Goal Setting With The Law Of Detachment

I have been receiving a couple of emails from subscriptions to various newsletters about goal setting. All of them talked about the importance of goal setting, something which I feel is also key before the start of a new year. However, in my opinion, goal setting should not be just an exercise activity to get some direction but should also be done in consideration with The Law Of Detachment.

The Law of Detachment says that for us to acquire anything in the physical universe, we need to relinquish our attachment to it. This however does not mean that we give up our intention to create desires. We do not give up our intent, nor do we give up desire. We just give up attachment to the outcome.

As soon as we give up this attachment, our intent, together with concentrated focus, can be brought into physical reality; that is, come to past. When we are attached, we become fearful and insecure. This usually happens when we have no or little understanding about our Self. Our Self is the source of wealth. It knows how to fulfill every need. Our Self is all knowing; having the power to create whatever we want.

Yet, many of us hanker for great financial abundance. When we manifest, we attached a monetary value to our desires. We think we will be happy when we have reached a million dollars or a 5-figure income. And hence, we make a goal to achieve “X” amount of dollars. However, money, designer clothes, big house, fast cars are all symbols. When we hanker for these, we are desiring the symbols but truly, we have exchanged our Self for them.

You become disenchanted when you have put in the effort and still, your material goals do not materialize. You get anxious and become attached to the outcome. You wonder if your dreams are ever going to come true. You start to give ourselves excuses about why you are not hitting our goals. These thoughts are negative energy vibrations. The Law Of Attraction kicks in here. The Universe obeys and reciprocates with negative vibrations, making them true for you: you never get to attain your goals.

Attachment is poverty consciousness. You focus on the lack. We place value to symbols. On the other hand, detachment is wealth consciousness. You have the freedom and creativity to create. At the same time, you still know that The Universe will give you what you want. So there is no need for anxiety.

To give up security, is also to live in uncertainty. You allow yourself the opportunity to experience adventure, excitement and mystery. You no longer walk on the path of the tried and tested. But you demonstrate a willingness to go out of your comfort zone. Think about all the various success stories and you will find that most successful millionaires have stuck to their vision, despite having to live through periods of uncertainty.

Obeying The Law Of Detachment does not mean that you do not do goal setting. You still set goals because you have a clear intent of your direction. But how you get from point A to point B is open to huge possibilities. You do not restrict what can happen in order for you to reach your destination. You also do not force solutions to problems. This helps you to keep your ears and eyes open to opportunities that may just come and go in an instant.

So this is where I am right now. On the threshhold of uncertainty.

Flashback…I have worked very hard in the last few years, striving for the goal of an online income. The web is awashed with make money quick opportunities. I do not deny having been attracted to the many bright shiny objects that flickered but for a second. Goal setting to me usually involved a financial target. I would be elated if I hit my goals but my emotions will come crashing if I don’t. In short, I became attached to the outcome of my goals. Hardly a fun way to live life!

I have decided to do it differently this time. Year 2008 is about to begin and it is time for some new goal setting. I acknowledge that I find it hard to give up old habits of holding on tightly to my dreams and goals. I will still write out my list of intents but I will choose not to be dictated by a strict path. With these new thoughts, I do not deny that I have been feeling pretty uncomfortable with the lack of certainty. But hopefully, I will grow accustomed to this unsettled feeling and hence allowing the richness of life and infinite possibilities unfold before me.

“Each one of us requires the spur of insecurity to force us to do our best.” — Harold W. Dodds

Review On The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success

First, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Christmas is a time for joy and giving. What better way than to spend Christmas reading a book that reinforces on the true human spirit for living?

I have just finished reading Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – A Practical Guide To The Fulfilment Of Your Dreams – and would like to rate it an excellent read. This book essentially shatters the myth that success comes about because of hard work, driving ambition and detailed planning.

It tells us that we should obey the laws that exist in nature. Once we can understand our true self and live in harmony with the laws, success will flow to us effortlessly. Success can be anything from fulfiling relationships, material abundance, a great career or good health.

Here are the 7 laws laid out in the book:

1. The Law Of Pure Potentiality. This law is based on the fact that you are pure consciousness and have pure potentially. You need to discover your essential nature and who you are. When you do, you have the ability to fulfil any dreams that you have and to achieve full potentially. Experiencing the Self is from your internal reference and not from an object-referral. Self-referral means that you do not need to seek the approval of others or need to derive external power over things. There is the absence of fear, in self referral. Your power is eminent because of the knowledge of your Self.

To apply this law, to access the field of possibilities or to access the creativity that is inherent in your Self, you need to set aside time for silence, meditation and non-judgement on a daily basis.

2. The Law Of Giving. The universe is in a constant state of dynamic exchange. Giving and receiving are flows of energy that exist. So if we are willing to give what we seek, then we will be able to keep the abundance of circulation in our lives. Hence, if you would like to have more money, holding on too tightly is counter productive because money is life energy and you are interrupting its flow circulating back into your life. In essence, the more you give, the more you will receive. However, your intent behind the giving and receiving should be based on creating happiness, rather than a self serving purpose.

3. The Law Of “Karma” or Cause and Effect. What we sow is what we reap. Hence if we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, we benefit through “karma” – receiving what we have given to others in the first place.

4. The Law Of Least Effort. For this law, three components are required: acceptance, responsibility and defenceless. You make a commitment towards accepting things as they are, not blaming others and relinquishing hte need to convince or persuade others of your point of view. You gain enormous amounts of energy when you expend little or no effort in pursuing things that do not matter. There is no struggle or any conflicts, when you simply embrace the present moment. When you remain open to all points of view, your dreams and desires will flow to you.

5. The Law Of Intention and Desire. Intention and desire in the field of pure potentiality have infinite organizing power. You can consciously change the energy and informational content of your own quantum body and therefore, influence the energy and informational content of the environment; and cause things to manifest. However, while you have an intent for the future, your attention is on the present moment. Focus your attention on “what is” and your intent for the future will manifest.

6. The Law Of Detachment. The fifth spiritual law has to be read together with the sixth law (Law of Detachment) in particular together. While you have certain intents, you have to let go of your attachment to your desired outcome. Attachment comes from poverty consciousness, because when you are attached, you are really attracted to the symbols (be it money, cars, clothes, airplanes, toys, etc.). Detachment is synonymous with wealth consciousness. When you are detached to the outcome, you experience joy and laugther. Applying this law also means that you need to thrive in uncertainty. For only in uncertainty, can you have the freedom and creativity to create anything you want.

7. The Law of “Dharma” or Purpose in Life. The Law of Dharma says that we have taken manifestation in physical form to fulfill a purpose. It is inherent in you that you have a unique talent and you use this talent better than others. When you match your needs to the creative expression of your talent, you are in the positon that creates wealth wealth and abundance. Hence, you really need to discover your true Self, your unique talents and your service to humanity – how can you help others. It is not a question of “what’s in it for me” but a true willingness to serve your fellow human beings with love and compassion.

It is not easy to digest this book. I have to re-read it several parts to gain an understanding of what the author is saying. I even spent two days discussing with my husband the true essence of what is being taught.

Clearly, what is valuable to us from reading this book, is the clear distinction between “intent” and “desire”. Intent is needed for things to manifest. Intent is desire without attachment to the outcome. Attachment will bring about suffering. Yet the application of the laws is that the attention is not about the future but in the present.

Understanding the laws is important for us to understand because while we have a long list of goals, we do not want to become attached to the results, which are often material. Our intent is best kept in the purest form, eg. “I want to help others find solutions to their problems”, rather than “I want to have that sports car so that I can show off to my neighbours”. The intent must never to harm others but to assist in the growth of the Self and/or to serve others.

Inward looking on the Self, via quiet meditation, is needed. Be comfortable in the present moment. There is no judgement while in this awareness. One is happy “as is”. Doing kind deeds is needed for the process of circulation of life energy to continue.

It is only when we truly know ourselves, and live a life that matches our purpose here on this earth, can we experience true wealth and abundance. The Seven Spiritual Laws are not just laws for success but are laws for living at the highest and most integrated level.

Goal Setting To Make Your Vision A Reality

Many do some form of goal setting during this period. It is a time of reflection of developments that have taken place this year and having some thoughts of what we would like next year to be. However, goal setting should not merely be a one-year target. Goals should be powered by a vision of what you want to achieve out of life. Having a vision for the future can help you set the direction, so that things fall in place, year after year. When you have a vision, you will feel motivated to make your dreams a reality.

Having a vision for the future provides you with a clear idea on how to make your decisions. You need to know where you are, your current resources, current obstacles, and where you want to go – the vision for the future. You make decisions so that you make strides in the direction of your dreams.

I used to make one-year goal setting targets. Although I had a general idea of where I want to go, I did not put much thought into a vision. So year after year, I find myself getting side tracked, losing interest along the way and changing my goals often.

Frustrated with my poor progress, I set about finding out more about goal setting. Here is what I found out.

Goal setting is merely a “What” statement; that is, what to do. However, if you have a vision, it is the “Why”, the purpose that determines the “What”. You can then break down your goals, “Whats”, into action-oriented daily, monthly or yearly tasks. You can have several hundred goals but you may only have a single purpose that you spend your life working for.

So here is an idea of what a vision statement ought to include:

1. Clarity and lack of ambiguity.
2. Painting a vivid and clear picture.
3. Describing a bright future.
4· Memorable and engaging.

Here are some examples of vision. Disney’s vision is “To make people happy.” For some, their purpose is simply “To serve”. I have a vision too. My vision is to “educate and empower in the area of self healing and self fulfilment”.

When you have a clear vision, it is amazing what you can achieve and having the determination to make it a reality. Write down your vision and stick it in front of your PC, so that you can see it every day. Then, you can set about having daily, monthly or yearly goals in order to achieve this vision.

At times, going about your plan will be a slow process, but you need to march on, getting over every obstacle in your path. Your chosen path may be difficult, but if others can succeed, so can you.

It does not matter if you think that you are unable to see how to make your vision a reality at this point in time. Heard of the saying “Don’t catch the paralysis of perfection?” Just know that ways will appear when you make a commitment to walk a certain path. You do not need all the answers when you start. It is more important to take one step at a time, and having trust that everything will work out. Start expanding the possibilities of what may be possible. “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe” — Anatole Franc.

Make a plan to inspire like-minded people to get involved. Also, make it a point to get to know like-minded friends who are on the same journey as you. Just think about the joy when you finally realise your vision and being able to share with everyone with the same vision.

It is better to create a future you love that to endure one you don’t. Hence, set aside some time to think about your vision. You may not be able to come up with one all in an instant. It requires careful thought, personal insights, and most likely, engaging your subconscious mind. Then, when you have decided, go for it with your heart and soul. As you start your journey with belief, opportunities will open up to make your dreams a reality.

Options That Money Can Buy

It is true that most of us enjoy a higher standard of living as compared to the time of our grandparents. We have better homes, bigger cars, nicer holidays, appliances that make things convenient for us and more money.

Yet, are you happier than say your parents or grandparents? Many younger and younger folks these days are suffering from chronic depression. It appears that even with economic prosperity, not everyone is happy.

I used to think that many of my problems will be solved by having money. But I soon realised that it has been a never ending goal – to make more and more money. And I’ve not been necessarily happier than before when I had less.

Money definitely cannot buy happiness. It is merely a medium of exchange. I know realise that money in itself is not what I’m after but it is the freedom that I truly want. The ability to have options. The ability to choose how I want to live my life.

Here are some of the options that money can buy for me:

* The option to work from home.

* The option of going overseas so that my kids can see the world and help broaden their perspectives.

* The option to explore parts of the world that can open my mind further.

* The option to continually upgrade myself through self help tools, books and retreats.

* The option of having a house in a serene and peaceful environment.

* The option to use the money wisely, to help in humanity and all mankind.

So money is the enabler that will put me in the position of having more choices in life. Money if put to good use can bring about happiness. Think about the impact you can make if you have a million dollars to contribute to charity versus ten dollars. And that’s what we want ultimately, isn’t it? Happiness.

Hence, when you want more wealth, don’t just have an aim to make X amount of dollars. Give your goals some meaning by asking yourself what are you really after. Ask yourself if it is the sports car, the designer wear or the luxury home – all materalistic items – that is truly important to you? Of course, if you have lots of money, you can have the option of buying all these. But when you put a meaningful purpose behind it, you will find that life’s journey is more satisfying.

Law Of Attraction For Relationships – Lessons From The Enchanted Movie

Yesterday, I came home humming to the tune of the song “True Love’s Kiss”, after watching the show “Enchanted” movie with my kids. 

I’m not a movie fanatic but I rate this Disney movie a 5 star. You can call me a romantic but I believe that the movie has really important lessons for us here. 

Just listen to the lyrics…

“…I’ve been dreaming of a true love’s kiss
And a prince, I’m hoping, comes with this
That’s what brings ever-aftering so happy…”

In the show, Giselle, a fairytale princess from the past, has always been dreaming about a prince. She “lands” in modern day New York City where there is “no happily ever after”, by the wicked stepmother. She unwittingly fell in love with a divorce attorney, while debunking his idea that dreams do not come true about relationships. 

Hmmm…..

I guess the moral of the story is that if you do not believe that relationships will work out, at your conscious or subconscious mind, then they would not.  Divorce rates are on the rise.  So what does that indicate to you?  That people no longer have the faith and belief that marriages can last.  Commitment becomes lacking as a result. 

Hence, if you want one that lasts or a prince/princess that will come rescue you from your single status, then believe that it will happen.  Use positive visualization methods to manifest good outcomes.  Law of attraction for relationships do work!

Are Money Blocks Hindering Your Path To Wealth?

Have you wondered why you have not earned a single dollar or made any sales online, despite putting in the hours and following what the gurus say diligently? It can be frustrating, isn’t it?

You have read how easy it is to earn a phenomenal amount of money or some obscure bloke going from zero to hero online. You bought every conceivable programs or software that promises to help you generate tons of money, hoping that any one of these may just be the “missing” link to your success.  You wait for the avalanche of traffic to happen or the traffic to convert.

And you waited. And waited. And waited.

At first, you saw the trickle of traffic and you jumped for joy.  But soon, you realise that the trickle is hardly converting nor has there been truckloads of traffic, as promised. You can barely cover your costs, as the months roll by. Generating money online remains an elusive dream to you. You cannot even smell the “one dollar” in your hands. You wonder if you should just give up.

Perhaps too, it has been the same experience with other money-generating programs that you have signed up to. Previously, it may have been options trading. Or real estate investing. Or an mlm program. Each time, you swore that you’ve found THE program that is going to make you rich or found THE idea that will turn you into an overnight millionaire. And unfortunately, each time, you are sadly disappointed.  All the enthusiasm that you initially had soon fizzled out in a whiff of smoke!

Well, I’ve been there. Many times over.  Setback after setback.

I spent time trying to find out what went wrong and what were the lessons learnt. Until I realise this important point: Success ain’t gonna come if I do not first clear my money blocks.

These are some of the money blocks I used to have:

1) Money does not come easily to me.

2) I do not deserve to be rich.

3) Money is the root of all “evils”.

4) It is hard to make more money than what I spend.

5) I cannot handle or manage money well.

It was only when I managed to feel comfortable with money and resolve many of my money blocks, did I experience a turnaround in my business.

I dare propose that unless you are a guru or are already rich and successful, you (like most of us) would have some kind of money blocks. Hence, if you are still keen on achieving success online, it is likely that it is not another internet marketing strategy or software being the “missing” link” but it may simply be that you have to clear your money blocks.

Here’s one great way that you can clear your money blocks!

A List Of Feel Goods

Today is thanksgiving day. Although it is not a traditional celebration for my family and from where I come from, I’m making use of the opportunity to say my thoughts of appreciation of what I am grateful for.

I’ve learned that a sense of gratitude is important to generate positive energy.

So here is the top 10 list of what I’m appreciative for:

1) I am thankful for the family that I have; a loving husband, my two beautiful kids and my caring parents.

2.) I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food that I get to eat everyday.

3.) I am thankful that I am able and well; without which I wouldn’t be able to do half the things I would like to accomplish in my lifetime.

4.) I am thankful for the many experiences that I have that makes me realise how resourceful I am.

5.) I am thankful that I have learned about times when I do not feel particularly confident or secure, that I do the best I can.

6.) I am thankful to learn that it is okay to make mistakes but that I should learn from them.

7.) I am thankful to learn that I should stop comparing against others but to measure progress relative to where I come from every step of the way.

8.) I am thankful that I have learned to perceive high standards as inspirational goals rather than as pressure to perform.

9.) I am thankful that I have learned my kids do not need a supermom but just to be fully present in their lives.

10.) I am thankful I have learned that life is a journey and that I continue to grow spiritually and emotionally in every way.

If you have been wondering how to turn your negative thoughts into positive one, being thankful for what you already have is a good place to start. Hopefully this will trigger good feelings about your family, friends and love ones. You are training your mind to focus on the positives, rather than the negatives.

Make use of thanksgiving today to write down a list of at least 10 things that you are grateful for! Do share on this blog as writing them down is also an affirmation to yourself about your sense of appreciation. Feel good and you will start to attract positive energy.

Practise Dilligence In Developing Positive Thinking

It’s important to nourish the brain properly.  A simple analogy is eating the right kind of foods for a healthy body.  If you eat junk, then diseases are likely to occur. If you fill your brains with useless stuff that are bleak, dull and devoid of hope, then do not expect yourself to feel uplifted.

You need to make a choice.  You can choose to fill your brain with garbage from the many TV shows that entertain but have little educational value.  Or you can choose to educate yourself with informational ones that provoke useful thoughts.

If you want to develop [tag-tec]positive thinking[/tag-tec], then be sure to immerse yourself with the highest forms of learning from self improvement and motivational experts.  Reading books written by them is an activity that you should set aside time for.  Attending workshops is another; as do listening to audio while in the car. 

Developing [tag-dtec]positive thinking[/tag-dtec], especially if you have been so entrenched in negativity before or even right now, is not a one day event.  So if you have just attended a motivational workshop, do not expect to feel magically charged up without putting in any effort weeks later.

You need to make a dilligent effort on a daily basis for positive thinking. Ask yourself what would it be like, 10 years from now, if you are as negative as you are now.  In all likelihood, you will not be imagining of being a great success at life! 

I have found it useful to read about success stories from others.  These help spur me on.  I find it necessary to re-affirm whenever I encounter challenges thrown onto my path.  Instead of viewing difficulties as disastrous events, positive thinking helps pull me through the bad times.  During such periods, I have made it a point to double my time spent to engage in [tag-ice]positive thinking[/tag-ice] through reading, listening and reviewing materials from successful achievers.
   

Dealing With Childhood Imprints

This follows my previous post about my own experience in forming conclusions at the subconscious level as a child.

Children respond to comments by their parents, school teachers, guardian or any authority figure in different ways. A parent may chide a child “you are so stupid” when the child is slow at grasping some school work. The intent may be to motivate him to work harder. A confident child may well respond in the required manner and spur on to do better. However, in many cases, a child who is insecure may internalise and accept it as a true statement, although he may actually be intelligent. This childhood imprint can have negative effects in viewing the self as incapable, unworthy and doomed to meet with failure.

Childhood imprints have to be dealt with, in order for the law of attraction to work. The problem is that we would not know what childhood imprints we have. We reap its negative consequences however. We are insecure, unloving, angry, indecisive, etc etc. The negative traits can well be traced back to some childhood imprint; which until today, we may not have realized that we had made a certain conclusion at the back of our minds way back when we were say 3 years old.

Additionally, because of my personal experience, having lived with some of my most bizarre childhood imprints for more than 30 years and dealing with them now, I become more aware of what I say to my own children. I certainly would not want them to form conclusions that are hardly true due to some careless remark that I make. I wouldn’t want to repeat some of the same mistakes my parents have made in my formative years. Understanding more about childhood imprints means that I can be a more responsible parent in the emotional development of my children. Since I am not perfect and may occasionally say the wrong thing without thinking, I know that at the very least, I have the tools to help my children reverse their negative thinking. Hopefully, the law of attraction will work well for them much earlier in their lives.

Accessing The Alpha State

I personally had the most amazing discovery about accessing my subconscious mind just 2 nights ago. Although I’ve not finished the book on The Silva Method, I could not wait any longer. I decided to put what I’ve read so far to use.

I sat down to meditate. With counting backwards from 100 to 0, to my amazement, I reached the alpha state (the state between sleeping and waking). I recognised it immediately as the same state I was in when I tried hypnosis some weeks back. I would have been happy to be in this peaceful state. But I’ve read far enough in the Silva Method book to know what mind control can do.

With great reluctance, I forced myself to move from the peaceful state to visualize what my current lifestyle is and what I would like it to be, using the techniques as taught from the book. It was truly an amazing experience, one that is peaceful and at the same time, filled with images of joy and hope. The feeling was overwhelming: a happy family with my two beautiful girls, having personal freedom and at the same time, enjoying a life of abundance.

After coming out from the alpha state, the lessons from the Silva Method became clear to me. It dawned on me that I’ve not been practising positive visualization in the best way possible since watching the “Secret” movie. While I had tried to visualize what I wanted, I was only doing it at the beta state (the waking state). As the Silva method clearly demonstrated, much more can be achieved in the alpha state. It is the state where your mind is clear and receptive to information. Accessing this state can help remove negative thoughts and beliefs and empower you with new positive ones.

I’m embarking on this experiment. It will be interesting to find out a couple of years from now, whether what I’m visualizing comes true.