What's wrong with NEWS?

Most of us watch it, and many complain about it, but is there anything wrong with it?  No, not in and of itself.  It's information, albeit sometimes subjective, but nevertheless information.  The biggest problem I have is the type of information that is being focused on.

The other day Christopher Stevens, in a tragic attack on the US Embassy in Egypt, died, after protestors stormed the embassy following news that an anti-Mohammad movie was released or made.
What I would like to hear about besides this side of the story is what else happened.  I would like to hear about the Muslims that came to the aid of those in the Embassy.  I would like to hear of what others in the area are doing to discourage such senseless crimes.  I would like to hear about the moderates, the majority, the regular citizens that want a world where they can raise their children safely, and make a decent living.

Like with our own views and beliefs, there are always many sides to every story and truth that are also valid and need our attention. It is my premise that these areas need our attention at least as much as the main story here. 

As a Counselor I help clients each day to question their thoughts and beliefs, to look behind their thoughts to the meaning of what they are saying.  I ask them to to stop and question the truth of their statements, gently pushing them to see a greater truth, a bigger picture.

We can all do the same, and I would like to see this reflected more in our News programs as well.  It's too easy to focus on what is wrong, and who is wrong, or who did wrong, without stepping back and seeing the whole picture.

My prayers to all those hurt or killed in these senseless attacks.

Everything is Perception?

I have always held the belief that I am afraid of public speaking.  Holding this belief it has always been my perception that I, as the speaker, am the expert.  With this perception then I had to have all the answers.  You the audience therefore, were there to learn and ultimately bathe in my wisdom.

What if, however, I don't know everything?  What if I stumble and fall?  What if you call me out?  ...And there we have the reason for mine, and many others fear of public speaking, I believe.

What would happen if I held a very different belief?  What if I choose to believe instead that I am a student of life, which by the way seems closer to the truth.  Would that change the dynamics slightly?  As a student of life I am forever learning, and therefore can't fail.  If I see myself as a student it allows me to see you and others as students too.  As students, you too perceive all opportunities as potential for growth, for sharing, for change.

How do your perceptions affect your view?

You Can't Build a Castle on a Pile of Manure!

Recently I've been working with affirmations again.  Affirmations, that age old belief that what we think and "put-out-there" we help create.  On a side note, it's often suggested that you need feeling and clarity behind your affirmations.


Try taking a few moments to be quiet, to go inside and first observe any other thoughts, sensations and feelings without judgment, by giving them some room, before embarking on your own journey.  This will allow you to start with a clearer slate.  (More has been said about this topic in previous blogs, and will be discussed in "Letting Go".  If you are needing further help seek a qualified Counselor, Psychologist, or Social Worker to help you work through old issues and outmoded beliefs.  You may also enjoy looking through authors such as Byron Katie.)

People often say, "Well, I tried that, but it didn't work", or "It won't work for me".  And it won't work if you also are having thoughts and feelings that conflict with your original prayer.  The Universe/God, doesn't discriminate.

If my intent/affirmation/prayer is "I am abundant", but at the same time I have other thoughts that come up for me such as, "Who am I to be successful", or "This doesn't work", or better yet, "This won't work for me", along with feelings of anger, judgment and fear, then that is exactly what I am creating.

I have always been someone that is afraid other won't accept me, and so I often fought hard for acceptance.  Many of my thinking errors or thoughts started with "I have to/I should...I shouldn't...", etc.  Working with new beliefs and ideas such as "I am free to be myself", or, "I am a powerful spiritual being", only started really feeling right after I began to work through and let go of old limiting thoughts and feelings.

You can be successful in achieving your dreams.  You are a powerful spiritual being.  You are supported, always.

How Do Thoughts Keep Us Stuck?

 “Thoughts thunk often become beliefs.” Byron Katie, the author of Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life.

She came up with a simple exercise to question your thoughts and to better understand how your thoughts create the feelings and behaviors you experience.

If I have the thought, “I shouldn’t be myself”, that leads to “I should be perfect so that others accept me.” When I ask myself how do I feel when I have these thoughts, the answer is, scared and vulnerable. I may have other sensations that arise as well, such as tension in my shoulders and neck, as well as tightness in my stomach. The important thing is that I acknowledge these feelings and sensations, which gives me permission to feel them.

She then has us ask the question, who would you be without these thoughts or stories?  Imagine your own life for a moment, and the stories you have come to believe about yourself, others, and the world.  Finally she has us make a statement that is closer to reality, such as, "I'm OK just as I am.  I have a lot of good qualities, and others I am able to change."

To learn more check out her book…=)

Thoughts and more importantly old beliefs are coping mechanisms we created years ago in many cases. We did so because it was the only way we knew how to deal with a difficult situation. We all do this whether the issues were trivial or traumatic.

Only we have the power to step off this old worn path and say “NO”. No I will not do this to myself anymore. First we need to acknowledge where we are at, and take full responsibility. We take responsibility not for what happened in the past, but for our thoughts.

Only then can the process of healing begin. There are many things we can do for ourselves; Meditation, Yoga, exercise, eating well, but sometimes we need guidance, encouragement, and support from an Instructor, Counselor, Nutritionist, Coach, Minister, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist, friend, etc.

Be well.