Awaken the Genie Within

So Worth the Watch!

I debated as to whether or not I would post this video link for the simply reason that it's a 30 minute video.
However, I realized it was rather ridiculous of me to not give you the choice to watch it or not and I would be doing you a disservice by not sharing this.

If you don't have the time to watch now then come back when you do and I promise, you won't be disappointed.

For me it was such a beautiful example of the difference between the Gremlin world and the Genie world.
And this music teacher is a living example of what it's like to live in his Genie's world.

http://www.poptech.com/popcasts/popcasts.aspx?lang=&viewcastid=211

Go Ahead, Limit Yourself

I recently finished reading a fiction book - The Shack. It's a beautiful book that allowed me to walk away with not only many lessons to apply in my own life but with seeing things from a new perspective.

The following is taken directly from the book:
"Remember that choosing to stay on the ground is a choice to facilitate a relationship; to honor it. Mackenzie, you do this yourself. You don't play a game or color a picture with a child to show your superiority. Rather, you choose to limit yourself so as to facilitate and honor that relationship. You will even lose a competition to accomplish love. It is not about winning and losing, but about love and respect."

"So when I am telling you about my children?"

"We have limited ourselves out of respect for you. We are not bringing to mind, as it were, our knowledge of your children. As we are listening to you, it is as if this is the first time we have known about them, and we take great delight in seeing them through your eyes."

This dialogue takes place between Mackenzie and God. When I read it a huge light bulb went off in me and my heart expanded once again. Today I got to experience the joy in limiting myself during my walk.

I'm a fast walker which is why I usually walk alone. I like to get out there and sweat! Today I came upon a woman who I see often during my walks and she walks much slower - she's in her late 70's. As I started to pass her she struck up a conversation and I slowed down for the time being. After a few minutes I wanted to pick up my pace but I suddenly remembered what I read in The Shack and stayed at pace with her. We had such a lovely conversation and she's a truly beautiful Soul. As the conversation was coming to an end she said,

"You're a dear to have taken the time to chat with me and I'm sorry to have slowed you down. It's time to pick up your pace again."

And off I went feeling lighter and more joyful than I did when I started out at my furious pace!

I want to make it clear that this is not about limiting yourself for someone else in your life because he or she is more interested in staying stuck or being the victim. This limitation comes from real love that supports and honors the highest good of all parties involved.    

So I invite you, throughout your days, to see how you can limit yourself and make a difference in someone's life. Perhaps it's how you have a conversation with a family member who normally annoys you. Or maybe you slow yourself down enough to help the person who's having difficult learning something new that you learned quickly.

You know better than anyone how you can limit yourself so you ultimately expand yourself.

Are you a dog or a cat?

I was sent something very funny and as I was reading it, it occurred to me there's a great lesson in this. Many people in the world walk around with one of these two attitudes and it has a direct affect on their life. Only you can decide for yourself - are you spending more time in the cat's world or the dog's.

And just to set the record straight, I am an animal lover and have had cats and dogs my whole life - loving them both equally.

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary...

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!   
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!   
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary...
Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now....

Vote Earth

On Saturday, March 28th you can take a stand and begin the process in making a difference in Global Warming.
People all over the world are volunteering to turn their lights of for one hour.
To learn more about this incredible movement:

http://www.earthhour.org/

Just Beautiful

Whatever you're allowing to hold you back from living your life full out watch this video. It's just beautiful and so inspiring.

All 21 woman-dancers are deaf.
They are following instructions from four instructors who are hidden off stage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgHmSdpjEIk

Seeing With New Eyes

My niece was visiting from the east coast this weekend and we had a wonderful time just hanging out together and giving her the weekend tour of fun things to do. You know, the things we might not normally do until someone comes to visit.

The funny thing is, though, I know I benefited the most from our time together. Driving from one place to another we often had to drive through areas that I don't particularly enjoy - too much traffic and not very pleasing to the eye. On occasion I would hear myself complaining about the traffic and apologizing for having to drive through these areas.

She on the other hand said, "Oh, I think this is fantastic. I love the buildings, they're so different from home and the people are just fascinating to watch. What a bunch of great characters!"

Honestly, at first I thought she was a little nuts but as we continued driving she was pointing out things that I've seen before but never in the way she was sharing with me. Suddenly, I was seeing everything with new eyes and my entire perspective changed. When my perspective changed I found myself kind of grateful to have to drive so slow. It allowed me to look more closely at the things she was intrigued with and let go of my old beliefs. The entire weekend ended up being like this and it was a blast. I felt like I was a tourist in my own city!

It's so easy to become cynical and ho hum about the places and people in our everyday life. And it's this cynicism and bored attitude that can drain our energy and not allow us to feel very alive. Sometimes it's worth taking the time to drop our preconceived notions so our minds are free to allow us to see with new eyes.

So how about you? Are there people or things in your life that if seen with new eyes would serve you and improve your life - even a little bit?