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Talk the Talk OR Walk the Walk?
You have probably heard this phrase for many years: Are you going to TALK the TALK, or WALK the WALK?
It has been used to explain the difference between someone who wants book knowledge so they can seem erudite and able to TALK the TALK, but when it comes to actually living what they have learned, they do not want to WALK the WALK, or make it personal by applying it to their own lives. One example would be someone who can talk about food, but is unable to fry an egg or make a meal. Until you pick up a cookbook or a recipe, nothing works — it is as meaningless as having a menu on a raft in the ocean, but no food at all. How about one who uses all the right personal growth words, yet still lives as though none of it applies to that person? We hear the words, yet the music that should accompany them never happens. It is obvious that two different things are happening here: WORDS vs. ACTIONS.
I once had an advanced math teacher who was the professor of his division. He could talk the principles and be very exacting in his English, but he could not convey the essence of what he was teaching to most of his students. I ended up in the Math Lab to find the teacher who could help me understand the principles of the problems. It was useless to me unless I could apply the knowledge I was attempting to acquire.
Have you ever been talking with someone, and they are speaking words that are English, yet they do not communicate at all in such a way that you can understand it? You can hear the words, but they do not make any sense to you. It might as well be a foreign language for all the good it does.
These are just a few ways of how we can get caught up in the sound of our own voice, yet never check to see if we are actually being heard and understood by our audience. (Forget Active Listening Principles as they are fast becoming a lost art.)
Personally, I have met people who can talk Religion in many forms, Protestants of many kinds, Catholics, metaphysics, New Thought, etc. They love the sounds of their own voices so much that they never consider whether or not they are actually communicating. They are reiterating some creed or dogma as though it was the only way to Heaven. Never mind that many others differ on just exactly how that will happen. Never mind that each person has their own definitions and points of reference. Just keep hitting your audience over the head with your words, hoping some of it will sink in so they can come to your point of view (whether or not it is good for them). TALK, TALK, TALK!
I have attended many workshops, sought after many teachers of varied personal growth subjects, done symposiums, heard lots of lectures from people of note, and spent a small fortune in doing so. I say to you that it is all for naught unless one actually USES whatever it is he/she hears with the best of one’s understanding — put the words into your heart and mind. Act from that new wisdom that is created when the head and the heart meet. The product of that meeting will influence you the rest of your days. WALK the WALK!
If you hear a great sermon on Sunday coming from the pulpit, think about it long after the church doors close. Do not just go on your merry way and do as you please. Make a list of the ways that you can apply those good words to your life, and then do it. WALK the WALK!
Ernest Holmes, the Founder of Science of Mind, stated that you can only fly as high as your roots grow into the ground. In other words, your mind can fly up to the ether, but your feet have to stay on the earth. You cannot over-reach in your zest and enthusiasm but must stay grounded in utilizing what you have learned in your every-day life. You have to realize where you are, and take the steps to grow into whatever else you are attempting to achieve. If you are a Caterpillar, you will have to go through the Cocoon stage before you can become that beautiful Butterfly! Take each step, one at a time, in the direction you need to go. WALK the WALK!
You are the captain of your ship, whether you want to be or not. You sail your ship as no one else can. If you TALK the TALK but do not WALK the WALK, you are rudderless in your journey. Is that something you want to do? Doubt it. You never get anywhere when you do that. That is usually accompanied by feelings of being out of control of your life and hopelessness, wondering if anything will ever get better. ANSWER: Nope, not till you change your attitude.
Read your books, go to the workshops, take the lessons, and listen to wisdom in any form. Just know that you are the only one who can make a difference in your life, and no one can do it for you. You cannot send your valet to the gym and gain muscle strength thereby. You have to do it yourself. It is no different in learning new ways to interact with your world, respond to others, and live a more fulfilling life. That is why you get on your computer, looking for good words, or read books, etc.
PERSONALIZE whatever it is you are seeking by looking for ways to use it in your day-to-day living. You can TALK a good game, but can you WALK it?
Life comes to us every day in many forms, some good and some not-so-good. How you react to what is happening will determine how you live your life and how it will unfold before you.
If you are a SEEKER, be a FINDER as well. When you find something that rings your chimes, USE IT to the best of your ability and understanding. It will change your choices, which will change your life permanently for the better.
The ball is in your court: Do you want to TALK the TALK, or WALK the WALK?
Caterpillar Stage
Cocoon Stage
Butterfly Stage
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm comes from the root for “En” = From and “Dios” = God. In short, it means that God is our inspiration of ideas and livingness.
The dictionary defines Enthusiasm as: “To be inspired as by a god; intense or eager interest; zeal; fervor.” That is pretty clear.
Yet, the daily wear and tear of life does not let us live our lives with Enthusiasm. That is a matter between the head and the heart. Stress denies its presence. Obligations required by our work, our families, our friends, outnumber the good thoughts we do have. Our electronic gadgets pervade every corner and every minute of our waking experiences…smart phones, computers in every form, gaming, etc.
The question arises: Having said all of the above, how can one participate in one’s life with Enthusiasm?
Answer: The first half hour after you wake up, you have a direct inroad into your subconscious. The same occurs at night: The last half hour before you go to sleep provides the same opportunity.
Can you arrange some quiet time for yourself at those time frames? It is an inroad to peace of mind and heart with quiet and deep breathing, positive thoughts, meditation, and dwelling on what is right in your life in lieu of that which is wrong.
Even 5 minutes could make a difference if you cannot dream of 30 minutes. It is your life. You alone must choose how you will live it. Daily prayers are also the “meat and potatoes” of your existence. How are you feeding your soul?
My vote is a quiet, peaceful existence with positive food for my soul. What will you choose?
God’s blessings be upon your path and choices this day!
Beauty in Action
Fresh New Day
Psalms 118:24 says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
A child’s song from Agapeland album, “Bullfrogs and Butterflies” sings, “The is the day that the Lord has made, Not like tomorrow or yesterday, …so let’s all sing and be glad.”
When I work up this morning, my heart had wings on it. I thought, “This is a fresh new day. What shall I write upon it?” I have a feeling of anticipation and joy, looking forward to see what I shall do with it.
I had put a gift away for my husband, whose birthday is tomorrow. I put it in a special place. Have you ever done that, and then could not find it? I was on the edge of panic because I am a very organized person, but guess who could not locate it. Well, I did finally figure out where I put it, but then I got the giggles, laughing at myself. Have you ever done that? Giggles are good for the soul! Have you found a reason to laugh at yourself today? It is certainly a sure-nuff mood lightener!
Yesterday is now history and cannot be changed. Tomorrow has not yet arrived. Matthew 6:34 says, “Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” It is a lesson in today…how will you spend the time you are allotted…today?
It is the only time we have. It comes to us, second by second. How will you use it?
Depending upon your perspective, time can be wasted, used up, and used well. It is all a matter of choices.
I have four signs on my wall:
“Inscription on an ancient sun dial:
Time was is past —
Thou canst it not recall.
Time is thou hast —
Employ thy portion small.
Time future is not
and may never be.
Time present
Is the only time for thee!”
John F. Kennedy stated, “We must use time as a tool, not as a couch.”
E. C. McKenzie says, “Do it now – Today will be yesterday tomorrow.”
Another one says, author Anonymous: “If you need more time, take it, it is yours…it is all a matter of choices.”
So I ask you, since today is all you have, what are you going to do with it?
Blessings on your journey!
Sunshine on Delicate Flowers
Live, Love, Laugh!
This particular threesome is visible everywhere – on cars, plaques, walls, etc. Sometimes it is:
Live Well
Laugh Often
Love Much
It could be very esoteric (beyond the understanding or knowledge of most people, as defined by the dictionary). It could just be that it is so simple, its deeper meanings are overlooked in the chaotic, busy world we live in. Certainly, many things occupy are thoughts from the second we wake up to the minute we go to bed.
But taking a deep breath and pausing, just looking at the three above phrases, ask yourself, “What comes to my mind?”
Live Well could immediately be translated into a materialistic ideal in lieu of being happy with your life and how you are living it.
Laugh Often could be nullified by the stress you are feeling at this moment over many situations in your life which you do not feel you have any control over, engendering a sense of hopelessness.
Love Much could simply be an erotic invitation to enjoy the flesh and its ecstasies, or it could make you think, “Have I told my loved ones today how very much I love them, appreciate them, enjoy them?” You know, with all the tragedies that have happened in this world in these past few years, I wonder how many people passed on without hearing that simple phrase?
Live, Love, and Laugh are my personal commandment for every moment of my day, every single day I am alive. I want the people in my life to know how very much I appreciate them. I do not want anyone to doubt that, ever. Each one is a gem in his/her own right – unique, special, one-of-a-kind. No matter how small they are, or what age they are, or how I know them. It matters not to me. I want to cherish each and every one, and I want them to know it. Life is too short to do otherwise. I want to look each one in the eye and let them know that I am listening to what they have to say. Each relationship, no matter if it is a busy store clerk who is obviously having a bad day, or a long-term friend, deserves not only my attention, but a smile as well. (You might be surprised at the lift a simple smile can accomplish, or a small act of kindness.)
Life passes us by through simple inaction, words unspoken, feelings unexpressed, and good intentions never fulfilled because one runs out of time. That happens with every minute of every day as it becomes history from this present moment.
You have to ask yourself, “Do I want to write a note today to just say Hi to a lonely friend, or a dear one I have gotten out of touch with, or even a note of forgiveness to someone (whether it is ever sent or not)?” Perhaps even a phone call, an email, or a Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Love is more than a feeling – it is a state of mind. If you are coming from a LOVE perspective, you act differently than you would if it comes from any other point of view.
Laughter, alias Levity, is a cure-all of just about every negative emotion we can muster. Sometimes we feel like the tail end of the dog, instead of the nose or ears. We get wagged a lot – by others, by situations, by things we believe are not under our control. Laughter has so many gifts to share. Yet, in this serious world so many of us live in, Laughter is the exception, not the rule. Isn’t that truly a sad state of affairs?
When I say Laughter, I also mean the state of mind known as JOY or Inner Joy. It is a sense that all is OK in your world. Is it? Or not?
You could ask, “What do I have to be Happy about?” Then follow that with a diatribe of complaints. Now I ask you, does that make you feel any better? Doubt it.
In your negativity, may I ask you, “When was the last time you went outdoors to experience Nature at her Best?” I find that even a trip to an indoor area where there are plants helps when the weather outside is adverse. When it is not, step outside. Find something from Mother Nature to admire. You will find your heart lifted like magic, your stress will disappear, and your perspective will lighten and improve.
Are you willing to make the move from the dog’s tail and go up to the ears or nose? You do control your destiny. Declare it to be so.
Look for my three friends: Live, Love, and Laugh in all their fullness. May your step be lighter, your heart happier, your breath much deeper, and your life more meaningful. God bless you on your journey!
Green Mtn Reservoir CO
Rocky Mtns CO
Snowy Egret
Wild Sweet Peas
Bee on Flower
Light
Light has been of interest to mankind from the very beginning, before men ever wrote down a word. It has been a part of worship since that time. Every single tribe, kingdom, and religion has Light in it somewhere. You can see it in cave petroglyphs and pictographs around the world. In short, you can find it as a basic element of mankind’s history.
Light has even become synonymous with Wisdom and Understanding.
The Mayo Clinic has even researched it as a healing mechanism for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a depression that occurs during fall and winter. Their recommendation is to buy light boxes/bright light therapy boxes and use them 30 minutes a day. Amazon and WalMart have models available from $70 to $300 for blue light therapy.
Ergo, light is a component of our physical health as well. Amazing!
Light, of course, emanates from the Sun in all of the above. Hence, the Sun and Moon becomes a part of the mysteries surrounding these stories.
From the Egyptian Ra, Norse Sol, Vedic Hinduism Surya, Greek Helios (Titan) and Apollo, Arabian Al-Lat, Australian Bila and Walo, Hittites Wurusemu, Babylonians Shapash, Cherokee Unelanuhi, Japanese Amaterasu, and Inuit Malina, it turns out that all of the world just has a different name for the same idea. Even Jesus Christ and Christianity is not exempt from it as demonstrated in the Bible as it exists today.
We are all concerned, in our own ways, with the words and meanings that we attach to our belief systems, to the exclusion of all others. Yet, even the Christ was concerned with Unity, including wisdom and understanding.
Perhaps we should be looking more to how we are all trying to get to the same place, even though it has a different name, instead of tearing down anyone who does not “think like us” or the “mini-me” concepts.
I have always wondered how each tiny division thinks it has the only answer and is the only “right” to be had. How could that be possible? How could a God, who created such individuality in every person, giving us the ability to make choices – and suffer the consequences of those choices – be so small as to make one sect “right” and the rest “wrong?”
Look at the differences in the Protestant religions alone. Even the Catholics are no longer just one religion. The Eastern Orthodox Religion, who possess the earliest known transcripts of the Bible, is different still. This does not include any of the names that I started this blog with. God made each of us like the snowflake, each of which is unique and not like any other.
In the Bible in John 12:35,36, Jesus said, “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” And in James 1:17, it says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
That is pretty clear to me. I like the sound of “children of light.” How about you?
In the New Age/New Thought/Metaphysics concepts is the idea that God appears to you within your own framework of your understanding. (See my blog archive on God Is A Chameleon.) That does not exclude the idea that Multiplicity is what it is all about.
Dr. Marcus Bach and wife spent their lifetimes, living with different peoples of different religions. He sought to learn how we are all really trying to get to the same place, just a different name. The below Mandala represents his life’s knowledge, which he made into a six-foot Mandala, in his home. Please consider this carefully as you look at it:
Dr. Marcus Bach Mandala
If you were to study this Mandala, it would be clear to you that, regardless of our personal beliefs, we are all driven by the same wants, needs, and desires. We cherish our loved ones, children and families. There are no political lines to be drawn, where someone on this side is right and all the rest are wrong. That is only a myth which drives the power of those who try to control and manipulate the masses, regardless of country.
John Denver sang the song, “One world.” It truly is.
If we are to be “children of light,” each one of us is responsible to make a difference by living the tenets of our belief system, whatever that is. Let us not be concerned with the division principle, but by the multiplication laws.
In Ken Keyes, Jr., book, “The Hundredth Monkey,” he very clearly documents the idea that: “When only a limited number of people know of a new way, it may remain the consciousness property of these people. But there is a point at which if only one more person tunes-in to a new awareness, a field is strengthened so that this awareness reaches almost everyone!” In his book, he talks about monkeys learning to wash the dirt off sweet potatoes, until it finally reached all monkeys everywhere due to the Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon. It has been documented by scientists for years that chimps, wild gorillas, etc., also demonstrate the use of tools for various reasons…checking the depth of a pool, opening nuts, etc. But it does not stay with just isolated groups…it spreads!
How about you? Are you willing to be that Hundredth Person to step outside your comfort zone, live by the beliefs you say you have, use them every minute of every day, and be one of the “Children of Light?”
Do you believe you, as just one person, can make a difference? Trust me, you can! Are you willing to try?
upliftingthoughts4u 