Are You Committed to Self?

When I meditate I go to this peaceful state of silence. Sometimes I finish the meditation and have a feeling of utter self love. Sometimes I see very vivid images and sometimes I have clear insight. This meditation was a time I was given a message concerning Commitment to Self.

How many times have you found yourself responding to a request? Perhaps it is a personal favor, taking time from your schedule to aid a fellow worker, or maybe even a stranger as you find yourself swept along into their misfortune. Sometimes you may hesitate and sometimes even refuse, but for most we just respond. In doing this we are giving aid to someone or something and we finish the task and move on. We may never know the results of our gift as it has helped someone along their way. But that’s the point, we didn’t really consider any of that we just acted on a request and committed ourselves to the mission.

If we lived in a world where we could ask of others and they would freely give back, what a truly harmonious place this would be. It is in the moments when I ask of a loved one for assistance and an empty promise goes unfulfilled when I am reminded of commitment. Do I make empty promises? Do I keep my word? If I do then I am actually not being true or honest with myself.

What is the lesson to be learned? Ask but don’t expect too much? Be a martyr and say nothing? We need to closely examine this choice of this request. If we ask in pure love it will be an interaction of sharing a need. If the response is good intention and empty action then perhaps we need to look within. Are we committed to our own words and do we realize we too have made empty promises along the way? We may have caused someone to hope and we forgot all about them.

Love is action. I myself struggle with this as I have learned to increasingly become more self-reliant as I stopped asking. But wait… perhaps this is part of the journey, and my commitment to self has helped me overcome the obstacles along the way. And what do I do with this knowledge?

I give it freely and I allow the years of broken promises and good intentions to become a new commitment. A new insight into how I can truly bring light to those of us stumbling in the dark. Together we truly can help each other…but it starts with commitment to self.
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For more information on how to meditate please read my book:)
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I Used to Catch Fish

Something’s off… I feel unbalanced and my energy feels as if I have a slow leak somewhere. It’s an uneasy feeling as if something out of my control is draining me. And as I stopped to think of this I realized my attitude was reflected in how I was treating my spouse. And so I listened to my inner voice which told me that today was a day to move in a new direction.

My impression of a neighbor

I turned off my computer, disconnected my phone, grabbed mosquito repeller, a bottle of water and a large brimmed straw hat and headed out doors. I found myself in my special quiet place by the water that has a front row seat on our dock. As I sat looking out on the sparkling water dappled in sunlight I realized I was drawn here and did not know why. I am slowly learning not to question this and just follow my heart. I closed my eyes and began a meditation and offered a prayer asking for protection and help in connecting with all creatures that live in the water out our back door. My head was bowed and when I opened my eyes two beautiful fish were peering up at me. I was astonished as they seemed to have swam to me waiting for me to notice them. I said a silent hello telling them how pretty they were and watched them slowly swim in and out of the pilings below in what seemed like a ballet. They were each graceful and I studied the effects of the light as it glittered on their scales of teal and pearl gray. A school of tiny green striped fish nipped at the insects on the surface and I smiled thinking how I have never seen fish in what felt like my own home, swimming so carefree in their own environment. As I was allowing myself to float along with them I was startled by what appeared next. A sleek black long necked bird surfaced and then dove under again leaving large circular ripples on the water. It happened so quickly I thought to myself “did I just imagine that?” Up it surfaced again a few feet away as if to reply. It began dunking its head under and flapping its wings and it was cleaning itself much like the tiny birds do in puddles after it rains. How amazing I thought as it stretched its neck glancing over to me and then flew away close along the surface tap tapping the top of the water in its farewell flight. Is this my communication with the creatures of the water in my back yard I thought? Tiny rings of water appeared close by as if droplets were falling from the sky. As I looked closely I could see the iridescent noses of the needlefish that were dining on passing tiny insects that stopped for a drink. This pecking created unusual patterns on the water and I viewed this not as a picnic but more like a work of art.

Mangroves sipping from their own straws

I sat back and thought about what I was watching. The serenity of my little encounter with the nature around me was beginning to help me feel more balanced. The two larger fish that had greeted me previously appeared again and seemed to stop and look up at me. “Teach me something, I said, I want to learn and I know you can show me something new.” I watched as they moved gracefully into the shadows of the mangrove trees that sip with curled roots along the banks nearby. The thought came to me… Is this my back yard or is it theirs? Am I sitting in my world gazing at them as they are looking at me in mine? Or do we share it together and there is no back yard…only one world…one big yard? We are one, came the thought, and we need to understand that we are all equally important.

The swimming fish did not reappear and I was reminded of a time in my past when I was in search of them. Years ago I used to enjoy a day of catching fish. I would sit in a boat as the hours slipped past sharing these outings with my father. I cherished this time together. The wind on my face, the sun on my back, the smell of salt water and the sound of our laughter echoing off the water is a loving memory for me. I really delighted in those lazy fishing days. Looking back now I can see it was for all of the other things, not necessarily the act of catching fish. The time spent with my dad and the peace and knowledge we could enjoy through nature. Artists and photographers have tried to copy it and some have written books about it but nothing can replace the experience of it. No television or movie screen can begin to capture the essence of it. This is what I was really after, not the fish.

I looked down below the surface at the leaves and plant life being slowly tossed by the current. I thought about being there in the stillness of the day alone with all of this tranquility. I was taught several lessons from my perch on this sun-bleached deck today…how can I share this with my children I thought?  And slowly the answer came to me. For years I have put my trust in man to protect and preserve the nature we enjoy. But it’s not for our enjoyment or pleasure like a movie or a good book. It’s a life-force that shares our existence and we blindly allow others to destroy it all in the name of progress. Progress at what cost, and how is it defined if it devastates our environment? So what can I do…I am only one person?

By taking a few moments out to meditate on my dock trying to restore my energy I have realized a truth that I have ignored for many years. The companies that have the most money and power do not care about the planet. To them it’s someone else’s back yard. But for me I will stop relying on others who tell me that protective measures are in place. I need to start asking who placed these environmental laws in place and who oversees them? Many people worry about their own community and themselves- the cause and effect of their own lifetimes. If we continue on this path then we will continue making the same mistakes, which are truly destroying the world around us. We need to start thinking for ourselves and investigate all of the research and we need to do this not thinking only of ourselves but for all life forms and for the generations to come.

The wing of the dragonfly becomes my arrow

And so as I began to feel the sweat rolling down my back I closed my eyes and lifted my head to catch the breeze that was passing through the palms dancing above me. As I opened my eyes a dragonfly drifted into view and I followed its path up and into the branches overhead. I grinned as it reminded me to look up and a chirping tiny bird sitting on a branch rewarded me with its song. As it hopped from limb to limb I admired its bright yellow throat. You are so beautiful I have seen you before in this tree I thought and it quickly darted out of sight.

I gathered up my belongings and said goodbye to all of the inhabitants of what will forever be known as “our” backyard. And as I approached my house I thought of the lessons that were brought to me by two beautiful fish…the ones I used to try and catch…the ones that have now caught my attention reminding me that we are all sharing a journey together. Today was a good day… it was a lazy sittin’ on a dock day…
and a whole new way of goin’ fishing.
If you would like to learn how to begin meditation please see Lesson 1 Meditation

Pitfalls of Meditation

I try and try and all I get is fog

Why can't I do this? Am I doing it wrong? Others seem to have amazing mind blowing experiences...but I just sit here thinking of the laundry or the sound of the traffic out my window.
Meditation is a time of "letting go" of all thought. It takes practice and it takes patience. If you can remember back to simple tasks that you once learned and now do effortlessly, you will understand this meaning. Photography - you used to cut off all the heads when taking photos. Cooking - you used to either serve food undercooked or scorched. Computer - you needed a child to teach you:)

As you approach your meditation come to it with a feeling of simplicity. This is not about achieving anything that others may have told you about or that you may have read. This is YOUR experience and this is your personal journey. You are closing your eyes and attuning yourself to your beautiful spirit who is with you always. Learning to release all thought allows you to open the door for your higher conscious to connect with you. This connection does not necessarily come at the time you are in meditation. You may find yourself a few hours later or even the next day when you may have a moment of realization. A moment of inspiration that is awakened within you. And here you thought you were just sitting in silence and nothing "happened". The happening is not something that you may be able to even put into words but it is occurring nonetheless.

When I first started down the path of meditation I was intrigued by the vivid illustrious experiences that were depicted in various books and videos. Wow - it all sounded so surreal - how could this be? I bought books, I read up online, I watched youtube instructional videos and even attended a workshop to try and learn how to "do it". And then I discovered that was exactly what was building the frustration within. I was doing. Meditation is about NOT doing. You simply find yourself a quiet haven and relax your mind and float into nothingness. Yes, I agree thoughts slip in and you may find yourself scolding yourself- "I'm thinking about the day’s events." No scolding necessary, each time you practice this and a thought comes fluttering in, learn to pay it ZERO attention and it will dissipate. In time you will be able to do this effortlessly.

Meditation is a process and in the beginning you may feel it is utterly pointless...it isn't. It may take days, weeks or months of repeating this 15 min. daily "letting go" of all thought and one day you will find yourself in such a powerful space of self-love. This brings forth self-worth and connecting with your beautiful spirit manifests it. As you begin to understand this dynamic, which is available to all, you will find it spreading contagiously to the world around you. To your family, your pets, your community, nature and the planet. This is the "doing" part of meditation. It is how you go forth and how you are guided and it begins with making the connection to the beautiful you within. Meditation is a tool that can open that door.
 How to Begin click here

How to Begin

We are all part of the universe.

Meditation is the true path to finding your passion of purpose. It is

 a way to detox the mind of the world’s noise, which has seeped into our brains and has caused us to stumble in darkness.   It has nothing to do with religion. It does not cost anything; you do not need special music, aromas or mental suggestions, as a leader of a guided meditation would give. This is a 15-minute daily practice of quieting the mind and allowing it to rest so that your true beautiful spirit can give you guidance. Some refer to this as developing your 6^th sense, which we all possess. By practicing this daily, you will learn all of the truths that you already know within (much like Dorothy and her ruby slippers) discover your purpose and will love yourself beyond measure. It is with this powerful love that you will be able to act on inspiring thought and move mountains. This is available to all. Your light shines brightly and is waiting for you to unleash it. It can help heal others and it brings hope to a planet, which is calling out to us.

Begin by finding a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Turn off your phones, computers and lock your doors. By doing this simple routine of disengaging with the world you are treating yourself with the respect your spirit deserves. You may do this lying down or sitting in a straight backed chair with feet on the ground. Close your eyes and breath normally. Begin by saying a prayer of protection to the unseen guides who walk with you daily.  

Here is the one I use:
To my highest guides and helpers second to none

Bless me and keep me safe at this time that I sit
Knowing that all that is said, done and heard, felt or sensed in any way
is with absolute love as I blend myself with my consciousness
I wish at this time to be at one with my spirit

You may add to the end of this "I would like to meditate for 15 mins" (You will find yourself brought back from meditative state in exactly 15 mins.)

Now just relax and allow yourself to float into nothingness.
Each time you do this you are training yourself to become stiller and quieter as you learn to "let go" of all thoughts. At first you may find yourself struggling with chores, worries, daily routines that need to be attended to. Pay ZERO attention to any of these thoughts and allow them to dissipate. Let all fall silent.
You are not waiting for anything- you are not doing or searching for anything. Think of this time as a time that you are going totally blank so that your guides can work on the connection lines like the cable company or phone repair man tightening all the wires. Your spirit team can only get it working properly if they have a total blank peaceful mind to work with. 
At first the time you are able to still your thoughts may only be seconds, but this is still progress. In time you will be able to do this much longer. This is something which will benefit yourself, your loved ones and the world around you. How? you ask. Look to my posts to learn more:)


After months of "trying" to meditate with books, cd's and videos. I became frustrated as it always felt like the wrong kind of energy. I now use this daily and I have moved thoughts into action effortlessly as I am learning more and more about this wonderful journey called life and what my role is on this planet. You can too. I learned this method from the wonderful work being done by Mick and Sylvie Avery. The fact that you do not need anything but yourself and a quiet space is probably not too profitable to anyone teaching it... all the better!

Do you need further help? I wrote a MEDITATION BOOK
Please read  Pitfalls of Meditation