Close your eyes and imagine that you are dreaming of a beautiful place. The best part about this dream is that you are completely in charge of what happens! If you want to go somewhere, you can go there. You can be and do anything you want.
Imagine writing books, making art or composing a song. Imagine audiences gathering to hear you speak.
Imagine dancing, laughing, making friends and visiting unique and wonderful places. Imagine having a home that perfectly suits your needs. Imagine having a job you enjoy, or doing meaningful charity work. Imagine being kind to strangers and doing good for no other reason than that you want to. Imagine using your influence to make the world a better place.
Imagine deeply fulfilling relationships. Imagine giving generously, loving and being loved in return.
In short, imagine creating a perfect world for yourself. It's your dream, after all. You can do anything you want!
Now imagine waking up and realizing that your life--your real life, the one you are currently living, is just like this dream. You can be and do anything you want. The life of your dreams is within reach.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
The Song
Close your eyes and picture yourself walking through the doors of a building filled with a large variety of musical instruments. The purpose of this place is to help you find the instrument that suits you best, so you can compose the song of your life. Instructors have been provided to help you learn.
As you take in the view, you are amazed at the number of options available. There are small instruments and large instruments, common instruments and lesser-known ones. Many cultures are represented, and you find it difficult to select just one instrument from among so many.
The instructors begin to play, hoping to entice you to learn from them. You walk from one to the next, listening to the sounds and observing the process of playing.
A flute catches your ear, then a violin. There is a piano in the center of the room being played masterfully, but the instrumentalists are all playing different pieces. The results are cacophonous!
You see a harp being played in the corner, but can't hear it over the noise. As you get closer, you are moved by the music. You think you may have found the instrument for you, but you are still uncertain. The harp instructor sees your hesitation and invites you to come closer. Sitting you down at the instrument, she begins to show you how it works. You consider staying, but decide to evaluate more options first. After playing the sitar, trombone, piccolo and cello you begin to wonder if there is an instrument that is perfect for you. Soon a guitar is placed in your hands. It feels comfortable and sounds amazing. You begin learning and develop a tolerable competence. Still, you feel something may be missing. Your curiosity drives you to experiment with many different instruments. Some are enjoyable, and some are not.
Then you get an idea. You begin talking quietly with several instructors. Your words are received with smiles and nods. Soon a group of them are assembled, and they begin to play the same song. The other instructors stop what they are doing and pause to listen, then join in the song.
You think to yourself as the music continues that perhaps your life purpose is much larger than learning to play a single instrument. Perhaps your role is to bring harmony to the world.
As you take in the view, you are amazed at the number of options available. There are small instruments and large instruments, common instruments and lesser-known ones. Many cultures are represented, and you find it difficult to select just one instrument from among so many.
The instructors begin to play, hoping to entice you to learn from them. You walk from one to the next, listening to the sounds and observing the process of playing.
A flute catches your ear, then a violin. There is a piano in the center of the room being played masterfully, but the instrumentalists are all playing different pieces. The results are cacophonous!
You see a harp being played in the corner, but can't hear it over the noise. As you get closer, you are moved by the music. You think you may have found the instrument for you, but you are still uncertain. The harp instructor sees your hesitation and invites you to come closer. Sitting you down at the instrument, she begins to show you how it works. You consider staying, but decide to evaluate more options first. After playing the sitar, trombone, piccolo and cello you begin to wonder if there is an instrument that is perfect for you. Soon a guitar is placed in your hands. It feels comfortable and sounds amazing. You begin learning and develop a tolerable competence. Still, you feel something may be missing. Your curiosity drives you to experiment with many different instruments. Some are enjoyable, and some are not.
Then you get an idea. You begin talking quietly with several instructors. Your words are received with smiles and nods. Soon a group of them are assembled, and they begin to play the same song. The other instructors stop what they are doing and pause to listen, then join in the song.
You think to yourself as the music continues that perhaps your life purpose is much larger than learning to play a single instrument. Perhaps your role is to bring harmony to the world.
The Banquet
Close your eyes and picture yourself walking into a beautiful banquet hall. Everyone has been invited to this particular banquet, and as you begin to sample the food and mingle with the other feasters you take in your surroundings.
Some tables are filled with people who are laughing and enjoying themselves. Others are filled with people who are complaining that the food is too cold or too hot, and the decorations aren't to their liking. Some people are sad, some are lonely, and some are only pretending to eat.
You are intrigued by the different views and perspectives invoked by a free banquet. Each person sees it in his or her own way. Some are grateful, others bitter. Some are joyful, others sad. Some stand quietly outside the doors, too afraid to step inside. Some must rely on others to get food for them, and some are perfectly capable of getting their own food but choose to rely on others anyway.
It strikes you that this banquet is a metaphor for life. No one sees the objective truth; they all view the banquet through different eyes. To some it is wonderful and to others it's a chore. Some feel they belong, and others feel like outsiders. Some try too hard to fit in, and others fit in without trying at all. But the same banquet, the same bounteous opportunity, is offered to all. Some partake of the gifts that are offered, and others reject them.
How clearly can you see the opportunities and abundance being offered to you daily by a kind and caring universe? Do you accept these offerings or reject them? When something isn't to your liking, how do you respond?
Everyone has been given an invitation to the banquet. What will you do with yours?
Some tables are filled with people who are laughing and enjoying themselves. Others are filled with people who are complaining that the food is too cold or too hot, and the decorations aren't to their liking. Some people are sad, some are lonely, and some are only pretending to eat.
You are intrigued by the different views and perspectives invoked by a free banquet. Each person sees it in his or her own way. Some are grateful, others bitter. Some are joyful, others sad. Some stand quietly outside the doors, too afraid to step inside. Some must rely on others to get food for them, and some are perfectly capable of getting their own food but choose to rely on others anyway.
It strikes you that this banquet is a metaphor for life. No one sees the objective truth; they all view the banquet through different eyes. To some it is wonderful and to others it's a chore. Some feel they belong, and others feel like outsiders. Some try too hard to fit in, and others fit in without trying at all. But the same banquet, the same bounteous opportunity, is offered to all. Some partake of the gifts that are offered, and others reject them.
How clearly can you see the opportunities and abundance being offered to you daily by a kind and caring universe? Do you accept these offerings or reject them? When something isn't to your liking, how do you respond?
Everyone has been given an invitation to the banquet. What will you do with yours?
The Reunion
Close your eyes and imagine that you are sitting on the grass in a beautiful park. There are trees and walking paths, benches and a duck pond. It's early in the day and you are the only one in the park. You are there to admire the beauty and connect with nature before starting your day.
Soon you see someone coming towards you. You realize that you know this person. It's someone you haven't seen for a long time, someone you thought you might never see again. As the person comes closer, you begin to think about what you want to say.
What is this person's name?
[Name] greets you warmly and sits down next to you. The conversation begins, and you are finally able to say the words you never got to say. You feel a sense of connection, forgiveness, love, and understanding, relieved to finally be able to express your emotions.
[Name] expresses empathy and a sense of regret for the distance that exists between you, apologizing for any hurt you may have felt in the past. In this moment, you only feel grateful for the unexpected reunion you are having, and sincerely accept the other person's apology.
The two of you stand and begin to walk around the park, admiring the beauty of this place. You share old memories, smiling and laughing together. After what feels like hours, you embrace and say goodbye. Tears run down your face, but they are happy tears. You feel a sense of relief, having finally been given an opportunity to achieve closure. Although you will always miss [Name], you can now look back on the memories you share with more fondness and less regret.
Soon you see someone coming towards you. You realize that you know this person. It's someone you haven't seen for a long time, someone you thought you might never see again. As the person comes closer, you begin to think about what you want to say.
What is this person's name?
[Name] greets you warmly and sits down next to you. The conversation begins, and you are finally able to say the words you never got to say. You feel a sense of connection, forgiveness, love, and understanding, relieved to finally be able to express your emotions.
[Name] expresses empathy and a sense of regret for the distance that exists between you, apologizing for any hurt you may have felt in the past. In this moment, you only feel grateful for the unexpected reunion you are having, and sincerely accept the other person's apology.
The two of you stand and begin to walk around the park, admiring the beauty of this place. You share old memories, smiling and laughing together. After what feels like hours, you embrace and say goodbye. Tears run down your face, but they are happy tears. You feel a sense of relief, having finally been given an opportunity to achieve closure. Although you will always miss [Name], you can now look back on the memories you share with more fondness and less regret.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
The Spirit Animal
Close your eyes and picture yourself walking through a vast desert. The sun is high in the sky, and you are feeling thirsty and tired. The sand makes walking difficult, and you are longing for shade and rest. Lizards scamper across the ground, darting behind cacti and under rocks. The heat is oppressive, and you have many more miles to go.
As you continue to walk, you see an animal in the distance. It's hard to distinguish what kind of animal it is, but it seems to be waiting for you. When you get closer, it darts to the left. Curious, you decide to follow it. Each time you get close to the animal, it darts away again, then waits for you. It seems to be leading you somewhere.
Soon you come to a large cliff, and you see the animal dart between the rocks. Continuing to follow, you then find yourself in a narrow and shady canyon. Grateful to have escaped the heat for a moment, you pause and rest. You lean your back against the canyon wall, feeling the coolness of the rock.
Resuming your journey, you soon come to the end of the canyon. As you step into the open, you see a cool stream surrounded by trees. The animal has led you to an oasis. Smiling, you jump into the refreshing water and then lie on the rock to dry.
Looking around, you see the animal that led you here. It looks like an ordinary animal, but as you continue to gaze, it disappears before your eyes. You realize this must be your spirit animal, and it has led you to this beautiful place so you could find rest before continuing your journey. You look up at the sky and express your gratitude for this moment of much needed relief.
As you continue to walk, you see an animal in the distance. It's hard to distinguish what kind of animal it is, but it seems to be waiting for you. When you get closer, it darts to the left. Curious, you decide to follow it. Each time you get close to the animal, it darts away again, then waits for you. It seems to be leading you somewhere.
Soon you come to a large cliff, and you see the animal dart between the rocks. Continuing to follow, you then find yourself in a narrow and shady canyon. Grateful to have escaped the heat for a moment, you pause and rest. You lean your back against the canyon wall, feeling the coolness of the rock.
Resuming your journey, you soon come to the end of the canyon. As you step into the open, you see a cool stream surrounded by trees. The animal has led you to an oasis. Smiling, you jump into the refreshing water and then lie on the rock to dry.
Looking around, you see the animal that led you here. It looks like an ordinary animal, but as you continue to gaze, it disappears before your eyes. You realize this must be your spirit animal, and it has led you to this beautiful place so you could find rest before continuing your journey. You look up at the sky and express your gratitude for this moment of much needed relief.
The Lighthouse
Close your eyes and imagine that you are on a boat in the ocean. It's dark and rainy. The wind is blowing hard and the waves are large. You are attempting to steer the ship in the right direction, but the storm is disorienting. You feel as if you have lost your bearings. The moon is hidden behind clouds, and no stars are visible.
All you can do is ride the storm out, hoping for the best.
Suddenly, you catch a brief glimpse of light on the horizon. Wondering if you are seeing things, you look again. Sure enough, there's a lighthouse there.
In an instant you know exactly where you are and which direction you should be heading. Correcting your course, you steer towards the lighthouse, confident that you will soon be able to reach a safe harbor.
Just as there are lighthouses in the ocean, there are lighthouses in life. They are meant to guide our path and warn us of danger. A lighthouse might be a person, a significant event, a crystal clear thought, or a gut feeling. As you learn to identify and access the lighthouses in your life, you can be assured that you are on the right course.
Whenever you feel lost or confused, think about the things you know are true. These lighthouse moments are like breadcrumbs that can lead you back home.
All you can do is ride the storm out, hoping for the best.
Suddenly, you catch a brief glimpse of light on the horizon. Wondering if you are seeing things, you look again. Sure enough, there's a lighthouse there.
In an instant you know exactly where you are and which direction you should be heading. Correcting your course, you steer towards the lighthouse, confident that you will soon be able to reach a safe harbor.
Just as there are lighthouses in the ocean, there are lighthouses in life. They are meant to guide our path and warn us of danger. A lighthouse might be a person, a significant event, a crystal clear thought, or a gut feeling. As you learn to identify and access the lighthouses in your life, you can be assured that you are on the right course.
Whenever you feel lost or confused, think about the things you know are true. These lighthouse moments are like breadcrumbs that can lead you back home.
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