The best-kept secret to financial wealth...

Contrary to popular opinion, creating unlimited financial wealth won't come from chasing more money. Now don't get me wrong, I can help you make more money--plenty of it! And if the statement above seems counterintuitive to you, then that's exactly why you and I need to spend more time together. Check this out... A recent Gallup poll posted in USA Today found that 55% of those surveyed state their families are worse off financially today than they were this same time last year. This is the highest number since 1976, and it's an eleven-point jump since February of this year. Interestingly enough, in the very same survey, 26% say they're better off than they were a year ago. What gives? How is it that in the same economy (with the same government officials, the same war, same gas prices, same housing market) that one group thinks their finances are doing poorly but another group actually believes things are better? Now you might think that the 26% are just some of the more privileged few... maybe. But just suppose there's more to it than that. The answer to this question resides in a money paradox that a distinct few understand and most may never grasp. We'll get to that in a minute. In my new book Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want, I share the little known truth that, while many people believe wealth is equated to vast sums of money, if you trace the root of the word wealth back to its origins, it literally translates as "well-being." Now I know you might be thinking, "Well James, if I had more money, I'd have more true wealth and well-being!" But studies show that this is not necessarily the case... In fact, most often it's not. A recent survey posted by US Private Banks surveyed individuals with a net worth of $38 million or more. Of those surveyed, 65% stated that they felt "financially insecure." Now get this... These are people with a net worth of at least $38 million! So maybe it's not just the privileged few that are feeling better off than last year. Think about it, if you have a net worth of $38M and wake up in the morning feeling financially insecure... with wealth being defined as well-being, are you truly wealthy? The obvious answer is a resounding "No!" Many Americans believe that a new president is the answer to our situation. Many believe that dealing with the oil and gas companies will make things better. Even more think that if we get out of the war in Iraq, all will become harmonious. While all of these issues may have an impact, they are in no way the answer. So what is the answer? What will bring more financial well-being into your life? The answer resides in the thoughts, feelings and actions of you as an individual. First, shift your focus of attention. Get your mind and continued thoughts off the economy and all the problems being pumped into your home by the mass media. As difficult as this may be, those who are truly wealthy--financially and otherwise--choose where they place their attention and stand guard like a watchdog at the gates of their mind. Peter Lynch once stated, "I don't spend more than 15 minutes a year thinking about the economy." Lynch's results speak for themselves. Stop. Just stop for a moment and think rationally... There's no way in hell that any company's true worth can fluctuate as dramatically on any given day as the New York Stock Exchange would indicate. It's nothing but an opinion--and other people's opinions are only predictions if you allow them to be. There's a principle in our universe which states: Energy flows where attention goes. So consider this: Where are you directing your energy and attention every single day? Regardless of what you answer, your current results will tell the truth... for your results are a reflection of you. Second, stop chasing the money. Science tells us that everything is vibration, including your thoughts, feelings and actions... And yes, even your money. Now think about this... If you're constantly thinking, feeling and acting (what I call going "3 for 3") as if you "need more, need more," what's the real message you're sending out energetically? You guessed correctly if you said the message is, "You don't have it." The universe hears the real message at the level of vibration and states, "Your wish is my command!" As a result, you'll end up living your life always wanting but never having. You'll never get financially wealthy with that strategy. Third, be grateful for all the good that currently exists in your life. If all things are an energetic vibration (which they are) and energy flows where attention goes (which it does), then to place your consistent attention upon the things for which you're grateful is one of the most powerful things you can do. Unlike the message of "I don't have it," when you place your attention with gratitude on all the goodness that currently exists, it's like stating, "Thank you for this. Send me more." When you get grateful, the universe sends you more to be grateful for. Finally, consistently focus on providing more value and service to the world. Take the attention off of "What can I get?" and place it upon "What can I give?" If you want to have more, give more. Winners always give ten times more value than they ask for in return. Doubt me? Look around. I challenge you to find a millionaire who's not surrounded by six-figure income earners. Likewise, find any billionaire and they'll be surrounded by multimillionaires. Why? Because you only profit handsomely in life by providing service and value to others. In other words, you'll only get your big dreams by helping others get theirs. I recently shared the stage with billionaire Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines. There were two things Richard stated that really reinforced what I knew to be true. First, he stated, "I've never done anything in my life to make money. I just always ask, 'Is it going to be fun?'" Next, Richard stated, "Money is just a convenient way of keeping score." If you truly understand this principle, you'll realize that in a capitalistic society, the amount of money you have (or don't have) is directly correlated to the depth and span of the value you provide. So here's the money paradox I mentioned earlier: The greatest way to attract and create more money (or anything for that matter) is to not need it. Now think it through again... If you need something, the real message you're sending out is, "I don't have it." Your neediness is like a raging bonfire, and you're throwing another log on it day after day, hoping it'll go out. The only way to squelch the fire of your lack of financial abundance is to not feed it. Just continually focus on providing tremendous value and service. Henry Ford so wisely put it years ago, "Money will never be achieved when sought after directly. It only comes as the by-product of providing a useful service." Truth is timeless. Get your attention off the economy and your problems, stop chasing the money, become continually grateful for all the goodness you currently have and consistently think, feel and act (going "3 for 3") on what you can give versus what you can get. You'll have true wealth and well-being in every area: relational, mental, physical, spiritual and yes, financial. And just like Branson and so many others who have figured it out, you'll have a lot of fun doing it. That's Harmonic Wealth, my friend, and that's what we all want. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International, Inc. P.S. Dive more deeply into the true meaning of wealth with my latest DVD, Harmonic Wealth: The Movie... When you do, you'll save $5 off, now through July 22, 2008. Click here to watch the trailer...

So you're finally done with school...

Congratulations, graduate! You've just graduated from college, and you're now entering the "real world." Just when you thought you had life in the palm of your hands, reality begins to sink in. There's no need to freak out (or move back home!), just follow these simple suggestions, and you're well on your way to the life of your dreams. First, find that thing that inspires you before you set any career goals. Most people end up in their late 30's and 40's wondering how the hell they ended up where they are. What moves you? What are your unique skills? If money where no issue, what would you do with your time? (Be serious now, lying on the beach drinking beer all day is not the right answer... Even brew masters have to put in a few hours of work here and there.) Second, ask and answer the question, "How can I do what I love and be paid handsomely for it?" For instance, let's say to the above question you answered, "I love to travel." There are many ways you can travel and be paid well. Many sales jobs travel extensively... You could become a meeting planner, a personal assistant or work in the tourism industry. Think of the possibilities. If you answered, "I like to help people," there are so many ways to do so that don't necessarily mean having to get a master's degree. You can help people find the home of their dreams in real estate or you could help people get a healthy and nutritious meal and a slim and sexy body. Be open-minded and creative. Next, set a specific intention to achieve based upon your answers above... Make it measurable and timed. For instance, write down, "I'll create a job in the investment industry making $50,000 per year by August 1, 2008." Make it a stretch and yet keep it realistic. We tend to overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can accomplish in a lifetime. (In other words, you have more time than just this summer to become your state's next Senator.) Then, keep your attention upon your intention no matter what happens. You're going to face challenges... You can't have victories without them. That's just a part of life. If you have a bad interview, just restate and refocus on your intention and know that it's coming. This resolve and focus will be felt by everyone with whom you interact. By the way, if you fall off your game and don't get back on, that will be felt by others as well. Avoid anyone or anything that knocks you off your game (including your sophomore roommate that you went to Cancun with). Finally, take massive and bold action daily. Every night before you go to bed, sit down and write out the six most important things you must do tomorrow to move you in the direction of your intention, and hit the ground running in the morning. Work on Item One and don't move on to Item Two until One is complete. Work on (and complete) Two before going to Three and so on. If you end the day without completing all six items, then the remaining items on the list move up and become Items One, Two, etc. for tomorrow. If you have room at the bottom of the list, then guess what? Yep. Fill it up with six. Constantly think, feel and act (remember "3 for 3?") in accordance with where you're going and your success is certain. Looking for the perfect graduation gift for someone special (or yourself)? Make sure to check out my latest full-length feature presentation and "real-life primer," Harmonic Wealth: The Movie. This breakthrough DVD is the ideal graduation present for anyone on your list... It's jam-packed with tons of practical tips to help any new grad hit the ground running (including that sophomore roomie)! It's available on DVD and as an online rental... And starting at $9.97, it's friendly on your post-school budget. Also a smart choice is my New York Times Best Selling book, Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want. This must-have manual will arm any new graduate with the essential tools for living a truly wealthy life. Here's to your future! To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International

A bigger ego is the only way to truly create "A New Earth"...

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 6 months, you've most likely heard the buzz around A New Earth. I applaud Eckhart Tolle for putting forth the time and energy to make such a positive impact on the world. The things he's teaching are powerful... and yet as I travel around the globe, I still find misconceptions, misinterpretations and confusion. It's obvious that most people have a lack of understanding regarding one of the key concepts regarding the human ego. And because of that, the ego gets a bad rap. Anyone who's been exposed to even a small amount of traditional spiritual teachings, particularly from the East, has heard all the ways that the human ego gets debased and despised. To most, the ego is a selfish, materialistic, stingy, controlling monster that must be at least controlled and at best destroyed. This is ignorance and a lack of understanding of something that will never be actualized. First, the word "ego" is Latin and translates as "I." Every time you read or hear "ego," think "I." Your ego (or I) is nothing more or less than the identity you've created and continue to hold for yourself. Now if you follow this through logically, you'll realize there's absolutely no way you can be "egoless." Even the most sagacious of teachers and uber of gurus has an ego... And to think or propagate otherwise is illusion. To work toward "egoless living" is actually an ego/identity. To be a "non-materialist" is an ego/identity. To be "non-attached" and a spiritual person is (you guessed it) an ego/identity. The fact of the matter is you cannot even exist without some semblance of an ego/identity. Therefore, I submit that your ego is not too big as you've often been told... I suggest your ego is not big enough! When you identify yourself with your activities, your possessions, your position or any other of these items of the physical world, your identity is centered as a finite physical being. Truth be understood, you should be identifying yourself with infinity or God. In my new book Harmonic Wealth, The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want, I discuss that true wealth is a state of harmony and well-being in the five key areas (I call them the five pillars) of life: Financial, Relational, Mental, Physical and Spiritual. Only when these five pillars are in harmony in your life are you truly wealthy and fulfilled. The solution to this ego issue resides in the Relational Pillar. Now when I speak of relationships, the majority of people automatically think "romance!" While romance is an important part of our relational experience, it pales by comparison to the grander issue: how you relate to the entire world. Refer to the section in Harmonic Wealth titled "The Hierarchy of Personal Identity." In it, I discuss the 7 different levels of existence in which we play the game of life. If ego is the identity you hold (which it is), then it's important to explore where your sense of self resides. While I won't go into an in-depth explanation of all seven levels here, I'll briefly explore the extremes or both poles of the hierarchy. Exploring this model, we truly find the key to creating a new earth for ourselves, for others and for the entire planet... At the bottom of the hierarchy (or "at the beginning stages of awareness"), you define your identity as an Individual Being. When holding your ego/identity at the Individual level, your entire world centers around you, the things you want, the things you do, what happens to you and the things you have. This is the level of lowest awareness in the hierarchy. At this Individual level, you're separate from other beings, from nature and from the world and universe at large. As a result, we traditionally have little care or deep concern for the needs of others, and most often care little for the well-being of animals, plants or the natural world... And certainly not as a primary focus. This is the level of awareness most likely labeled by spiritual traditions as the ego/identity that must be overcome or transcended... And it's true that you must grow beyond this in the evolution of consciousness... but that's only half the story. Before I explain that statement more fully, let's jump to the opposite pole of the hierarchy. At the seventh level of the model (or "at the highest level of awareness"), you define yourself as a Spiritual Being. Now, the word "spiritual" needs some explaining because many misinterpret it to mean "religious." This again is a limited understanding. Spirit is the creative force that moves through all existence both animate and inanimate. While religious traditions call this power "God," quantum physics calls it "Energy." Choose whichever label works best for your way of thinking, and understand that both science and religion are talking the same language with different labels. While Spirit moves through all creation and therefore is the Creative Source, religion is a methodology or set of beliefs to allow you to connect with the Creative Source. Do you get the difference? Religion is the means... Spirit is the end. Let's not define the forest by the tree. As a Spiritual Being, you realize at your very core your interconnectivity to every single thing in this universe... And even beyond this universe. You understand and operate from a deep sense of inclusiveness and realize you're connected to everyone and everything. With this understanding, the statements of Jesus, "I and the Father are one," and, "If I be lifted up, I lift up every man," become truly awakened within you. Now here's the critical part many so-called spiritual teachers and aspirants misunderstand. As a spiritual being, you're not out to annihilate or overcome any part of the ego/identity journey--rather to embrace and include it all. So while you must transcend certain small ego identifiers you've created, in order to truly awaken, you must also include them. They're not bad or wrong... They're just a link in the great chain of being... A necessary step in the great adventure and journey of life. Think about it, if all things come from the same source (call it Energy, God or Spirit), then as it states in the book of Genesis, "All is good." With this understanding and awakening, you realize that any time you dam any part of creation... you dam God! Where is God not? Where is Energy not? Where is Spirit not? It's all the same stuff and of the same essence. Authors and teachers frequently buzz about "finding your purpose." We all literally have one purpose and one purpose only, and that purpose is inclusiveness... The awakening and awareness that you, me, the dog, the cat, the sinner and the saint are all of the same source and essence. From this perspective, everything is spiritual or of the same spirit. The great mistake of many spiritual aspirants is that they believe that only chanting, meditating, praying, renouncing materialistic desires and suppressing your sexual nature are the spiritual experiences of this world. But think about it... That's just another ego/identity trip isn't it? The material world and all the toys, trips and trimmings are not bad or wrong. This is the grand trap that many spiritual traditions fall into. Spiritual exclusivity or renunciation is just the same ego game at a different level. The material world and all its experiences only become a limitation when you build and attach your ego/identity to them. Likewise, the same is true with spiritual pursuits. Spiritual attachment and escapism is no more the complete answer than is material attachment and escapism. The master is one plays the game passionately but just doesn't buy in. For this reason, you'll notice that the most powerfully awakened individuals in history tend to break the traditional rules. Jesus of Nazareth drank wine, broke the rules of the Sabbath and hung out with prostitutes and thieves. U.G. Krishnamurti drove an Alpha Romeo and wore Italian designer shoes. When you finally awaken, you realize as A Course in Miracles states, "All things are echoes of the voice of God." You see, once you expand your ego/identity to include everything, you're identified by nothing (or "no-thing"). When this awakening occurs, you can inhabit the world and play the game with gusto. Nothing and no one can hold you or harm you because you realize... It's all you. Only with the realization of ourselves as Spiritual Beings will we have "A New Earth." Only then will we begin to think of ourselves, our neighbors, other religions, other races, other nations as the interconnected and interdependent manifestations of the Creative Source. Only then will we begin embracing versus judging--including versus dividing. Only then will we actualize our one true purpose in life which is a full recognition of our inclusiveness with all. Only then will we have harmony and well-being in every single aspect of our individual and collective lives. Harmony in all, from Spirit to Form, is the key, my friend. The answer is Harmonic Wealth... and it begins with you. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Order my bestselling book, Harmonic Wealth, today, and I'll throw in 3 bonuses for you: an online study guide, an online video course and a free online viewing of my new movie...

My 200th Blog Post: Have you received your "economic expansion" check yet?

This so-called "economic expansion" check is a tax rebate being offered to 130 million households in the United States. At the same time, there's talk of creating a "gas tax holiday." The first three words that crossed my mind when I heard about these two items were, "Please wake up!" In Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want, I quote that approximately 70% of those who win the lottery end up flat broke within a few short years. There's a reason this occurs, which I'll discuss in a moment, but before I do, please understand... I totally empathize with you if you're in a tough financial situation right now. I've been on the very verge of bankruptcy twice. And that being said... Do you really think these band-aids are going to solve the real issues? I mean seriously, a few hundred dollars per family to "stimulate the economy?" Wasn't spending money we didn't have in the first place the very thing that created the sub-prime mortgage issue? Do you think it's remotely possible that this rebate is an attempt to potentially quick fix an issue it's taken years to create? And how about a whopping $25-$28 dollar savings per person on a "gas tax holiday," while Exxon is posting record earnings? Shouldn't the focus be on cutting energy costs through more efficient use of our resources? So what's the solution? The solution is a shift in consciousness, both individually and collectively. To begin practicing "3 for 3" in a new direction... to think, feel and act differently than we've done to date. Then, and only then, will we see our personal and collective lives transform. In Harmonic Wealth, I discuss what I call the "now person" and the "later person." I submit that the "now" mentality is a major cause of many of our worlds current level of suffering. The "now" person wants all the spoils and returns immediately. This person is driven to do what feels good in the moment and is therefore a prisoner of his or her moods. The "later" person develops self-mastery and commits to living his or her values above and beyond moods. Over the long-term journey, the "later" person does what's necessary to guarantee they get what they truly desire and deserve. When asked, most people would tell you that they want more power, energy, money, health, fitness, love, harmony and well-being, right? These outcomes take focus and commitment over the long-term, don't they? In other words, to get what you want, you often have to do things that you don't like... And most people aren't willing to do the things they don't like. Do you follow? The "later" person develops self-mastery because they condition themselves to like to do the things that bring them what they want. Please read, re-read and understand that last statement. Paradoxically, by focusing upon their true values and desires (and living them!), the "later" person actually has more joy and harmony right now than the "now" person who is a prisoner of their moods, habits and lack of discipline. By delaying the pleasing activities short-term, you end up with pleasing outcomes. Be very aware of activities that feel good in the moment but don't move you toward your pleasing outcome... Activities such as lounging in front of the television, skipping the gym or spending more than you earn can be very seductive. Pleasing activities or pleasing outcomes... Which will you choose? Which will the world choose? By mastering your mood to like what brings you the results you want versus just doing the things you like, you create the life of your dreams. What will a "now" person do with a rebate check or a break in the gas tax? You guessed right if you said they'd most often do more of the same thing that got them in a limiting situation to begin with. A pleasing activity will capture their attention... and once again they'll want it now. This is the exact reason why people who win the lottery are broke in a few years. Anything you're given that you don't have the ability to create on your own will quickly be taken away. The age-old adage about giving a fish versus teaching to fish comes to mind. When we teach to fish, we shift the consciousness of the student and life is never the same. You see most of us want our life to transform right now... maybe even yesterday. We're addicted to the idea that we can get maximum return for the minimum effort. During one mellow afternoon, I remember sitting by the ocean in Hawaii with my family watching a cruise ship in the harbor. We were eating and chatting about anything and everything for several hours in the sun. None of us were paying much real attention to the cruise ship over our food and conversation, and by appearances, it was sitting motionless. Yet after an hour or so, we began to notice that it was actually turning around. After a few more hours, it completed a 180-degree turn. This is a great metaphor for life. We tend to overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in a lifetime. To make a lasting impact on your life and develop true harmonic wealth, you must clearly define a course and have the discipline to stick with it over days, months and years. Your life is not a speedboat that can turn on a dime... Your life is much more like the cruise ship that takes miles and miles and hours and hours of focus and commitment to move in the direction you've chosen. Once again, this takes a shift in consciousness... A shift in how you consistently think, feel and act. All profound shifts in our world, individually and collectively, begin with a shift in consciousness. The question we must ask ourselves individually and collectively is not, "What pleasing activity can I perform right now to do what I like?" It should really be, "What can I do right now that will guarantee I have pleasing outcomes?" And, "What has to happen for me to like doing the things that get me what I want?" Only when we begin to ask and answer the right questions (personally, as a nation and as a world) will the solutions emerge. Then and only then will we personally and collectively create Harmonic Wealth... True harmony and well-being in every single area. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Order my bestselling book, Harmonic Wealth, today, and I'll throw in 3 bonuses for you: an online study guide, an online video course and a free online viewing of my new movie...

Something big is happening March 29th...

Something big is happening tomorrow, March 29th at 8PM... There's a huge global event taking place tomorrow night. I know it's late notice, but it's really just that important. By now you're aware that I'm extremely committed to keeping our planet in an ever-increasing state of harmony through health, vibrancy and abundance, which is why I've committed myself and my business to being green and asked you to do the same. Now I'm asking you to step up to the plate tomorrow night... So here's the scoop. It's called Earth Hour, and it's so simple to participate, yet it's powerful beyond imagination. You won't even believe the impact you'll make. How? By turning off all lights for just one hour tomorrow night, Saturday, March 29, starting at 8PM (your local time). That's right, for just one hour. This event was created by the World Wildlife Fund in Sydney, Australia in 2007... and the impact it created was so huge that it's blossomed to a global event within only a year. Last year, it reduced Sydney's energy consumption by a whopping 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent of taking 48,000 cars off the road for a year! Well, they're doing the same thing tomorrow night, but this time it's global and with many more millions of people around the world involved. Imagine the impact! Please join me in bringing harmony to the earth tomorrow night. Go ahead, turn out those lights! For more information about Earth Hour and what you can do, watch the video below or visit www.earthhour.org. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. In case you missed it, Harmonic Wealth is coming...

Your goal is unimportant... yet absolutely necessary.

Seem confusing? Paradoxical? Actually, goals (or as I like to call them, "intentions") are a paradox in that they're nothing more than an illusion. A transparent veneer behind which true reality hides. What do I mean? Well, we've been conditioned to believe we must control the physical plane. The more money, toys and possessions you have, the more valuable you are as a person. This is totally false and yet... somewhat true. (It's OK if you're totally confused right now.) Stick with me as I pull it together for you... What you have and what you possess have nothing to do with who you are. Not really. And yet, your accomplishments are a valuable measuring device of your level of consciousness. It takes a bigger person to beat the odds like Donald Trump, going millions of dollars in debt and still rebounding. It takes a bigger person to go bankrupt several times like Walt Disney and still build a Disneyland... ...To build a Microsoft like Bill Gates and then becoming even more active in pursuing your creative passion. ...To overcome a childhood of abuse and molestation like Oprah Winfrey, turning it around to become the world's first African-American woman billionaire. A bigger visionary to carry a $10,000,000 check in your wallet and visualize receiving it while living in your broken down van... ...Jim Carrey's visualization became his realization. Are these people perfect? I can't be the judge of that, but what I do know is that their physical accomplishments are indicative of their intentions and the level of power and consciousness in the area that they pursue. Intentions are a paradox in that they ultimately are unnecessary and yet absolutely necessary. Regardless of who you are or how you're applying yourself... you and I ultimately have ONE goal: GROWTH! And growth is what's hiding behind the veneer I mentioned earlier. Your intention is only a means to an end (the ultimate end)... your full self-actualization and growth! In the grand scheme of things, do you think it really matters how much money you make? What kind of car you drive? The title you have? The neighborhood you live in? Not really. It only matters to the degree that you apply yourself to something that creates passion in your heart, mind and spirit. And of course, that it necessitates your growth. Consequently, as you choose your intentions, measure them against the following criteria: Does this intention create passion in my heart and soul? Do I have a burning desire to achieve this intention? Does this intention (and its due date) scare me and excite me at the same time? Is it "teetering edge"? Will this intention cause me to stretch and grow? Do I need to become a bigger person to accomplish it? Will achieving this intention bless and provide value to others? If I achieve this will I be able to give more? Will I need help from my Higher Source to accomplish this intention? If you answer yes to these 5 qualities, put it in high gear and get moving! If you answered no to ANY ONE of them, reevaluate your intention. Remember a few key principles about intentions: You are worthy of any intention you choose... You must answer the question, "Is this intention worthy of me?" Are you willing to trade your life (time, energy, commitment) for it to be accomplished? Growth is the only intention, so learn to enjoy the journey. Once you achieve your intention, it'll automatically be time for a new one. The process of getting there is where the wealth, excitement and experience lie. Make sure your intention is a BHAG (Harvard's "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal") that you aren't quiet sure HOW you're going to achieve. By doing this, you'll build your creativity and faith. Have a big, hairy, audacious week and make your life magnificent! And if you haven't yet, check out Success Certain Coaching... It's designed to help you achieve your intentions in 21 days, and you can save 20% on it for a limited time. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Be sure to catch me as a jugde in tomorrow night's Miss America Live competition on TLC... And for those of you wondering why in the world I chose to do such a thing, here's my answer... P.P.S. The poncho I received in Peru and gave to Tom Green is now up on eBay... The auction ends January 28th! And if you don't know what I'm talking about, watch the entire show here...

How do I make my resolutions realistic?

After my recent interview on how to set effective New Year's resolutions on America's Nightly Scoreboard (check out the blog if you haven't seen it), I received a whole host of questions on how to do step number 2: Specify Realistic Intentions. Most individuals set goals at the stroke of midnight and never check in to see how they're doing until the stroke of midnight the following year. This sets up a cycle of feeling like a failure, being disappointed with ourselves, and eventually, our minds, our friends and the universe at large begins to disregard our words because all of them realize (ourselves included) that there is no integrity and no power in them. The greatest promise you'll ever keep is a promise to yourself... ...Because it's your own personal test of integrity (similar to integrated). When we're out of integrity, we're fragmented and lack harmony in our life physically, mentally and physically. We're not whole. The answer resides in the problem itself. We have a tendency to overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in a decade. Therefore, I encourage all to set what I call "teetering edge" goals and intentions. "Push the edge," but don't "go over the edge." In other words, intentions on the teetering edge stretch you but aren't so ridiculous that you know you won't do them. An intentions that says, "I'll workout every day," is over the edge for someone who hasn't worked out a day all year. One that says, "I'll workout three days a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 PM," is teetering, specific, measurable and therefore achievable. "I'll make $100K from $40K..." Over the edge. "I'll make $50K..." Teetering. "I'll lose 50 pounds in 3 months..." Timber! "I'll lose 50 pounds in 17 weeks (3 pounds per week)..." Teetering. When we create intentions that are achievable (albeit not mediocre for the human spirit will not invest itself in mediocrity), then we set ourselves up to feel in integrity with our own hearts and minds. We feel accomplished and successful. Success perpetuates success. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. If you have any questions about achieving your intentions in the New Year, then ask me live on tomorrow's Ask James Anything teleseminar... Sign up free at http://ask.jamesray.com. Spots are limited, so be sure to hop on early!

Only the whole person is a holy person

Only the whole person is a holy person. In the East, many have condemned the body or the physical world saying that matter doesn't matter. Likewise, traditional religion in the West has suppressed the sensual world, often calling material and physical pleasures carnal and sinful. However in the secular West, we've often made matter all that matters, worshiping on the altar of the physical body and its toys and trinkets. I submit to you that "poor" is a state of mind, heart and soul, and not just a financial state. Just like true Harmonic Wealth is so much more than what's in your wallet. And I've got news for you... While I can't say that every person who's rich is spiritual, I can assure you that those who are poor are not spiritual! Reread that last paragraph and be sure you understand this new definition of "poor." So many religions of the East and fundamentalists of the West want to condemn society at large for chasing after illusion, for being caught up in the materialistic mind. I can agree with that on one level... but there's more to the equation. I'm tired of the individuals that are so "spiritual" and yet they are always sick and broke! This is NOT spirituality. Jesus wore a seamless robe (the most expensive garment of his day), had a treasurer (so he must have had some money) and, to my knowledge, was never documented as being physically sick. The reason that many remain poor is because they've denied the physical world. You are a spiritual being having a PHYSICAL experience (remember that... Chardin had it right). Therefore, I guarantee that your Creative Source did not send you here to suffer and deny the physical experience. That makes no sense at all. Both of these arguments are only half right, which means that neither are playing with a full deck. No person who is half can be whole, and no person that is not whole can be holy. Your goal must be to be truly whole: wealthy in body, health, relationships, finances, meditation, science and spirituality. The student can sample fine wine, food, clothing, art and music, dance on the beach and sing in the rain. And at the same time, the same student can enjoy the depth of consciousness and the heights of energy that belong to all the truly spiritual. The true student is a harmony of male and female energies, yin and yang, physical and spiritual. The material minded are hollow. They have no eternal significance... only momentary, fleeting pleasure. Driven by the ego, this person finds him or herself constantly tiring of all accomplishments and acquisitions. The insatiable thirst of the ego is driven by one motivation, and that motivation is "More!" Conversely, the renouncing, reclusive and suppressive "spiritual student" is hollow as well... Missing the entire opportunity of the physical plane... Missing the joy, the beauty, the heights and the depths of the human experience... Longing to be elsewhere and often thinking that their reward lies in the next life. To these half men and women I ask, "Why do you think you are here?" Every master I've ever studied or have had the privilege to meet have had a great sense of humor and experienced a tremendous amount of fun and joy! Wisdom is being fully engaged in all of life and yet detached from outcome. Prediction and control are the domain of the ego and are both illusion. Live life to the fullest in all areas... This is your birthright. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Still wondering how to be Spiritual and yet Physical at the same time? Practical Spirituality offers 29 practical principles that can change your life... And it's on sale through October 31, 2007. Click and save 30% off the retail price. P.P.S. Attention Vegas and Detroit: I have free live events in your neck of the woods in the next couple of weeks. Seats are filling up fast, so reserve some for you and your friends today.

Remember the glory days?

"When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." --1 Corinthians 13:11 (New American Standard) With Bruce Springsteen on the charts again, I was reminded of a song of his from several years ago called Glory Days. If you're too young to remember it, The Boss sang about how people he knew sat around dwelling on the past, reliving and constantly rethinking what has long gone and will never be again. Unfortunately, many lead lives that keep them in the same small town (metaphorically speaking) for their entire lives. Still re-living the big game, still talking about the "old times," still thinking about the way it was. What type of childish things (in all areas) have outworn their welcome in your life? How many people continue to go to the same church and listen to the same sermon for years at the risk of being locked in chains of mediocrity? How many individuals stay in jobs that have lost their luster and vibrancy long ago out of fear and insecurity? How many stay in relationships, trying to remember the "glory days" when there was passion, connection and love? Many movies and books have been written about the "mid-life crisis" when people make radical changes in their lives. Grown men leave their families and date women half their age. Women long past their prime are seen frequenting bars and parties that are known to not satisfy in the long run. Dr. Anderson in his book, The Stages of Life, is the first (to my knowledge) who has observed this occurrence as a good thing... at least, to a point. While the behavior is not wise, this external search is driven by an inner spiritual desire to evolve and grow... A setting aside of the dying and a breaking through into a new realm. Unfortunately, a return to the past behavior of glory days and younger years is unable to satisfy. In most cases, the temporary thrills of chasing teenagers and other juvenile behavior is short-lived. The wise individual realizes that it all was the outcome of an inner longing for something more and of greater significance. The student lives life in the Now... not hanging onto the past and not longing for the future. When asked the question, "Where are you, and what time is it?" there is only one answer: "Here and Now." Everything but the Here and Now is a mental construct and an illusion that robs your life of precious energy. The sad individual that lives, thinks and talks consistently about the past is looking to affirm their sense of identity. The problem is that this identity is based upon a long history and interpretation of past experiences and life situations. You are more than that. Don Juan told Castaneda, "The person of Power is the person who has no personal history." "But James," you may ask. "Doesn't the past imprint upon us and make us who we are?" My answer is both yes and no. There is much to be learned and gleaned from the past, and yet to the degree we cannot release it and live in the Now, we are in chains. Our very identity is locked in the grip of the dead and gone. Let the dead bury the dead. Conversely, the person who is constantly thinking about the future is living in never-ending anticipation. I once coached a young man who set his watch to audibly notify him every 15 minutes so that he could pause and visualize his future. When he proudly informed me of his new practice, he was surprised to find that I was severely unimpressed. Constantly thinking of the future is a strategy of the ego based upon a deep dissatisfaction with what is. While I'm a strong advocate of visualization, constantly visualizing the future will often do more harm than good. I doubt very seriously if Bill Gates visualizes becoming a billionaire or has billionaire affirmations taped to his mirror. Bill just is. Once you get there, you don't need the map... What was once profound has become a childish hindrance to release and put away. What of goals? Setting a goal and working towards it is positive. You're clear on where you want to go. The key is to honor and give full attention to the step you are taking right now in this present moment. Those who are excessively focused on the future are doing so because they are seeking happiness, fulfillment or a more complete sense of self in the glory days of the future instead of the past. The organized religions of the West have built their entire identity playing on the ego need for a perfect heaven in the future. Unfortunately, this very mindset creates a perfect hell in the now. It's not what you do that determines your success but how you do it. This statement, when fully understood, is so deep in its implications that it can literally transform and enlighten your life. The "how" is the internal process from which you live and move. When your continuous mental dialogue is in the past or future, your life is passing by you at quantum speed. The Journey of Power is a journey of defining your future clearly... releasing the past while living full-on in the moment! Just suppose this is as good as it gets? What can you do to more fully experience and appreciate the beauty of life right now? To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Nothing helps you live in the Now more than meditation, and Collapse the World is designed to do just that... And it's on sale through September 30, 2007. Click to learn more and save 20% off the retail price. P.P.S. Ask me anything! I'm hosting a free live Q&A session on October 10th... The lines fill up fast, so reserve your spot and ask your question today.