Mom turns 58 today! She’s a young momma. Happy Birthday, Mom!
Here’s to you (I couldn’t get Stevie in person!):
October 31, 2007
October 30, 2007
Why you can’t make someone love you and what you can do about it
A friend of mine is currently separated from his wife, and it’s naturally been a very emotionally draining experience for him. His self-esteem — which was not particularly high to begin with — has plummeted. He feels unloved, unattractive, insecure, shattered.
From an outside perspective, it’s clear that he — like a drowning man, mindlessly grasping for anything that might save him — is desperately trying to win her back at all costs, trying to become someone he isn’t. He’s making changes left and right, hoping and wishing that she will take notice and finally realize he’s an attractive and worthy husband.
It’s no secret that all of us desire expansion and movement toward becoming better, to improve ourselves. Personal
Lisa Nichols; Author, Motivational Speaker, Coach development is a good thing. However, trying to become more like someone else in order to win their love and approval is a no-win proposition. It’s an illusion — a striving after the wind — and it sets you up for more pain and suffering. It definitely creates a shaky foundation for a marriage — one where a mutually loving and respectful relationship is a near-impossibility.
With these thoughts occupying my mind, I found myself thumbing through some notes I’d made several months ago when I watched the movie The Secret. Talk about the power of resonance and synchronicity!
In April, I wrote briefly about how each of us must take responsibility for being the perfect example of how others should love us. We set the standard, not other people. This is the way of integrity, self-respect, and self-love.
According to my notes, Lisa Nichols echoes this view:
"Do you treat yourself the way you want other people to treat you? When you’re talking about relationship, think about 
Esther Hicks, photo by Einar Einarsson Kvaran; 17 March 2006 (UTC)who you’re bringing to that relationship, and I’m not talking about the other person; I’m talking about you."
This reminds me of Dov Baron’s advice to singles looking for a partner: "If you want to find love, become the beloved." (By the way, my partner and I will be attending Dov’s upcoming Quantum Soulmates for Couples 5-day immersive program. It will be held February 28 – March 3, 2008 at Loon Lake in British Columbia, Canada. Won’t you join us?)
Lisa Nichols speaks from personal experience, having struggled with depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts and feelings. Her solution?
"When I fell in love with Lisa — full lips, round hips, mocha skin, Afro — then the rest of the world fell in love with Lisa."
What do you think of that?
Esther Hicks concurs, adding,
"If you knew your potential to feel good, you’d ask no one to be different for you so you could feel good. You would free yourself of all of that cumbersome impossibility of needing to control the world or control your mate or control your child. You’re the only one who creates your reality. For no one else can think for you. No one else can do it. It is only you; every bit of it you."
Isn’t that refreshing? Liberating?
October 28, 2007
How to become a peacemaker
A rare studio photograph of Gandhi taken in London at the request of Lord Irwin, 1931This past Saturday, October 27, there was an anti-war rally in Seattle, one of 11 that were scheduled to occur in major US cities across the country. At least 20,000 were expected to attend/participate in the Seattle rally alone.
The opposition is primarily to the current Iraq war, which has been described as unjust. That’s interesting. Isn’t all war unjust?
Deepak Chopra is perhaps the most well-known Indian medical doctor (and certainly the most prolific Indian author) on the planet, and it has taken me until just the other day to pick up his 2005 book, Peace is the Way
I was immediately struck by the title (I am an ordained Minister of Peace), and as I began to read it, I was captivated by Chopra’s positive, inspirational message of/for peace. Inspiration for the title comes from a quote of Mahatma Gandhi, who said, "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way."
In fact, there is a peace movement already underway, Chopra writes, and each one of us can quicken its unfolding by progressively becoming peacemakers now.
One way we can do this is by embracing and actively carrying out what Deepak Chopra calls the Seven Practices for Peace
Deepak Chopra, M.D. (p. 24). Each day of the week, Chopra outlines a simple, specific practice that takes only a few minutes to carry out. In this way, each of us individually — one person at a time — can end war for ourselves by shifiting our allegiance to peace.
What can one person do?
"A million tiny earthquakes move more ground than a single cataclysmic quake," Chopra answers. "There is no bettter or easier way to live than by catching the wave of evolution." Yes, there is power in specific, individual action!
Will you join me in this 7-part program for peace?
Today (Sunday) begins the first day of the program; you may join in at any time. Just click on the link in the navigation bar to access the practice for each day.
Each day this week, I will add the practice for that day that each of us will follow (If you happen to have the book, the Deepak Chopra’s program begins on page 24). Of course, this time next Sunday begins the cycle of peacemaking anew, so you will repeat today’s practice then.
Concerning the practices, Chopra says “You can be as private or outspoken as you wish.” I’ve arranged each day’s practice in a discussion forum format, so if you feel so inclined, please freely share how your new, active path for peace is impacting you and those around you.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that, rather than feel powerless in a world that seems addicted to war, you and I can effect positive change oriented toward peace starting right now?
The Inspiration Nation 