"2012, A Spiritual View" by Mary Ellen Flora, Nov 25, 2009
"This is not a test. This is truly the time to wake up and change. 2012 is a spiritual transformation: the end of an old world order and the beginning of a new way of creating on Earth. The transition started long ago and will continue for long after 2012. The disturbances within each individual and throughout the world are because we are not operating as spirit but only reacting on a body level to these fast and vast changes.
...The physical focus on 2012 is inaccurate and puts many people in fear since it predicts mega disasters, evil, doom and the end of the world. The opposite view of the coming of a perfect paradise is equally false. The truth is a balance between positive and negative and a time of vast change to achieve that balance. There are and will always be natural disasters, illness, wars, shifts of power and all of the usual human creations. At present, all of these phenomena have increased and are speeding up.
The physical focus on 2012 and the transformation of Earth and humanity are clouding the truth. This is actually a time of celebrating this planned transformation. The real story is that we are spirit and the bodies are our vessels; that everything is energy and we have the power and ability to transform energy. We are all connected both spiritually and physically and every individual has the ability to affect the whole. Visualize the connectedness of all things like the World Wide Web. We all add to it and it grows and becomes like a living organism. We are connected like the web, only our main connection is energy and of a pure spiritual nature. Our physical world is created from our mass spiritual consciousness.
Every soul adds to our spiritual "web" and our Earth creation. We can contribute love or fear, hate or kindness, judgement or acceptance, etc. We are creating our world together with our spiritual energy manifested in our physical thoughts and actions. Since there is so much fear about our transformation, we are creating a great deal of unnecessary disturbance and destruction. We can rise above fear and create with a higher vibration.
Spirit creates with desire and belief. If we desire change but believe it can only come through disaster, then that is what we create. Yes, we create our experience and we are creating the difficulties in this transition. We can create a much smoother transformation. Meditation is the way within to regain control of your part in this transition.
Wake up to spirit, the spiritual nature of all things and our spiritual abilities to transform energy. Learn to meditate now. Add grounding and centering in neutral to your meditation. Wake up and take charge, instead of being blown around by the winds of the beliefs of others or your own fears.
You are spirit. Wake up, participate and help make 2012 the joyous transformation it is meant to be. The world needs you now."
Happy Solstice,
xo Tosh
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Yes, thoughts matter
A little reminder from a friend that I thought I'd share:
Thoughts + Feelings lead to Actions lead to Results. If we don't like the results we are getting in our lives, simply take stock of our thoughts and feelings.
Here are 18 suggestions to transform our thoughts, from Wayne Dyer:
1. It will be difficult. I have the ability to accomplish any task I set my mind to with ease and comfort.
2. It is going to be risky. Being myself involves no risks. It’s my ultimate truth and I live fearlessly.
3. It will take a long time. I have infinite patience when it comes to fulfilling my own destiny.
4. There will be family drama. I’d rather be loathed for who I am than loved for who I’m not.
5. I don’t deserve it. I’m a divine creation, a piece of God. How can I be undeserving?
6. It’s not my nature. My essential nature is perfect and faultless. It is to this nature that I return.
7. I can’t afford it. I am connected to an unlimited source of abundance.
8. No one will help me. The right circumstances and the right people are already here and will show up on time.
9. It’s never happened before. I am open and willing to attract all that I desire beginning here and now.
10. I’m not strong enough. I have access to unlimited assistance. My strength comes from my connection to my source.
11. I’m not smart enough. I’m a creation of the divine mind, all is perfect and I am a genius in my own right.
12. I’m too old or I’m not old enough. I’m an infinite being. The age of my body has no bearing on what I do or who I am.
13. The rules won’t let me. I live my life according to divine rules.
14. It’s too big. I think only about what I can do now. By thinking small I accomplish great things.
15. I don’t have the energy. I feel passionately about my life and this passion fills me with excitement and energy.
16. It’s my personal family history. I live in the present moment by being grateful for all my life experiences as a child.
17. I’m too busy. As I un-clutter my life I free myself to answer the callings of my soul.
18. I’m too scared. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to because I know I’m never alone.
I love #17!!!!
And I love you too!
:) Tosh
Thoughts + Feelings lead to Actions lead to Results. If we don't like the results we are getting in our lives, simply take stock of our thoughts and feelings.
Here are 18 suggestions to transform our thoughts, from Wayne Dyer:
1. It will be difficult. I have the ability to accomplish any task I set my mind to with ease and comfort.
2. It is going to be risky. Being myself involves no risks. It’s my ultimate truth and I live fearlessly.
3. It will take a long time. I have infinite patience when it comes to fulfilling my own destiny.
4. There will be family drama. I’d rather be loathed for who I am than loved for who I’m not.
5. I don’t deserve it. I’m a divine creation, a piece of God. How can I be undeserving?
6. It’s not my nature. My essential nature is perfect and faultless. It is to this nature that I return.
7. I can’t afford it. I am connected to an unlimited source of abundance.
8. No one will help me. The right circumstances and the right people are already here and will show up on time.
9. It’s never happened before. I am open and willing to attract all that I desire beginning here and now.
10. I’m not strong enough. I have access to unlimited assistance. My strength comes from my connection to my source.
11. I’m not smart enough. I’m a creation of the divine mind, all is perfect and I am a genius in my own right.
12. I’m too old or I’m not old enough. I’m an infinite being. The age of my body has no bearing on what I do or who I am.
13. The rules won’t let me. I live my life according to divine rules.
14. It’s too big. I think only about what I can do now. By thinking small I accomplish great things.
15. I don’t have the energy. I feel passionately about my life and this passion fills me with excitement and energy.
16. It’s my personal family history. I live in the present moment by being grateful for all my life experiences as a child.
17. I’m too busy. As I un-clutter my life I free myself to answer the callings of my soul.
18. I’m too scared. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to because I know I’m never alone.
I love #17!!!!
And I love you too!
:) Tosh
Monday, November 30, 2009
Threads of Thailand
I'm in L.A. overnight, currently sitting in a yummy, cream-coloured leather chair in my Sheratin room near the airport. The kingsize bed is enough for me and all of my stuff. Tomorrow's plan is to drive with Karen Lorre to Palm Desert where we will be attending Peak Potential's seminar, Never Work Again.
Three useful things I learned at Making the Stage with T Harv Eker: I'm a natural on stage AND there's a lot of improvement needed; energy in the room is much higher when my words are congruent with my body movements, tone, speed and volume. For example, it wasn't just "big," it was "BIIG!!!" And lastly, it's not about me, it's about my audience. I have to get out of the way and connect. The data is important, but significantly more important is connecting with my audience by really looking them in the eye and responding to what's happening, or not happening, "out there."
Three most valuable gifts at Making the Stage: 1) My team-mates have my utmost respect, love and gratitude, everyone gave 100%, thank you!! 2) All of the trainers taught critical skills and I am soo excited to follow up with each of them in 2010 and sooner. Because of our coaches' expertise I now know what is perhaps my greatest acheles heel in life and how to empower myself to address that: I need to know that people care about me and I can simply ask them! 3) Practice makes perfect: I witnessed such incredible improvement in myself and my team-mates in just four days that I know without a doubt that with practice and continued coaching, it's well within my reach to be a world-class trainer and presenter.
In the end, relative to the value I received, I felt the price for this course was not only fair, it was a bargain.
On to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand... It was a relief to fly from the monsoons hitting the Gulf of Thailand over to sunny Phuket in the Andaman Sea. And it was further relief to my thick Canadian blood to fly from the South's heat to Chiang Mai where it is cooler and dryer. Northern Thailand is beautiful and features some of the oldest Wats (temples) and bodhi trees in Thailand and amazing training camps for elephants and tigers. Many hill tribes add colour and texture to Chiang Mai culture, and Burmese, Lanna, Sri Lankan, Mong and Indian influences appear in the various temples' designs and details.
Monestary life for Buddhist monks is still a respected and widely-accepted way of life and many families have contributed at least one monk to the ranks. Every taxi driver I spoke with had spent part of his childhood as an apprentice monk.
There was one temple in particular that struck me when I began to recognize it's message. Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is just outside Chiang Rai about two hours north of Chiang Mai. You can check out the pictures of it on my Facebook page, except for its inside where cameras are banned. This temple is still being built and isn't going to be finished for another 30 years. I watched the artist painting way up high on scaffolding on the inside left wall and it reminded me of Michaelango and the Sistine Chapel. The entrance wall inside the temple has an exquisite, bold mural that is completed in mostly earth tones, browns, yellows and reds. The mural depicts an enormous demon head with images of our current world being sucked into it's wide-open mouth. The images included New York's Twin Towers being hit by the first jet, and Western super heroes like Batman and Keanu Reeves out of the Matrix. And of course, Spidey was depicted as climbing around the mouth, on the bottom lip. Spidey is too smart to get sucked in!
Above the demon is a skull with flames coming out of its eyes, and above that a huge lotus with a budha sitting peacefully on top. The message I was struck with is how the old world is passing away, destroying itself, and how the peace and serenity of the buddha survives and transcends all.
Three useful things I learned at Making the Stage with T Harv Eker: I'm a natural on stage AND there's a lot of improvement needed; energy in the room is much higher when my words are congruent with my body movements, tone, speed and volume. For example, it wasn't just "big," it was "BIIG!!!" And lastly, it's not about me, it's about my audience. I have to get out of the way and connect. The data is important, but significantly more important is connecting with my audience by really looking them in the eye and responding to what's happening, or not happening, "out there."
Three most valuable gifts at Making the Stage: 1) My team-mates have my utmost respect, love and gratitude, everyone gave 100%, thank you!! 2) All of the trainers taught critical skills and I am soo excited to follow up with each of them in 2010 and sooner. Because of our coaches' expertise I now know what is perhaps my greatest acheles heel in life and how to empower myself to address that: I need to know that people care about me and I can simply ask them! 3) Practice makes perfect: I witnessed such incredible improvement in myself and my team-mates in just four days that I know without a doubt that with practice and continued coaching, it's well within my reach to be a world-class trainer and presenter.
In the end, relative to the value I received, I felt the price for this course was not only fair, it was a bargain.
On to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand... It was a relief to fly from the monsoons hitting the Gulf of Thailand over to sunny Phuket in the Andaman Sea. And it was further relief to my thick Canadian blood to fly from the South's heat to Chiang Mai where it is cooler and dryer. Northern Thailand is beautiful and features some of the oldest Wats (temples) and bodhi trees in Thailand and amazing training camps for elephants and tigers. Many hill tribes add colour and texture to Chiang Mai culture, and Burmese, Lanna, Sri Lankan, Mong and Indian influences appear in the various temples' designs and details.
Monestary life for Buddhist monks is still a respected and widely-accepted way of life and many families have contributed at least one monk to the ranks. Every taxi driver I spoke with had spent part of his childhood as an apprentice monk.
There was one temple in particular that struck me when I began to recognize it's message. Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is just outside Chiang Rai about two hours north of Chiang Mai. You can check out the pictures of it on my Facebook page, except for its inside where cameras are banned. This temple is still being built and isn't going to be finished for another 30 years. I watched the artist painting way up high on scaffolding on the inside left wall and it reminded me of Michaelango and the Sistine Chapel. The entrance wall inside the temple has an exquisite, bold mural that is completed in mostly earth tones, browns, yellows and reds. The mural depicts an enormous demon head with images of our current world being sucked into it's wide-open mouth. The images included New York's Twin Towers being hit by the first jet, and Western super heroes like Batman and Keanu Reeves out of the Matrix. And of course, Spidey was depicted as climbing around the mouth, on the bottom lip. Spidey is too smart to get sucked in!
Above the demon is a skull with flames coming out of its eyes, and above that a huge lotus with a budha sitting peacefully on top. The message I was struck with is how the old world is passing away, destroying itself, and how the peace and serenity of the buddha survives and transcends all.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
It's a beautiful day in paradise.
The most important meal after a fast is the first one. In the past I haven't made the best selections, but this time I broke my fast with fresh apple and papaya. All I've eaten for two days is fruit and vegetables and my digestive system is purring.
Unfortunately, once on the road, it's sometimes difficult to find the right type of food. Last night's spaghetti kind of felt like a ball of fire in my tummy but happily, when I awoke, the fire was out. It takes awhile for the digestive bacteria to rebuild, so progressing slowly from fruit to veggies, to carbs and finally protein is recommended.
The Sanctuary on Koh Phangan is nestled in a secluded bay with a lovely beach and rocky cliffs. It's pretty remote, and that screens out the average tourist. I really enjoyed meeting people there and have some new friends and an open invitation to Denmark now!
Many come here for just R&R, and many come to cleanse as well. Either way, it's a fabulous getaway. The staff are honest, friendly and helpful, the facilities are clean (by Thai standards) and the Bali Body Wrap and traditional Thai massage at the Spa perfect. I didn't try the steam room (sorry, it's hot enough!) but friends said it is wonderful. The swimming is as good as it gets. I'll be dreaming of floating in that turquoise bay for many years to come.
Besides cleansing, several healing alternatives are also available. Just a 25 minute leisurely walk to the next beach brings one to Simba, a 53 year old Japanese man who is renowned by many for his healing skills. I met one woman from Paris who came here just to see him because of the rave recommendations of her friends. She was in tears upon returning from her third and last session with Simba because her life-long hunch back had completely disappeared. She's a beautiful woman and this will change her life.
Simba specializes in old injuries and problems. He worked on my old treeplanting lower-back injury as well as on my knees. All I can say is my body is different now. My lower spinal curve has improved and my knee caps are centred! When I lie flat on my back my feet no longer lean inward. They just sit there, straight. I keep looking down to check and can't quite believe it. All this in a 2 1/2 hour session for only 1500 baht (CA $50).
Yesterday monsoon torrents ripped up the sea and soaked everyone, umbrella or no umbrella. I was travelling on ferry to Koh Samui and despite the rain, hired a taxi driver to show me a couple of the sites on my way to a hotel. It was raining pretty hard so I just jumped out, snapped pictures, and jumped back into his nice dry car. At one monastery a monk appeared just as I was making a donation and he handed me a lovely woven wrist band. I'm starting to post pictures on facebook.
In about an hour at 9:30 I fly to Phuket and tomorrow "Making the Stage" begins with Harv Eker. I am feeling couragious and curious and somewhat excited about the coming four days with Harv. I love my life!
Unfortunately, once on the road, it's sometimes difficult to find the right type of food. Last night's spaghetti kind of felt like a ball of fire in my tummy but happily, when I awoke, the fire was out. It takes awhile for the digestive bacteria to rebuild, so progressing slowly from fruit to veggies, to carbs and finally protein is recommended.
The Sanctuary on Koh Phangan is nestled in a secluded bay with a lovely beach and rocky cliffs. It's pretty remote, and that screens out the average tourist. I really enjoyed meeting people there and have some new friends and an open invitation to Denmark now!
Many come here for just R&R, and many come to cleanse as well. Either way, it's a fabulous getaway. The staff are honest, friendly and helpful, the facilities are clean (by Thai standards) and the Bali Body Wrap and traditional Thai massage at the Spa perfect. I didn't try the steam room (sorry, it's hot enough!) but friends said it is wonderful. The swimming is as good as it gets. I'll be dreaming of floating in that turquoise bay for many years to come.
Besides cleansing, several healing alternatives are also available. Just a 25 minute leisurely walk to the next beach brings one to Simba, a 53 year old Japanese man who is renowned by many for his healing skills. I met one woman from Paris who came here just to see him because of the rave recommendations of her friends. She was in tears upon returning from her third and last session with Simba because her life-long hunch back had completely disappeared. She's a beautiful woman and this will change her life.
Simba specializes in old injuries and problems. He worked on my old treeplanting lower-back injury as well as on my knees. All I can say is my body is different now. My lower spinal curve has improved and my knee caps are centred! When I lie flat on my back my feet no longer lean inward. They just sit there, straight. I keep looking down to check and can't quite believe it. All this in a 2 1/2 hour session for only 1500 baht (CA $50).
Yesterday monsoon torrents ripped up the sea and soaked everyone, umbrella or no umbrella. I was travelling on ferry to Koh Samui and despite the rain, hired a taxi driver to show me a couple of the sites on my way to a hotel. It was raining pretty hard so I just jumped out, snapped pictures, and jumped back into his nice dry car. At one monastery a monk appeared just as I was making a donation and he handed me a lovely woven wrist band. I'm starting to post pictures on facebook.
In about an hour at 9:30 I fly to Phuket and tomorrow "Making the Stage" begins with Harv Eker. I am feeling couragious and curious and somewhat excited about the coming four days with Harv. I love my life!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thailand, 1st day
According to my black plastic Ironman Triathalon chronometer/watch, I've been in the air and on the road for 35 hours straight since I left Denver CO on Monday morning. I'm currently sitting in an Internet Cafe on Koh Samui in Thailand, waiting for the 10:30 am ferry to Koh Phangan.
I feel well rested and healthy, knock on wood. Last time around by this point I felt nauseated with a brain-splitting headache. What did I do differently this time? Three things, I drank a litre of water before boarding the first plane and continued to consume excessive amounts of water thereafter, second, I had one regular Gravol and it allowed me to sleep as much as I wanted and lastly, I grabbed taxis or shuttles to nearby hotels if my flight transfers were longer than two hours. So yesterday I spent about three hours in the Radisson LAX, and last night I spent about three hours in a Bangkok hotel near the airport. Sometimes just getting away from the airport is refreshing.
This morning as we drove back to the airport, thunder and lightening cracked all around us. An enormous, fat streak of lightening tore down to the ground on our left. It looked like it almost hit us, but the thunder came four or five seconds later, so it couldn't have been that close.
Being in Thailand has a distinctive feel to it. It feels calm. And setting foot on Koh Samui, with their outdoor, sala-style airport, calmed my nerves even more. This island feels so serene. I can't wait to experience Koh Phangan where I will be staying at "the Sanctuary," a cleansing spa, for seven days.
I'm looking forward to a lot of meditation (and I have a lot to contemplate too after this last seminar "Authentalk") and yoga at the Sanctuary, as well as lots of traditional Thai massage, facials, and whatever else is on the menu.
At Authentalk I worked on identifying my heart virtues, work I'd begun this summer. I'm still working on it and hope to have an "AHA!" this week on Koh Phangan. Currently I am committed to Honour, Respect, Compassion and Empowerment. Which is all well and good, but my little voice is telling me one or two virtues is plenty. Like writing, it's more work keeping it short!
I met some wonderful people in Denver CO over the weekend and three of them expressed desire to join my team. I'll be following up with them in December.
Well, I should probably make my way across the road and down to the ferry terminal. It's 10:00 am and I don't know how early I need to be for the 10:30am departure. On Koh Phangan I must then hire a long-tail boat to take me to the Sanctuary. Hopefully there are still traces of Gravol in my system as little boats aren't my best friends.
I love my life!!!!
With lots of love,
Tosh
I feel well rested and healthy, knock on wood. Last time around by this point I felt nauseated with a brain-splitting headache. What did I do differently this time? Three things, I drank a litre of water before boarding the first plane and continued to consume excessive amounts of water thereafter, second, I had one regular Gravol and it allowed me to sleep as much as I wanted and lastly, I grabbed taxis or shuttles to nearby hotels if my flight transfers were longer than two hours. So yesterday I spent about three hours in the Radisson LAX, and last night I spent about three hours in a Bangkok hotel near the airport. Sometimes just getting away from the airport is refreshing.
This morning as we drove back to the airport, thunder and lightening cracked all around us. An enormous, fat streak of lightening tore down to the ground on our left. It looked like it almost hit us, but the thunder came four or five seconds later, so it couldn't have been that close.
Being in Thailand has a distinctive feel to it. It feels calm. And setting foot on Koh Samui, with their outdoor, sala-style airport, calmed my nerves even more. This island feels so serene. I can't wait to experience Koh Phangan where I will be staying at "the Sanctuary," a cleansing spa, for seven days.
I'm looking forward to a lot of meditation (and I have a lot to contemplate too after this last seminar "Authentalk") and yoga at the Sanctuary, as well as lots of traditional Thai massage, facials, and whatever else is on the menu.
At Authentalk I worked on identifying my heart virtues, work I'd begun this summer. I'm still working on it and hope to have an "AHA!" this week on Koh Phangan. Currently I am committed to Honour, Respect, Compassion and Empowerment. Which is all well and good, but my little voice is telling me one or two virtues is plenty. Like writing, it's more work keeping it short!
I met some wonderful people in Denver CO over the weekend and three of them expressed desire to join my team. I'll be following up with them in December.
Well, I should probably make my way across the road and down to the ferry terminal. It's 10:00 am and I don't know how early I need to be for the 10:30am departure. On Koh Phangan I must then hire a long-tail boat to take me to the Sanctuary. Hopefully there are still traces of Gravol in my system as little boats aren't my best friends.
I love my life!!!!
With lots of love,
Tosh
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Not funny
I'm not funny. Some people can tell a story and make everyone laugh. I'm not that person. I tend to laugh out loud at myself a lot - which is troublesome because people facing me wonder if I'm laughing at them which tends to have the opposite effect of making them laugh.
And then when I try to explain what's so funny, the irony is usually too subtle or black for me to articulate.
Here's an example. I tried to tell a funny story to a group of friends recently with the intention of making them laugh. My story was about a conversation I'd had with my oldest dearest friend about depression. She and I have been depressed a lot in our lives, and in our conversation we realized how much delight we get being around other depressed people. Awakened, depressed people. You know? People who know they are depressed and can see beyond the depression at the same time they are feeling the depression. Anyway, everytime we said how we felt (like crap, like not getting up today, like not leaving this couch for the rest of our lives... etc) we just laughed harder at ourselves. It was a very bonding experience.
So is that kind of black? I don't know, the irony of it still tickles my funny bone! But when I was done my listeners hadn't laughed once and actually looked kind of concerned. When I accepted I had utterly failed to be funny and one of them said it was kind of depressing, I decided I wanted to develop my story-telling skills.
I have no idea where to begin, but look out, I'm going to stumble forward.
Much love,
Tosh
And then when I try to explain what's so funny, the irony is usually too subtle or black for me to articulate.
Here's an example. I tried to tell a funny story to a group of friends recently with the intention of making them laugh. My story was about a conversation I'd had with my oldest dearest friend about depression. She and I have been depressed a lot in our lives, and in our conversation we realized how much delight we get being around other depressed people. Awakened, depressed people. You know? People who know they are depressed and can see beyond the depression at the same time they are feeling the depression. Anyway, everytime we said how we felt (like crap, like not getting up today, like not leaving this couch for the rest of our lives... etc) we just laughed harder at ourselves. It was a very bonding experience.
So is that kind of black? I don't know, the irony of it still tickles my funny bone! But when I was done my listeners hadn't laughed once and actually looked kind of concerned. When I accepted I had utterly failed to be funny and one of them said it was kind of depressing, I decided I wanted to develop my story-telling skills.
I have no idea where to begin, but look out, I'm going to stumble forward.
Much love,
Tosh
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A moment of rage
First the highlights of the last month. I've been on a ten-day Alaskan cruise with my mom and sister, (and I loved every minute of it) I've been to an evening seminar with John Kehoe about Mind Power which registered deeply with me and I've completed two incredible Peak's events in L.A.: the World's Greatest Marketing Seminar and Train the Trainer. I've also engaged in a 30-day test of a new gourmet coffee product and am in the midst of a 90-day external detoxification program (rash city).
When I was at the World's Greatest Marketing Seminar in September, I was put through a rigorous process of defining what I want to do, (what am I selling?) why I want to do that (what need am I meeting?) and how I would do that in an effective way (marketing). I feel like I arrived at the seminar with a big lump of wet, high-quality clay, (my idea) and left the seminar with it molded into something almost ready for the kiln, but not quite. After Train the Trainer, I now feel like it's ready for the kiln and that getting out there and doing it will be like putting my creation into the fire. It will either explode or it will hold together. We'll see!
At Train the Trainer I had an unusual moment of rage come upon me. I lined up after the event to speak briefly with the Peak's trainer who was in charge. I waited about 10 minutes for the two people ahead of me to finish, a plump, sweet middle-aged Latino woman and a tall, dark and handsome French-Canadian man in his mid-30s. While I waited, a line up of three or four more people formed behind me. I was impressed how the leader seemed to be fully connecting with the people ahead of me despite so many other people waiting in line. He seemed to be taking his time and going in-depth with them. I was looking forward to my own time with him. I had this "great" idea which I thought he was going to love. And when I finally stepped up, I was clever by introducing it in a way I had learned at the World's Greatest Marketing Seminar, I asked, "Would you be interested in hearing about a simple way you could increase your profits by cutting costs, help the environment AND add to your credibility almost immediately?" I thought I would get a gushing, Hell yes!
Instead, his response shocked me and he said something like, "I'm sorry but I don't think this is right time or place to talk about a business deal." HELLO? A business deal? What business deal? Had I said something about a business deal? I really felt like he'd slapped me in the face.
I felt misunderstood, unheard and unvalued. That's it, I was triggered. If I hadn't been triggered, I would have simply clarified, "Oh I'm sorry if I gave you the impression it was a business deal I wanted to talk about, it's actually just a great idea I wanted to share with you, may I continue?"
But no, I was triggered. And if it wasn't for the environment, I would have loved to have told him where to put his business deal and walked away, but for the sake of reducing future garbage, I forced myself to complete the conversation (not without pointing out that I had said nothing about a business deal and in fact was not proposing anything of the sort) and my idea was received positively by him, more or less, once he finally opened up to hearing it.
Yet I was still trembling with rage and didn't know why exactly. Afterall, he'd listened to me in the end. And I even let him know how much I enjoyed his leadership over the last few days. But when I walked away I was still fuming inside. Why didn't he want to give me the time of day after he had given his time generously to the two people ahead of me? A wonderful friend was nearby and allowed me to vent. It felt really great, luxurious even, when I blurted out, "What a @#%@&^ a-hole!" But while that was a fun release, I knew it was not the point. I still felt upset and my friend tried to help me let go of my negative thoughts quickly.
Then I bumped into the person who had been in line ahead of me and told him what had happened and that I was still fuming. Well bless his heart, he told me the exact same thing had happened to him last year and he had felt just as enraged as I did. Funny how that made me feel better immediately. He reassured me it wasn't about me at all, but rather he'd learned that the leader hadn't noticed the line up until just then and just kind of became a bit short. He reassured me he was certain that's what happened with me.
Regardless what was going on with the leader, upon reflection I realize my own reaction had everything to do with me. Why was I so triggered? Life's too short and precious to waste any of it on one's own virtual reality. There's a lot here for me to look at about myself, from old victim stories to... new victim stories! I mean, it's not being angry that I have a problem with, it's the confusion that it caused me. Either it was pure and then I must ask myself, why didn't I express it? Or it was impure and then I must ask myself, what story am I holding onto? Alas, I guess this is something I'll be pondering and hopefully growing through in the months to come.
Coming up.... another adventure with John Kehoe at his two-day intensive, "The Subconscious and Beyond" Oct 24 & 25. I'm going with my oldest dearest friend and can't wait!
Lots of love,
Tosh
I'm committed to compassion and empowerment
When I was at the World's Greatest Marketing Seminar in September, I was put through a rigorous process of defining what I want to do, (what am I selling?) why I want to do that (what need am I meeting?) and how I would do that in an effective way (marketing). I feel like I arrived at the seminar with a big lump of wet, high-quality clay, (my idea) and left the seminar with it molded into something almost ready for the kiln, but not quite. After Train the Trainer, I now feel like it's ready for the kiln and that getting out there and doing it will be like putting my creation into the fire. It will either explode or it will hold together. We'll see!
At Train the Trainer I had an unusual moment of rage come upon me. I lined up after the event to speak briefly with the Peak's trainer who was in charge. I waited about 10 minutes for the two people ahead of me to finish, a plump, sweet middle-aged Latino woman and a tall, dark and handsome French-Canadian man in his mid-30s. While I waited, a line up of three or four more people formed behind me. I was impressed how the leader seemed to be fully connecting with the people ahead of me despite so many other people waiting in line. He seemed to be taking his time and going in-depth with them. I was looking forward to my own time with him. I had this "great" idea which I thought he was going to love. And when I finally stepped up, I was clever by introducing it in a way I had learned at the World's Greatest Marketing Seminar, I asked, "Would you be interested in hearing about a simple way you could increase your profits by cutting costs, help the environment AND add to your credibility almost immediately?" I thought I would get a gushing, Hell yes!
Instead, his response shocked me and he said something like, "I'm sorry but I don't think this is right time or place to talk about a business deal." HELLO? A business deal? What business deal? Had I said something about a business deal? I really felt like he'd slapped me in the face.
I felt misunderstood, unheard and unvalued. That's it, I was triggered. If I hadn't been triggered, I would have simply clarified, "Oh I'm sorry if I gave you the impression it was a business deal I wanted to talk about, it's actually just a great idea I wanted to share with you, may I continue?"
But no, I was triggered. And if it wasn't for the environment, I would have loved to have told him where to put his business deal and walked away, but for the sake of reducing future garbage, I forced myself to complete the conversation (not without pointing out that I had said nothing about a business deal and in fact was not proposing anything of the sort) and my idea was received positively by him, more or less, once he finally opened up to hearing it.
Yet I was still trembling with rage and didn't know why exactly. Afterall, he'd listened to me in the end. And I even let him know how much I enjoyed his leadership over the last few days. But when I walked away I was still fuming inside. Why didn't he want to give me the time of day after he had given his time generously to the two people ahead of me? A wonderful friend was nearby and allowed me to vent. It felt really great, luxurious even, when I blurted out, "What a @#%@&^ a-hole!" But while that was a fun release, I knew it was not the point. I still felt upset and my friend tried to help me let go of my negative thoughts quickly.
Then I bumped into the person who had been in line ahead of me and told him what had happened and that I was still fuming. Well bless his heart, he told me the exact same thing had happened to him last year and he had felt just as enraged as I did. Funny how that made me feel better immediately. He reassured me it wasn't about me at all, but rather he'd learned that the leader hadn't noticed the line up until just then and just kind of became a bit short. He reassured me he was certain that's what happened with me.
Regardless what was going on with the leader, upon reflection I realize my own reaction had everything to do with me. Why was I so triggered? Life's too short and precious to waste any of it on one's own virtual reality. There's a lot here for me to look at about myself, from old victim stories to... new victim stories! I mean, it's not being angry that I have a problem with, it's the confusion that it caused me. Either it was pure and then I must ask myself, why didn't I express it? Or it was impure and then I must ask myself, what story am I holding onto? Alas, I guess this is something I'll be pondering and hopefully growing through in the months to come.
Coming up.... another adventure with John Kehoe at his two-day intensive, "The Subconscious and Beyond" Oct 24 & 25. I'm going with my oldest dearest friend and can't wait!
Lots of love,
Tosh
I'm committed to compassion and empowerment
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
did I say no more coffee?
First of all, I humbly retract what I said about the hotel I stayed in last week being "evil". I wrote it with black humour, it's true, but in fact I don't want to create an evil hotel so I take it all back. End of story. In fact, it's a lovely hotel with heart-filled people wanting to make a difference. And bless their hearts, they sure made a difference in my life! haha.
Last night I attended John Kehoe's free evening presentation. It was very similar to one he gave at Master Your Mind in L.A. two years ago, with a few new items. What I experienced this time was different, however, because of two meditation courses I completed over the last year. I really knew what he was talking about re. "thought control" and "mind power" because of the regular meditation I've been doing. It was totally refreshing to hear him again, and I signed up for a two day intensive with him called.... "Subconscious and Beyond" on Oct 24 and 25th in Vancouver. His price was extremely reasonable ($395) with a guest at just $199. If anyone is interested in enrolling as my guest, let me know! He gave us his Mind Power Home Study Program (value: $495) for free (a first) so students could complete the four week program prior to attending the "Subconscious and Beyond" intensive in October. Since it's my second copy, I would be happy to lend it to my guest. I leave town on Saturday though so let me know asap by calling or emailing me.
Also, continuing on this year's theme of listening to and following my heart, I approached two interesting people at the break last night and introduced myself (as opposed to keeping to myself as I often do). They were both wonderful and one of them came to my house this morning to let me try out "healthy coffee"! In my last blog (just yesterday) I announced I had quit coffee. How about this: healthy, non-addictive, non-acidic coffee?! I'm not talking about organic and so "better for you", I'm talking about actually nutritionally healthy coffee with tangible healthy effects. I'll write more about this after I test it out. I had my first one this morning and was very pleased.
Last night I attended John Kehoe's free evening presentation. It was very similar to one he gave at Master Your Mind in L.A. two years ago, with a few new items. What I experienced this time was different, however, because of two meditation courses I completed over the last year. I really knew what he was talking about re. "thought control" and "mind power" because of the regular meditation I've been doing. It was totally refreshing to hear him again, and I signed up for a two day intensive with him called.... "Subconscious and Beyond" on Oct 24 and 25th in Vancouver. His price was extremely reasonable ($395) with a guest at just $199. If anyone is interested in enrolling as my guest, let me know! He gave us his Mind Power Home Study Program (value: $495) for free (a first) so students could complete the four week program prior to attending the "Subconscious and Beyond" intensive in October. Since it's my second copy, I would be happy to lend it to my guest. I leave town on Saturday though so let me know asap by calling or emailing me.
Also, continuing on this year's theme of listening to and following my heart, I approached two interesting people at the break last night and introduced myself (as opposed to keeping to myself as I often do). They were both wonderful and one of them came to my house this morning to let me try out "healthy coffee"! In my last blog (just yesterday) I announced I had quit coffee. How about this: healthy, non-addictive, non-acidic coffee?! I'm not talking about organic and so "better for you", I'm talking about actually nutritionally healthy coffee with tangible healthy effects. I'll write more about this after I test it out. I had my first one this morning and was very pleased.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
coffee and chocolate
I am in a whirlwind of travel this month and next. And I'm certain the evil hotel I stayed at last week in L.A. served me decaf coffee pretending it was normal coffee. I had a headache for two days which culminated in a full day of wretching on an empty stomach. I was so starving and thankful when I emerged from my hotel room and was able to eat something and keep it down.
So that's it, I have quit coffee. It just isn't worth it! I love the black brew and even have a personal supply of limited-quantity Starbucks Columbian at home, but no, not even that will tempt me back into the beloved morning drink. I just can't afford the down time caused by involuntary withdrawal which has actually happened to me three times this year.
Another break-through for me is I have come full circle back to Xocai (pronounced "show-sigh") healthy chocolate. If you're like me and hate swallowing pills and capsules, Xocai chocolate is a delicious alternative. Even though the cacao bean has the highest anti-oxident content of any known food today, 80% of that nutritional value is destroyed by the dutch processing method of making chocolate. Xocai chocolate is made using a proprietory cold-press method and even high-priced organic dark chocolate can't compare to Xocai's nutritional power. At first I ate it because it was a delicious healthy snack, but now I'm eating it because it's a powerful nutritional supplement that is truly lovely as it melts in my mouth. I can keep eating it long after I can't swallow another vitamin pill or capsule. Check out loving nutrition at www.mxi.myvoffice.com/tosh and if you want to know more, please let me know.
Tonight I get to hear what John Kehoe is up to at his live presentation on the power of thought at the Landmark Hotel in Vancouver... and on Friday I leave for a 10-day Alaskan cruise with my partner Laurel, and our moms, both in their eighties.
I'll tune back in at the end of the month if not sooner. Please stay in touch and send me your comments!
So that's it, I have quit coffee. It just isn't worth it! I love the black brew and even have a personal supply of limited-quantity Starbucks Columbian at home, but no, not even that will tempt me back into the beloved morning drink. I just can't afford the down time caused by involuntary withdrawal which has actually happened to me three times this year.
Another break-through for me is I have come full circle back to Xocai (pronounced "show-sigh") healthy chocolate. If you're like me and hate swallowing pills and capsules, Xocai chocolate is a delicious alternative. Even though the cacao bean has the highest anti-oxident content of any known food today, 80% of that nutritional value is destroyed by the dutch processing method of making chocolate. Xocai chocolate is made using a proprietory cold-press method and even high-priced organic dark chocolate can't compare to Xocai's nutritional power. At first I ate it because it was a delicious healthy snack, but now I'm eating it because it's a powerful nutritional supplement that is truly lovely as it melts in my mouth. I can keep eating it long after I can't swallow another vitamin pill or capsule. Check out loving nutrition at www.mxi.myvoffice.com/tosh and if you want to know more, please let me know.
Tonight I get to hear what John Kehoe is up to at his live presentation on the power of thought at the Landmark Hotel in Vancouver... and on Friday I leave for a 10-day Alaskan cruise with my partner Laurel, and our moms, both in their eighties.
I'll tune back in at the end of the month if not sooner. Please stay in touch and send me your comments!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sept 4, 2009
What does it feel like to be in a state of constant inner transformation? Would every day contain a little bit of magic and surprise?
Many areas of my life are transforming right now: work, home, investments, travel plans, physical fitness, meditation... And I constantly ask, what is my heart calling for, in this moment?
Today it's telling me to clean up my office which is a disaster area! Let's see if I can transform this room and my administrative affairs. It's daunting but I will start with one piece of paper and go from there... eek!
Next week, John Kehoe, a great teacher, is still offering a free evening in Vancouver for those interested on Sept 14 or 15. (http://www.learnmindpower.com/seminar)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
plums, stocks and bicycles
With very little notice I emailed about 12 friends on Friday inviting them to our backyard Saturday morning to pick plums. For four hours Laurel, myself and our friend Dianne picked four or five bushels, (felt like a hundred) washed them all, froze some of them and finally, as we relaxed on the front steps with our coffees and tea, sold one and two-pound bags to passersby just for the heck of it. Laurel and I delivered bags of plums to all of our immediate neighbours too, some of whom we met for the first time. They were delighted. We still have about two bushels of washed, organic plums sitting on our kitchen counter... plums anyone?
Last week I pulled my bicycle out of the basement and discovered both tires had deflated over the winter. So I walked it to the nearest gas station to fill the tires and then rode to Whole Foods for some groceries. Phew! To think I used to ride up to UBC for fun just last year!
Two nights later a friend was waxing poetic about some meandering paved bike trails in the mountains near her house. While the thought of riding up hills is distinctly unappealing to me, being in the forest with my friends definitely tugged. Letting my heart guide me, I agreed to go bicycling in the mountains today. Who ever thought listening to one's heart would mean so much exercise?!
First thing this morning however, I will be trying to join a Skype call with some new investment buddies. We've all recently learned Phil Town's Rule #1 methodology and need to practice applying it.
Have a great day and week everyone. I'm off to Houston Texas this Tuesday to learn more about tax lien investing. Wish me luck!
Lots of love,
Tosh
Last week I pulled my bicycle out of the basement and discovered both tires had deflated over the winter. So I walked it to the nearest gas station to fill the tires and then rode to Whole Foods for some groceries. Phew! To think I used to ride up to UBC for fun just last year!
Two nights later a friend was waxing poetic about some meandering paved bike trails in the mountains near her house. While the thought of riding up hills is distinctly unappealing to me, being in the forest with my friends definitely tugged. Letting my heart guide me, I agreed to go bicycling in the mountains today. Who ever thought listening to one's heart would mean so much exercise?!
First thing this morning however, I will be trying to join a Skype call with some new investment buddies. We've all recently learned Phil Town's Rule #1 methodology and need to practice applying it.
Have a great day and week everyone. I'm off to Houston Texas this Tuesday to learn more about tax lien investing. Wish me luck!
Lots of love,
Tosh
Thursday, August 20, 2009
My first blog
Laurel suggested I start a blog, so thank you to Laurel and here I go!
This blog is about personal transformation, which is the heart and soul of what I am about in life through my commitment to compassion and empowerment.
Last Sunday I completed a six-day camp called Mind of Steel, Heart of Gold just north of Squamish B.C., under the smile of glinting glaciers and mixed skies. It was the last of three camps I had begun two years ago. These camps have given me several much-needed kicks in the pants to get off my butt and start living my dream!
For over a year I have been asking God/the Universe/my higher self to keep my heart open. There is an ancient prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor (go to: http://www.heartoftheearth.org/articles/20020525_ActingFromTheHeartOfTheEarth.htm) which I find very moving. In fact, just two weeks after hearing this prophecy (back in January 2008) an enormous condor flew beneath me along the side of a cliff at Big Sur. Wow! Talk about signs!
Morning yoga. At dawn my mind wasn't too keen and my body was content to stay home, but my heart leapt at the thought of going to yoga. So without too much comment mind and body followed heart's lead and voila, I've been doing yoga this week! Is this what it means to listen to one's heart? Well, it's a start and new to mind and body.
One of Deepak Chopra's groups, Alliance for New Humanity, says we are approaching an evolutionary leap in humanity that is culminating in 2012. Be the Change Earth Alliance is a Vancouver-based non-profit that I volunteer with that is helping to bring forth a socially just, environmentally sustainable and spiritually fulfilling human presence on earth through personal transformation. There seem to be so many movements happening all over the world, and I love how vast and powerful this evolutionary leap is.
I hope this blog inspires and encourages you, my reader, to feel you are part of something greater, supported by the entire universe as we evolve into heart-centred beings. Ian Xel Lungold said, "The most likely outcome is what we intend." How much more simple can it get? Here's to all of our continued personal and collective growth and transformation! I love my life!
Lots of love,
Tosh
This blog is about personal transformation, which is the heart and soul of what I am about in life through my commitment to compassion and empowerment.
Last Sunday I completed a six-day camp called Mind of Steel, Heart of Gold just north of Squamish B.C., under the smile of glinting glaciers and mixed skies. It was the last of three camps I had begun two years ago. These camps have given me several much-needed kicks in the pants to get off my butt and start living my dream!
For over a year I have been asking God/the Universe/my higher self to keep my heart open. There is an ancient prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor (go to: http://www.heartoftheearth.org/articles/20020525_ActingFromTheHeartOfTheEarth.htm) which I find very moving. In fact, just two weeks after hearing this prophecy (back in January 2008) an enormous condor flew beneath me along the side of a cliff at Big Sur. Wow! Talk about signs!
Morning yoga. At dawn my mind wasn't too keen and my body was content to stay home, but my heart leapt at the thought of going to yoga. So without too much comment mind and body followed heart's lead and voila, I've been doing yoga this week! Is this what it means to listen to one's heart? Well, it's a start and new to mind and body.
One of Deepak Chopra's groups, Alliance for New Humanity, says we are approaching an evolutionary leap in humanity that is culminating in 2012. Be the Change Earth Alliance is a Vancouver-based non-profit that I volunteer with that is helping to bring forth a socially just, environmentally sustainable and spiritually fulfilling human presence on earth through personal transformation. There seem to be so many movements happening all over the world, and I love how vast and powerful this evolutionary leap is.
I hope this blog inspires and encourages you, my reader, to feel you are part of something greater, supported by the entire universe as we evolve into heart-centred beings. Ian Xel Lungold said, "The most likely outcome is what we intend." How much more simple can it get? Here's to all of our continued personal and collective growth and transformation! I love my life!
Lots of love,
Tosh
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