Archive for June, 2010

Faith

Cliff Divers by twotom192004 ( will return later this summer).

Aloha.

Thank You for your joining me here in our cozy corner of the world.  My wish is that you feel inspired, joyful, loved, and peaceful.  May the summer possibilities free your heart.

Relax.  Breathe.  Allow your dreams to come out and play.

Today’s topic is something people have studied for centuries.  It is an idea that has ignited many a passionate discussion and about which numerous books have been written from varying points of view.  I feel, in my humble opinion, it boils down to making a singular choice and committing one’s self fully to that choice, which, in theory, sounds simple, though seems to require a delicate balance of patience, self-discipline, and skilled application.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was reminded of this very thing this past week as I found myself overly concerned regarding a specific decision.  I was examining various possibilities and entertaining various scenarios, concerned with making the “right” choice while simultaneously fretting a bit and jubilantly rejoicing the changes forthcoming.  The thought struck me that real character is claiming one’s own resourcefulness and trusting one’s own ability to choose wisely.  It is ultimately saying, “Yes, I can, and I will” in thought, feeling, and action.  True character, then, is walking in faith, knowing that all shall be well.  I very clearly became aware that if I really and truly walk in faith, then fear is an illusion keeping me from living my dreams.  If I really walk in faith, worry is only an insignificant thought.  If I were living in faith, deep in my core would be a resounding peace that everything will always be okay regardless of circumstance or outcome.

It sounds so deliciously simple and blissfully easy, like a young child skipping through a daisy field, a simple choice, and if so, then why do I still sometimes question and doubt?  Why am I quick to jump in when fear offers to chauffeur me around for a while?

Faith is easy when everything is going well, but then it’s not really faith, is it?  “Going well” is simply a matter of perspective anyway.  It’s easy to believe in something which you already see happening.  What about believing everything is working out for the good even when it feels like the world is ending?   What about trusting in divine power when the only reason for resilience is the whisper of a prayer carried safely on the wings of angels nestled in the hope that someone, somewhere will send relief?

Faith believes …always.  That  is faith.

The Princeton Dictionary defines faith as “a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny” or “complete confidence in a person or plan etc”

Okay.  That is about as inspired of a definition as waiting all week to dine at a new restaurant only to discover that the cardboard from a microwave dinner has more texture and tastes more flavorful than whatever they attempted serve up as a gourmet meal.  We’re talking FAITH here, people!  Faith, you know, that little thing that allowed Jesus to walk on water.  Faith – the fire that inspired pilgrims to risk their lives crossing foreign waters to establish a country based on equal rights.  Faith – the passion inside visionaries like the Wright Brothers, who kept going even when everyone said it couldn’t be done.

Faith believes in miracles and possibilities.  It trusts blessings are forthcoming in your life.  It steps forward out of hesitation into possibility.  It surrenders to a divine power and allows itself to receive help.  Faith recognizes and welcomes opportunities availing themselves.  Faith displays a peacock’s flair of splendid attributes, and though visually exquisite as they may be, absorbing and integrating them as part of one’s being is another matter entirely.

Here’s how I like to check and see if I’m living faith.  Notice I said “living faith” instead of “living in faith”.  I feel when you fully embrace something you become it, which in this case is living, breathing faith in motion.  Okay – here’s how I check myself.  Have you ever in the history of your life asked yourself, “Hmm. I wonder if gravity is working today.  Maybe  I’ll jump from a ridiculously high structure just to be sure.”  Silly, right?  Well, that’s faith – certain, solid belief.  I’ll admit, sometimes I’m tempted to look for signs to “test” if my prayers are being heard.  The ego jumps in with all sorts of questions, sidetracking with mental rubbish.  Will this opportunity work out?  What do I do now?  Will I be okay?  The ego is especially famous for his “what if” questions in every possible variation, which it knows will distract me for hours as my analytical brain attempts to untangle the ridiculously tangled ball of twine.

True faith is a resounding, “Yes, I know I am okay whatever happens.”  Faith knows with absolute certainty that life is happening for you, that even the most challenging circumstances are creating something in your life that is meant to help you.  Someone once told me that God only allows suffering that brings us closer to divine wisdom.  If this is true, it further suggests that everything happens for our greater good and that faith, theoretically speaking, is a stroll in the park. This is such a deeply profound concept that I shall revisit it at another time when I can offer it spotlight and center stage for closer inspection.

For me, two people whom I feel are outstanding examples of living faith are Nick Vujicic http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org and Bethany Hamilton  http://www.bethanyhamilton.com.

Nick Vujicic was born without any appendages, with the exception of one digit protruding from his hip.  He faced extremely dark times in his life and cites his faith as the reason he has kept going.  Nick is a college graduate and travels around the world speaking to groups about the power of getting up every time you fall.

Bethany Hamilton is a self-professed soul surfer who, in her early teens, lost an arm in a tiger shark attack of the Hawaiian coast.  Weeks prior to the attack, Bethany recalls a conversation with her Mom, in which she said she felt as if God was going to use her in a special way.  When asked if she wishes the attack didn’t happen, she replies without hesitation, “No”.  Bethany goes on to say that she’s living her life in a righteous way being of service to others and perhaps, had it not occurred, she would be tempted to step off the path she knows God has for her.  Bethany continues to compete in surfing contests, and a feature film is being made about her life.

Faith honors that small, still voice inside that says, “Yes, You can.”

The 64th Tony Awards is the perfect example of faith in action.  Millions watch as actors, dancers, composers, directors, producers, set-designers, vocalists, writers, and more gather together to celebrate the magic of Broadway.  Thousands of talented performers wade their way through countless auditions, subsisting on soda, saltines, and Ramen noodles while cramming themselves, a half dozen at a time, into a miniscule one bedroom apartment in search of realizing the golden dream …and what keeps them going?  Faith.

“This is the stuff dreams are made of.” ~ Eddie Redmayne

Scarlett Johansson, upon winning her Tony Award, thanked Liev Schreiber, for teaching her to, “Never anticipate anything,” and while she’s describing acting, it’s also a fitting definition of faith.  Faith believes we’re supported in discovering within ourselves a wealth of strength and resourcefulness to process whatever comes along; therefore, there is no need to anticipate anything.  How freeing it would be to get to that place of simply existing, trusting the process, and being peaceful, , and as Julian Norwich says, “…and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

“Be here now.” ~ Ram Dass

One of my favorite movie moments is in Evan Almighty, in which God explains how prayers are answered.  I’ll close with thought this to ponder.

“Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?”

What is faith?  Faith believes in miracles while walking in possibility knowing Love answers all things.

©2010 Susan Stackpole  www.susanstackpole.com

♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥

Want to use this article for your e-zine or newsletter?  Please include the following

Susan Stackpole, certified creative consultant and results expert, is the #1 coach for celebrities, VIPs, and people serious about getting results and living their best lives.  Are you ready to ignite your potential, jump-start your success, and achieve quick, effect results while living your dreams?  If so, please visit www.susanstackpole.com where you’ll find free resources for living your best life.  While you’re there, sign up for the monthly newsletter, which includes celebrity tips for manifesting destiny in style.   Contact Susan today for more information on mapping your destiny.

Aloha.

Thank You for your joining me here in our cozy corner of the world. My wish is that you feel inspired, joyous, loved, and peaceful. May the summer possibilities set free your heart.

Relax. Breath. Allow your dreams to come out and play.

Today’s topic is something people have studied for centuries. It is an idea about which numerous books have been written from varying points of view. I feel, in my humble opinion, it boils down to making a singular choice and committing one’s self fully to that choice, which, in theory, sounds simple, though seems to require a delicate balance of patience, self-discipline, and skilled application.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was reminded of this very thing this past week as I found myself overly concerned regarding a specific decision. I was examining various possibilities and entertaining various scenarios, concerned with making the “right” choice while simultaneously fretting a bit and jubilantly rejoicing the changes forthcoming. The thought struck me that real character is claiming one’s own resourcefulness and trusting one’s own ability to make savvy decisions. It’s ultimately saying, “Yes, I can, and I will” in thought, feeling, and action. True character, then, is walking in faith, knowing that all shall be well. I very clearly became aware that if I really and truly walk in faith, then fear an illusion keeping me from living my dreams. If I really walk in faith, worry is only a fleeting thought. If I were living in faith, deep in my core would be a resounding peace that everything will always be okay regardless of circumstance or outcome.

It sounds so deliciously simple and blissfully easy, like a young child skipping through a daisy field. It’s simply a matter of choice, and if so, then why do I still sometimes question and doubt? Why am I quick to jump in when fear offers to chauffer me around for a while?

Faith is easy when everything is going well, but then it’s not really faith, is it? It’s easy to believe in something which you already see happening. What about believing it’s all working out in what feels the end of the world, when the only reason for resilience is the whisper of a prayer carried safely on the wings of angels nestled in hope that someone, somewhere will send relief?

Faith believes …always. That is faith.

The Princeton Dictionary defines faith as “a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny” or “complete confidence in a person or plan etc”

Okay. That is about as inspired of a definition as waiting all week to dine at a new restaurant only to discover that the cardboard from a microwave dinner has more texture and tastes more flavorful than whatever they attempted serve up as a gourmet meal. We’re talking FAITH here, people! Faith, you know, that little thing that allowed Jesus to walk on water. Faith – the fire that inspired pilgrims to risk their lives crossing foreign waters to establish a country based on equal rights. Faith – the passion inside visionaries like the Wright Brothers, who kept going even when everyone said it couldn’t be done.

Faith believes in miracles and possibilities. It trusts blessings are forthcoming in your life. It steps forward out of hesitation into possibility. It surrenders to a divine power and allows itself to receive help. Faith recognizes and acts upon opportunities availing themselves..

Whew.

Faith displays a peacock’s flair of splendid attributes, though visually exquisite as they may be, absorbing them in and allowing them to integrate as part of one’s self is another matter entirely.

Here’s how I like to think of it really and truly living faith. Notice I said “living faith” instead of “living in faith”. I feel when you fully embrace something you become it, which in this case is a living, breathing faith in motion. Have you ever in the history of your life asked yourself, “Hmm. I wonder if gravity is working today. Maybe I’ll jump from a ridiculously high structure just to be sure.” Silly, right? Yet, sometimes we search for signs to “test” if our prayers are being heard and answered. The ego jumps in with all sorts of questions, sidetracking us with mental rubbish. Will this opportunity work out? Will s/he still love me if I change? Will I be okay?

True faith is a resounding, “Yes, I know I am okay whatever happens.” Faith is knowing with absolute certainty that life is happening for you, that even the most challenging circumstances are creating something in your life that is meant to help you.

Someone once told me that God only allows suffering that brings us closer to divine wisdom. If this is true, it further suggests that everything happens for us and that walking in faith theoretically should be a walk in the park. It’s such a deep and profound concept that I’ll revisit it at another time. It deserves center stage and a spotlight for closer inspection.

For me, two people whom I feel are outstanding examples of living faith are Nick Vujicic http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org and Bethany Hamilton http://www.bethanyhamilton.com.

Nick Vujicic was born without any appendages, with the exception of one digit protruding from his thigh. He faced extremely dark times in his life and cites his faith as the reason he has kept going. Nick is a college graduate and travels around the world speaking to groups about the power of getting up every time you fall.

Bethany Hamilton is a self-professed soul surfer who, in her early teens, lost an arm in a tiger shark attack of the Hawaiian coast. Weeks prior to the attack, Bethany recalls a conversation with her Mom, in which she said she felt as if God was going to use her in a special way. When asked if she wishes the attack didn’t happen, she replies without hesitation, “No”. Bethany goes on to say that she’s living her life in a righteous way being of service to others and perhaps, had it not occurred, she would be tempted to step off the path she knows God has for her. Bethany continues to compete in surfing contests, and a feature film is being made about her life.

Faith is honoring that small, still voice inside that says, “Yes, You can.”

The 64th Tony Awards is the perfect example of faith in action. Millions watch as actors, dancers, composers, directors, producers, set-designers, vocalists, writers, and more gather together to celebrate the magic of Broadway. Thousands of talented performers wade their way through countless auditions, subsisting on soda, saltines, and ramen noodles while cramming themselves, a half dozen at a time, into a miniscule one bedroom apartment in search of the golden dream …and what keeps them going? Faith.

“This is the stuff dreams are made of.” ~ Eddie Redmayne

Scarlett Johansson, upon winning her Tony Award, thanked Liev Schreiber, for teaching her to, “Never anticipate anything,” and while she’s describing acting, it’s also a fitting definition of faith. Faith believes we’re supported in discovering within ourselves a wealth of strength and resourcefulness to process whatever comes along; therefore, there is no need to anticipate anything. How freeing it would be to get to that place of simply existing, trusting the process, and being at peace, , and as Julian Norwich says, “…and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

“Be here now.” ~ Ram Dass

One of my favorite quotations is from Evan Almighty, in which God is explaining how prayers are answered. I’ll close with this to ponder.

“Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?”

What is faith? Faith believes in miracles while walking in possibility knowing Love answers all things.

Possibility

Aloha.

Thank You for taking time to be with me here.  I believe you found this article for a reason.  My wish is that you feel cherished, loved and inspired.  May you curl up in soft clothes, settle into a cozy chair, sip a delicious beverage, and allow your dreams to come out and play.

Well… here goes…

The onset of summer brought with it a brief discussion with one of my youth mentees about why we both adore summer.  Is it the sweet breeze gently wafting the billowy sheer curtains of an open window as one enters a coma-like state of sleep after a day of outdoor fun?  Is it the beach, festivals, marshmallows roasts, parks, picnics, pools, and vacations?  It’s all that and more.  Summer is possibility.

Possibility is defined by Princeton Dictionary as “a future prospect or potential, as in, ‘this room has great possibilities’, and also as “the capability of existing or happening or being true.”

What is possibility?  Possibility is so many things.  Possibility is the blank canvas fully submitting itself to an eager artist.  Possibility is an empty parcel of land that becomes a glorious estate in the capable hands of a talented architect.  Possibility is a holiday weekend with a full tank of gas and the open road wrought with raw adventure sprung to life by the driver’s whimsy.

Paper represents possibility.  Years ago, it was the crisp virgin ivory sheet of paper inching along the scroll of a typewriter, excitedly awaiting the indentation of black letters sprawling across it like musical notes on a staff telling a story.

The paper thoughtfully ponders its future, wondering, “Will I be the next great novel?”  It smiles, considering, “Perhaps I shall announce a baby’s birth.”  Solemnly, it stands tall, puffing out its pristine chest, declaring, “I will be a newspaper and share information with the world.”

Ancient people chiseled on stone tablets.  Ancestral laborers pounded out papyrus.  Today, paper’s mass production has become almost synonymous with it being taken for granted.  Paper is now a glaring snowy rectangle on a square electronic screen waiting emotionless as the beckoning cursor flashing, imploring someone to write something meaningful.

Possibility is woven into the fiber of every moment.  It is found in every action, breath, feeling, heartbeat, sound, and thought.  Possibility is choice, freedom, hope, the belief in miracles, and sometimes the only thing that keeps some people going.  Possibility is the expanding belief in what can actually happen.  Possibility is that instant when life changes in a flash in such as astonishing way that it fully engages all the senses and calls one to action.

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Congratulations, it’s a boy!”

“Ms. Watson, You’ve been promoted to a new position in Paris.”

“Mr. James, Your book is being published.”

And so on.

Possibility is about that bit of magic, that spark which ignites passion and brings new creation into existence.   Possibility is walking in faith, knowing that every situation has the potential to be a miracle.  A dash of faith, a smidgen of trust, sprinkled with a generous helping of belief, and, voila, dreams become reality.

Possibility has the heart of a child, the cleverness of a crafty schoolboy, and the savvy of royalty.   Possibility is activated by honoring the quiet voice inside.  It sometimes is being deliciously self-indulgent, which, in turn, can and does change the world by inspiring others to honor the dreams in their heart.

“Eat, Pray, Love” is the story of possibility.  It’s the story about a woman discovering herself and the secrets of happiness, serenity, and love, of course.  Some may say her journey was incredibly selfish, yet that journey led to a best-selling book that inspired thousands of people and has become movie starring Julie Roberts, which will go on to inspire thousands more to live their best lives.  It has created for her more possibilities and the opportunity do more of what she adores …writing.

You posse something rare and beautiful and unique to you – your heart, wherein exists possibility and the guidance to find your way in this world.  Each of has what I call a Heartstar™, a dream seed planted in our hearts before we were born.  It holds the secret of who we are and why we’re here.  It’s the origin of passion and keeper of dreams.  People are passionate about all sorts of wonderful things – flying kites, racing cars, riding horses, making music, creating art, dancing, interior decorating, designing buildings, healing people, and the list goes on and on.  Visionaries fuel possibility with passion and bring dreams to life.

Is it selfish to pursue your dreams?  I used to think so, and now I feel quite strongly that the opposite is true.  It’s selfish not to pursue your passion.  It is self-absorbed to allow fear to prevent you from growing the dream seeds in your heart.  How can I say this?  Because it used to be me.

What if Rosa Parks didn’t get on the bus that day?  What if Thomas Edison gave up?  What if the Wright Brothers believed everyone who said they couldn’t fly?  What if The Beatles quit after a few disappointing gigs early in their career?  Why do visionaries succeed?  Possibility.  Bill Gates and Richard Branson, two of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world, are motivated completely by their passion for transforming possibility into reality.

What does it meant to live in possibility?  It means believing.  It means honoring that desire to learn a language simply for the fun of it.  It means honors the urge write a novel simply for the delight of it.  It means doing things that manifest joy in your heart and peace in your spirit.

I used to think life had a specific set of rules, and I would be rewarded for following those rules.  I’m not talking about spiritual guidelines.  I’m talking about mirage of the corporate job with shining benefits and happy retirement.  I’m talking about the vision of the house with the white picket fence, a tire swing, and 2.5 children playing in the yard. I’m talking about the things we tell ourselves we desire because they are supposed to bring us happiness.

Follow the rules, get a gold star.  Disobey the rules, get a red check.  For a long time, I followed these imaginary rules and life seemed difficult and filled with disappointment and suffering.  I was miserable, and it didn’t make sense because I was doing what I thought I was supposed to be doing.   To clarify, when I say,”miserable”, I don’t mean just a twinge of sadness here and there.  I mean it got to where I was enveloped by an inky Armageddon cloud to the point I no longer saw value in breathing.  My heart was literally dying for me to listen.  And I did.  And I’m glad I did because I began to understand what it means to truly live in possibility.

Julie & Julia touched the deepest recesses of my heart.  It is a delightfully transformational tale of living in possibility and illustrates what it really means to fully live by savor every morsel of life.  It echoes the resiliency of the human spirit, stripping away everything and finally becoming ourselves by stepping into possibility.  It is about doing what we love for sheer pleasure; setting our own course for adventure and allowing it take us where it will.  It is getting up every single time we fall and learning lessons.  It is destiny pulling us.  It’s awakening to who we are and have always been.  Julie & Julia teach us that by stepping into possibility, by taking time to be self-involved, by honoring that still voice inside us, which sometimes screams to be heard, we are able to be more, give more, and live the life intended for us.

If you’re still with me, perhaps you’ll relate to what I’m about to share.  I became a people pleaser early in life because I thought putting others first meant a complete disregard for self.  I realized much later that each of us is responsible only for our own well-being, and if we all did that, we could give and receive much more fully and healthfully.  Happiness is a choice not a condition.

It was accepted and expected during that time that I was the 24/7 emotional mini-mart.  People would pull up, spiritually refuel and then disappear without a trace.  I unknowingly participated because I thought that’s what it meant to put others first.

“You must first fill your cup before you can share anything with others” is something one of my most cherished gal pals says.  I finally understood what that meant the day everything literally came to a halt.  I’ll spare the details; however, suffice it to say that I gave until I was completely empty.  My heart physically boycotted.  The store closed.  The shelves were empty.  The windows and doors were boarded up.  The parking lot was vacant.  …and I felt completely on my own.   The people I most thought would be there for me were the first to turn their backs, or worse, kick me when I was down.  It was a huge wake-up call for me in terms of how I was living my life and nothing was working anymore.

The truth was, it hadn’t been working for a long time, and I was busy running away to avoid dealing with it.  I’d been miserable for much longer than I would admit to anyone, and I was working diligently to help everyone else live their dreams because I was too scared and didn’t know how to live mine.  I’m grateful because that experience transformed my life.  It taught me about possibility and gave me a second chance to be the person I came to be in this life.

I believe Love has a voice and that it’s the voice inside our heart that knows who we really are and guides us to live our true purpose.  Love is the voice that sometimes sounds crazy, which our brains attempt to rationalize.  Love is the voice we sometimes pretend not to hear when it asks us to expand our comfort zone.  Love is the voice that lets us know when we are “off the path”; even though we do everything we can to convince ourselves we’re “on the path”.  Love is the voice that sings our heart songs, reminding us who we are in our core.  Love is the voice that tells us why we are here.  Love is the voice that reminds us we’re all the same.   Love is the voice of Possibility.

©2010 Susan Stackpole

www.susanstackpole.com

♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥

Want to use this article for your e-zine or newsletter?  Please include the following

Susan Stackpole, certified creative consultant and results expert, is the #1 coach for celebrities, VIPs, and people serious about getting results and living their best lives.  Are you ready to ignite your potential, jump-start your success, and achieve quick, effect results while living your dreams?  If so, please visit www.susanstackpole.com where you’ll find free resources for living your best life.  While you’re there, sign up for the monthly newsletter, which includes celebrity tips for manifesting destiny in style.   Contact Susan Stackpole International today for more information on mapping your destiny.

Creative Spark (sign up)