Keep It Real

'Keep it real,' is an old slogan. It is still relevant today though. In a way; we are all constantly looking to define our reality.

Reality is a choice that we make over and over again; continuously. It is always new. You can't get any more current than right now. Funny enough; most of what we think of as reality, has nothing to do with right now.

One of the many lines of great depth from the movie, The Matrix is: "What is real? How do you define real? If you're talking about what you can hear, what you can smell, taste and feel then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain." The line refers to a fundamental truth. Your whole world; your entire universe; exists with in you. Your experience is your world.


Check out Holographic Universe. It's about 20 minutes if you watch part 1 and 2. It does a great job of visually illustrating how your perspective and perception are literally creating your reality.

It looks like, right now, the only thing about reality that everyone can agree on completely is that our individual experiences are real to us. No matter what the differences are beyond that; the fact that we must have an, "I am," for a reality to exist; is not a point of debate.

We make it real. We keep it real; until we redefine what real is.

For more read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

It's All Good Intention - It's All God Intention

'We are one.' Though the statement with in itself seems to be another paradox; there is an absolute truth to be realized with in it if you can experience the depth of meaning.

If everything and everyone are all one, then we must all have something in common. This element that we all share would have to be something major to negate the things that seem to separate us. If we are all part of a single universal intelligence (some call it "God" or "God’s plan"); then it would seem only right to conclude that we all move with a common intention.

So do we? Does everything in existence have the same intention? Do we all have a common aim despite the countless ways we differ in expressing this? YES. Though it may seem to be a contradiction; we all share 'good' intentions.

The only reason why it may seem as if we are all out for different things, is a matter of perspective. If you actually break down every motivation to the root; you will end up with the same thing all the time. This is a feeling best described by many words since words really cannot express it. It is often described as love, peace, joy, beingness, stillness, intoxication, bliss, ecstasy, and aliveness; just to name a few.

Of course a lot of people would say that the root of all motivation would have two causes as opposed to one. These would be 'love' or 'fear'. But the cause of fear is really feeling a lack of love. This feeling is still a motivation to move toward love. Love is the root of all intentions.

The ego's perspective is the reason for fear. As much as the ego's dysfunctional perspective is talked about; it still has a good intention. We've all heard, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." This accurately describes the ego's M.O. It's purpose is to provide a physical identity for the mind to serve and protect. The reason for the dysfunction is the ego's limited perspective. The way the ego identifies with ideas that are separate from your physical self causes all stress and disassociation from the present moment. The ego chooses a single position to take on reality and therefore limits perspective and polarizes identity.

If all intention stems from one source; why is it considered 'good'? (The answer is a question.)How could it be considered anything else? It is no coincidence that the word 'good' is 'God' with an extra 'o'. It is all within the grand plan of the Creator and whether we are conscious of it or not, we all move together for the betterment of the whole. We are one.

For a more in depth look at good intentions, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Precision Vision

Most people can agree that in order to intentionally get anything done; you must have some type of idea what you want. The only thing that comes from not having some type of vision of a specific outcome would seem to be random happenings. Some people take it as far as, "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail." Though the word 'fail' is more of a judgment; this saying points toward a truth.

There have been many great achievers and people of natural talent that have spoken of the power of imagination and vision. Intuition and inspiration have played the major role in human innovation and creativity. The concept of, "seeing the ending at the beginning," is often spoken of by the people we collectively recognize as great, through out history.

"First I dream my painting, then I paint my dream."
-Vincent van Gogh

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
-Martin Luther King Jr.

"A goal is a dream with a deadline."
-Napoleon Hill

"The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision."
-Helen Keller (American author and educator who was blind and deaf)

Of course, if you go look on your own; you will find tons of other quotes by great people that point to the same truth. It really is part of the formula of any type of success. Having a vision of your goal is inseparable from intentionally reaching them.

Though having a vision of a desired out come might sound as if it contradicts the teachings of ego detachment and being in the present moment; it actually supports them. Another paradox.

Not always mentioned, but also absolutely necessary with visualization, is the feeling of the experience that goes along with the visual. This feeling is the monumental ingredient of actually materializing a vision. When you feel anything, you can only feel it in the present moment. All power remains in the present.

When the ego is quiet and there are no stressful attachments; there is more of a sense of being in tune with everything; which is actually being more in tune with your true self. As a result, when we are in this higher consciousness, clarity enables us to see a higher purpose for our existence. This usually involves touching other peoples lives in a significant way. It is always a purpose of a greater good. It is easy to see that it goes far beyond an egoic source and egoic gratification.

Though the journey and the destination are really one in the same; it is vision that allows for this realization.

Arm Me With Harmony

Living in harmony with the universe is the most powerful "weapon" that there is. To be in tune with the way things are; with the way things work; with the laws that govern our reality; is to put all the power that exists, on your side. It is a major paradox: The more of your life you can accept, the more of your life you can control.

The concept of accepting and adapting to reality is extremely powerful. It is so powerful that there isn't any part of creation that does not practice this concept. Everything that exists follows the rules of universal intelligence. There is no way we can prove things otherwise.

It is literally not possible for something to be that could not be. To clearer illustrate this; there isn't a way for things to happen that contradict the laws that govern what is. If there was a way, they would happen. If they did happen, they simply would be proof that we were not familiar with all the laws to begin with. The very existence of the "anomaly" would be evidence that there is still more that is unknown.

The very act of learning is a way of accepting and adapting. It is becoming more familiar with what is and ultimately using this knowledge to your benefit. This goes for everything; from learning basic survival to learning the true nature of our consciousness. The universal intelligence has illustrated this to us through the way evolution works. Of all the countless plant and animal species around and the varied environment types; the ones that remain are always the most accepting of the conditions they exist in.

Being in harmony is being in a very high mode of adapting. Being in harmony is often described as being "in the zone," being "inspired," or possessing intuition. The only way to achieve this is to be in the present moment.

I was once the type of person who would have rather been armed with firearms. I can now see the bigger picture. I would rather be one with my life experiences. Arm me with harmony!

For more great perspective, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

On Top of the World!

Have you ever had the feeling of being "on top of the world?" Most people have at one time or another; regardless of how brief. For those who haven't; it is definitely not hard to at least have an idea of what it would be like.

When you stop and look at it; this feeling could not really be experienced without other feelings and more undesirable situations. In other words; because a person can have situations and experiences that they may feel extremely good about; it leaves the obvious conclusion that there are situations and experiences that a person may feel bad about. You could call them 'middle world' and 'bottom of the world' experiences, to an extent. This really goes to show that there could not be a 'good' without a 'bad'; no 'top' without a 'bottom'. There is a full spectrum of experience and perspective.

It is the 'bad' that allows people to distinguish when they are having a 'good' time. If not for this spectrum, our experience of being 'on top of the world' may seem to be the norm. There would not be a reason to feel particularly happier about something if it is a constant. (In all reality, we do not perceive constants. Even when we do, they are never considered 'good' or 'bad'. ie.=gravity)

Once you've figured out what means the world to you, you have set the guidelines with in your spectrum of reality as to what is the 'top' and what's the 'bottom' of the world. You have really defined your relationship with whatever is possible to happen in your reality. In other words; whatever happens, based on your standards, you will always feel a particular way about it.

It is truly our perspectives that define our worlds. Two people can be in the same physical world and be feeling totally different. One person is on top of the world, and the other is in deep depression. For most people, what it is exactly, that sets their standards, is their ego identity and whatever it identifies well being as.

Once a person can remove themselves from this ego perspective; the rules of well being all change. A person can truly be on top of the world once the attachment to 'good' and 'bad' is recognized and severed. What is left afterward, is a broader perspective and the realiztion that everything is for the best.

For a more in depth look at transcending 'good' and 'bad', read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned.

The Pure Paradox

Language can often be misleading. Because of the inanimate nature of words; all too often words really can not express the abstract essence of what they are attempting to describe. Even when articulated very well; the depth of the concept makes language contradict itself. The result is a paradox.

Let's see what a paradox looks like in action. Here are a few from the book, "Oxymoronica" by Mardy Grothe, that make it clear exactly what a paradox is:

The superfluous is the most necessary.
-Voltaire

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.
-Margaret Mead

I shut my eyes in order to see.
-Paul Gauguin

We learn from history that we do not learn from history.
-Georg Hegel

We are never prepared for what we expect.
-James Michener

To be believed, make the truth unbelievable.
-Napoleon Bonaparte

What we really want is for things to remain the same but get better.
-Sydney J. Harris

When a dog runs at you, whistle for him.
-Henry David Thoreau

Always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.
-Harry S. Truman

Man can believe the impossible, but can never believe the improbable.
-Oscar Wilde

War is a series of catastrophes which result in a victory.
-Georges Clemenceau

First I dream my painting, then I paint my dream.
-Vincent van Gogh

We are confronted by insurmountable opportunities.
-Walt Kelly, From Pogo

I want peace and I’m willing to fight for it.
-Harry S. Truman

Study the past, if you would divine the future.
-Confucius, in Analects

Love is a kind of warfare.
-Ovid

All works of art should begin…at the end.
-Edgar Allan Poe

The final delusion is the belief that one has lost all delusions.
-Maurice Chapelain

A man chases a woman until she catches him.
-Anonymous

The very nature of our true selves, when described, seems to be a paradox. There are countless contradictions about our reality and the way things work, due to the depth of the concepts. Just to name a few that I have observed:

• Empty space is full of infinite possibilities.
• The more you accept, the more control you have
• The better you teach, the more you learn

The list goes on and on. For plenty more on paradox and contradiction, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Life is Like a Dream

In many ways, life is a lot like a dream. The dream and the dreamer are one. People are the sources of their dreams. Without realizing that it is in their mind's eye that the dream is generated; people get lost in the temporary "reality" of the dream. They really do go through all the emotions and sensations; the ups and downs of the ride; forgetting that it is a part of them. We forget that we are the architects of the ride to begin with.

Whether your current life situations are very pleasant or more like a nightmare; you are the source of your experience. This can be illustrated at the very basic level of two people having opposite experiences with the same situation. The interpretation of the situation created a different experience.

Creating our own experience can also be seen at an even deeper and more abstract level. The overall frequency or vibrations of a person's most common thoughts and feelings can actually attract the subject of their feelings into physical being in their lives. Many people have heard this principle described as the Law of Attraction.

If you have ever heard of or understand what lucid dreaming is; you may see even more of a connection between waking life and dreaming. In life, the more self aware and conscious you are; the more "awakened" you are. To rise to a higher state of consciousness in life is very similar to rise to a higher state of consciousness in a dream. For example; when having a lucid dream, the dreamer becomes aware that they are having a dream. This awareness actually grants them the power to change what they want and experience what they want in their dream. In waking life; the closer your perspective is to that of your true consciousness (the ever present observer), the more power you have over your waking experience.

There is actually a movie called, "Waking Life," that illustrates many of these connections. Check it out if you are interested. You can watch it now without a download.

For more on the transformative powers of "awakening," read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Time Flies and Time Drags

The boy who threw his clock out the window because he wanted to see time fly wasn't just the punchline of an old joke. There is an amazing amount of truth to this concept. Here is an excerpt from my book What Is Really Good? on the topic:

Time Is Relative

"Time flies when you’re having fun." "A watched pot never boils." These two phrases are well known because of their truth. We can all relate to doing something we enjoy and time seeming as if it has sped up. We can all relate to anticipating something to come and every minute stretching for an hour. How can this be? This is occurs because of where our focus is directed. Depending on where your attention is focused, time really does lose its incremental value.

If you want to stretch time, do something that makes you uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable, the longer you will feel each and every fraction of a second. Embarrassing situations can be equally as uncomfortable as being in physical pain; sometimes more, depending on the person's ego identification.

Time is so relative that Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientific minds ever, derived the conclusion that time depends on the observer and the observer's relative position to what they are observing. The special theory of relativity drastically changed the scientific community's view of what time really is, but it has not affected the way society as a whole views it.

Einstein's theory proved mathematically that the faster you move through space, the slower you move through time. It therefore stands to reason, the slower you move through space, the faster you move through time. This is consistent with your resistance to what is stretching time. When you are resistant, your mind is full of motion, content, or thoughts; all the same thing. When you are in acceptance, your mind is closer to being still, being in the moment, and time races on by.

To better illustrate this, imagine the experience of driving. If you are on a clear freeway driving at 80 mph, and you look to the left or right and can see people; they seem to be moving very slowly or frozen. This is the mind state of resistance to what is; the mind moving at "a mile a minute" to get away from the situation. If you are on the same clear freeway and are driving at 3 mph, the same people are now moving at a normal speed and seem considerably faster than you at 80 mph. This is the mind in acceptance and in the present moment.

This is the power of perception. Where your attention is placed or what it is placed on is the key.

Mental discomfort or pain, is based on what the ego is identified with. Embarrassment, for example, occurs when your ego is injured. Your ego is in pain. Physical discomfort or pain is literally the physical aspect of resistance
to what is. As you well know from your own experience, being in mental turmoil or physical pain, slows and stretches time. This is because of the constant signal of stress. This stress is motion; the motion of trying to get away from the present moment. This includes background stress.

When there is no resistance to your situation, time is not given a thought. Non resistance is acceptance by default. The physical aspect of acceptance is a neutrality or contentment, and to a higher degree, pleasure and/or joy. This is when you look at your watch and say, "Whoa! Where did the time go?" You are in alignment with yourself during the period of seemingly timelessness. It could be your egoic false self or your ultimate true self, but nevertheless, when you are in the moment, time is not a factor.

For more read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

The Ultimate Optimist

It has been proven scientifically that one's experience of reality can never be totally objective. It is always subjective to the interpretation of the observer. In everyday language; it is impossible to see the world without a specific set of eyes; without a particular point of view. Knowing this, and knowing that people usually see what they are looking for in life (be it consciously or subconsciously); one must question anybody who chooses to see life through the eyes of a pessimist.

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
-Winston Churchill

I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
-Winston Churchill (again)

The quotes above are extremely supportive of the point being made here. There are many others throughout history who have seen the advantage to being optimistic about life. As a matter of fact; you will not find any great man or woman who has succeeded at anything that did not hold the perspective of an optimist. Every set back is a set up for a come back, is the philosophy of a winner. Not only can it fuel great accomplishments; it really does feel so much better on yourself than the stress of a pessimistic attitude.

So how do you become the ultimate optimist? Once the egoic identity has been transcended; once a person no longer mistakes themselves for their ego; it is tremendously easier to realize that everything does indeed happen for the best. To no longer be in resistance to reality; but instead, to adapt to what is, allows one to be at one with and at peace with life situations. This actually empowers them to affect positive change.

So how do you see life? Are you a pessimist or an optimist?

For more on how to see the bright side of your life, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Ever wonder if it is a coincidence that the word to describe the moment happening right now is called 'the present'? You know; the present as in a gift. I'm sure (as you probably are too) that out of all the sounds that can be made to coin a word; there would have been a different one chosen to describe the here and now if there was no connection to something precious given to you. Being aware of the present is definitely a gift.

The present is the gift that keeps on giving. It is always on. The tape is always rolling. It is simply forgotten most of the time because of where our attention is placed. When you are at the right vantage point, you are able to see and feel the power of the present moment perspective.

Lots of people take the present for granted. They are looking forward to a future pleasure or reminiscing about a past one. Many are also dreading future pains and or regretting past ones. Any and all sense pleasure you have experienced is so fleeting and temporary, that after you have experienced it, you can easily forget them. They become like a dream you are trying to remember. This goes for pain as well. People often bury painful memories.

The one thing that you can enjoy on a continuous basis is the joy of your presence. Unlike trying to remember a past pleasure; you can get every single benefit of the joy within by remembering that it is there. When you are remembering pleasure, you are in the past, which is only an idea. When you remember the peace within, you are in the present and the rewards are incomparable to a memory. You know it now. You experience it now.

You remember the past. You re-experience your presence. For the present to even be seen as a gift, definitely requires a reduction or elimination of egoic thought. Acceptance of the present moment is the key to unwrapping the gift that it is.

For more detailed ways on how to accept this gift, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Patience is a Virtue

Patience is a virtue? Why? Who ever got ahead of the game by waiting? What's so virtuous about letting time slip by? "Patience is a virtue," is another one of those sayings of everyday wisdom. Let's explore why.

Have you ever been tired of waiting? Do you get bored to the point of hating having to stand on line or get to your destination? Of course, you are not alone. Most people have this issue. It goes much deeper than most people realize. A lot of people are really uncomfortable with everyday life because they want to get to a "more desirable" stage of their lives. It is really a low level of background stress. All stress is resistance to what is.

People who can't wait are actually causing themselves undue stress. There have been many others before myself who have spoken of this state of mind and have come up with solutions for it. Buddha, Ram Dass, Petter Russell, and Eckhart Tolle; just to name a few. This information is far from new. It is simply overlooked most of the time.

Being impatient is actually a resistance and denial of what is going on right now. It is taking the current moment as a means to an end. When you stop and look at life though, you must realize that all power and the way you experience and interpret life is always in the present moment. (Aha!) So naturally, it does not feel good to be in resistance to what is going on.

The solution to this "problem" is to be as present in the here and now as much as possible. This may sound harder for some than others; but it is something that any and everyone can do. It really requires learning how to shut off the automatic thought stream of the mind and appreciating the stillness and aliveness of the present. It literally transforms the meaning of the moment from a means to an end to the gift that is the present.

The benefits of this are an elimination of stress or anxiety. You feel better. Time actually seems to move faster; and your life is enriched as a result. This is the virtuous aspect of patience. I like to break down the word patience as: "pace your self with the essence." It is literally a shifting of perspective from the NO of resistance of what is to the YES of acceptance and adapting to what is.

For more on how to achieve this rewarding perspective, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

The Power You Already Have

There is no doubt among anyone around that we do not know the full capabilities of our minds. We are still a huge mystery to ourselves. We are still becoming self aware. You will not find a scientific study supporting the fact that we have learned all there is to know about our brains, bodies, and the consciousness that animates everyone.

There is, on the other hand, a mountain of evidence to show us that we possess an extraordinary amount of power over ourselves and our surroundings. It is a power that is always there. It is a power that goes unnoticed and unused unless it is given attention. It is the power of your focus.

This power can be brought out through several different techniques. You have hypnosis, self hypnosis, visualization, and breathe control to name a few. For some excellent and actual demonstrations of this power at work, check out Natural Mystery. Excusing the ad, you can watch it right now.

The depth to which we can affect our reality is boundless. That being acknowledged, the first steps to actually take control of this power; the power of your focus; is to learn how to hit the off switch on the chatter box mode of your mind. (Most people literally can not stop thinking when they want to.) To shift from the ego identity to that of the present observer quiets the mind and allows it to be used at a much higher capacity. It is when you are in the space of the present moment that the power of your focus can be gathered and amazing things can take place.

To find out more about the power of your focus, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

You Can Be Right, Or You Can Be Happy

A long time ago, two brothers who were very close had a big fall out. They were only a year apart and grew up together sharing all kinds of experiences together. The reason for the big falling out was over lifestyle choices when they got older. One just could not tolerate how the other chose to live. As a result, they did not speak for at least 25 years. Fortunately, they were able to put the issue behind them and become close again.

Both brothers missed years of each other’s lives. The one who did not approve of the other's choices actually held a grudge against his brother. He became a sore topic if ever brought up by other family members. He actually became very mad whenever he thought about him.

Have you ever had a difference of opinion with anyone close to you? If so, maybe you can relate. "You can be right or you can be happy," is another old saying of everyday wisdom.

At the end of the day, what determines your life is your experience. Many times being right will not make your experience better; but worse. How valuable is being right in that case? Being right is what the egoic mind is identified with. It actually becomes part of one's identity.

Some people will put being right over their very lives. "I'll die for my chain," or "I'll kill if I'm disrespected." Being right is really not that serious. The ego has poor perspective and makes big deals out of minor things.

Happiness is a mere thought away. Being happy is to be without the egoic mind. It is freedom from an often irrational list of demands for the ego's well being. This list usually always causes resistance to what is and causes unnecessary stress.

The choice is always yours. You can be right or you can be happy.

Read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Heaven or Hell

Let's keep it all the way real. No one can prove the existence of heaven or hell. Nobody has come back from the dead and given us a concrete report with actual facts of the nature of a kingdom in the clouds or a subterranean inferno. All such rhetoric is totally faith and belief based.

So why are these concepts so popular with people today? How is it that so many people are convinced of something that can not be proven in this world? It is because they have actually experienced heaven and hell. It is because of our intuitive knowledge that the feelings of these concepts resonate with in us.

Most of us have experienced times in our lives where we have felt free and on top of the world. We have felt a feeling akin to being in paradise, even if only for short periods of time. Whether we are conscious of it or not; during these periods we are totally in the present moment. These are in reality glimpses of heaven.

We have all experienced times when life did not agree with us. From minor irritations to enormous life difficulties; we have all experienced some hell in our lives. This hell is, more often than not, a result of not actual situations in life; but our interpretation of the situation. It is created by the egoic mind and it's list of identifications with well being. It is the opposite of experiencing the present moment. It is the experience of what is being thought.

It doesn’t matter if heaven and hell, as they are usually referred to, really exist. That can be debated for an eternity. What does matter, and what is factual, is the existence of heaven and hell here on earth and in your life. The present moment always reigns supreme over a mind construct of a questionable future.

So where do you want to live? Heaven or hell? I choose heaven, personally.

To find out how to make heaven your home before you die, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Everyday Wisdom

What is wisdom? How do you get to be wise? It's safe to say you don't get wise by just learning facts. No one considers people wise just because they took a course, learned a skill, or even got a degree. This simply earns you the title of educated. So what is wisdom and how do you get it?

Wisdom is conceptual knowledge plus experience. You can learn how to ride a bike or drive a car conceptually. You can learn how it works and how to control it by watching. It is totally different to actually have the experience of doing it. No one can give you wisdom. You can only gain it through your own personal experience.

Wisdom is not necessarily acquired by age. There are folks twice your age who have considerably less wisdom than yourself. There are also children who have been through enough to be, "Wise beyond their years."

So many of the sayings we have today are real jewels of wisdom that will not be recognized as so if they are not your actual experience. Words can not express the perspective of the speaker unless the listener has had the experience.

Most of these phrases are common and are considered common sense. But, "Common sense is not common." Just a few of a ton of phrases that have a lot more to them then they sound like.

• "Just to go to it can never amount to going through it."


• "There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."


• "Takes one to know one."

For more wisdom and truth, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Shatter Proof

Having a goal or a vision; having hopes and dreams are great. They feel good and give us a sense of purpose. Having certain beliefs can also be comforting and keep you feeling good. But what about when hopes get dashed and dreams get shattered? What about when old perspectives and beliefs are proven invalid? How can life be good then?

Have you ever had your dreams shattered? Has your life ever been in shambles? Has the person you are, or who you wanted to be, been suddenly taken away? If so, you know what it feels like for the image of your identity to be shattered.

I, myself, have been through my share of identity shattering experiences. As a result, I learned to let go of attachments to things that are not shatter proof. Looking back on things now; it is easy to see, I was actually letting go of ego identifications.

Life is a great teacher and will continue to test you. The result of accepting and adapting to these tests is a rewarding growth and shift in perspective. Life has a great way of shattering views and perspectives that are limited in value.

What is really shattered is the ego identity. You can't shatter what is. You can't shatter the ever present observer. The essence of your consciousness is shatter proof. The closer you bring your daily perspective to that of the observer; the more you are in touch with what is. The more shatter proof your peace of mind becomes.

To find out how to be shatter proof, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Money Can't Buy It

There are a lot of rich people who are not happy. Don't take my word for it. You have seen them for yourself. The news or the tabloids are usually always talking about some high profile case or another. This is mentioned to validate one point. Money can't buy happiness.

Of course, this is a very old saying. It has stuck around for so long because of the undeniable truth it represents. In the past; I, myself, have questioned the validity of this saying. I used to think, "If I had all the money I wanted; there is no way I could possibly be unhappy." I later came to realize the ultimate truth behind it though.

This truth goes for more than just money. It goes for everything that you desire in life. It is not what you want that makes you happy when you get it. It is how you feel when you are experiencing it. It really all starts and ends with how you feel.

A man can have nine figures in his bank account and still be bent out of shape about a relationship or some other problem that money does not solve. Another man can be one pay check away from being penniless and feel like he's on top of the world.

This intangible feeling is why they say, "The best things in life are free." Money really can't buy this feeling. It is only accomplished by being in total acceptance of reality. When you can say YES to everything in your present moment; you have no choice but to be happy.

Though money can't buy happiness; happiness might get you paid. Happiness actually attracts money. Take a good look at life and see if you agree.

For more in depth perspective, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

What Means the World to You?

Have you ever thought about it? I mean really; have you taken a good a look at what means the world to you? Or quite similarly; what does the world mean to you?

What is it that is at the top of your list to make happen? What would you give anything to be doing right now. What could you be doing right now where you are saying, "I'm having the time of my life!"? Does this experience mean the world to you?

What does the world mean to you? Isn't it simply the feelings you have for all the people, places, and things you know? Isn't it the way you feel about existence in general?

The reason for these questions stem from the realization that the way you feel about the world is directly related to how you feel about yourself. If you live through a very pessimistic perspective on the world; how could you possibly be happy? If you see the world as an optimist, how could you really be too upset? Once again adapt to or resist what is.

So what's the answer for, "What means the world to you?" For everybody without exception the answer is; whatever it is that makes you feel the most alive in a way that you enjoy it. No matter what it is; in all reality it is the way you feel doing it. It is always you.

The truth behind it is why, "The world is yours," is such a popular phrase. Quite literally, you are your world.

For more on this read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Who Are You? [Part II]

We have talked about the subject of identity pretty often because it is so relative. It is our identity that determines our whole perspective and outlook on life. Who you think you are, or who you know you are, really dictate the way you interpret your experience of life. Whether you are happy or depressed is all because of how things are going for you at the time. It is your experience of life in the moment that determines your identity.

This can be illustrated by the questions asked in "Who Are You?" If you seriously came up with any answers for these questions; you may come to realize that you are the focus of your attention more than your description.

Take a good look at how your awareness works. Whatever you are giving your attention to at any given moment is more of who you are at that moment than who you see when you look in the mirror. In other words, the very essence of who you are is also where you are. (See Where're You At? ) Who you are in this moment, and where your head is at in this moment, are synonymous. The essence of your life can not be separated from your experience of life because they are one in the same.

This does not mean that all you are is what you perceive. As a matter of fact, you are all that you perceive and the infinite possibilities that you don't. Realizing your true identity is not an experience of limitation. It is actually an experience of tremendous freedom because you realize that limits are all ultimately illusions.

This may sound very abstract or far fetched to some people. That's fine. The point is not for you to believe any of this. It is simply for you to sincerely take a good look at the way you work.

Who are you? Really.

To get more in depth on the subject, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Possession is 9/10 of the Law; Right Now

Many people these days are familiar with the phrase, "Possession is 9/10 of the law." Regardless of the legal validity of this phrase; it has been around for so long because of the practical truth it makes reference to.

You already know from your own perception and experience that when somebody physically has possession of anything; it is an inarguable fact they are in control of that thing. This is another simple fact that may be overlooked.

If you possess something right now; you are in control of it right now. Right now is even more powerful than '9/10 of the law.' Right now is all that ever counts in reality. Right now wrote the past and determines the future. Right now anything can happen. Right now is where everything happens. This is why possession is recognized by most to be an unwritten law. Possession can only happen right now.

This unwritten law goes for life in general. You could say, "Perspective determines 9/10 of your experience." Actually a famous quote from preacher Charles R. Swindoll goes, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." However you like it; it always applies.

If I possess a feeling of peace and gratitude for my right now; I am already ahead of the game. I am enjoying the moment and also creating future moments to enjoy. You truly can possess your life (be in control of your life) when you accept and adapt to right now.

Read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned to right now!

What Is Money? Really.

With the "financial crises" being what it is right now, it makes sense to take a good look at the cause of it all. Have you ever wondered, who are these people who set our interest rates? Who distributes our cash? How can we be in a recession if we are doing what we have always been doing? How can our money be worth less if we did the same thing to earn it that we did two or three years ago?

We can get to the bottom of all these questions with one much, more simple, and often overlooked question. What is money? Really, what is it? And how does it make the world go round?

Well, we have already talked about having enough for now. What we are really going to uncover is more the concept of money and what gives it it's power. What is the true energy behind money?

If you use your own perception and prior experience; you know that money is a tool we use to show our appreciation for anything that can be bought. As simple as it sounds; the power behind all money really is appreciation. If you do not appreciate a good or service in your life; you will not buy it.

So, either we started appreciating the same food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and everything else, a lot more; or the values have been tampered with. You do the math.

For a much clearer picture of what money really is and plenty of actual facts for you to digest about money, watch Money Masters. You can watch it right now without a download.

All this is being said, to bring to the light, the true source of power behind money. There is power with those who can manipulate the whole money game by changing values. But this is power that we give them. The true source of power is with in you. It is your energy that becomes the fuel for any amount of money to be gathered. It is your appreciation of everything sold that runs the market.

You have more control over your life than money because you are the power behind money. You are life. You are the space that allows money to exist. Appreciate life and your life is rich.

Read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Do You Have Enough For Now?

Some of the words being used a lot these days in the news are: recession, market crash, bail out, possible depression, etc. I understand many people are affected by this "financial crises" that is being promoted at almost celebratory levels; but there is a simple question that many people do not to ask themselves when feeling the stress of a disappearing income stream. You guessed it. "Do I have enough for now?"

This question's importance is major as it sheds light on what it is right now and what you think it is right now. In other words, reality and what you think is reality maybe altogether and entirely different. This tends to happen when you stop using your own perceptual senses and start believing everything you are told. This belief then becomes your experience.

As a result of this fear based perspective; we actually give our energy to what we don't want. If you know the principle of Napoleon Hill's, "Think and Grow Rich," or any number of others who have spoken about the principles of manifesting a destiny of your choosing; you know that what you are feeling and thinking about most of the time is what you will experience and bring to reality. "Think and Grow Rich" would more accurately be called "Feel and Grow Rich" because it is the feelings that you hold that give strength to any vision or thoughts that may run through your mind.

So much of the time; we are worried about a construct of the mind rather than experiencing reality. Right now is of supreme importance as opposed to a hypothetical situation in the future. If you can bring the mind to a stop and take notice of how you feel; you will know for a fact that the "financial crises" only exists when you are thinking about it. This is not to deny a situation that may or may not be happening. This is to effectively eliminate any stress that you would carry around as a result of the situation. To eliminate this stress is already a huge advantage in bringing about a more desirable future. It all starts with right now.

Being a believer and follower of popular opinion puts you at a disadvantage with accepting and adapting to your own reality. It's like the traffic light in "Who Told You To Move?" You can allow others to dictate what you should feel like, or you can be here now. You can be alert and aware enough of your present moment to realize what you really feel with out your mind gushing interference and picturing a negative reality that doesn't really exist right now. It is only when you can grasp and be in the moment that any real change is affected.

So, do you have enough for now? If the answer is yes; don't carry around the emotional baggage of doom and gloom. Simply be grateful for what you have and you will get more. If the answer is no; focusing on the solution as opposed to the problem not only feels better for you; it also leads to a much speedier resolution than focusing on the problem.

For more on these powerful perspectives, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

'I' of the Beholder

When we talk about ourselves; we usually refer to ourselves in the first person as 'I'. When you really stop and look at it; there is more than one perspective of 'I'.

We have spoken of the significance of the eye of the beholder. But to go a little deeper; the eye of the beholder is a combination of 'I's. It is the 'I' of the ever present observer. It is also the 'I' of the egoic mind.

The 'I' of the observer is the first 'I'. It is the awareness of reality before you are able to label or judge the experience. It is alertness. It is attention. It is conscious intelligence without identity.

The 'I' of the ego is the secondary 'I'. It is the identity created by the ego. It is second because you must first experience reality before the ego has anything to react to. It is what allows you to form an opinion of a situation. It determines whether your experience is considered good or bad. It is the list of things required for well being that the ego identifies with. It is the 'I' that adds the story to the fact of what happened.

Most people identify with the secondary self; the egoic self; for the majority of their life experience. A lot of people never seriously ask themselves the question, “Who am I?”

People suffer because they mistake themselves for their thoughts. It is the egoic mind that is the root of all stress. It causes stress by resisting reality as it decides what is happening is wrong.

When you can feel the isness of the moment without the commentary from the egoic mind; you are feeling your presence as the true 'I' of the beholder.

To find out more read, What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Eye of the Beholder

People often say, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I'm sure most people know exactly what this means; but ever really look at it?

It is your judgment, as the beholder, that determines what is beautiful. Literally; the beauty was created in your mind and only exists in your mind. If others see beauty as well; they simply share similar criteria for that judgment.

This is why you and your friend can agree or disagree on who is cute and who isn't. It is open to the interpretation of you as the beholder. It does not exist in the world, or anywhere else, but your mind. You and your friend may agree someone is attractive and still have different reasons for doing so.

This does not only go for beauty. This goes for everything that is labeled and judged in life. There is always more than one way to look at something. A huge majority of the way we see and feel about the world is due to our labeling and judging it.

Life is defined in the eye of the beholder. No matter what is actually being seen; it is the way a person interprets what is seen that determines that person's life experience.

We often take the facts of life and add our own story to it. This story is all 'in the eye of the beholder.' To illustrate this: A man loses his job. This is a fact. He can choose to take this fact and add a sad sob story to it or he can choose to see it as a new beginning. Life is all about perspective. Life is defined in the eye of the beholder.

There is nothing like good times. Knowing what you know right now; you can choose when you are having good times. It is just a matter of practice.

To learn more, read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

The Tape Is Always Rolling

Ever notice how life is always on? No matter how you feel; it is always moving. If your reality was a movie; the tape would always be rolling.

The idea of the tape always rolling helps to put into perspective the fact that for life to exist, there must always be an ever present observer watching the tape rolling. There must be an awareness. There must be a consciousness to even acknowledge that you are having an experience.

This observing awareness is not your mind. It is there before your mind and your mind's interpretation of experience. It is actually this observing awareness that allows you to even recognize the experience before you make up your mind as to what it is.

The tape is even rolling when you are not consciously aware. This can and has been proven scientifically. Memories of times when someone was not consciously aware can be recalled after hypnosis. This, again, supports the fact that there is a part of you that is ever present. Not only is the tape always rolling; the record button is always on.

This is also supported by your own common sense. When you wake from a sleep; who is it that lets you know you had a dream? There is a part of you that is aware, whether you are asleep or awake. It is the same presence. It is the same ever present observer. The tape doesn't stop.

There are disputed studies on repressed memories and debates on recovered memory. Despite any arguments and or debates; the fact remains that there is an ever present observer always witnessing life. It is only how in tune with this presence we are that allows us to remember or forget what has happened. To be in the present moment and in acceptance is to be in tune with the observer. To be in resistance and denial of reality is to be stressed. Stress is the number one cause of memory loss.

Don't take my word for it. I am here to provoke you to know it for yourself. Google some answers. Reflect on and weigh these concepts with your own experience. You don't have to believe it. I would rather you don't believe it because you already know it.

The tape is always rolling. You know what that means? It means what ever you want it to. For some it means, "Time for some action!" For others it means, "Same s#!%, different day." For me, it's a constant good morning. You decide what it is for you.

For more on this, read What Is Really Good?, and stay tuned!

You're the BEST!

There is some part of you that this statement resonates with. There is a part of you that already knows this to be true. There is nothing egoic or boastful about this knowing. It is simply knowing a fact. It is a feeling. You're the best!

Ever wonder why or how we can have this unexplainable feeling despite all the billions of people in the world? Regardless of our size, abilities, or position in life; there is a part of you that can glimpse that feeling of resonance of being the best; of being special.

Everyone is special. To some, it sounds cliché. It sounds politically correct or idealistic. "How can everyone be special? If everyone was special; they wouldn't be considered special because it would be the norm." Or, "If everyone is special; why do some people have more than others? Why do some people do more than others?"

The true reason for this feeling or intuitive knowledge of being special has much less to do with what you have, what you do, or who you think you are. It has much more to do with the consciousness that perceives those things. It is your consciousness that allows those things to exist for you.

We probably hear that we are special more when we are children than any other time during life. At one time or another, most people, easily thought of themselves as the center of the universe. This was not a conscious thought. It was more of a perspective of reality. As children this concept is easy to assume as you are catered to, nurtured, and encouraged. The unlimited potential of children is acknowledged by parents, guardians, and teachers alike, as they tell the children that they can be anything that they would like to be when they grow up.

The concept of being the best is being acknowledged in most children even if unconsciously. It is that space of infinite possibilities, which is the true essence of our consciousness, that is being acknowledged.

As adults, at times it maybe harder to see. But it is still there, never-the-less. As long as you are breathing and conscious; you are the best. Even after you are not physically here; you will continue to be the best.

The best is the higher power within in you. It can never leave you because it is what remains when all else is taken away. It is you.

Read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

You're the BEST!

Every Set Back is a Set Up for a Come Back

A comeback would really not be possible if there was not a lapse in progress. Don't take my word for it. You already know this. I challenge anyone to find a comeback story or any possible success story that set backs and obstacles did not affect. It was the wide perspective of the people in these stories that allowed them to become successful.

Loss of any kind always presents us with a choice. This is a choice that we are actually always making. It is the choice of how we interpret our experience. It is the choice of whether we accept and adapt to, or resist what is.

To accept your reality is to be at peace and one with it and as a result, able to affect change with in it. It is literally to be in the present moment with the absence of egoic thought.

To resist your reality is to be in denial of it. You see yourself as separate from the situation. You would rather see a different reality and so you are not truly in the present moment. You cause yourself an incredible amount of unnecessary stress. All stress is resistance.

If you look at those who get ahead in life; you will notice that they all were experts at adapting. They knew how to roll with the punches. As a result, they were never shaken from the path to their goals. It is so ironic that many people's idea of being strong is to be immovable. In reality, the more flexible and prone to adapting you are; the stronger you are and the longer you last.

It is the set backs that allow us to see that we are not the story. Sometimes we are able to see we are the consciousness which allows the story to exist. We are not defined by the loss. We are the consciousness which allows us to notice a loss. The rough times often develop character because your true essence gets to shine through whatever has been lost.

Every set back is a set up for a comeback! Don't believe it. You already know it.

Read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Where're You At?

Where are you? Where're you at? Think about it. What would be your answer right now? Your attention to the question creates a shift in your awareness. You go from where ever you were focused before, to your immediate surroundings.

Here's an excerpt from What Is Really Good? on the topic:

Have you taken notice of the power of your focus? Simply shift your attention from the words you are reading right now to something else in your surroundings. Notice that your view can be as wide as the surroundings you are facing, encompassing a lot of things at once. You can also choose to focus on one individual thing in your surroundings. When you focus on that one thing, as opposed to the wider view, everything else becomes part of your peripheral vision. The way you can zoom in and out with your focus not only goes with your vision, but every sense you have and the perception of your thoughts as well.

You may have heard, "Energy flows where attention goes." The energy that flows where your attention goes is the energy of your focus. You are where you focus yourself. Whether your focus is external (your current surroundings and situation) or internal (your thought processes and physical inner body); you are there. Whether or not it is your mind’s eye or your external perception, you are there. Where else would you say you were other than where your attention and focus is? You could not truthfully say you are exclusively inhabiting your physical body unless your body is where your attention is focused.

To better illustrate this, think about your experience when watching a really good movie or TV show. Think about your experience when engulfed in a good book or watching an entertaining stage show or concert. Your attention is completely focused on the entertainment. You are there. The thought of you observing the entertainment is pretty much non existent unless you bring your awareness to it.

This goes for thoughts and emotions too. When you are constantly thinking about something or feeling a certain way, you are there with it, giving it the energy of your attention; the power of your focus.

To learn more about the power of your focus stay tuned to yourself. Stay tuned to this blog. And read What Is Really Good?

What's New? Life Through a Child's Eyes

Can you remember when you were a kid? Go back as far as you can. Remember when everything was new? The ever unfolding brand new parade of stimulus for your senses to experience. Exploring the world around you; feeling new fabrics, and textures; exciting new food to taste; new smells and scents from everything; new situations to deal with and learn from. In general, your sense of perception back then was considerably magnified compared to your senses most of the time today. Have you ever thought about why?

It is only natural for our perception to be heightened when our level of expectation is very low. In other words, the less you think you know what's going to happen next, the more aware and alert of the present moment you are. As a result, perception is heightened when your focus is in the present. People tend to enjoy themselves a lot more in the present moment as well.

Think about it yourself. You will notice that the newness of the moment is the secret ingredient in everything you enjoy. Are you a sports fan? You can't appreciate a game without being in the newness of the moment. Like to travel? The joy of traveling to new places is in the newness of the experience. Do you like to dance? Do you like music? How about movies, books, parties, meeting people, web surfing, everything! There is nothing that you can enjoy without acknowledging it in the present moment. You connect with life in the present moment.

So what's new? What is new? Of course 'new' has many uses and relative definitions but it is no coincidence that 'new' and 'now' have similar word origins. In order to be new, something must have just stepped out of the now; the present moment.

We often hear of people chasing their 'inner child'. It is easy to see why. The feeling of everything being brand new; the heightened perception; the zest for life; the wide eyed perspective; and the fun loving spirit are all still within you right now.

Find out how to see life through new eyes. Read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned!

Life: To Appreciate or Depreciate?

It is no coincidence that the word appreciate is used to describe being aware and grateful and also describes increased value in something. Value, if you really look at it, is nothing more than how much you appreciate something.

If you really like and appreciate something, you will pay more for it. How much we are willing to spend on anything is really always decided by how much we appreciate what it is. If you have something that you don't really care about anymore and don't really like, you would pay nothing for it. As a matter of fact, you might pay someone to get rid of it. The item's worth is pretty much negative to you.

This is a really simple and obvious concept; but it is often overlooked. You can appreciate or depreciate anything. You are the one who ultimately makes the decision as to how you accept or resist any possible thing in life. To put it another way; you are free to make life what you want it to be, and not what others or even old ideas of yours say it is.

One thing about appreciation is that it only works because you can feel it. How else would you describe it? It is otherwise intangible. To really feel anything, you must be in the present moment. You can only feel things right now. You can really only appreciate life right now. Even to appreciate a memory, you are doing it in the present. Straying too far from the present moment is how we learn to depreciate life.

Appreciation is a high form of acceptance and adaptation. Appreciate life and you get more to be grateful for as a result. Circumstances and situations maybe indicating a bad outcome; but the person who sees the situation for what it is and not what they are told, is better suited to reach a desired outcome. See what you have and not what you don't have.

Read What Is Really Good? and stay tuned to the blog.
Appreciate ya!