Thu, Oct 26th - 10:43AM

Choose Your Words

Failure

The word failure puts forward a very simplistic way of thinking that allows for only two possibilities: failure or success. Few things in the universe are black and white, yet much of our language reads as if they are. The word failure signifies a paradigm in which all subtlety is lost. When we regard something we have done, or ourselves, as a failure, we lose our ability to see the truth, which is no doubt considerably more complex. In addition, we hurt ourselves. All you have to do is speak or read the word failure and see how it makes you feel.

At some point, the word may not have been so loaded with the weight of negativity, and it simply referred to something that did not go according to plan. Unfortunately, in our culture it is often used very negatively, such as when a person is labeled a failure, even though it is impossible for something as vast and subtle as a human being to be reduced in such a way. It also acts as a deterrent, scaring us from taking risks for fear of failure. It has somehow come to represent the worst possible outcome. Failure is a word so burdened with fearful and unconscious energy that we can all benefit from consciously examining our use of it, because the language we use influences the way we think and feel.

Next time you feel like a failure or fear failure, know that you are under the influence of an outmoded way of perceiving the world. When the world failure comes up, it's a call for us to apply a more enlightened consciousness to the matter at hand. When you are consciously aware of the word and its baggage you will not fall victim to its darkness. In your own use of language, you may choose to stop using the word failure altogether. This might encourage you to articulate more clearly the truth of the situation, opening your mind to subtleties and possibilities the word failure would never have allowed.

Tue, Oct 24th - 1:07PM

Supporting and Inspiring

True Leadership

When we call someone a leader, what we sometimes mean is that they are the best in their particular field; they are inspiring because of how much they accomplish. To be highly accomplished is impressive, but that isn't what leadership is about. True leaders are not just high achievers; they also support the people around them to achieve, and, in certain cases, to become leaders themselves. In other words, true leaders do not create a static group of followers. Rather, they create an environment in which everyone can develop their potential. True leaders don't get so caught up in the forward thrust of their own energy that they forget about others or the larger environment. They set an example with their actions, and they also support others to act. This is why true leadership is so rare.

Not everybody is cut out to be a leader, but most of us have the potential to serve in a leadership role at some point in our lives. When doing so, we might want to be inspired by the highest manifestation of leadership, remembering that we are meant to forward not only ourselves but a whole environment-an ideal, a plan, and the people around us. While this won't be easy, it is the true meaning of the job, and we can trust that we are capable of it. Otherwise, we probably wouldn't find ourselves in the position to lead.

It's also possible that we have determined that our gifts are best applied in a secondary position, supporting the efforts of a leader whose vision we admire. In this case, we can ensure that our energy is best applied by holding the person for whom we work to a high standard of leadership. In this way, we take responsibility for our own gifts by guaranteeing that they will be appreciated and developed in a way that best serves the whole.

Tue, Oct 24th - 1:06PM

The Strength of Compassion

Coming At Conflict with an Open Heart

Conflict is an unavoidable part of our lives because our beliefs and modes of being often contrast powerfully with those of our loved ones, acquaintances, and associates. Yet for all the grief disagreements can cause, we can learn much from them. The manner in which we handle ourselves when confronted with anger or argument demonstrates our overall level of patience and the quality of our energetic states. To resolve conflict, no matter how exasperating the disagreement at hand, we should approach our adversary with an open heart laden with compassion. Judgments and blame must be cast aside and replaced with mutual respect. Conflict is frequently motivated by unspoken needs that are masked by confrontational attitudes or aggressive behavior. When we come at conflict with love and acceptance in our hearts, we empower ourselves to discover a means to attaining collective resolution.

The key to finding the wisdom concealed in conflict is to ask yourself why you clash with a particular person or situation. Your inner self or the universe may be trying to point you to a specific life lesson, so try to keep your ears and eyes open. Once you have explored the internal and external roots of your disagreement, make a conscious effort to release any anger or resentment you feel. As you do so, the energy between you and your adversary with change perceptibly, even if they are still operating from a more limited energy state. Consider that each of you likely has compelling reasons for thinking and feeling as you do, and accept that you have no power to change your adversary's mind. This can help you approach your disagreement rationally, with a steady voice and willingness to compromise. 

If you listen thoughtfully and with an empathetic ear during conflict, you can transform clashes into opportunities to compromise. Examine your thoughts and feelings carefully. You may discover stubbornness within yourself that is causing resistance or that you are unwittingly feeding yourself negative messages about your adversary. As your part in disagreements becomes gradually clearer, each new conflict becomes another chance to further hone your empathy, compassion, and tolerance.

Tue, Oct 24th - 1:03PM

Outlining Your Intentions

Making a List of What You Want

The universe is aware of both the concrete goals we actively pursue and the nebulous dreams we have not yet begun to refine. Neither our struggles nor the daydreams that inspire us are beyond the range of universal perception. Yet to manifest our aspirations, we not only need to know what it is we generally wish to achieve; we also need to clearly articulate these aims to ourselves and the universe. When we create a list of what we want, citing each item in as much detail as possible, our aspirations take on new substance. What was once a mere wish becomes real and achievable when put into words. As you pour the contents of your heart and soul into your list, your well-defined ambitions become a part of you, and the universe responds to your new determination by placing opportunities related to your objectives in your path.

Whatever the nature of your desires, your list can help you channel your intellectual and emotional power into your efforts to realize them. The list you create should not simply be a record of your individual goals. Rather, it should be a comprehensive, exhaustive catalog of each target you want to reach and your reasons for aiming for them. This may mean that your list will encompass many pages of text, since when you write down and review your ambitions, you empower yourself to more accurately direct your goal-realization efforts. You then also have a framework in place that helps you distinguish success from setbacks. If you keep your list in a convenient spot and review it daily, you will inadvertently reaffirm your conviction to your aspirations, demonstrating to the universe that you are truly devoted to your chosen path while keeping your objectives fresh in your mind. If you have an altar, this would be a great place to keep your list.

As you compose your list, try not to edit or judge what you have written. Some of what you want may seem outlandish when considered in the context of your current circumstances. Whether you are destined to fulfill the items on the unique long-term agenda you create in a year, 10 years, or 20 years, if you are free with your ideas and understand that you may not bring these dreams into the realm of reality for some time, your list will attract the universe's benevolence even as it energizes and inspires you.

Fri, Oct 20th - 11:14AM

CHAT WITH GOD

GOD: Hello. Did you call me?

SS (Sharan Sandhu): Called you? No. Who is this?

GOD: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought, I will chat.

SS: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something.

GOD: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too!

SS: Don’t know. But I can’t find free time. Life has become hectic. It’s rush hour all the time!

GOD: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you free time. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.

SS: I understand. But I still can’t figure out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.

GOD: Well, I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.

SS: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?

GOD: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.

SS: Why are we then constantly unhappy?

GOD: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing.  Worrying has become your habit. That’s why you are not happy.

SS: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?

GOD: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.

SS: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty...

GOD: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

SS: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?

GOD: Diamond cannot be polished without friction.  Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don’t suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.

SS: You mean to say such experience is useful?

GOD: Yes, always. Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.

SS: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can’t we be free from problems?

GOD: Problems are: Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength.  Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.

SS: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don’t know where we are heading...

GOD: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight.  Heart provides insight.

SS: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?

GOD: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.  Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.

SS: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?

GOD: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.

SS: What surprises you about people?

GOD: When they suffer they ask, “why me?” When they prosper, they never ask “Why me?” Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.

SS: How can I get the best out of life?

GOD: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

SS: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.

GOD: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.

SS: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.

GOD: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don’t believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.  Trust me. Life is wonderful if you learn how to live.