Living & Working On Purpose

Do You Still Think Money is Real?

Recently, I awoke during the night with a strange thought, even for me, even for the time of night it was.  The thought was in the form of a question:  "Is it time to create a new form of money?"  As I laid in bed, drifting in and out of sleep wondering why I'd be asking myself such a question, some other thoughts began to 'percolate'

You see, I'm of the old school.  I still like to carry around cold, hard cash.  I even enjoy carrying around warm, soft cash.  Whether it's coins or bills, I enjoy the illusion these physical totems give me.  Even so, I know money isn't real, not really.

I watch my 17-year old daughter who rarely carries money around with her. Instead, she carries a debit card.  Whenever she needs something she just swipes her card.  She maintains her account on her computer, watching closely that the balance stays above zero.  She probably comes closer to realizing the unreality of money than I do.  I still get caught up in thinking those bills and coins are the money that's so important to so many people especially right now as the government is committed to circulating billions of dollars to 'stimulate the economy.'  Oh by the way, the economy isn't really real either.

I keep watching for the line of Brink's trucks careening down the highway delivering all those billions of dollars.  I read in the newspaper just yesterday, that our small county here in the North Carolina mountains is slated to get $10 million for highway improvements.  Surely, they'll have to deliver that in a armored car, right?

Or will our mayor just swipe the county's debit card? Oh, by the way, there's one other thing that's not real in this whole global economy -- it's the FEAR that has all that unreal money frozen, that's keeping the bills and coins out of our pockets and most of us from swiping are cards for the things we need.

But boy can the media make that fear appear real.  I'd love to see a nightly report on FEAR -- the false evidence appearing as real.  It might just free us up a bit...more so than all the drama that's being showcased.

And now that I've gotten this off my chest, the question I'm left with is this: "If money isn't real, than what is it?"  Come back in a couple of days to learn what percolates to the surface. 

Turning into a Handyman On Purpose?

We'd been talking, not all that seriously, about buying a small 'toaster oven' so when one of us wanted to fix nachos (I make a killer 'mucho macho nachos'), or other small dishes, we'd not have to rev up the large stove, especially in the summer when it just makes the whole house hotter.

Then one day while mulling around the Council On Aging Thrift Store, I found a small convention oven for $7.  I mean how far wrong could I go, right.  So I bought it, brought it home and started using it...for all of 2 days before it quit working.

I was initially a bit disappointed because I'd bought other items from Council On Aging and had been pleased. But this purchase left me with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, even though I knew it had worked when I brought it home, just not for very long.

So, after a few days I figured I'd at least open it up and see if I could figure out what was wrong with it. While it took a bit to get into it, it was easy to find the problem - a burned out "thingamabob."

Now it was time to call in the internet. I pulled out the burned out 'thingamabob' and looked on the good one beside it and found a number on it.  I googled on the number and found out that the rest of the world calls it a rectifier.  The next trick was to find a replacement.

Not to worry.  I called Radio Shack and found one for less than two dollars.  A quick trip to the store and I was ready to do my 'handyman thing.'

The big question in my mind:  "Would it work?"  Well, I'm pleased to say, it's now been about a month and I've used the over at least a dozen times and it works like a charm.  Don't worry, I replaced the cover before turning it on.  Now sure, I could have simply gone out and bought a new one.  I think this model sells for about $50, so it would have hardly broken the bank. 

But look at all the pleasure I would have missed, not to mention saving the used toaster oven from being carted off to the landfill.  And I also grew just a little more as a person. I now have a greater confidence in my 'handyman' abilities.  So much so that a week or two after fixing the over, when Ann received a call from a friend that she was having trouble with her washing machine, I pulled several of my tools together in a carrying case and went over with Ann to see what I could figure out.

Ann's friend said she had a second washing machine that had come with the place she was renting, but she needed some helping moving the broken one out and the replacement in.  But before doing that I offered to see if I could figure out what the problem was.

As it turned out, together, the three of us figured out that there was a blockage keeping the water from draining properly.  I was able to removed the blockage and once again the machine was as good as new.  For sure, the Maytag repair man I'm not, but I know I made some small difference in that family's life and once again grew a little more in my own confidence and sense of expressing my purpose in service to another. 

And it is in that spirit of being of service that I share this story with you.

Add Some Spiritual Spice to Your Day -- TODAY! (with update)

Installment #1 - Written Sat. March 21

Isn't there a song that goes something like this: "Do you believe in miracles?" Actually I think it's "Do you believe in magic?" and it was by the Loving Spoonful.  No matter.  I'm asking the first question here:

Do you believe in miracles?  Do you believe they still happen today, or in your mind have they been relegated to the distant past when people walked in sandals, and at least one enlightened being turned water into wine?

Well, if you'd like to add a bit of 'spiritual spice' to your life, why not embrace that miracles could and do happen on a regular basis, not just to other people but to you ... and for that matter to me as well.

So, why not try this out.  It's an idea that I picked up from one of my favorite authors, Gregg Braden, in his book The Spontaneous Healing of Belief:

As you start out into the world today, set the intention to detect and claim a miracle -- at least one.  Don't get hung up with what it might look like, just be open that of the many miracles that will cross your path on this day, you'll recognize at least one of them.  Then go out into life with an increased alertness and awareness of your world.

By the way, the definition that Braden uses for a miracle is "an event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature."

Will you experience a miracle today?  If you do, how about returning here and sharing what it is.  And I'll do the same. 

Have a blessed and on purpose day.

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Installment #2 - Written Monday. March 23

What kind of life coach would I be if I didn't try out my own coaching...at least some of the time? <G>  After writing the above post, I set my intention on Saturday when I went out to run some errands to be awake enough to detect and claim a miracle.

I had two basic errands to run -- go to the local Feed Store (which if for me the "Seed Store" 'cause they have a great selection of vegetable seeds a really good prices.)  And then from there to go to the library to pick up Orson Scott Card's latest book that I had on reserve. 

I go to the seed/feed store about once a year and it's in a funky part of town that I don't frequent so I always have to find it again, so I'm driving around in this unfamilar part of town NOT finding it.  I drove around several blocks beginning to wonder if they'd moved and had the building torn down.  As I did so, I noticed several places of business I'd never seen before, most of them just were noted and promptly forgotten.

One stood out however -- Mountain Biz Works, in part because I found their tag line on their sign curious:  Training, Financing, Opportunity.  Humm, I wondered what that's about.  And then I found the seed/feed store.  Unfortunately they were closed so I head on to the library.

I decided to also browse around a bit to see if I could find a couple other good books that could compete for my attention along with Card's book.  As I did so, I saw a fellow I'd met a few times in one of the study rooms.  He seemed to be pretty engrossed in his work, so I decided not to bother him.  However, as I continued to browse in that section of the library -- my favorite section because it houses both science fiction and fantasy, he saw me and came out. 

We chatted for a bit about our books -- our main connection because he knows mine just came out in 2007 and he's trying to finish up his book, so he often likes to 'tap my brain' for ideas on getting his book published.  He mentioned that he was about to finish he book and had received funding to have the first 500 copies published by.... here comes the miracle.... Mountain Biz Works.

Bing, bing, bing.  The miracle alert went off in my head.  Now, I don't yet know why I was supposed to have MBW come into my awareness twice in less than an hour, but it feels like a 'breadcrumb' worth following.  So, I'll be checking them out this week to see if perhaps they are the folks that will be funding my next Purpose Project. (Yes, one of my primary Purpose Projects for 2009 will almost certainly require some funding, which is why MBW's tag line caught my attention.)

Interesting stuff.  More to come.

P.S. My friend also gave me the business card for another organization called On Track. Ann's looking into their assistance with financial matters. Who knows. Maybe it's a double miracle in process.

One of My Favorite "Mind Stretching" Author's New Book

My 'love affair' with Gregg Braden's work started when I read The The Isaiah Effect: Decoding the Lost Science of Prayer and Prophecy and while I haven't read all his books, I've enjoyed those that I have primarily because they stretch my mind.

I also feel a kindred spirit with Gregg because we are both men who came from a very scientific background and have over time been led to a more spiritual path, and in the process have blended the two together.

So, I wanted to share the following information about his latest book: Fractal Time: The Secret of 2012 and a New World Age

"The human race is at a unique turning point. Will we choose to create the best of all possible worlds?" —Scientific American (September 2005) In Fractal Time: The Secret of 2012 and a New World Age, New York Times bestselling author Gregg Braden merges the modern discoveries of nature's patterns (fractals) with the ancient view of a cyclic universe. The result is a powerful model of time—fractal time—and a realistic window into what we can expect for our lives, and for our world, as we approach 2012—the end of the current World Age cycle—and beyond. We have the opportunity to choose our future. Can we create a new epoch of peace, cooperation, and healing? "Now is the first time we have the understanding, the need, and the technology to reach into the realm of all possibilities and choose the kind of future that will arise from the chaos of the present."

Watch this video of Gregg as he describes his ideas in Fractal Time. Find out more . . . buy Fractal Time and learn how our time in history may be a pivotal "Choice Point" for our future.

Freeing Ourselves from the Downward Spirals of Life

Some people call them vicious circles or cycles. I prefer to think of them as downward spirals of life. Those periods that we can all become trapped in like the whirlpool of water as it drains from the tub. If we're not careful and mindful these downward spirals can suck the life right out of us. Here are a few simple and effective steps you can use to free yourself of such life draining periods.

1. NOTICE THE SPIRAL YOU'RE IN As is so often true, awareness is the first
step to intervention. Much of the power of a downward spiral comes from our
continuing to be unaware of the direction of our life. Like a whirlpool, a
downward spiral's power picks up strength and speed the longer we're in it;
so it follows that the sooner we become aware we sre trapped in a downward
spiral,the easier it will be to change the direction of our life. It's often
helpful to remember a downward spiral reversed becomes a spiral of
fulfillment.

2.ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE FULLY PRESENT TO YOUR LIFE When you first notice
you're in a downward spiral,the tendency is to quickly react in an effort to
free yourself. This initial reaction is often based in fear and may only
exaserbate the spiral. Instead, take time to notice what is happening from a
detached position. Witness your life by stepping outside of it for awhile.
One simple way to do this is to imagine you are in a movie theater reviewing
the "Story of My Life" movie. Watch and Observe.

3.CONSCIOUSLY RELEASE THE THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS As you begin to
"dismantle" the downward spiral, be sure you release and let go of the dis-
empowering thoughts and emotions. You might envision a large bottomless
trash can in front of you into which you toss each thought and each emotion
attached to the thought or you can write it all down then burn the paper,thus
releasing their hold on you.

4.RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO INDULGE Don't get sucked into the drama of the
movie. There's no point to watching the movie over and over. This will only
suck you further down the spiral. Observe and Move On.

5.COMMIT TO CHANGING DIRECTIONS Make a conscious choice to change the
direction of your spiral. You may write down your choice as a declaration or
share it with a friend, loved one or your coach. Draw a line in the sand.

6.KNOW THE MAKE UP OF A DOWNWARD SPIRAL Knowing the basic elements that are
the composition of a downward spiral will make it easier to change its
directions. Downward spirals are composed of "molecules of meaning" which
can be further broken down to fear, and lack based thoughts and emotions.

This includes such things as doubt, worry, shoulding on yourself, jealousy,
anger, fear, frustration, etc. All of these come together to effect who you
think you are(ie, loser, failure, unlovable, etc.) which then determines the
actions you take and what you say out loud to yourself. All of which then
determines what you have, as in the results with which you measure your
life.

7. USE THE LAW OF ATTRACION TO CHANGE THE SPIRAL'S DIRECTION The Law of
Attraction states that"like attracts like." So just like fear and lack based
thoughts will attract more similiar thoughts, the same is true of love and
abundance based thoughts. By changing your thoughts and your emotions you
change the direction of the downward spiral.

8. PRACTICE PATIENCE AND PERSISTANCE Remember you didn't get into the
downward spiral overnight, so don't expect reversing direction to take place
in an instance. Just as it takes time to stop a car and put it into reverse,
it will take time before you'll see the evidence that your downward spiral
has become a spiral of fulfillment. In the mean time continue to affirm and
trust that it is so.

9. BEGIN TO GATHER EVIDENCE FOR THE TURNAROUND As you continue the
turnaround process begin to look for physical evidence that the process is
working. Start with the mindset that the evidence is there already and your
job is to find it like a detector, rather than wondering whether there is
any or not.

10. DEBRIEF, DECLARE THE ACOMPLISHMENT, AND CELEBRATE At some point you will
know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the turnaround is complete. Before
moving on take a few minutes to acknowledge what you've learned from the
experience, declare to yourself the accomplishment and celebrate it. You've
made major progress along your purposeful path. "Celebrate, 0Celebrate.
Dance to the Music."

In These Times Remember -- Keep Breathing

I'm writing this blog post as much as a reminder to myself as for anyone else who may read it.  I just spent part of the evening watching the news on CNN. Most of it was about the AIG  bonus scandal and the outrage by the general populace.

Of course, mixed in among that were other news clips about all the political figures trying to pass the blame on to...well, just about anyone else but themselves.

So I watched, then watched, then watched some more, and before I knew it I was feeling pretty down and out, maybe even a bit resigned, and it's been awhile since I've felt anything even close to hopeless, but here I was feeling kinda hopeless.

Then, finally, I remembered the serenity prayer:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

So, I took a couple of deep breaths as I turned off the TV.  Some things I can change, but I can't change the greed or corruption that has created this global economic crisis and that continues to occur in the world. And while I can understand the outrage so many are feeling including myself, I believe President Obama hit the nail on the head when he said that it's important that we direct our anger in a productive way by assuring that these inequities do not continue.

And then I remembered another part of the Serenity Prayer I'd never even heard before a couple weeks ago when I looked it up:

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Hardships as the pathway to peace?  How can that be?  Something to ponder, right?  Well, as I did ponder it, I realized that it's pretty easy to be peaceful during, well, peaceful times.  (Even though, a lot of people manage to create a lot of imaginary dramas even then.)  But to stay peaceful and serene during times of hardship.  Well, now that takes a practice -- practice in "living one day at a time, enjoying one more at a time."

And breath.  Just keep breathing.

Ann's Angelic Musings

Hi,
Well, this is my first blog ever and for someone who has had teachers in school and college tell she is not a writer this is a major step. I am writing about a new adventure I am taking. It is my exploration around angels. On our radio show, Living and Working on Purpose which is a part of Exceptional wisdom radio, I interviewed a woman, Karen Forrest, who is an Angel Therapy Practioner. Karen has written a book called Angels of the Maritimes.  It is a wonderful little book about angel stories experienced by people of the maritimes states around Nova Scotia. I really enjoyed the book. You can find more about Karen and her book at her website.

First, understand I have had an affinity for angels for years. I have been in shops when a small figurine of an angel would call to me to purchase it (I have the figurine in my house now) and I am one of those people who is not really big on figurines. So to purchase it was out of the ordinary.

So during our interview that day with Karen, I felt a real stirring in myself to find out more about angels and what it means to be an Angel Therapy Practitioner. I have done just a small bit of research and found Doreen Virture's website. I checked my local library to find out if they had any of her books and they don't. I did read a book by James Van Pragh by the name of Talking to Heaven. I have also been asking around my community to see if anyone knows anything about angels or people studying angels, etc.  While working on my computer two weeks ago, I clearly heard the message. Call Marilyn. Marilyn is a friend of mine. We went to college together lost contact and then when we moved to Flat Rock I met her again. We have not been in touch for a couple of years now. So when the message came to call Marilyn it wasn't a common event. I called Marilyn at 9:18pm on an evening. I even thought I hope this is not too late. We talked for about an hour.

She told me of a group that is meeting 2 times a month lead by Steve Forbes (no relation to the economist, Steve Forbes and Forbes magazine) and they are studying angels. She went on to give me Steve's phone number. Since that phone call to Marilyn, I have purchased a Doreen Virtue book on Archangels and Ascended Masters, attended my first Angel study group and talked with others who are interested in angels.

According to Karen and Steve, angels want to help us. They are wanting to be of service to us. We can call on them at anytime about anything. So I have been doing some of this. Here are some of the amazing things that have been happening:

1. We gave away our van that needed a new transmission to a family that needed a vehicle. The van had been sitting for months in our yard without starting. Brad had been out trying to start the van and it wouldn't start. So I said a little prayer asking Archangel Michael to please help it start the next day. Guess what?!!!! It started right up. I am so grateful to Archangel Michael.

2. I went to a church auction that was benefitting the youth group. When we got there everything was being sold for hundreds of dollars. This just didn't fit in my budget at this time. Toward the end of the auction an entertainment center came up for sale. The bidding started at $20. The next bid was for $25 so my daughter said "Mom, let's bid on it. We could use an entertainment center instead of that book case we use." So I raised my bidding padle. The next thing I know they said "Sold for $25." The angels were at work again.

3. This week I was looking for a lost check. After a phone call letting us know that it had been mailed and we should have it. I laid down and meditated. I asked the angels where could the check be. They told me to go upstairs to my office and check a certain drawer. I did and there it was.

While it may seem coinscidental to you, I don't be believe in coinscidences. I believe everthing happens for a reason and that there is much more than what meets the eye. We only have to believe. If you don't believe then think about things that mean the most in life. Love. You can't touch it, feel it, smell it or see it but it is very real. In fact, without love we perish. We loose the spark that life was meant to be.

This is the end of my first blogging. Thanks for anyone who may read it. I hope you enjoy it. Ann

A Practice On Purpose - 25 Years in the Making

Imagine investing years in being educated for your chosen profession, one that you feel called to out of a real commitment to serve.  You might even feel it’s more than just a career, it’s a spirit-led calling.  Then you find yourself in a dysfunctional system that is focused more on the economics of the profession than on helping the people who come to you.  That’s the situation one of the guests of the Living & Working On Purpose radio show found himself in over twenty-five years ago. 

As a highly trained kidney specialist in Texas, Dr. David Player had patients who received a million dollars worth of healthcare even though some of them would make less than $10,000 of income in their lifetime.  Dr. Player knew something was wrong with a healthcare system where the economics was centered around waiting until people were severely sick, then trying to fix them, rather than educating them on how to be well.  Dr. Player struggled for a quarter of a century to find a better way.

He shares this better way that is at the heart of his enterprise, Health by Design with co-hosts Brad Swift and Ricardo Flores on the Living & Working On Purpose radio show that airs, Wednesday, March 18th, at 5 pm eastern time.  Don’t miss it on March 18, 2008 on Exceptional Wisdom Radio.

Quit Trying to Change Your Life

Several weeks ago I received the following message from one of our readers.   My heart went out to this troubled soul who wrote:

"I've come to the point that I believe in nothing, my self esteem is in the gutter, and I don't know what to do with the rest of my life. changing careers and going back to school just seems too daunting. I need the line of work that I'm in to pay the mortgage even though I think I'd rather be doing something else."

So I wrote back:

"My heart goes out to you. It really does.

I'm wondering though -- are you ready to do something about your situation?  I know this may sound overly dramatic or confronting but I'm going to ask it anyway.  Have you suffered enough in your present stuck place to do something that will be effective in moving forward?

I know how daunting these dark night of the soul experiences can be. If you don't believe I know, download the book excerpt from my home page and read the intro.  I also know that we all have different 'thresholds of pain' and until we reach our limit, it's tough to make any real or lasting difference.

Are you there yet?"

Perhaps I was too much on the ruthless end and didn't balance it with enough compassion, but to date I've not heard back.  But I've kept this person in my prayers, and just this past week I read the following coaching joke online:

How many coaches does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer:
One. But the light bulb has to want to change.

Kind of cute, yet in another sense it's no laughing matter.  Change is tough for a lot of people.  But is there a way to make it just a little bit easier...maybe even a lot easier?

Maybe it's time to quit trying to change your life, and begin to create it instead.

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The Creative Tension of the Gap
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The number one 'coaching tip' I would offer to our friend who finds himself quagmired in his life right now, and anyone else wanting to make changes but not knowing how would be to shift the frame from 'wondering how to change' to asking the question:

"What do I want to create?"  As Robert Fritz points out in his book, The Path of Least Resistance: Learning to Become the Creative Force in Your Own Life, it is a vitally important question to ask.

When you ask it, it begins to move you out of the circumstances of your life and into a new future. You see, as long as you're stuck in the circumstances -- "I hate my job but can't afford to quit, I'm not getting along with my spouse, I don't know what to do with my life, etc. then the best you can hope to do is to get creative with your problem solving.  And problem solving, even creative problem solving isn't creating.  From Fritz:

"When you are solving a problem, you are taking action to have something go away: the problem. When you are creating, you are taking action to have something come into being: the creation. Notice that the intentions of these actions are opposite."

So, what do you want to create in your life?  Step out of the current circumstances of your life, whatever they may be, and step into the future, and create a visionary reality for yourself.  What do you want to create your life to be like?  Don't worry about the 'how to' at this point.  Just have fun creating.  To spark the flame of your creativity, ask yourself the question:

"If money, time, talent and resources were unlimited who would I be and what would I create my life to be like?"

Sit with this question in meditation and prayer. Talk with your loved ones about it, ponder upon it, write about it.  Have fun with it. Don't worry if at first nothing comes up clearly. Often times our creative dream machine needs a little oiling.  Just hang in with it for awhile and see what begins to be born.

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A Few Purposeful Pointers
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Here are a few suggestions for making your visionary reality a tool for attracting the resources that will make the vision a reality:

1- Imagine you've stepped into the future when your life is really working and then describe what you see.  Include what it feels like, smells like, and even tastes like.  Since you're standing in the future as you describe it, write it in the present tense.

2- Make it as detailed and multi-sensory as you can.  Swing out and really have fun with the description.

3- Focus on what's present rather than what's no longer present. For example, rather than writing, "I'm no longer feeling stuck in a job I hate," try writing, "I love the work I'm now able to do that not only provides me with plenty of money for all my needs. It also allows me to express my creativity and make a real difference in the world."  Can you feel the difference.

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A Blog Bonus
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I would really love to read some of your visionary realities so here's what I'm going to offer in the spirit of being of service.  To the first 10 people who post their visionary reality on the Living & Working On Purpose Blog, I'll give you your choice of either of these special reports:

1- **  Purposeful Prosperity: Living a Life of Mindful Abundance Balanced with Simplicity

**  Transforming Overwhelm to Joyously Experiencing the Fullness of a Life On Purpose

AND those ten names will go into a hat and the one I draw out will win a copy of either of these books:

Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life

Or
Dash by Eric Aronson

I know it takes courage to put your dreams and visions out into the world, but I'm hoping there are at least 10 people that have the courage and will take the time.  The posts don't have to be long.  A good paragraph or two will do, or a summary of what you've written.  Just let them be heart felt. The point of the exercise is to inspire you to step into a bigger possibility for your life. The possibility of creating your life on purpose.

Post your visionary reality right here under comments.

Winter Sowing -- An Experiment in Simple Gardening On Purpose

I love to garden. I find it both fun and meditative and one of my favorite on purpose past times.  The last couple of years I've wanted to start my gardening experience earlier by starting my own seeds.  I did this years ago and found it a lot of fun. 

While living in Massachusetts I even built my own little cold frame but then left it behind when I moved back south, which has been part of what stopped me from starting my seeds these past couple of years.

Ahh, but this year I decided to go online and see what I could find and presto...I found winter sowing, or more specifically wintersown.org.  There I learned what I view is the perfect way to sow my own seeds using recyclable containers like milk jugs, large plastic bottles, etc. 

Since we recycle as much of that kind of stuff as possible, we already had a 'starter kit' handy:

So, I took my starter kit down to the garage and drilled some drainage holes in the bottom of each container, and air ventilation holes in the top.  I then filled them with potting soil and dug out some seeds from the last couple of seasons.  I know that might be a touchy point. Maybe the 'old seeds' will sprout and maybe they won't.  Just in case I decided to sow heavy -- putting more seeds in each container.

And voila my winter (OK, early spring) sowing garden:

In the meantime, I also sent wintersown.org a SASE with two stamps and they've sent me back a whole bassle of seeds, many of which have come from other volunteer gardeners.  How great is that?

Stay tuned.  I've already started to see some of the seeds are germinating, and tonight I'll find out if how they fair when a cold snap comes into our area.