Category: Mind

Heroic Living

The title of the book, Heroic Living, intrigued me, so I picked it up. Written by Chris Lowney, the book uses Ignatian Spirituality as a tool for developing a personal life strategy to achieve your “mighty purpose” in life.

Lowney was a high-powered investment banker for JP Morgan. He got out in time. I don’t even know if JP Morgan exists anymore. Well, before he was an investment banker, the author was a Jesuit seminarian for a time. While he was in formation, he developed a love for the Ignatian Spirituality which reminds us to “find God in all things.”

So, Lowney combined the leadership skills he learned at JP Morgan with his passion for this centuries old spiritual way of living, and presto, this book was born. I’m not sure if you can get it at your local library, but maybe. If not, it came out in paperback not that long ago, and I think it can be a helpful tool for anyone who is desiring to make changes in their lives.

This comes from the introduction,

You were born to change the world.

You can make the most of this unique opportunity by mastering three vital skills:

Articulate a purpose worth the rest of your life.

Make wise career and relationship choices in this changing, uncertain world.

Make every day matter by mindful attention to your thoughts, actions, and results.

Is that a great teaser, or what? I know many people who are in my life, some reading these words, who want to make changes so they can begin to be the person God is calling them to be. Whether it be this book, or one like it on your shelf, the time to start making these changes is now. We have to get moving.

As Pope John Paul II reminded us so often, quoting from the words of the angels found throughout the Bible, “do not be afraid.”

Body Inspiration Mind Nutritional Supplements

Todd Burrier

Todd Burier is a friend of mine and he works hard at helping people live healthier and happier lives. He does this as a motivational speaker and wellness expert. The other day, he sent me a really inspirational email, and I asked him for permission to share it with you. He said yes and you can read it below. Todd has two websites at the bottom of his email. Take a minute and check them out.

Sunday as I was traveling, I landed in Memphis and was picked up by the man who typically shuttles me to and from the airport. As we were walking to the van I noticed someone walking very closely behind us. Almost like they were going in the same direction as us, but didn’t realize they were walking so close to us that it seemed strange. As we got to the van, this woman was still right next to us and at this moment the man introduced me to her as his daughter. This was the first acknowledgement that she was with us.

This woman is 40 years old, and the man had told me in the past about the disease that she and some of her other siblings were born with. Essentially they were born with no sweat glans, no ability to have teeth, and no hair. I don’t know the name of the disease only that the things I descirbed are just the tip of the ice berg. For many years it was questionable that they would live very long.

As we were riding to our destination I learned that she had spent all day at a Zumba seminar to get certified to teach this aerobic dance/fitness style (which she must teach with an air conditioner blowing directly on her or her body will overheat and she could die). It was hard to get her to talk because she was very shy.

On the way back to the airport a few days later I asked her Dad some more questions. She is unemployed, has had a very hard life (as you can imagine…not just living with the disease, but dealing with the verbal abuse she took from schoolmates making fun of her) and is trying to start her own business teaching Zumba. She has no experience running a business and no money, but she rented a little warehouse space and is giving it a try. I told the man that if he had her call me I would be happy to help her in any way that I could.

I was surprised when she emailed me and said she would like to talk. I called her yesterday and spoke to her about 20 minutes. I learned that she has a passion for helping peoiple with their weight (because she has had her own struggles) and she has a passion for dance, and Zumba gives her a way to do both at the same time. Of course she is going out on a limb by renting space in a warehouse, with no experience and no way to pay her bills, and no understanding of how to run a business.

I gave her a few ideas about how to make sure she could keep the doors open first, while she kept a roof over her head. She was so thankful, because she had no idea how to even think about what to do. Basically all I did was encourage her and help her see that she can do it.

That phone call felt very good for me. There is no interest or gain in this for me. It was purely to encourage and help someone else. And that’s the point of the story.

People who are trying to accomplish something need encouragement. They need people to cheer them on and be there for them. Not just because this helps them, but because there aren’t many people who do it.

People spend more time telling people why it won’t work or questioning the attempt. Why?

Sometimes out of ignorance…they simply don’t know any better.

Sometimes out of jealousy….you are doing something which makes them reflect on themselves.

Sometimes out of fear….that you will succeed and things will change between you.

Sometimes out of concern…they genuinely are worried you might fail (unfortunately this is a limited view becasue it is far better in life to try and fail than to not try)

Sometimes out of selfishness…because your goal will take time away from them.

There’s more, but this gives you an idea. Having been someone who has strived for goals in a very open way for years I can attest first hand that encouragement is a rare commodity. Anyone who is attempting to accomplish something is going to have struggle, doubt, fear, fatigue, etc. at various times.Help them. Be there for them. Encourage them.

Think of someone you know today who is working toward something. Call them up and let them know how much you respect what they are doing and how much you believe in them. Let them know that you know they can do it and that when times get hard, you will be there for them. Ask them if there is anything you can do for them. It will be a gift to them…and not bad for you either.

Many Blessings,

Todd

Todd Burrier-Making a Million Lives Better

“When we know about something that can help people we have a responsibility to share.”

http://explore.lifeplus.com/todd

www.balanceprofessor.com

Ignatian Spirituality Mind Spirit

Examen Prayer

Sorry, this post is a bit longer than my usual. But as I was thinking about it early this morning, I wanted to spell this powerful prayer out to you. I hope you find it beneficial.

When I began making the Spiritual Exercises, I began working on the discipline of the Daily Examen. I can’t say I was always faithful to it, but it was very beneficial when I did. I continue to strive to make it a part of my daily life.

Developed by St. Ignatius Loyola, this practice seeks to grow followers of Jesus in their capacity to discern God’s will, find God in all things, and enhance their understanding of God’s good creation.

The prayer takes between ten and twenty minutes. The majority of that time will be spent reviewing your day. Try not to dwell too long on thoughts. Instead, allow yourself to become aware and move on.

Begin by finding a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Then sit comfortably, with good posture and both feet on the floor. Allow yourself to relax. Close your eyes if you like.

1. Recall you are in the presence of God

As you sit in silence, focus on God’s deep and abiding love for you. We are always in the presence of God. Try to become aware of God’s presence in an attentive way. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall your day with love.

2. Recall your day with gratitude

After a few moments, remember the small pleasures of your day; things like a good night’s sleep, a great conversation with a friend or co-worker, or a beautiful sunrise. These are all gifts from God. As you remember these small gifts from God, take a moment to reflect on the gifts that you gave today, whether to God or to others. How did you bring your strengths, your sense of humor, your abilities, your encouragement, your patience to others today? When you have finished, pause briefly and thank God for these things.

3. Ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit

In a moment you will begin to retrace the steps of your day. Before you do, ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your mind. The Spirit will lead and guide you into the truth and mystery of your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit for the capacity to recall your day with clarity and an understanding of your limitations.

4. Review your day

This is the central and longest step of the prayer. Go back to the start of your day and allow it to play like a short movie in your mind. Pay attention to the details. What were your feelings? What motivated you to respond to certain situations in the way that you did? The purpose of this is to draw out the positive and the negative aspects of your day.

As you are reviewing your day, ask the question, “Where did I fail today?”

Was there a moment when you lived out of anger or bitterness? Were there things that you avoided? Don’t allow yourself to dwell on these things or seek to resolve them. Simply allow yourself to identify them and move on.

Next, ask the question, “When did I love?” Was there a moment, or several moments, in which you made the choice to live out of love. Perhaps it was a kind act like holding the door or spending intentional time with your family. Remember the ways that you chose to love this day.

Next, search for any patterns or habits during the course of the day. Do you make coffee at the same time? Do you chat for a few minutes with a co-worker? Are you always staying late at work? As you detect these patterns, what emotions do you sense coming to the surface for each habit? Do these habits help you face your day with love? Do they hinder you from facing your day with love?

5. Reconcile and Resolve

Finally, picture yourself seated next to Jesus, talking as you would with a friend. Maybe there was something in your day that you don’t feel good about. Tell Jesus about this and express your disappointment and ask him to be with you when you face that moment again. Allow yourself to feel the sorrow in your heart as you share this, but also remember and give thanks for Christ’s continual restoration of your heart. Remember all of the good moments of your day and thank Jesus for His presence with you in those moments.

6. End with the Lord’s Prayer

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Amen

Body Inspiration Mind Spirit

Biggest Loser

The other night, I happened to catch the season finale of The Biggest Loser. I’m usually at work when the show is on, but I saw it for the first time during one of our big snow storms. I guess that was towards the beginning of the season.

Having recently undergone my own weight loss journey, I was amazed at the exercise routine of these very obese people. Without a doubt, they had to have the show hosts after them non stop in order to achieve their goals. Those that didn’t meat their weekly goal got bumped off the show.

When I saw these folks at the end of the series, having lost an unbelievable amount of weight, I was impressed. They didn’t look like the same people. They have a lot to be proud of, and I hope they are able to keep the weight off. It’s an ongoing battle, and will be probably for the rest of their lives.

I’m bringing this all up because I think that it’s very important to set goals for yourselves, and then keep following through until you achieve them. Maybe your issue isn’t weight, but rather you want to find a new job, or you want to get out of debt. Whatever it is for you, start setting up some reasonable goals.

I say reasonable because if you begin with false expectations, you’ll quickly give up and go right back to where you were, or maybe worse. I’m guessing none of us have the luxury of personal trainers like the ones on Biggest Loser. We’re probably going to have to do it on our own.

For me, achieving my goals by myself has been hugely rewarding. I studied up on what I needed to do, got some good advice, and set reasonable and measurable goals. These weren’t long range goals, but weekly, even daily. When I met a goal, I celebrated. When I missed one, I went back and figured out why, then worked on it again until it was accomplished. This was not easy. Achieving good goals usually never is.

Do you have some things you need to work on? Summer is a pretty good time to develop a plan, since things slow down a bit and you can focus. There are tons of resources, including 974 titles at Amazon to help you. Or, you can do it the old fashioned way. Put pen to paper, and write them out. Don’t forget to ask for a little Divine Assistance. It always helps!

The experts say this step of writing goals out is important. If you don’t you’re almost surely doomed to failure.

Lastly, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Bring God into it. Watch what happens 🙂

Body Ignatian Spirituality Mind Spirit

Simplicity and Silence

First off, hope you’re having a good day. I had to go to Baltimore for a meeting, and someone I work with asked me to pick up a bag of the country potatoes I wrote about yesterday. I had to go to two Trader Joe’s stores before I found them 🙁 As it turns out, they’re a new item. I hope you can find them easily.

When I was on my eight day silent retreat last year, my spiritual director told me that, generally, it’s taking people until the fifth day before they can relax and fully de-stress. Of course, he made this comment to me on my fifth day, if that tells you something. Why do we find ourselves so exhausted that we can hardly function? Is this the way its supposed to be?

According to Brother Victor, (author of Sacred Feasts Cookbook), he says no, it is absolutely not supposed to be this way. He writes,

In an age such as ours, full of feverish consumerism, instant communication, loud music and noisy tv, it is quite a challenge to being speaking about the reality of silence. Occasionally I am asked to give a talk to a group of people , either young students or adults. I often notice a visible expression of skepticism on their faces when I mention or stress the importance of silence in daily life. The value and appreciation of silence in today’s culture has dwindled… Today, belief in the truth of silence is not only disregarded and underestimated, it is considered plainly outmoded… Everyone needs to rediscover some silent, quiet space within himself or herself just to maintain basic sanity.

The simplicity of silence creates this inner space within us, and silence purifies our vision, cleanses our hearts, and strengthens and deepens our prayer…

The simplicity of silence brings light and clarity to our minds; it grants peace, tranquility, and perseverance as we toil daily. (taken from the Gift of Simplicity)

If you are feeling particularly stressed right now, maybe it’s time to take a little break. Go out and take a little walk around the block. Go to a park or some other place where you can enjoy nature. If you’re stuck where you are, close your eyes and dream about some peaceful place where you have had the chance to visit. No matter what you do, just remember that, as Brother Victor reminds us, we’re not supposed to go through life exhausted, unhappy, and depressed. I hope you can get the re-charge you need.

Mind Spirit

New Beginnings

Although it was a bit overcast today here in Maryland, it would a great day to go sailing. I haven’t been too many times, but when I do go sailing, especially on the Chesapeake Bay, I realize how much I love to be around water. There’s something about the immensity of what’s right underneath the hull of the boat. I’m reminded of the saying, you’re a little fish in a big pond. I’m pretty sure you get the message.

On the flip side, there’s something exhilarating about being on the water, especially in a sailboat. There’s a lot of work that goes into sailing, and I’m always impressed with those that have the skill to do it. I enjoy watching them, and I try to stay out of the way, helping where I can. Heck, they seem to know what they’re doing, why interfere? Anyway, it’s a lot of fun.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve interviewed a bunch of people for an open position in my office. There are so many qualified folks out there right now, its been a bit overwhelming. But we’ve narrowed it down to just a couple of folks, and my staff and I could work well with any of them. When it’s all said and done, it has to come down to instinct. Who will do the best job? Who will reach the most people? I think I know who that person is, but I still have to put it to prayer. These are important days, and there are great needs. This new person will be responsible for a lot. That being said, we are all ready for a fresh start. Excitement is in the air.

In a lot of ways, hiring someone is a lot like asking them to come sailing with you. You’ve invited them onto your boat, adding weight and taking up space. They might prove to be a great help, or they might end up being in the way. First, you have to show them the ropes (an old nautical phrase?), and then let them loose and become part of the team.

I almost always find that people work out after a little trial and error. They turn out to be a great help, rarely getting in the way. It’s generally a lot of work on everyone’s part, but nearly always worth the effort. I love new beginnings. They help us dream, knowing that better days lie ahead. I can’t wait.

Thanks to some input from one of my faithful readers, I’m going to be making some updates to this blog over Memorial Day weekend. I’m still sailing in uncharted territory for me, and there’s a lot to navigating around (nice, all these sailing images :)). Basically, I’m hoping to clean things up a bit, add a lot of new recipes, and make everything easier to find. I hope you’ll like what you see. Thanks to my newest subscriber. It’s about time…

Mind Spirit

Believe and Succeed

I took this picture when I was out for my walk today. These geese hang out at a pond not too far from my house, and I see this little family every day. Actually, I guess you could say I live between two ponds. Throughout the day, the adult geese fly back and forth between the ponds, and my house is right below their flight pattern. It is the coolest thing to actually hear the flap of their wings when they fly overhead.

They say that when geese fly together, the honk they make is done to cheer the lead goose on, encouraging them keep it up. I’m not sure if that’s true, but it’s a pretty neat idea.

Years ago, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale wrote,

Jesus said, “Everything is possible to one who has faith” (Mk. 9:24). This is one of the greatest laws in the universe. , fervently do I wish I had discovered it as a very young man. It dawned upon me much later in life, and I have found it to be one of my greatest – if not greatest- discovery, outside of my relationship to God… The great law briefly and simply stated is that if you think in negative terms, you will get negative results. If you think in positive terms, you will achieve positive results. “That is the simple fact,” he went on to say,”which is the basis of an astonishing law of prosperity and success. In three words: Believe and Succeed.”

William Shakespeare put it this way: “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

I think there’s a lot of wisdom in positive thinking. When I hear those geese fly overhead, I’m always struck by the fact that it’s only been in the last 100 or so years that we have been able to fly. Now, most of us take it for granted. But a lot of failures took place prior to that first successful flight. Those failures never stopped the Wright brothers, and countless others before them, from trying. They believed it would happen one day. And on December 17, 1903, it did.

What possibilities are you thinking about? What dreams do you have?

Ignatian Spirituality Mind Spirit

Mellow-Drama

In the late 90’s, there was a little book that came out entitled, Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff, and it became a best seller. Basically, the book is filled with little tips and stories to help us realize that we can do all kinds of things to reduce the stress in our lives.

I have been doing some housecleaning lately, and one of my tasks is to donate a bunch of old books to the public library. I had my hand on this book, written by Richard Carlson, more than once. But in the end, it made the cut. This morning, I decided to flip through it, and I came up with a good thought for today’s blog:

Many people live as if life were a melodrama- “an extravagantly theatrical play in which action and plot predominate.” Sound familiar? In dramatic fashion, we blow things out of proportion, and make a big deal out of little things. We forget that life isn’t as bad as we’re making it out to be. We also forget that when we’re blowing things out of proportion, we are the ones doing the blowing.

I’ve found that simply reminding myself that life doesn’t have to be a soap opera is a powerful method of calming down. When I get too worked up or start taking myself too seriously, I say to myself something like, “Here I go again. My soap opera is starting.” Almost always, this takes the edge off my seriousness and helps me to laugh at myself. Often, this simple reminder enables me to change the channel to a more peaceful station. My melodrama is transformed into a “mellow-drama.”

No matter what, there’s someone who has it worse than us. I think it would really help if we could just start getting over ourselves and laugh things off a bit more often.

Mind Spirit

Tell me a story

Today has been a good day. I got a lot accomplished, and now, I’m ready for sleep. Thankfully, a friend just called to remind me that he can’t wind down at the end of his day unless he has the chance to read my daily post. I don’t think I’ve ever had followers before, but it’s kind of a nice feeling.

So, here’s a little story to think about when you’re drifting off to sleep tonight. It is the story about a Native American boy who is talking with his grandfather:

“What do you think about the world situation?” the young boy asked.

The grandfather replied, “I feel like wolves are fighting in my heart. One is full of anger and hatred; the other is full of love, forgiveness, and peace.”

“Which one will win?” asked the boy.

To which the grandfather replied, “the one I feed.”

The point of the story is that, in life, you become what you think about. Bouna notte dolce sogni.

Inspiration Mind Prayer

Why Can’t We Stop It?

I generally try to stay out of politics. Everyone has an opinion, and they’re entitled to them. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that things are in a real mess, with no end in sight.

But, for the life of me, I simply can’t understand how the politicians can’t get their act together and resolve this oil spill in the Gulf Coast. At this point, weeks after it began, who really cares exactly who is to blame and what went wrong? They’re going to figure that out in the courts anyway, probably for decades to come.

This is such a catastrophe, it seems to me that we should be putting everything we’ve got on this. Why is it important that the evening news shows tape from a congressional hearing today showing newly released video of oil and gas gushing out of the pipe? Doesn’t the entire world already know that’s happening?

Maybe the politicians are too afraid that, if they did take over the task of resolving this crisis, somehow a part of the blame will fall on them. In the meantime, the oil continues to gush up, at the rate of something like 70,000 barrels a day, according to one estimate.

If there was any issue we could come together and resolve, you would think this would be it.

Will the real leaders please step up soon?