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"Yes to everything!"
For those that remember, saying "Yes!" more was the subject of one of my blog posts back in November.
You can read the blog post here.
Well, last night I stumbled across something known as the Tantra Attitude. And it struck me that the idea of saying YES more isn't just about adventure and opportunity.
It can also be deeply spiritual - and apply to feelings, emotions, EVERYTHING.
I found this on a Tantra Attitude Web page last night:
"You say yes. You say yes to everything. You need not fight, you need not even swim -- you simply float with the current. The river is going by itself, on its own accord, everything reaches to the ultimate ocean. You simply don't create any disturbance, you don't push the river, you simply go with it
"If you can say yes, a deep acceptance happens to you. If you say yes, how can you be complaining? How can you be miserable? Then everything is as it should be. You are not fighting, not denying -- you accept. And remember, this acceptance is different from ordinary acceptance."
If you're slightly adverse to wise-looking guys with beards, then turn off images and read the rest online here.
So, just for today, why not make your motto...
"Si a todo!" ... "Yes to Everything!"
... And just see where the river of life takes you?
Labels: inspiration, self-development
(Listen to Karl's AUDIO version of this post by clicking here!)
Today, I'd like to say thanks.
To you.
Why?
I was interview earlier in January about my writing work at "How to Tell a Great Story."
During the interview, Aneeta asked what I did to "find my voice." I answered that being forced to churn out fresh articles, week in, week out, to a strict magazine deadline... That act forced me to get quicker, and better.
And when I wrote my VB .NET books, I was forced to learn and improve my knowledge... And therefore find my "programming voice."
In other words...
... By teaching, I learned.
Well, I've realized something.
Over the past four months, I've been writing at least one post a day for my subscribers here at Karl Blog.com.
The goal of most of my posts is to inspire... And help anyone that may be reading to grow in some way. To assist on the journey to self-development.
I set my goal to post daily.
And let me tell you...
... It's REALLY "forced" me to develop MYSELF further!
From the feedback I've received, I know my posts somehow make a small difference.
But they make the MOST difference to me.
They help to remind me to appreciate life to the full -- And that there's no other moment except the present.
And so for that, today, I send YOU my very sincere thanks.
From the heart.
Thank you.Labels: blog stuff
"You look fantastic today!"
"You are truly a wonderful friend!"
"Honestly, thank you for just being you."
Today's Random Act of Kindness is simple...
... Give a compliment.
I don't mean a fake compliment. And I certainly don't want you to try and force it.
But perhaps today you could attempt to express a genuinely heartfelt compliment, the sort of thing you wouldn't normally even consider saying.
Help to make someone else feel really good about themselves.
The stressed waitress. A tired mother. Your best friend, for absolutely no reason at all.
Remember...
Don't wait for people to be kind. Show them.
Beginning today!
Labels: random acts of kindness
Today, I'd like to share with you the most basic teaching in Buddhism.
That teaching is... "Everything is change."
Every single thing is in a state of flux. A state of never-ending change.
Everything is created - and everything will ultimately wear out and be reduced to earth.
Your business suit is made and worn, and will ultimately fall apart and decay. All animals are born, and will eventually die. Buildings, machines, roads, clocks, books, everything...
Everything has a beginning. And everything has an end.
It's always changing.
And so what does this teach us?
Well, for a start, it helps us to realize we can never really be in control of anything. Everything changes. Once we accept that, we let go of really wanting to control it... And simply allow ourselves to control it to the degree that we do in that moment.
But perhaps more importantly, it puts us at peace with the world.
By contemplating this teaching, we realize that everything will ultimately reduce to dust. The glass you are drinking from will ultimate break. So when that break occurs, you don't need to curse at your misfortune... But simply realise that you're witnessing it's ultimate change in progress.
The cycle of everything is not if... But when.
The teaching is designed to put you at peace. To stop you trying to grasp onto things... To stop you trying to control things... But instead to realize, without apathy or helplessness, that everything changes. Everything moves. Everything is in a continuous state of flux.
It's a teaching which puts you in a state of acceptance.
And it's incredibly empowering... If only you really get it.
Giuseppe Tomas di Lampedusa said: "If you want things to stay as they are, things will have to change."
Nothing will ever remain the same. Everything changes.
Want to learn more about this teaching? Click here, or here.
Labels: inspiration, quotes, self-development
A quick post today... with a little musical recommendation :)
You may remember Joshua Kadison from the early 90's.
He wrote that great song "Jessie," one of the Magic AM favourites.
To refresh your memory, the chorus goes: "Jessie, paint your pictures, 'bout how it's going to be... By now I should know better, your dreams are never free... But tell me all about our little trailer by the sea... Jessie, you can always sell any dream to me."
(As a small sidenote, Kadison apparently wrote the song about Sarah Jessica Parker, the lead carnal sinner in Sex in the City.)
Well, I'm writing today to recommend his album of the same name: JESSIE.
This isn't his latest album -- and that's good for you, as it means you can grab a copy for just a few units of whatever currency you're using. And the songs are tireless.
Jessie... Beautiful in my Eyes... and Picture Postcards from LA.
They're simply beautiful.
And so today, I'd really like to recommend this collection.
Joshua Kadison is one talented singer and musician, and if you have a few pounds in your pocket today, I can think of no better way to spend it.
Click HERE to check out the CD at Amazon USA, or click HERE if you live in the UK.
PS. I actually just spoke to Joshua Kadison this afternoon! No kidding. I asked about his spiritual journey. He replied: "Right now all I know is, I think this whole universe thing is about joy ;-)" -- Good answer. Who wouldn't buy his CD based on that response?
Labels: music, recommendations
It's time for yet another Friday Factoid. And today's question is...
"What colour is water?"
The most common answer is... "It's transparent. It doesn't really have a colour!"
The educated explain that the blue colour of the sea is only a reflection of the sky.
And they'd be wrong.
Water really is blue... Albeit rather a faint shade of the colour.
You'll find the answer in nature itself: Try looking into a deep hole in the snow, or into the centre of a thick icicle.
Or if you're feeling practical, go fill a big white pool full of water and look straight down through it. The water will be blue.
It's true that the reflection of the sky does affect the way the sea appears. And other elements, such as algae and other microscopic plants, make a big difference.
But water really does have a colour. And that colour is blue.
Credit where it's due, eh? :)
Labels: factoids
Following my last post about allowing everyone today to teach you a lesson, I received three fantastic direct e-mail responses.
Hilde replied in understanding...
She explained how she believed she created her own reality, and as such everything that was happening was occurring to help her grow in some way. Great attitude!
Karen was unsure...
She explained that she couldn't interpret minor irritation as a gift, no matter how much Horlicks she drank. Understandable, I'd say... But it could just be an opportunity to further develop your skills of patience?
And Mark was curious...
>> Blog Quote: "PS. As a small aside, I would like to make it quite clear to the 20 random callers that dialled my number today, that I do NOT have an San Francisco apartment for sale, and I have never used a website called Craigs List. Nor am I a porn actor looking for work. Good day."
He wrote: "Come on then, tell me more!!"
Tsk, tsk. Some people.
See you all again in a few hours ;)Labels: fun, inspiration
Prior to June 2005, I had absolutely no idea who "Yoda" was.
And then while dancing, Kim Lewis said something which sounded distinctly odd. For some reason, she confused her sentence by jumbling the order of its words.
"Uggghh?" I grunted.
And then I was initiated into the world of Star Wars - and it's small alien-like megastar, Yoda.
He's the wise one... apparently. And he mashes every sentence into near-old-world English.(Which, if I'm awfully honest, doesn't actually seem that wise.)
Now, someone sent me a Yoda quote yesterday:
"Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is."
Well, I don't know about you -- but I pride myself in having a child-like mind.
Why?
Because children are curious.
They look at everyone as though they have something to teach them.
What if YOU began seeing everyone as having something to teach you... ?
The ill-mannered teenage McDonalds waitress. The lecture you get from your spouse about chores in the house. Traffic. The drunkard. The sober. The rude. The friendly. The problematic.
These things may all be gifts to help on your path to enlightenment.
Can you imagine?
Try it. Just for today.
See everyone else as developed, enlightened beings, passing on hidden messages to you.
Watch your perspective change... and your personal development rocket.
And may the Force be with you. Or whatever they say.
PS. As a small aside, I would like to make it quite clear to the 20 random callers that dialled my number today, that I do NOT have an San Francisco apartment for sale, and I have never used a website called Craigs List. Nor am I a porn actor looking for work. Good day. Labels: inspiration, quotes, self-development
You know, I used to be a real worry-pot.
Honestly.
I'd worry about everything. Bills. People. Opinions. And more "important" matters, such as finances. Business. Security.
These days... I'm much more chilled.
Why?
Because last year, life taught me the important lesson that worrying is NOT essential to life!
Think about it... In our many years on this planet, we've each been taught that we must worry. It's what we do when things go wrong. We anticipate the future and "plan" for the worst.
Worry is ESSENTIAL. Surely?
Well, I figure... It isn't!
Worry is the one thing sure to end your life a little quicker. It's a state of mind taught to us by parents that really didn't know any better. By friends and colleagues that perhaps didn't quite know how to release feelings of panic as well as they should.
Consider this.
For years, they thought the world was flat. Turns out it's round.
For years, they thought the sun rose in the west and set in the east. Turns out we're the ones doing the circling.
These are BIG beliefs that people held on to for dear life... And some still do.
Well, what if in 50 years time, scientists write a report that explains how "worry" is totally artificial... And it's just something that we are taught?
What if worry is just a belief... a label... an unnecessary habit... ?
What if worry is something we can let go of, just as easily as we can let go of a pen?
Milton Garland said:
"Don't worry about anything. Worrying never solved anything. All it does is distort your mind."
Ain't that the truth.
So - just for today - stop worrying. It's not needed.
Everything is perfect just as it is :)Labels: inspiration, quotes, self-development
A quick update on the Artist X front.
Artist X has just released a new site called Play It Forward, his attempt at getting one million people to listen to "All Things Subside" within 90 days.
It's a neat concept - based on the film Pay It Forward - and I'd urge you to have a listen.
Here's the link: http://www.playmysongforward.com/
I've used his music many times at Self Dev Radio and Writers FM. He was kind enough to donate it to our station. I've since become something of a fan! :)Labels: music, recommendations
Today, I'd like to pay thanks to a special guy.
Except... I don't exactly know who he is.
And, if I'm totally honest, I can't be 100% certain that "he" is even a guy.
Artist X is a singer and musician that prefers not to reveal his identity. He does so because it equates to ego... And he wants his music to mean something for what it is, and not because of his groovy new hairstyle, or for the fact that he's dating Britney Spears.
Which he's not, incidentally. Or maybe he is. Who knows.
But his music... is really fantastic.
Today, January 23rd, he launches his debut album, "Light."
It costs just a few bucks... And if you listen very carefully, the words just might resonate at a really deep level for you. I've featured his music during some of my interviews (such as the one with Hale Dwoskin and Randy Ingermanson).
He has a number of great new songs out too, such as "Smile."
They're spiritual, magical, wonderful.
Even I don't know who Artist X is.
But I know that his music really makes sense.
Learn more about his work online at http://www.artistxmusic.com/ or get a preview online at http://www.myspace.com/artistxsongs
Labels: music, recommendations
Today's Random Act of Kindness is extremely simple.
Pick up some litter during your dinner hour!
No matter where you live, it's likely that litter is a big problem for your city.
All around, people are throwing cigarette butts, McDonalds wrapping, and candy papers - right onto the floor, or out of their car windows.
If I'm honest, it's a pet annoyance of mine.
That's why today's RAK is to pick up some litter during your dinner hour, or during one of your strolls into town.
I'm not asking you to go clean up your entire city. Just help it along.
Pass it on! :)
Labels: random acts of kindness
Today, I'd like to share a little story about something that happened to me earlier in the week. I think you'll find it quite inspiring.
Early February, I'm visiting Richmond-upon-Thames.
I'm meeting my friend Mecthild Ruggier. And every time I visit, it always appears to be "Rugby Weekend."
Now, prior to my last visit, I'd stayed at the Richmond Hill Hotel.
However, following a psychologically-disturbing encounter with a "Lady of the Night" and two angry squirrels, I'd instead opted for the more tasteful Petersham Hotel. Which looks a bit like the Disneyland Castle by night.
I called this week to make a booking.
My visit is early February, a couple of weeks away. On "Rugby Weekend."
And it's England vs Scotland.
Every single hotel I called was booked up. *Every* hotel.
But the Petersham handled it better than most.
Alan, a receptionist at the hotel, was extremely polite. He explained that all of the rugby officials stay at the Petersham, and they had a massive waiting list for that weekend. But he continued to ask about my journey, and went on to recommend local hotels.
He even did an Internet search to get a rival hotel's Web address for me! Wow!
Now, over the past three years, I've made it a habit to INSTANTLY write a letter of praise whenever I encounter a fantastic company representative like this.
And so I did. I immediately wrote the hotel manager and faxed two pages of praise.
I also added: "PS. If you do get those rooms free on February 2nd-4th, let me know!"
As for visiting Richmond? I'd given up. No luck whatsoever.
Last night, I received a call from Martine in the Petersham bookings department. The waiting list had suddenly vanished. And they had a room free all of a sudden!!
But, alas, it was outside my budget.
I asked whether they could do anything.
I received a call this morning: They've upgraded my room. So I'm getting a fantastic room at the plush Petersham hotel for the cheap London rate of 70 GBP per night, and 110 GBP on a Saturday. Including breakfast :)
Now, I didn't write my letter of praise in order to be given preferential treatment.
And, of course, it's just possible that all of this would've happened without my communication. Unlikely. But possible.
However -- Do you see the Power in Positivity?
By writing the letter, I made someone else's day. I didn't expect anything in return. As it happens, the Universe delivered back to me a wonderfully discounted gift.
So...
... What positive comments could YOU give today, without expecting anything in return?
... And how about writing a letter of praise for someone yourself?
You'll make someone's day, for sure. And you just never know might happen ;)Labels: inspiration
Today I'd like to share a little freebie with you from the Early to Rise team.
It's a guide showing you exactly how to handle some of life's stickier situations.
Like what to do with your dodgy credit report. Or how to get a passport quickly. Or how to beat annoying queues at an aiport. Or how to survive a hostage situation.
Or how to disconnect the phone when your Aunti Bessie is yap-yap-yapping away.
It's intended mainly for folks in the US, but I think anyone will find it interesting.
Best of all, it's completely free.
Grab your copy of The Pocket Survival Guide from the Early to Rise team today - by clicking HERE.Labels: books, fun, recommendations
Welcome to another Friday Factoid!
Now, if you been around anytime over the past couple of thousand years, you'll know about the number 666.
It's the dreaded Number of the Beast, a number more unlucky than 13.
It's the sign of the dreaded Anti-Christ, the fiend that will apparently return to rule the world before the Last Judgement. Aye curumba.
However according to the very latest scientific research, they got it all arse upwards.
Apparently 666 should actually be... 661.
(Seriously. I don't make this stuff up!)
A new translation of the very earliest Book of Revelation shows the number clearly to be 616, not 666.
The 2005 translation was made on a 1700-year-old papyrus recovered from the city of Oxyrhynchus in Egypt, and deciphered by a palaeographical research team from the University of Birmingham. The team was led by Professor David Parker.
But of course, not everyone is going to welcome the finding.
Such as the European Parliament, who currently leave seat 666 free. (Just in case the Devil wants to pop in for a quick debate.) It seems someone called "Montfort" currently holds seat 661.
Or the US Government, who changed "The Highway of the Beast" -- Highway 666 -- to Highway 491, at severe cost to the taxpayer.
But perhaps least amused will be The Moscow Transport Department, who in 1999 decided to pick a new number for the "jinxed" 666 bus route.
The new number?
616.
Now I'm not superstitious. But that's one ride I won't be taking ;)
More factoids next week!
Labels: factoids
I don't know about you, but I like random.
When I was 20, I discovered a system of "asking the dice."
For non-critical life decisions, I'd let the dice decide which direction I should take.
Should I hit the town tonight... Or stay inside with my DVD player? Should I say "Yes!" and go on that crazy speed dating event? Should I go on holiday this year to Spain... or India... or New Zealand?
The dice could deliver a straight YES or NO. Or up to six separate answers, depending on which number it landed.
And the dice would take me to places I never dreamed possible.
But... Isn't it just a bit irresponsible using a dice to decide the outcome of your life? Nah. I never use it in critical situations, obviously. But from the seeming random behaviour of the dice came a much deeper meaning. I always felt I was simply allowing "fate" it's chance to change my life. There's a wonderful quote in The Six Degrees of Separation...As the Kittredges attempt to sell a double-sided Kandinsky painting, they demonstrate how one side shows seeming chaos... and the other side shows complete order. "Chaos, control. Chaos, control. You like, you like?" One side of the painting is the seeming disorder of life and all it's random moments. And on the other side is the truth... the reality of the orders of fate that are affecting you right now. Out of chaos comes control.
Out of random dice throws, comes the opportunity for the Universe to play its hand.
So... What FUN decisions could you let the Universe make for YOU today?
Seriously. Do it.
Let the dice decide.
Who knows where it'll lead you.
Enjoy the adventure!
Labels: films, inspiration, pictures, quotes
In today's competitive world, we very naturally place major importance on our EGO.
People do things to be SEEN.
Like the politician who attends an environmentalist rally, then speeds off in his Mercedes. Or the "devout Christian" who spends his days praying on the steps on the church, so others can visibly see his devotion.
Well, one reader sent me an e-mail this morning following my latest post regarding Random Acts of Kindness...
She said: "I tried your suggested Random Act of Kindness, and it felt fantastic. I was doing something nice and didn't tell anyone about it. I've done another half-dozen things so far this week without expecting praise. I've dropped my ego and I honestly feel WONDERFUL."
I love that message.
So here's a thought...
What if you dropped your ego, just for today?
What if you didn't always have to be right in that argument... Or want praise for donating to that charity... Or wish for your neighbours to see as you helped that elderly lady cross the street?
You'll soon discover your internal weighing scales for the happiness recipe. On one side of the scales is the ego. On the other is your self-esteem.
Drop the ego. And watch your self-esteem rocket.
Seize the day! :)
Labels: inspiration, random acts of kindness, self-development
Henry David Thoreau was an American author, philosopher and 1800's revolutionary.
Whether you realize it or not, Thoreau helped shape the world as it stands today. He was inspiration behind the plights of men such as Martin Luther King and Leo Tolstoy.
He inspired protestors to resist Government movements using non-violent methods. He even helped to rid the United States of slavery.
One of my favourite Thoreau stories comes just before his death, at the age of 44.
Suffering severe tubercolosis, his aunt Louisa asked whether he had made peace with God.
"I did not know we had ever quarelled!" came his response.
Wonderful.
But perhaps my favourite quote from Thoreau's work is...
"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it."
Think about it...
... How very, very true!
What do you plan to do today?
And is it really worth the amount of life you're putting into it?
And if not... Change what you're doing.
Labels: inspiration, quotes
This week's Random Act of Kindness is a little more challenging! It's not difficult. But it might add a stretchmark to your comfort barrier.The task is simple... Buy a small bunch of flowers, and give them to the first person you see that looks a little down. It's easy. It's incredibly, incredibly easy. Now go and do it.Forget their response, too. Just see how it makes you feel. And then congratulate yourself on making the world a kinder place to live in!
Labels: random acts of kindness
It's a little known trick in the big stores.
But the final character in a "sale price" indicates just how discounted the product really is!
Okay, okay, I know this isn't my usual style of blog post. However this little tip could save you big time.
In PC World (UK computer store) a few weeks ago, I was let in on a little internal secret. If a product has genuinely been reduced to the lowest price possible, and won't go any further before the product is pulled, the price will end in .95.
Check it out. Most products in PC World cost something like 479.99p.
However a "GREAT bargain" will end in 95p, rather than 99p.
I did a little research online and found out it wasn't the only store to divulge in such "trickery."
In the States, Target does pretty much the same thing.
Most products end with .99c, such as $19.99. As the sales and discounts progress, Target takes a cent off the last part of the price -- until it gets to .94c -- at which time you know the price won't get any lower.
So... tip of the week...
If you're at PC World, and the price ends in .95p, it's a GREAT BUY.
If you're at Target, and the price ends in .94c, it's a GREAT BUY.
Over and out! :)Labels: factoids
Okay, okay, so it's Saturday...
But just because my Friday was incredibly busy isn't a good enough an excuse not to introduce my new Friday-But-If-I'm-Really-Busy-Then-Saturday feature:
The Friday Factoid!
Inspired by Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2, QI, and a selection of other interesting "fact books" I received for Christmas, every week I'll be posting something interesting you'll wish you never knew.
Today, I'm asking the question...
How many legs does a centipede have?
Well, if you thought 100, then as you probably guessed... You're quite appallingly wrong.
The word "centipede" comes from the Latin for "one hundred feet", however not a single centipede has ever been found that actually has that number of legs.
Seriously.
The closest anyone has ever come to 100 legs was back in 1999, when some bloke found a species that had 96 legs. Which, personally, I don't think is much of an accolade.
Other centipede species have between 15 and 191 pairs of legs.
But not one has exactly 100 legs.
Tsk. The stuff they don't teach you at school.
More next Friday. Until then... Impress your friends, spread the factoid!Labels: factoids
A friend of mine sent me a great e-mail today.
I had been explaining quite a technical concept to him. And he replied with:
"I'm lost. But that's good: This way I arrive at places I don't usually visit!"
And I thought... What a great attitude to have.
So today -- in the least insulting way possible -- why not "get lost" and discover something new?
Want a few "interesting" starters?
Well, try listening and appreciating a new form of music. Or visiting a website you've never seen before. Or connecting with someone you wouldn't usually. Click around. Immerse yourself for a few minutes...
... And just see where getting lost takes you! :)Labels: inspiration
One question my friends often ask me is... "What is it you do for a living again, Karl?"Boy, do I find that question hard to answer. These days, I seem to have so many thumbs in so many pies, I'm starting to lose track myself. So, just for the record....I run White Cliff Computing Ltd. The online part of that is called the WCCL Network, which includes over 100 different websites. Some of these sites sell products, some are just free for the community. We produce tools for four core markets, each of which is one of my passions. Firstly, the home user software market - such as File-Saver. Secondly, the privacy software market - as with Evidence-Blaster. Thirdly, the self-development market - as in Subliminal Power. And finally, the writers market - such as with the How to Write Any Book in a Month course. We also produce a whole bundle of free sites, such as Writers FM, My Writers Circle, Self Dev Radio, and so on. You can view the full list of sites by clicking here. I'm personally involved in a lot of this - for example, I handle all of the online interviews at Writers FM and Self Dev Radio. (Mainly because that's the really fun bit!!) The WCCL Network has just launched an online video showcasing some of its websites, and so I'd like to share that with you today. It's a bit easier than explaining it all. So here goes...
Enjoy - and thanks for stopping by! (PS. If you're reading this post via e-mail, you'll need to visit www.karlblog.com to watch the video.)Labels: videos
In today's society, being right is incredibly important.
How many times have you desperately clung onto an argument, thrashing it out to the bitter and evil end... only for the other party to turn around and say "Okay, you're right..."
So you can go to bed, with a crying partner, "happy" at the victory.
Well - here's an interesting experiment.
Just for today, if you get into an argument... Why don't you try letting the other person be right for a change?
EVEN if they're wrong...
Remember the humorous words of sci-fi writer Robert Heilnein:
"Being right too soon is socially unacceptable."
Now, you wouldn't want to be that today, would you?
Try it out. See what it does to your Wednesday.Labels: inspiration, quotes
Yesterday, I received a telephone call.
It was Aneeta Sundararaj from the How to Tell a Great Story site. She was looking to interview me for her writing website.
Well, no time like the present - so we jumped straight into it, and recorded the interview there and then!
If you're interested in the world of writing, then you might just enjoy reading the transcript.
Click HERE to read the entire interview.
I've done a few interviews before online - but over the past year, I've typically been the one asking the questions. Which, I hasten to add, is much easier!
Enjoy the interview - and enjoy the day! :)Labels: news, writing
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