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...

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!

The Fires of Southern California

Update: October 23, 2007, 5:04 PM The evacuation order has been cleared for all of Carlsbad. The office will re-open tomorrow at 8:00 AM Pacific pending there are no further order changes. I'm grateful that my team and myself are all safe, and we're keeping those still under evacuation in our thoughts and prayers. Update: October 23, 2007, 10:05 AM For those of you in the areas affected by the fire, here are the best resources we've found for staying up-to-date without all the hype: KPBS Evacuation and Burn Area Map KPBS Real-Time Updates October 22, 2007 4:45 PM Friends, At the time of writing, my home and office have been evacuated due to the fires raging in the San Diego area, and the James Ray International office will be closed until it's deemed safe to return by the authorities. The website will continue operate, and I'll post updates there as they are needed. These are the worst fires in California history, and San Diego County's been declared in a state of emergency. Regardless of where you reside right now, I encourage you to take heart and realize that pain is a signal to grow instead of suffer. Yes, difficulties will come in life... And don't get me wrong, the thought of boxing up a few valuables from my home is as unattractive to me as it is to anyone. Regardless, it's in the times of apparent challenge that we test who we really are. The Law of Attraction, which is so popular right now, states that you'll attract who and what you are into your life. This doesn't mean that we should blame ourselves for the fires raging like so many in the media have misinterpreted. Rather everything is your responsibility and nothing is your fault. Please read that again. If you dissect the word (response-ability), you find it really means "the ability to respond." How we choose our responses is what we'll continue to attract, create and become. To think that your life will be challenge free is illusion. Challenges are the way we test how much we have or have not developed our ability to respond. I encourage you to take heart. Realize that in every challenge there is a gift. That's why in the esoteric traditions the Philosopher's Stone (another term for enlightenment) is always found in a pile of dung. Likewise, in Buddhism the thousand-petal lotus of enlightenment always grows from the muck and mire. Is there a metaphor here? Yes, there obviously is. The Christian prophet stated to, "Judge not by appearances." I encourage you in all situations in life to not to see them as a blessing or a curse. Rather, see them as an opportunity to test your level of ability to respond. To go "three for three." Think, feel and act in accordance with what you choose versus appearances. Ask the questions: "What does this teach me about me? What can I learn about me and the world from this situation? How can I use this situation to grow and become more?" Maybe it causes you to take and inventory of what's truly important in your life... Maybe it connects you more deeply with your family... It could cause you to open your heart and realize the power of helping your neighbor... Or maybe it allows you to notice how your response is more empowered than in past situations... When you find the goodness and gifts in all life's situations, even the most difficult, the universe guarantees more goodness and gifts. In the meantime, in case you're wondering, we're all in good hands and spirits here at James Ray International and we're available for service in our community. For more information on how you can help those affected by the fires, please visit the San Diego Red Cross website. To your continued harmony and fulfillment, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International

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.

Are you using the Curly Principle?

"Any time I have seen someone accomplishing something magnificent, they have been a monomaniac with a mission. A single-minded individual with a passion." --Peter Drucker You may recall the movie City Slickers from a while back starring Billy Crystal and Jack Palance. In it, we observed the story of a man (Crystal) who because of a midlife crisis decides to go out with some buddies and rustle cattle for a week. Curly (Palance), the trail boss to whom they report, really seems to have his head together, and Crystal's character keeps asking him what the secret is. Curly's only reply is to hold up his index finger and say, "One thing." Finally in frustration, Crystal asks, "Well, what is that one thing?" To which Curly replies, "That's what YOU have to figure out... No one can do it for you." This "Curly Principle" teaches us the same lesson that the renowned management consultant Peter Drucker has observed in highly successful people: Monomania. In other words, a single-minded focus and passion for that "one thing." Jesus taught us in Luke 11:34, "When thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light." What are you singularly focused on? Frequently, I meet individuals who want to have their dreams and yet aren't willing to give up anything to achieve them. This is self-deception. Choosing to become great in any area means choosing to not be great in another area. There will always be a price to pay. There will always be a sacrifice. You can only ride one horse really well at any one time. Yes, you may be able to ride two, but nowhere NEAR as well as you can ride one. Nowhere near as agile, responsive or quick. Understand the difference? "The secret to success in life is making your vocation your vacation." --Mark Twain Several years ago, I was in LA with some good friends attending an Elton John concert. I was asked what seems to be a frequent question among acquaintances, "What do you do for fun and recreation?" This is always a difficult question for me to answer, because I know there's an unspoken expectation that I come up with a whole list of activities I'm involved in. Bottom line... I am a monomaniac. (And not in the clinical sense of the word either.) My work is my passion as well as my "re-creation" (notice the true meaning of the word). When asked the question, "How is work?" I can honestly answer, "Work is play." I absolutely love what I do, and if you can say that too, then that goes a long way towards creating Harmonic Wealth®. I can think of nothing more fulfilling and re-creating than to meditate, study, read, learn, write, create, help and coach others, talk with you and share insights. Yes, I do hike, workout, ski from time to time, go to movies and I even played golf poorly once. But these are not the things that make life meaningful for me. Many see their work as a "means to an end," but for the monomaniac, their work is an end unto itself. Not just a job... a meaningful, passionate mission. Your work is your passion and your love made manifest through action. Is this the right approach for you? I'm not qualified to answer that question. What I am qualified to do is to check my own observations and experiences and agree with Drucker and Curly. To accomplish anything of consequence, anything magnificent and great, you must be willing to literally trade your life for it. To be so passionately focused and committed that nothing will divert you. Nothing and no one can stop you. My wish is that you find that "one thing" in your life: Your white-hot passion that brings you tremendous meaning and purpose. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Need help applying the Curly Principle to your goals? Success Certain Coaching will take your goal from start to finish in 21 days... And it's on sale through August 29, 2007. Click and save 25% off the retail price. P.P.S. Attention Texas and Arizona: 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.

Energy is the only currency...

Energy is the only currency. If you can't turn your energy into cash, it's not worth a plug nickel. Energy is of prime importance and the driving force of all success and results. In The Science of Success Learning System, we explore the understanding that everything is comprised of energy. Therefore, the results you do or do not have in your life today are directly correlated to the level of energy you personally can accumulate and maintain. How frequently have you known a person who has had some amount of success in their life, possibly a good month or even a strong year, only to find that results slip away and cannot be retained? In most cases, this situation is not understood by the individual involved for it seems as if they're doing the same things they did when they achieved the original results... and yet they are getting a very different outcome. The answer lies at the energetic level... Let's agree up front that when I speak of energy, I'm not speaking of hyped-up activity. In fact, while there is a time and a place for colossal action, often the insightful will realize the answer lies in the direct opposite. We've been taught since antiquity that there are two forces at play in our Universe: the active and the receptive, the dynamic and the magnetic, the yang and the yin, the traditional male and female. Western society has been historically action oriented (yang), while Eastern cultures have tended to lean more towards the yin. As the East becomes more westernized in its activity, it also is experiencing the same difficulties. Energy is maintained through a harmony of yin and yang. Activity is an expenditure of energy and, if overdone, will deplete your reserves. While too much of either is counterproductive, being out of harmony tends to be epidemic in our world. Intellect is yang... Increasing Spirit is yin. You may have heard me say before that if you want to increase your currency, you must do three things: collect, condense and escalate your energy. To accomplish this, you must be a master of the delicate harmony between activity and introspection/reflection. Obviously this is not a popular mentality in our currently male-dominated, active world... And that's why our entire planet is poised on the brink of a major adjustment. The true student cuts a heroic trail that the mass population does not understand... Mass mentality is caught up in their "doing," while the student puts her primary focus on "being." If you can agree that energy is what determines results, then it stands to reason that the more energy you can muster and maintain, the greater your results. Furthermore, energy is just a variation spirit. Does this mean that the wealthy are all spiritual? Not necessarily. Living in a physical world, the ego (intellectual, yang mind) can power itself to physical results without a full understanding of spiritual cause. Therefore, choose your teachers and mentors wisely. While someone may have the ego power to collect a certain amount of toys and trinkets on the physical plane, they often don't have a clue regarding the Infinite. Some may be able to tell you how to accumulate a million dollars, yet this by no means qualifies them to teach you how to be truly wealthy. Likewise, it does stand to reason that the poor are probably not spiritual (filled with energy), even though in many cases, they may claim to be "religious." The person who said, "Money is the root of all evil," probably didn't have any! These individuals have totally forgotten their birthright and who they truly are... Abundance. (Note: If you missed my message from a few months ago, It Is a Sin to Be Poor, you can check it out on my blog archives. I dive in deep in that message.) Your speed of oscillation will determine the results and the surroundings you attract to your life. No energy, no cash, no results. To the degree that you increase your personal velocity through the constant harmony of yang (activity) and yin (inactivity/receptivity), you'll find your environment and your world will change. Let your intuition be your guide: If you passionately feel that something is right to do, do it passionately. If you are ambivalent or uncertain... wait. Take time each day to be alone and journey inside (yin). Limit, or even better, turn off "the plug-in drug" (a.k.a. the TV). This income- and energy-reducer is transmitting a constant stream of electrons right into your brain that puts you in a trance state and dulls mind and your senses. Avoid the murder, mayhem and sensationalism spouting from the media. Avoid the emotional propaganda designed to keep you in a constant state of fear and disempowerment. It will dull the senses, limit creativity and suggest that we're totally out of control and unable to do anything about it. I'm looking for a few misfits, mavericks and outsiders (according to mechanical-mentality) who are willing to cut their own trail on the Journey of Power. While this seems intense and serious, remember it's a game: it's a game that's seriously playful and playfully serious. Be courageous enough to walk the Path of Power. Be courageous enough to take back your power. The first step is to step back. Success comes and goes, but significance echoes across eternity. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. The Science of Success Learning System is on sale through July 31, 2007. If you only have the book, it's time to step up to the Learning System, where you'll learn the seven Universal Laws of Success (the Law of Attraction is only one of them)... Click and save 18% off the retail price. P.P.S. Secaucus and White Plains Residents: I have two free live events in your neck of the woods next Wednesday and Thursday. Seats are filling up fast, so reserve some for you and your friends today.