Tuesday, December 31, 2013

ACTING IN OUR BEST INTEREST

Sub-wills are mental formations that ‘will’ much of our behavior; they automatically trigger and shape our reactions, often subconsciously causing us to think, feel and choose as we do. So while we may feel in control and believe that we’re acting in our best interest, often we’re actually not.

This isn't always obvious. But when a ‘Worry Wart’ sub-will is triggered, we waste time and energy worrying needlessly, believing we’re just trying to solve a problem; when a ‘Busy Bee’ sub-will takes charge, believing we’re getting necessary things done, we may just be keeping ourselves too busy to ‘smell the roses’ or to be in touch with a deeper soulful self.

Each of us has many sub-wills which often capriciously lead us through life, to our detriment, limiting our effectiveness and causing needless problems. And to the extent that we become aware of them and gain an authentic self-control, we may act truly in our best interest … and have a better life.

Self-observation (also known as witnessing) helps us greatly in this regard. It is the practice of making a special effort to be mindful of sub-will behavior and not identify with it; to see it for what it really is – mindlessly acting out old conditioning.

As one does this, one gains an expanded and more objective self-aware mental state able to be more creatively and wisely in charge – an optimal ‘Master Mind’ state.    

By firmly establishing this higher mental state we gain a new efficacy and sense of authentic being, as well as the ability to access higher intuitive creative consciousness powers -- at will!  And at this superior level of functioning, we manifest our greatest possibilities and live at peak.

Thus, developing a higher and more authentic state of mind is truly what’s in our best interest.

Goodness and joy to all, Joseph.


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Friday, December 13, 2013

THE VALUE OF DISASTER

Can any good come from disaster?  I think so.

When disaster strikes we may at first see only the black empty hole of helplessness, hopelessness and despair.  We might even temporarily lose faith in God and government.  Yet in a calmer moment we may come to realize that disaster can have a spiritual purpose. It can cause an awakening and a huge change in hearts and minds. 

As dreadful and painful as a disaster is for those who undergo it, it may be the only way for many of us to awaken from petty self-indulgent ego-centered dreams.  Disaster may be, unfortunately, exactly what’s needed to awaken the soul and help us realize that at essence we’re all one ... that we share a common vulnerability -- that no matter how much we have, we can suddenly lose everything.  And there are many ways to lose everything!

Disaster can also spur us to create a better world by awakening in us the importance of becoming a more responsible citizen and neighbor, making sure we have government that works right and helping others every way we can. 

We must learn this lesson -- and never forget it -- that there, but for the grace of God, goes every one of us.

When we forget this and fail to act accordingly, we fall from grace. We lose vitality of soul.  But when we remember it, and give to others, we strengthen ourselves as a people and live a more meaningful life.

So if disaster helps us to appreciate our vulnerability and oneness with others and get our priorities straight, then it has served us well.  Otherwise, it’s just meaningless plight.  Give new significance to disaster; it’s a wake up call to begin a kinder and more loving life.

Goodness and joy to all, Joseph.

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Friday, December 6, 2013

THE SECRET OF SELF-FULFILLMENT

Would you like to experience self-fulfillment on a daily basis?  Well, you can, once you understand what it is and how it comes about. 

True self-fulfillment doesn't come with victory, conquest or great achievement (as you may have been led to believe). These are ego-boosters which, at the moment of realization, produce feelings of exhilaration and pride. But they don’t produce fulfillment. For that we need to satisfy much more than our appetites, desires and ego.

It may be helpful to note the difference between gratification, satisfaction and fulfillment. Gratification comes from meeting bodily needs, like hunger and lust. Satisfaction comes from meeting ego needs, i.e., getting what we want. But fulfillment comes from meeting the soul’s need to experience goodness; then we experience high energy and feel fulfilled.

Thus, fulfillment doesn't come from what we do or get, but from how much good we do or give; it results from the quality of our being and actions taken.

So to experience greater fulfillment, expand the powers of your higher nature by growing into a more conscious, creative and loving person; express more of the goodness-creating power of your soul.

This is the secret to self-fulfillment ... and to having a more wonderful life.

Goodness and joy to all, Joseph.

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