Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

A New Pledge of Allegiance for the 4th of July Weekend

Monday, July 5th, 2010

by  David Ault © 2004 

I pledge allegiance to breaking the self-imposed barriers of my humanness. I recognize that my time on this planet is precious and limited. Every day is a canvas on which I can create. Everyday is an opportunity for me to move in the direction of the dreams and the expanded vision I feel inside. By setting aside petty grievances, past mistakes, righteous anger and my broken story, I pledge to move forward and embrace the experience of freedom right here and right now.

I pledge allegiance to the expression of my spiritual honesty. I fully own the fact that my presence here in this body and on this earth is a celebration of uniqueness and importance. Creation makes no mistakes. I am a creation of life, of a higher power, of perfection. My reason for being here matters in the grand divine plan. I must be honest with my contract of life and walk the path of my destiny with conviction, purpose and grace.

I pledge allegiance to the quiet soldier within. I understand that the championing spirit that is already cellularly alive inside of me, that was already in place at the time of my birth, waits patiently for my current belief about myself to join it in its knowing. I march forward towards a history of my own making, wisely, lovingly choosing the means by which I spread my beliefs and convictions. I never make others wrong for their chosen path for I recognize the innumerable roads that lead to the One.

I pledge allegiance to a partnership with divinity. I choose to see others and myself from eyes that already view the wholeness and perfection within. I do not entertain our past damage or encourage us to identify with it for I trust that a grander calling card has been printed for us to distribute in promoting our lives. I champion all of us to celebrate what is working rather than what isn’t.

I pledge allegiance to wise discernment – knowing when to speak and when to remain quiet, knowing when to comfort and when to leave alone, knowing when to intervene and when to avoid rescuing and interfering.

I pledge allegiance to people and projects of substance. I cannot travel this road alone. If there is anything we as a species need, it is each other. I actively choose to support those whose work I believe in with my time, talent and treasure. I joyously give to those whose intention and purpose is for self-empowerment and the awakening of humanity to its personal magnificence. I rally to make others aware of such light bearers and do what I can to support them in furthering their vision.

I pledge allegiance to the freedom from comparison. I once and for all lay down my wearisome, stale beliefs of unworthiness and not being good enough. I know that my past does not define who I am. I am forever evolving, growing and learning. I recognize that I am a marvel. I now choose opportunities to let my voice be heard; to let my light shatter the darkness of futility so that every personal dream is explored.

I pledge allegiance in knowing that things are not always as they seem. Just because something can’t be seen with the physical eye or rationalized by our current mode of understanding does not negate its existence. Understanding the difference between reality and illusion, I move into a fuller acceptance of the non-physical – the mystical, intuitive, soul aspect of living that expands my consciousness and deepens my days.

I pledge allegiance to actions that fulfill the greatest good for all. By becoming a gatekeeper of compassion, tolerance and love, I move into a fuller conviction of pure intent with regard to the words that I speak and the choices that I make. I pursue a win-win in all activities of life.

I pledge allegiance to those who have gone before me, the ancestral lineage whose courage, sacrifice and conviction still live in my bones. I honor the privileges given to me today because of the sweat from their pioneering efforts and the fortitude of their convictions. I give thanks for my responsibility in creating the same for future generations.

I pledge allegiance to a love that has no agenda. I no longer choose to give for what I might get, to manipulate in order to control, to abandon before I can be abandoned, to tolerate because there are seemingly no other options. I choose to love as a way of being. I am content in my choice whether outside circumstances respond or not. In being love, I create fulfillment above and beyond what the human condition can provide. 

I pledge allegiance to the sacredness of laughter, knowing that the greatest healing force that exists reverberates from the vibration of this holy and irreplaceable gift. I allow humor, joy and eruptions of laughter to make their home in my heart. I let my physical body respond to the sacred stimulus and biological wonder that laughter creates and vow to keep this attribute alive and thriving all the days of my life.
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  • What parts of this pledge speak loudly to you?
  • Would you care to add any pledges of your own?
  • If you’re in a relationship, especially a new one, I dare you to create a pledge to each other. Feel free to adapt David’s beautiful thoughts. Don’t worry about getting it perfect. Make it a work in progress.

 

The Secret of Leadership Is Not What You Think

Friday, June 25th, 2010

by Tracey E. Bennett, Queen of Conversation

How often do you do stuff you don’t want to do? Does  your partner drag you to parties? Does your boss insist you attend meetings? Are you miserable, or do you make the best of it?

I have discovered that much nervousness and anxiety is caused by mentally trying to (more…)

Memorial Day – Take a Vet to Lunch and Listen to His Story

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

by Tracey E. Bennett, Queen of Conversation

A homeless guy was standing by the stoplight. His scrawled sign said, "Will work for food." I scoped out nearby restaurants, then asked him, "Are you hungry?"

"Yes."

"OK, meet me at Cracker Barrel in 10 minutes. I’ll buy you lunch."

As we waited for his meal, I sized him up. He looked like a boomer like me, so I started the conversation by asking, "Were you in Vietnam?"

"Yes. I nearly died there."

I was all ears. "Tell me more. Did you have a near-death experience?" (more…)

Lessons from the Library, or, Volunteers Don’t Need Prozac

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

by Tracey E. Bennett, Queen of Conversation


Volunteering at my local library makes me feel good! Wish I’d signed up years ago when I was depressed. Science says my mood uplift comes from a boost in serotonin. I call it a natural high.

I LOVE feeling useful. I’m a mostly cheery person, but sorting book and magazine donations boosts my spirits even higher. Rummaging through the donation bin is like (more…)

Can You Top This Inspirational YouTube Video?

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Singer Susan Boyle was the most-watched YouTube video in 2009. This video about a dog that failed at her first "job" gets my vote for super inspiration. After months of training, Ricochet wasn’t suited for being a service dog ("Birds!? WOOF! WOOF!"), but she excelled at something else. 

I wonder if there’s a moral in here for us humans, such as chasing birds could cost you your job.

See what you think.

 

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 Blog by  Tracey E. Bennett, Queen of Conversation

I welcome your comments. Tell me, what’s your favorite YouTube video? And feel free to have fun with the moral.

Screw New Year’s Resolutions. Do This Instead.

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Every year I make the same New Year’s resolution, which is not to make any resolutions. I blow them by February anyway. Here’s an idea for the new year that doesn’t leave me feeling bad about myself.

    I pick a word for the year.

It’s a guiding star, kind of a Star of Bethlehem for the wise person I aspire to be. 

(more…)

3 Kinds of Conversations: How to Ask for Help

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

cirrus clouds

There are three kinds of conversations:

  1. with yourself
  2. with others
  3. with God/the universe/Higher Ups

This is a true story about a close encounter of the third kind. It’s one thing to talk to the universe, and another to get a reply.

(more…)

“Validation” – If You Love Love Stories…

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

If you love love stories, you’ll adore this award-winning movie. It’s 16 minutes, so get some popcorn and Kleenex.

 

 

Just for fun, leave a comment about what you think the main point is. Enjoy!

Singer Susan Boyle Gives a Big Tip For a Great Blind Date

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Susan Boyle on "Britain's Got Talent"She’s frumpy. She’s spinsterish. She’s 47 and never been kissed.

And when she walked on the stage of Britain’s Got Talent show, Simon Cowell smirked. So did the audience. When she said, "I want to sing like [Broadway star] Elaine Paige," you could practically hear everybody thinking, "Fat, frumpy chance, Sister!" (more…)

We could use a 24-7 Good News Channel

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

I don’t watch the news at home. And at the gym this morning, it’s my own fault that I chose a cardio machine smack-dab in front of CNN. There’s something compelling about TV: I look at it whether I want to or not. The sound was off, and I managed to stop reading the subtitles after seeing murder and weather mayhem.

The news can be a good source of conversation topics, but sometimes it’s brain sugar or worse: rat poison. Physically and emotionally, we’d be better off focusing on uplifting messages, especially in (more…)