"Thanks Living" instead of Thanksgiving
Holiday Lessons to Live By...You may be aware that while I was growing up, my father was a Protestant minister. For years, I attended service three times per week and, like most kids, often just wanted it to "hurry up and get over with." However, with my current understanding of the mind, I now know that while I sat in service and doodled, fidgeted or pestered my little brother, my unconscious mind was wide open and received many great teachings and truths. One of those teachings came back to me in my meditation this morning, and I thought it was very appropriate for this week. I remember my father saying almost yearly from his pulpit, "We need to not only practice Thanksgiving but 'Thanks Living'." It's definitely no accident that a major portion of my teaching in The Secret is centered on gratitude. Likewise, I devoted an entire chapter to this technology (and I use that term intentionally) in my book The Science of Success. While some who don't understand the power of energy, vibration and attraction may think that gratitude is not a big deal, I can promise you that: Gratitude is the mother of creative vibrations.You see, when you're grateful for what you currently have in your life, it focuses you on the best. And that puts you in a vibration (feeling) to attract and receive more of the best. When you have a lack of gratitude in your life, you're focusing on the worst, and that puts you in a vibrational feeling that attracts to you more of the worst. Life is a self-fulfilling prophecy and YOU are the prophet.Now as you stop and think about this, it's very practical. Think about the person who's constantly ungrateful and full of complaints and problems. Do you want to be around them... much less help them? Probably not. Conversely, think of someone you know who's constantly grateful and appreciative in life. Same question: Do you want to be around them? Would you like to help this person if possible? Probably so. The universe and all its inhabitants line up in support of the person who's in a vibration of gratitude.Here's my recommendation as you move into the Holidays this year: Make the theme of the Holiday Season "giving thanks." While eating turkey and watching football may be the norm around your household, sit down for a least a few minutes and have each family member (including you) list out loud at least 3 things that you're grateful for. You'll be amazed at how positively this affects the energy in your household. Who knows... you may find it addictive, and you'll find yourself one step closer to "Thanks Living." Thanks, Dad. Your success coach, James Arthur Ray P.S. Please feel free to share this message with your family and friends this Holiday Season. Labels: gratitude, message, thanksgiving |
I am training for my first marathon. I generally prefer to run alone and have not made it to most of the group trainings. I decided to go this morning and, as I continually find in my life, I am grateful... I had a wonderful, interesting conversation that I think applies to James Ray's teachings, specifically those pertaining to giving, service and gratitude, and I'd like to share a bit of it here if I may.
This morning, I had the good "fortune" to be running at the same pace as one of my (much taller) teammates was walking! :) The first thing he said to me, with a laugh, was: "it's all an illusion." We immediately joined in a discussion about everything from sneakers to the ego and then on to discussing our Souls. As we went along, the word "justice" came up somehow. My new friend remarked that people often think of justice in terms of what they are owed; however, if you trace the meaning of justice (Torah), it actually means what we owe to others as part of a community. HMMM!!!! We also discussed the word "love." We talked about the various words related to love in the Greek language (as well as some other languages). He remarked that Eros, associated with erotic love, is typically about getting whereas Agape is based on giving. HMMM!!!
Along the way we talked about so many issues (this conversation lasted 7 miles and am sure it will continue the next time I see him); however, the words justice and love stand out in my mind most. My belief is that all of us can benefit from considering these issues. How do I (you) think, talk and act in regard to justice and love?
I know that we are called to give and it is when we give of ourselves that we truly receive. This is all part of the growth process, enabling us to live more fulfilling lives! James is one of those amazing individuals that inspires others to do just that. I'd also like to thank your parents, James - folks that raised a son who "gets it."
God bless you James and the rest of you as well!
Love to everyone. Love always, Jen
PS Science of Success is an awesome book.