“Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.”  ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I am amazed how often I hear the words “with my luck.” Our general society has a several standard phrases that we all tend to take for granted, the aforementioned being the poster child. Statements like “with my luck” have an underlying belief that is the driving force of what is being created in the person’s life. As these words are uttered, we often no longer even look at the meaning behind them. When someone says it, they usually are not thinking the “luck” is good. In fact the implied tone that comes with the phrase says quite the opposite. The overwhelming implication is ”poor me.”  

“With my luck” is a ploy for sympathy. It may not consciously be a ploy, but the subconscious is hard at work looking for a loving reaction to the statement. The weird thing is it only makes the listener feel bad and so the “poor me” person is then believed to be a not pleasant experience. So the belief behind the statement is made manifest in reality. The “poor me” person now experiences their belief in the very physical world.

We are each the creator of our experience. It’s the choices we make and the belief we put behind them that make our outer experience. I was having lunch recently with a person who was in a state of lack. During that hour I heard her say, “They can’t get blood from a turnip.” My response was,”I am not a turnip.” She realized at that moment the belief behind the statement. She was focused on the lack instead of the prosperity. The interesting thing was she had recently manifested miracles into her life on a grand scale and yet the underlying subconscious belief still was holding her back in other areas.

What subconscious beliefs are the barriers to your maximum potential? What things are you putting faith in that do not serve your highest goals. The quickest and easiest way to discover them is to pay attention to your words and the meanings behind them. Change your words, change your beliefs, change your life.

“The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds.” ~William James

Monday, May 2, 2011 at 11:55PM

“An eye for an eye would make the whole world blind.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Osama Bin Laden is dead. This man whom the world has hunted is no longer among the living. Truthfully I was excited to hear the news. Now as I watch the reactions I am a bit ashamed that I allowed myself to fall into the trap of high running emotions. I have done over one hundred shows entertaining troops overseas. I have traveled all over Afghanistan and Iraq. I have seen firsthand the countries devastated by hateful men. The representation of these men became Osama bin Laden. Osama bin Laden was no great guy to be sure, but to knowingly go and shoot another human being, no matter what they have done, I cannot support. The man was sick and misguided. He was not a friend to Christians or Muslims. He brought death to many more than the poor people of the New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania tragedies. Osama Bin Laden incited such high emotions that countries were toppled and hundreds of thousands lost their lives in the wars that followed. Did it help to kill him? Those running high in emotions will say yes. “Closure” will be word of choice.

“Revenge is often like biting a dog because the dog bit you.” ~ Austin O’Malley

The mission was quick and decisive. Afterwards, out of respect, they honored his Muslim traditions by having his body interred within a day.  So after he was hunted and shot in the head it was decided to respect his beliefs? It seems a bit late. Had we created a place of understanding decades ago maybe he would have been a harbinger of peace instead of death.  This man was responsible for atrocious acts. Let us not forget the United States trained him and armed him and then left him. Was it good policy then? Who knows? It is debatable. But undeniably by supporting a man bent on war and destruction, we created the very man whose death we are now joyfully celebrating. Our focus needs to be on peace and human brotherhood.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

I watched as hundreds flocked to ground zero and the White House as the news broke. Parties erupted in public places celebrating the death of the enemy. Yet the world we should be creating is a world without such actions. If one person hits you is it not the higher ground to turn the other cheek? I am not saying to forgive and forget such actions but an eye for eye will lead us and our world into a barbaric future. People laughed and joked “thank God he is dead.”  Is this the world we want for our future? Is bloodlust rewarded with bloodlust? The world is rid of Osama bin Laden. Until we learn to work with each other, stop drawing lines in the sand and give loving respect and understanding, another will just take his place and it will escalate. Our world is at a tipping point. We can choose another path. Reach out your hand to people of all faiths. Respect their beliefs. Show them there is nothing to fear and allow them to embrace their own religious and cultural differences. The world is created through choice. Choose to love instead of fear. Mohammed said that "Kindness is a mark of faith." Let us be kind.

“My Religion is simple. My religion is kindness.” ~The Dalai Lama

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 10:05PM

The Four Noble Truths (Dharma)

Buddha was an amazing individual. Whether you believe his teachings or not, his concepts are valid in most religions' truths. I would like to share my thoughts on the four noble truths of Buddha in relationship to what I teach.

1.The Nature of Suffering: This is the noble truth of suffering: Birth is Suffering, Aging is Suffering, Illness is suffering, death is suffering; sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair are suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; seperation from what is pleasing is suffering; Not to get what one wants is suffering; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering.

This first noble truth sounds terrible. It does so because it is focused on the negative aspect. We automatically connect with the negative words and don’t like the connotations. I find this fascinating, especially where it says,”Separation from what is pleasing is suffering.” In my beliefs this describes perfectly our separation for the source. If you ever heard or read my regression, you might remember that it says,”Everything is Love and we were given fear as our tool to experience Love fully.” Without the polar opposite we would never understand what Love is. So we have fear as our polar opposite. One of the main products of fear is suffering. People “suffer from” anxiety, depression, and physical ailment. I believe each has its root in a fear. We tend to hold on to or “cling” to our fears. Buddha says ”the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering.” I believe suffering is fear.

2. Suffering’s Origin:
“This is the noble truth of the origin of suffering: it is this craving which leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust, seeking delight here and there, that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, craving for extermination.”

The Second Noble Truth talks of a “craving which leads to renewed existence.” This seeking for the sensation of pleasure is us in the physical experience seeking the feeling of Love. We tend to constantly strive for the pleasurable sensations that we define as positive or in essence loving. The very separation we are here to experience leads us to seek the feeling of it. This is why people become addicted. It is the feeling they are addicted to. The feeling of relaxation is a positive sensation. When you ask a smoker why they smoke, most will say, ”It relaxes me.” It is the feeling they want because they are suffering with fear and choose this tool to allow themselves to relax.

3. Suffering’s Cessation:
“This is the noble truth of the cessation of suffering: it is the remainderless fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, nonreliance on it.”

This is the step one must take to reach enlightenment. The “relinquishing” of suffering/fear until nothing remains of it and we no longer need to rely on it for contrast. We must release our fear to reach the potential of humankind. We each have control of our fear if we so choose. Many choose to feel helpless within their fear. It is the wise ones who choose to be in control of their fear long enough to release it.

4. The Path to the Cessation of Suffering:
“This is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering: it is the Noble Eightfold Path; that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.”

This last noble truth tells us how to end suffering/fear. By living in a state of doing the right things you tend to then be surrounded by the right things. It is interesting, however, that several of the Noble Eightfold Path are based in our thought/belief/faith. The other two are actions upon our belief. We each know right from wrong. We each find ourselves thinking in ways (especially about ourselves) that are not congruent with the truth. When our thoughts, words, and deeds are based in fear we suffer. When they are based in Love we thrive.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 9:45PM

Each year we have a day that reminds us to be thankful for what we have in our lives.

I am thankful for:

Being able to wake each day.

Having a roof over my head.

Having wonderful friends.

Being able to serve.

For all that spoke truth.

For all that speak truth.

For all that will speak truth.

For the others who sacrificed of themselves to afford me the freedoms I enjoy now.

BUT MOST OF ALL:

For finding Kelly again

For my son Kynan and all the joys that he gives me.

Kelly saying “yes.”

Kelly saying” I do.”

The awareness to joyfully create the life of my desires with the people that I love most.

All this being said, I AM grateful for this and more every day.  Don’t wait for one time a year to be thankful and to share with those that matter that you are thankful for them.

Thank You
Thank You
Thank You

Monday, October 11, 2010 at 12:45PM

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” ~ Maya Angelou

When I was young I was the product of my environment. My father was a bigot. On a regular basis I heard the “N” word coming from his lips. As a young impressionable boy I followed in his footsteps. I was a racist. I am blessed to have seen the error of my ways very clearly. My transition came in an interesting way. One night while paying for gas at a local convenience store the cashier gave me five dollars too much change. I returned to the store and brought the money back to the cashier. The next person in line said something that affected me: ”There is something you don’t see every day - an honest person.” I felt this swell of tingly energy surge through my body. I walked out of the store and the feeling stayed with me. I suddenly had the realization that I had felt this feeling before. “Jesus is that you?” I said out loud. The energy swelled even greater within me. From that moment on I was no longer racist or homophobic.

Now I do not consider myself a Christian and it was years after this experience that I discovered my past life connection to Jeshua. I do believe that enlightened teachers such as Jeshua carried a pure love that you could viscerally experience. It was one of the first things I remembered in my regression. I believe the intent within your heart is felt far greater than words, though words with intent are the most powerful things in the world.

“Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. education and free discussion are the antidotes of both.” ~Thomas Jefferson

There was a time when the “N” word was used much more frequently than today. Sometimes the words we use are interpreted in many ways. I had a friend named Atlas. Atlas lived in a poor section of town, but always seemed to have a smile on his face. I liked him a lot and have lost touch with him since moving from my home town. Every time I would see Atlas around town he would yell out to me,” You stupid ass white boy.” I would respond in kind, “you dumb ass N&5$8R.” We would shake hands and laugh.

One night I ran into Atlas and he was visibly upset. “What’s wrong Atlas?” I asked. “Man John, I had to fight. I don’t like fighting,” He responded.  I asked him what had happened and he told me that a man had called him a “N&5$8R.” “I call you that all the time, Atlas.” I answered. “Yeah but he meant it!” was Atlas’ reply.  Here was a man who could feel the intention behind the word. I no longer use the word out of loving respect for my fellow women and men.  We are all a part of the whole and to be hateful towards another is to deny a part of yourself a connection to God/Source.

I lovingly share my life with all the aspects of me that I see before me each day in all of my colors, genders, religious beliefs, and I am open to new and exciting introductions to other parts of me that will present themselves.

“Bigotry dwarfs the soul by shutting out the truth” ~Edwin Hubbel Chapin

Monday, July 12, 2010 at 9:59PM

“Create a vision and never let the environment, other people's beliefs, or the limits of what has been done in the past shape your decisions. Ignore conventional wisdom.”~ Anthony Robbins

Self doubt, low self worth, poor self esteem, each of these chronic conditions in life is based on one thing. That one thing these three culprits rely on is . . . someone else. Each of these relies on the belief or perception of someone who will judge us or has judged us.  Each of us has a past that is the breeding point for limiting belief. Some of us have very few limits and rise quickly to great heights. Others tend to have beliefs pressed upon us throughout our lives. I am one of the latter. I had a nickname given me by my father. It is a word that still to this day I do not like to hear: “Bum.” I was told from an early age that I was a “worthless bum,” by a father who I am sure had no idea the limitations he was placing upon me in life. I am also sure that he acted as he did from his own limiting belief from his alcoholic father.

Our beliefs make up our creation; it is being proved scientifically with quantum physics, and Noetic Science. These disciplines are proving the teachings of many spiritually enlightened teachers of the past. We are truly creating our experiences with our faith. Our faith is simply our beliefs. Our beliefs become our perceptions, not the other way around. The human species spends around 85-90% of its lifetime in the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is a pattern of beliefs that is created in our past. Our beliefs are apparent in the declarations we make in the world.

“The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.” ~Arnold Schwarzenegger

Today I propose a new Declaration of Independence. Today, free yourself from the tyranny of the limiting beliefs of others and declare a new and exciting life that is abundant and surrounded by loving relationships and prosperity.  I have had many limiting beliefs in m y life and each of these beliefs have become apparent in my reality. When I shift each of these beliefs a new creation forms around me and I witness the divine nature of our simple reality.

Today We the People declare our freedom from the oppression of our past belief and sail forward towards new horizons in the ship of our own making. Who among you are willing to clear your slate and step into the life of ease and simplicity to reap the joyful life of desire?  Today is the day of choice. Today choose a joyful, prosperous life of abundance. Say it aloud and have full faith that you are receiving it. The past is done and doesn’t affect you anymore. The future is yours for the making. This simple choice brings it all into your experience. It is not a struggle if you believe it is not. Your thoughts are creating so choose a simple and easy path and believe that it is already in motion towards you.

“You have to do it yourself, no one else will do it for you. You must work out your own salvation.” ~Charles E Popplestone

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 9:49AM

“Words without thoughts never to Heaven go.” ~ William Shakespeare

The New Age gurus will tell you to make affirmations. I believe that they do have their place, but affirmation without belief does nothing to promote change. The words can be spoken, but if a conscious choice to alter the subconscious belief to something new is not a part of the affirmation, then the affirmation is pointless. Our minds are amazing things. For 85 -90% of our lives our minds are in the subconscious state. It takes a concerted effort to remain in the present moment. The subconscious mind dwells in the past and the future. Ask yourself this: Are you fully present? Or is a lot of your day spent pondering what will be or what was?

“What you think you become. Your create your world” ~ Buddha

Our thoughts create our world. Our ordinary conversation tells us what our subconscious mind believes. If you want to make a realization of where you are headed in life, pick up one of those digital voice recorders and an external microphone to plug into it (I picked up an external lapel microphone on eBay really cheap). Then stick it in your pocket and record your words. Those recorders will record up to 20 hours, some of them. After recording a day’s worth of ordinary conversation, go back and listen to your words. This exercise will show you fully what you are creating into your experience. By becoming aware of the direction you are headed in, you can fine tune your rudder and alter your direction. What do your words create in the present moment? Are you creating wanting, needing, hoping, or trying?

“It is your faith that heals you” ~ Jeshua

Once you have truly discovered what your subconscious mind is creating, the simple awareness of the fact will become a part of your subconscious as well and your course will naturally alter. This is where affirmations come into play. Many will say that repeated affirmations will alter your subconscious mind. I believe that they only serve as a reminder to put you back on track. It is the belief that creates the perception, not the other way around.  You must believe that you are receiving what you put out in your affirmations.  I often use as an example people who religiously go to their weekly services and say "thank you" over and over again.  The reason they have to keep saying it is because they haven’t believed enough to receive. When you ask for the glass of water, it is placed in your hand, and you believe you have a firm grip on it: you say, “thank you”.  Now drink, and receive what you are thankful for.

“Creation is the manifestation into form that which already exists.” ~The Bhagavad Gita

Many of you have heard my stories of the manifestations in my life, and I can say it always amazes me how they come. They always come when I ask, BELIEVE, and then receive. I only ever ask once. I just believe, from that point on.  Ask in affirmation or prayer, and then hold the belief that you are receiving, or are already that which you affirm, and SO BE IT.

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~ Gail Devers

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 8:31PM

“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.” Dalai Lama

I used to love watching Odd Couple reruns. The dichotomy of the neat freak and  the slob was comedy gold. There was one episode where Felix had decided he could write a song and found inspiration in a sports column Oscar was writing, drawing upon the words he was using to describe a violent boxing match between “Berstien and Luftz”. Soon the names became, “Bursting with Love.” They continued on, all the while Felix finding the positive in each sentence. When Oscar proclaimed his next line to be, ”Blood spurted from both nostrils at the sound of the bell,” Felix responded, “I can use the Bell!”

“The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.” Brian Tracy

Our world is a mish-mash of various experiences. It falls upon us to see the positive in each. By focusing on the violent or negative aspects, we are truly perpetuating those in our reality. I find that when we look at our surroundings as disappointment, we find more in which to be disappointed. In the Odd Couple, Felix was looking for positive lyrics and because he was focused on finding positive he did. The result of his focus was a complete song. Was it Grammy material? It probably wasn’t. But his focus was on creating a positive song.

In truth our lives are like music. Disharmony and Harmony are a choice. Live within the wonderful music of self. Self is the music of your choosing and the music of your soul, and when those two come together you will live the life of your dreams.

“Our thoughts create our reality - where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go.” Peter McWilliams

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 9:53AM

“I aims to please.” ~Popeye the Sailor

When looking back at heroes of my childhood, one stood out among many. Oh sure, Batman was cool and Superman was…..well… Super. But as far as a role model I have to fall back on the old stand-by, Popeye the Sailor. Here was a man with a lot going against him. He was short with misshapen arms and legs. He smoked too much. He was an obvious womanizer (though our tastes are quite different). He had one “squinky” eye. With all that going against the man he held true to a set of values.

When faced with adversity Popeye always did what was right. When a small infant was left upon his doorstep, he took the child in and raised it as his own. Later when a woman, one Olive Oyl, claimed to be the mother, he accepted what was best for the child and shared in the parenting responsibilities (though he did not allow her to rename Sweetpea “Baby Oyl”). When obvious nefarious characters came about with ill intent, Popeye stood between the child, its new mother, and the ruffian intending harm.

"I’m strong to the finich ‘cause I eats me Spinach.” ~Popeye

Though he had a definite disregard for his lungs, he did eat a proper diet, which included a lot of vegetables (mainly spinach). He was in obvious good physical shape as even his facial muscles could make a pipe spin like a boat propeller. This being said, he must have had physical conditioning far superior to many of their time. His dear friend Wimpy (God rest his soul) died of heart disease from too many years on the delayed payment hamburger diet. Though when Wimpy was in need, he always knew he could depend on his generous friend Popeye.

“I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” ~Wimpy

All this being said, Popeye’s philosophy on life was a simple one, “I Am what I Am,” he declared. This simple phrase can be taken in many ways. The first is as a statement of result: I Am in this moment the result of my past thoughts and actions. The second is a statement of resolution: I Am in this moment all that I ever will be. The third is a creator statement: I Am what I choose to be. Hearing the grand tales of this legendary sailor, one must conclude that he stood firmly in the third option. As each seemingly insurmountable obstacle was placed before him, he stood firmly on his beliefs, putting himself in harm’s way, and always being victorious. His life is a testament to what each of us is capable of. By choosing who we are in life and acting upon those convictions we create a chronicle of past “comic strips” that live as a testament of who we are.

“Oh Popeye, you're wonderful!!” ~Olive Oyl

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 2:21AM

“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” ~Peace Pilgrim

Lately I have become very aware of negativity. It really affects my mood when those around me fall into the negative mode. It seems to be something rampant in our modern society. Our news broadcasts aim towards negative headlines. They boost the ratings. People looking for attention tend to focus on how hard the world is and that is the focus of their conversations. Even the people writing social commentary tend to base everything in the negative frame. The interesting thing to me is the people writing the commentary don’t see that their negative response is not constructive or helpful. It makes them feel bad and those around them feel bad.

Positivity is a choice. A few years ago my wife left me for another man, taking my son, and leaving me homeless in a state I didn’t want to be in. I decided that positive creation was what I was focused on and pulled myself up. I directed a renaissance festival, handling all the details of the entertainment. I kept a jovial nature during the process and the event was successful. At the same time a friend of mine lost his girlfriend. He decided to take the other route. In the end he burned several bridges, offended several cast members, and is still thought of as a sullen self-centered complainer by some.

“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one” ~Hans Selye

The choice is yours; if you are feeling negative, take steps to change. You are the only one who has the power to do so. It is silly to make your life miserable, if you are the creator of your experience. You can choose to focus on and broadcast negative stuff and the universe will mirror it back to you. Or you can choose the brighter path, one that leads to new and exciting places. My life has altered in so many positive ways over the past few years. The ex-wife left me to make way for the most loving partner I have ever experienced. My new partner supports the things that make me joyful in life as opposed to anything negative, and I support her in kind.

Optimism feels so much better than pessimism. Funny jokes feel so much better than the sarcasm, which comes from a negative place. You get to choose. How cool is that?! You are making the choices that affect every aspect of your life. Remember the friend I spoke of? He still is alone, still struggling, and will be until he chooses to create something new. What is your choice? Are your thoughts, words, and actions based in joyful positive creation? Do they feel heavy, harsh, mad, judgmental, sad, or just plain evil? If so, they are negative and you can now recognize what that feels like. Now you know what the body feels like in a negative frame. That is great news, because now you can recognize what it is you are setting down. You are no longer “in” negativity. You are now having your negativity be external, in your hands. You are now in control and able to walk away. The mere act of recognizing it as negative, releases its hold.

Now choose wisely.

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.”- Willie Nelson

My six year old and I on the way to school have a little ritual.  I say,”Kynan, what are we choosing today, a happy day or a sad day?” He always chooses happy. Then he asks me, and I always choose happy. What are you choosing?

“For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else”~ Winston Churchill