This month, shift has begun to happen. My boyfriend will be
changing jobs in the near future. I know that it is an
opportunity for expansion into something greater, but it
still was a shock.
All month, I've been preparing to present classes on
"Spiritual Self-Hypnosis," beginning in September. They'll
be held at my office, and I've spent hours bringing
together information for them and promoting the classes.
I'm releasing the success of the classes to the Universe.
Learning to release has been one of my challenges in this
lifetime. This is just another opportunity for me to
exercise it.
*** Feature Article ***
* What Are You Training For? *
by
Linda-Ann Stewart
There's an old saying, "You get out of a project what you
put into it." This means that however much energy you put
into an activity, project or talent, you reap the benefits
in equal measure. Athletes wouldn't dream of attempting to
"go for the gold" without training mentally and physically.
An artist knows that their talent grows the more they
exercise it. They recognize there will be hurdles to
overcome, but those obstacles simply make their abilities
stronger.
The same is true of every aspect of life. If you focus
your energy in the direction of prosperity, you'll reap
abundance. However, if you expend your thoughts in
the area of fear of not being able to pay the bills, that's
what you'll manifest. It's like a bank account. Think of
what thoughts you're depositing in your mind. Whether
those thoughts are positive or negative, you'll earn
interest based on the contents of you "account."
It takes concentrated practice to be aware of what
thoughts you're thinking. And it takes even more
attention and discipline to transform those ideas into
ones that are positive and beneficial. Are you putting in
ten thoughts of fear for every single thought of faith and
confidence? If so, you'll draw out whatever it is that
you fear. When you practice focusing on the good each
day, you're exercising your confidence in the Universe.
If you come up against an obstacle, you'll have the
strength to handle it.
Whatever kind of energy you're putting out, you'll be
experiencing that in your life. Are you depositing
thoughts of an expanded, more abundant life? If not,
begin to become aware of what kind of thoughts you're
depositing in your emotional bank, and start to train for
a better life.
*** Affirmation ***
I become aware of the thoughts that I think that might not
be in harmony with the Universe. I train myself to
transform them into the kind of idea deposits that I
desire. I know that my thoughts manifest their equivalent
in my life. I keep my thoughts positive and focused on the
Universal Good. Even though I might not see the good in
any situation, it is there awaiting my recognition of it.
The more I practice this, the stronger and more empowered
I become.
*** Question and Answer ***
Question: Why do I have to focus on what I want? Doesn't my
subconscious mind already know?
Answer: Your subconscious mind can only absorb what your
conscious mind sends its way. So if you want more
prosperity, but you constantly focus on not having enough
money, that's what the subconscious mind accepts and
manifests more of - lack. Your subconscious only knows
what it's been told. So if you want to be an artist, but
believe you have little talent, and constantly bemoan that
idea, your subconscious will make sure that you don't
fulfill your potential.
I've known so many people who say they want one thing, but
they focus on the opposite (me included). Or they want
something, but they don't want to have to change anything
to manifest it. A smoker may want to quit smoking without
giving up cigarettes. That would be the same as wanting
more prosperity without letting go of old attitudes about
struggle and lack. Whatever you focus on is what your
subconscious mind thinks you want. And it will deliver it
to the level that you truly accept.
Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in
the newsletter? If so write to me at:
linda-ann@cedarfire.com
*** New ***
* New Article *
Problems in life are transitory, while the Reality of the
Universe is Eternal and always awaiting your acceptance of
it. As you recognize this fact, you expand your
consciousness to accept more of the Good of the Universe.
This month, I've included an affirmation at the bottom of
the article. Read Getting Back In Alignment With The
Universe.
This month, Jeri Noble contributes a valuable article
about the hidden reasons why we may not be manifesting
what we want. We may be getting benefits, called
"secondary gains" from staying where we are. Frequently,
we may not recognize these reasons, but until we do, we
can't move forward. Read Secondary Gain: Keeping Your
Reality From Manifesting.
* Seminars *
I've created a page that lists and describes the seminars
and classes that I'm going to be presenting in the near
future. To see what I'm offering, go to
Seminar Schedule.
*** Recommended Reading ***
The Eight Human Talents: Restore the Balance and Serenity
Within You with Kundalini Yoga By Gurmukh
Many years ago, my first yoga class was a kundalini yoga
class. This was before I even knew there were different
styles of yoga. In the years since, I'd heard very little
about kundalini yoga. Then a friend gave me this book, and
I've been savoring it for a couple of months.
Gurmukh is an internationally renowned kundalini yoga
teacher. In this book, she writes about the different
chakras, which contain our talents. Exploring each one's
strengths and weaknesses, she gives specific exercises to
expand the talents, and heal the weaknesses. She
identifies the eight strengths as Acceptance, Creativity,
Commitment, Compassion, Truth, Intuition, Boundlessness,
and the eighth, our aura, as Radiance. Each of these
talents has a "shadow" side, which can pull a person out
of balance.
The book is well-written, easily read, and humorous. If
you're interested in yoga, this is a great book to have.
I've recommended the newly released paperback, but it also
comes in hardback. I will treasure my copy of this book.
This past month has been challenging for everyone. Our
world has changed. We're in the midst of a transformation
from an old way of thinking and acting to a new one. Some
people are still reacting from an outdated model, and we
hear about their attacks on innocent people who look
Middle Eastern. Fortunately, there aren't many of those
attacks and they are not accepted by any rational person.
Although I'm terribly saddened by the death, injury and
loss suffered by the people on the east coast, I'm
encouraged by the response of the rest of the world. Even
if it's only rhetoric, even if it's temporary, this is the
first time that all of the countries of this planet have
agreed on anything positive. It's the first time that we
have all come together with a common goal. If it's
happened once, it makes it easier to occur again. This
planet has taken a giant leap forward in evolution.
Okay, I'll get down off my soapbox now.
*** Feature Article ***
* Anger, Hatred and Disempowerment *
by
Linda-Ann Stewart
Since the events of September 11, 2001, I've been
hearing a lot about hate. Arabs hating Americans, and
Americans hating anyone that even looks like they're of
Middle Eastern descent. Hate seems to be a powerful
emotion, but the reverse is actually true. When a person
hates someone or something, they give their power
away to that object. Intense anger motivates hatred. The
emotion feels powerful because it's fuelled by the "fight
or flight" response that occurs in the body.
"Fight or flight" is a survival mechanism that allows us
to deal with immediate danger. A person gets angry and
fights the danger off, or gets scared and flees from it,
thus saving themselves. You've heard of a one hundred-
pound grandmother lifting a car off of her trapped
grandson. That's the fight or flight response at its best.
Chemicals are dumped into the body to create the
strength and the speed needed at that time. But
afterwards, there's a letdown, a collapse of the physical
system while it recovers.
The mechanism was formed to help in sudden crisis.
But if a person remains in that mind-set of fear or anger
for a prolonged period of time, the body and mind
begin to break down. The energy of the body become
depleted, and eventually illness occurs. The mind
suffers because the anger needs to be justified and
rationalized to continue. Any personal growth or
spiritual evolution stops. Ultimately, the anger destroys
the person who is chronically angry.
Anger that isn't acknowledged is also dangerous. If
anger is ignored, pushed away, or suppressed, it will
also feed on itself. And it too will destroy its owner. In
this case, the person must accept that they feel angry,
and make a rational choice of what they want to do
about it if they are to heal. Anger can be turned into
something productive, like "Mothers Against Drunk
Drivers."
After all, anger is simply energy. When it can be
channelled to do something constructive, it fulfills its
purpose. However, if it rationalizes a feeling of
disempowerment and helplessness and turns to hatred,
the energy will defeat that person or culture. Transform
any anger you have into positive action. Reclaim your
power and refuse to give it away. Your life needs to be
consciously controlled by you, not unconsciously
controlled by your anger.
*** Affirmation ***
I recognize when I feel angry. Anger is simply energy and
an attempt to keep me safe. As I forgive myself for being
angry, I understand that I can direct that energy in a
constructive way. Using my power of choice, I listen to
Divine Guidance as to how to channel my anger productively.
In so doing, I reclaim my power and become a positive force
in the world.
*** Question and Answer ***
Question: Why do things like the attack on the World Trade
Center and Pentagon happen, and kill so many innocent
people?
Answer: This is a question that spiritual seekers will be
examining for a long time. I know that we are not just our
bodies. We have a soul and spirit that is eternal.
Sometimes, on an unconscious level, a person agrees or
decides to participate in an event that seems horrendous
as a way to further their soul growth and to further the
evolution of our world.
There are some people on our planet that want to control
how everyone else lives and believes, and they use fear
and terror as their tools. The Catholic church did this
in the middle ages during the Inquisition and the Burning
Times. Hitler did it in the 30's and 40's. The Ku Klux
Klan has done it in the past 100 years in the southern
part of the US, to persecute the former slaves. Whenever
there is intolerance of any race, creed, lifestyle,
etc., there is the seed of violence.
I'm praying that something wonderful comes out of this,
and hope that maybe it means we're approaching an end
to terrorism. The entire world seems to be coming together
in the desire for this enterprise. Hopefully, this
terrible time will help to end intolerance.
Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in
the newsletter? If so write to me at: linda-ann@cedarfire.com.
*** New ***
* New Article *
Having compassion for someone doesn't mean protecting them
from the consequences of their actions. When we excuse a
perpetrator of his/her offense, we indirectly give them
approval of their actions. By doing so, we interfere with
their learning from the experience. Learn how to have a
detached sense of compassion. This article includes an
affirmation to help you along the way.
Read The Nature of Compassion.
Quantum Reality by Jeri Noble addresses the mechanics of
metaphysics. It helps to understand why the process works,
while you're learning to use it. This article explores some
of the different facets of how conscious creation takes
place, including why rituals sometimes help and some
sidetrips that are self-destructive.
*** Recommended Reading ***
Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28-Day Exercise Plan
by Richard Hittleman
When I first got involved in yoga over twenty years ago,
I didn't how to practice at home. I'd taken a couple of
classes, but knew very little about how to exercise on
my own. This was long before VCR's and videotapes. I
discovered this book, and it was exactly what I was
looking for. When a client comes to me, and expresses an
interest in yoga, I recommend this book.
As its title suggests, it's a 28-day yoga plan. Every
day, you have certain postures that you do. Each fourth
day, you review what you've learned. The postures are
explained step-by-step, and you're taken through them
from a beginner's perspective and flexibility. At the
end of each day, there's an essay about some aspect of
yoga. Some of the titles of these essays: "What is
yoga," "Yoga nutrition," "Arthritus," "Weight
regulation," and "Exercising the organs and glands."
The author claims that this is an "accelerated method
of instruction that now enables any serious student to
learn and practice 38 Yoga exercises within a four week
period." I can attest to the truth of that statement. At
the end of the 28 days, he's compiled the exercises into
three daily routines that you rotate.
This has been a month of changes. Changes in the world,
changes of the season, changes in the individual's life.
My boyfriend, Jeff, and I drove up into the mountains above
Flagstaff to take photos of the leaves changing. The
aspens had turned the color of gold, and it was like
driving through a tunnel that shimmered and glistened.
This is a change of season that precedes winter,
traditionally a time of retreat. I sense that our world is
undergoing a shift of consciousness, and many people are
experiencing this turning within to assess the change.
Just as autumn precedes winter, so does winter precede
spring, and I believe that we're moving into a new
season of life.
*** Feature Article ***
* In A Crisis, Get Back To Basics *
by
Linda-Ann Stewart
Several years ago, I went through a life-changing crisis.
The experience threw me into shellshock and knocked
me off my spiritual foundation. I had the intellectual
knowledge of how the Universe works, but my
connection to my Power had disappeared.
Many times, the purpose of a crisis is to shed light on
what's not working. In this case, a person needs to
evaluate where they've violated a spiritual principle.
Review what you know to discover where you've
slipped off the path. Using new techniques to discover
where you've blocked the Universal flow can be
helpful, as long as you don't completely throw out the
fundamentals of your spiritual beliefs.
When a person goes through a crisis, they tend to feel
powerless, as I did. I've seen people completely
abandon their spiritual beliefs, and everything they have
learned from them as a way to regain some connection
to their Spirit. Doing this while under pressure, anxiety
or stress can't build a strong foundation.
While in a crisis, strengthening your foundation is
essential. It's best not to make any drastic changes at
this time. Change is best conducted in a time of calm.
Spiritually, a time of crisis may signal to go deeper
within, to get to know your spiritual beliefs better. Once
you've weathered the difficulty, and gotten on more
solid ground, that's the time to spread your wings.
Remember that all the Power to heal and triumph over
any situation is within you. Techniques of any belief
system are simply tools to help you to access that
Power. During a crisis, rediscovering the roots of your
spiritual beliefs may be the best thing you can do. In the
years following my crisis, I went back to the
fundamentals to re-learn all that I already knew. The
time was well spent. As a result, I healed much stronger
and with a deeper faith.
*** Affirmation ***
I know that I have all the Power of the Universe at my
command. My connection with my Spirit is always
present, whether I feel it or not. In a time of crisis, I go
deeper within to heal myself. I'm Divinely Guided to
any new techniques that help me strengthen my
spiritual foundation, recognizing them for what they
are, simply tools.
*** Question and Answer ***
Question: I have been in a relationship for about a year
now and have put a lot of energy into it without any
expectations of anything in return. Why has it not
manifested any further?
Answer: Although you say that you've been in this
relationship with no expectations, you have had an
expectation, that the relationship would progress. I'm
sure you thought it would happen on its own. That's what
we're told. But by trying not to have any expectations,
you've actually manifested what you were expecting. No
expectations, no progression.
We've been told over and over to let go of any expectations
in our relationships, when what it actually means is to not
have any expectations of our partner. The idea of no
expectation really means that we shouldn't expect our
partner to change to suit us or to our ideas of how they
should be. However, there are some expectations we should
have in any relationship. To be treated well, to have open
communication, to have respect, to be treated equally. When
we put so much energy into a relationship, and don't get
anything back, it's time to reassess the relationship. The
person you're with may not be able to give you what you
obviously want.
You need to set some boundaries of what you expect from the
relationship. Only that way can the Universe and the other
person know what you need. You deserve to do that. You
deserve to value yourself, and to expect to be valued by
the other person. By stating what you need and want, you
allow the other person to decide whether they can give it
to you or not. If they choose not to, then you need to let
go and move on. By doing so, you give the Universe the
opportunity to bring someone else into your life who can
fill your needs.
Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in
the newsletter? If so write to me at:
linda-ann@cedarfire.com
*** New ***
* Teleclasses, Anyone? *
I'm investigating the possibility of presenting teleclasses
or teleseminars. What is this? It's a class or seminar you
can attend from anywhere in the world, as long as you have
a phone and access to long distance. It's like a conference
call, where participants call a number, and are all
connected to each other and the facilitator (in this case,
me). There would be a class fee and long distance
charges. The class or seminar session is generally one hour
at a time, for the length of the seminar, say four weeks.
I'm looking into the possibility of presenting these, but
would like to know if there's any interest before I proceed
further.
If this sounds like it might interest you, please click on
this link teleclasspoll@cedarfire.com I just want
to get an idea if this is something you feel might be of
value, and want to take a poll. In no way does this commit
you to anything. It is simply a survey. Thank you for your
participation.
* New Article *
What are you willing to give up for your good? This month's
article addresses the concept that to accept more good,
something else is presently in its place. It includes
questions to ask yourself when you're not manifesting what
you want. Read Create Space For Your Good.
The second article this month, "It Was Just Like In the
Movies....", is by guest writer, Asoka Selvarajah. Thought
is powerful. This article considers that the world
moviegoer's enjoyment of disaster pictures may be
visualizing those very disasters into reality. This is a
concept friends and I wondered about long before September
11.
*** Recommended Reading ***
The Wisdom Of Florence Scovel Shinn
by Florence Scovel Shinn
When I went back to basics, this was the first book that I
read. This is actually a compilation of her four books,
"The Game of Life, and How To Play It," "The Power of the
Spoken Word," "Your Word Is Your Wand," and "The Secret
Door To Success." The author was well known for her
teachings about affirmations.
"The Game of Life.." is a primer on Universal Laws. It
covers such topics as affirmations, prosperity, karma,
nonresistance, forgiveness, intuition, the divine design,
and more. "The Secret Door To Success" is a sequel to
"The Game of Life..." The title, "The Power of the Spoken
Word," speaks for itself. "Your Word Is Your Wand" is
filled with affirmations on various topics.
All of these books, which are compiled into "The Wisdom of
Florence Scovel Shinn," utilize affirmations as the way
to transform. In this compilation, you'll find hundreds of
affirmations for any number of problems. This is a classic
in metaphysical literature, and every metaphysician should
have it in their library.
I apologize that the newsletter is late. I couldn't get into
my account at Yahoo to send it out on time. It's been very
frustrating.
I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I gave thanks for
all of the wonderful things in my life. In the coming month,
many people will be rushing around, trying to get shopping,
wrapping, and decorating done. At a busy time like this,
it's especially important to remember to take time to care
for yourself.
Have a safe, healthy, happy holiday season!
*** Feature Article ***
* Practicing Goodwill To Yourself * by Linda-Ann Stewart
This is the season for "Peace on earth, goodwill to all."
But how is your goodwill towards yourself? In other
words, how are you treating yourself? Are you doing
things that nurture and nourish your inner being or are
you putting yourself last on your list? The way you take
care of yourself impacts your relations with everything
in your world. When you don't give your inner self
importance, Life treats you much in the same way.
The Bible says to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." This
has been interpreted to mean that we're to put others
first. But read of the whole quote, "Love thy neighbor
AS thyself," not more than yourself. If you don't love
yourself, you can't love your neighbor. Love of self and
goodwill extends outward like the ripples in a pond.
When you tend to yourself, you can tend to others
because you have more love to spread.
There's an old saying, "Charity begins at home." This is
because if you give all of yourself away, there's nothing
left for you, therefore there's nothing left of you to
give. If you don't nurture yourself in a healthy way, your
inner self will insist on it. For instance, if you work too
hard, you might get sick to get some time off.
How can you nurture yourself? I'm not talking about
eating a pound of fudge, but doing something that
makes your inner being feel nourished. Getting enough
sleep and eating healthy meals would be a good start.
Other things to do could be to take a walk, get out into
nature, meditate, do yoga, take a bubble bath, rent a
video, or something else that makes you feel special.
For you are special to the Universe. The Infinite wants
you to show goodwill to yourself, so that your peace
will spread to the world.
*** Affirmation ***
Peace on earth begins with each individual person. I
love myself as much as the Universe loves me.
Therefore, I treat myself with goodwill. I nurture my
inner being and nourish my physical self in healthy
ways. As I give more love to myself, I have more to
give to others in the world.
*** Question and Answer ***
Question: If a person is daily using several affirmations,
which one will manifest first?
Answer: I always suggest that a person restrict themselves
to affirming in one area of their life at a time. You can
affirm one area, and when you see improvement in
that area, you can move onto another area of your life. The
reason for this is that when the subconscious mind gets too
many instructions at one time, it tends to rebel. Think
about how you'd feel if someone dumped a lot of tasks on
you, and expected them to be immediately completed. The
subconscious gets overwhelmed. If you use several
affirmations at a time, the affirmation the subconscious
will manifest, if it manifests any of them, is the one
with the least conflict and that you feel most confident of.
In other words, the one that has the least resistance or
fear around the issue, or that you've had the most
success with in the past.
Would you like to submit a question for me to answer in
the newsletter? If so write to me at:
linda-ann@cedarfire.com
*** New ***
* Teleclass Poll Results *
I want to thank everyone who participated in my survey to
discover if there were many of you interested in my
presenting teleclasses. At this time, there weren't enough
people who expressed an interest in teleclasses for me to
move forward with them. I plan to do so at a future time,
however, it's just that they're going on the back burner
right now. Again, thanks to everyone, to the ones who
responded and the ones who didn't.
* New Article *
Many people, especially those from dysfunctional homes,
believe that Life is against them. But the entirety of
the Universe is on your side. This article explores how
you can begin believing that Life is for you. Read The Universe Is On Your Side and its affirmation.
The guest article this month is about the home. Because of
the season, I thought it would be appropriate. Learn how to
transform your house into a sanctuary for your spirit and
a reflection for your soul. Read Use Your Senses To Create A Sacred Home by Lorraine Aho.
*** Recommended Reading ***
The Abundance Book by John Randolph Price
This little book is worth its weight in gold. I've used mine
so much that it's fallen apart, and I keep it in a ziplock
bag. Quoting from various teachers and books about
prosperity, it condenses all the wisdom about and abundance
into this tiny volume. The author writes about the profound
idea that you are your own money, and that it's your energy
that circulates. He includes some prosperity "secrets" to
help manifest quicker and easier.
Included in this book is a 40 day prosperity plan, which
are 10 affirmations you meditate on. Taking one of these
affirmations each day, you circulate through them 4 times.
By the end of the 40 days, you'll have begun to change your
consciousness about money, prosperity and abundance. This
book will change your perspective on money and yourself.
Whenever I get into fear about finances, I pull this book
out and read it again.
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