John Lennon said that "Life is what happens between appointments."
For me, it's what happens between blog posts.
This past week has been crazily hectic, which is why the blog has been more than a little Ghost Town. My apologies for that!
However, as a quick catch-up, I've been devilishly busy on the interview front... so here's a quick update!
Bernard Cornwell... Famed author of the Sharpe series, a guy that's sold over 20 million books, the historical novel version of J.K.Rowling... HE spoke with me on Tuesday for an hour about his writing exploits.
During the interview, Bernard chats about his very unusual method of writing, his "love" of the French, and about receiving his OBE from Prince Charles last year.
James Arthur Ray... Massively successful businessman, the star of "The Secret," the guy you recently saw on Oprah and Larry King Live... He's the Manifestation Master and he wants to share his secrets with you!
During the interview, James chats about the quickest way to manifest anything in your life, the seven laws of the universe (including "duality" - one of my favourites), and what "The Secret" *doesn't* tell you!
He's the star of "The Secret," and the man that recently appeared on Oprah and Larry King Live.
He's a big name in the self-development and manifestation world...
And, as like all the big names, he's coming to Self Dev Radio!
So, what would YOU ask James Ray if you could?
What one single question would YOU pose to James if you had the chance?
Please mail me... karl@karlmoore.com and put "BPSF" in the subject line, alongside your question. If I can, I'll ask him during the interview next week.
Remember, I'm interviewing Bernard Cornwell on the same day... SO if you have questions for him also, send them this way! :)
Thanks for your time -- and yes, I'm aware that I haven't done the Friday Factoid yet. It'll be here tomorrow. Promise!
It's been a hectic few days, but this evening I spent time chatting with world-famous screenwriting, Syd Field -- and my interview with him is live already!
If you're interested, stream and download your copy here:
Syd had some surprising answers to my questions -- including whether it's even worthwhile bothering to write a screenplay these days. Download your copy to hear his advice.
Remember, you can stream, download the podcast version, or listen live -- and it's all FREE.
Today, I'd like to chat about a wonderful resource -- shared with me by Spirit Bear, on the www.KarlForum.com website.
How would YOU like to read inspiring stories about everyday heroes... Every day?
I'm talking about stories that will make your heart glow -- and remind you that warmth and kindness really DOES exist outside of your own mind.
If that sounds like you, then check out the Heroic Stories website.
It's free of charge to signup, and they'll mail you a story each day. I'm republishing one of their recent mailouts below.
Enjoy - and consider signing up. You'll love it! :)
(PS. If you haven't discovered my forum yet, visit www.karlforum.com and say hello. We'd love to welcome you!)
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Reaching more than 39,500 subscribers in 118 countries, this is...
------------------------------------------------------------------------ HeroicStories #711: 1 May 2007 www.HeroicStories.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Highest Standards in Action Story Editor: by Leih Merigian Joyce Schowalter Virginia, USA
I have some long standing health issues that result in daily battles with chronic pain and fatigue. My doctor has placed me on a very restricted diet that consists only of above-ground vegetables, high quality protein, and raw, unpasteurized dairy products. I may not consume root vegetables, legumes, fruit or grains.
Needless to say, this is a very difficult and boring way to eat. And, it is not all that easy to find "high quality" protein that is grass-fed and raised without unnecessary antibiotics, growth hormones, and the like. What my diet boils down to is that I spend an inordinate amount of time just finding and procuring the various foods I need to fulfill my doctor's dietary prescriptions.
Given my health issues, there are many days when all this effort just seems like way too much work.
The weekend of May 20, 2006 someone responded to my needs in a way that reinforced my belief in the basic goodness of people. I had come across an advertisement for a local farm that raises heritage livestock and artisan meats, named "Gryffon's Aerie". As it turns out, they are located only nine miles from me, near Charlottesville, Virginia.
I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to discover this wonderful farm so close to my own home. I actually began to dream about the meats I'd be able to obtain there.
When I arrived, I discovered that the "farm store" was actually a freezer on the porch of the farmhouse. Fine by me. The farmer came out to meet me as I drove up. We introduced ourselves and went up on the porch to check out all the great stuff in their freezer.
I began to pick out package after package of meat I planned to buy, giddy in my excitement. What good fortune to have discovered this farm!
As we started to complete the transaction, I suddenly wondered if they took credit cards, and asked, "Do you guys take credit cards?" He turned to me and said, "I'm sorry, we don't, but we're working on that." There I was, holding many packages of frozen beef, realizing that I'd have to put it all back and return later.
I told him I'd have to come back another day, since I hadn't thought to bring my checkbook. This wonderful farmer then made my day by saying, "That's OK, just send us a check when you get home."
Apparently, I'm not the only one who still believes that people are good. You'd better believe I gratefully sent that check the same day, as soon as I got home!
EDITOR'S NOTE: The author refers you to: http://www.gryffonsaerie.com
Please note our advertisement this week; our advertisers help support HeroicStories.
Our readers responded warmly to "A Leaky Sink" (#710), in which the author describes a young man's transformed life, saying, "Amazing what a little lady with a leaky sink and some straight talking can accomplish!"
Tim in Montana said, "I thought I was finally immune and could read HeroicStories at work without tearing up. Wrong again. What a great story! Shows us how much we need the wiser generation."
Caitlin in California loved trying to work out who the hero was. Caitlin: "Was it Rosie? Michael? Or the healthcare professionals who didn't give up? Yet more proof that everyone has something to contribute -- no matter who they are."
In "My Best Thanksgiving Plate" (#708), a neighbor gave Nancy a beautiful plate of Thanksgiving food. (If you missed the story, it's on our archives: http://www.HeroicStories.com/archives.html .) In our last issue, Trish wondered: "Why didn't the neighbor invite Nancy over, not just give her a plate to eat by herself?" Readers sent insightful replies to her comment.
Brigid in Georgia replied, "I, too, thought the neighbor was silly for not inviting the bride over. Upon reflecting, though, the food might have been all that was needed. The evening could have been very awkward for her, with limited English, hanging out with someone else's family, missing her husband. Also, perhaps the bride didn't feel left out because Thanksgiving wasn't culturally important to her."
This story reminded Ranya in Texas of her first few days in America, after migrating from Bangladesh. Ranya: "I think the neighbor was just being extra thoughtful about not stepping over boundaries. She might not have been sure whether the new bride would have been at ease celebrating Thanksgiving, a tradition she didn't share. For example, my co-workers at my first job asked whether I celebrate my birthday before throwing me a party. I was touched by their caring concern."
In another reader comment, Jane mentioned her frustration that her offers of help to a sick friend were repeatedly refused. Last issue, Bobbi replied, "People most always say 'no'. Just do it, just help." Our readers sent varied responses to Bobbi.
Moonchild in Switzerland said, "I've found that changing a request to a command gets better results. So now instead of asking 'May I help?' I say 'Let me help,' as I proceed to do so."
Derek in New Mexico disagreed: "While helping without asking (or being asked) may be accepted by some, others may hate it. Most people with a serious illness feel a terrible loss of control over their lives. Trampling the patient's rights to make their own choices is disrespectful and disempowering, and may be harm rather than help. We have a difficult balancing act. I favor not accepting the first 'no' as final, and negotiating the level of help that might be acceptable. But 'helping' in spite of protests is rarely a service to that person's deepest needs."
And finally, Tess in Ohio agreed with Bobbi. "Last night, my sister brought up the fact that the family wasn't around when she was going through breast cancer ten years ago. I countered with 'You never let on you needed help, so we thought every thing was hunky dory.' Big Sis replied, 'In that situation, you don't ask permission, you just do it. That way people can't turn you down.' So Jane, instead of asking 'How about I fix dinner tonight?' show up at the door with a roast or a casserole. That way your friend can't say no, and if she's already made dinner your gift will keep till tomorrow."
Sheila Crosby, Comments Editor Joyce Schowalter, Publisher Co-Conspirators to Make the World a Better Place
COMMENTS about stories are always welcome -- please include your first name and location: [contact information] SUBSCRIPTIONS to HeroicStories are FREE. Just two seconds to sign up here: http://www.HeroicStories.com (to UNSUBSCRIBE, see the end of this message). TO SUBMIT A STORY, see our submission guidelines, tips and information at: http://www.HeroicStories.com/submit.html CONTRIBUTE to support HeroicStories: http://heroicstories.com/fund.html PUBLISHED BY HS & Son, Inc., PO Box 55213, Seattle, WA 98155, USA. HeroicStories is a trademark of HS & Son, Inc. Newspapers can get the stories as a regular feature column for FREE. For details, send your paper's editor to http://www.heroicstories.com/column.html
Copyright 2007 http://www.HeroicStories.com -- All Rights Reserved. All broadcast, publication, or copying to the WWW, email lists, or any other medium, online or not, is prohibited without prior written permission from HeroicStories.
However, permission is granted to circulate this publication via manual forwarding by e-mail to friends providing that the text is forwarded IN ITS ENTIRETY, from the "Reaching more than" line on top through the end of this paragraph, and NO FEE is charged. We request that you forward no more than three copies to any one person -- after that, they should get their own subscription. --
Today's kindness challenge is for the workplace. And it's EASY to do.
Simply, do a chore at work that someone else usually has to do.
Take that pile of letters down to the mailroom. Visit the local supermarket to replenish kitchen supplies. Make that telephone call no-one else wants to make.
Do it, enjoy it - and watch your actions raise a secret smile.
Who knows. Your actions might just change the world.
There are often times I'll hide my emotions just to please another person. Or I'll use an excuse to get out of an awkward situation, only to find it backfiring a few days later.
I find myself not really showing the REAL ME... and, as a result, find there's a part of me that doesn't feel loved. The part of me that isn't being genuine.
And so today's blog post is about just that.
Being genuine -- AND being loved for exactly who you are.
When did you last find yourself being un-genuine?
And when did it last pay off?
Being genuine means being the real you.
It means living with integrity. Saying no if you mean no -- and being loved for your opinion. It means never getting a knot in your stomach because you're supressing a particular thought or feeling.
That knot is a sign. It's your body telling you to be more genuine.
Author W. Clement Stone said: "Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity."
You see, the hemisphere explanation is based on the idea that the Coriolis force -- created by the earth's spin -- drives the water into a spiral in a certain direction.
However it doesn't!
Yes, the Coriolis force affects big things -- like massive hurricanes and ocean currents. But it's too weak to have a real effect on domestic plumbing.
So what DOES affect which way the water goes down the plughole?
The shape of your sink. How you pulled out the plug. Even which tap you used to fill the sink.
Don't believe me?
Absolutely CANNOT accept that such a crazy myth could exist for SO LONG without being proven?
Then try it for yourself!
Go around your house. Fill every sink full. Leave it for a few minutes, then pull out the plug.
... That's the preaching of many modern lecturers in the world of the self-help industry.
The brain is called the most complex computer in the world. It's the one human organ scientists really don't understand. We only use 10% of it, they say.
And I'm sure they're right.
But just for a moment, I wonder if you could amuse me, as I suggest another possibility.
Maybe, just maybe, your mind is the cause of all your limitation.
You see, it's my belief that every thought is essentially limiting.
It is the brain that stops an experience being merely an experience - and reinforces it with labels, such as "pain" or "suffering."
It is the brain that remembers that you have a bad habit, and tells you that you have it -- each time you see another packet of cigarettes.
It is the brain that links certain situations with feeling happy, or feeling sad.
Well, here's a thought....
Maybe you're already whole and complete and free, but you don't yet realize it.
Maybe -- again, just maybe -- you're absolutely everything you need to be, restricting yourself by the thoughts you're holding in your mind.
Ultimately, the brain really is the world's most powerful computer -- but it's only that.
A computer.
It records. It plays back. It records. It plays back.
That's great. Sure, don't underestimate your powerful brain.
But don't overestimate it either.
The brain is not you. You are not your brain. You are not your body.
If you really take the time out to sit back and think about it, you'll probably sense that there's more to you than your brain and your physical body.
There's a beingness -- an awareness -- that is always present.
And when you start to discover that, you'll discover an eternal freedom that can never be taken away.
Everything you thought was a problem. Every "bad habit" you ever had. Every way in which you identify yourself....
Just a quick post today to let you know that when in Wales, I had an audio interview with Mark Sandler.
We chatted briefly about the various forums, my radio sites, this blog, and more...
You can listen to the new interview on my official homepage, at www.karlmoore.com. You'll find it under the news items near the bottom of the page. Just hit the "Play" button to begin playing.
He's earned himself an OBE. And he's written a staggering 50 best-selling historical novels.
It's BERNARD CORNWELL... And yes, he's coming to Writers FM!
So let me ask...
If you had just five minutes along with Bernard, what would you ask him?
Where did he get the idea for Sharpe? What was it like clinching a big movie deal? What surprised him most when he first started in the publishing business?
Let me know and I'll ask Bernard on your behalf! :)
Well, according to the International Cloud Atlas scale, Cloud 0 is the highest type of cloud. It's known as cirrus, as appears as wispy streaks as high as 40,000 feet up in the air.
Cloud Nine however is one of those big, looming thunder clouds. Ironically, it's at the bottom of the scale because a single cloud can range from just a few hundred feet off the ground -- to around 50,000 feet in the air.
That's the very edge of the stratosphere, by the way.
Why "Cloud Nine" and not Cloud 0 then?
Superstition.
Nine has always been regarded a lucky number, and it seems people seemed to favour Cloud Nine as opposed to clouds seven, eight or thirty-nine.
But you don't believe in all of that nonsense. Surely? :)
So there we go.
Cloud Nine is as low as a few hundred feet, and almost as high as space itself.
Over the past couple of months, I've received a lot of feedback from individuals wanting to connect with a bigger community of inspired friends.
They want to chat with the other individuals that read THIS blog.
I'm talking about the sort of people that are upbeat and positive. People that love sharing inspirational stories. Giving individuals that practice Random Acts of Kindness.
I've just launched a brand new FORUM... where friendly individuals from across the globe can get together to share their stories and help each other out.
It's EXPERIMENTAL, yes -- so I can't say for sure it'll work.
But I'd like to think that we can get a really friendly international community going here, one based on nothing but the simplicity of friendship.
And so, today, if you're interested... I'd like to ask that you please stop by the forum and register!
It'll probably be a little unusual to start off with, but we'll soon overcome that. I've posted the first message (actually the third, I was beat already!)... and I'm awaiting your response.
Remember, the forum may be called KarlForum.com -- but it's definitely NOT about me. Tsk, how egotistical! It's just about spreading the enjoyment of life.
This morning, I received a great little message from Marshell Russell, who wrote...
"All I can say is GENIUS! Thank you so much for this chance. I do not have a lot of money, so being able to get this version has been a God-send. This is phenomenal: I feel like a new person already. I have used other motivational products, but this one has really had a profound effect on my life!"
-- Marshell Baumgarner Russell, bummyshelly AT yahoo.com
He's a pretty switched on guy -- and today I'd like to share 10 of his golden lessons with you, courtesy of Leon Ho:
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected."
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."
"You know, we don't grow most of the food we eat. We wear clothes other people make. We speak a language that other people developed. We use a mathematics that other people evolved… I mean, we're constantly taking things. It's a wonderful, ecstatic feeling to create something that puts it back in the pool of human experience and knowledge."
"There's a phrase in Buddhism, 'Beginner's mind.' It's wonderful to have a beginner's mind."
"We think basically you watch television to turn your brain off, and you work on your computer when you want to turn your brain on."
"I'm the only person I know that's lost a quarter of a billion dollars in one year…. It's very character-building."
"I would trade all of my technology for an afternoon with Socrates."
"We're here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?"
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
"I want to know God's thoughts. The rest are details!"
How often do we get caught up in the tangled mess of our daily lives?
The he-said-she-said. The idea that the system isn't fair. The bickering. The arguments. The details.
I used to play a game when I in my teens. I'd walk around town and pretend that I was God.
My mind would instantly shift to a much higher level, where I was instantly forgiving. My heart would open up completely. I'd smile knowingly at my bretheren. It was a real mindset shift - and it felt great!
These days, I still play the game.
But now I call it my mindset!
You see, we're all capable of God-like thought. Of instant forgiveness. Of an instantly enlightened mind. Of spiritual development.
We're just trapped by our limiting beliefs.
So, just for today, try being the God you are.
Allow yourself to access that higher state of your being, and drop the details that only limited human beings concern themselves with.
Think high level. And watch your perspective change.
Welcome to another weird and wacky Friday Factoid!
Today, I'm asking...
"What did Atlas carry on his shoulders?"
And by Atlas, of course, I'm referring to the Titan of Greek mythology. You've seen his statue, no doubt.
Most people would answer the question simply. He's holding the earth, fool!
But he's not.
That famed image of Atlas actually depicts him holding not the earth... But the heavens.
In mythology, Atlas sided with the Titans in their war against the Olympians. When the Titans were eventually defeated, Zeus condemned Atlas to stand at the western edge of the earth and hold the heavens on his shoulders -- to keep heaven and earth separated for all eternity.
So Atlas is holding the heavens -- and NOT the earth.
But it gets even more intriguing.
That image of Atlas holding the EARTH was popularized by Flemish cartographer (map person), Gerardus Mercator, born way back in the 1500's.
You may remember seeing the image on a whole bundle of old-looking maps.
Well, that's where the word "atlas" originates.
However Mercator's image didn't actually refer to the Titan, Atlas. Rather, his Atlas was the mythological "King Atlas of Mauretania" (after whom mountains are named). The mythical king is supposed to have produced the first real-world globe.
But that's enough miscellany.
Just remember the important bit. Atlas, the Titan, carried the heavens on his back. Not the earth.
In response to my recent post about The Cookie Thief poem, my good friend Chris Seaton wrote to share a little of his own poetry.
In this poem, titled "Off Your Chest", Chris talks of benefits to sharing your troubles. And it has a fantastic ending, too.
Enjoy - and have a great day! :)
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Off My Chess By Chris Seaton
I sat on a bench in our beautiful park, So worried about my affairs, My present was bleak, my future quite dark, I felt I was falling down stairs.
And as I sat quietly forlorn and uptight, And adding torment to my mind, I was joined by someone who’s face was alight, He appeared very friendly and kind.
I just felt I could talk to this affable mate, And put many demons to rest, I opened my heart, the feeling was great I got many things off my chest.
He listened to all that I had on my mind, In his eyes I could see he was good, His presence was comfort, his manner was kind, He gave all the help that he could.
And after the ten or so minutes had passed, And I had expressed all my woes, I started to feel alive and relaxed, As if I was back on my toes.
My friend had convinced me my life is so sweet, And all of my troubles are small, I have places to visit, and new friends to meet, I now felt resurgent and tall.
I thanked him sincerely as I made my way, To open life’s windows and doors, My friend simply meowed as he bid me good day, And I left him washing his paws.
The screensaver randomly displays my favourite inspirational quotes, from Albert Einstein to Winston Churchill -- all on the most beautiful background scenes imaginable.
It's INCREDIBLY inspirational.
Just install it once and be inspired every time your screensaver kicks in. You can customize it too. There's absolutely NO advertising and NO spyware.
Wondering what the screensaver looks like before downloading?
Here's a screenshot of one sample page. It's pretty small here, so just click to enlarge. The quote is from Shakespeare. "This above all: To thine own self be true."
The intention of this blog is to inspire - and bring a little peace and serenity into the lives of its readers.
Which is why today I'd like to suggest...
"If you're a super-fast driver, why not turn into a super-calm driver?"
Yesterday evening, I was returning to my home from Durham City - when a "bigged-up" Ford Fiesta suddenly appeared right on my bumper. Within about six seconds, he'd dangerously overtaken - and was about eighty miles ahead.
If I'm totally honest, I don't completely understand it. This whole social revolution thing has me confused. Way too much information.
When people whizz on about how they've hooked up with a billion old friends, I feel like an 80-year old getting told off for missing a bus that nobody told him was coming.
