I hope you had a great weekend.
News
No new updates for this week.
I decided to share this story I found with all of you.
Story
The Important Things in Life
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
Have an outstanding week.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Spiritual Journey
News
No new updates for this week.
Quotes
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
-Buddha
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?
-Jesus Christ
"God dwells in you, as you, and you don't have to 'do' anything to be God-realized or Self-realized, it is already your true and natural state." Just drop all seeking, turn your attention inward, and sacrifice your mind to the One Self radiating in the Heart of your very being. For this to be your own presently lived experience, Self-Inquiry is the one direct and immediate way."
-Ramana Maharshi
My Thoughts
Spirituality is a touchy subject for most people, however it is incredibly important. So, I wanted to share my own story of spiritual growth this week. I am not saying the following is right, it is simply my journey up until this point.
I was raised Catholic. Went to church on Sundays, a better way to put it was forced to go to church on Sundays, until I was about 13. I went to a Catholic high school and when I was 16 I decided to turn my back on Catholicism and Christianity. There were many things that lead up to that point but, basically a priest and I got into a heated discussion in religion class over some teachings.
For the next 11 years I would categorize myself as agnostic. I supposed their could be some sort of higher power but I wasn't sure.
About 3-4 years ago I was starting to get involved in coaching and one of Bob Proctor's core components of coaching is spirituality. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive about that whole part. But I kept going forward and just put off thinking about the whole spiritual side of things. One part of our coaching program included a recommended reading list. I guess there are about 40-50 books on the list. Some of them get deep into spirituality. I decided I better start reading some of those.
As I started reading some of the books I realized something. I had made an error in judgement when I was 16. I turned my back on everything but it wasn't that all of Christianity's teachings were flawed just certain people's interpretations of those teachings were flawed. Also, I didn't need to claim a specific religion to have a relationship with a higher power.
Time went on and I read more and more. I eventually started reading teachings from: Buddha, Huang Po, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, Yoganada, Ramana Maharshi, David Hawkins, etc..
Eventually I realized that all of them were essentially saying the same thing.
This lead me on a journey to northern India. I spent almost two weeks at an ashram. I witnessed a man there speak to a crowd of one million people. The man spoke for 90 minutes and no one in the audience said a word. Some people were crying but no one said a thing. Remarkable considering we were sitting on the ground outside in 110F/44C heat. Eventually my view of the world was drastically altered.
I know now that a higher power exists. Is this God necessarily the same exact one found in the Bible? Not exactly. It would take me way too long to explain this fully here.
I am also starting to view the entire world from a place of love. I am beginning to see the inherent beauty that exists in all things. I also realize that everything happens exactly when it is supposed to so there really is no need to worry. Finally, I am able to focus more and more on the present moment.
I am not finished on this journey. I still have much spiritual growing to do. It is not easy but once you realize that God is both internal and external your entire view of the world will change. It is simply awesome.
Have an amazing week.
No new updates for this week.
Quotes
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
-Buddha
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?
-Jesus Christ
"God dwells in you, as you, and you don't have to 'do' anything to be God-realized or Self-realized, it is already your true and natural state." Just drop all seeking, turn your attention inward, and sacrifice your mind to the One Self radiating in the Heart of your very being. For this to be your own presently lived experience, Self-Inquiry is the one direct and immediate way."
-Ramana Maharshi
My Thoughts
Spirituality is a touchy subject for most people, however it is incredibly important. So, I wanted to share my own story of spiritual growth this week. I am not saying the following is right, it is simply my journey up until this point.
I was raised Catholic. Went to church on Sundays, a better way to put it was forced to go to church on Sundays, until I was about 13. I went to a Catholic high school and when I was 16 I decided to turn my back on Catholicism and Christianity. There were many things that lead up to that point but, basically a priest and I got into a heated discussion in religion class over some teachings.
For the next 11 years I would categorize myself as agnostic. I supposed their could be some sort of higher power but I wasn't sure.
About 3-4 years ago I was starting to get involved in coaching and one of Bob Proctor's core components of coaching is spirituality. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive about that whole part. But I kept going forward and just put off thinking about the whole spiritual side of things. One part of our coaching program included a recommended reading list. I guess there are about 40-50 books on the list. Some of them get deep into spirituality. I decided I better start reading some of those.
As I started reading some of the books I realized something. I had made an error in judgement when I was 16. I turned my back on everything but it wasn't that all of Christianity's teachings were flawed just certain people's interpretations of those teachings were flawed. Also, I didn't need to claim a specific religion to have a relationship with a higher power.
Time went on and I read more and more. I eventually started reading teachings from: Buddha, Huang Po, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, Yoganada, Ramana Maharshi, David Hawkins, etc..
Eventually I realized that all of them were essentially saying the same thing.
This lead me on a journey to northern India. I spent almost two weeks at an ashram. I witnessed a man there speak to a crowd of one million people. The man spoke for 90 minutes and no one in the audience said a word. Some people were crying but no one said a thing. Remarkable considering we were sitting on the ground outside in 110F/44C heat. Eventually my view of the world was drastically altered.
I know now that a higher power exists. Is this God necessarily the same exact one found in the Bible? Not exactly. It would take me way too long to explain this fully here.
I am also starting to view the entire world from a place of love. I am beginning to see the inherent beauty that exists in all things. I also realize that everything happens exactly when it is supposed to so there really is no need to worry. Finally, I am able to focus more and more on the present moment.
I am not finished on this journey. I still have much spiritual growing to do. It is not easy but once you realize that God is both internal and external your entire view of the world will change. It is simply awesome.
Have an amazing week.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Stone Cutter
News
No new updates for this week.
I decided I wanted to share a story with you this week.
Story
The Stone Cutter
There was once a stone cutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.
One day he passed a wealthy merchant's house. Through the open gateway, he saw many fine possessions and important visitors. "How powerful that merchant must be!" thought the stone cutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant.
To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession. "How powerful that official is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a high official!"
Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. "How powerful the sun is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the sun!"
Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below. "How powerful that storm cloud is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a cloud!"
Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind. "How powerful it is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the wind!"
Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, feared and hated by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it - a huge, towering rock. "How powerful that rock is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a rock!"
Then he became the rock, more powerful than anything else on earth. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the hard surface, and felt himself being changed. "What could be more powerful than I, the rock?" he thought.
He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stone cutter.
-----------------------
Have a phenomenal week.
No new updates for this week.
I decided I wanted to share a story with you this week.
Story
The Stone Cutter
There was once a stone cutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.
One day he passed a wealthy merchant's house. Through the open gateway, he saw many fine possessions and important visitors. "How powerful that merchant must be!" thought the stone cutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant.
To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession. "How powerful that official is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a high official!"
Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. "How powerful the sun is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the sun!"
Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below. "How powerful that storm cloud is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a cloud!"
Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind. "How powerful it is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the wind!"
Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, feared and hated by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it - a huge, towering rock. "How powerful that rock is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a rock!"
Then he became the rock, more powerful than anything else on earth. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the hard surface, and felt himself being changed. "What could be more powerful than I, the rock?" he thought.
He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stone cutter.
-----------------------
Have a phenomenal week.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Love
News
The start date for the 6-Week mastermind course has been moved to Monday, July 18th at 7:00pm.
Group size: 5-10 people
Who would benefit:
- People that are seeking some sort of change but feel stuck.
- People that want to change but keep falling back into their old habits.
- People that would like to meet others that want to grow.
- People that are curious about coaching but aren't ready to make a longer time and/or financial commitment.
- People that have questions relating to dealing with fear, failure, negativity, etc...
If you are interested in joining, or have any questions, please email: bob@oneamazinglife.com
Quote
“Trying to make someone fall in love with you is about as pointless as trying to control who you fall in love with.”
-Unknown
My Thoughts
There are many things in life that are out of our control. Trying to stop love once it takes a hold of you is the equivalent of trying to stop a speeding train by standing in front of it with your hands out in front of you. That wouldn't be the wisest of decisions.
Love can move you to do incredible things. People seem to have extra energy when they are in love. They function on less sleep and will often go to great lengths to see the person they love, even if it's only for a brief moment. When people in love are separated they long to be together.
Why am I mentioning this?
All of us have had brilliant ideas but very few of us take action on those ideas and even fewer hang on and see the idea through until completion. People often get an idea and talk themselves out of it before they even get started.
If you would like to make serious change in your life then that idea will have to become your burning desire. You will fall in love with that idea. Because you are in love you will do what needs to be done to see the idea through until it is complete.
If there is some idea, or someone, that you know you love but you keep making excuses for not pursuing it then I suggest you stop denying your feelings and release control. Let love wash over you. Is it 100% guaranteed to work out? No, but the thought of never knowing can make you go mad.
Have an amazing week.
The start date for the 6-Week mastermind course has been moved to Monday, July 18th at 7:00pm.
Group size: 5-10 people
Who would benefit:
- People that are seeking some sort of change but feel stuck.
- People that want to change but keep falling back into their old habits.
- People that would like to meet others that want to grow.
- People that are curious about coaching but aren't ready to make a longer time and/or financial commitment.
- People that have questions relating to dealing with fear, failure, negativity, etc...
If you are interested in joining, or have any questions, please email: bob@oneamazinglife.com
Quote
“Trying to make someone fall in love with you is about as pointless as trying to control who you fall in love with.”
-Unknown
My Thoughts
There are many things in life that are out of our control. Trying to stop love once it takes a hold of you is the equivalent of trying to stop a speeding train by standing in front of it with your hands out in front of you. That wouldn't be the wisest of decisions.
Love can move you to do incredible things. People seem to have extra energy when they are in love. They function on less sleep and will often go to great lengths to see the person they love, even if it's only for a brief moment. When people in love are separated they long to be together.
Why am I mentioning this?
All of us have had brilliant ideas but very few of us take action on those ideas and even fewer hang on and see the idea through until completion. People often get an idea and talk themselves out of it before they even get started.
If you would like to make serious change in your life then that idea will have to become your burning desire. You will fall in love with that idea. Because you are in love you will do what needs to be done to see the idea through until it is complete.
If there is some idea, or someone, that you know you love but you keep making excuses for not pursuing it then I suggest you stop denying your feelings and release control. Let love wash over you. Is it 100% guaranteed to work out? No, but the thought of never knowing can make you go mad.
Have an amazing week.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Inspiration
News
Two things to share this week:
1. There will be a 6-Week Mastermind course starting on Monday, July 11th at 7:00pm. Each meeting lasts around 2 hours.
This course is perfect for those that are curious about coaching or personal growth. It is also a great way to meet like minded people that are seeking some sort of change in their own lives.
If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in this course please email me for further details.
bob@oneamazinglife.com
2. I have also decided to offer one on one coaching over the phone for those that can not make it in person. If you would like more information on this service please email me at the email address above.
Quote
“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”
-Patanjali
My Thoughts
What inspires you? What are you passionate about? If you answered I don't know to those questions, I would recommend spending some serious time thinking it over.
Most people wander through life as if they are on autopilot, mindlessly going through the motions and never truly living life. When was the last time you felt really excited about something?
Life is full of risk and uncertainty. There are no guarantees that pursuing your passion will turn out exactly like you had hoped. As a matter of fact it could turn out to be the opposite of what you had planned. There is no guarantee that after finding what you believe is your ideal person that everything will be perfect. Life is complicated and at times can get messy. But, that is what makes it worth living. Having to experience all of the stress, failure, heartache, loneliness, etc.. makes feeling happiness, excitement, joy, peace, etc.. that much more enjoyable.
Life really is all about the journey and not the final destination. Sometimes life will smack you around but instead of getting depressed by it, try to find the learning experience. Sometimes life's lessons are hard to swallow but they will make you grow if you let them.
I encourage you to seize every opportunity to really live life. Will you make mistakes? Definitely. Will you experience setbacks? Indeed. Will you encounter stress that makes it feel like you are going to break? Probably.
However, as you keep going and learning from those experiences you will one day learn the meaning that true happiness comes from within and you will find inner peace. Once you really experience that your life will be changed forever.
Have an excellent week.
Two things to share this week:
1. There will be a 6-Week Mastermind course starting on Monday, July 11th at 7:00pm. Each meeting lasts around 2 hours.
This course is perfect for those that are curious about coaching or personal growth. It is also a great way to meet like minded people that are seeking some sort of change in their own lives.
If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in this course please email me for further details.
bob@oneamazinglife.com
2. I have also decided to offer one on one coaching over the phone for those that can not make it in person. If you would like more information on this service please email me at the email address above.
Quote
“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”
-Patanjali
My Thoughts
What inspires you? What are you passionate about? If you answered I don't know to those questions, I would recommend spending some serious time thinking it over.
Most people wander through life as if they are on autopilot, mindlessly going through the motions and never truly living life. When was the last time you felt really excited about something?
Life is full of risk and uncertainty. There are no guarantees that pursuing your passion will turn out exactly like you had hoped. As a matter of fact it could turn out to be the opposite of what you had planned. There is no guarantee that after finding what you believe is your ideal person that everything will be perfect. Life is complicated and at times can get messy. But, that is what makes it worth living. Having to experience all of the stress, failure, heartache, loneliness, etc.. makes feeling happiness, excitement, joy, peace, etc.. that much more enjoyable.
Life really is all about the journey and not the final destination. Sometimes life will smack you around but instead of getting depressed by it, try to find the learning experience. Sometimes life's lessons are hard to swallow but they will make you grow if you let them.
I encourage you to seize every opportunity to really live life. Will you make mistakes? Definitely. Will you experience setbacks? Indeed. Will you encounter stress that makes it feel like you are going to break? Probably.
However, as you keep going and learning from those experiences you will one day learn the meaning that true happiness comes from within and you will find inner peace. Once you really experience that your life will be changed forever.
Have an excellent week.
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