Imagine that you have just received a letter from your future self. You open it anxiously, eager to find out what's in store for you in the years ahead.
As you begin reading the opening lines, it is clear that your future self is very happy and grateful. This is a good sign.
Continuing, you discover that your future self has identified today's date as the moment when things began to change for the better! That's why the letter was addressed to this particular version of you.
You begin to think about decisions you can make today that will have the power to change the course of your life for the better.
The letter does not mention many specifics, but it does talk in vague terms about trials, joys and new friendships ahead. All of these things will play a key role in your personal development.
The letter also talks about the impact of habits. It emphasizes the need to conquer bad habits and develop good ones. What bad habit could, if stopped, make the biggest difference for you? What good habit can you begin to cultivate?
Your future self closes the letter by encouraging you to forgive yourself for past mistakes and acknowledge your many strengths. The path ahead will not be easy, but it will certainly be worthwhile.
As you fold up the letter and put it back in the envelope, you pause to reflect on the life you've lived so far and the experiences that have made you the person you are. You picture your future self smiling and vow to do whatever it takes to become the person you have always known you can be.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
The Guru
Imagine that you have traveled a very long distance to speak with a world-renowned guru. Although you have thought about what questions you want to ask, you have come to the conclusion that it will be better to trust your intuition to guide you. Only three questions can be asked and answered, and you decide that your questions will focus on three areas: relationships, your life's purpose, and finding happiness.
As you enter the room where the guru is meditating, you take your place on the floor.
"Why have you come?" the guru asks.
"I seek wisdom," you reply.
"So do all," the guru responds.
Pause for a moment to think about what you want to ask about relationships.
Now ask, and listen to the guru's reply.
Pause for a moment to think about what you want to ask about your life's purpose.
Now ask, and listen to the guru's reply.
As you enter the room where the guru is meditating, you take your place on the floor.
"Why have you come?" the guru asks.
"I seek wisdom," you reply.
"So do all," the guru responds.
Pause for a moment to think about what you want to ask about relationships.
Now ask, and listen to the guru's reply.
Pause for a moment to think about what you want to ask about your life's purpose.
Now ask, and listen to the guru's reply.
Pause for a moment to think about what you want to ask about finding happiness.
Now ask, listen to the guru's reply.
Now ask, listen to the guru's reply.
"I have a question for you," the guru says after answering your last question. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
The Memory
Close your eyes and think of an unpleasant memory. Be selective--it doesn't have to be your MOST difficult memory. We're going to walk through it in detail, so make sure it's one you are emotionally prepared to face.
Have you selected your memory?
Good. In your mind, replay what happened. Make it as vivid as you can, thinking of the physical senses and emotions that were present. You are probably feeling some of those same emotions right now.
Does this memory involve another person? If so, I want you to put your current self into that past situation, and I want you to talk to the other person. If the person treated you poorly, talk about how that particular behavior makes you feel. Try to think about what this situation looks like from the other person's perspective.
Now I want you to talk to yourself: your present self talking to your past self. Offer comfort and encouragement and perspective. Comfort your past self, and soften any feelings of shame he or she is experiencing. What advice can you give yourself? Share the knowledge you've gained. Even if you still don't have much clarity about this difficult situation, you can offer your past self validating and uplifting support.
Now picture an idealized version of this memory. What do you wish had happened instead of what actually happened? If someone else was involved, picture the other person doing the right thing instead of the wrong one; being helpful and kind instead of hurtful. If you are alone in this memory, picture yourself doing the right thing instead of the wrong one.
Repeat this exercise as often as you would like, with the same memory or with different ones. Start with small embarrassments, then work your way up to more difficult memories, if you feel so inclined. Move at a pace that's comfortable and therapeutic for you.
Have you selected your memory?
Good. In your mind, replay what happened. Make it as vivid as you can, thinking of the physical senses and emotions that were present. You are probably feeling some of those same emotions right now.
Does this memory involve another person? If so, I want you to put your current self into that past situation, and I want you to talk to the other person. If the person treated you poorly, talk about how that particular behavior makes you feel. Try to think about what this situation looks like from the other person's perspective.
Now I want you to talk to yourself: your present self talking to your past self. Offer comfort and encouragement and perspective. Comfort your past self, and soften any feelings of shame he or she is experiencing. What advice can you give yourself? Share the knowledge you've gained. Even if you still don't have much clarity about this difficult situation, you can offer your past self validating and uplifting support.
Now picture an idealized version of this memory. What do you wish had happened instead of what actually happened? If someone else was involved, picture the other person doing the right thing instead of the wrong one; being helpful and kind instead of hurtful. If you are alone in this memory, picture yourself doing the right thing instead of the wrong one.
Repeat this exercise as often as you would like, with the same memory or with different ones. Start with small embarrassments, then work your way up to more difficult memories, if you feel so inclined. Move at a pace that's comfortable and therapeutic for you.
The Storm
Picture yourself walking through a storm. It's raining, and you are soaked to the skin. It's windy and cold, and you are lost. You aren't sure how much longer this storm will last. It's dark, and you are alone.
Now imagine the sun beginning to rise. The rain slows, and the wind dies down. As the temperature finally begins to increase, you see a group of people coming towards you. They have been looking for you all night! They take you somewhere warm and give you some dry clothes. Soon you are back in your own home, comfortable and happy.
A few nights later, there is another storm, and you hear an urgent knock on your door. When you open it, the person on the other side tells you that your neighbor is missing, and invites you to join the search party. Remembering how much it meant to you when you were rescued, you agree without hesitation.
Now you are once again wandering through a storm in the middle of the night, but this time there is a clear purpose, and your suffering is less. It's still raining, still dark, and still cold. But you aren't alone, and you aren't lost. You are there to help another person make it through the storm.
When we walk through storms in life, we become stronger. When we have a clear purpose in mind, our discomforts are diminished.
Every storm stops. Every night explodes into sunrise. Every life matters, including yours.
Remember these truths the next time you find yourself walking through a storm.
Now imagine the sun beginning to rise. The rain slows, and the wind dies down. As the temperature finally begins to increase, you see a group of people coming towards you. They have been looking for you all night! They take you somewhere warm and give you some dry clothes. Soon you are back in your own home, comfortable and happy.
A few nights later, there is another storm, and you hear an urgent knock on your door. When you open it, the person on the other side tells you that your neighbor is missing, and invites you to join the search party. Remembering how much it meant to you when you were rescued, you agree without hesitation.
Now you are once again wandering through a storm in the middle of the night, but this time there is a clear purpose, and your suffering is less. It's still raining, still dark, and still cold. But you aren't alone, and you aren't lost. You are there to help another person make it through the storm.
When we walk through storms in life, we become stronger. When we have a clear purpose in mind, our discomforts are diminished.
Every storm stops. Every night explodes into sunrise. Every life matters, including yours.
Remember these truths the next time you find yourself walking through a storm.
Monday, January 30, 2017
A Simple Life
Imagine that you have decided to live a simple life.
In order to experience this new life, you begin by looking at the ways you are spending your time, examining each of your most frequent activities and determining if they are really bringing value. If not, eliminate them or reduce the time you are spending on them. Which time wasters will be the first to go?
Next, you look at your possessions--especially the ones that require a lot of maintenance, or aren't providing enough value to justify the cost of keeping them. Which possessions are you willing to sacrifice?
Now, look at your relationships. Which ones are clearly beneficial, which are harmful, and which are somewhere in between? Which relationships should end? Which relationships are draining your emotional resources, and what can you do about it? Which neglected relationships could use some attention?
Take a deep breath and listen to your body. How high or low are your emotional and physical energy levels right now? Do you often find yourself drained or overly tired at the end of the day? What can you do to increase and maintain higher energy levels? What drains on your energy can and should be eliminated from your life?
Imagine how it would feel to be free of some of the burdens you are now carrying. Can you picture yourself smiling? Can you see yourself focusing only on the most important things? What are those most important things?
Picture yourself with enough time to exercise, relax, eat right, do work you enjoy, invest in your most important relationships, and engage in spiritual renewal. Imagine a world where there is always "enough"--enough time, enough energy, enough love, enough joy, enough money. When you live a simple life, the threshold for "enough" is lower, and you'll find yourself focusing more on what you have than what you don't have.
Picture yourself living and loving your new, simpler life. Picture yourself making changes--beginning today--that will eventually lead you there.
In order to experience this new life, you begin by looking at the ways you are spending your time, examining each of your most frequent activities and determining if they are really bringing value. If not, eliminate them or reduce the time you are spending on them. Which time wasters will be the first to go?
Next, you look at your possessions--especially the ones that require a lot of maintenance, or aren't providing enough value to justify the cost of keeping them. Which possessions are you willing to sacrifice?
Now, look at your relationships. Which ones are clearly beneficial, which are harmful, and which are somewhere in between? Which relationships should end? Which relationships are draining your emotional resources, and what can you do about it? Which neglected relationships could use some attention?
Take a deep breath and listen to your body. How high or low are your emotional and physical energy levels right now? Do you often find yourself drained or overly tired at the end of the day? What can you do to increase and maintain higher energy levels? What drains on your energy can and should be eliminated from your life?
Imagine how it would feel to be free of some of the burdens you are now carrying. Can you picture yourself smiling? Can you see yourself focusing only on the most important things? What are those most important things?
Picture yourself with enough time to exercise, relax, eat right, do work you enjoy, invest in your most important relationships, and engage in spiritual renewal. Imagine a world where there is always "enough"--enough time, enough energy, enough love, enough joy, enough money. When you live a simple life, the threshold for "enough" is lower, and you'll find yourself focusing more on what you have than what you don't have.
Picture yourself living and loving your new, simpler life. Picture yourself making changes--beginning today--that will eventually lead you there.
Snowfall
Imagine being in a warm and beautiful mountain cabin, watching the snow falling outside. There's no place you need to be, and no need to drive through the snow or shovel it. You have plenty of supplies, and all your friends and family are safe. The only thing on your agenda is sitting by the window with a blanket draped over your shoulders, sipping a cup of hot cocoa and reading a good book.
As you look out the window, you see the snow falling in big, thick, heavy flakes. It accumulates quickly and soon there is an inch or two on the ground. The soft light inside the cabin allows you to see the words of your book, but it isn't bright enough to keep you from seeing the picturesque scene outside.
After a little while, you decide to walk to the back of the cabin so you can see the snow falling through a large bay window. Some flakes hit the window and you can see their intricate details. You smile and return to your book and your blanket.
Twilight descends, and you begin your evening routine, grateful for the warmth and shelter this cabin provides, as well as the beauty just outside.
In the morning, you wake up to several feet of snow. It's as if mother nature has decided she looks best with frosting. Putting on your warm clothes--coat, scarf, hat, gloves, snow pants, and boots--you rush outside to explore the white world. Everything is so quiet. The only sound that can be heard is your laughter as you make snowballs and snow angels, then jump from the low porch and fall backwards into the soft powder. You decide to make a snowman, complete with carrot nose, before going inside for a warm meal.
After lunch you start a fire and sit close to the inviting flames. Your wet clothing is drying in the other room, and the peace and solitude this snowstorm has brought to you cannot be measured. You smile as you lie down in front of the fire for a much-needed afternoon nap.
As you look out the window, you see the snow falling in big, thick, heavy flakes. It accumulates quickly and soon there is an inch or two on the ground. The soft light inside the cabin allows you to see the words of your book, but it isn't bright enough to keep you from seeing the picturesque scene outside.
After a little while, you decide to walk to the back of the cabin so you can see the snow falling through a large bay window. Some flakes hit the window and you can see their intricate details. You smile and return to your book and your blanket.
Twilight descends, and you begin your evening routine, grateful for the warmth and shelter this cabin provides, as well as the beauty just outside.
In the morning, you wake up to several feet of snow. It's as if mother nature has decided she looks best with frosting. Putting on your warm clothes--coat, scarf, hat, gloves, snow pants, and boots--you rush outside to explore the white world. Everything is so quiet. The only sound that can be heard is your laughter as you make snowballs and snow angels, then jump from the low porch and fall backwards into the soft powder. You decide to make a snowman, complete with carrot nose, before going inside for a warm meal.
After lunch you start a fire and sit close to the inviting flames. Your wet clothing is drying in the other room, and the peace and solitude this snowstorm has brought to you cannot be measured. You smile as you lie down in front of the fire for a much-needed afternoon nap.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Flying
Imagine that you are a bird, flying through the sky. As you soar, you admire the view below you: trees, rivers, lakes, and hills. The wind beats against your face as your altitude increases.
What an amazing sensation! As you move through the air, alternately flapping your wings and gliding, you feel absolute exhilaration. This is the life you were made for. This is what you were meant to do.
Gravity still exerts a pull on you, but you have found a way to overcome it. Lift is a more powerful force than gravity.
You spot a lake in the distance, and you descend towards it, entering into a steep dive. Just as you are about to reach the water, you adjust the angle of your wings and your feet skim the water.
This is how it feels to be fully alive! You are one with the sky. You twist, turn and twirl, diving and ascending and feeling renewed. Then you enter the forest below. Finding a shady spot near the top of a tree, you perch on a branch and rest for a few minutes.
Life has ebbs and flows, high points and low points. There is a time to push higher, and a time to fly lower; a time to speed up, and a time to slow down; a time to revel in the beauty that surrounds you, and a time to quietly reflect.
After resting for a little while, you take flight. You are ready once more to dance among the clouds.
What an amazing sensation! As you move through the air, alternately flapping your wings and gliding, you feel absolute exhilaration. This is the life you were made for. This is what you were meant to do.
Gravity still exerts a pull on you, but you have found a way to overcome it. Lift is a more powerful force than gravity.
You spot a lake in the distance, and you descend towards it, entering into a steep dive. Just as you are about to reach the water, you adjust the angle of your wings and your feet skim the water.
This is how it feels to be fully alive! You are one with the sky. You twist, turn and twirl, diving and ascending and feeling renewed. Then you enter the forest below. Finding a shady spot near the top of a tree, you perch on a branch and rest for a few minutes.
Life has ebbs and flows, high points and low points. There is a time to push higher, and a time to fly lower; a time to speed up, and a time to slow down; a time to revel in the beauty that surrounds you, and a time to quietly reflect.
After resting for a little while, you take flight. You are ready once more to dance among the clouds.
Heaven on Earth
Close your eyes and imagine that you are a very young child, so young that you do not yet speak or understanding any language. Think about how it might have felt to experience life when you were this age. Because you had not yet learned to communicate using words, you could only express emotions. If you were uncomfortable or unhappy, you would scream or cry. If you were happy and well-fed and warm, you would giggle and laugh. Because you could not understand the words of others, everything was communicated through tones, facial expressions, body language and physical touch.
When you were in this childlike state, there was no concept of future or past. Even time of day was not understood. Your emotions were experienced, then passed quickly. You held no grudges and had not even learned to understand the concept of money. The only thing that you knew for certain was what is happening to you at any given moment.
Now imagine seeing the world through childlike eyes, even though you are no longer a child. In this state, what fears and worries no longer haunt you? What past regrets are forgotten? How different does the world look without any of your preconceived notions about how it should or shouldn't be?
Even common experiences that you've had many time before can be new and exciting when you see them through the eyes of the child you once were. You can temporarily silence the constant judgmental chatter in your own mind by focusing solely on sensory input the way young children do. You can approach new experiences with curiosity and joy rather than fearing what the experience will bring.
Without preconceptions, learning becomes simple and fun. Since words meant nothing when you were very young, you learned through experiences. There was no need to take someone's word for something. If you picked up a toy and enjoyed playing with it, that toy was part of your experience. If you burned your hand on a hot stove, that pain was part of your experience. Each experience was filed away, influencing your future decisions. By learning to experience things as if we are doing them for the first time, however, we can see them with new eyes and feel the newness and joy we once felt when they actually were new experiences. We can be open to receive everything life has to offer. That is the way to create heaven on Earth.
When you were in this childlike state, there was no concept of future or past. Even time of day was not understood. Your emotions were experienced, then passed quickly. You held no grudges and had not even learned to understand the concept of money. The only thing that you knew for certain was what is happening to you at any given moment.
Now imagine seeing the world through childlike eyes, even though you are no longer a child. In this state, what fears and worries no longer haunt you? What past regrets are forgotten? How different does the world look without any of your preconceived notions about how it should or shouldn't be?
Even common experiences that you've had many time before can be new and exciting when you see them through the eyes of the child you once were. You can temporarily silence the constant judgmental chatter in your own mind by focusing solely on sensory input the way young children do. You can approach new experiences with curiosity and joy rather than fearing what the experience will bring.
Without preconceptions, learning becomes simple and fun. Since words meant nothing when you were very young, you learned through experiences. There was no need to take someone's word for something. If you picked up a toy and enjoyed playing with it, that toy was part of your experience. If you burned your hand on a hot stove, that pain was part of your experience. Each experience was filed away, influencing your future decisions. By learning to experience things as if we are doing them for the first time, however, we can see them with new eyes and feel the newness and joy we once felt when they actually were new experiences. We can be open to receive everything life has to offer. That is the way to create heaven on Earth.
The Lake
Close your eyes and imagine that you are standing on a small sandy beach next to a beautiful mountain lake. There are pine trees ringing the shore. The sun is high in the sky, and the water is a beautiful, rippling blue. It looks inviting, but very cold. You aren't yet sure if you want to go for a swim, but you are considering it.
The lake represents your life. Sometimes you may be content to sit on the shore and observe without fully participating. But what opportunities are you missing because you fear discomfort and uncertainty? Your life was meant to be lived, and it can only be lived by you. The cold but inviting waters of the lake are waiting. Will you plunge into them all at once, step into them slowly, stay here on the shore, or simply walk away?
You decide that you want to experience something real -- and you want to be fully present for it.
Having made the decision, you stand up and remove your pants and shirt to reveal the swimsuit beneath. Soon you reach the edge of the lake, and place your left foot into the water, followed by your right foot, savoring each sensation and almost giggling as you feel the contrast between the warm air and the cold water. Stepping forward slowly, you feel the water hit your shins. The mud beneath your feet feels silky and soft as it squeezes between your toes. You pause for a moment to look around you, lifting your arms above your head and spreading them wide as you face this moment with courage and strength.
You continue moving forward. Soon your knees and then your thighs are submerged. You feel more invigorated and alive than you have for a long time. As your hands touch the surface of the water, you can feel the gently rippling waves wash over them. You can't keep from smiling.
You step forward again. The water reaches your stomach, then your chest. It's deliciously cool, and surprisingly refreshing. Soon you are up to your neck, and from this viewpoint you can see the rays of sunlight crisscrossing the blue water in bright, sparkling stripes.
You pause, knowing what comes next. With a deep breath you submerge your head. When you break the surface of the water, you also break the surface of your consciousness. Elation overtakes you and you can't help but shout with joyous laughter. Your cries echo off the surface of the lake and the surrounding mountains and trees, coming back to you as if nature itself is celebrating your success.
As you return to the shore, you are grateful that you took the opportunity to turn this ordinary moment into an extraordinary one. You acknowledge the faith it required to step into the unknown, and you recognize that even the most mundane moment can become similarly extraordinary when you bring your full presence of mind, body and spirit to the experience.
The lake represents your life. Sometimes you may be content to sit on the shore and observe without fully participating. But what opportunities are you missing because you fear discomfort and uncertainty? Your life was meant to be lived, and it can only be lived by you. The cold but inviting waters of the lake are waiting. Will you plunge into them all at once, step into them slowly, stay here on the shore, or simply walk away?
You decide that you want to experience something real -- and you want to be fully present for it.
Having made the decision, you stand up and remove your pants and shirt to reveal the swimsuit beneath. Soon you reach the edge of the lake, and place your left foot into the water, followed by your right foot, savoring each sensation and almost giggling as you feel the contrast between the warm air and the cold water. Stepping forward slowly, you feel the water hit your shins. The mud beneath your feet feels silky and soft as it squeezes between your toes. You pause for a moment to look around you, lifting your arms above your head and spreading them wide as you face this moment with courage and strength.
You continue moving forward. Soon your knees and then your thighs are submerged. You feel more invigorated and alive than you have for a long time. As your hands touch the surface of the water, you can feel the gently rippling waves wash over them. You can't keep from smiling.
You step forward again. The water reaches your stomach, then your chest. It's deliciously cool, and surprisingly refreshing. Soon you are up to your neck, and from this viewpoint you can see the rays of sunlight crisscrossing the blue water in bright, sparkling stripes.
You pause, knowing what comes next. With a deep breath you submerge your head. When you break the surface of the water, you also break the surface of your consciousness. Elation overtakes you and you can't help but shout with joyous laughter. Your cries echo off the surface of the lake and the surrounding mountains and trees, coming back to you as if nature itself is celebrating your success.
As you return to the shore, you are grateful that you took the opportunity to turn this ordinary moment into an extraordinary one. You acknowledge the faith it required to step into the unknown, and you recognize that even the most mundane moment can become similarly extraordinary when you bring your full presence of mind, body and spirit to the experience.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
The Castle
Close your eyes and imagine that you are exploring a medieval castle. Torches are burning, lighting your way. Intricate tapestries and portraits of ancient kings and queens line the walls. You can feel the moist coldness of the stone.
Soon you come to a door, and when you look inside you see a room furnished exactly like your childhood bedroom. As you examine the next several rooms, you realize that this particular castle tells the story of your life. Those pictures of kings and queens are actually pictures of the many people who have influenced you for good.
As you continue walking, you pass a kitchen that is stocked with your favorite foods, and a library filled with your favorite books. As you reach the end of the hall, there is a large and inviting room with a roaring fire. You pause for a moment to warm yourself and look around. To the left, there is a stairway leading up. To the right, there is a stairway leading down. You intuitively know that the dungeon is down there; the place where you keep your secrets and your shame. You have a decision to make. Should you go up, where you might find lighter, happier, prettier things? Or should you take a torch off the wall and fearlessly face your demons? Thinking that you can always come back later and explore the dungeon, you decide to go upstairs--not because you are afraid, but because there is no need to rush. When the time is right, you'll shine your light into the dungeon.
On the second level, you find rooms that remind you of past joys. Memories of love and laughter fill your mind. As you continue to ascend, you find yourself standing in a tower room, gazing at the scenery below. There are forests and lakes and rivers. It's absolutely magnificent up here. A feeling of gratitude washes over you as you think of the life you have lived and the lessons you've been privileged to learn.
Soon you come to a door, and when you look inside you see a room furnished exactly like your childhood bedroom. As you examine the next several rooms, you realize that this particular castle tells the story of your life. Those pictures of kings and queens are actually pictures of the many people who have influenced you for good.
As you continue walking, you pass a kitchen that is stocked with your favorite foods, and a library filled with your favorite books. As you reach the end of the hall, there is a large and inviting room with a roaring fire. You pause for a moment to warm yourself and look around. To the left, there is a stairway leading up. To the right, there is a stairway leading down. You intuitively know that the dungeon is down there; the place where you keep your secrets and your shame. You have a decision to make. Should you go up, where you might find lighter, happier, prettier things? Or should you take a torch off the wall and fearlessly face your demons? Thinking that you can always come back later and explore the dungeon, you decide to go upstairs--not because you are afraid, but because there is no need to rush. When the time is right, you'll shine your light into the dungeon.
On the second level, you find rooms that remind you of past joys. Memories of love and laughter fill your mind. As you continue to ascend, you find yourself standing in a tower room, gazing at the scenery below. There are forests and lakes and rivers. It's absolutely magnificent up here. A feeling of gratitude washes over you as you think of the life you have lived and the lessons you've been privileged to learn.
The Healing City
Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful, pristine city. The buildings are bright and shiny, and the streets and sidewalks look brand new. The people are friendly and welcoming.
Outside the city gates, there is a line of people forming. They all appear to be very ill. They have come to the city for relief.
This is a healing city, filled with hospitals and care facilities for the healing of physical and emotional ailments.
Soon the gates open, and the struggling masses are welcomed with open arms. They are each led to the building that is best-suited to help them heal.
As you continue to observe, you see happy and healthy people begin to exit the buildings. They leave the city with smiles, forming an extraordinary contrast with those who are coming in through the gates. The one is light and the other is dark.
Curiosity gets the better of you, and you decide to follow a sick person into a building, to see how this healing miracle is performed. The first thing you notice is that each person is received with genuine love. Smiles, hugs, kindness and joy abound. It is like an old friend has come home after being gone for many years.
Each patient is made as comfortable as possible. The temperature is adjusted to their liking, their favorite music plays and their favorite food is served. New, comfortable clothing is brought and old clothing is discarded.
There is a warm fire in the center of the room. Some people are sitting in chairs with blankets and cups of hot cocoa, enjoying laughter and conversation. Others are playing board games, drawing or painting. Some are even dancing and singing. No one is alone, no one is unwelcome, and all are made to feel loved.
Imagine visiting such a wonderful place! Imagine being welcomed in such a joyful manner.
Now imagine that a healing city such as this one can be found within every cell of your body.
Outside the city gates, there is a line of people forming. They all appear to be very ill. They have come to the city for relief.
This is a healing city, filled with hospitals and care facilities for the healing of physical and emotional ailments.
Soon the gates open, and the struggling masses are welcomed with open arms. They are each led to the building that is best-suited to help them heal.
As you continue to observe, you see happy and healthy people begin to exit the buildings. They leave the city with smiles, forming an extraordinary contrast with those who are coming in through the gates. The one is light and the other is dark.
Curiosity gets the better of you, and you decide to follow a sick person into a building, to see how this healing miracle is performed. The first thing you notice is that each person is received with genuine love. Smiles, hugs, kindness and joy abound. It is like an old friend has come home after being gone for many years.
Each patient is made as comfortable as possible. The temperature is adjusted to their liking, their favorite music plays and their favorite food is served. New, comfortable clothing is brought and old clothing is discarded.
There is a warm fire in the center of the room. Some people are sitting in chairs with blankets and cups of hot cocoa, enjoying laughter and conversation. Others are playing board games, drawing or painting. Some are even dancing and singing. No one is alone, no one is unwelcome, and all are made to feel loved.
Imagine visiting such a wonderful place! Imagine being welcomed in such a joyful manner.
Now imagine that a healing city such as this one can be found within every cell of your body.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
The Prison Door
Close your eyes and imagine that you are walking through a beautiful meadow. The morning sun is shining, the birds are singing, and a few wispy clouds are floating high in the azure sky. The green grass tickles your hands as you admire the surrounding landscape. There are trees all around the meadow, and their leaves are gently blowing in the summer breeze.
As you continue walking, you notice a path that leads away from the meadow and into the surrounding forest. You decide to explore. As you step away from the comforting joy of the meadow, you notice that it is gradually getting darker. The leaves are soon so thick that very little sunlight reaches the forest floor.
Bravely continuing, you discover a small stone building. It looks like it has been there for many years. You step through an archway and pause for a moment while your eyes adjust to the dim hallway beyond. Curiosity triumphs over fear, and you proceed down the corridor in order to discover its mysteries.
As you come around a corner, you see what looks like a jail cell. The door is partially open, and there's a prisoner inside! From the looks of it, the prisoner has been there for a very long time. There are a few rays of sunlight coming through a small barred window. The prisoner is sitting in the back corner of the cell, as far from the light as possible.
You hesitantly say hello, and the prisoner tells you to go away. But something makes you stay. You ask why the prisoner hasn't left the cell, as it's clearly unlocked.
"This is my home," the prisoner replies, "the only place where I really belong."
You explain that there's a beautiful meadow just beyond the forest, and you offer to show it to the prisoner.
"I cannot leave," the prisoner replies. "I've done some very bad, unforgivable things, and this is the only place where I feel suitably punished for my crimes."
You continue trying to convince the prisoner to exit the cell, but without success. Finally, an idea comes to you.
"Just come to the door," you explain. "The light is better there, and I want to see what you look like."
The prisoner reluctantly agrees, and as the distance narrows you suddenly realize that the prisoner is a tormented version of yourself. This is the prison where your shadow self lives.
You continue talking with the prisoner near the door of the cell. Soon you convince the prisoner to step outside the door, walk to the end of the hallway with you, turn the corner and step through the archway to the forest beyond. The prisoner is temporarily blinded by the dim forest light, but soon recovers. The two of you begin walking towards the meadow. As you walk, you begin to understand this dark part of you, and the reasons for such self-inflicted isolation.
Soon you arrive in the meadow, and the prisoner stops for a moment before stepping into the sunlight. You follow. Without a word, the prisoner turns to you and smiles, then the two of you embrace.
As you continue walking, you notice a path that leads away from the meadow and into the surrounding forest. You decide to explore. As you step away from the comforting joy of the meadow, you notice that it is gradually getting darker. The leaves are soon so thick that very little sunlight reaches the forest floor.
Bravely continuing, you discover a small stone building. It looks like it has been there for many years. You step through an archway and pause for a moment while your eyes adjust to the dim hallway beyond. Curiosity triumphs over fear, and you proceed down the corridor in order to discover its mysteries.
As you come around a corner, you see what looks like a jail cell. The door is partially open, and there's a prisoner inside! From the looks of it, the prisoner has been there for a very long time. There are a few rays of sunlight coming through a small barred window. The prisoner is sitting in the back corner of the cell, as far from the light as possible.
You hesitantly say hello, and the prisoner tells you to go away. But something makes you stay. You ask why the prisoner hasn't left the cell, as it's clearly unlocked.
"This is my home," the prisoner replies, "the only place where I really belong."
You explain that there's a beautiful meadow just beyond the forest, and you offer to show it to the prisoner.
"I cannot leave," the prisoner replies. "I've done some very bad, unforgivable things, and this is the only place where I feel suitably punished for my crimes."
You continue trying to convince the prisoner to exit the cell, but without success. Finally, an idea comes to you.
"Just come to the door," you explain. "The light is better there, and I want to see what you look like."
The prisoner reluctantly agrees, and as the distance narrows you suddenly realize that the prisoner is a tormented version of yourself. This is the prison where your shadow self lives.
You continue talking with the prisoner near the door of the cell. Soon you convince the prisoner to step outside the door, walk to the end of the hallway with you, turn the corner and step through the archway to the forest beyond. The prisoner is temporarily blinded by the dim forest light, but soon recovers. The two of you begin walking towards the meadow. As you walk, you begin to understand this dark part of you, and the reasons for such self-inflicted isolation.
Soon you arrive in the meadow, and the prisoner stops for a moment before stepping into the sunlight. You follow. Without a word, the prisoner turns to you and smiles, then the two of you embrace.
The Friend
Close your eyes and imagine that you are sitting alone on a park bench. You feel a tap on your shoulder. Someone smiles at you and asks if the seat next to you is taken. You say it isn't, and the person sits down.
After a minute or two of silence, the person begins to talk to you. As the conversation continues, you realize that this is someone you get along with quite well. You both have many of the same interests, and many of the same views about life. Before going your separate ways, the two of you exchange contact information.
Soon you are close friends. You find that your new friend is nonjudgmental and accepting, as well as a good listener. You like your new friend and your new friend likes you in return. Sometimes your friend initiates contact, and sometimes you do; it's a healthy balance. The two of you soon know all each other's secrets, and you are able to be your authentic self. Every confession only engenders increased closeness.
You feel completely understood by your friend. There is a sense of mutual loyalty and compassion. When something good happens, the first thing you want to do is tell your friend. When something bad happens, your friend is the first person you turn to for empathy. Your friend is sincere and perfectly devoted to you.
Imagine having a friend like this. Imagine what a blessing it would be in your life!
Now imagine being a friend like this to someone else.
After a minute or two of silence, the person begins to talk to you. As the conversation continues, you realize that this is someone you get along with quite well. You both have many of the same interests, and many of the same views about life. Before going your separate ways, the two of you exchange contact information.
Soon you are close friends. You find that your new friend is nonjudgmental and accepting, as well as a good listener. You like your new friend and your new friend likes you in return. Sometimes your friend initiates contact, and sometimes you do; it's a healthy balance. The two of you soon know all each other's secrets, and you are able to be your authentic self. Every confession only engenders increased closeness.
You feel completely understood by your friend. There is a sense of mutual loyalty and compassion. When something good happens, the first thing you want to do is tell your friend. When something bad happens, your friend is the first person you turn to for empathy. Your friend is sincere and perfectly devoted to you.
Imagine having a friend like this. Imagine what a blessing it would be in your life!
Now imagine being a friend like this to someone else.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
The Mirror
Close your eyes and picture yourself gazing into a mirror. This, however, is no ordinary mirror. It's the mirror of your highest and best truth. Through it you can see not just what you are on the outside, but what you are on the inside and what you have yet to become.
Everyone who looks in this mirror of truth sees that they are worthy of love.
The mirror of truth understands the pain and regret you feel, and the burdens you are carrying. It shows you the beauty beneath the pain.
The mirror of truth reflects your own light back at you. See how brilliant it is?
When you smile, you can catch a glimpse of the remarkable soul that lives behind your eyes.
Other people may not see you clearly, but this mirror doesn't lie. It strips away everything except your true nature, and it hints at your glorious destiny.
Some people fear the truth, because they do not want to be exposed. Shame often masks truth, but beneath shame is even higher truth.
You might wonder how people would feel about you if your secrets were exposed. But as you gaze deeper into the mirror, you can see the hidden good yearning to be released.
Look into the mirror as if you are seeing yourself for the first time, because you are. There is so much of you that has not yet come to the surface. Seek it. Wisdom and understanding will be your reward.
Everyone who looks in this mirror of truth sees that they are worthy of love.
The mirror of truth understands the pain and regret you feel, and the burdens you are carrying. It shows you the beauty beneath the pain.
The mirror of truth reflects your own light back at you. See how brilliant it is?
When you smile, you can catch a glimpse of the remarkable soul that lives behind your eyes.
Other people may not see you clearly, but this mirror doesn't lie. It strips away everything except your true nature, and it hints at your glorious destiny.
Some people fear the truth, because they do not want to be exposed. Shame often masks truth, but beneath shame is even higher truth.
You might wonder how people would feel about you if your secrets were exposed. But as you gaze deeper into the mirror, you can see the hidden good yearning to be released.
Look into the mirror as if you are seeing yourself for the first time, because you are. There is so much of you that has not yet come to the surface. Seek it. Wisdom and understanding will be your reward.
The Island
Close your eyes and imagine that you are on an island. You are standing on a beach, watching the ocean waves gently caress the shore. The water is cerulean blue, and the sun gently warms your skin.
You decide to leave the beach for a few minutes and explore the interior of the island. There are palm trees with coconuts, and a tropical forest that is teeming with life. Soon you come to a small waterfall, watching for a moment as the water cascades over the rocks, forming a small pool that feeds a stream that flows directly into the ocean.
You decide to take a dip in the pool. As you enter the water, its coolness refreshes and enlivens you.
After a few minutes you return to the beach to dry off in the sun. You lie in the sand, feeling its coarseness on your back, listening to the waves as they approach and recede in endless rhythm.
After a short time, you decide to walk around the island to see how large it is. Rounding a bend, you see a small child sitting near the ocean, facing away from you. Quietly, you approach. The child hears your footsteps and looks to see who it is. Suddenly you realize that this child is YOU -- the person you used to be. You sit down and say hello. The child responds, not knowing who you are but appearing to feel perfectly safe with you.
You begin talking to your inner child, and soon the two of you are friends. You listen as your inner child tells you about his or her fears and worries.
Calmly, you put your arm around your inner child, offering reassurance and love. There is a mutual understanding between you, and your inner child is at peace. You feel at peace as well, grateful for this positive and healing interaction.
Together, you watch the sun set over the ocean in a glorious display of pink and gold.
You decide to leave the beach for a few minutes and explore the interior of the island. There are palm trees with coconuts, and a tropical forest that is teeming with life. Soon you come to a small waterfall, watching for a moment as the water cascades over the rocks, forming a small pool that feeds a stream that flows directly into the ocean.
You decide to take a dip in the pool. As you enter the water, its coolness refreshes and enlivens you.
After a few minutes you return to the beach to dry off in the sun. You lie in the sand, feeling its coarseness on your back, listening to the waves as they approach and recede in endless rhythm.
After a short time, you decide to walk around the island to see how large it is. Rounding a bend, you see a small child sitting near the ocean, facing away from you. Quietly, you approach. The child hears your footsteps and looks to see who it is. Suddenly you realize that this child is YOU -- the person you used to be. You sit down and say hello. The child responds, not knowing who you are but appearing to feel perfectly safe with you.
You begin talking to your inner child, and soon the two of you are friends. You listen as your inner child tells you about his or her fears and worries.
Calmly, you put your arm around your inner child, offering reassurance and love. There is a mutual understanding between you, and your inner child is at peace. You feel at peace as well, grateful for this positive and healing interaction.
Together, you watch the sun set over the ocean in a glorious display of pink and gold.
Monday, January 23, 2017
The Forest
Close your eyes and picture yourself walking through a beautiful forest. Rays of sunlight are shining through the trees, and shadows cross the narrow path where you are walking. It's autumn, and the bright reds and oranges of the season surround you. The smell of leaves and the scent of pine fill your nostrils. You can feel the cool crispness of the fall air.
As you come around a corner, you see a small family of deer about fifty feet away. You pause to admire them for a moment.
Continuing, you come to a stream where crystal clear water is flowing. Leaves are floating on the surface of the water, swirling their way to destinations unknown. Your path leads to a small footbridge, and you stop for a moment to admire the stream, listening to its quiet and soothing trickling sound.
There is a small meadow near this stream, and you decide to sit for a few minutes and eat your lunch there. No one else is around, and you find solace in solitude.
As you bite into the sandwich you brought, its taste washes over you. A feeling of gratitude comes over you as you think about the many people who made it possible for you to enjoy this simple meal: the bakers who made the bread, the delivery truck drivers who brought it to the store where you shop, the farmers who grew the produce. When you are finished, you take a drink of cool water from your canteen and resume your journey.
Soon you come to a group of aspen trees, yellow leaves quaking in the light breeze. A few minutes later, you reach a ridge and are greeted with a beautiful vista. You can see for miles: snow-topped mountain peaks and colored leaves. You take it all in, breathing in the sights and sounds, mesmerized by the sensory experience of being alive. It's something no camera can completely capture.
You decide it's time to return. You walk past the aspen trees and the meadow, then across the footbridge, and you follow the path back to where you started. As you leave this beautiful place, you silently thank the forest for sharing its beauty with you today.
As you come around a corner, you see a small family of deer about fifty feet away. You pause to admire them for a moment.
Continuing, you come to a stream where crystal clear water is flowing. Leaves are floating on the surface of the water, swirling their way to destinations unknown. Your path leads to a small footbridge, and you stop for a moment to admire the stream, listening to its quiet and soothing trickling sound.
There is a small meadow near this stream, and you decide to sit for a few minutes and eat your lunch there. No one else is around, and you find solace in solitude.
As you bite into the sandwich you brought, its taste washes over you. A feeling of gratitude comes over you as you think about the many people who made it possible for you to enjoy this simple meal: the bakers who made the bread, the delivery truck drivers who brought it to the store where you shop, the farmers who grew the produce. When you are finished, you take a drink of cool water from your canteen and resume your journey.
Soon you come to a group of aspen trees, yellow leaves quaking in the light breeze. A few minutes later, you reach a ridge and are greeted with a beautiful vista. You can see for miles: snow-topped mountain peaks and colored leaves. You take it all in, breathing in the sights and sounds, mesmerized by the sensory experience of being alive. It's something no camera can completely capture.
You decide it's time to return. You walk past the aspen trees and the meadow, then across the footbridge, and you follow the path back to where you started. As you leave this beautiful place, you silently thank the forest for sharing its beauty with you today.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
The Visitor
Close your eyes and picture yourself in a peaceful and isolated place. It can be anywhere real or imagined.
You are alone in this place, but soon you see someone walking towards you. It is up to you to decide who this person is. It could be your highest self, a divine being, an inspiring historical figure, someone living whom you admire, or a wise person you haven't met before. Maybe it is a loved one with whom you have or had a relationship of total trust and safety.
This person comes closer and sits down to talk with you.
What do you most want to say? Now is your chance to say it.
What does this person most want to say to you? Listen to their response.
Now picture yourself hugging this person and feeling completely loved and accepted, exactly as you are.
Thank him or her for helping you today. Any time you want to talk with this person again, you can visit this special place in your mind.
You are alone in this place, but soon you see someone walking towards you. It is up to you to decide who this person is. It could be your highest self, a divine being, an inspiring historical figure, someone living whom you admire, or a wise person you haven't met before. Maybe it is a loved one with whom you have or had a relationship of total trust and safety.
This person comes closer and sits down to talk with you.
What do you most want to say? Now is your chance to say it.
What does this person most want to say to you? Listen to their response.
Now picture yourself hugging this person and feeling completely loved and accepted, exactly as you are.
Thank him or her for helping you today. Any time you want to talk with this person again, you can visit this special place in your mind.
The Garden
Close your eyes and imagine yourself standing in a beautiful garden. Perhaps it's somewhere you've been before, or perhaps it's a place you are seeing in your mind for the first time.
It's springtime in your garden. The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and butterflies are floating through the air.
It's a warm and sunny day. There is a large tree in the center of your garden, offering cool shade to all who come near. A beautiful hedge surrounds the grounds, making this the perfect place to be alone with your thoughts.
As you explore your garden, you see a bench, and you decide to sit down. You rest for a moment, breathing in and out. You feel the air flowing into your lungs, bringing life-giving oxygen. You exhale slowly, savoring the experience of being alive.
This is a place of peace and protection. A sanctuary.
You decide to take off your shoes and walk through the grass, feeling it slip between your toes.
Now you are lying in the grass, with your hand over your eyes to shield it from the bright sun. You smile as you hear birds chirping in the trees, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and smell the fragrance of flowers and freshly cut grass.
You lay there for a few minutes, then slowly roll onto your side.
You see a small tree with bright pink blossoms. You decide to walk over to it and smell the blossoms, taking deep breaths as the richness and warmth of their aroma fills your lungs.
This is your garden. You can visit in any time you are experiencing discomfort. It will help you feel peaceful, confident, capable, and relaxed.
It's springtime in your garden. The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and butterflies are floating through the air.
It's a warm and sunny day. There is a large tree in the center of your garden, offering cool shade to all who come near. A beautiful hedge surrounds the grounds, making this the perfect place to be alone with your thoughts.
As you explore your garden, you see a bench, and you decide to sit down. You rest for a moment, breathing in and out. You feel the air flowing into your lungs, bringing life-giving oxygen. You exhale slowly, savoring the experience of being alive.
This is a place of peace and protection. A sanctuary.
You decide to take off your shoes and walk through the grass, feeling it slip between your toes.
Now you are lying in the grass, with your hand over your eyes to shield it from the bright sun. You smile as you hear birds chirping in the trees, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and smell the fragrance of flowers and freshly cut grass.
You lay there for a few minutes, then slowly roll onto your side.
You see a small tree with bright pink blossoms. You decide to walk over to it and smell the blossoms, taking deep breaths as the richness and warmth of their aroma fills your lungs.
This is your garden. You can visit in any time you are experiencing discomfort. It will help you feel peaceful, confident, capable, and relaxed.
The Perfect Day
Close your eyes and imagine a perfect day.
What enjoyable activities are you doing?
Who are you choosing to spend time with? What things are you talking about? Are you holding hands, hugging and kissing, or just enjoying each other's company?
Imagine how you are feeling while experiencing this perfect day. Picture the smile on your face.
Where are you? What is the weather like?
Pay attention to everything you are seeing around you. Is it sunny? Can you feel the warmth on your skin? Or is it raining?
Are there any smells that stand out to you? Perhaps the baking of an apple pie, the scent of pine or the smell of the ocean.
Is there sand between your toes, or soft snow beneath your warm feet? Can you feel the coolness of water?
Listen to the sounds around you. Do you hear birds? Crickets? Wind? A flowing stream?
What makes this day so wonderful?
Picture yourself buying some food -- maybe a favorite snack or dessert. Perhaps you are sitting down to a delicious meal at a favorite restaurant. Picture each course being brought out, one by one. Imagine that first bite of pure bliss. Taste it on your tongue.
Feel the energy and joy inside you. Turn to your companion and tell him or her how you feel. Express gratitude that he or she was able to join you on your perfect day.
Any time you want to return to this day, you can do so in your mind. Any time you are looking for greater peace, greater connection, or renewed life, you can come back to this memory and relive this day.
What enjoyable activities are you doing?
Who are you choosing to spend time with? What things are you talking about? Are you holding hands, hugging and kissing, or just enjoying each other's company?
Imagine how you are feeling while experiencing this perfect day. Picture the smile on your face.
Where are you? What is the weather like?
Pay attention to everything you are seeing around you. Is it sunny? Can you feel the warmth on your skin? Or is it raining?
Are there any smells that stand out to you? Perhaps the baking of an apple pie, the scent of pine or the smell of the ocean.
Is there sand between your toes, or soft snow beneath your warm feet? Can you feel the coolness of water?
Listen to the sounds around you. Do you hear birds? Crickets? Wind? A flowing stream?
What makes this day so wonderful?
Picture yourself buying some food -- maybe a favorite snack or dessert. Perhaps you are sitting down to a delicious meal at a favorite restaurant. Picture each course being brought out, one by one. Imagine that first bite of pure bliss. Taste it on your tongue.
Feel the energy and joy inside you. Turn to your companion and tell him or her how you feel. Express gratitude that he or she was able to join you on your perfect day.
Any time you want to return to this day, you can do so in your mind. Any time you are looking for greater peace, greater connection, or renewed life, you can come back to this memory and relive this day.
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