Strength Journeys

Contemporary Wisdom - THOROUGHNESS

2010-03-09T02:00:00.001-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of today:

"It is nonsense to say there is not enough time to be fully informed. Time given to thought is the greatest time-saver of all."

- Norman Cousins, American publisher (1915-1990)

Now take a moment to answer these questions...

What does this quote mean to you?

How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Strength Journey - THOROUGHNESS

2010-03-08T14:09:00.002-05:00

Thoroughness requires examining all the related issues and information of a situation before making a decision. It can become second nature to you—an important part of what makes you the human being you are today.

Pay attention to the details; check your facts. This Strength Journey gives you the reasons why you should pay attention to this very important aspect of success.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Contemporary Wisdom - CHANGE

2010-02-23T09:35:00.003-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of today:

Be the change you want to see in the world.
~ Mahatma Gandhi

Now take a moment to answer these questions...

What does this quote mean to you?

How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Ancient Wisdom - Uncluttered Mind

2010-02-19T11:56:00.000-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of the ages...

If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,
then this is the best season of your life.
- Wu-Men

Now take a moment to answer these questions...
What does this quote mean to you?
How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Strength Journey Meditation - EXCELLENCE

2010-02-16T09:47:00.000-05:00

In your heart, you want to do your best, and you feel good about it when you do. Strive to set the standard of excellence in everything you do, and you'll be greatly rewarded.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Affirmation - SELF-DEVELOPMENT

2010-02-15T02:00:00.001-05:00

To get maximum benefit from this affirmation, follow these steps exactly...

Repeat this affirmation - out loud - three times:
My mind is open to change—new ideas, new perspectives.
Think about why this is a beneficial thing to do.
Take a moment to imagine yourself acting out the affirmation, along with the positive consequences of your action.
Again, repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself three times.

Ancient Wisdom - HURRIEDNESS

2010-02-12T02:00:00.006-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of the ages...

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
- Lao Tzu

Now take a moment to answer these questions...

What does this quote mean to you?

How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Strength Journey - SELF-DEVELOPMENT

2010-02-09T02:00:00.002-05:00

To have the greatest impact on your world, focus on yourself. Sometime in your life, you embarked on the path to become the best you. This Strength Journey will help you remember a time you wanted to change and took the first step.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Ancient Wisdom - EMPTINESS

2010-02-08T01:00:00.002-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of the ages...

We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want.
- Unknown

Now take a moment to answer these questions...
What does this quote mean to you?
How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Strength Journey Meditation - Loyalty

2010-02-06T01:00:00.004-05:00

Loyalty is being true to an idea, a person, a cause or duty. It’s an important part of your personal life journey. This Strength Journey will help you examine this important aspect of yourself.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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A Lesson Well Taught

2010-02-04T20:54:00.003-05:00

A year ago I had chest surgery for a condition called pectus excavatum. Pectus Excavatum (PE) is a condition where your breastbone is sunken into the chest, pulling your ribs down and in, and bringing your shoulders forward. The condition places pressure on the lungs and heart, making it difficult for the heart and lungs to function.

I vacillated for 5 years before deciding to have the surgery. It's painful. The surgeons have to open the chest and remove all the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. Then they break the breastbone and place it in the correct position. After stabilizing the breastbone with thin titanium straps, a plastic surgeon "remodels" the pectoral muscles, ensuring that all areas without cartilage are at least protected by muscle. My thoracic surgeon told me it's the most painful surgery he does.

I remember waking from surgery feeling pain ripping through my chest. Relief was nowhere to be found; after all, you can't rest your chest. You have to use it every second--to breath...to cough...to sneeze...to vomit.

The first few days I was on heavy medication and unable to stay awake. I drifted in an out, feeling pain and just wanting to get away from it. The third day, however, was quite different! They not only removed the heavy drugs, but they expected me to get up and take a walk. I wondered how could they possibly expect me to do that? I was so fragile.

Well, I did take the walk. They helped me through it. Each day I took more walks, setting a new goal for distance. I was progressing as expected.

But I didn't feel like I was progressing. By the fourth or fifth day, I was sitting around feeling sorry for myself--really sorry for myself. I didn't want to walk, I didn't want to eat. Couldn't I just lie there in peace?

Late one evening when all was quiet, my favorite nurse, Joseph, entered my room and announced it was time for a walk. I loved Joseph because he was strong and I knew he'd protect me if anything happened. I felt secure. This time our goal was to set a new distance record--the end of the hall.

Slowly, slowly we walked. Me with my walker, Joseph holding me steady. An amble of sorts. As we approached the end of the hallway, I heard a whirring sound--like Darth Vader breathing.

We stopped. Joseph said, "Do you hear that?" I nodded. "The person in that room has an artificial heart."

I stood immobilized for a moment as his words sank in. I understood, and he knew I understood. We walked silently back to my room.

The night before I was discharged, Joseph was on duty and came to say goodbye. I told him how much I appreciated his help and support. He said that sometimes you just know what a patient needs to get them over a hump...

And he did.

Affirmation - SELF-DEVELOPMENT

2010-01-28T01:00:00.004-05:00

To get maximum benefit from this affirmation, follow these steps exactly...

Repeat this affirmation - out loud - three times:

My quest for knowledge and wisdom is a lifelong journey.
Think about why this is a beneficial thing to do.
Take a moment to imagine yourself acting out the affirmation, along with the positive consequences of your action.
Again, repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself three times.

Strength Journey Meditation - EFFORT

2010-01-26T01:00:00.002-05:00

In your daily life, hundreds of people surround you, doing many different tasks. What sets the most prosperous and influential people apart from the others? They put forth the effort to do a job well. Think about the effort you're willing to put in as you listen to this Strength Journey.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Contemporary Wisdom - EVERYTHING'S WITHIN YOU

2010-01-25T09:46:00.005-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of today:

Within you, whoever you may be, is the ability and the power to do whatever you need to do to be happy and successful. Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible.
~ Maxwell Maltz, "Psycho-Cybernetics"

Now take a moment to answer these questions...

What does this quote mean to you?

How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Affirm Yourself Through Song

2010-01-22T08:52:00.002-05:00

I believe that everyone needs a theme song.

I've been clinically depressed for most of my life. Those of you who suffer with depression understand what that kind of suffering means.

For years, I looked for an instrument, a device, a means to pull me out of my desperation--help me feel worthwhile and lift my spirits. Well, I found it. This "thing" is so amazingly simple that to some, it may seem silly and not worth the effort. But let me tell you, it has helped me see life from the opposite end of depression.

I have a theme song!

While driving to work on a bright spring day that looked gray and damaged to me, I mused over an episode of Ally McBeal where her psychologist told her she needed a theme song. The upshot was that if she had an uplifting theme song that she could sing at any time, it would lift her spirits and help her get out of her funk. I don't remember if she ever created a theme song or not, but on that particular day in my car, I did. I wrote one--just for myself--and for no one else!

It has four small words that, to this day, deliver a big punch when I'm down.

I BELIEVE IN MYSELF!

It's not just my song, it's my anthem.

I've had it for so long, and I've sung it so many times, that now it's a Broadway production! Not just any Broadway production--MY Broadway production.

Imagine the curtain rising and there I am on stage with one spotlight on me. I'm a little glimmer of hope standing there, trying to believe that what I'm singing is true. I believe in myself...I believe in myself...I believe in myself...I believe in myself.

After a few stanzas, I find belief in my heart and my voice becomes stronger and stronger. Pretty soon, I have a few backup singers, adding their part--"Yes she does, yes she does." As I grow stronger and stronger a gospel choir appears behind me, wearing red robes, clapping their hands and swaying to the music. "Yes she does, yes she does."

Then the ultimate happens--a full orchestra appears behind me and a glistening disco ball drops down from above. I'm suddenly transformed into this formidable woman wearing a silver sequined gown, and Diana Ross and the Supremes are singing backup!

It's spectacular. The audience jumps to their feet and applaud, shouting BRAVA! as the curtain comes down.

That's it...that's my song.

Every time I sing it, it reminds me that I'm a person of substance and value. It's my lifeboat when the seas of my life undulate beneath me.

Do you need a theme song to buoy you? If so, I encourage you to take a leap of faith and create one.

Can't sing? Doesn't matter. Make it as serious or as silly as you like. Put it to a Latin beat--make it a Russian folk song. Use your imagination. Share it, don't share it. (I must confess, I tend to share mine with anyone who'll listen!)

Your song will always be there for you. Keep it close to your heart. Sing it often.

Strength Journey Meditation - RESPONSIBILITY

2010-01-21T02:00:00.004-05:00

If you see something that needs done, take on some of that responsibility if you can. Small deeds can have just as big an impact on your life as large ones. This Strength Journey helps you look at this important aspect of your life.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Ancient Wisdom - WHAT MATTERS MOST

2010-01-18T10:19:00.009-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of the ages...

Each morning we are born again.
What we do today is what matters most.
- Buddha

Now take a moment to answer these questions...

What does this quote mean to you?

How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Affirmation - LOYALTY

2010-01-14T17:50:00.002-05:00

To get maximum benefit from this affirmation, follow these steps exactly...

Repeat this affirmation - out loud - three times:
I would never knowingly cause distress or harm to the people I care about.
Think about why this is a beneficial thing to do.
Take a moment to imagine yourself acting out the affirmation, along with the positive consequences of your action.
Again, repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself three times.

Strength Journey Meditation - COMPOSURE

2010-01-12T10:29:00.002-05:00

Think before you say or do anything, and you’ll have control over what happens next. Quiet your emotions, and you’ll hear the voice of reason. This Strength Journey will help you accomplish this goal.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Ancient Wisdom - QUIETNESS

2010-01-08T01:00:00.027-05:00

Take a relaxing moment for yourself, and contemplate the wisdom of the ages...

The quieter you become,
the more you are able to hear.
- Lao Tzu

Now take a moment to answer these questions...

What does this quote mean to you?

How does it inspire you?

How can you use this wisdom as a positive influence in your life?

Strength Journey Meditation - ACCOUNTABILITY

2010-01-05T16:01:00.007-05:00

One of the most important aspects of being a human being is that we have choices. In this journey, your thoughts and feelings about accountability will be reinforced with positive aspects of this important cornerstone of success.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Desires for You in the New Year

2009-12-31T04:38:00.003-05:00

In the early 1900's, Max Ehrmann wrote a poem entitled Desiderata. Taken from Latin, it simply means "desired things."

Max's words are universal. They transcend our everyday busy-ness and get to the heart of what vexes most of mankind--how to live a joyous, meaningful life. These encouraging words offer a simple, positive philosophy.

My desire for everyone in this new year, is to take a few moments to read it, contemplate it's inspirational words and find its place in your life.

Desiderata
- Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Affirmation - HONESTY

2009-12-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

To get maximum benefit from this affirmation, follow these steps exactly...

Repeat this affirmation - out loud - three times:
I will speak the truth so I have nothing to hide.
Think about why this is a beneficial thing to do.
Take a moment to imagine yourself acting out the affirmation, along with the positive consequences of your action.
Again, repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself three times.

Strength Journey Meditation - SELF-CONFIDENCE

2009-12-15T01:00:00.002-05:00

Self-confidence is one of the cornerstones for success in anything you do. It's an important determining factor when you make choices. Take this journey to experience and strengthen your own self-confidence.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Give to Others by Clicking

2009-12-14T09:14:00.010-05:00

Each year during the holidays, I send an email to my friends, inviting them to donate to several worthy causes. Now hold on--it doesn't cost you anything. You give by clicking on a button. That's all there is to it!

You simply go to the web site.

There are several tabs across the top that take you to one of the sites listed below. At each site, click the "Click Here to Give--it's FREE" button. Each site has sponsors who donate whatever service or commodity is needed. Your clicks will fund mammograms for under-privileged women, food for the hungry, books for children and more. And you'll make a difference in someone's life.

Here are the sites you can visit:

Please take time to read some of the heart-warming stories on these sites. Get to know some of the people you help.

By the way, the sites are online all year round--I click everyday. I encourage you to do so, too.

Affirmation - SELF-CONFIDENCE

2009-12-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

To get maximum benefit from this affirmation, follow these steps exactly...

Repeat this affirmation - out loud - three times:
I can learn as I go and succeed where I haven't succeeded before.
Think about why this is a beneficial thing to do.
Take a moment to imagine yourself acting out the affirmation, along with the positive consequences of your action.
Again, repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself three times.

Affirmation - ACCOUNTABILITY

2009-12-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

To get maximum benefit from this affirmation, follow these steps exactly...

Repeat this affirmation - out loud - three times:
I admit my mistakes to the people who were affected by them.
Think about why this is a beneficial thing to do.
Take a moment to imagine yourself acting out the affirmation, along with the positive consequences of your action.
Again, repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself three times.

Strength Journey Meditation - CHANGE

2009-12-07T11:11:00.001-05:00

A regular feature on this blog will be Strength Journey meditation podcasts. I've chosen "Change" to be the theme of the first journey, because it's a wonderful preparation for all the journeys that follow. It helps establish the kind of openness and receptivity mindset that's ideal for getting the full benefit of any meditation.

So, close your door, turn on your speakers, lean back in your chair, and enjoy...

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Affirmation - COMPOSURE

2009-12-06T04:00:00.000-05:00

To get maximum benefit from this affirmation, follow these steps exactly...

Repeat this affirmation - out loud - three times:
I think about the impact of what I say, before I say anything.
Think about why this is a beneficial thing to do.
Take a moment to imagine yourself acting out the affirmation, along with the positive consequences of your action.
Again, repeat the affirmation out loud to yourself three times.

More about me...

2009-11-07T13:05:00.006-05:00

I've been a student and practitioner in the healing arts for nearly fifteen years. During that time I've helped hundreds of people through healing touch and guided meditation sessions, both privately and in groups.

At the same time, I've continued to experience, study and experiment with a wide variety of meditation approaches. As a result I've developed a modality that is uniquely my own. It involves no hypnosis, no theta-wave tracking or other techniques that manipulate the brain.

What I've discovered is most beneficial is to simply help people relax and become receptive to affirmations about their potential for good. Affirmations, like attitudes, are true statements that, once integrated, can guide a person to beneficial action in the real world.

At the core of every Strength Journey is a set of several closely related affirmations on life-affirming topics such as confidence, patience, effort, loyalty, compassion and dozens more. Published online, the listener can experience private strength journey sessions as often as desired.

Because of their positive, true and helpful nature, the affirmations are also beneficial standing alone, outside the context of a Strength Journey.

So the purpose of my blog is to share Strength Journeys and affirmations focused on dozens of helpful themes with people who want to improve their minds, bodies and spirits step by step. My hope is that by sharing the best of what we have, we'll learn from each other and grow stronger together.