Work with your Eyes Open

"Work With your Eyes Open"
By Brian Lamprey 

I am a pool builder by trade. For a long time, I had been going to work daily without much thought to what I was doing. I would put my head down, put my time in and go home. I was consigned to the idea that ‘This is what I do.’ ‘This is my life.’ I was not fulfilled. I wanted more. I did not enjoy work, and I was living paycheck to paycheck.

I decided to wake up. I began opening up to the fact that I could be and do what I wanted . I began asking questions about myself and my scenario. I chose to see myself as a business owner. I saw opportunities to grow and develop my talents while remaining in the same line of work. I began seeing that I am the master of my destiny. 

I call this ‘working with my eyes open’. Doing this has opened doors, created opportunities, and instilled confidence in me.

I have become bolder in who I am and what I want. I used to focus mostly on what I do not want. Now I take actions that create business growth and personal growth. Working with my head down was getting me nowhere fast. Working with my eyes open is opening up my world.

Today’s Challenge:

-Make a decision to work with your eyes open today, whether at a job, in school, or in the home.

-Look around you and decide what you would like to be different.

-Ask yourself questions about what you can do to change and improve things. (Focus only on what you can do)

-Write down at least 3 ideas that come to mind. 

-Act immediately on at least one of those ideas

Share with a friend or on this event page

Sink Into It

Sink Into It - 

Julia Fillweber Foy

As a birth doula, part of my role is to keep tense mamas relaxed during their labors. I remind women how powerful and absolutely capable they are when the rubber meets the road and their labors get a rocking and rollin'. In almost every birth I've ever attended there comes a time when fear takes over and that exhausted, sweaty, anxious mama cries out, "I can't do this"!

I've seen mothers literally try and crawl over and out of the top of their elevated hospital beds. Many women tense so tightly; feeling the need to clutch and squeeze. They can literally cut off the blood flow to their partner's hand with a death grip. I have seen a mother try and pull out her IV in hopes of making a great escape. Some refuse to push when it comes time because they're experiencing the "ring of fire" and it hurts like hell. But, I tell them once they push past it...pushing actually feels good-- providing both a sense of empowerment and RELIEF!

My role throughout is to convince them that they CAN and they WILL birthe their baby. And to remind them that fighting against the pain makes it so much worse than it really is. In fact, I am known to say (more often than not), "Just SINK into the contraction... breathe and relax into it. Imagine you're melting into warm soft sand or laying back into a gentle oceanic current...come on Mama, sigh with me and welcome your next contraction". The difference in how the latter type of birthing both looks and feels is mind blowing! Women find their rhythm and relax. It's a beautiful thing to watch this shift from fight to surrender. It's transforming. 

So today my question and challenge is this: What are you trying to BIRTHE? How are you fighting against yourself? Are you gripping tightly and white knuckling through-- or are you sinking into your project, business or vision? Giving birth is HARD. I don't sugar coat it with my mama's to be. But, I will tell you what I remind them of--it's the ONLY way you get to hold and see your 'baby'...

Today's Challenge:
1. Identify something you're trying to birth or create?

2. Ask yourself if you're in the early or active stage of birthing? Or perhaps you're ready to bear down and push, but you desperately want to crawl up over the bed and escape. Don't do it! You're almost there! PUSH! GRUNT! There's no way to out, but THROUGH My Darlings. You CAN do it. You were made for this. Picture in your mind actually what it would feel like to see and hold the fruition of all of your hard work. What does it look like...feel like? Maybe you need a birthing partner or cheerleader to support you through this. Who would you choose? Pick someone who believes in you and your ability to do this! Reach out to them TODAY. 

3. If you're in the early or active stage of your labor-- what's one or two (or maybe even three) steps you can take today that gets you closer to the actual birth or manifestation of your goal or project? Don't run. Don't hide. Don't panic. Don't stop. BEAR DOWN! Show up and SINK into the work, the pain, the fear... meet and greet it ALL. By so doing, you're speeding up your entire labor progress. 

4. Lastly, journal about your experience in detail. This activity would lend itself well to art journaling (my favorite). Come back to these pages and add to them throughout the birthing experience of your project/goal. You are AMAZING! Write about it! You BIRTHED this from beginning to end. You deserve to celebrate. Don't forget to write about the Afterbirth!

Live the Platinum Rule

Live the Platinum Rule for One Day - Lane Monson
Live the Platinum Rule for One Day: We all know the Golden Rule by heart, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” While I have always loved the Golden Rule and have tried to live it, I’ve come to realize within the past year or so that there is a deeper and more meaningful way to serve. This deeper way to serve is called the Platinum Rule, “Do unto others as they would have you do unto them”. When I compare these two virtuous rules, here is what stands out to me. While they both have a positive impact on others, one of them is more self-focused vs. others-focused. The one focuses more on what “I” would want if I were in your position vs. on what “you” actually need or desire. One focuses on truly knowing and understanding the needs of another vs. assuming you know. This may seem like a small nuance, but the impact of serving with understanding vs. serving by guessing is monumental.

The best analogy or parable I can think of is a lesson taught to me by the wife of one of my best friends. She was once the leader of a large women’s service and relief organization for her church congregation. Once she stepped into the role, and the mantle was placed upon her, she quickly discovered that while much service was being rendered to women and families, the depth and meaning of that service was not being felt, by either the givers or the receivers. Specifically, she noticed that when a family was struggling, it was customary to assign one of the group members to take a hot meal into that family’s home each evening until the family had made it through their trial or tragedy. This was not at all a bad thing, but it was an example of the golden rule, not the platinum rule. This inspired leader recognized a deficiency and decided to lead by example.

What she decided to do was to focus on those who were suffering the most, and to truly get to know them. When someone needed help she would show up at their house, dressed in her grubby clothes and carrying a bucket, a mop, some rags, some cleaning solutions, a small plastic tub, some soap, and some foot cream or lotion. She would then survey the home and in most cases, saw that things needed picked up and cleaned up, and often there were children running around making things even messier. So, this true sister then commenced to help with anything the children needed, such as a bath, diapers changed, to be dressed in their pajamas. Next, was working under the direction of the one being served to do some basic pick-up and clean-up, either on her own or alongside the recipient. And finally, once the house was back in order, she filled the small tub with warm water, asked the mom to sit down in a comfortable chair, placed her feet in the tub, washed them, and then lovingly applied the foot lotion or cream. It was during this tender time that she really came to understand what was happening in the lives of those in her flock, and how best to serve them in the future.

As we serve we open ourselves to receiving many forms of riches; richer relationships, richer jobs and careers, businesses that thrive (because customers feel served), less stress, reduced depression, greater motivation to reach our goals, and feelings of fulfillment and being deserving of all we ask for and receive. Let’s all benefit from this challenge today by doing the following:

Step 1: At the end of each conversation, text messaging session, or email exchange that you have today, let each person you connect with know that you have been issued a challenge, and that is to find ways to live the Platinum Rule for one day. ***Modification: if you are only able to do this for even 1 or 2 people, that is ok. Feel good about doing just what you can***. Then ask them if they know what the Platinum Rule is. Feel free to answer their questions about the Platinum Rule and then ask them this question, “How may I serve you today in a way that you need to be served?” 

Step 2: Many people will feel uncomfortable responding to your request and asking you for something, so pause for a moment to give them time to process your request. If they try to dismiss it, then let them know that if they cannot come up with a specific request, then you will need to come up with something yourself, which may not meet their needs. If they still cannot come up with something, let them know that you will, and that you will send them a text message with what it is. Make sure that you make at least one small commitment to serve every person you speak with.

Step 3: Next, make sure to make a list of each commitment you make, both large and small. Some examples might be: delivering a plant or flower / writing a note to tell them just how much they mean to you or how grateful you are to have them in your life / or spending time with them brainstorming on how to improve their business, or a struggling relationship, or an issue with a child / baking them a cake / taking them to lunch / ordering a book from Amazon and shipping it to them. The possibilities are endless, and you will benefit in ways you may not even recognize initially.

Step 4: Have fun and remember that when you do good for others it will come back to you in unexpected ways.

"Give and Receive"

Give and Receive
By Martina Muir

Breathe in. Breathe out. In and out. 

This is one of the most basic patterns in life. It is everywhere we look. You can see it in nature such as the waves of the sea or our relationship with trees where we give carbon dioxide and breathe oxygen and they take in carbon dioxide and give oxygen. You can see it in creation such the rhythm of lovemaking where one gives and the other receives. And you can see it in spiritual teachings such as the lyrics to a song I often sing in my church “Because I Have Been Given Much, I, too, Must Give”. It’s everywhere. 

In manifesting our goals and desires, this is one of the most powerful principles. It taps into the universal laws of creation (the spiral and back and forth energy), the Law of the Vacuum (a void must be filled) and the Divine Law of Compensation (where loss or the sacrifices we make can qualify us to receive blessings to compensate and bless us) . It also taps into other basic humanity and spiritual laws where when we love and serve others, we can also receive good things, aka karma. 

Let me reiterate this. IN ORDER TO GIVE - WE MUST RECEIVE. IN ORDER TO RECEIVE - WE MUST GIVE. They are one in the same. 

A few years ago, I was seeking to understand this concept deeper. I read, prayed, and meditated. I asked questions and sought answers. The best answer came during a meditation where a visual unfolded in front of my eyes that changed my perspective and to this day, greatly influences me. 

The meditation style that I used was one where I asked a question or set a strong intention and allowed the answer to come. At first, I saw a tree filled with golden and luscious fruit. I walked up to the tree and ate. It was the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten! I could feel the light and love buzzing through my body as I ate. The impression came that it was symbolic of the Divine Love, Light, and Blessings that were awaiting me in this life. 

I could almost hear the Tree/Divine say to me “Come, Eat. Take as much as you want”. It was as if it leaned its branches forward trying to give me all the fruit it had. I felt myself shyly asking for one fruit to feed my hungry soul for that day. And the Tree kept reaching forward as if it said “Take as much as you want”. I felt a little embarrassed because I didn’t want to seem greedy. So I took one to eat now and one to eat later. But then the understanding came into my mind that any fruit saved until tomorrow would spoil so the fruit must be eaten today and I must return each day to ask for more. 

I started to gain some courage. The next day I came to the tree with a bucket and filled it up for my family to each have a fruit. The Tree still encouraged me to take all I want, or could take. I came again and this time with two buckets. One for my family and one to give away. 

I saw myself walking away from the tree with fruit to give away. People started to appear on the path. The first was an emaciated and hungry homeless man. When I gave him a fruit it transformed into a feast before him. Next, I saw a naked woman. My instinct was to flinch and wonder why my mind would show me a perverse image. Instead, I continued the meditation objectively to see what message lay within. When I gave the woman fruit, colorful energy swirled around her body and it turned into clothes. I continued to be shown a few other scenarios where the shared fruit blessed others and filled their need. 

Finally, I understood. The next image I had was me pulling up to the tree with a dump truck so I could fill it completely and have plenty for myself, family and have enough to give away. I could feel the possibilities and was excited at the prospect of good things this fruit could do. The final image shown was seeing myself and each of my children backing dump trucks up to the tree and we filled each of them to the brim. Oh what a JOY! 

This is what is in store for us. They are not separate but one in the same. It is the breathe of manifesting and creating. Just as we would die from lack of oxygen if we only breathed out and never in, we will not be able to manifest or create to our full potential if we only give and not receive. Or be focused on receiving and never giving. If you find an imbalance in your give/receive cycle think of it like a wheels on a machine with one stuck cog. Once we dislodge that one cog then the others start to move again. 

CHALLENGE ACTIVITY

1. GIVE:
Yesterday’s challenge was such a great activity for the GIVE part of this principle. So make sure you do that activity because it will tie into this one! And to enhance the experience even more you can also think about the goal you are wanting to manifest (or receive) and give at least equal or more of that in energy, value, or investment. You can even expand to giving even when people don’t know such as releasing someone from a debt or obligation. Really the possibilities are endless. 

RECEIVE:
Now this is what I want to really focus on today. And that is the power of RECEIVING. 

How does it feel to receive something we desire? How does it feel when someone serves us without asking anything in return? Really think about what that looks and feels like. Pay attention to any thoughts or feelings where you may want to try to push the receiving away. 

Did you know we receive things each day that often go unnoticed? It’s true. So the activity today is to do two specific things. 

1. Pay attention to the things that come to you throughout the day. It could be someone offering to help you, or a kind word, or a free gift somewhere, or even a beautiful sunset or flowers to bring a smile to your face. DO NOT TURN any of them away - accept them as they come. 

2. ***This is probably the most difficult thing most people struggle with so make this a priority today *** ASK for something you want to receive. It could align with your goal you are manifesting. Or it could be something simple like asking for someone to bring you something, help you, or it could be something that takes a little more courage like asking for a raise at work. ASK for what you WANT. Remember “Ask and it shall be given unto you.” It is a crucial step in receiving our heart’s desires. 

A Personal Experience:
I saw a big miracle of using this activity last Christmas. I was wanting to create more income for my family. I stated the amount of income increase I wanted, prayed, meditated, imagined it happening, and then set out to give away at least that much in any way I could. I released my desire and outcome specifics to God and looked for ways He would provide. I had homeschool curriculum that was worth a lot of money that I gave away for free. I had a piece of furniture that I was going to sell on a yard sale Facebook group and instead posted it as free to the first person to pick up. I gave a few free coaching sessions away to clients. I volunteered at my church for a project. And I served my children and family with extra intention and love. I asked my friends for business referrals. Amazingly within the month, I had many new clients show up and three of them said “I want to prepay and schedule regularly” so I was able to receive a lump sum (to help for Christmas) and a steady client base and they continued beyond those first few sessions. I promise you this works!

"Play"

Christi Turley Diamond B.S., M.Ed.
www.thehealingcoach.com

“Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn’t taste good.” Luccia Capacchione

Why play?
I specialize in grief and loss and over the course of several years I have worked with many who have experienced grief through the death of a loved one. As I ran support groups and helped them work through the suffocating emotions of grief, we had moments where they had the opportunity to reminisce about their loved one and more often than not the memories they were drawn to, cherished and treasured more than most were the ones that brought a big smile to their face. The moments they went back to in their mind were memories of laughter, fun and PLAY. Play is a beautiful part of what makes life precious and sweet and where we hold some of our dearest and fondest memories. The ones that tend to matter most in the end. 

When I work with a client in a session, what usually comes up is old energy related to beliefs embedded deep inside of them. They are stuck and usually have been for a while and can’t seem to get to a place of feeling like things are flowing. It feels stagnant and stale. They want life to flow and are looking to move forward with new energy. They especially feel stuck when it comes to relationships or money and can’t seem to get unstuck. Flow feels free and fluid like and feels like movement is finally happening. Flow can actually be easily accessed through the activity of PLAY.

I think back to being a little girl and how I used to play. It was in play that I learned to envision goals, dreams and aspirations. I had a vivid imagination and there was nothing I couldn’t create in my mind. Anything was possible in my world of play. It brought the future into the present moment to where I could grab a hold of it and exist in whatever world I wanted to create at the time. In play I feel expansive, I feel I let go of life and just start living in the moment. Play is actually the very energy of flow we are seeking in our lives when we feel stuck.
Play is invaluable to children as it helps them to use their creativity, learn social skills, find pleasure and enjoyment and is actually vital to the development of the brain.
When did play become a luxury to us as adults? 

Today I encourage you to go play! Play encompasses so many things! It’s a letting go of the daily grind, stresses and anxieties and learning to explore, discover, live in the moment and usually involves fun! It can also be a state of rest where you are able to let go and read a book or play a game. It’s a place to detach from the struggles and feel the freedom to live! 

Challenge:
You’ve worked hard on your money manifesting goal and even had a chance to celebrate it! Now let’s play!!! 

Below are some suggestions on what you can do to get into the flow and really bring the energy of play into your life and with your money!
*Go play and imagine you are playing out the moment your money is coming to you. Act it out and use your imagination like you would as a child. No limitations.
*Write down ways you want to play with your money. What fun things do you want to be able to do with money? Get creative and have fun!
*Use sidewalk chalk and draw out all the parts of your manifestation goal and play hopscotch and hop into it.
*Choose an activity that feels like play to you and fully live it today!
Take it a step further : A few weeks back, in my prosperity mastermind, we decided to play big. We played a game where we each spoke out loud, different parts of what a perfect day in our lives would look like- What would be doing? What would our bank accounts look like? Where would we be? The person who was envisioning their perfect day stood in the middle and everyone else took on a part of embodying that person’s perfect day For example: One person played being the publisher calling them on the phone, telling them they needed order more books because their book sales were sky rocketing, another person played being the checking account and letting them know how much money was coming in and continuing to increase, another person acted as their travel agent letting them know all the places they were travelling to and how fun it was. Every part of their perfect dream day was embodied in the play. Everyone pretended to be handing the person in the center lots and lots ofmoney. We were all playing and participating in each other’s dreams and it was FUN! We used our imagination to play and have fun with each other. When I was the person in the middle, I felt exhilarated, excited and supported and I wanted to stay in and bask in the joy of it all. Do this activity with your family today and allow everyone a turn in the middle to feel supported in their dream and feel the magic of play!
Just PLAY! 

You have stayed committed to this goal and vision for 14 days! Way to go! It’s a wonderful thing to stay focused on a goal and to allow yourself to do some activities to support it! No doubt there has been some movement in your goal whether you are seeing the results right now or not. Keep holding fast to the vision of what you set out to accomplish in the first place. My saying is “that which you focus on increases” so the more you stay focused on what you want, the more it will increase in your life.