Looking ahead to a recent holiday weekend, I decided not to wait for someone else to invite me to their party. I’ve done that a few times in the past since my husband died and ended up being a party of one. Instead, I invited my brother and his wife and another recently widowed brother to meet for a dinner out. They happily accepted and brought along a daughter and grandson who would otherwise have been alone. I learned years ago how to cope proactively with life’s inevitable changes and was reminded of that by my sister-in-law.
She turned to me, while we were waiting to be seated, and announced sadly that this was the first time in many years that they have not hosted a large family event at their house. She missed cooking her family’s favorite dishes, baking the traditional apple pie and serving it up with her famous homemade ice cream. I could easily commiserate with her as I recalled the first time that happened in my life and the sadness the experience brought up. It is much more than giving up the joy of being the heart and hub of such joyous and precious gatherings; it is a signal that our families are growing up, life is changing and there will be many more such changes on the way.
Someone said that suffering and sadness are caused by trying to hold on to something that has passed. I learned by experience that this is true: First through the breakup of my first marriage and beloved family, and then by the death of my second husband. Life is change. We are faced with accepting change and finding ways to cope and move forward and remain part of living, or resisting it and consciously saying no to life and denying what is.
It seems that human beings are the only life form that tries to stop the ongoing process and hold onto the status quo. This is diametrically opposed to the energy and activity of life which is forever seeking to express more fully. In resisting change and trying to keep everything the same so that we feel comfortable, we remove ourselves from the natural flow of life.
We only succeed in ceasing to be active participants in the ongoing creative process. This separates us from the eternal and sublime energy that is within everyone and everything in the universe, and results in feelings of sadness and loneliness.
In order to survive and thrive when changes happen, we have to learn to be creative. If holidays are painful because the family gatherings are no more, take your mate and go on a cruise and fall in love all over again. If you are single, ask a friend to go with you on a trip and have an adventure. Give your own party and invite those who are in a similar situation, and they will be delighted. Make plans to go out to dinner with friends and family, or to a movie or to a live performance. Move out of your comfort zone, and savor the freedom and opportunities that changes bring to kick-start a new and exciting stage of life.
Here is what my friends and I say to each other whenever the occasion calls for it. Whether the change concerns our health, financial situation, work, relationships or the loss of loved ones, we say: Be good to yourself. Have whatever emotional response you need as long as you need it, then pull up your socks, make whatever adjustments necessary and go on with life. We are here for you.
I can look back now and give thanks for the opportunities and lessons learned from embracing the changes in my life. Meeting life head-on with the intention to grow through the lessons and become the true spiritual beings we were born to be is the path to becoming conscious and aware. Keeping an attitude of gratitude during the process is essential.
Here are the daily affirmations that I repeat as often as possible: I choose life. I embrace and learn the lessons from change. I choose to live fully, healthfully and joyously – to maintain physical, mental and emotional clarity all the days of my life – and to die with a prayer of gratitude on my lips for the gift of life. And So It Is!
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Need for Brotherhood in Today's World
For the first decade of my life, I didn’t have much use for brothers, probably because I had four of them. My younger brother was a competitor for my mother’s affection and attention, and the two immediately older ones – whenever they were around – teased and harassed me and made my life miserable. It would take a traumatic emotional event later in my life and the long-term commitment of our eldest brother to teach me the true value of brotherhood.
I have no childhood memories of our oldest brother, as he was in the Navy when I was very young and I never really got to know him. I was positively disposed toward him, however, as 1) He had never harassed me and 2) On one of his trips home he brought me a gold charm bracelet from Washington, D.C. This was a big deal in my life, as back then gifts were not the common everyday occurrence they are today. That would have to wait for Hallmark.
As it turned out, the opportunity to really get to know my oldest male sibling would also be many years in the future. After he completed his tour of duty in the military, he remained in Tokyo earning his undergraduate degree at Jochi University and working as a journalist. He came back to the U.S. briefly to attend the American Graduate School of International Management, married, and returned to Tokyo with his wife. During the ensuing years, he became a prolific author and recognized expert on the culture and languages of Japan, China, Korea and Mexico.
My brother and his wife came back to Arizona in the 1960s so that their daughters could grow up near family and attend school in the U.S. He pursued his career by making extended trips abroad. It wasn’t until my marriage dissolved and I also returned with my children that we had the opportunity to be together for the first time in our adult lives.
My divorce was the first one ever in my family, and no one, except my oldest brother, seemed to be aware or capable of providing any support. I had accepted a position as assistant public relations director for a local bank, which under ideal conditions would have meant only a healthful career stretch. But my situation was far from ideal, and my self-confidence was at an all-time low. My brother called me at work and offered to help me in any way that I needed. This was wonderful, as he was not only a consummate writer, editor and author; he also had great skills in marketing and promotion.
One of my responsibilities was to write, edit and oversee the publishing of a monthly magazine that went to all the bank’s publics, including customers, financial affiliates, stockholders and media. Although I was a former newspaper reporter and had written for a similar publication at a bank in Portland, Oregon, I had never produced one on my own. I called my brother, and he came over to my house immediately. He worked with me all night getting the issue ready to go. Under his tutelage and ongoing positive support, I opened fully to my own natural abilities and experienced greater future success than I ever imagined. All of which he applauded with great joy.
It took a lot of time and hard work, but my life began to show definite improvement in all areas. My brother began urging me to write a book about what I was living because he thought my positive approach would help others. As a single parent, my life was full at the time, plus I didn’t know the first thing about writing a book, so I resisted until my second husband’s extended illness and death. I had been journaling for many years and recognized that in the journals I had kept through that challenging time there might be a book. My brother confirmed that and joyously assisted me in structuring and publishing my first book.
I also became aware through the years that my brother had generously shared his wisdom and experience with many individuals and groups who were committed to becoming word warriors. In my case, he gave me encouragement and support when I was down, took the time to listen, challenge and encourage my growth as a consciously aware human being and provided unconditional caring that magnified and gave meaning to my successes and cushioned the failures.
Most of us are already aware that brotherly love was never meant to be taken literally and confined to relatives or gender. “Brotherhood” is a role any of us can play in someone’s life when they need a helping hand. The capability of forging a bond of brotherly love with another human being is inherent in all of us, and is much needed in today’s world where there is such widespread disconnection and a pervasive fear of intimacy.
Along the way, I have made it a practice to follow my brother’s example in reaching out to help others. In the process, I believe I became a better person, as well as a better sister to all my siblings. This was easier than I imagined because those pesky boys turned out to be surprisingly decent and likeable human beings—most of the time.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
I have no childhood memories of our oldest brother, as he was in the Navy when I was very young and I never really got to know him. I was positively disposed toward him, however, as 1) He had never harassed me and 2) On one of his trips home he brought me a gold charm bracelet from Washington, D.C. This was a big deal in my life, as back then gifts were not the common everyday occurrence they are today. That would have to wait for Hallmark.
As it turned out, the opportunity to really get to know my oldest male sibling would also be many years in the future. After he completed his tour of duty in the military, he remained in Tokyo earning his undergraduate degree at Jochi University and working as a journalist. He came back to the U.S. briefly to attend the American Graduate School of International Management, married, and returned to Tokyo with his wife. During the ensuing years, he became a prolific author and recognized expert on the culture and languages of Japan, China, Korea and Mexico.
My brother and his wife came back to Arizona in the 1960s so that their daughters could grow up near family and attend school in the U.S. He pursued his career by making extended trips abroad. It wasn’t until my marriage dissolved and I also returned with my children that we had the opportunity to be together for the first time in our adult lives.
My divorce was the first one ever in my family, and no one, except my oldest brother, seemed to be aware or capable of providing any support. I had accepted a position as assistant public relations director for a local bank, which under ideal conditions would have meant only a healthful career stretch. But my situation was far from ideal, and my self-confidence was at an all-time low. My brother called me at work and offered to help me in any way that I needed. This was wonderful, as he was not only a consummate writer, editor and author; he also had great skills in marketing and promotion.
One of my responsibilities was to write, edit and oversee the publishing of a monthly magazine that went to all the bank’s publics, including customers, financial affiliates, stockholders and media. Although I was a former newspaper reporter and had written for a similar publication at a bank in Portland, Oregon, I had never produced one on my own. I called my brother, and he came over to my house immediately. He worked with me all night getting the issue ready to go. Under his tutelage and ongoing positive support, I opened fully to my own natural abilities and experienced greater future success than I ever imagined. All of which he applauded with great joy.
It took a lot of time and hard work, but my life began to show definite improvement in all areas. My brother began urging me to write a book about what I was living because he thought my positive approach would help others. As a single parent, my life was full at the time, plus I didn’t know the first thing about writing a book, so I resisted until my second husband’s extended illness and death. I had been journaling for many years and recognized that in the journals I had kept through that challenging time there might be a book. My brother confirmed that and joyously assisted me in structuring and publishing my first book.
I also became aware through the years that my brother had generously shared his wisdom and experience with many individuals and groups who were committed to becoming word warriors. In my case, he gave me encouragement and support when I was down, took the time to listen, challenge and encourage my growth as a consciously aware human being and provided unconditional caring that magnified and gave meaning to my successes and cushioned the failures.
Most of us are already aware that brotherly love was never meant to be taken literally and confined to relatives or gender. “Brotherhood” is a role any of us can play in someone’s life when they need a helping hand. The capability of forging a bond of brotherly love with another human being is inherent in all of us, and is much needed in today’s world where there is such widespread disconnection and a pervasive fear of intimacy.
Along the way, I have made it a practice to follow my brother’s example in reaching out to help others. In the process, I believe I became a better person, as well as a better sister to all my siblings. This was easier than I imagined because those pesky boys turned out to be surprisingly decent and likeable human beings—most of the time.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, July 14, 2008
How Do I Love Me?
Ah, let me count the ways. Do I love me enough to properly care for my body so that I can learn life’s lessons and enjoy full physical and mental capabilities until I toddle off this mortal coil? Do I love and honor myself enough to follow my chosen path regardless of what others think … and to allow others the same freedom without judgment or disappointment? Do I love myself enough to expect the best from life? Do I love myself enough to allow myself to be successful? Do I love myself enough to make only life-enhancing decisions and take life-enhancing actions?
If you answered yes to all the above, you have no need to read any further.
However, if you found yourself unable to do that, you are among the larger percentage of human beings on this planet. Whether it is due to nature or nurture, many human beings grow to maturity without a solid base of self-esteem, which means they don’t feel lovable, smart enough or good enough to deserve even the smallest modicum of good in their lives. I certainly had a lack in that area, and it took raising my self-awareness and exerting a concerted effort to undo whatever events or actions caused me to feed into my subconscious those undesirable, invalid and false beliefs.
Here are some of the insights I have gained along the way. First of all, I realized that by the time we are three to five years old we have already placed in our subconscious beliefs that represent decisions we have made about life. These decisions may or may not be valid, but they reflect our vulnerability and budding self-esteem at the given moment. How much can a three or five year old know at that point? Not much. So many if not all of those beliefs that are fed into our subconscious may be invalid, but they become solidified and will, if not changed, determine every action, reaction, decision or indecision we will ever make throughout our lives.
We won’t even be aware of why we’re doing or not doing something. It is just an automatic response that is similar to those that keep us breathing and all our organs functioning when we’re asleep.
When I finally realized that there was something within me that was keeping me from living a good, happy and successful life, I decided to wake up, find out what it was, learn what to do about it, and do it. I did.
William James was considered the most influential of America’s philosophers and the father of psychology in this country. He said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”
He was right. Here are two concepts that changed my life: It is done unto you as you believe. And, when you change your thoughts, you change your life. I have made these truths part of my life for over two decades, and can guarantee that when applied properly and consistently, they work.
To assure your success, here are two, tried and true, chronological lists of positive statements-affirmations that when repeated for 30 days will become imbedded in your subconscious as your true desires. According to the experts, it takes thirty days to re-program our thoughts. Repeat these statements with resolve and feeling as many times a day as possible, silently, as well as out loud and by writing them out to set them firmly in your subconscious. Make copies and put them where you can see them throughout the day and carry them with you wherever you go:
I love myself. I love myself just the way I am. I love myself regardless of the circumstances in my life. I love my body just the way it is. I love my life just the way it is. I love everything and everybody in my life, for I know I have created my life as it is and drawn all the people and circumstances to me. I know that as I love and accept myself, my body and my life the way it is right now, I will then be free to move forward and create the life I desire. And So It Is!
When you have methodically and faithfully completed 30 days on the above, begin the set below and repeat them as often as possible for another 30 days:
I now choose life. I choose health. I choose success. I choose abundance in every area of my life. I choose love. I choose loving relationships. I choose to trust in life and in myself. I choose to give the highest in me for the world, and to receive the highest and best in the world for me. I choose abundance, happiness, joy, love and peace, pressed down and running over. And So It Is!
_____________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
If you answered yes to all the above, you have no need to read any further.
However, if you found yourself unable to do that, you are among the larger percentage of human beings on this planet. Whether it is due to nature or nurture, many human beings grow to maturity without a solid base of self-esteem, which means they don’t feel lovable, smart enough or good enough to deserve even the smallest modicum of good in their lives. I certainly had a lack in that area, and it took raising my self-awareness and exerting a concerted effort to undo whatever events or actions caused me to feed into my subconscious those undesirable, invalid and false beliefs.
Here are some of the insights I have gained along the way. First of all, I realized that by the time we are three to five years old we have already placed in our subconscious beliefs that represent decisions we have made about life. These decisions may or may not be valid, but they reflect our vulnerability and budding self-esteem at the given moment. How much can a three or five year old know at that point? Not much. So many if not all of those beliefs that are fed into our subconscious may be invalid, but they become solidified and will, if not changed, determine every action, reaction, decision or indecision we will ever make throughout our lives.
We won’t even be aware of why we’re doing or not doing something. It is just an automatic response that is similar to those that keep us breathing and all our organs functioning when we’re asleep.
When I finally realized that there was something within me that was keeping me from living a good, happy and successful life, I decided to wake up, find out what it was, learn what to do about it, and do it. I did.
William James was considered the most influential of America’s philosophers and the father of psychology in this country. He said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”
He was right. Here are two concepts that changed my life: It is done unto you as you believe. And, when you change your thoughts, you change your life. I have made these truths part of my life for over two decades, and can guarantee that when applied properly and consistently, they work.
To assure your success, here are two, tried and true, chronological lists of positive statements-affirmations that when repeated for 30 days will become imbedded in your subconscious as your true desires. According to the experts, it takes thirty days to re-program our thoughts. Repeat these statements with resolve and feeling as many times a day as possible, silently, as well as out loud and by writing them out to set them firmly in your subconscious. Make copies and put them where you can see them throughout the day and carry them with you wherever you go:
I love myself. I love myself just the way I am. I love myself regardless of the circumstances in my life. I love my body just the way it is. I love my life just the way it is. I love everything and everybody in my life, for I know I have created my life as it is and drawn all the people and circumstances to me. I know that as I love and accept myself, my body and my life the way it is right now, I will then be free to move forward and create the life I desire. And So It Is!
When you have methodically and faithfully completed 30 days on the above, begin the set below and repeat them as often as possible for another 30 days:
I now choose life. I choose health. I choose success. I choose abundance in every area of my life. I choose love. I choose loving relationships. I choose to trust in life and in myself. I choose to give the highest in me for the world, and to receive the highest and best in the world for me. I choose abundance, happiness, joy, love and peace, pressed down and running over. And So It Is!
_____________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Importance of Keeping a Healthy Body
In several recent essays, I focused on our bodies, how they work and the importance of taking care of them for optimal health. My reason for writing these essays is to share insights I have gained, often from my mistakes, so that more people can live healthier, fuller and more satisfying lives.
I eventually learned that what we believe and our attitudes toward life have a dramatic impact on our mental and physical health. I eagerly embraced this concept to help me heal a lack of abundance, relationships with others, and to create attitudes that support a successful and happy life.
Because I believed my body was one of the things working well in my life back then, I took it for granted. I evidently expected it to continue at peak performance despite how unconscious I was of what my physical self was experiencing. My motto was if it ain’t broke don’t fix it – or even pay attention to it.
I didn’t become aware of the need to focus on my body until I started receiving messages from it that got my undivided attention. Actually, when the messages became stronger and I began to awaken fully to the fact of how vitally I needed a body, I felt a little out of control and somewhat fearful. I began to understand that my body would continue to change over time, and that unless I took back my power and became a caring participant, the changes would probably be faster, more drastic and less desirable.
I also began to realize that most of us share a cavalier attitude toward our bodies. This is why we think nothing of stuffing them with junk food, unresolved emotions, and all sorts of unhealthful substances. We are either bored by or scared of our bodies. Or, we think we’re special because we attend church regularly, are kind to children, old people and animals, or do good work for the world, and therefore we have some kind of special dispensation from Life that protects us. Believe me, we don’t.
I am learning that in order to live and function on the Earth, we need to be aware that there are a lot more skills needed than most of us ever realized. To do more than survive on this planet, it is necessary to learn to control our minds, our emotions, our finances and how to be in relationships with others. Somehow we take for granted the number one priority: the bodies that allow us life. Typically, it isn’t until health challenges arise that we are frightened into learning, even slightly, how our bodies work and what their basic needs are to function properly.
As for myself, I have become actively involved in my health and wellbeing and have totally changed my habit of ignoring and forgetting about my body until something goes wrong, which is the same philosophy many of us use in taking care of our cars.
I can attest to the fact that the longer we wait to become acquainted with and partner with our bodies, the more challenging it may be. Yet I believe the information exists today that would allow us, with forethought, constancy and discipline, to keep our bodies functioning at a desired physical, mental and emotional level all the days of our lives.
Keeping a healthy body is important for all the obvious reasons. It may also allow us to live longer and gain the awareness necessary to master the lessons of life in this realm. The more skilled we become at applying the lessons learned, the more successful we will be in stating our desires and having them manifested surely and swiftly by the omnipresent life force-energy. This would mean that when it is our time to graduate from Earth school, it will be with full honors—magna cum laude.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
I eventually learned that what we believe and our attitudes toward life have a dramatic impact on our mental and physical health. I eagerly embraced this concept to help me heal a lack of abundance, relationships with others, and to create attitudes that support a successful and happy life.
Because I believed my body was one of the things working well in my life back then, I took it for granted. I evidently expected it to continue at peak performance despite how unconscious I was of what my physical self was experiencing. My motto was if it ain’t broke don’t fix it – or even pay attention to it.
I didn’t become aware of the need to focus on my body until I started receiving messages from it that got my undivided attention. Actually, when the messages became stronger and I began to awaken fully to the fact of how vitally I needed a body, I felt a little out of control and somewhat fearful. I began to understand that my body would continue to change over time, and that unless I took back my power and became a caring participant, the changes would probably be faster, more drastic and less desirable.
I also began to realize that most of us share a cavalier attitude toward our bodies. This is why we think nothing of stuffing them with junk food, unresolved emotions, and all sorts of unhealthful substances. We are either bored by or scared of our bodies. Or, we think we’re special because we attend church regularly, are kind to children, old people and animals, or do good work for the world, and therefore we have some kind of special dispensation from Life that protects us. Believe me, we don’t.
I am learning that in order to live and function on the Earth, we need to be aware that there are a lot more skills needed than most of us ever realized. To do more than survive on this planet, it is necessary to learn to control our minds, our emotions, our finances and how to be in relationships with others. Somehow we take for granted the number one priority: the bodies that allow us life. Typically, it isn’t until health challenges arise that we are frightened into learning, even slightly, how our bodies work and what their basic needs are to function properly.
As for myself, I have become actively involved in my health and wellbeing and have totally changed my habit of ignoring and forgetting about my body until something goes wrong, which is the same philosophy many of us use in taking care of our cars.
I can attest to the fact that the longer we wait to become acquainted with and partner with our bodies, the more challenging it may be. Yet I believe the information exists today that would allow us, with forethought, constancy and discipline, to keep our bodies functioning at a desired physical, mental and emotional level all the days of our lives.
Keeping a healthy body is important for all the obvious reasons. It may also allow us to live longer and gain the awareness necessary to master the lessons of life in this realm. The more skilled we become at applying the lessons learned, the more successful we will be in stating our desires and having them manifested surely and swiftly by the omnipresent life force-energy. This would mean that when it is our time to graduate from Earth school, it will be with full honors—magna cum laude.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Information We Need to Live Our Best Lives Now
For much of my life, I wondered why we are not given a handbook at an early age that covers the basic care and feeding of human beings. I even made a serious attempt to support a physician friend in compiling one. In my mind, this information would give us a basic overview of how the body works and a point by point detailed description of everything we need to know to keep our bodies functioning, mentally and physically, at a desired level for as long as we live. The manual would also include any insights into how life really works on Earth, so that we could begin living our best lives much sooner.
The reason we didn’t receive this desired data when we were young is because our parents didn’t have it, and neither did most people—it simply wasn’t widely available. Today, however the intelligence is accessible and rapidly becoming common knowledge.
By the time many of us started to open to these new concepts, however, and realized how intimately involved we should have been in the process of properly caring for our bodies, we had reached middle-age or become senior citizens. At that point, our bodies – our state of health and lives – were not exactly what we hoped they would be.
Since many of us still don’t know our pancreas from a parsnip, the first order of business is to learn how our bodies work and how incredible and miraculous they really are. From this base of respect and knowledge, we can then take it to the next level by learning to listen to our bodies so that we can partner with them to achieve health and, when necessary, healing. This is diametrically opposed to unwisely ignoring, dishonoring and mistreating our bodies and then being surprised when they malfunction or fail.
I believe one of the sources for this much-needed information is in the book “You – The Owner’s Manual – An Insider’s Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and Younger” by Drs. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz. Their light-hearted touch and humorous illustrations make the information easy to understand and to remember.
The authors, however, don’t cover some of the most current ideas about how life on this planet really works. For instance, they don’t mention the fact that how we think and feel about our bodies is a determining factor in our health and well-being, or that by changing our thoughts we can directly affect our state of health. They do, however, pay passing homage to the fact that many people today, famously including cyclist Lance Armstrong, have by attitude and determination experienced healings that defy all medical odds. The book also doesn’t mention the vital link between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of the body – and how they relate to health and healing – but the understanding it does provide about our bodies is a step in the right direction.
Most of us know, thanks in part to the science programs on public television, that we live, move and have our being in an energy that is in everyone and everything in the entire cosmos. This brings us to one of the insights into how life works on this planet: When this life force-energy-intelligence-power-spirit that is in everything combines with our thoughts and the emotions we hold around them, this affects our health, as well as the events and conditions in our lives. Whatever we are manifesting in our lives right now is a direct result of what we have either consciously or unconsciously placed into our subconscious as our order.
If we want to know how well we are using this incredible potential in our own lives – the test is simple. Are we living a life filled with abundance, beauty, health, joy and peace or one of fear, illness, negativity, poverty and unhappiness? If we aren’t living our best lives now, it is time to take this information in and make it part of our lives.
The most effective way to successfully change our thoughts and change our lives is through the use of affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that we use to create patterns and beliefs to replace those that have not brought us the lives we desire. Eventually, if repeated often enough, the subconscious will accept these new directives as our true desires, and the universal life force-energy-intelligence-power-spirit will get behind them and they will manifest in our lives. This universal law is totally impartial and will deliver to us exactly what we focus on and feed into our subconscious – nothing more and nothing less. It could not be otherwise.
When we are ready and willing to take responsibility for our lives – and to actually put this information to work – there are no limits to what we can accomplish.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
The reason we didn’t receive this desired data when we were young is because our parents didn’t have it, and neither did most people—it simply wasn’t widely available. Today, however the intelligence is accessible and rapidly becoming common knowledge.
By the time many of us started to open to these new concepts, however, and realized how intimately involved we should have been in the process of properly caring for our bodies, we had reached middle-age or become senior citizens. At that point, our bodies – our state of health and lives – were not exactly what we hoped they would be.
Since many of us still don’t know our pancreas from a parsnip, the first order of business is to learn how our bodies work and how incredible and miraculous they really are. From this base of respect and knowledge, we can then take it to the next level by learning to listen to our bodies so that we can partner with them to achieve health and, when necessary, healing. This is diametrically opposed to unwisely ignoring, dishonoring and mistreating our bodies and then being surprised when they malfunction or fail.
I believe one of the sources for this much-needed information is in the book “You – The Owner’s Manual – An Insider’s Guide to the Body That Will Make You Healthier and Younger” by Drs. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz. Their light-hearted touch and humorous illustrations make the information easy to understand and to remember.
The authors, however, don’t cover some of the most current ideas about how life on this planet really works. For instance, they don’t mention the fact that how we think and feel about our bodies is a determining factor in our health and well-being, or that by changing our thoughts we can directly affect our state of health. They do, however, pay passing homage to the fact that many people today, famously including cyclist Lance Armstrong, have by attitude and determination experienced healings that defy all medical odds. The book also doesn’t mention the vital link between the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of the body – and how they relate to health and healing – but the understanding it does provide about our bodies is a step in the right direction.
Most of us know, thanks in part to the science programs on public television, that we live, move and have our being in an energy that is in everyone and everything in the entire cosmos. This brings us to one of the insights into how life works on this planet: When this life force-energy-intelligence-power-spirit that is in everything combines with our thoughts and the emotions we hold around them, this affects our health, as well as the events and conditions in our lives. Whatever we are manifesting in our lives right now is a direct result of what we have either consciously or unconsciously placed into our subconscious as our order.
If we want to know how well we are using this incredible potential in our own lives – the test is simple. Are we living a life filled with abundance, beauty, health, joy and peace or one of fear, illness, negativity, poverty and unhappiness? If we aren’t living our best lives now, it is time to take this information in and make it part of our lives.
The most effective way to successfully change our thoughts and change our lives is through the use of affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that we use to create patterns and beliefs to replace those that have not brought us the lives we desire. Eventually, if repeated often enough, the subconscious will accept these new directives as our true desires, and the universal life force-energy-intelligence-power-spirit will get behind them and they will manifest in our lives. This universal law is totally impartial and will deliver to us exactly what we focus on and feed into our subconscious – nothing more and nothing less. It could not be otherwise.
When we are ready and willing to take responsibility for our lives – and to actually put this information to work – there are no limits to what we can accomplish.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Repeated Patterns Expose Our Hidden Needs ... and Reveal the Key to Success
After a recent unsettling telephone call, I went directly to the cupboard and opened a box of cookies, and did what I have done many times before. I sabotaged a dietary regimen I elected to follow to resolve some health challenges. The difference this time was that I was fully conscious of what I was doing, and yet was still helpless to take any other course of action.
The memory of that powerless moment – when something else took precedence over my conscious desires, common sense, will and determination – was so stunning that I have continued to think about it. I wondered how many others have experienced the painful process of promising ourselves that we will never do that again, and before much time has passed, we’ve failed. We have eaten the cake, had a drink or a cigarette, exploded in anger, gotten deeper in debt, chosen work over family – and blown any attempt to break out of our undesirable cycle. In addition to feeling weak and worthless, we’ve just delivered another blow to our self-esteem and the ability to love ourselves.
I remembered reading years ago that for every habit and every repetitive, addictive experience we have, there is a hidden need within us for it, and that humanity is motivated by these unsatisfied needs. This inner need lies below our conscious level in our subconscious and is tied to a corresponding belief. The need-belief within us is what triggers the repetitive behavior.
This something else within us is what “needs” the abuse, the alcohol, the anger, the cigarettes, the failed relationships, the poverty, the excess weight or whatever our particular problem happens to be. In other words, every outer effect we experience in our lives is the “natural” result of an inner thought pattern or belief. And when these thought patterns and beliefs are based in our subconscious the response is automatic.
I also recalled learning in a college psychology class that by the time we are three to five years old we have already accepted thoughts and beliefs at a subconscious level that will determine many, if not all, of our actions, reactions, decisions and indecisions for the rest of our lives.
When problems begin showing up in our lives, it becomes clear, or should, that some of our subconscious beliefs are not valid or positive. It also becomes obvious that these beliefs are red-hot and active, and will remain so until we consciously choose to change them.
While most of us are well aware that by consciously changing our thoughts we can change our lives, we may not be aware that until we change these old, deeply imbedded subconscious thoughts-patterns they will continue to affect our lives in undesirable ways.
The solution to this situation is not based on will power or discipline. Until we treat the root cause the symptom will never go away. This is why our efforts are met with failure, because the minute we relax our will or discipline, the symptoms are right back in our face.
As I became aware that I hold thought patterns-beliefs that trigger a need to sabotage my desire to release weight for health purposes, I also realized this process holds the answer to resolving many issues that block the good in all of our lives.
The good news is that it doesn’t matter what inner belief-need we hold or why. Recognition of the fact that our lives are being affected is the first step in resolving the issue. We can then choose to take back our power and replace these hidden, but still powerful thought patterns and beliefs.
Our success requires a real desire to release the old subconscious patterns-beliefs and replace them with positive thoughts-affirmations, and a commitment to being consistent and focused on this work. When we release-deactivate the inappropriate beliefs, there will be nothing to trigger the undesirable habit. We also need to remember to be gentle, loving and kind to ourselves. This greatly enhances and hastens release of the belief-need—which opens the path to healthy and successful living.
Here are daily affirmations that I repeat as often as possible with great resolve and feeling: I am now willing to release any pattern-belief-need in my subconscious that creates resistance to my good in any area of my life and affairs. I am now willing to release any need-pattern-belief in my subconscious that creates an imbalance in my physical body. And So It Is!
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
The memory of that powerless moment – when something else took precedence over my conscious desires, common sense, will and determination – was so stunning that I have continued to think about it. I wondered how many others have experienced the painful process of promising ourselves that we will never do that again, and before much time has passed, we’ve failed. We have eaten the cake, had a drink or a cigarette, exploded in anger, gotten deeper in debt, chosen work over family – and blown any attempt to break out of our undesirable cycle. In addition to feeling weak and worthless, we’ve just delivered another blow to our self-esteem and the ability to love ourselves.
I remembered reading years ago that for every habit and every repetitive, addictive experience we have, there is a hidden need within us for it, and that humanity is motivated by these unsatisfied needs. This inner need lies below our conscious level in our subconscious and is tied to a corresponding belief. The need-belief within us is what triggers the repetitive behavior.
This something else within us is what “needs” the abuse, the alcohol, the anger, the cigarettes, the failed relationships, the poverty, the excess weight or whatever our particular problem happens to be. In other words, every outer effect we experience in our lives is the “natural” result of an inner thought pattern or belief. And when these thought patterns and beliefs are based in our subconscious the response is automatic.
I also recalled learning in a college psychology class that by the time we are three to five years old we have already accepted thoughts and beliefs at a subconscious level that will determine many, if not all, of our actions, reactions, decisions and indecisions for the rest of our lives.
When problems begin showing up in our lives, it becomes clear, or should, that some of our subconscious beliefs are not valid or positive. It also becomes obvious that these beliefs are red-hot and active, and will remain so until we consciously choose to change them.
While most of us are well aware that by consciously changing our thoughts we can change our lives, we may not be aware that until we change these old, deeply imbedded subconscious thoughts-patterns they will continue to affect our lives in undesirable ways.
The solution to this situation is not based on will power or discipline. Until we treat the root cause the symptom will never go away. This is why our efforts are met with failure, because the minute we relax our will or discipline, the symptoms are right back in our face.
As I became aware that I hold thought patterns-beliefs that trigger a need to sabotage my desire to release weight for health purposes, I also realized this process holds the answer to resolving many issues that block the good in all of our lives.
The good news is that it doesn’t matter what inner belief-need we hold or why. Recognition of the fact that our lives are being affected is the first step in resolving the issue. We can then choose to take back our power and replace these hidden, but still powerful thought patterns and beliefs.
Our success requires a real desire to release the old subconscious patterns-beliefs and replace them with positive thoughts-affirmations, and a commitment to being consistent and focused on this work. When we release-deactivate the inappropriate beliefs, there will be nothing to trigger the undesirable habit. We also need to remember to be gentle, loving and kind to ourselves. This greatly enhances and hastens release of the belief-need—which opens the path to healthy and successful living.
Here are daily affirmations that I repeat as often as possible with great resolve and feeling: I am now willing to release any pattern-belief-need in my subconscious that creates resistance to my good in any area of my life and affairs. I am now willing to release any need-pattern-belief in my subconscious that creates an imbalance in my physical body. And So It Is!
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, June 16, 2008
"Don't Lie, Don't Steal and Don't be Lazy!"
I have been thinking a lot about my grandchildren and what I want them to know to help them grow through life. I found a number of wonderful biographical books by famous authors that illustrate many desirable virtues, but not all my grandchildren are avid readers. What I was really looking for was something as succinct, memorable and profound as the advice above, which was given to me by my late great-uncle John Henry Hampton when I was about 10-years old.
John Henry was one of my most influential role models. But other than that one little gem of wisdom, anything I learned about life from my uncle came from spending time with him. I knew from my parents that he had overcome early struggles and emotional heartache and carved out a successful life. His second wife was a woman with three young daughters, and he had lovingly reared them to adulthood. They adored him.
When I was first invited for overnight visits to their home in St. Louis, two of the girls were in college, but still living at home, and one was a senior in high school. I noticed that a light-hearted and good-natured banter went back and forth between them all the time. The ensuing laughter was infectious. John Henry was often the butt of the humor and he took great pleasure in this and was able to easily laugh at himself.
At that stage of my life, I don’t remember being overly impressed with anything else about their home life – except the fact that John Henry had a number of books in his bathroom – and the time he spent there was accorded an exceptionally high level of respect. Being a voracious reader, I couldn’t wait to find out what was in his “library.” I was surprised to find that his entire collection consisted of Western novels.
I realize now that what he also had was an uncommon amount of common sense and a firm grasp of what was important in life. Although I thought back then that he was rich, he wasn’t, at least not financially. Actually, he was a tool-and-die maker at Carter’s Carburetor and content with his chosen career and his life. The fact that his wife worked undoubtedly added to their discretionary income.
The family also owned a fine old stone house near Black river in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks. After their daughters were married, it was my pleasure to accompany John Henry and Aunt Leatha there each summer. I played with the local kids, swam in the river and rode horses. But the time I treasured most was that spent alone with John Henry.
As soon as we were in the “country,” as he called it, he took on the persona of a farmer, which he wasn’t, and a country singer, which he also wasn’t. This included wearing overalls and tending a small garden. At least once a week we would pile into his old pickup truck, which he loved, and visit all the neighboring farmers and the country store. Between stops he would be singing at the top of his lungs such classics as “The Wabash Cannonball,” and “I’ll Jes Take an Old Cold Tater and Wait.” I’m not sure he didn’t make up the last one.
As we visited the local farms, I got the impression that this was John Henry’s circuit and he was making sure everyone was all right. I soon learned from the conversations that his generosity extended far beyond our family. The high esteem in which he was held was evident wherever we went. He had a strong sense of self and despite his overalls there was a natural elegance in his manner and a child-like playfulness about him that drew people like a magnet. I was honored and proud to be his great-niece.
In the nearby town of Redford, there were no telephones, a post office, two churches and a one-room schoolhouse. In “Mr. Brooks’ store,” there were always barrels of crackers, pickles and nuts, as well as anything else that might be needed by the locals. And sitting cozily in the middle near an old wood stove would be half a dozen overall-suited farmers. It was as if they knew John Henry was in town, and were just waiting for him to show up, which he always did. When we drove in, they stood up in unison, started smiling, walked outside and warmly greeted John Henry.
The expectancy was palpable, and John Henry didn’t disappoint them. I watched proudly from the porch, seated in an old rocker and sipping a cold bottle of chocolate soda, a gift from the store’s owner.
John Henry updated them on the news that was gathered on our visits to neighboring farms, and offered some insights on local issues that were of special interest to them. At times his humorous commentary brought forth gentle laughter.
I have always been grateful for John Henry Hampton’s loving and joyful presence in my life. I wish my children and grandchildren could have known him.
He never strayed from the truth. He was a giver instead of a taker and a hard worker who never expected anyone else to do his share. To be around him was to be embraced in joy, love and respect. I learned that when I love and respect myself, I love and respect others, therefore I do not lie, I do not steal and I am not lazy—and I live a good and happy life.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
John Henry was one of my most influential role models. But other than that one little gem of wisdom, anything I learned about life from my uncle came from spending time with him. I knew from my parents that he had overcome early struggles and emotional heartache and carved out a successful life. His second wife was a woman with three young daughters, and he had lovingly reared them to adulthood. They adored him.
When I was first invited for overnight visits to their home in St. Louis, two of the girls were in college, but still living at home, and one was a senior in high school. I noticed that a light-hearted and good-natured banter went back and forth between them all the time. The ensuing laughter was infectious. John Henry was often the butt of the humor and he took great pleasure in this and was able to easily laugh at himself.
At that stage of my life, I don’t remember being overly impressed with anything else about their home life – except the fact that John Henry had a number of books in his bathroom – and the time he spent there was accorded an exceptionally high level of respect. Being a voracious reader, I couldn’t wait to find out what was in his “library.” I was surprised to find that his entire collection consisted of Western novels.
I realize now that what he also had was an uncommon amount of common sense and a firm grasp of what was important in life. Although I thought back then that he was rich, he wasn’t, at least not financially. Actually, he was a tool-and-die maker at Carter’s Carburetor and content with his chosen career and his life. The fact that his wife worked undoubtedly added to their discretionary income.
The family also owned a fine old stone house near Black river in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks. After their daughters were married, it was my pleasure to accompany John Henry and Aunt Leatha there each summer. I played with the local kids, swam in the river and rode horses. But the time I treasured most was that spent alone with John Henry.
As soon as we were in the “country,” as he called it, he took on the persona of a farmer, which he wasn’t, and a country singer, which he also wasn’t. This included wearing overalls and tending a small garden. At least once a week we would pile into his old pickup truck, which he loved, and visit all the neighboring farmers and the country store. Between stops he would be singing at the top of his lungs such classics as “The Wabash Cannonball,” and “I’ll Jes Take an Old Cold Tater and Wait.” I’m not sure he didn’t make up the last one.
As we visited the local farms, I got the impression that this was John Henry’s circuit and he was making sure everyone was all right. I soon learned from the conversations that his generosity extended far beyond our family. The high esteem in which he was held was evident wherever we went. He had a strong sense of self and despite his overalls there was a natural elegance in his manner and a child-like playfulness about him that drew people like a magnet. I was honored and proud to be his great-niece.
In the nearby town of Redford, there were no telephones, a post office, two churches and a one-room schoolhouse. In “Mr. Brooks’ store,” there were always barrels of crackers, pickles and nuts, as well as anything else that might be needed by the locals. And sitting cozily in the middle near an old wood stove would be half a dozen overall-suited farmers. It was as if they knew John Henry was in town, and were just waiting for him to show up, which he always did. When we drove in, they stood up in unison, started smiling, walked outside and warmly greeted John Henry.
The expectancy was palpable, and John Henry didn’t disappoint them. I watched proudly from the porch, seated in an old rocker and sipping a cold bottle of chocolate soda, a gift from the store’s owner.
John Henry updated them on the news that was gathered on our visits to neighboring farms, and offered some insights on local issues that were of special interest to them. At times his humorous commentary brought forth gentle laughter.
I have always been grateful for John Henry Hampton’s loving and joyful presence in my life. I wish my children and grandchildren could have known him.
He never strayed from the truth. He was a giver instead of a taker and a hard worker who never expected anyone else to do his share. To be around him was to be embraced in joy, love and respect. I learned that when I love and respect myself, I love and respect others, therefore I do not lie, I do not steal and I am not lazy—and I live a good and happy life.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Protecting the Future by Healing Ourselves
For the past nine years, I have been writing and sharing the insights I have gained about how healing the past has the power to change not only our current situation but also our future and the future of the world and humanity. This information isn’t new. It has been around for centuries, yet in the past only a fortunate few knew about it or were open to making use of the principles and enhancing their lives.
That has changed. Over the last few decades, the interest in this information has exploded, thanks in part to Oprah Winfrey and her commitment to expanding the conscious awareness of humanity. She has supported and showcased on her television show great numbers of authors and spiritual teachers who dedicate their lives to sharing this information through their own personal experiences.
The millions of individuals around the world who have benefited are now aware that they don’t have to accept the idea that they are helpless to change their circumstances or to help heal the world. This is a step in the right direction, yet we need many millions more to wake up and take the steps necessary to help us right the world.
Typically, much of humanity has been in a head-in-the-sand mentality for a long time. While many people in the world live where mere survival precludes thinking of anything else, many of us have been fortunate enough thus far to have our lives proceeding normally.
Under current world conditions and with what many of us now know, this is no longer acceptable. What happens to one of us happens to all. Whatever harms the Earth, no matter where it takes place, brings us closer to threatening the future of the planet on which we all live, and the future of humanity
While we’ve had our collective heads in the sand, the quality of our lives has been deteriorating on all levels. From the air we breathe, to the food we eat, to the dire state of nature on land, in the rivers and seas and in the air, every aspect of our lives is threatened. What sanctuaries of nature we once had are now being compromised.
I heard recently on National Public Radio that because America doesn’t want to be dependent on foreign sources for oil, a law was passed in 2005 that in essence says it is the mandate of the American people to drill for oil anywhere it is possible to find it. The law also lowered the bar of the compliances drilling companies have to meet. People called in from Wyoming and Colorado attesting to the desecration of certain rivers and nature areas, and this rhetorical question was voiced many times, “Is nothing sacred any more?”
Here in a medium-size nutshell is the crux of what all the visionary authors and spiritual teachers have been saying and teaching for centuries. In order to change anything in the external world, we have to change. Change comes from the inside of us out, not the other way around. If it is our health, our financial condition or our relationships we want to heal, we have to change. If we want to grow past wars as a means of conflict resolution – or to change the path our government is on – we have to change. Our government and the conditions in our nation simply reflect back to us the collective, predominant thought forms of our citizenry.
This is also the truth about conditions in other countries. The situations and conditions are the effect, not the cause. There will be no change of any desired level anywhere in the world until the predominant conscious awareness of humanity is elevated and we are naturally focused on what is the highest and best for all, including planet Earth. To put it more succinctly: When the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be peace on Earth.
It is not what we say, but what each of us truly is and believes at the core of our being that makes a difference. It truly is done unto us as we believe. When we change our thoughts, our lives change. When enough of us can clear and cleanse invalid thoughts, life patterns and emotions that have kept us mired in negativity, we will have elevated our energy vibration and our conscious awareness. As we heal ourselves we protect the future of the Earth and humanity.
The miracle we have been hoping for resides within us. It starts with us—and is an inside job.
_______________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
[To learn the author’s method of releasing and clearing invalid thoughts and life patterns, go to www.FernStewartWelch.com and click on “How-to Lists” at the top and select “How to Fulfill Your Potential; then read the articles, “10 Proven Steps to Fulfill your Heart’s Desire,” and “A Key to the Conscious Evolution of the Planet.”]
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
That has changed. Over the last few decades, the interest in this information has exploded, thanks in part to Oprah Winfrey and her commitment to expanding the conscious awareness of humanity. She has supported and showcased on her television show great numbers of authors and spiritual teachers who dedicate their lives to sharing this information through their own personal experiences.
The millions of individuals around the world who have benefited are now aware that they don’t have to accept the idea that they are helpless to change their circumstances or to help heal the world. This is a step in the right direction, yet we need many millions more to wake up and take the steps necessary to help us right the world.
Typically, much of humanity has been in a head-in-the-sand mentality for a long time. While many people in the world live where mere survival precludes thinking of anything else, many of us have been fortunate enough thus far to have our lives proceeding normally.
Under current world conditions and with what many of us now know, this is no longer acceptable. What happens to one of us happens to all. Whatever harms the Earth, no matter where it takes place, brings us closer to threatening the future of the planet on which we all live, and the future of humanity
While we’ve had our collective heads in the sand, the quality of our lives has been deteriorating on all levels. From the air we breathe, to the food we eat, to the dire state of nature on land, in the rivers and seas and in the air, every aspect of our lives is threatened. What sanctuaries of nature we once had are now being compromised.
I heard recently on National Public Radio that because America doesn’t want to be dependent on foreign sources for oil, a law was passed in 2005 that in essence says it is the mandate of the American people to drill for oil anywhere it is possible to find it. The law also lowered the bar of the compliances drilling companies have to meet. People called in from Wyoming and Colorado attesting to the desecration of certain rivers and nature areas, and this rhetorical question was voiced many times, “Is nothing sacred any more?”
Here in a medium-size nutshell is the crux of what all the visionary authors and spiritual teachers have been saying and teaching for centuries. In order to change anything in the external world, we have to change. Change comes from the inside of us out, not the other way around. If it is our health, our financial condition or our relationships we want to heal, we have to change. If we want to grow past wars as a means of conflict resolution – or to change the path our government is on – we have to change. Our government and the conditions in our nation simply reflect back to us the collective, predominant thought forms of our citizenry.
This is also the truth about conditions in other countries. The situations and conditions are the effect, not the cause. There will be no change of any desired level anywhere in the world until the predominant conscious awareness of humanity is elevated and we are naturally focused on what is the highest and best for all, including planet Earth. To put it more succinctly: When the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be peace on Earth.
It is not what we say, but what each of us truly is and believes at the core of our being that makes a difference. It truly is done unto us as we believe. When we change our thoughts, our lives change. When enough of us can clear and cleanse invalid thoughts, life patterns and emotions that have kept us mired in negativity, we will have elevated our energy vibration and our conscious awareness. As we heal ourselves we protect the future of the Earth and humanity.
The miracle we have been hoping for resides within us. It starts with us—and is an inside job.
_______________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
[To learn the author’s method of releasing and clearing invalid thoughts and life patterns, go to www.FernStewartWelch.com and click on “How-to Lists” at the top and select “How to Fulfill Your Potential; then read the articles, “10 Proven Steps to Fulfill your Heart’s Desire,” and “A Key to the Conscious Evolution of the Planet.”]
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Importance of Keeping an Open Mind
When I first started talking about my spiritual seeking three decades ago, it wasn’t always easy. A few friends and family members would ask me questions about my non-traditional ideas, such as by changing our thoughts we can change our life. They would respond by laughing, raising their arms above their heads, moving them up and down and wiggling their fingers while chanting “woo-woo.”
What those people didn’t know was that I had been on a spiritual quest since I was ten years old, and would not be deterred. Since childhood, I have believed in a God that knows only love and wants us to learn to create lives that celebrate the gift of life. I also believed that the eternal and sublime energy, which we call God, is in everyone and everything in the universe. Like a wave is part of the ocean, but not all of it, we share the attributes of God, and as such we have the innate ability to design fulfilling, joyous and abundant lives.
After a number of inquiries into different traditional religious denominations, I realized that I didn’t fit. I wasn’t willing to accept what others had decided was the truth if it didn’t resonate within my own heart and mind. I was also seeking my own personal experience with God, and this brought some interesting reactions.
I innocently asked several friends who were longtime church members how to have a personal connection with God, assuming they knew. They averted their eyes and changed the subject. I also learned that no matter how brilliant and articulate a church leader was in the pulpit, it didn’t mean they had a personal relationship with God or were comfortable talking about it with others. Some pastors simply tossed back a directive “Join the church!” as they made a hasty retreat.
Years later I became aware that some traditional religious denominations focus on developing a personal connection with God. I just didn’t happen on one that worked for me.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but my heightened spiritual exploration in the 1970s coincided with the continuing high-energy of the 1960s, which had resulted in millions of Americans seeking new ways of approaching life and spirituality. To the general public and the media, there was so much that was new that even if there had been an interest in checking it all out, it would have been challenging to separate what was a fleeting fad from what would later prove worthwhile. It was much easier to label and lump anything that was new and different into a category that could easily be pooh-poohed and ignored.
History confirms many instances when individuals were severely criticized or punished for bringing to the world new ideas that shook the traditional mind-set and threatened the status quo. If it hadn’t been for some of them, we would still think the Earth was flat, that washing bacteria off our hands to avoid disease and death was bogus and that the sun revolved around the Earth.
One of the recent issues that caused a commotion was the widespread practice of channeling messages from the dead. While this was unsettling for many at the time, a true benefit has been evident for more than a decade. Today there are unknown numbers of individuals who have contact with the spirit-world, and some of them have bestselling books and television shows. The good news is that these psychics are helping to release our universal fear of death and dying, which frees us to live fuller lives and to die better deaths.
I believe it has always been wise to keep an open mind and to be discerning. It is even more vital in our world today. The emergence of new ideas is what moves humanity forward on the path to conscious awareness. In staying open, we learn to embrace change as a fact of life and to respect and value diversity of thoughts and beliefs. This is not an option—it is a requirement to save our planet and ourselves.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
What those people didn’t know was that I had been on a spiritual quest since I was ten years old, and would not be deterred. Since childhood, I have believed in a God that knows only love and wants us to learn to create lives that celebrate the gift of life. I also believed that the eternal and sublime energy, which we call God, is in everyone and everything in the universe. Like a wave is part of the ocean, but not all of it, we share the attributes of God, and as such we have the innate ability to design fulfilling, joyous and abundant lives.
After a number of inquiries into different traditional religious denominations, I realized that I didn’t fit. I wasn’t willing to accept what others had decided was the truth if it didn’t resonate within my own heart and mind. I was also seeking my own personal experience with God, and this brought some interesting reactions.
I innocently asked several friends who were longtime church members how to have a personal connection with God, assuming they knew. They averted their eyes and changed the subject. I also learned that no matter how brilliant and articulate a church leader was in the pulpit, it didn’t mean they had a personal relationship with God or were comfortable talking about it with others. Some pastors simply tossed back a directive “Join the church!” as they made a hasty retreat.
Years later I became aware that some traditional religious denominations focus on developing a personal connection with God. I just didn’t happen on one that worked for me.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but my heightened spiritual exploration in the 1970s coincided with the continuing high-energy of the 1960s, which had resulted in millions of Americans seeking new ways of approaching life and spirituality. To the general public and the media, there was so much that was new that even if there had been an interest in checking it all out, it would have been challenging to separate what was a fleeting fad from what would later prove worthwhile. It was much easier to label and lump anything that was new and different into a category that could easily be pooh-poohed and ignored.
History confirms many instances when individuals were severely criticized or punished for bringing to the world new ideas that shook the traditional mind-set and threatened the status quo. If it hadn’t been for some of them, we would still think the Earth was flat, that washing bacteria off our hands to avoid disease and death was bogus and that the sun revolved around the Earth.
One of the recent issues that caused a commotion was the widespread practice of channeling messages from the dead. While this was unsettling for many at the time, a true benefit has been evident for more than a decade. Today there are unknown numbers of individuals who have contact with the spirit-world, and some of them have bestselling books and television shows. The good news is that these psychics are helping to release our universal fear of death and dying, which frees us to live fuller lives and to die better deaths.
I believe it has always been wise to keep an open mind and to be discerning. It is even more vital in our world today. The emergence of new ideas is what moves humanity forward on the path to conscious awareness. In staying open, we learn to embrace change as a fact of life and to respect and value diversity of thoughts and beliefs. This is not an option—it is a requirement to save our planet and ourselves.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Getting Out of Our Minds and Into Our Hearts
I was driving by the lake near my house when the traffic slowed and came to a complete stop. This wasn’t surprising, as the area is under heavy construction. What was interesting was that there was no immediate honking of horns by frustrated motorists. Yes, I was tempted. Then I noticed that starting with the car in front of me and extending forward down the long line, as far as I could see, each driver had his or her arm out the window pointing over the roof of their car to the right side of the road. When the traffic started moving, I looked on the right and saw the reason for the delay. A mother duck and her covey of ducklings were crossing the road in front of us.
Somehow, no matter how important our appointed errands seemed to be, something had changed. We had shifted from our logical and rational minds into the spiritual stillness within us that transcends our ego-mind and is commonly referred to as the heart of us. I noticed instantly that the situation affected me on all levels. The impatience and concern about being late for an appointment was totally gone. The smile on my face reflected the sense of joy, peace and aliveness that now filled my being.
This experience was a reminder that nature can ground us to our connection with everyone and everything in the universe and the ongoing flow of life. And it is through the feeling-emotional part of our nature – not through our rational and logical minds – that we access this knowing.
I also realize that many of us live in cities and are pretty much removed from nature. This widespread and growing lack of connection with nature is a contributing factor to the fear-based culture in which we live. When we don’t have any connection with our inner selves or the Earth, we lose conscious awareness of our oneness with all life, and we feel separate and afraid.
Another reason for this is that Western culture is based on taking in information logically and rationally with our mind and then letting our mind “tell” us how we should feel. The truth is that the rational and logical aspect of the mind was never meant to be the key determinant in our lives. It was always meant to be balanced with the higher aspect of our being, the heart of us, which is linked to the emotional aspect of our nature. This higher aspect, heart of us, gives us a sense of security and helps us learn what is truly important in life. It also transcends the ego-mind, which keeps us mired in conflict on a personal and global level.
In order to live conscious, fulfilling and fruitful lives, it is necessary to balance the mind with the heart of us. We already know how to do this. We do it all the time, we just don’t recognize it. We do it whenever we have a heightened moment in nature, meditate, pray, react to beauty in any form – especially babies – hear uplifting music, feel love or are simply filled with joy and happiness.
By balancing the mind with the heart of us we can live from a more desirable state. We will then be able to make more conscious, aware and humane decisions that will greatly enhance our relationships, our lives and the lives of others. It is our pathway out of suffering and into peace.
The rational and logical mind is vitally important. We just need to take a break from our total emphasis on it and practice moving into the heart of us until they work together in natural clarity and unity. The easiest and quickest way to start becoming familiar with this process is by pausing and literally shifting our attention from our heads to our chest area and to focus on our breathing. This takes us out of the ego-mind and fully into the present moment where peace lives.
If we can learn to live from a state that balances the mind with spiritual stillness, the heart of us, we will become aware of the sacredness that exists in all life. We will be free of the fear that keeps us isolated from ourselves and others—and in this harmony and balance lies the potential for a true healing in us, the Earth and humanity.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within – is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Somehow, no matter how important our appointed errands seemed to be, something had changed. We had shifted from our logical and rational minds into the spiritual stillness within us that transcends our ego-mind and is commonly referred to as the heart of us. I noticed instantly that the situation affected me on all levels. The impatience and concern about being late for an appointment was totally gone. The smile on my face reflected the sense of joy, peace and aliveness that now filled my being.
This experience was a reminder that nature can ground us to our connection with everyone and everything in the universe and the ongoing flow of life. And it is through the feeling-emotional part of our nature – not through our rational and logical minds – that we access this knowing.
I also realize that many of us live in cities and are pretty much removed from nature. This widespread and growing lack of connection with nature is a contributing factor to the fear-based culture in which we live. When we don’t have any connection with our inner selves or the Earth, we lose conscious awareness of our oneness with all life, and we feel separate and afraid.
Another reason for this is that Western culture is based on taking in information logically and rationally with our mind and then letting our mind “tell” us how we should feel. The truth is that the rational and logical aspect of the mind was never meant to be the key determinant in our lives. It was always meant to be balanced with the higher aspect of our being, the heart of us, which is linked to the emotional aspect of our nature. This higher aspect, heart of us, gives us a sense of security and helps us learn what is truly important in life. It also transcends the ego-mind, which keeps us mired in conflict on a personal and global level.
In order to live conscious, fulfilling and fruitful lives, it is necessary to balance the mind with the heart of us. We already know how to do this. We do it all the time, we just don’t recognize it. We do it whenever we have a heightened moment in nature, meditate, pray, react to beauty in any form – especially babies – hear uplifting music, feel love or are simply filled with joy and happiness.
By balancing the mind with the heart of us we can live from a more desirable state. We will then be able to make more conscious, aware and humane decisions that will greatly enhance our relationships, our lives and the lives of others. It is our pathway out of suffering and into peace.
The rational and logical mind is vitally important. We just need to take a break from our total emphasis on it and practice moving into the heart of us until they work together in natural clarity and unity. The easiest and quickest way to start becoming familiar with this process is by pausing and literally shifting our attention from our heads to our chest area and to focus on our breathing. This takes us out of the ego-mind and fully into the present moment where peace lives.
If we can learn to live from a state that balances the mind with spiritual stillness, the heart of us, we will become aware of the sacredness that exists in all life. We will be free of the fear that keeps us isolated from ourselves and others—and in this harmony and balance lies the potential for a true healing in us, the Earth and humanity.
_________________________________
Copyright 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within – is available at Amazon.com and other online booksellers, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
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