Insanity

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Insanity

 Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over…and expecting different results.

This is one of those truisms I really love because it applies to so many aspects of our lives.  From a golf swing, to relationships, to ad campaigns, to how we discipline our children, we can become possessed and motivated by a desired result; yet do little, if anything, to change how we get there.  Humans are funny this way.  We often believe that practice, perseverance, determination, repetition, and commitment alone are all we need to get what we want.  And yes, in some cases this is true.  Sometimes not.

At what point does the light bulb go on?  When do we realize we’ve been doing it all wrong and not getting anywhere close to where we wanted to be?  Well, depending on the subject, the light bulb may never light, flicker, heat up, or otherwise illuminate.  By repeating a script we’ve committed to memory, we actually do become insane.  At least that’s how it appears to others.

I know we can all think of any number of examples of how this process works.  And too, we understand how the pattern can be broken.  We remember with crystal clear clarity the moment the insanity left us.  These moments are significant because it teaches us the consequences of our behavior.  We learn that we don’t always have to do what we’ve been told to do.  We don’t have to live by another’s standards, and we don’t have to be satisfied with the same old results.

We can and should: adjust, modify, improve, and create our own pattern, style, approach, and formula.  Finding what works for us, writing our own script, is really what makes us special and unique. It’s not about doing things over and over, but rather better and better.  Adjusting and trying new methods cannot only net the desired result but improves character and confidence.  It allows for a new, more mature pattern to develop; one where predicting results is the first step in getting them.  One that when developed properly you don’t mind repeating over and over and over…

For more stories like this and other books, visit my blog at www.szenzone.com

Mantra Magic

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Mantra Magic

Self-talk for a Changing World

Even though I’m a strong proponent of positive thinking, I believe that thinking alone is not enough to help us generate positive change in our lives. It takes focus and deliberate actions too. Developing a self-talk strategy is often the starting point to realizing our dreams and creating a personal mantra is a powerful way to remind ourselves that we are on a journey of infinite possibilities. A mantra is typically a repeated phrase or sound used for meditation, focus, or spiritual purposes. It’s often meaningful and used to bring about a specific state of mind or simply function like an internal mnemonic device to help us remember.

Mantras have been around forever. It’s a Sanskrit word and in Vedic literature it’s considered as any sacred word or syllable used as an object of concentration and embodying some aspect of spiritual power. Essentially it operates like a “suggestion” planted by a hypnotist, meaning it triggers certain actions, sometimes subconsciously. The point is that a well-conceived mantra can keep us on course and grounded in who we are and where we’re headed. Examples include:

“I am enough.” – A powerful affirmation to boost self-worth.

“This too shall pass.” – A reminder that challenges are temporary.

“Be here now.” – Encourages mindfulness and living in the present.

“Progress, not perfection.” – Focuses on growth rather than flawlessness.

“I can and I will.” – A mantra for determination and resilience.

“Everything I need is within me.” – Reinforces self-reliance and inner strength.

Whatever your personal mantra may be, over time it can become a stabilizing influence amidst a world of incredible and constant change. It can function as our personal GPS which magically leads us to our desired destination leaving a wake of serendipity and good fortune.

Szenippet: Self-talk is a way to communicate with our inner self. It generates self-awareness which allows us to reframe our desires into a battle cry or a cheer – a mantra that reminds us of who we are and who we can be.

 

Begin Now

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Begin Now

Our First Step Activates Our Destiny

I have always believed that the Universe connects us all. That one action or thought here can be manifested and reflected there. That a wish takes the form of a request and it’s the nature of the Universe to grant it. What enables this process is our own belief that we are made in the image and likeness of our creator and thus imbued with that same power. When we can see it happening in our mind’s eye, it’s that faith that directs our actions and decisions to somehow put us in a position to find what we seek. In the book The War of Art, author Steven Pressfield cites a passage from W.H. Murray from The Scottish Himalayan Expedition:

“Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment that one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would not otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have dreamed would come his way. I have learned deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: ‘Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now’.”

The sheer act of taking that first step is one of faith. When we move toward our dream, our dream moves toward us – It’s the secret sauce of life and we all possess it. What recipe we use it for depends on how we see our future and how we use the now to shape the days and the years to come. It’s never too late to begin the journey and the heavens await our command. State your desire, believe it will happen, plant that first step, and begin now.

Szenippet: The formula for making dreams come true is to have plenty of dreams, no doubts, and the belief that the sooner we begin our journey, the sooner our dreams come true.

 

 

Wishful Thinking

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Wishful Thinking

I think that thinking about anything changes that thing. Our thoughts on whatever the subject might be, have an influence on it. Our thoughts surround the subject and somehow rearrange it. For example, this week I have a deadline of Tuesday for some research. I’m behind a bit and really wish I had a few more days and today I was granted a couple of days. Wishful thinking works.

We all have examples of things we think about or concentrate on that come to life. That’s because in the process of thinking we establish a focus and focus channels our thoughts not only on the subject but also on ourselves. Pondering is a way for us to extrapolate the best course of action or develop a better perspective in the process. In both cases we win. And that’s the point. Focus and perspective can form a belief. And a belief becomes our own powerful ambassador in opening our minds and options. We end up getting exactly what we believed we would.

This is powerful and we can apply it right now and to all of the “nows” to come. Belief is a force that even nature can’t ignore. So, believe in positive life changing outcomes and they will happen; believe that you’re stuck, and wishful thinking doesn’t work and that will happen too. It’s your choice. Make a wish.

Szenippet: Our minds create the outcomes in our life. What we see inside becomes a reality outside. What do you see?