April 3, 2008

Are You Committed To Your Growth?

“I dwell in possibility.” Emily Dickinson

When we were in Bali, our guide, Ken Ballard, created an oasis in paradise. All our lovely accommodations were built out of bamboo. When we asked Ken why he used bamboo, which is not indigenous to Bali, he said because it is the fastest growing tree and ecologically it was the best for this environment. I have since learned that the Chinese Bamboo is a fragile plant. If you care for it really well the first year, it grows two inches. If you care for it well the second year, it grows two inches, and the third year two inches, and the fourth year two inches and the fifth year it grows 80 feet tall! Trees have their own growing season just like we do in our personal lives, sometimes very slowly and other times in big spurts.

"Good timber does not grow with ease,

the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees."

…W.H. Marriott

When we plant seeds for our heart’s desires, we need to cultivate and nurture them. Cultivate means; to prepare, to grow or tend, to foster, to form and refine. If you want to prime the pump, there are specific tools outlined in my book, Magnetizing Your Heart’s Desire, as well as my 2007 CD interview, The Law of Attraction In Action. Visualizing and writing your dreams down is the first step. They can be short and sweet, but writing them down makes them concrete. Sometimes it appears that our prayers are not being answered or our heart’s desires have not been heard. Faith is the ability to let our light shine in spite of appearances. It has been said that sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks UP, just like the trees that grow upward in the light.

When I am in the midst of strong life winds blowing, I invest more time in reflecting and appreciating what is working. Taking time to notice and cultivate what is flourishing in our life expands our wellbeing. I am grateful for health, for without it, we have little else. I give thanks for the precious love of family and friends, for their comfort, encouragement, zany sense of humor and heartfelt nurturing that brightens our lives as we grow together. Often the things we only dreamed of, we now have, if we only take time to be aware and remember. We can give thanks to trees for the lumber from which our homes are built. The wood shelters us from the elements, as well as being a haven and sanctuary for nurturing our hearts and souls. The beauty of walking in nature is a soothing balm. Emerson said, “The earth laughs in flowers.” Staying true to our self and the values we hold dear keeps us grounded in gratitude and helps us grow more graciously. Trials and triumphs shape our lives, but the bend in the road is not the end of the road unless we don’t make the curve. Humor is important too. When people say “Life is hard,” you can respond, “Yes, but I prefer it to the alternative, don’t you?” We all have free will and are shaped by our life choices.

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.”

Dr. David Viscott

It was fascinating to learn that an opal is made of dust, sand and silica, and is full of minute fissures that allow air to be trapped inside. The trapped air refracts the light, resulting in the lovely hues that inspire the opal’s nickname, the Lamp of Fire. When kept in a cool, dark place, the opal loses its luster. When held in a warm hand or when the light shines on it, the luster is restored. It’s a wonderful metaphor for our lives. When we focus on what is shiny in our lives and the warmth of love that surrounds us, we are flowing energy by focusing on what is working.

The simplicity of the 212 degrees concept* also illustrates the power of personal growth and commitment:

At 211 degrees…water is hot.
At 212 degrees…it boils.
And with boiling water, comes steam.
And steam can power a locomotive.
And, it’s that one extra degree that…
Makes all the difference.

This past week-end I participated in a Deepening seminar with Dr. Carolyn Conger in a secluded and lovely environment in Scottsdale. I first facilitated Carolyn’s three night residential retreats in Indiana starting in 1981 (and our last one was in 1989 when I moved to Arizona). Carolyn is the most powerful and yet humble woman I have ever experienced. She is a profound teacher in psychological growth, healing, dream work, intuition, creativity, and spirituality. It has been 17 years since our last seminar together and I so admire the ease, depth, wisdom and clarity she continues to bring forth in bridging the world of spirit and science in helping us become more of who we are. If you would like to deepen your personal growth with conscious commitment, please visit Carolyn’s web site for future events at: www.carolynconger.com

Remember, plant your seeds and your life will grow as you commit, cultivate and nurture your heart’s desires and grandest dreams! And know that extra degree of heat makes all the difference in the circle of all possibilities!

Shine on!