Do you have a good mentor? Are you a mentor yourself? (Photo: CallieDel Boa).
The reason I’m asking is because shortly after I wrote the article a few days ago about asking for help with regards to my quest for higher education, I received an email from a very good friend who has been my mentor for several years. Here’s what he said:
I don’t think it is a good idea to be soliciting funds to go to college in your 40′s when it is not a life threatening necessity…….
Now think about that for a moment. What was your perception of what he wrote?
At first I was taken aback because this is a man I deeply admire and respect. I was writing from the heart with good intentions and walking the “Ask and You Shall Receive” talk when I wrote the article. In fact, I felt good about it so I went and published it.
When I first read his response, my immediate reaction was, “He thinks I’m a failure because I shouldn’t be asking for college funds in my 40′s.” But then when I read the rest of his email (“not life threatening necessity”), I had an “OMG” epiphany.
He was trying to tell me that unlike many people in America, I am not in a life threatening situation where I’m struggling to put food on the table or about to lose my home.
My mentor is no nonsense kind of guy who has been around the block and then some. The ironic thing was when I put out that article (Update: Request for Help, An Experiment), I had a funny feeling he might have something to say about it.
But here’s what was going through my mind when I wrote it:
1. “If you worry about what everybody thinks, you’ll never get anything done. You’ll never brave the potential criticism (whether constructive or negative) by asking for help. It’ll weigh you down every time. In fact, it’ll paralyze you.”
2. “There is nothing inherently wrong with asking for help because if you ask, that’s how others know what you are looking for. It opens the way for universal possibilities to emerge. The universe will bring to you what you request on some level because you asked for it.”
3. And finally, “there’s never a wrong time to ask for help. ”
Despite my heartfelt intentions, I might have been a little off with # 3. I’m a lot like my favorite spiritual blogger (Slade Roberson) who wrote in a recent article two things I can relate to. (Note: The second quote was paraphrased where I took out some words):
I like to push. I like to make things happen. I like forward motion, even when it feels reckless, dangerous…..at least it feels alive…….
For me, the greatest challenge…..is finding a reasonable middle ground between everyday reality and the mystical – - between addressing the panic and pessimism that many people genuinely feel and wearing some crazy happy face mask of Magically Delicious News you can’t relate to.
Like my mom said to me on the phone recently, there are so many people out there who have not only lost their jobs but are collecting unemployment. Many are worried about the future. Thousands have been laid off. The news just came out the other day saying that unemployment is at its highest ever – maybe since the Great Depression. (Chart: greatcreation)
Like it or not, that’s what’s happening in America right now.
You see, I no longer watch the news or read the paper because it’s full of negative stuff. We have so much negative news circulating that it’s detrimental to my health to let it seep into my psyche. That’s why I cut cable TV and canceled my newspaper subscription a long time ago. I made a decision that I was no longer going to allow negative energy to permeate my way of being. I’d much rather read inspirational books or blogs and watch uplifting movies and documentaries.
This is not to say that I have been out of touch because certainly I get my news online these days but I now recognize that perhaps I was not seeing the big picture at the time of the above mentioned article.
Here’s what I learned today…….next time I want to put myself out like this, I should probably bounce it off a few trusted people, get their input and then make a final decision. Isn’t that what mentors are for?
It is still my dream to find a way to fund my higher education and I continue to believe that despite the economy, I will go back to college in some way, form or shape. Through God, nothing is impossible. Wasn’t it this the attitude that helped me become the world’s first deaf instrument rated pilot back in 2006? Wasn’t that how I became successful on Wall Street during the 80′s and 90′s plus many other achievements?
If you don’t already have a mentor, then get yourself one. Find someone who’s been around the block – he or she could very well save you from veering off path. While it’s great to be fearless and “put yourself out there,” there are things experienced mentors can talk to you about. While they support your dreams, they also care enough about you to smack you awake from time to time, no matter how much it might hurt your feelings.
In closing, let me thank all of you at Adversity University for your moral support and for sticking with me. As for my mentor, you know who you are. Thanks!
I am exceedingly grateful to have a solid community of people like you following me here. If you’ve been with me for a long time, you know things have changed around here. what initially drew you to me here (my inspirational stories) have changed to weekly gratitude posts, interviews and occasional experiments like the raw food diet experiment. Despite the changes, while not everybody leaves comments, I know you’re here with me in spirit and I truly appreciate and acknowledge that. I think you understand I’m in transition like one long time subscriber said to me in an email.
Perhaps you are confused about where I am going or what I want. That’s okay. Just know that I will continue to explore my inner divinity and share with you what I can going forward. I still care about making a difference and that includes going back to school, speaking and writing. Like millions of people, I am experiencing a transition, still trying to learn more about my divine purpose. And so I’m saying, “Thanks for hanging with me.”
In fact, I love you! Yes, I do. There I said it. Was I off the mark with that too? 
If you liked this post and you want to be notified of the next one, subscribe via Email or Full Text RSS Feed. I would love to have you as part of the community!
9:22 am on March 9th, 2009 1
I haven’t been around this part of town lately as I’ve been struggling with my job and finishing school (I’m going to be 55). I have always found this BLOG to be personally attached to me in some strange and mystical way (I’m MJ’s friend from High School so it started there) and it’s surely serendipitous to have decided to come back the other day to read your post about needing funds to return to school. I’m BROKE and scared and it somewhat annoyed me that you asked for help. I even told a friend at dinner the other night that I was surprised, in this economy, that you would be so selfish (and I felt terrible thinking that let alone saying it) I NEVER talk to friends much about what I read here, it’s kinda my personal place. Odd, that this time I did AND I swore I wasn’t going to read you again.
Just last week I went seeking a MENTOR (believe it or not, even called her that when I met her and it’s not a word I’ve probably EVER used before) because I am so lost right now. So insecure about starting this holistic healing business. At MY AGE, who i am to think I can do all this???
Anyway, I slept in this morning as I’m a little depressed and as I lay in bed pondering my next move…how am I going to make this lonely life of mine work for me, I thought about you and all you’ve accomplished! Who was I to judge you asking for help? Maybe I should ask for MORE help instead of always doing for everyone else and getting used and stepped on??
I jumped on here to check my mail…and voila…there you were…talking about your Mentor, who said what I thought about your request, and IN MY FACE with more encouragement to just BE ME.
I named my business (It’s Polarity Therapy) JUST BE (balancing energy) and I think I need to live it instead of just say it.
It’s been a few months since I’ve been around, like I said, but I’m surely glad that GOD and the UNIVERSE brought me back on track.
WE’ll get where we need to go, all of us. And Stephen, though we’ve never met, you’ve meant a lot to me since MJ sent me to Adversity University and I believe my reaction to your asking for money was mostly because I HAVE NONE TO SEND and that just plain made me feel bad on a whole lot of levels.
Best of luck with your endeavor. I don’t think you have to worry about how you’ll get there. You will!!!! thanks as always, patti
9:32 am on March 9th, 2009 2
Stephen, Thanks for reminding me that I need to “check-in” with my mentor on occassion – actually more often than what I had been doing most recently. The reminder to put myself out there more accessible to those that look to me as a mentor as well…
Bob
11:37 am on March 9th, 2009 3
@ Bob:
You’re welcome Bob – mentors can be and should be an important part of our lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
11:42 am on March 9th, 2009 4
Stephen,
We love you back!
I think it’s good to have a mentor/coach, but I balance that with “listen to your own voice above all others.”
I had a good mentor in real estate and it saved me lots of headaches/heartaches with business deals. On the other hand, when I got my legs underneath me, so to speak and found my “wings”, I had to fly and march to that drummer within. Sometimes no one will understand that but you. And that’s OK.
There’s a quote on my desk that says “Arrange your life the way you think is right, and forgive those who disagree.”
It’ your one and only life and you must at all costs, follow your heart to where ever it leads you.
Here’s to having courage to follow where your heart is leading you,
Sharmaine
11:44 am on March 9th, 2009 5
@ Patricia:
What’s ironic about your input Patricia is that I was prepared for reactions similiar to what you had originally. I almost put in a paragraph in that article saying something to the effect that many people will have different reactions because of the filters by which they put in place to process information. Regardless of how they react, I must realize and remind myself that they have nothing to do with me – it’s that person’s own personal emotional reaction. But I decided to leave that paragraph out.
The bolder I become, the more risks I take, the more likely I will come across people who won’t approve of what I do, say or think. And that’s okay.
While I was reading your email, I was surprised that I did not take it personally in terms of how you initially reacted. I kept reading and then I smiled when I saw the discovery you made for yourself. That’s wonderful!
Your response was incredibly honest and in depth, which I tremendously appreciated. I have always encouraged honest feedback here at this blog as long as no one attacks one another. We must all realize that everyone has different ways of responding to the same situation or circumstances.
So in a way, I was not surprised you reacted that way – I’m sure the boldness of my request probably turned off a few other people as well and that’s okay. You can’t please everyone – that’s what I’m learning.
Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me exactly what happened and how you eventually realized what was happening. It’s time to rejoice!
One final thing is if we are to take bold steps, not everyone, including our mentors, will approve. We don’t need to back down just because someone didn’t like what we said, did or thought. It’s okay. We can still move forward and learn things along the way, you know?
Okay, I better stop. I’m so grateful you were brave enough to come forward and share exactly what you thought. It’s a breath of fresh air. Thanks!
11:57 am on March 9th, 2009 6
@ Sharmaine:
Thanks Sharmaine! Like I mentioned to Patricia before, people will have different reactions to the same thing because of whatever filters they have in place to process the information.
I’m just thankful that I have been reminded of two things throughout this experience. The first is to be grateful for mentors who care and the second is to listen to my heart and do what I think is best and not worry about how others might react. If the action turned out to be less productive than I thought, well, then that’s a lesson to be learned.
Thanks so much for your support. I like the quote on your desk – it’s very fitting in this situation!
1:11 pm on March 9th, 2009 7
Your mentor is probably right that your timing asking for help is a little off.
My first thought when I read your post was, “Well, maybe I can help him later. Not right now.”
So many of us are sitting on the edge of our chairs hoping we don’t the call that one of our loved ones has lost their job.
In the meantime, are you researching obscure grants for people who are deaf and who also fly planes?
There are lots of odd grants out there.
You know I support everything you do, Stephen. And if this is right for you, you ALWAYS MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.
No matter the odds.
Why should you change now?
8:03 am on March 10th, 2009 8
Btw, Stephen, I had another thought. You might want to try to consult your Ohio VR counselor (vocational rehabilitation).
Mine paid for 4 year college tuition, board, & food. I only paid for books. I know that was for undergraduate, but you could try for graduate.
Another option if they won’t agree to pay if you’re planning to move to CA is to move to CA at least 6 months before school starts and then ask the CA VR counselor to pay for it. Or use someone’s address in Ohio and say you’re living “off-campus” in CA till you graduate.
Most VR usually pay for undergraduate but only few do for graduate school. However, with your such versatile & impressive background resume, I wouldn’t be surprised if they agreed!
Good luck!
Nita
8:36 am on March 10th, 2009 9
Good morning Stephen (and all who gather here),
Thank you for your lengthy and rewarding response. YOU ARE SO RIGHT. I’ve been fighting all my life against people who just don’t agree with my decisions, what I do, basically WHO I am. I apologize for initially judging you and feel sincerly blessed with the insight to see my own shortcomings. You ask for all the help you can get!!! Like I said, I am just frustrated that I don’t have the means to help you (for you give so much back to all of us, it really is a somewhat self centered investment) and to help all the other people I care about who are in great need of lots of things, not just finances.
I realized, after reading your response that my motivation to seek a mentor was because of the disapproval I was getting from peers AND even my teacher in this holistic healing venture. Her criticism of me was making me doubt myself. My new mentor has such a gentle way about her that I don’t need her words for encouragement, just the example of WHO she is.
Thanks, again..as always for pulling me back onto my own path when I stray. I feel very lucky to have people, such as yourself, in my life to lean on. Even if it’s just through this computer screen.
Namaste and have a blessed day!
5:54 am on March 14th, 2009 10
Hello Stephen Joseph Hopson,
I believe there is a mentor within you who will teach you and guide you in your incredible life’s journey.
You are going back to school to learn something new which is an awesome opportunity for your human/spiritual creativity and the creative intelligence (Spirit) within you will guide you in every way which includes funding sources you need. The universe needs your creativity and will give you what you need to accomplish this wonderful opportunity. You are created by God’s image; you inherit this gift of creativity, you and God together are creating things to benefit the human race.
Jesus, Buddha, mystic types, and many other enlightened sages in the past lives depend on the higher power (God Within) for guidance and answers. The answers are already within and most people had trouble retrieving the message. When people go outward looking for answers and they may not find it because it is not there. The higher power already knows what you need and the answers are right front of you which most people find it hard to believe, why? It sounds way too simple. *smiles*
The energy around us is phenomenal and awaiting for us to place an order within to pave way for our success in life. The universe needs you to succeed and they are with you all the way. Changes are so important and our true nature is to create. You are creating new experiences, opportunities which are gifts that will be sent back to the universe. The higher power are fed from your energy of success, joy, happiness, love and God created you in his image and you go out and co-create with God within.
Write a list on paper of what you need and place the order to the universe and it starts working with you. You are a good soul and your heart is in the right place. All things will happen and enjoy the outcome(s) of your creative adventure success.
I know my message above it’s like I am preaching the choir; however, we need to be reminded from time to time.
Peace and blessings.
Stephen Joseph Hardy
Florida, USA
9:51 am on March 14th, 2009 11
@ Stephen Joseph Hardy:
That was so incredible. I felt like God spoke through you to remind me of what I already know inside. I just came back from a speaking trip to Las Vegas, glad to be back home but my mind f ull of questions about how I will proceed to the next step for school.
I’m actually considering two different schools – one in Santa Monica and the other in Iowa. When I came home, I received an email from the school in Iowa. A disability officer from there said if I became a student, they’d be able to accommodate me. This is completely the opposite of what a previous officer told me (admissions officer). The email sounded positive, which I took as a sign of encouragement from the universe.
As I was carrying luggage to my home, on the doorstop were two books that I ordered from Amazon waiting for me. They were both from people connected to the university in Iowa, which even though I was the one who ordered them (and therefore, they were expected), I began to feel better about the prospect of going there and finding a way to make it happen from a financially and otherwise.
On top of that, I found a note from the management office (I live in a complex) saying my lease was up in April. Another sign?
Bottom line, I’m getting signs and signals everywhere, especially beginning with your response to this article for which I am exceedingly grateful. Thank you! It touched my heart and made a difference. God bless you Stephen.
10:04 am on March 14th, 2009 12
@ Patricia:
I love it when you participate because it lifts the energy of this place not only for me but for others who may be reading the comments. I just got back from Las Vegas and am catching up, absorbing the beautiful energy of those who have left comments here. This is why I blog although I haven’t been blogging as much.
You are definitely blessed with ability to take a step back and see the bigger picture. This will serve you well throughout your life and assist you in getting to the next level in your spiritual journey. You will be less likely to judge as much going forward because of this extraordinary ability. Not everyone is able to do this but you can and I’m thrilled for you!
Well my sweet friend, you are helping me just by thinking good thoughts for me. And you can help me by telling others about what I’m doing because you never know.
Interesting how you’ve been getting disapproval from peers and teachers in the holistic healing venture. There’s a saying that the more people who disapprove whatever you’re doing, the more it means you’re on the right track. Haha.
I’m thankful to have you back here after bouncing back from where you were heading.
10:05 am on March 14th, 2009 13
@ Nita:
Actually I did check and they don’t cover graduate work, unfortunately. But thanks for the thought. I will keep searching.
10:13 am on March 14th, 2009 14
@ Corinne Edwards:
Hey there Corinne – I just got back from Las Vegas, happy to be home again after a full week out there on a speaking trip. As you probably read my response to another person in this article, I found some things waiting for me that indicated a trail leading to one of the schools I was looking at.
I think the energy of Las Vegas is so different from anywhere else I go. It seems the energy there is so…..heavy…..because of the gambling, smoking,drinking, etc that anywhere other than LV is “lighter.”
Anyway, thanks for your continuing love and support. I know you would help if you could because you love my spirit. We connected right from the beginning and you watched me grow here (vice versa).
I love hearing frm you because it means you’re still watching me.
12:42 pm on March 14th, 2009 15
Thanks for your encouragement, Stephen. I want everyone who blogs on here to MEET IN PERSON someday. All in one place (not Las Vegas, mind you!!!!!!!). It would do my heart and soul good to physically HUG every one of you.
So…there I was…away…and now back…and pondering…and reading you. Taking in your compliments and observations. Starting to feel better, less overwhelmed by life in general. Positive thoughts and BOOM…my ex man (a guy I planned on spending the second half of my life with who decided one day to just stop talking to me…LONG STORY) comes back into my life. Wanting friendship out of the clear blue sky. My poor, stray, adopted, scared to death cat starts peeing on my bed (I have been at the landromat for three days straight washing the bedding and thinking I should have NEVER left my ex husband and the washer/dryer). My acct. calls to tell me I owe the IRS money. My boss cuts my hours. My best friend loses his job (though, I think another one is on the horizon.) My mom takes a fall. My weight shoots up and the lady at Wt. Watchers dares to ask me “have you been away? FAR FAR away??” (could it be all those cadbury eggs that have been keeping me company at night? hmmmm….) AND..AND..AND..then…
I get a call………from a friend…….who has found me MY FIRST POLARITY THERAPY CLIENT. My FIRST ONE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the midst of the chaos there is a light. Wish me well. I’m scared silly but I trust I have the knowledge and the desire to take this client on a wonderful journey. Again..as always…thank YOU!!!!!!!! It is so necessary to have a place to go to feel like myself again…and again..and again. Please don’t ever go away for long! Patricia
12:50 pm on March 14th, 2009 16
Stephen -
WE ARE ALL SO LUCKY TO HAVE PATRICIA IN OUR LIVES!
Patricia –
Thank you for your generous comments to all of us.
You make us all feel loved. We all love you back.
10:44 am on March 18th, 2009 17
Some human beings get wrapped up in the past or focused on a particular future. Such perspectives divert attention away from talent you have and what you are now. Intense presence enables you to meditate on the reasons why you are convinced you must do certain things in your current lifetime. This encourages you not to seek to clarify your identity or destiny by using the ego mind. Reflection does not impair the mind when you learn to step outside ego. As you realize why you have convinced yourself you absolutely have to do something, you uncover reasons that may just be distracting you from something else.
8:53 am on March 24th, 2009 18
Good morning everyone! With the support and encouragement of my mentor, I managed to do my very first Polarity session yesterday with love, confidence and a real sense of self. It went beautifullly. What I struggled most with in my classes was my intense love for my fellow man and the way it was stressed to KEEP THE BOUNDARIES and THE SACRED SPACE while doing a session. Somehow, with the grace of God, I think…I managed to do both: set up a safe boundary and do the session with love in my heart. I always said “if I can be a Polarity Practitioner in the same natural way I was/am a MOM, I will be able to do this work and be worthy of it”
I truly feel I did that yesterday and at the end of the session, my client smiled and said a heartwarming “thank you” to me. We connected in a way I knew was possible but had my doubts about. I am no longer doubtful.
I left the session feeling MELLOW and PEACEFUL and like I’d finally found my calling. I can’t thank you, Stephen and Corinne and all who gather here enough for being so supportive and giving me a forum to…well to “toot my own horn”! Namaste.
8:32 am on April 1st, 2009 19
@ Patricia:
Wow, congratulations Patricia! I’m so glad you shared this beautiful story with us. Setting boundaries and yet going forward is an accomplishment for anyone.
Congratulations on finding your calling – that is an awesome, powerful, uplifting experience. You must have truly felt so good that day. Thanks for sharing. It brought a smile to my face this morning.
8:34 am on April 1st, 2009 20
@ Liara Covert:
You just reminded me how important it is to meditate but you know something? There are so many ways of doing it – how can we know which one is right?
10:26 am on April 1st, 2009 21
Good Morning, all you fools. I was going to play an April Fools joke and tell you I quit my fledgling “just BE polarity” business already, but I just don’t have the heart to do that. SO…I shall instead tell you that I’ve had 5 clients since my last post, one just a half hour ago and it’s been INCREDIBLE.
I am finally finding my self worth and my self esteem as I lay hands on people and help them get their energy flowing. It’s so rewarding and uplifting. Even though some other parts of my life are not what I wish them to be, it all seems to be unfolding as it should.
In Polarity it is said “when you give a session, you get a session” and I’m finding that to hold true for me. As I work with people I am becoming more introspective and finding the real essence of Patti (or Patricia as I call myself for Polarity. Doesn’t Patti just sound too much like a cheerleader and not a holistic healer??? LOL)
I just wanted to check in here, at my favorite place and say to all of you …NAMASTE.
Let Spring be a time for a renewed sense of hope and let’s honor ourselves and each other. Be well!
11:12 pm on April 5th, 2009 22
Hi Stephen:
This is my first time visiting your web site, and I’ve only been browsing for less than 15 minutes.
Your blog about going back to school caught my eye, so I scrolled down quickly to see the variety of replies and responses you’ve gotten from friends and fans.
I hope this short story will inspire you:
I decided 6 months before my Peace Corps tour was up in Sierra Leone that I wanted to go to graduate school in New York City.
In Africa, I spotted a magazine article written by the Dean of the department I wanted to attend at NYU. I wrote him about my intentions and he wrote back, encouraging me to apply.
I had no idea where I was going to live, or how I was going to finance my education.
On my first visit to NYC, I stopped by NYU for a tour and the Dean’s office for a visit. In less than an hour he signed some forms that granted me a scholarship for a year from discretionary funds.
I also found out that full and part-time NYU employees receive tuition remission.
(most schools offer this benefit).
I meandered down the hall from the Dean’s office and found myself at the Creative Arts Team, a non-profit supported by NYU. A few hours later I landed a great part-time job as a Program Manager of educational drama workshops for youth.
After a short stop at the housing center, I was offered a free, furnished room (with meals), at a private home, in exchange for babysitting two children for a few hours on the weekends.
Everything came together in less than a day. I earned my MA and did not pay a penny.
The desire to return to school was put in your heart by Source/Spirit. Keep the faith and everything will come together for you easily and harmoniously, regardless of the current economy.
Best wishes,
Lisa
7:33 am on April 6th, 2009 23
@ Lisa:
Wow, that was incredibly uplifting because I had a major setback recently where I was offered free room and board at a family member’s house in exchange for light housekeeping and childcare. I was all ready to move from my present place and go there when it all fell apart because the spouse of my family member felt that they could “get by” without live-in help. That was my plan to save money for University of Santa Monica which only offers classes on weekends. The plan was to commute once a month.
So I went back to square one. I might have been too quick to withdraw my deposit for that school but another school I was looking at gave me a travel scholarship to visit them during Visitor’s Weekend in April. Normally they require visitors to pay their own way and then if they were awarded the scholarship, they’d be reimbursed. I asked if they would book and pay for the flight upfront. To my surprise, they said yes.
So while the flights still haven’t been booked, I’m set to go for visitors weekend at Mahairishi University in Iowa where I may go for the study of consciousness. But truth be told, my heart was set on Univ of Santa Monica because of their spiritual psychology program. I truly thought going there was going to become a reality since I was so sure everything would work out with my family member – the negotiations were going so well (we were discussing what kind of arrangement it’d be).
Thanks so much for your incredibly inspiring story. Wow. Are you finished with school yet? How did you stumble upon my blog like this? I guess God wanted you to give me this message – I knew immediately it had to be.
11:52 am on April 7th, 2009 24
Lisa -
Your story has reached us at the Creative Arts Team – though we’ve moved to CUNY now. Many of us have come to CAT in rather serendipitous ways and it was lovely to see your story. If you’d like to reconnect, look for us on facebook – we’re looking for alumni to share anecdotes about their time with CAT – or come visit us in our midtown office.
11:56 am on April 7th, 2009 25
@ Krista:
I’m amazed how quickly Lisa’s story reached you and others at the Creative Arts Team. Like you probably were, I was so taken and inspired by this beautiful and unexpected comment that I wrote an entire article last night about her experience followed by mine.
You can see it by going here: http://www.adversityuniversityblog.com/2009/04/06/miracles-do-happen-when-spirit-puts-strong-desire-in-your-heart/
I hope you enjoy it and thanks for stopping in with a comment. I’m thrilled to know this made its way to CAT!
10:02 pm on April 7th, 2009 26
Stephen, right and wrong do not exist. As you grow to attune to energy vibration within, you trust instincts. Any spark of doubt or indecision indicates hidden fear. This means you are permitting ego to control you rather than choosing to have confidence. You have the knowledge and answers inside. Access them.
9:37 am on April 8th, 2009 27
@ Liara Covert:
I remember first hearing that “right and wrong do not exist” in a book called “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch. Those are words humans use to slap a label on something.
Yes, any spark of doubt or indecision indicates fear. That’s true.
The question many of us have is how do we access the knowledge and answers inside? One way is to meditate. I’ve just recently discovered Transcendental Meditation, a practice that is backed by over 600 scientific and medical research. I just had an introductory lecture by a certified TM instructor yesterday and I am planning to take steps to learn the technique. I believe it will help me access the inner wisdom deep within me.
10:20 pm on April 17th, 2009 28
Stephen, each energy being can choose to sense more clearly. Conscious choices harness energy in powerful ways. The paths you take are meant to keep your mind clear of space.
A Zen perspective includes essential elements of faith, courage and the right questions to open the mind to truth and what you are meant to know. One Zen koan reads, “Open your mouth and you lose your tongue.” To understand Zen, it is common practice to quietly drink tea.
7:24 am on April 24th, 2009 29
@ Liara Covert:
You’re right – it’s about making conscious choices, which is so much more powerful than unconscious choices. There’s a huge difference in energy between conscious and unconscious. In fact, it’s like making a firm decision versus “dilly-dally” or “wishy washy” kind of decisions. Something powerful takes place when the choices we make are conscious/firm.
By the way I quietly drink tea everyday – does that mean I’ve experienced some form of Zen? LOL.
3:31 pm on April 27th, 2009 30
Different kinds of tea have different effects on physical, mental, spiritual and also other levels. You may enjoy the voice of a tea sommelier at:
http://www.tavalon.com/blog/
Some people also read tea leaves to offer insight into one’s life chart. A person always has choices to lengthen or shorten particular experiences. Raising awareness helps you discover you choose your entry and exit point from a variety of physical experiences, and you also decide what you are willing to learn.
An evolving belief is starting to align with collective inner knowing. That is, all souls incarnate on this and other planes which are all dimensions of learning. The level of soul awareness does not depend n the number of times one incarnates, but on the nature of existences chosen and lessons embraced in due course. Even now, every human being alive is working on a master life chart, that is, working on those things agreed to learn before being born. Remind self that your perceived physical conditions are irrelevant. Only how you handle things and what you choose to learn as the result, truly matters.
8:34 am on May 2nd, 2009 31
@ Liara Covert:
You continually remind me to check my level of awareness and understand that I have choices every moment. Thank you! You delight me with your deep comments. I like the last part of your comment where you said “remind self that your perceived physical conditions are irrelevant – only how you handle things and what you choose to learn as the result, truly matters.” Very perceptive!
5:04 am on April 27th, 2010 32
I think that the best way to lear of the life is to learn of your errors, anyone need a mentor. Your mentors are your parents and always ignore their until you see that they told to you, was right.
7:57 am on June 30th, 2010 33
Stephen, I was browsing through the net looking for answers how to handle adversities in life when I stumbled upon your fascinating website. Since you got the same name as my 22 year old son Cyril Stephen, I took the time out to read your post.
I am a 56 year old gentleman facing an adversity in life and I think I have found some of the answers through your post, especially on meditation. Thank you and I will make it a point to keep coming back for more of your posts! I am not too old for mentoring!
-Raymond
10:28 pm on August 11th, 2010 34
That’s right Raymond – no one is ever too old for mentoring! I’m glad you enjoyed my post but in the future when you leave a comment, please leave your real name and not “Daycare Grants” because then it looks like you’re using my site to advertise. Thanks!