Category: Blog

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Our Concept of God

What are your beliefs about God, the universe and the universal laws that govern humanity? Do you believe God is a vengeful God who punishes for his will to be done? A loving father who considers himself a spirit of love, compassion, and union wouldn’t call himself vengeful. Nor would he want us to create enormous pressure on ourselves with an unending demand to be perfect.

Some of us believe God is never satisfied with our current progress or life. We create a reality in our mind about the concept of God, which contradicts everything he is. What kind of situations or people would you attract considering beliefs ultimately create our reality?

God loves you as you are, because he created you as you are and he knew every mistake you would make in this lifetime. You don’t have to achieve perfection in order to have his blessings and approval, as we are all struggling with something.

Most of our beliefs stem from our earliest ancestors, and great teachers thousands of years ago. They’re great teachers, and they always will be, however, is the reality they faced over two thousand years ago our reality today?

I’m not denying the fact that the teachings are still insightful today and they can still be used to gain wisdom and improve our everyday living. The problem begins when we base everything on yesterday, and we don’t consider the fact that we have as many great teachers today as our earliest ancestors. Let’s accept the world is always changing and improving and that the great teachers of today are just as good as our earliest ancestors.

We also tell ourselves God must be feared, and we need this fear to coerce us into right doing. How about doing right because we want to improve our lives and improve humanity? We can do right because we know actions have consequences and we care about our well-being and the well-being of others. We can do right because we love God, and we know he has our best interest at heart, not because we fear God or the devil. We tell ourselves, if we die in sin, we must endure hell. God wouldn’t create you as you are and expect nothing but perfection.

If you choose to see God as he truly is, you will be motivated by love and not fear. You will be motivated because it’s the best choice, and not because of your fear of punishment or disapproval.

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Acceptance

Why do we prejudge an individual based on outward appearance? We observe someone who is socially awkward or unique in one way or a homeless man, and immediately we prejudge them without even recognizing we do so. We think we know who they are with a quick observation or conversation. Can we truly know someone based on first impressions?

Can you determine the history of an individual based on first impressions? Can you determine an individual’s problems and insecurities based on first impressions? Can you determine arrogance by simply observing, or can you read between the lines and figure out shyness?

Some of us are intuitive and better at reading people or situations, however, we cannot know someone from a simple observation or conversation. If you knew the story behind the demeanour, or attitude, would you still judge?

In other words, would you mock or insult an individual’s awkwardness, if you knew he had traumatic brain damage or a serious brain disease? Would you mock or insult an individual because of his shuffling walk if you knew he suffered from a serious debilitating condition?

Most people wouldn’t be so cruel if they understood the origin of the problem and the traumatic condition. That is called compassion. The reason you understand and feel compassion towards your loved ones, is because you know their story. Everyone else has a story, you’re simply looking at the surface and not at the root of the identity.

Let’s say you had a loved one who had become bitter and resentful towards others, however, you understood him and witnessed his caring personality. You knew his demeanour was the result of being severely mistreated and you knew he had all types of tribulations in his life. Would you still see him as a good-hearted individual, because you understand the reason for his demeanour? Think of a bystander who doesn’t know him personally, but recognizes his bitter personality. Can we agree that most bystanders under these circumstances would prejudge?

Every person you meet has a reason for who they are today. We may not understand them, but if we can understand our loved ones, we can make an effort to understand every other person as well. Using our past or challenges to be bitter or cruel shouldn’t be an excuse, however, we should acknowledge the fact that some people aren’t as fortunate as us.

We look at others and contemplate in our minds whether we should give them any of our time. If our favourite musician or favourite actor was in front of us, we’d give them our undivided attention. What if a homeless man was standing before us? Who needs acceptance and appreciation more than the other, the well-known musician or the homeless man?

We tell ourselves, the homeless man probably made some poor choices, so that gives us a reason to ignore them or be arrogant with them. Is there a wealthy man in the world who is perfect with no flaws?

Everyone is struggling with something, for some people it’s paying their bills on times, for others, it’s greed and deception. Is one weakness greater than the other? We’re all in the game of life trying to figure things out. Some of us are on the streets trying to find a job while others have the most prestigious jobs, but got there through deceiving people.

Let’s not prejudge others by putting ourselves on a pedestal of better or worse. Is life a competition? As long as life is a competition, there will always be a loser, hence there will always be someone left behind.

We are all one and we all come from the same source, which created the universe. Whatever you do for one person, you just helped everyone who is connected to that individual, as we are all interconnected in one way or another.

Let’s remove the labels and remember the most recognized scripture, “Love your brothers and sisters as you love yourself.” A person shouldn’t receive special treatment because of his or her appearance or wealth. If they get special treatment, it should be because they are good-hearted people. Anything else is not recognizing what truly matters in life.

Rather than reacting to our preconceived notions, let’s create a world where acceptance is determined by a person’s values, kind nature and needs, not physical attributes that are irrelevant to who we are.

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Life Requires Experience

Life requires experience and challenges to help us to grow as individuals and for the expansion of the universe. All individual growth is ultimately for everyone on this planet as we are all interconnected in one way or another. So many people fight against this simple notion asking themselves why they must face challenges and adversities.

When events and circumstances don’t unfold in our favour, we begin to hate or even despise our challenges rather than understand them for what they are. These obstacles may be uncomfortable, but if we simply pull through, they become building blocks and opportunities for growth and expansion.

We should acknowledge the very process that allows us to delve deeper into our spiritual evolution and the evolution of humanity. We cannot grow if we’re already standing in a state of completion or perfection. Why do we try so hard to achieve perfection rather than enjoy the journey?

The world is an experience and a creation by every individual on this planet. Life requires contrast and experience and even the uncomfortable events and circumstances create desire, uniqueness and ultimately a journey.

Choices and evolution cannot exist without contrast and challenges. In this time space reality nothing remains static and everything points us towards our evolution and the evolution of humanity.

Completion and perfection doesn’t require experience, learning or remembering. This may be why every single time we have life figured out, something happens to help us to delve deeper into our evolution.

Every time we achieve a goal or dream, we have a new endeavour to pursue. Because life requires experience, learning and remembering and it’s never completed as we are always on a march to a greater self and humanity.

The goal shouldn’t be to avoid challenges and adversities, it should be to avoid complacency and to focus on expansion for ourselves and the universe. Let’s stop dreading our adversities and challenges and see them for what they are, a stepping stone to a greater life and universe.

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Focus On You First

There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first, since you cannot help others if you lose your alignment. How many people lose their balance if they do everything for others and they do nothing for themselves? People often become depressed if they neglect themselves in the process of trying to help or please everyone but themselves.

We need to keep a balance and do those things which allow us to be healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes all that’s needed is a little time to unwind doing something that relieves stress and brings joy.

Stress is the number one factor in creating disease, so wouldn’t spending time unwinding be logical to remain healthy? Exhaustion is another reason people develop health conditions. Sometimes all that’s needed is more time distracting ourselves from everyday problems. How many people can you help if you’re not in alignment? And how much assistance can you be if you’re not in alignment?

You’ve been programmed to believe that sacrificing your happiness is the correct way to live, and the noble thing to do. You’ve been programmed to believe life is about helping and pleasing everyone but you. You’ve been pressuring yourself to believe there’s only one way to live.

Think a different thought such as how many people can I help if I am in alignment? You keep your balance by being spiritually connected since you’re a spiritual being who needs to remain connected to its source.

You remain healthy and ready to tackle your problems by keeping a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and sleep. Most important it’s by being spiritually connected through meditation or prayer, or anything that allows us to connect to ourselves on a spiritual level.

Why have we concluded the noble thing to do is sacrifice our happiness for others? I understand there is a level of sacrifice that we should do for others, however, there is also balance. I understand many people have traumatic events in their lives with their loved ones, and they need to put more time and energy for their family or friends sake. But don’t make the mistake of neglecting balance, since there is always a little bit of time we can reserve for ourselves to recharge the battery, and live more meaningfully.

We have no control over others other than the influence we give them through the clarity of our example. We can pray for them, we can teach them, but ultimately it’s their life and choices. Focus on you first and then you’ll be in a much better place to make a difference in the world and in the lives of your loved ones.

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True Compassion and Solution

What is true compassion? Compassion isn’t merely sympathizing with someone. It’s not saying I feel really awful because of everything you’re going through, and I can’t imagine going through something such as this. No solution can occur with such statements.

Most people sincerely want to help and when they can’t conjure a solution, this ends up being their response. Having someone give sound advice can be therapeutic, and letting out our frustrations can be therapeutic as well. However, can you think of a solution when you’re focused only on the problem? Can you even think of a solution if you focus on all the reasons a dream cannot be achieved?

Sometimes we relate a crying shoulder to being more compassionate, and I believe it can be beneficial at times. Being sympathetic by listening and giving sound advice is beneficial. However, being a constant crying shoulder and nodding in agreement to thoughts of pessimism will not bring about a solution. Saying there’s nothing we can do about the dilemma, and saying it’s just reality, isn’t accurate considering the progress and evolution of our species.

Besides, what is reality? Reality is always changing-our reality is different today then it was 5 or 10 years ago, and it’s always changing according to our beliefs, expectations, and predominant thoughts.

We focus so much on the current reality that we forget our own power. We negate the most powerful energy “God” that lives inside us. Why don’t we believe this source can solve our everyday adversities and challenges?

Let’s take Morris Goodman’s story for an example. He was told by medical professionals after a plane crash that he was completely paralyzed from head to toe. All he was able to do was blink his eyes. The doctors told him he would remain paralyzed for the rest of his life. Through the power of faith, visualization and prayer he walked out of that hospital 8 months later on his own two feet. I believe he walked out because of one predominant belief, he believed all things are possible.

Whether you’re dealing with a health issue, debt, or any other kind of trouble, just know If Morris prospered despite the seemingly little odds, so can you in whatever endeavour you embark. Overall, the world is always improving and expanding and we have the ultimate say in whatever comes next.

We thought electricity was impossible, yet today our lives revolve around it. We thought a vehicle powered by gasoline was impossible, and we’ve been driving them for over a century. We thought a plane was science fiction, and today we have planes that carry over 850 passengers. The experts also said the body was incapable of living 90 years. How many people live 90 years or more today?

Whatever dream you have, whether it’s to be healthy, wealthy, or making a difference in people’s lives, just know, what people say is impossible, is their perspective and reality, and not yours.

Reality changes when we redirect our thoughts to a new and improved outcome. Creating a new reality begins by focusing on creating our own story and happy ending. It’s focusing on the solution and the end product. No solution can occur when we complain or vent. Let’s take ownership and create our success and happiness!

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Discipline and Practice is Key

What is gaining mastery in your life? Everything takes discipline and practice. How does a pro ball player become a pro ball player? How does a great stock broker become a great stock broker? Everything takes persistent practice and discipline. Without discipline, you can’t stick to anything and without practice you never unlock your true potential. Gaining mastery can start with the simple affirmation, I have discipline, and I will keep my eye on the prize until my desire manifests! Danny G.

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Understanding Humanity and Uniqueness

There’s a reason for every individual behaviour. You may say to yourself, he’s just arrogant and obnoxious. He’s just a mean old man with no manners. He has no social skills whatsoever. Many of these individuals whom you call mean or rude, grew up with judgemental parents or siblings, or perhaps they were extremely belittled as a child. Maybe they were never taught otherwise, so their inappropriateness seems appropriate to them.

Their behaviour shouldn’t be condoned, and we have the right to speak up for ourselves since everyone deserves respect. But what if you didn’t have the caring parents, or mentors, or the friends you have? How would you be?

The environment we have as children and teenagers has an impact on who we become as a person. Parents, siblings, friends, neighbourhoods, and teachers, all have an impact on our upbringing and growth as a person. To deny that our environment has an impact on who we become, would be saying relationships have no power in the unfolding of our life.

Almost everywhere you go and everyone you meet has different standards of what is acceptable or not. We’re just people, and everyone is struggling with something, so why put each other on a pedestal of better or worse? Everyone’s journey starts differently and is unique in one way or another, so why do we give each other labels?

Actions have consequences and we should be cautious not to hurt others, however, some people struggle with arrogance and others struggle with gossip. Is one better than the other?

If you didn’t have the caring people in your life who supported you and who were loyal to you, would you have turned out the same? People don’t understand as long as we categorize everyone, there’s always going to be someone left out. How do you truly understand someone if you haven’t walked his path?

There’s a reason for everybody’s behaviour. However, using our past history or our challenges today as a crutch to not be sympathetic or compassionate, shouldn’t be an excuse. Although we have control over the unfolding of our life, we must consider, our past is responsible for who we are today. Furthermore, our response to adversities ultimately defines who we are, and some people simply don’t know how to respond to the trials of life.

We should be more understanding that we’re not all at the same place in our lives, and we didn’t start at the same place either. We should respect everyone’s journey, and know everyone is unique in one way or another.

Simply saying I understand and I respect you is enough to show compassion, and acceptance. This approach will be much more effective at creating a peaceful world and environment for everyone involved.

Condoning the behaviour isn’t the answer, however, we should be more understanding that not everyone is as fortunate as us, and everyone reacts differently to the challenges of life. The contrast allows us to evolve as people ultimately for the expansion of humanity and the universe.

Acceptance, sympathy and compassion is much more effective at creating a peaceful world than judgment or blame.

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Money and its Negative Connotations

Why do we tell ourselves wanting wealth is being greedy or superficial? Wanting wealth or financial gain isn’t being greedy, however, the only time wanting money becomes a problem is when it becomes our primary goal and need.

What truly matters in life is our relationships with ourselves, God, our family, and friends. But what is greed? God wouldn’t say money is more important than love, which is a common reason many families fall apart. Too much time at work, and not enough with family, or too many conflicts about the subject of money. Is money more important than God? When money becomes our primary aim, and only avenue for success, we lose ourselves and our integrity in the process. Would God say to never give to others when we have fortunes in the bank account? Keeping it all to ourselves is greed.

We’re all human and we’re going to make mistakes, however, contemplating our priorities can help us avoid regretful mistakes. What drives people to behave inappropriately in the name of money or power? It’s saying money or wealth is more important than loyalty. It’s disregarding the needs of others because of money. It’s keeping it all to yourself when you have plenty to give. The corruption of money, started the myth of “money is the root of all evil.”

Disregarding integrity for the sake of money is greed, and believing wealth should be our primary aim is greed. It’s this behaviour of greed and selfishness that changed the definition of seeking wealth or wealth in general.

The myth of “money is the root of all evil” lead to an epidemic of poverty among good people. These people believed the myth was true, and they deprived themselves of financial abundance because they believed wanting plenty was being greedy. They lived their lives thinking wealthy people are corrupt and wanting wealth is selfish. This lead to the religious belief that wanting money is superficial.

The chain was passed down from generation to generation saying “money is the root to all evil.” The belief that we shouldn’t want financial prosperity deprives us of the joy of having prosperity. Would you tell yourself I don’t deserve to enjoy a vacation when you love to travel? Would you tell yourself vacations aren’t necessary because they cost money, even if you would love to travel?

Life is meant to be enjoyed on all levels including financial prosperity, and it shouldn’t be only work and no play. Ask yourself, can you be more of assistance by giving a homeless man 5 dollars or 500 dollars if you had the 500 dollars to give? Can you teach prosperity by being poor or can you teach prosperity by being prosperous?

If you were prosperous and you had plenty to give, while being appreciative of the universe that freely gave to you, you would happily give out of love and appreciation.

Don’t condemn what brings joy and don’t condemn prosperity because of a misleading world message. Prosperity is meant to be enjoyed on all levels including money, so we can embrace the things that bring us joy and so we can embrace giving out of gratitude and appreciation.

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Create Your Own Label

If a homeless man was to teach you about love or faith when you felt completely alone and fearful, would he not be considered a teacher to you? Would you obliterate his words because he is a homeless man? Would you believe a world-renowned guru more than the homeless man even if his words were exactly the same as the guru? Often times we don’t take a person seriously because of his status or appearance, yet if someone had a suit and tie and he was recognized, we’d give him more credibility.

We don’t need a position of prestige to be assigned the label of a teacher or saviour. An individual teaches because he has an insightful message to share with others. An individual is a saviour if he saves someone from destruction or death, not because some outside source assigned him the label.

Does God’s spirit only dwell in the masters of this planet, or does he dwell in all his people? If God lives in all of us, then we can do great things such as the world’s greatest teachers. Jesus said in the scripture that with faith we would be able to do great things as he has done. That means we’re not limited by status, or a label.

Everyone who is spiritual or religious would say it’s the spirit of God which allows our heart to beat. If God allows our heart to beat, we know we would die if his spirit would leave us, therefore, we know he lives in us indefinitely.

We’ve all heard the Christian saying, I’m so filled with the holy spirit. Can’t we all access this holy spirit if we’re all made of the same stuff that creates worlds? The only limit is our thinking.

Being filled with the holy spirit only means being connected to our soul, and God. We connect to our soul by focusing on love which is God. We can’t help but to lead and teach by the clarity of our example, because who we truly are is meant to uplift.

How can we not teach something we are genuinely living ourselves? We don’t need labels to teach love or faith. We don’t need the label of a world-renowned guru to help others and humanity? Some people can hear the world’s famous Guru and not relate, but they can hear what a homeless man has to say, and be forever changed and enlightened.

Do we need a source outside of ourselves giving us a label, or can we create our own label and help others in which ever way we choose?

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Don’t Conform Just Create

Why do we feel a need to follow the conventional or traditional lifestyle of our culture? Everyone has a different opinion of what is considered appropriate or right, so why do we feel a need to conform to their expectations?

There’s no right or wrong approach or choice, the only wrong choice would be to override your intuition and not take action when you feel peace about it. This applies to careers, health and relationships.

Perhaps you want to start a career that isn’t your subject of expertise, or start a business with very little funds. Maybe you want to explore alternative medicine, and naturopathy. Or maybe the marriage you’re planning to have isn’t conventional or traditional in your culture.

We allow people to convince us there are appropriate actions given the circumstances or there are traditional practices we must obey. Is there any obligation in life other than the obligations we impose on ourselves?

We allow people to convince us we are to conform to their expectations of normalcy. Then we do and we’re miserable because we’re living someone else’s life, and we’re not pursuing our desires and listening to our intuition.

Reality is always changing, and the trend today is always amending according to the world and every individual on this planet. What was considered ok a few centuries ago is not ok today, and what is ok in one part of the world today is not ok in our part of the world.

Seven billion people on this planet have their own version of what is considered appropriate action or normal. If you want something in life that doesn’t conform to the norm of today’s day and age or your culture, don’t feel the need to meet others’ expectations.

We all have free will to choose the life we want and we’re using our free will to please others. Does conforming to others’ expectations bring joy and fulfillment?

We’re on this planet for our spiritual evolution and the evolution of our planet, and whatever desire we have is there for a reason for our own expansion and for the expansion of all that exists.

We’re here for the joy and exhilaration of the journey, and we’re giving away this joy to meet the demands imposed on us by others. Everyone is different and we all have our own values, strengths and qualities, so who would know what’s best for your life other than the person living it.

What people see is the exterior of the shell that holds the soul, so how would they know your true self and what you’re here to do and create other than you?