How often do you find your self pre-occupied with events that happened yesterday, last week or last year?
And, how often do you catch your self thinking about things that haven't even happened yet?
If left unchecked, dwelling on past or future events can rob us of NOW time.
And NOW is really all that matters.
Of course, there's nothing wrong about thinking about happy times from the past.
Nor is there anything wrong about imagining and visualizing the happy times ahead.
The danger is that we become pre-occupied with past or future times and, in so doing, we end up sacrificing living fully in the moment.
If life isn't going so well right now, it may seem easier thinking back to a happier time or dreaming of what could be, but it doesn't change anything now unless you focus on changing the situation. To do that, you need to be in the moment.
Dwelling on the past or future can also be the result of insecurity about where you are right now.
When you think over and over about something that didn't go right in the past or frantically worry about what tomorrow may bring, you sacrifice your chance of happiness now.
Remember, all that ever matters is NOW.
Really being in the moment is not about forgetting the past or future.
The past shapes us and the future allows us to play out our dreams.
But, be aware, that time isn't real.
It's an illusion.
NOW is all we ever have!
What you do NOW ... moment, by moment, is what counts.
It's all about how you can reach your own century, just by copying what other people in older-living regions do.
From residing in a more stable climate, to only eating until you're 80% full, it's a fascinating little article. You might just want to check it out. Same for the related Horizon feature:
I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends. Here it is:
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and my car started to choke and sputter and died.
I barely managed to coast, cruising, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump! So I got out to see if she was okay. When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen. She was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.
At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95. I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now.
So, I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."
I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.
She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay the rent January 1st, and finally, in desperation, had called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.
So. she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.
I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"
This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."
It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow for a check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.
Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings.
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." -- Psalms 55:22
I just received a nice little collection of life rules - for kids.
They're supposedly by current Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, but it's clearly an urban myth.
They're actually taken from Charles Sykes' book, "Dumbing Down Our Kids" -- and they're a healthy reminder for a few of us older children, too.
Enjoy! :)
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Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it.
Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone, until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So, before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life (nor are video games). In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Rule No. 12: Smoking does not make you look cool. It makes you look moronic. Next time you're out cruising, watch an 11-year-old with a butt in his mouth. That's what you look like to anyone over 20. Ditto for "expressing yourself" with purple hair and/or pierced body parts.
Rule No. 13: You are not immortal. (See Rule No. 12.) If you are under the impression that living fast, dying young and leaving a beautiful corpse is romantic, you obviously haven't seen one of your peers at room temperature lately.
Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now. You're welcome.
Some years ago, I started to discover the teachings of Lester Levenson.
He's an American spiritual master whose teachings have really helped inspire my writing.
And, for a short period of time, his "releasing techniques" became my Magic Bullet.
They were the Cure All. The thing which defined me. Spiritually, the techniques were at the very heart of everything I stood for. They were The Greatest...
And those that questioned me... I ferociously shot down!
(Yes. There's a theme in this blog post - and recent events at www.karlblog.com!)
Then one day, I was trying to resolve an issue of the past.
And it wasn't "working."
So, I paid a considerable sum to my friend and releasing mentor, Mechthild Ruggier (http://www.sedonaresults.com/) to guide me in the process.
Now, it's worth noting that I've sent a fair bit of business toward Mechthild...
I've attended many, many of her workshops. I've recommended her services to colleagues. I've plugged her on this blog -- and I've even had my own friends join some of her courses.
So, there I was.
On the telephone.
Explaining this issue, seeing what she thought about it.
I told her...
I've tried this technique. That method. I did this, that, the other. None of it worked. His teachings don't fit. I'm telling you: absolutely NOTHING worked, Mecthild.
The methods of releasing just weren't DOING IT for this particular problem, Ms Ruggier.
I was adamant.
And then she said, quite simply:
"Maybe, then, this isn't for you."
Whaaaatt????
You have GOT to be joking.
Do you know how much TIME and EFFORT I've poured into this system being RIGHT...
And now, after all of the recommendations, the courses, the training, the reading, the overseas travelling, the EVERYTHING...
Now you're saying that maybe this ISN'T for me?!!
I was, it's fair to say, angry.
I disconnected the call and sulked.
Some weeks later, I realized what Mechthild had done.
She'd taken me outside of my belief system.
A belief system I'd become addicted to.
You see, rather than enjoying life as the freedom we all inherently are, I'd "attached" myself to a new series of rules, a new set of limiting thoughts.
I'd inherited a new belief system.
And those new limiting thoughts weren't going to cure my "problem."
They might help to mask it a little.
But what if that belief system crumbles, for whatever reason?
All of my solutions crumble with it.
That's when I realized.
Everything is a belief system.
Everything is limiting. And that includes religion, and "self-development," and even these very words.
Therefore, the only way to achieve true freedom, is by simply casting aside all of your limiting beliefs.
And you can do all of that simply by asking yourself:
"Is this a limiting thought?"
If it is, then just choose to drop it. Like unclenching your fist around a pen... and letting the pen drop to the floor. That's how easy it is.
Drop your attachments to the limiting thoughts, and you'll become free.
(Learn more about my suggested process in this article.)
When I realized how I was "addicted" to Lester's releasing techniques, I suddenly freed myself up again. I dropped all of the limiting thoughts - and stopped trying to put a square block into a triangular hole.
By letting go of our "attachments and aversions," as Lester would say, we discover the freedom we naturally are - and everything becomes totally effortless.
So...
What belief systems could YOU release the tension on today?
And what belief systems would you like to KEEP, just for now? ;)
... Maybe, just maybe, there was no such thing as God.
And wow! What a response I received.
This morning alone, a dozen messages have popped into my Inbox -- expressing many mixed views.
Now, just to recap: if you read the post, you'll realize that my intention was to ask ourselves whether there could be real meaning behind our lives, even if there was no God?
It was supposed to be inspiring to all, atheist or otherwise.
My conclusion was that the meaning of life... is the meaning you bring to life.
And that's a conclusion outside of the realms of whether God exists or not.
But wow... What an interesting series of responses I received on the subject!
I was called an aethiest. An insulter of humanity. Told I should be ashamed of myself. Informed that I was a confused being. And numerous unsubscribe requests.
And guess what?
I'm pleased.
Because I rattled a few cages.
I questioned something that was at the very foundation of many individuals: A religious belief system.
And, in some, it was a belief system so weak it caused a riotous reaction, the moment I asked you to consider the alternative.
Now, I don't know about you -- but I find that incredibly interesting.
Of course, as it happens, I am a believer in God. All of my regular readers know that. Heck, one of my favourite phrases is "Let Go and Let God." I even have a God section.
But I'm still open to seeing the other side of the coin.
How about you?
Is your belief system so critical and important that you can't BEAR for it to be questioned?
Does that sound like the quality of a truly spiritually-developed individual to you?
Or are you open to fresh ideas... and just happy and stable in the freedom that is inherently YOU already?
Some people bury themselves in spirituality or religion - and scream at those that dare rock the foundations of their castle.
Well, I don't wish to rock any castles.
But I do invite you to begin enjoying the freedom that you always are.
Using the technique of asking yourself "Is this a limiting thought?" - you can slowly release any desperate clutch you may have on a belief system, and begin enjoy freedom again.
You are the only constant in your world.
The rest is a limiting thought.
Of course, I'm not saying to let go of your belief system. Certainly not. Just be aware that it is ultimately a limiting belief (which, yes, may serve a wonderful purpose) - smile, and move on.
Could God really define himself in words, anyway? Drop the words, the "limiting beliefs," appreciate the world around you, and move on.
But once you get beyond our current galaxy, you tend to disappear.
You're lost in a silent world.
A world of planets.
Of mass objects obeying the laws of the universe.
No emotion. No human feeling. No love.
And, quite possibly, no God.
As you keep going deeper and deeper and deeper, further and further away - billions of light years from earth, where mega-clusters of sub-universes tangle together like DNA strings... where the tiniest pixel on an image would represent infinite numbers of galaxies and worlds and beings and planets...
Where size, as humans imagine it, really seizes to mean anything.
When you're out there... looking in... seeing the crazy things that humans do, on their tiny little planet.
When you're out there... in the silence, in the non-human world, devoid of contact, devoid of true life.
You might... you just might... lose faith.
Where is the God in this?
Are we really as "special" as we think?
Or could we... just could we... be a mere accident of the universe?
Of no real significant meaning to anyone?
American science popularist Carl Sagan, author of Contact, was a renowned atheist. He shared those exact views.
The views of an atheist.
This kind of thought leaves many deflated.
Their whole structure of life... shattered.
But does it really need to be that way?
Let's consider, just for a moment, that God does not exist.
That we, as humans, are just a rather splendid coincidence.
And that, when we die, we just end up as a small pile of dust. Soon to be forgotten, soon to be blown away.
Does that make a difference to your life?
For many people, the answer is yes.
But here's the crazy thing.
The more you consider that as an option, the more you realize the importance of living NOW.
Even if - "Heaven" forbid! - there's absolutely no God, and we're literally alone as coincidental beings in this universe...
Doesn't that make it even more important to truly live your life to the full?
To truly let go of your inhibitions, and begin living this life with a PASSION?
To stop PROCASTINATING, as you have been - and to instead start ENJOYING your time here on earth?
To begin living your life as your own God - through your own rules and standards?
You see, after all that thinking...
Maybe the only real meaning to life... is the meaning you bring to it.
And perhaps that is the true teaching of an atheist.
Just FYI, here's a quick message I responded to a little earlier -- copied here for clarity.
Not everyone is happy to have their steadfast beliefs questioned.
Are you?
Also, thank you very much to the lady that sent the below message, as it allowed me time to respond -- and perhaps clear up a point that others have questioned.
My message was intended to be one of inspiration and hope to individuals that didn't believe in God, as opposed to a message to those that did.
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: ********** Sent: 07 February 2008 02:23 To: ****@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: [Karl Blog] The Teaching of an Atheist
Had no idea you are an aetheist!! It goes against all science - QuantumPhysics -all the latest findings( and realizing all the ancient truths are viable)To lose faith in God is to discount the very you - your soul! And a spiritual person lives in the "now", creating his/her life daily with their high vibrations. Reading what you just wrote is the greatest insult to all humanity & God - we are contiunually evolving. I receive many emails ot the spiritual nature of all life and have no space and no desire to read what you just presented. I choose to let you go to wallow in your misery - therefore goodbye now and forever more. Remove me from your list now!
Thank you and Blessings (for you really need them and they are sincere)
Yes, it's that time again -- where I'm looking to replenish the bowels of Self Dev Radio and Writers FM with a whole host of new and exciting guests!
Now, in case you don't know, I am the main interviewer guy behind the two above stations -- broadcasting self-development and writing interviews, respectively.
As such, I'm currently on the look out for NEW and EXCITING GUESTS for the stations. Preferably individuals who are truly KNOWN within the industry.
For example, on Writers FM, I've interviewed the likes of Bernard Cornwell, Syd Field, and Edwina Currie. And I may just have Joanne Harris and Sue Grafton lined up.
Do YOU know any WELL-KNOWN AUTHORS that may be interested in sharing their secrets?
Elsewhere, and over on Self Dev Radio, I've spoken with wise-types such as James Arthur Ray, Fred Alan Wolf, and Hale Dwoskin.
Are YOU friends with any famous self-help gurus?
If you know someone in the public eye that just might be interested, write to me.
Send a mail to karl AT karlmoore.com, and put my name ("Karl Moore") in the subject line, to ensure it gets past the sp@m filter.
I'd be forever grateful -- and I *really* appreciate all of the help given.
Here's to a great series of fresh 2008 interviews! :)
(PS. If you'd like to listen to some of my recent interviews, check out www.karlradio.com)
At first, the principle may feel both depressing and disheartening. After all, it's a realization that one day everything you see around you will be nothing but worm food.
But there's a deeper message, if you care to look close enough.
It's a message that living in the NOW really is the best way.
Live as though you'll die today, dream as though you'll live forever - as James Dean once said.
This afternoon, driving home from Newcastle, I found myself singing along to the radio. A bit animated, like.
Mid-way through the trip, traffic ground to a halt.
And I had a choice: to become all coy, shy, and embarassed, and to keep quiet while cars gathered around me. Or, to continue singing and enjoying the music.
Then I realized.
Whatever is, will pass.
And so, I simply continued. The embarrasment would ultimately subside. The traffic would disappear. My own worry would move on. It would all come to pass.
So I made the decision to break through all of that rubbish - and continued singing.
A few minutes later, a beautiful Scooby-Doo "hippy van" appeared behind me. I glanced into the rearview mirror: the guy was singing loud like madman.
I smiled. He didn't care what people were thinking.
And, at least for a moment, I didn't either.
When I started thinking about this "everything is change" principle some weeks ago, I came up with a clever little saying:
Change is the only constant.
I thought I was one smart pup, until I learned that Greek philosopher Heraclitus said the very same thing some 2500 years ago.
I'm clearly hopelessly behind the times.
But, on the upside, I'm a bit younger than he was.
Now, at least.
And so, I leave you with that thought...
Singing on a car journey from Newcastle can hardly be considered a spiritual breakthrough.
But it's a nice reminder that everything is change.
That living in the Now is the only way. And that everything will truly come to pass, no matter what.
Oh - and if you're wondering what I was singing along to - click here.
It's the homepage of Bradley Thompson and lists his many favourite sites and products online. It's a brilliant little resource - and I recommend it highly.
It even features the fr.ee Motivator software I personally helped to create.
So, take two minutes to check it out... and enjoy!
