Health Care: Taking Personal Responsibility

With all the buzz around health care right now, it's surprising to me that no one's really talking about personal responsibility or the prevention of sickness versus the treatment of sickness. That's why I've put together a this FREE 5-course video program designed to help you invest in your greatest wealth: Your health! By enrolling in Taking Personal Responsibility, I'll show you what it takes to be truly healthy... Don't wait for the Administration or anyone else to take care of your health... Sign up for this FREE program today, and every few days, I'll teach you specific, simple things that will create profound impacts in your life, your health and vitality, and your overall well-being... To your continued wealth and fulfillment, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International, Inc.

Axis of Evil... Not-So-Much

Please show your support by leaving comments on the Huffington Post article here and by passing it on to other harmonically-minded individuals. President Bush's January 2002 State of the Union Address, where he coined his "Axis of Evil" terminology to describe Iraq, Iran and North Korea, was an attempt to fit entire governments, populations and countries into a catchphrase box. Marketing propaganda at its very best. The trouble is, these countries are populated with real flesh-and-blood people--mothers, fathers, grandparents, children--just like us. While the media loved repeating the "evil" line for a while (sound bites are sexy and fun!), this good-guys-versus-bad-guys approach to foreign policy turned mostly into a public relations nightmare, empowering the hardliners it was meant to control. Energy flows where attention goes. Plus, I shudder to think how many millions of our fellow human beings felt judged and labeled unjustly. We haven't just been watching a backwards nation... We've been watching ourselves. Haven't we too been just as backwards in our thinking, believing people to be "less than" because they're different from us? Very few stop to realize that "evil" is just the word "live" spelled backwards. Evil is nothing more than to live in a backwards way. Think about it. How evil have many of us been with our backwards way of thinking? America's teens, for instance, grew up during the Bush years, and until very recently, didn't know Iran as anything other than "evil." The marketing and conditioning had set in--and set in well. "We should nuke bomb the whole country," I heard several teens say, after learning that its president disavowed the Holocaust. In their minds, it was easy to imagine wiping a country off the map when populated by a group of evil (and not individual) human beings. But maybe our teens' judgments (as well as our own) have shifted, after seeing images of tens of thousands of beautiful, passionate and energized Iranians protesting in the streets for their right to vote for a more progressive, democratic leader and future. The fact that courageous Iranians are willing to lose their lives for a fraction of the freedom most of us in this country take for granted is hopefully not lost on our youth--or their parents. Apart from color, race, country, or religion, it's becoming impossible to ignore that all human beings are the same and, ultimately, want the same things. Of course, we reach for different things at different times, and we come to the point when we're ready to stand up for those rights at different intervals. But shift happens. It's evolution, baby... And it can't be stopped. You Can't Turn Back the Clock Evolution is inevitable. It can't be stopped... Not for long. The human spirit is always for fuller expression and expansion. What we're witnessing in Iran and across the globe, where people are showing their solidarity for these expanding souls standing up for their rights, is a profound evolution of spirit. As consciousness expands, people once held down are awakening, beginning to say, "I'm worth more than this, and I deserve the rights and freedom to make my own choices and have a say in my own life." Consider Obama's election. Don't you think his election into the highest office in the land is certainly evidence of a huge shift in our country? One of the most obvious signs that consciousness is expanding was on Inauguration Day, where this son of a Muslim, said: "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth." How did we go from eight years of Christian supremacy to honoring Muslims and nonbelievers? Man, what a leap! Although Obama's statement got some people's DNA twisted tighter than a drum, the truth is that this evolution is as natural to life as birth itself. And, like the birthing process, it's difficult and challenging. Think about it: for anything new to live something first has to die. For you to be born to this lifetime, you had to die to the warmth and safety of the womb (where anything you needed was delivered immediately). Creation and destruction are two opposite poles of the same dance, and we must be willing to dance the dance. We must be willing to let go of the old to come into a new level of experience. Check history and you'll find that all profound transformation and growth always begins with a shift in consciousness. Just months ago, Iranians were part of the Axis of Evil. Now they're our brothers and sisters fighting for their freedom while we cry at their losses and pray for their safety. A Shift from "Me" to "We" to "All" The way I see it, there are three expanding levels of awareness with each expansion inclusive of the last. Humanity, helped in large part through the internet, is beginning a shift from the first and second levels to the third. Whether you like it or not, again, this process cannot be stopped. Let me explain. In the first level, Egocentric, it's all about "me." Me. Me. And me. In the second level, Ethnocentric, it's all about "we." Me and my friends (who are just like me--Christian, Jewish, American, white, black, male, female, wealthy, what have you). But, in the third level, Worldcentric, it's about "all." We can't help but go from "me" to "me and my buds" to "all." If you look at Obama's speeches, starting with his campaign speeches to his Inaugural address to his recent speech to the Middle East at Cairo University, Obama repeatedly makes "world statements." This snippet from his Cairo speech is an example of both an "All" and "Expanded Consciousness" mentality: "...There are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power. Once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion. You must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy." In other words, the world is slowly starting to understand that we can't forsake an entire group or population of people--no matter how far away or how foreign--because of a few Ego or Ethnocentric political and business leaders. All must be valued. Inclusion and integration is paramount. How Would Gandhi Think, Feel and Act? We would do well at this juncture in history to remember that Gandhi arose out of a culture of oppression, becoming a pioneer of non-violence and civil disobedience. His phrase, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," is perhaps one of the world's most inspirational slogans. His success in rallying his nation to freedom no doubt fuels the fight of so many others. If you've followed my work in any way, you've no doubt heard me speak on going "3 for 3." Going 3 for 3 is what happens when your thoughts, your feelings and your actions are all firing simultaneously and in alignment, creating a powerful, undeniable magnetic field. Gandhi knew what it meant to live in alignment with his thoughts, feelings and actions all working toward one goal: freedom for his people. We're observing the same thing now in Iran. This is not a populace who is just thinking and feeling that they need to be free with rights. They're thinking, feeling and taking ACTION! It takes a certain level of awakening and awareness to get to the point where you're ready to act. An idea usually has to germinate for a long time and gain substantial emotional energy behind it before people are courageous enough to shake, rattle and roll. And yet, that's exactly what we're seeing. Pain Precedes Change You've heard it before: People don't change unless and until they experience enough pain with the way things are (some say that's the "gift" of pain). A woman doesn't stop eating cookies until the pain of having thunder thighs is worse than the pain of not downing Oreos. A man doesn't quit his job until the pain of working for his maniacal boss is greater than the idea of living out of a cardboard box. Only then do we say: "Hey! Enough already!" Only then do we figure out how to think, feel and act in a different direction. In the case of America, it took eight years of Bush to help us elect a new, more inclusive leader. Sure, some were scared shitless to have someone with a middle name of "Hussein" leading a Christian nation at this time in history (with Muslim roots, no less). But, it was a hell of a lot scarier not to change, which would guarantee nothing but more of the same! The world is evolving, on that you can count. How quickly or how pain free, only time will tell. I know to my core, however, that freedom is eventually inevitable, for all people. The world can't stop evolving, even if we want her to. Neither can her people. This is not Disneyland, and you can't get off the ride. And, although birthing is hard, what choice do we have? Just suppose a mother during labor said, "I'm not going to go through with this after all. This process is just too damn hard." Would that stop the baby from coming? Would it stop pushing, turn around and go back up for another ten years? Hardly! Once spirit starts to birth forward, new life must happen. It's happening... Do you feel it? Better yet: Are you willing to Think, Feel and Act it? To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International, Inc.

A Tribute to Michael Jackson. No One Who Was Normal Ever Made History

Please show your support by leaving comments on the Huffington Post article here and by passing it on to other harmonically-minded individuals. I was shocked! And I'm sure you were too, hearing about Michael Jackson's death. But the more I thought about it... There were, unfortunately, too many warning signs for any one of us to really be that shocked. Almost immediately, the news began recounting the many controversies of his turbulent life. Michael changed the world of music as much if not more than any other performer--that point is not in contention. Despite the many dramas and accusations lobbied against him over the years (most significantly regarding his relationship with young boys) and even in the midst of what had been disappointing music sales, Michael Jackson never lost his title of the "King of Pop." I remember watching the video for "Thriller" in utter amazement when it was released on MTV back in 1983. Never before had there been anything even close to this mini-movie in terms of style and talent. As hard as I tried, I never could figure out how to do that darn moonwalk. Very few people could understand Michael's enigmatic life, and I'm not suggesting that I'm unique in that regard. However, as a student of history, what I do understand is that Michael's life, when considered within the broader scope of highly creative people throughout history, was not really that unusual after all. For instance, let's consider Friedrich Nietzsche, the German existentialist born in 1844. Throughout his life, he was continually frail and plagued with illness, a consummate recluse, an alcoholic and considered very controversial for his day. His ideas on God made him a complete outcast to the conservative majority of his day. In college, I devoured Nietzsche mostly because he was provocative and deep. I also thought it was cool to be controversial. "That which does not kill us makes us stronger" became my mantra. Ultimately, Nietzsche suffered a psychotic breakdown, had two strokes which partially paralyzed him and died of pneumonia, still in his fifties. Consider Walt Whitman, the nineteenth-century transcendentalist poet who continues to be one of the most influential poets in the world today. Yet in his time, many thought him to be a madman. His homosexuality or possible bisexuality just didn't fly in the Civil War years. He refused to commit himself to any one religion, stating that all were equally valuable. He spent considerable time alone, and after suffering a stroke near the end of his life, he was too weak to even lift a fork and knife. He wrote, "I suffer all the time: I have no relief, no escape: it is monotony--monotony--monotony--in pain." He died of pneumonia as well. In the realm of religion, consider the Christian prophet, the man known as Jesus. He was born of Jewish descent, and yet he was constantly breaking Jewish laws and butting heads with the religious leaders of his own heritage. Jesus too is documented on several occasions as going off by himself and spending significant time in solitude. In one particular case, he spent forty days and nights in the desert fasting. Pretty extreme. As you know, he was ultimately sentenced to death by crucifixion. We could certainly discuss more examples. While some may say that Michael Jackson shouldn't be considered in this crowd, I submit to you that Michael made every bit as much impact on the field of music and race relations as any of these greats did in their particular fields. The point is that those who leave a major impact on the world are not marching to the same drum as the mass majority. They often, as with Michael, live controversial and turbulent lives, and they're often greatly misunderstood. Isn't it unfortunate that if someone is ten feet ahead, they're considered a leader, but if someone is ten miles ahead, a target? Michael certainly had his share of playing the target for the media. It's easy to take shots at those at the top, particularly if they're "different enough." Even though Michael was acquitted on all counts in his court cases, it didn't matter. He would still be plagued with negative comments and jabs. The very creativity that brought the moonwalk, highly produced choreography and music that emotionally moved all ages and races was the same unique mind that drove him to live a very different life that defied societal norms. In a nutshell, when you're a unique thinker, you have a very hard time relating to mass consciousness. Small talk becomes painful, and your inner world more fulfilling than your outer world. This results in behavior that's often misinterpreted as being aloof, arrogant or sometimes downright weird, which is too bad because people have no idea how very lonely it can be at the top. Furthermore, the contributions of many of these leaders are often never appreciated until long after they're gone. Howard Gardner's research from Harvard University suggests that there are eight distinct types of intelligences. Musical intelligence is one of Gardner's eight categories. While most of the eight are not measured in school or society at large, except math and linguistic intelligence, they are all equally important and valuable. It's well known in the studies of human consciousness that, to quote Ken Wilbur, "the greater the depth you have, the less the span." In other words, when you're supremely brilliant in one particular area, you may show deficits in other areas. Read accounts of Einstein getting lost on his own campus walking from one class to the next, and you'll see that the structure of genius takes tremendous depth while often leaving little room for the "less important" issues of life. What often appears to be dysfunctional to the mass majority may just be the hyper-functional behaviors of a true genius with great depth in his field and a lack of concern or ability to relate in the more mundane things of life. So here's to the memory of a musical genius, a unique human being that will be an icon for generations. May we always remember as Michael told us in his music that to make a positive change in the world, we must first start with "the man in the mirror." Thank you, Michael. May you find the peace in the next life that you rightfully deserve. You made a positive difference. You leave a lasting legacy. While few understood you, you ignited our spirit and touched our emotions with your upbeat message and music. Your gifts will continue to play in our minds and hearts forever. James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International, Inc.

Get Resourceful and Break the Cycle of Doom and Gloom

Back in September of last year, Alan Greenspan, the former Federal Reserve Chair, claimed that we had entered the worst economic crisis he had ever seen. In the months that followed, economic indicators got a whole lot worse and the news media (you'll recall we discussed the "business of fear" in a previous blog) couldn't stop blaring the siren song of: "this is the worst it's been since the Great Depression, yada, yada, ya!" And, so the story continues. For those of us trying to stay rational, live without being on hyper alert or suffering daily panic attacks; what are we supposed to think, feel and do? Are these experts giving us responsible analysis of a dire situation, or is this economic doom and gloom a one-sided story that's perhaps doing us more harm than good? Both are true. But you have a lot more power than you think to not only survive this storm, but to thrive! Despite any real challenges you may be experiencing--and let's face it, they are out there--there are simple ways to empower yourself and start using your challenges to your advantage. Challenges are an integral part of life--so what are you going to do about them? By concentrating on something over which you have total control--your thoughts, feelings and actions--the positive changes can be swifter than you can imagine. You move towards what you focus on In last month's blog, I wrote about how energy flows where attention goes. Thankfully, that's a reality that's gained serious traction as of late. So, too, is that fact that what you focus on expands. Meaning: give anything your time and attention and suddenly you start seeing a lot more of it in your life--both bad and good. But even though these principles are becoming more accepted, that doesn't mean we don't need frequent reminders to place our attention on what we want and choose for our lives, and away from what we don't want. Particularly when life gets challenging, bad habits take over, don't they? So you've got to be vigilant and constantly on your game. For instance, there's a big difference between checking the online headlines each day to see what's happening in the world so that you're informed versus falling asleep to the news so that messages of murder, mayhem, sickness, and poverty replay like a soundtrack for eight hours in your unconscious mind. You may have to be informed; you don't have to be inundated. Moreover, there's a massive difference between looking at your finances and putting a debt reduction plan in place (realistic and proactive) versus staring at your bills every day until you're paralyzed by images of living in a cardboard box and pushing all your worldly goods around in a shopping cart (a fear-based self-fulfilling prophecy you don't want!). Bottom line reminder: FOCUS on what you WANT! See it. Feel it. Live it. Be it. Only you can safeguard what you allow into that fabulous mind of yours. At the risk of sounding like a broken record... energy flows where attention goes! Watch what the masses are doing and do the opposite This is not always easy. We're hammered every day with ideas from the media, our friends and associates. You've got to break out of this conversation if you ever hope to live up to your potential. Those who are currently thriving today know and believe that they can and will thrive regardless of economic indicators, and they're looking for opportunities. Warren Buffet said, "When other people are greedy be cautious. When other people are cautious be greedy." While I'd personally choose a different word than greedy, the philosophy is clear. Think, feel, and act opposite from the collective. I once saw a beautiful oceanfront home in Carmel, California, right on the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course--an estate worth many millions of dollars. The family who lived there had a tale to tell about how they acquired it. During WWII, the owners believed that German or Japanese soldiers would attack the West Coast of the U.S., so they sold their estate for a song--ten cents on the dollar, to be exact. The new owners, who had been there for fifty-plus years by the time I ran into them, were still celebrating their good fortune! Panic creates panic. Level heads open up the space for forward-thinking and forward movement. One of the most surprising historical truths from the much touted Great Depression is that more millionaires were created at that time than at any other time in our history. But that makes perfect sense when you think about it. When millions of people panic and sell their assets below market value, what happens? Value and opportunity and "deals" spring up like weeds after a spring rain. The same holds true today; there's never been a better time in our generation to find bargains--in real estate especially. The fact is that someone has to do well regardless of economic indicators... why not you? The people coming out ahead, not surprisingly, have one thing in common, which brings me to my our next topic... It's not about resources it's about resourcefulness Okay, if you don't have money, you're not going to be buying even inexpensive estates right now, no matter the "steal" of the listing price. I get it. But, what makes certain people thrive in tough times? Are they luckier or smarter than the average person? It's simple, really. They're resourceful. Resources always flow to he or she who is most resourceful. That may not seem possible, or even fair, but it's true nonetheless. Physics tells us that all there ever was or shall ever be is already here, and that there are plenty of resources because energy can never be created or destroyed. If you're having a problem wrapping your mind around that--having seen the haunting images of children without water or heat, for example--let me say that real answers to those problems abound. Maybe you haven't yet seen the Youtube videos (although a quick search will reveal them), but there are scientists who pull water straight from air vapor (no kidding), create clean fuel from burning salt water with very little heat (I know, that's a mind twister), and power entire factories on cow dung (that's some cool shit)! And, those are just a few of the innovations that only a few years ago would have seemed impossible. I wonder what magic you can create in your own life? We're constantly hearing that we're going to run out of oil. I say who cares! We have wind, solar, and plenty other resources we've not even yet thought of. We just need to get resourceful and quit hanging onto the past. T. Boone Pickens is so excited about wind power these days that he's putting billions of dollars into a wind farm in Texas. Now let me ask you: what would cause an oil billionaire to get that excited about wind? He's resourceful. Once again, resources always flow to he and she who are resourceful. Train yourself to look for opportunities I mentioned this earlier but it bears repeating, and repeating. Thermodynamics tells us that "that which you are seeking is also seeking you."As a species, we're not conditioned to look for opportunities in times of crisis. On the contrary, we're conditioned to play defense. Defense says, "I'm going to hold on; I'm going to pull-back, I'm going to hoard--even if what I'm hoarding is the most meager of results." That's a strategy... a strategy of scarcity. And it's a self-fulfilling prophecy of defeat. Clinging onto something to protect what little you have is focusing on the not having and the not enough. And, when you're focusing on not having something, you're not looking at what you can do to be resourceful. Most of us are constantly looking at external indicators, but your internal indicators are where your power resides. A wise prophet once said, "Judge not by appearances." While most of us in Western society have heard that a time or three... it's an entirely different thing to live it. What are you seeking? To create anything you desire and deserve you must practice what I call going 3 for 3. Notice anyone who's knocking it down, regardless of economic or any external indicators, and they're going 3 for 3. Their thoughts, feelings and actions are all firing in alignment. What are most people seeking right now with their 3 for 3 strategy? They're thinking defeated, they're feeling defeated, and they're acting defeated. Therefore, they're defeated. Let that not be you. Begin right now... this very moment... to constantly train yourself to think resourceful, feel resourceful, and act resourceful; and you'll very quickly see your life transform before your very eyes. Test me on this one, and watch the resources you seek seek you! To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International, Inc. P.S. Weigh in with your comments below or at the Huffington Post.

The Business of Fear

For months now, we've been literally inundated with how crummy the economy is and how, in the words of many (including our president), it's the worst recession since the Great Depression. Now if that weren't enough, the media has a new drum to beat: Swine Flu. Look, let's be rational here for a minute (something the media can't really afford to do)... You have a greater chance of dying of lung cancer or diabetes than you do of swine flu. I wonder how many people are watching the news in the morning worrying about a pig virus while they eat their Krispy Kreme and smoke a Camel? If I come across as irreverent, my irreverence is directed at the media, not at those individuals being programmed daily with the latest scare tactic. It's time to wake up and take a look at the facts. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent, stated, "In the United States, over 60,000 people per year contract the seasonal flu." According to the CDC, about 36,000 of those who contract seasonal flu worldwide actually die from it. In contrast, according to the latest USA Today tally, there are a grand total of 695 cases of verified swine flu across (get this) 15 countries! Yet, for the 30 minutes CNN was on during my morning workout, the anchors droned on for a full fifteen minutes about the swine flu. And the TV next to that one had Fox on... They were talking about (you guessed it) the potential "pandemic" that has less verified cases than the 822 people per day (300,000 per year) that die from obesity. But you know what? Fear is a business. And it's oh so sellable, isn't it? It's in the media's best interest to keep things dramatic. It draws us in and keeps us watching for fear we might miss something that will save us from being flat broke with a pig virus. I will also mention that it's in the Obama Administration's best interest to address the pig virus fast as well so they aren't perceived to be out of touch like our past administration was during Katrina. It's in the drug company's best interest to pump the fear of disease onto the airwaves consistently. Everyone has an agenda, but that agenda is rarely the harmony and well-being of our nation or our world. The world needs a voice of reason. We each individually need to wake up, take a stand and decide what type of life we choose to live. Those who continually take at face value what they're being fed will continually get smacked in the face. And what about the "economic crisis" we hear so much about? I'm not suggesting that we're not in a recession... But the greatest one since the Great Depression? Untrue! Just take a moment and reflect back on the 70's, and you'll recall that you couldn't even buy expensive gas. Remember the odd/even days and the lines at the pump? Gas is plentiful today. In the 70's, interest rates were 24% and unemployment was over 10% (as it also was in the early 80's). Today, you can get a 30-year fixed loan for around 5%, and unemployment is at about 8% nationwide. It's not the worst recession since the Great Depression. However, give the media long enough, and it'll scare us right into creating it. Energy flows where attention goes. What we neglect to remember (and what we're never reminded of) is that 8% unemployment means 92% percent of the people in this country are employed! I guarantee you'll be hard pressed to hear a news anchor on any station stating, "Great news today! 92% of the people in our country were employed and received their paycheck last week." The Wall Street game and the economy are as much psychological as financial. Peter Lynch, one of the greatest investors of all time, stated, "If you spend more than 15 minutes a year worrying about the market, you've wasted 12 minutes." How about you? The things you give attention come to life. In fact, attention equals love. Think about it. If you love your mate, do you give him or her attention? What about if you love your kids... Do you give them attention? The answer is obvious. Attention equals love. So what are you giving your attention to? If you're really honest, you may realize you're in love with your misery. That's right. You love your misery because you're attending to it all the time. So we continue to give attention to our crummy economy. "Give us more fear," we unconsciously plead... It keeps our endorphins pumping! What's worse than being broke? Being sick and broke. Oh boy, now that's really scary! Energy flows where attention goes. You think we'd learn our lesson after Y2K. Or how about the eight years of the "Global War on Terror." Are we any more at peace because of it? Not even close. Think about it... We haven't had one major terrorist issue since 9/11, and yet we're more terrorized then we've ever been. I'm on the road 200 days a year, and not one single day during the last eight years have I heard an announcement from TSA that the threat level was less than orange or yellow. What does orange mean anyway? Who knows, but it sounds pretty scary doesn't it? Our consistent focus of attention is feeding the bonfire of terror. It rages on, and we wonder why it never goes out. Let's wake up and take a stand. Your consistent thoughts, feelings and actions determine the results you create in all areas. In fact, the formula for success in any area is to: Think, Feel, Act. There's never been a time in recent history where it's been more vital to direct and control your attention. What you're allowing into your consistent thoughts and feelings is going to determine your subsequent actions, as well as the results you produce. Turn off the business of fear. Read good books, watch inspiring movies and listen to educational CDs. These practices make you better and more resourceful. When you change your thoughts and feelings, your actions must follow, and your life will change. The time is now to take action: big, bold, immediate. For fate favors the bold. When you let go of the fear and refuse to allow it to be pumped into your home and head on a daily basis, you can place your attention on becoming more creative, resourceful and empowered. Resources always flow to those who are more resourceful. They always have and always will. Get resourceful, lock your attention on what you say you love, and you'll have more to love. You deserve it... And so does our world. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International, Inc.

The Two Types of Stress

Maybe you've heard me talk about the two different types of stress lately... Well, since April is Stress Awareness month, it's the perfect time to examine the role stress plays for you so you can make necessary changes to be more productive, improve your health and enhance the overall quality of your life. Because I know how useful this information has been for me in my life, I put together a video for you with some little-known truths about stress I think you'll find really beneficial... What you may not be aware of is that there are actually two different types of stress, one of which you can literally use to propel you to greater levels of growth and success than you've ever known before. Grab the podcast. To your continued wealth and fulfillment, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. If you missed my Today show appearance yesterday on how to thrive in the workplace over 50, check it out here...

Earth Day is this Wednesday

By now, I'm sure you know how committed I am and my business is to the sustainability of our environment, as well as how much I encourage others to do the same for themselves and the world around us. True Harmonic Wealth® is not only harmony and well-being within ourselves... It's harmony between us and our planet as well. We're all interconnected and interdependent and part of a larger whole. With Earth Day upon us, it's important to remember that in order to create change in your world and the world around you, you must first: Think. Feel. Act. Grab the podcast. To your continued wealth and fulfillment, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Please don't hesitate... We must do something quickly to positively affect the environment. This video will only take two minutes to watch, but what you do with it will benefit generations to come...

Vision versus Sight

I just put together a quick but extremely effective video for you that you've simply got to see. It's an easy-to-understand concept that has transformed my life and the lives of hundreds of thousands of others... Once you grasp it for yourself, you'll be armed with the tools and techniques to create what you want out of life, no matter what's going on in the world around you. In fact, there could be no more of a perfect time to use it to get big results than right now. Take the next 7 minutes and check it out... Grab the podcast. It'll only take a few minutes to watch, but the possibilities of what you can accomplish once you learn are endless. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. If you're not already following me on Twitter, now's the time to start... During my Dreamer and the Dream experience next week, I'll be keeping you up to date on the action. Follow me at http://twitter.com/JamesARay.

Take an active part in history...

Be a part of the impact... You may have read my open letter to President Obama last month, and if you're like the many people thus far who have expressed their support of its message, I know you can feel the excitement rising within you. The impact that these concepts can have on our nation and our world are not only inspiring but are much more than possible... They're becoming a reality! Because I'm truly grateful for your comments and support regarding the letter, I've put together a special video for you that addresses how you can play your part in this monumental moment in history... Read the letter here and either check out the video below or grab the podcast. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. Catch me and my friends Leeza Gibbons and Olivia Newton-John this Sunday, February 21st, during a charity event on Oscar night! I'll be part of a live webcast streamed from their "A Night to Make a Difference" viewing party discussing the importance of philanthropy, advocacy and giving back. To catch the action, simply do so on www.ExtraTV.com or www.Glam.com on Sunday evening. The streaming broadcast will start at 5 PM Pacific.

Open letter to President Obama.

If you resonate with this message, please sign your name in agreement by submitting a comment at the bottom of this post and pass it on to other like-minded individuals. January 26, 2009 Dear Mr. President: Congratulations on your new position and for your willingness to step into office in this time of great transition and opportunity. I'm sure you're well aware of the magnitude of the job you've accepted, and I'm also certain you would not have chosen this path were it not for your true desire to contribute and leave a lasting legacy. Never in my lifetime has a new president taking office created such a large sense of hope, excitement and anticipation in the American people. As you know, with great power comes great responsibility, and to that end, I respectfully write you today to communicate and encourage you in what I consider imperatives in the years ahead. Please know that in order to bring lasting change, the path you travel must often be a path that many are unwilling to take. Much like hacking your way through a dense jungle, the first trip through is difficult and takes tremendous work and commitment. However, once the first pass is cleared, the second pass is much less difficult, and the third is easier still. Over time, the once difficult and non-existent path becomes the norm. While you and I both know that carving a new path is difficult, the good news is that we have a growing body of individuals who realize the old path has taken us as far as we can go. In many cases, nothing fails today like the success of yesterday. Mr. President, it's evident that in the last few years, we've reached a crucial juncture in our history. We stand upon the threshold of a major shift toward a new stage of social, cultural and spiritual evolution that has been predicted by many great traditions and ancient cultures across the ages of time. These shifts are every bit as dramatic as it must have been for our ancestors to move from caves into grasslands then from nomadic tribes to settled villages. At the dawn of the industrial revolution, we moved into industrious societies. Now we must move beyond those societies and fully integrate into an interconnected, knowledge- and spirit-based global system that transcends--yet includes--cultural, ethnic, political and religious boundaries. We know this is not your responsibility alone. Yet in the years to come, you'll have such a great influence and impact, and we'll need your understanding and support. The decisions we make individually and collectively right now are determining whether we set the stage for probable termination of the human adventure on this planet or create a blueprint for reaching a harmonious and cooperative global community. While there is much talk about the economy and the security of our country, these are not the primary issues we face. In fact, these are but the effects of a much greater cause. To bring lasting transformation in any area, you must always deal with the cause versus the effects. I submit to you that the cause is the consciousness of each and every American as well as each and every human being. This critical shift in consciousness is the leap from an ethnocentric or cultural-centric consciousness to a world-centric consciousness. Sociologist Emile Durkheim stated, "When mores are insufficient, laws are unenforceable. When mores are sufficient, laws are unnecessary." Much more is required today than piecemeal action or a quick fix. We need to perceive our challenges in their totality and deal with them not only with our intellect but with the coherent integration of head and heart, both mind and spirit. A new way of thinking and feeling must be fostered for responsible living and acting. No longer may we spend multiple billions of dollars a year on arms and military across this planet while we spend a pittance to maintain a livable and sustainable environment. No longer can we allow our government to get bogged down in what should be personal choices such as sexual preferences, right to life or choice and individual religious issues while there are much greater matters at stake. I cannot overemphasize that what is needed is true harmonic wealth in this world. Yes, in many of my writings, I maintain that creating a state of harmony and wellbeing is a very personal issue. Ultimately, worlds don't change. Countries don't change. Governments don't change. Corporations don't change. Nor do states, cities, neighborhoods or families. Only one thing changes: the individual. When the individual changes his or her way of thinking, feeling and acting, the families, neighborhoods, cities, states, countries and entire world must also change. While harmonic wealth must begin personally, it's much more than just personal. True harmony and wellbeing will occur on our planet when we individually and collectively respect and foster the creativity and individuality of all human beings. We've all heard the word "diversity," and yet many still limit their definition of it. While diversity includes gender and race, it's so much more than that. I was excited by your Inaugural Address when you stated that, "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers." If my memory serves me, this is the first time a president of the United States has ever acknowledged this fact in such a way. Too long have we as Americans played the world's enforcer of our most dominant belief system. I believe our intention has certainly been good, and I also believe that if someone is misusing their power, it must be addressed. All too often, we've assumed that what works well for us as a nation must be what's best for all. This is not always the case. From the Hindus, we were gifted the original understandings of how the universe is structured--the precursor to quantum physics. From the Buddhists, we learned to open our heart with compassion and to quiet our mind. From the Jews and Muslims, we reinforced that there is but one Creator God and that there are definite laws and systems of operation if we choose to live in harmony with nature's rhythms. From the Christians, we were taught that our universe and Creator is not malevolent but loving and completely benevolent. Furthermore, we were told that if we too just love and give like The Source loves, we shall live in harmony and perfect peace. True diversity is inherent in all human beings as well as in nature, science and art. A symphony cannot be created by only one note or one instrument. An atom cannot exist without both a positron and an electron. A work of art must have many shapes and colors just as the most beautiful garden has a multitude of plants, flowers, rocks and trees. Likewise, a harmonious world and human community must have a genuine respect for differences not just in race and gender but in age, sexual preferences, beliefs, religion, various ways of worship and personality. Just as the human body is killed by cancerous yet homogenous cells that continually reproduce and kill the other cells, so too is the world endangered by the domination of only one, or maybe a relative few, varieties of cultures, religions and civilizations. And yes. This principle even extends to how each country chooses its governance. Please let me reinforce my position that we must address those who misuse their power. In your Inaugural Address, you brilliantly stated, "To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy." And this measure must extend to all people in the world--including the United States. To uphold or stand for anything, we must first be a shining example of that for which we stand both internally and externally. Once again Mr. President, we need your help, understanding and support. This is a time to call for responsibility both individually and collectively. I believe you to be an optimist, and for that reason, we are kindred spirits. I believe all this can be accomplished in our lifetime. In fact, it must! To this objective, I submit it will only be completed through the application of three imperatives: Consciousness, Communication and Community. These are fundamental values that will change the world. If we maintain obsolete values and beliefs, an attachment to the past and a self-centered approach, we will quickly become obsolete. The time has come to act. The human species needs more than just a job, food, water, a house, a little money and family. While these things are an important part of life, we also have the intrinsic need to have something to live for: an ideal to achieve, a purpose to fulfill, a legacy to leave. Mr. President, we need your help in encouraging the Consciousness of responsibility at all seven levels of being instead of just one or two: individual, gender, race/ethnicity, cultural, human, sentient and spiritual. We must become responsible for seeking our own interests while remaining in harmony with, and not at the expense of, other human beings and the environment. While capitalism works, we must move toward conscious (or enlightened) capitalism. Conscious capitalism is founded upon the ideal that we must consistently make decisions that are concurrently good for the individual, good for our country and good for the world. We must become responsible for not tolerating brutality or misuse of power here and abroad. We must become responsible for not bringing more children into the world than we can properly care for and support or that our planet can sustain. We must become responsible for ensuring our leaders, to quote the words of scripture, "beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks," and realize that we're all one people living on what is a very tiny round speck in the grand scheme of the cosmos. We must become responsible enough to realize that the geographic boundaries we've created are arbitrary, and that if we are to win, we all must win. While we must demand this focus of our leadership, we cannot ask for what we don't ourselves embody. Therefore, we must be responsible to recognize that peace and harmony begins within our own individual lives, businesses and households. We must become responsible for ensuring that our corporations don't continue a shortsighted pursuit of economic ends at the cost of others as well as the destruction of the very planet that allows us to live. We must become responsible for finally letting go of the racial and religious pains and injustices of the past. Let us be reminded that energy flows where attention goes. As we continually look for references in the rearview mirror, we surely find and perpetuate the very thing we abhor. We must become responsible as members of the human race to hold in the highest awe and respect the human spirit and the drive encoded in our very DNA to rise to personal and spiritual excellence. To understand the intrinsic need to love, connect and to understand and be understood. We must know above all else that evolving the human spirit and consciousness is the first cause shared by the entire human race and be responsible to that end. Mr. President, all these things must be grounded in a major shift in individual, national and global consciousness. Secondly, we must Communicate these critical issues clearly, repeatedly and consistently. I am thrilled with the possibilities in this arena for your skills as an orator are self evident. Words and ideas do change the world. There will be many distractions coming your way that must be dealt with and competition from issues that must be communicated by you. Yet if you understand the severity of this winter we face, you also know that after every single winter comes spring--always and without exception. The seeds we plant individually and collectively right now are determining our next spring and the harvest we will or will not experience as a nation and a world. We stand on the end days of an old, dying system. An outgrown way of thinking, feeling and acting has served its purpose and must be let go and transcended. Every significant breakthrough is always preceded by a breakdown. For something new to live, something first must die. We need your help in communicating that we stand poised on the brink of a new era and new life versus focusing on the fear and insecurity of the death of the old. As a people, we must demand that our media communicates more possibility and opportunity versus scarcity and fear. We must stop communicating characterizations of different cultural beliefs and religions as backward or threatening. When we stereotype any single group, we tell a lie as we turn people into categories and things. Einstein said, "You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war." Once again, energy flows where attention goes. We need your support in continuing to focus on what we choose to create versus what we choose to avoid and to stand for something versus against something else. Let's collectively move toward harmony, peace and wellbeing for all Americans and the entire world. Let's keep our attention on that, versus continuing to wage a "War on Terror." A bonfire will only continue to rage when logs are continually thrown upon it. If we place our consciousness and communication primarily on the fire we choose, old unwanted fires will die out from lack of attention and fuel. Finally, with a shift in consciousness growing and evolving, the message being continually focused upon, communicated and fed, we will build Community and unity in our world. A new global community that, as we've discussed, respects, values and leverages the differences of all creative beings. And we will certainly create our symphony. Isn't it interesting that the field in which we play this amazing and wonderful gift called life is called a universe? Uni-Verse. One song, one people, one planet, one symphony. Mr. President, I told you I'm an eternal optimist, and I'm not alone. There's a growing body of people who are optimistic as well. Not romanticized optimism, for we know that anything of true and lasting value takes work, focus, commitment and time. But now is the time to march. As stated before, every significant breakthrough is almost always preceded by a breakdown. It's normally only in our times of greatest challenge that we step back and take a hard inventory of our lives, where we've been and where we choose to go. I believe this is the most exciting time in our world history to be alive. It's a time in which future generations will look back upon us and say, "They were the ones that figured it out. Thank God for them. The decisions they made in our most critical hours determined our destiny as a people and a world... They were the ones who figured it out." We're doing that right now, Mr. President. We need your support for the awakening of a new era. You have ours. Thank you for time in your busy schedule. Let's leave a lasting legacy together. Let's change the world. Much love and respect. Your friend and partner in world transformation, James Arthur Ray President/CEO, James Ray International Founder, World Wealth® Society New York Times bestselling author of Harmonic Wealth®

Ten Tips for Thriving This Economic Winter

Many of you have read and commented on our recent conversation about how it's a season to sow, how there's so much fear in our world right now and how it's related to some of the universal laws that modern society has forgotten. If you missed the conversation or need a refresher, check it out here: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Well, you asked for some quick, easy-to-apply tips on how to thrive in this economic winter and on how to apply the knowledge you learned during our conversation... So here you go! Clearly define what inspires you. There's a big difference between taking action out of inspiration versus desperation. Use this season as an opportunity to hibernate into the recesses of your own mind and define what you choose to create in your next spring. Control your focus. Energy flows where attention goes. Are you focusing on lack or opportunity? Feed your mind. What's your constant mental diet? Do you spend hours in front of the scare news or are you reading good books, attending more positive seminars, watching uplifting DVDs and listening to powerful CDs? Strengthen your body. Your physical health and vitality have a tremendous impact on your performance as well as your mental and emotional fitness. Exercise releases stress as well as strengthen your body and mind. Inventory your friends. Doom and gloom attracts more doom and gloom. Jettison those "energy vampires" around you and surround yourself with opportunity seekers. Quiet your mind. Take time to meditate daily and to slow down if only for a few minutes. Ten to fifteen minutes of meditation will relieve hours of stress and increase creativity and resourcefulness. Rid your life of escapist activities. Overindulgence in TV, sleep and alcohol only accelerate the problems you're attempting to avoid. Make a daily gratitude list. Focusing on all the good, gifts and God in your life puts you in the right line of thought, feeling and their subsequent actions, which will attract and create more good, gifts and God. Change your attitude. Realize that everything that's happened in your life thus far is here to serve you, teach you and help you grow. Find the lessons in your past results, forgive yourself for anything you could have done better and apply the lesson to move forward and create a better future. Get resourceful. For the next three days, go to a place where you can have uninterrupted time... Come up with 20 new ideas to grow your income, create new results and improve your life. You cannot leave your spot until you have twenty. And no editing! All ideas are good ideas. Do this for three successive days with 20 new ideas each day. Now take your list of 60 unique ideas and pick the three to five most powerful and leveraged ones to put into action. Pick these three to five based on: ease of implementation, rate of return and speed of return. And so during this winter season, remember: It's not about resources... there are plenty of them. It's about resourcefulness. Get resourceful and get busy. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International P.S. I wanted to give a HUGE thanks to the members of the World Wealth® Society and the Journey Expansion Teams... Together, we were able to provide meals for over 1,300 families (5,300 people) this Thanksgiving! Here's to building a world-wide community... No matter the "season"!

We grow from the inside out...

Wealthy people, and I mean people who are truly wealthy in all areas, don't allow others to determine the quality of their lives. They never allow circumstances or others to determine how much income they earn or their level of harmony with regard to their spiritual life, their health, their relationships--anything. To have more you must be more. If your intention is big enough, then you must grow to meet the size of that idea. Similarly, if you have an idea that doesn't cause you to grow, it isn't the right idea. In other words, the right intention and the right desire have to make you stretch. Growing is an inside job. Once you begin to go inside--involution--and grow, your results on the outside--evolution--must happen. Going within leads you to take different actions; your goal begins to take form and ultimately becomes a result in your life. When you achieve the desired result, what happens? "What's next?" happens, doesn't it? The basic principle of life, of spirit, is fuller expression and expansion. Your results become the springboard for fuller expression, which then brings grander, more exciting ideas and goals into view. Are you with me? Once you get that next idea or desire--the intention--you again have to grow to meet the size of that new idea, so involution kicks in all over again. New actions begin to happen and your new bigger idea starts coming into form. You get new results, and so on. This is really simple, but its how the creative process works: inside out, involution always preceding evolution. Think back on any goal you've achieved, and you'll see that this cycle occurred. You had an idea, a desire, and you had to grow to reach it. Perhaps it was when you got your first car loan or first home mortgage. Now, if that payment was a stretch for you, you had to expand your vision of yourself, didn't you? You had to see yourself being able to reach for more than you had been accessing. You had to realign your possibilities to meet the size of the idea. What you need isn't more money but more growth. We all do. Money is nothing more than a measuring stick of our growth. Sound familiar? It's an excerpt from the Financial pillar section of my New York Times Best Seller Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want. You may not know it yet, but it's also available in Audio CD format (read by yours truly)... Click here to check it out. To your continued wealth and happiness, James Arthur Ray President/CEO James Ray International

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.