Formula For Happiness

 Google Images

 Time To Turn the Channel?

“The condition of our outer world is always the perfect out-picturing of our inner world. If we do not like the picture we see, we can change it.”……Margaret Ponders

Happiness = Reality Divided By Expectations

One’s perspective creates one’s reality

I find the two above axioms very enlightening and I use them often when counseling others. We do have control of our lives and these are two examples of that.

We can change our level of happiness by simple adjusting, re-stating, our expectations, or changing our perspective (“A Look From Perspective Mountain” at http://liomsaland.blogspot.com/2015/08/perspective-mountain.html), which alters one’s reality. Both are factors in determining our happiness. These can be applied in any situation. For example, starting a new job? Dreams of a mega-buck salary from it abound. You see it as a job that will last a lifetime. Both are high expectations. Are they likely to be realized? Maybe, but nothing is guaranteed. Having high aspirations is a great incentive to excel at what you are doing. But those expectations need to be realistic or frustration will quickly set in as you fall short of those lofty goals consistently.

At the same time, how you view yourself and the new job affects your level of happiness. It may be the most mundane, lowest paying job in the company, but, if you view it as a job that holds a mega corporation together, that one bedroom apartment you can afford on your minimum wage salary is furnished by your treasures, things that are important to you, that you feel comfortable and happy with in your castle.

While watching television, if we do not like the show that is on we turn the channel, often “surfing” until we find something to our liking or catches our interest. While living our daily life we encounter many things we do not like or that are not of interest. We can either redirect our attention or take a different look at it.

You don’t have to be a math geek to utilize the two equations. You don’t have to be master of the remote control to change the picture, Your picture, Your life. Change the picture to one rated “HAPPY”!

Blessings!

We Are All One

Google Images

One of my core beliefs is that we are all one. We are all here as the result of Deity, call Him/Her what you may. Deity lives within us all. I always use the visualization of auras to help explain this. Auras are energy that an object gives off. We all have them, even though most of us cannot see them. These auras, appearing in various colors depending on the energy, strength and nature, can emit from us a couple of inches to a couple of feet. What happens to these auras , these energies, when you encounter somebody within that space? Do you bounce off each other like negative-positive magnets? No, they overlap, they become one. One by one, they overlap, uniting us all. As such, every thought we think and every action we take has an effect on the world around us. To be aware of this is to be conscious of our impact on the people in our lives.

Considering the full ramifications of our actions can be an important part of our spiritual growth and awareness. At first, being more conscious requires much effort, but once we have made it a habit, it becomes second nature and the more we practice this awareness, the more we find ourselves in alignment with our integrity, giving us a soundness of character.

Our thoughts are the seeds of our actions. Try to choose one thought or action per day and notice if you are in alignment with this experience of integrity. One day, you may find ourselves replaying a negative encounter with someone in our minds. You may think this doesn't affect the person about whom you are thinking, but the laws of energy and physics tell us it does (see earlier article "Laws of Physics" at http://liomsaland.blogspot.com/2015/08/law-of-physics.html). Let go of the negative thoughts and replace them with positives, perhaps a healing wish on their behalf.

To nurture these seeds once they become actions, take time to consider how you would feel if you were in the other person's shoes. Remember, while we are all one, we are also unique individuals. That will enable you to communicate sensitively rather than selfishly from your own perspective. By doing so, you will bring benefit to that person as well as yourself. This reaffirms your integrity and the integrity of your relationship to the world.

Blessed Be!

Hey! Who are You?

Google Images

  

Who are you? No, really, who are you? In a one word answer, who are you? I’m not asking what your name is. If you changed your name you would still be the same person. So, who are you? How do you define, describe yourself? Are you (fill in your occupation)? If so, what happens if you would leave that job? Would you stop being? Are you (fill in political affiliation)? If you switched parties do you cease to be?
The most common answers given to the “who are you?” query are labels. While unfortunately necessary to expedite conversations, labels are stereotypes that often do harm in causing misunderstandings. Not much can be put under one label properly. People are multi-faceted. The question asked is what is at the top of those facets? What are the priorities? Labels are others’ perception of you. A reply of a famous individual when asked if he was so-and-so was  “I am what you say I am”. A person’s perception is their reality. So, how they see you is what you are to them. That may be completely different to the person standing next to them. Who is right? They both are for it is their perception and thus their reality in their world.

Why is it important to identify who you are? To do so gives purpose, aim, direction to life and peace to your soul. It sets a standard for one to live by in times of trouble, turmoil, decision-making and guidance –seeking.

Are we today what we were yesterday? Unlikely as life’s path exposes us to many experiences and environments in order for us to achieve our life’s goal. These individual events combine to form us into who and what we are today and will be tomorrow.  As one is added, we learn from it and are changed (hopefully for the better). We are not stagnant in our personal growth and development at any age.

You are who you are. You cannot force yourself to be someone or something you are not. Yes, often times we must compromise to play the “survival” game, but through it all our soul stays constant. Be who you are. Live your life. Study for the test. The most important question in the test of life is “Who are you?”

Sit down with a pen and paper. Number the paper 1 to 10. Without repeating an answer and using 1 or 2 word answers at most, answer the question “Who am I?” Don’t over analyze or agonize the process, write down what comes to mind.

When done, do not discuss with anyone and hand a paper and pen to a friend. Give them the same instructions, answering who you are. When finished, compare the 2 lists. I bet there is an eye-opener or two on the lists along with some confirmations as you see the common answers. See some of their answers you do not like? Don’t automatically ignore them. Maybe you are giving off unintended images that lead to unwanted receptions. If so, make a mental note and try to make some little changes so that that your perceived image matches closer to your intended image and the real you.

Remember, nobody’s list is wrong. The list reflects the list writer’s perception, their reality. Now, be ready to answer someone when they ask you “Who are you?”

Looking for Mysteries of Life Answers

                                                                                 Google Images

“What is right for one soul may not be right for another. It may mean having to stand on your own and do something strange in the eyes of others.”….Eileen Caddy

Eileen Caddy MBE, 1917-2006, was a spiritual teacher and new age author, best known as one of the founders of the Findhorn Foundation community at the Findhorn Ecovillage, near the village of Findhorn, Moray Firth, in northeast Scotland.

Upon reading this quote I immediately turned to religion choices as the main topic. Religion is man-made, made to provide answers to the mysteries of life. Over time, some of those mysteries were solved by science and the pure passing of time. Other mysteries, purpose of life, life after death, existence of a god, etc., remain. In ancient times many of these mysteries were answered by what we now refer to as mythology. At the time, the answers were considered truth. Then, as now, those so-called answers did not resonate with everybody. Most kept their non-acceptance to themselves, out of fear of being ostracized (or worse) by their communities. People find their answers to the mysteries of life from many resources, often combing information and beliefs of multiple belief systems and personalizing them. Others take in the boxed-set of standard religions.

Who is right? Which belief system is right? They are all right for that individual because they fit the needs and provide believable, understandable answers to those who are searching. While we are all “one” we remain individuals with individual, unique thoughts, likes and dislikes. Imagine if we all talked alike, dressed the same, drove the same type and color car. Ditto for our religious and spiritual beliefs. Hard to imagine? None of the choices are wrong for those who opt to follow one or another path. As the saying goes, all paths lead to the same spot, whatever you call it.

Religion gives you hope, a sense of security, a calmness, peacefulness, an inner understanding, an understanding of the non-understandable – the mysteries of life. It doesn’t matter where it comes from, a book, a handed-down belief system, a 2,000 or 20,000 year old religion or a 5 year old one. If it fits an individual and causes harm to no one, so be it.

Be passionate about your religion while being compassionate toward others. Live it. Wear it on your sleeve if you like. Practice it in your everyday life. As you do, be respectful and mindful of those who follow a different path, for at the end of the journey, your paths will lead you to the same destination.

Blessed Be!

The Thing With Feathers That Perches In The Soul

Google Images

  

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”……Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was a reclusive American poet that had her first collection published after her death in 1886. Born 12/10/1830, she attended Mount Holyoke and Amherst Colleges.

Hope is the state which promotes the desire of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life or in the world at large. Despair is often regarded as the opposite of hope. Hope is the "feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best" or the act of looking forward to something with desire and reasonable confidence" or feeling that something desired may happen.(Wikipedia)

Hope is a basic human instinct. We lose hope, temporarily, usually after a devastating event in our lives. It is those times that we need hope the most. Always dare to hope for it is a positive emotion, filled with positive energy. Hoping is like praying. When we put out positive energy we reap that energy in return many times over. Hope and dream with confidence just as you would with prayer. Take that glimmer of hope, even an ounce of it, and build on it. Let it drive and steer you to the desired end result.

One technique to aide in manifesting hope into reality I often use is one I relied on in my younger years playing sports. That method is referred to as positive visualization. As you are hoping for something picture it in your mind, seeing it actually happening. See it occurring. Concentrate on it. It does not have to be for any specific length of time, a second will suffice as well as extended periods. The more you practice this the more efficient you will become. Do so repeatedly throughout the day. You will find the results surprising at first and will start to incorporate the method more frequently in your daily life.

Hope is always there. It may be buried at times, sitting on a perch as Ms. Dickinson put it, but it is there waiting and ready to be called upon. When faced with a difficult decision or situation, know that the Goddess/God is within. Deity is always there for guidance and consultation, patient, never too tired to respond and never giving up.

Blessed Be!

 

 

Our lives depend on hope. If you have hope, you’ll be able to overcome problems you face. But if you’re without hope, your difficulties will increase. Hope is linked to compassion and loving kindness. In my own experience. I’ve faced all sorts of difficulties in my life, but I never gave up hope. Also, being truthful and honest is a basis for hope and self-confidence.,,,Dalai Lama

Invisible Power?

 Pray     Google Images

“Prayer is made up of words filled with invisible power. This is the greatest life-giving energy on Earth.”……Sue Sikking

Rev. Sikking was an author and founder of Unity By the Sea Church in Santa Monica. During her life, 1899-1992, she was a pioneer in a profession predominately had been held by men.
According to Wikipedia, prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with Deity, an object of worship or spiritual entity through deliberate communication.

My view of prayer differs a bit from Rev. Sikking’s. I look at prayer as the act of putting forth positive energy into the universe. Similar to majick and spell work, prayer is the manipulation of energy, increasing the positive energy to a situation. Energy is not invisible as it is in everything and can be measured in many ways, scientifically and emotionally.

Putting forth this energy can be done via speech, thought or written word. The belief of the Law of 3 Fold Return states, basically, that whatever you put out returns to you 3 times. Positive out - positive in, negative out - negative in.

Is there a wrong way to pray? Absolutely not! The only caveat is that your prayer does not call on something negative happening to another. Anything that you feel can enrich a prayer is favorable. This may include kneeling while praying, folding hands, focusing on an object (rosary beads, crucifix, etc.), a burning candle, holding a stone that possesses certain properties, burning incense, wearing certain garb, playing background music and so on.

Prayers can sustain hope (see https://liomsaland.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-thing-with-feathers-that-perches-in.html) and beliefs, give comfort and stability. When all else fails, when faced with a last resort, prayer can aid in overcoming and accomplishing things. It is Universal in that no person, corporation, government, institution or group of people holds the license to prayer or the method of doing so.

While all prayers are answered, the results may not come about exactly as you had envisioned. Perhaps they are answered in a different time frame or in a different process, but the end result is one that is best for you to reach your life goals and learn the lessons of life.

Give it a try, and often. You will be amazed at the results assuredly.

Blessed Be!

Alexes' Medical Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexes, our 13 yr-old granddaughter, has severe scoliosis. It has reached the point that the spine is now wrapping around the heart. She is preparing for an Oct. 7, 2015 surgery at UPMC Childen's Hospital Pittsburgh, a 4-hour procedure using screws, plates and wires to straighten it out. Post surgery will necessitate a 5-day hospital stay. Afterwards, she will be bedridden for 1-month followed by a 6-month period of non-activity. 

Alexes has 6 siblings, ranging in ages 9 to 15. This whole experience puts the entire family under tremendous strain of all kinds. Transportation expense from Altoona to Pittsburgh is and will continue to mount along with expenses incurred for care for her siblings while her parents tend to Alexes.

Prayers, positive energy, financial and any other form of assistance will be greatly appreciated. Please help! Thanks and Blessings!

http://www.gofundme.com/9jn5dc