Self Help

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda (V3 P1)

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Inherently, within each and every one of us, is a template from which our lives will unfold. The base template is filled with human characteristics and includes a sprinkling of “extras” from the universal field. It is the proverbial clean slate. It is ours to change, edit, transform, progress from, regress from, beautify, desecrate, etc. Our free will allows us to mold that template into something beautiful and everlasting or terrible and decaying.

If we think about all of the alternative paths and meandering routes that we have in life, it is pretty eye opening. Spending some time before making those pathway decisions is crucial, for then and only then can we alter the template for better or for worse. Stagnation has no effect other than to maintain the present state of the template. Moving forward with perpetual molding of the template is the only way to change oneself. The question is, will the change be for the betterment or the worsening of the template.

Should we think of our lives deeply and consider not only what we would have done differently, but plan to take action to change for the better from here forward, we can really take command of our future and of ourselves.

The decision process from here forward, however, is clouded by two very distinct alternatives. One being what we could do – because of our freedom to act, speak and live; and one being what we should do – because of what we know deep down to be right, and just, and impactful for our souls and for the world.

We could use our time in pursuit of leisure, materiality, the finer things, making our social status envious to others, trying to fit in, trying to stand out, etc. These are the “coulda” items that so many of us are bogged down in for both the short term and the long haul. Life passes, memories and material accumulations are gained and enjoyed, but has anything really fruitful taken place?

Instead, can we not think about what we should be doing. Soul searching, praying, lending a hand, giving to others instead of receiving a perceived entitlement, building a base of hope for ourselves and those that we love, being a good example in all ways that we know really mean something, smiling and acknowledging others in our lives and others that cross our paths in life, trying to analyze world events by asking what is right for mankind and what is horrifically wrong, etc. We should be evolving in a positive manner, each and every day, and in doing so helping the world and mankind evolve in a positive manner as well.

We cannot do this by thinking of ourselves and living under the spell of surface things, but rather only by being selfless and living under the infinite glory of substance and righteousness. By doing so, we do not really sacrifice anything that we should be truly missing in our lives. By doing so, we will have everything that we truly want, need, and desire in our paths to spiritual evolution and true happiness.

Think about this. Because we can does not mean that we should. Because we should does not mean that in doing so, we will be missing out. In fact, we will inherit the earth.

KGM

 

The Ripple Effect (V2 P4)

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The Ripple Effect…of Prayer 

Humankind has known of the power of prayer since the dawn of human time on earth. But we have lost it as collective humanity and it resides within smaller pockets of faith based communities and individuals. 

Chanting, meditation, prayer and invocation, and other means of communicating with and making requests of God is the most sacred and powerful tool we have as spiritual beings. It is our lifeline to the source of life. It is our eternal tie to the eternal source. It is our two way communication means via the Holy Spirit between us, as sons and daughters of God, and God. 

There are countless examples in human history of the powerful effect of collective prayer for a common goal or purpose. Priests huddled in a house praying the rosary surviving the atomic bomb, battles won, lives changed, healings, miracles, and simple bequests. Because we, as a “collective soul” of sorts, have regressed as spiritual beings and not progressed as a group (humankind) – we will have to push aside the “clutter” of the material and self-centered world and focus on getting back on track as spiritual beings. 

It all starts, as many things do, with the efforts of one – yourself. Through meditative reflection and prayer, by living a selfless and spiritual life, by shining in the eyes of others because of your selfless devotion to God and your inherent goodness, you can and will spread these sacred practices to those around you. To those with eyes to see and with ears to hear. To those receptive to all that is truly important. 

Those affected will do the same and it will spread to others who may not have been receptive before but have been impacted in such a way that their mindset, over time, has changed and they become newly receptive. It is truly a powerful ripple effect and it cannot be contained once it has begun to form and take shape. The universe has no choice but to meld and morph based on collective spiritual intent and hardening of the will. 

It is never a waste of time or energy and it is always a necessary and productive part of the journey. We are, as mentioned in previous posts, spiritual beings inhabiting physical bodies during this lifetime. What is real and eternal is that which resides within you. What is temporary and what passes in the blink of an eye is that which is physical matter and form. True progression and evolution can only take place from within. And yet, so many of us prioritize and live for the short term and quickly extinguishable clutter of the material world. 

I write these words not to be judgmental and not to diminish the accomplishments of persons within the material and physical world here on earth. I only mean to impart the necessity of evolution and prioritization of the spiritual being within all of us. For that is where true eternal peace and fulfillment can be found. 

Make a point to develop your inner self. Pray, meditate, focus, make a true effort at perpetual communication with God. Clean off the cobwebs of the material clutter in your life. Become pure in thought and spirit.  

One at a time. It all begins with each of us as individuals. It all begins with you. 

KGM

 

 

Addition by Subtraction (V2 P3)

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Addition by subtraction is an interesting concept and one that deserves some in depth analysis and serious consideration for placement into the spiritual evolution process.

As one reflects upon the state of their spiritual being, there should be some resulting scorecard in which areas of progress and achievement are separated from areas of struggle and those in need of improvement. As discussed in several posts from V1 (2017), the importance of focus on the core and the attempt to minimize and eliminate the periphery clutter around us is greatly aided by this periodic accounting of one’s spiritual progress. This will invariably lead to an assessment of what next to prioritize for improvement in life.

One of the quickest and simplest forms of growth, step by step success, and spiritual component achievement is not to jump into pro-active improvement in several areas deemed to be “in progress” or “under developed” but rather to pro-actively eliminate from your life the negative forces that have accumulated in your spiritual garden.

The choices may be difficult to follow through on as they may include distancing yourself from “friends”, parting ways with habits and routines that are dragging you down but none the less difficult to break away from, and making clear cut choices that you may have previously dodged due to indifference or inability to accept as part of an overall negative part of your persona.

But you will find that once these areas negative or anti-spiritual development are identified, your true inner self will shed the emotion out of the equation and provide you with the impetus to use logic, reason and spiritual meditative learning and reflection and move forward in your evolution by letting go. Let go of the negative and the scale of your spiritual being will inherently tip further towards the positive.

You will shed darkness and more light will appear. You will shed greed and more generosity will fill your heart. You will shed anger and hatred and calmness and love will envelope you. You will part ways with negative and self-serving beings and you will be surrounded by more positive and selfless supporters and true friends. It cannot fail for the very thought of pulling something off one side of the scale will open your eyes to the soon to be heavier and more weighted other side of the scale.

If your complete state is 50/50, removing from the negative side will tilt the balance to the positive side. Without pro-active seeking to add to the positive side of the equation, your removal of the negative will make the positive tilt that you, as a spiritually evolving being, will feel and thrive on. In time, you will add more positive because your focus will be minimized on and your previous bad habits will be shifted away from the negative aspects of your previous spiritual state. The focus away from the negative and to the positive elements of the universe that are here for you to learn from, absorb, and develop from will result in an exponential change in your spiritual state.

Eventually, you will indeed be pro-actively focused on accentuating every positive aspect of your spiritual being and on pursuing a path towards gaining more positive elements previously missing from your spiritual life because over time your mind set will have completely shifted. The negative habits and routines, negative energies and persons, that you made a determined effort to subtract out of your life not only left you with a less corrupt and cleaner spiritual state, but the act of removal made a permanent change to your mindset in all that is important to you and all that you will attract into your life as a spiritual being.

Addition by subtraction. Consider it. Let the concept immerse you and put it into practice. We are spiritual beings in a physical body and the true priority should be positive evolution of that spirit. All else, barring basic and simple necessities, is clutter along your path. Much of the “all else” is truly negative and a road block along your path. Take the time to remove it and enjoy the soon to be cleared and wondrous path towards your slow and organic spiritual march.

To become one with God. Is that even attainable? To be closer to God – this is not only attainable, but your spiritual evolution can lead you only towards that end. The tie that binds you (sons and daughters of God) with God is indeed the Holy Spirit. Allow that universal spirit to aid you in your path, your journey, your longing for true spiritual perfection.

KGM

 

From the Material World to the Spiritual World (V2 P2)

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Mankind -> Spiritual Beings -> Material Beings -> Spiritual Beings

The lust and longing for material/earthly possessions has decayed the innate spirituality of mankind and resulted in a world in which the goal and ambition of the vast majority is to accumulate brag worthy post-able moments and gluttonous portions of meaningless material possessions. There has been an altering of the moral compass to the point at which it no longer exists nor is monitored for balance in life. I fear that we are at or near a potential point of no return from which we will never regain our spiritual connection to the universe and to the All Powerful Creator (whatever name you assign to God). 

From all indications and historical perspectives, ancient mankind was a spiritual being whose purpose in life was mainly dictated by his or her belief system. Certain material possessions were necessary and sought after for survival sake. Leisure time, if any, was mainly committed to tribal or family bonding/training, communal rituals and worship, and spiritual reflection. The pursuit of knowledge and new skills was of the utmost importance and priority. The pursuit of happiness was normally a by-product of this and not a separate and exclusive act. A spiritual being’s pursuit of further evolution and of perpetual improvement was noble, respected and self-satisfying. 

Only when one becomes obsessed outside of the realm of spiritual fulfillment and evolution and covets material possessions and gratification does one begin to self-destruct. This is not a self-contained problem as it leads to negative influence over others. We are, after all, imperfect and subject to temptation and poor judgment. First one human at a time and then whole communities, kingdoms, nations, etc. 

One covets another’s goods and nothing positive can come of that as it only leads to jealousy, theft, destruction, and other escalated crimes. One covets another’s spouse or a non-willing potential partner who does not reciprocate with the same feelings. This can only lead to jealousy, depression, feelings of emotional deprivation, and more serious crimes of passion such as adultery, rape, incest, abuse, etc. I think you get my drift here. 

When the world, in general, seeks instant gratification and material happiness it can only lead to bad things as some will seek and find (if only temporarily) and others will aspire and come up empty. The class system and its inherent division of humans into groups based upon various man-made scales glares upon those within and those without. Nothing that should be important, respected and attained is sought after in mass and the spiritual growth of man-kind is stunted and even reversed over the course of years, decades and centuries. 

I, me, mine – give me, get me, look at me – look at this person or that house, oh how I want it, how I have to have it… 

How close to the edge have we as a human race ventured. All that is great is within us and is provided to us. Everything else, outside of true necessities, is mindless and wasteful clutter that takes our focus, attention, time and robs our spiritual being of its true purpose in this life – evolution and further development.

How can we all save ourselves from what seems to be in store for man-kind? We have to turn within and forge ahead with “collective spiritualism”. Individual purpose must be restored and then as a collective group we must strive to turn our attention (thoughts, prayers, actions) towards the greater good. And that must be redefined for us as a race of fellow humans. 

Take a deep breath. Understand that all can be as it should be. Dedicate yourself to making an individual choice to move towards spiritual development and evolution and away from lust, greed and a state of coveting all that is not ours. Self-control over self-gratification at any and all costs. It all starts with a prayer and it starts with you.

 

What Reflects from Within? (V2-P1)

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Think about the countless hours that many of us invest in our outward appearance. There is the daily hygiene that goes beyond health and stretches into the realm of vanity. There is also the work outs – walking, running, the gym – that go beyond keeping fit and perhaps cross the line into body image addiction. What about the clothes that are important to us – a requirement, yes, but also sometimes something more than that. We want to look good, feel good, be confident with ourselves.

All of this, within reason, is necessary and healthy. Some of this, beyond the bounds of humility and health consciousness, borders upon pure vanity and self-serving arrogance.

Picture this. What if humanity, in general, focused on projecting a flawless inside – a beaming inner beauty – that was genuine and pure? Imagine the life changing,  world- changing consequences…

Dwell for a minute on what your soul and spirit emanate to you when you close your eyes and visualize your inner self. Is it something to be proud of? Is it something for others to emulate? Are you focusing on what is really important and trying to be as perfect as you can be from the inside out?

There are so many material things and distractions. Outer clutter. To push aside this outer clutter and to dig deep within the well of the universal spirit, to purge the dust and vanity from the inner self and to cleanse it, protect it, nurture it, evolve it, shape it and seek guidance towards perfecting it – now that would be a journey worth taking for all of us.

Consider it. If you had one car for your entire life, would you treat it differently than perhaps you treat your car now? If you had one friend, would you treasure that person any differently in your life than how you may do presently? You have one body – and to honor it and treat it properly from a health and respect perspective is certainly to be strived for. You have one soul/spirit. It lasts you for eternity – through this life and beyond. This should be our primary focus. To cherish it, love it, nurture it, cleanse it and protect it, allow it to grow and evolve and to be the shining example of what we are.

We are spiritual beings within a physical body. Reflect upon your being. Be true to it and never stop the perpetual improvement process that it deserves and demands from you should you truly succeed in spiritual development.

Goodbye for now. – KGM

 

Summers End – Day at the Beach (V1 P20)

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The gentle pulsating and relentless sound of the surf. Wave after wave. It is one of the most relaxing and hypnotic of nature’s portfolio of beautiful and meaningful sound.

I long for it rarely, but once under its spell I vow to myself to not let the separation between this beach visit to the next be more than minimal. Sometimes life works out and other times not so much, but it is always worth the wait.

The time for me here is fleeting, as I write this. My family dreads but embraces the final last few hours before our departure back to our home – 6 1/2 hours away by drive. We try to finish with a flourish, but the knowing of the impending end of our trip is somber. But the memories seep out and stories in stories on the way back home and they become lasting and impactful. Our daughter has grown up from a kindergartener to a 7th grader with stops each summer along the way at this Michigan respite. She has the alluring call of the small lakeside town in her veins now and perhaps will until she has children and can share this place with her family.

There is a time and a place for all of the things that comprise our lives. And the times for get away family time, vacation from the work and school life, a respite for body and spirit, are all probably chosen with care and planning. As they are precious and make up a minority of all the time on our schedules. We have and will continue to choose this place. For all of the wants, needs and desires that it fulfills with flying colors. We come, we savor, we depart and we yearn for the next time(s).

I, of course, love my family. I love the down time that we can share together. I know that they also enjoy these moments. It is one of the ties that binds us together as a family.

In a few weeks, I will be taking my oldest son on a different kind of trip to a vastly different place. We will celebrate his 30th birthday. I hope our love for each other grows as we share this time together. I hope that he will take part of me with him as I share my time and fatherly wisdom, as best I can, with him at this milestone of his young life to date.

All is good at the tail end of summer.

KGM

Down to the Core (V1 P19)

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core-values-blackboard-cloud-words-black-chalkboard-65245027

All short term and long term progress is only attainable if one has identified the core values and principles that one will strive to uphold and attain/achieve throughout their lives. 

Who are you? What are you all about? What drives and motivates you? How do you strive to be seen by yourself upon deep and honest reflection? 

Identify the core values that you represent and that you hope to represent in the future (aspirational values). All of your decisions should be predicated upon that set of values that comprise your Personal Mission Statement (PMS). If something does or does not align itself with your PMS then the decision should be clear cut. This set of principles should be your road map to physical and spiritual evolution. 

Companies hire and fire by the doctrines that make up their Corporate Mission Statement, or at least they should if they are truly dedicated to furthering their adherence to those core values. Whenever possible, you should do the same. Sometimes you may need to make short-term exceptions to this in order to satisfy basic necessities. But, when faced with a choice, the path upon which to embark should generally be that which is in alignment with the core values of your PMS. 

The basic foundational principles should be core and be present throughout your life. Some values will evolve and change over time. Short and long term goals and objectives will come, be attained, and then be maintained and substituted for newer aspirational values. All of which should not be counter-productive to your PMS. 

Focus on the basics, the extreme core, and work from the inside to the outside – your inner core to other important but less vital values. Think of concentric circles in which at the center resides your core foundational principles upon which your PMS is built. Which each adjacent circle from the center towards the outside come goals and ambitions, long and short-term, that are in alignment with your PMS. Outside of this series of circles lie things that are either out of your control or that do not align with your PMS. Do NOT enlarge your circle to encompass them – but rather continue to focus on what is within your sphere of control, your core spiral, your inner circle or sanctum. 

All of the power to maintain and manifest the core attained and aspirational values within your Personal Mission Statement resides within you. But you must maintain focus upon and within the concentric circles which comprise the extreme core of what you are and what you hope to become. You can and will manifest this evolution – both physical and spiritual. You are what you choose to be. 

KGM

Personal Values/Mission Statement (V1 P15)

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what-your-mission-26684732Much time is spent by businesses, some successful and some not so much, on defining and attempting to do business by CORE VALES. Money, time, energy and much soul searching is spent on trying to do just that. The ability to do this successfully generally results in profit, employee retention, and passionate customers. The failure of one or both of these objectives will generally lead to declining business results, negative workplace energy, fragmented company culture, and a confused and dwindling customer base.

How much time have you spent on defining and living by your core PERSONAL VALUES? Have you a personal MISSION STATEMENT? Are you succeeding in this life task?

One must break down those core values that they wish to represent to themselves and to others. It is okay and also it is essential to a system of perpetual improvement to include aspirational values. Those consist of those values that one does not yet have in their tool belt as a functioning human – but that one aspires to one day obtain and display. Think. Reflect. Dwell on all of the qualities that you would like to exude as both a physical and spiritual being.

Your core group of values can be few in number or it can be extensive. The key is that they make up the “you” that you are striving to become. This set of personal core values will change over time as one evolves along their life’s journey. You should never be fully satisfied and should constantly try to improve. But you should still take great satisfaction upon attaining and exuding each of your personal core values.

Celebrate your personal and spiritual growth. This spurs on continued and greater success as you aspire to be more. Never stop challenging yourself to keep improving. Never shy away from defining a true aspirational value for yourself. Never surrender to the fear of failure.

This can be as simple as “Be respectful, have a strong work ethic, and have faith”. It can be as broad or detailed as you would like it to be. It is yours to shape and mold throughout your life. Define it, embrace it, and live by it.

Periodically review your personal values and personal mission statement. Celebrate it. Add to it and modify it to reflect the “you” that you are now, at this moment, striving to become.

It is one of the most important things that you will ever do. Don’t shuffle it off to some future date. Embrace this task and just do it. Your life’s journey requires it and your evolution as a spiritual being will continue to benefit from this exercise.

KGM

 

 

 

Note to Self – Be On Time (V1 P14)

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time-lost-cannot-be-regained-text-remember-antique-pocket-watch-64486583Some words to live by: Be on time.

Respect your time as well as the time of all others. Do what you must in order to always be on time. If you must get up earlier, leave sooner, add buffer time to your planning – whatever you must do and whatever works for you, you must do it. Force yourself to always be prompt and ready when the time has arrived to be, do, or say somewhere or something.

By not doing this, you are making a statement to yourself and to others that you do not care enough about the person or event, or both, to do what is necessary to be there on time. This is truly a toxic statement and will only result in hurt feelings, negative energy, and a loss of respect in you and what you represent to the world.

Embrace your responsibility to be on time. Be confident that it is beneficial and will be a positive element for you to participate and be present. Accept the small sacrifices that you may have to make as character building and TAKE PRIDE IN BEING ON TIME.

Just a light thought to end on. Yesterday was Ringo Starr’s 77th birthday. Ringo, as steady a drummer as there ever was, is referred to by Joe Walsh as “a human metronome”. Truly, one who took pride in being “on time”. Happy Birthday Ringo! Peace and love, as he always says.

KGM

 

Precious (First Thing in the) Morning (V1 P13)

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foggy-sunset-tree-landscape-early-morning-fog-nature-trees-grassy-hills-91988378Embrace the day. Seize the day. Awaken with passion. All of these may seem like meaningless sayings – but they hold truth and powerful sentiment towards how you face not only the coming day but life itself.

Think about your daily routine. The hours that you may spend getting ready to go somewhere (work perhaps), commuting to and from somewhere, taking part in activities that you are responsible for (as a parent, student, co-worker, interested party), etc. There are hours spent refueling your body through food and drink. There are hours that sleep requires each day to rejuvenate you and provide you with proper rest. There is not a whole lot left in a day when you factor in all of the items within your fixed and variable daily routine.

The first hours of the day provide the best opportunity for you to actually “own” a portion of your day. It is yours. It is the BEST time for quiet reflection, meditation, private thought, and prayer. It allows for an endorphin boosting walk, run, stretch or swim. There is not much, if anything, going on around you in the way of distraction and interference.

What is going on? Sunrise, sounds of nature around you beginning to buzz as animals greet the day and plants glisten in the dew, the beautiful chimes of a nearby church clock signaling the early hours of the morning. All things to take in, to be thankful for, and to admire in their morning habitat.

I like to rise now at about 5:00 AM. This may seem late for some and too early for others, but it works for me. I get outside and take a 20 minute walk or run. Prayer, dreams remembered, and other reflective thoughts run through my mind between short bursts of pure silence and observation of the beauty around me. The world seems like a different place at this hour as traffic is scarce and the pressures of yesterday and/or today are not really at the forefront of my mind. This is my time. It is all about what I choose to make of it and it seems to provide me with a mega boost of energy and positivity.

I follow this up with about 15 minutes of stretching, a shower, and then off to the office. I am now usually heading out earlier than before I began this routine, in a much better mood to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of me, and feeling physically, mentally and spiritually recharged.

There is something magical about the morning. All of its secrets are there for you to partake in – it unmasks itself before you and lies quietly at your feet. It has no choice.

Embrace the day by enjoying the early hours of the morning. It will be a positive change in your life and you will truly enjoy these precious hours that belong only to you.

KGM