started playing the tapes in our heads, it all sounds quite true because, well, we've been listening to those tapes for quite a while. The words might be different but the sentiments expressed are the same.
Luckily, I refused to listen to any of it. I stopped Fear dead in its tracks and went ahead with all my meetings, plans and decisions. I kept repeating positive affirmations and focusing on the ultimate goals I was in the process of accomplishing. But, Fear wasn't about to give up so easily. Even with all my armor, Fear dragged me down to a dark place. I'll get into that on Thursday. Until then, think about the role, if any, that Fear likes to play in your own lives. Is it a constant visitor or have you shown it the door OUT of your life for good? Does it stop you from LIVING and REALIZING your dreams? If so, what are you willing to do to take back full control?
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Let's include a GLOBAL DREAM . . .
Just a little while ago I told Jhon that I was sad. This wave of sadness came over me. I can't think of anything in my life that can be causing me to feel this way. I really think it's that I'm tapping into the cosmic wave on this World AIDS Day. There's this energy of sorrow due to the millions of lives that have been lost to HIV/AIDS and seeing how it is still a part of us.
I don't want to dwell in this sadness. In order to celebrate those lives, the best thing we can do is to continue to work towards finding a cure. We must continue to educate. We must continue to open hearts and minds. We must continue to envision a world free of disease, free of poverty, free of hunger, free of discrimination.
This is my message today. As we work on creating and realizing our own dreams, let's include a Global Dream. Our powers of manifesting are multiplied when we join together as one. While we meditate or give thanks for all we have, send out a message of hope, peace and love for this Earth. Let our collective energy join in the healing of the sick, in the preservation of our precious natural resources and in the expansion of all that is GOOD.
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
I don't want to dwell in this sadness. In order to celebrate those lives, the best thing we can do is to continue to work towards finding a cure. We must continue to educate. We must continue to open hearts and minds. We must continue to envision a world free of disease, free of poverty, free of hunger, free of discrimination.
This is my message today. As we work on creating and realizing our own dreams, let's include a Global Dream. Our powers of manifesting are multiplied when we join together as one. While we meditate or give thanks for all we have, send out a message of hope, peace and love for this Earth. Let our collective energy join in the healing of the sick, in the preservation of our precious natural resources and in the expansion of all that is GOOD.
Peace and Light to you and KEEP DREAMING!
Gene-Manuel
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