Self Improvement/Spiritual Development: THE ART OF BLISS

“The lucky renew their energy through the activity in which they’re engaged.” — Max GunthernnHow strong is your commitment to what you say, in your heart of hearts, you really want? Is there anything you can start doing today to power up your dream?n n18th and 19th Century German poet, scientist, and author of Faust, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Until one is committed, there is hesitation, the chance to draw back, always making for ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative, there is one elemental truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.”nnGoethe assured his readers that, with commitment, “A whole stream of events issues from the decision, working in our favor; all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance that no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.”nnIsn’t it possible that the day you ask for a mountain to be moved from your life…and you wouldn’t be surprised if it did move…is the day it will move?n nThe great Joseph Campbell, shortly before his death, told a nationwide audience that watched his PBS series of conversations with Bill Moyers to, “follow your bliss.”nnBy bliss, Campbell meant your highest enthusiasm. “I have found that you have only to take one step toward the gods and they will take ten steps toward you,” he wrote.nnWhat happens when you want to follow your bliss but are unable to give up your present job? nn“Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.” — Charles Schultz nnYou can begin by reclaiming the hours you do own, the ones which may have been filled with clutter, distractions, and unnecessary obligations.nn“What happens then?” you ask. “Suppose I grant myself the possibility that I might find fifteen or thirty extra minutes a day if I searched for them?” n nnGetting started toward “your bliss” is when the magic begins. The smallest progress opens springs of inner vitality. You’re re-energized as if every little cell in your body tingles with excitement (they know you’ve done something right)!nnSidney Friedman in his book Your Mind Knows More Than You Do listed what he called 17 common, sensible, simple, yet for some reason, often unobserved means to gratification.nThe first four are:n*Pursue the work you love to do.n*Seek the people you love to be with.n*Find the place you love to live.n*Appreciate each of these discoveries.n nMy own experiences have taught me what truly matters is finding your place in life, being engaged work that energizes you and you instinctively feel and intuitively know you are here to do. This is work done in a spirit of service, for which you are well-paid, and which is always the result of an infinite passion for life.nnLet’s go back to Goethe, who reminded us, “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.”nnnhttp://www.astro-earth-relocation.com/james%20by%20phone.htmnne-mail: JamesbyPhone@aol.comn