Hiya,
Got an email from a lady called Karen Black today, and it asked a really simple but profoundly important question:
"At what age does your soul come calling?"
She quotes the philosopher James Hillman as saying:
“Sooner or later something seems to call us onto a particular path… this is what I must do, this is what I’ve got to have. This is who I am.”
To read the whole thing go to her blog here: http://karenmblack.wordpress.com/
This is such a thought provoking question that I had to blog about it myself. What is my soul calling, what do I reeeeaaally want to be? When did I first hear this calling? If I'm honest, it was probably when I was kid. I loved to make up stories of wonder and mystery back then and it's what excites me still.
I need to put more time into that, we all get soooooo bogged down in the day to day stuff (which is important if we want a roof above our heads) but some of us, probably most of us, need to get better balance in our lives.
Go and read her blog, it's going to get you thinking.
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Great picture
This is a lovely picture...
Courtesy of Joel Bedford: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jalex_photo/1525171367/
Very Lord of the Rings-esque!
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
Courtesy of Joel Bedford: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jalex_photo/1525171367/
Very Lord of the Rings-esque!
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
Friday, 10 September 2010
Do you have Permission?
Hiya,
I was having my 3rd 'No Hands' massage the other day and the question I was asked in our chat before hand was what would I like to get from the massage? How would I like to feel? And what type of massage would I like? That's the way it works with the 'No Hands' approach - it's much more holistic!
So I answered I wanted to feel more energised, stronger and more invigorated, I mean who wouldn't right? So we decided on a split between a nourishing massage and a release massage. As I lay there and let the somewhat upbeat music engulf me, I consciously relaxed my body in to the bed. Within just a couple of minutes of trying to concentrate on my breathing (as instructed) I found myself seeing the word 'Release' over and over.
My analytical mind started working...release what, yeah, sure I've felt a little tense recently - I've got a lot going on. But it was a little more complex than that. I needed to 'release' something all together deeper. And that's when the word 'Permission' drifted through the periphery and it became a lot clearer.
How many ways do we all hold ourselves back from doing something? But also, how many ways do we keep ourselves from stopping something? And I'm not just talking about the physical acts here. I'm talking about emotional stuff. So what's the permission all about? Well, I decided at the moment that I was going to give myself permission to giveup with something I've been trying for quite a while now (a business thing). When I say giveup, I mean change direction, re-evaluate, put on the back burner etc. And I don't even mean right away, I mean, I have permission to stop doing that thing whenever I want. Guilt free! Without feeling like a failure. Today, tomorrow, in a week or a month or whenever.
And you know what? I immediately felt invigorated to have the weight off, I felt energised by the thought I didn't have to keep slogging away, I could just STOP.
Funny that.
I got just what I wanted. And now, I feel stronger going forward and today I continued with the project a bit further, but I felt a whole lot calmer about it.
What permission could you give yourself today?
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
I was having my 3rd 'No Hands' massage the other day and the question I was asked in our chat before hand was what would I like to get from the massage? How would I like to feel? And what type of massage would I like? That's the way it works with the 'No Hands' approach - it's much more holistic!
So I answered I wanted to feel more energised, stronger and more invigorated, I mean who wouldn't right? So we decided on a split between a nourishing massage and a release massage. As I lay there and let the somewhat upbeat music engulf me, I consciously relaxed my body in to the bed. Within just a couple of minutes of trying to concentrate on my breathing (as instructed) I found myself seeing the word 'Release' over and over.
My analytical mind started working...release what, yeah, sure I've felt a little tense recently - I've got a lot going on. But it was a little more complex than that. I needed to 'release' something all together deeper. And that's when the word 'Permission' drifted through the periphery and it became a lot clearer.
How many ways do we all hold ourselves back from doing something? But also, how many ways do we keep ourselves from stopping something? And I'm not just talking about the physical acts here. I'm talking about emotional stuff. So what's the permission all about? Well, I decided at the moment that I was going to give myself permission to giveup with something I've been trying for quite a while now (a business thing). When I say giveup, I mean change direction, re-evaluate, put on the back burner etc. And I don't even mean right away, I mean, I have permission to stop doing that thing whenever I want. Guilt free! Without feeling like a failure. Today, tomorrow, in a week or a month or whenever.
And you know what? I immediately felt invigorated to have the weight off, I felt energised by the thought I didn't have to keep slogging away, I could just STOP.
Funny that.
I got just what I wanted. And now, I feel stronger going forward and today I continued with the project a bit further, but I felt a whole lot calmer about it.
What permission could you give yourself today?
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Derren Brown amazing programme!
Hiya,
Did anyone (in the UK) see Derren Brown's new programme last night?
Amazing inspirational stuff. The vid below is the teaser, and you can see the rest by clicking thru the YouTube links afterwards.
I urge you to watch it even if you hate Derren Brown (like my other half), I think you might just change your mind - a bit. :)
Watch, enjoy, and I'd love to hear what you think, if you can't leave a comment here (this blogger platform is a bit clumsy I know) then just send me an email.
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
Did anyone (in the UK) see Derren Brown's new programme last night?
Amazing inspirational stuff. The vid below is the teaser, and you can see the rest by clicking thru the YouTube links afterwards.
I urge you to watch it even if you hate Derren Brown (like my other half), I think you might just change your mind - a bit. :)
Watch, enjoy, and I'd love to hear what you think, if you can't leave a comment here (this blogger platform is a bit clumsy I know) then just send me an email.
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Albert Einstein on intuition
"The intellect has little to do on the road to discovery. There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, and the solution comes to you and you don't know how or why..."
Yeah, but are we listening?
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
Yeah, but are we listening?
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
You are what you eat - really?
Hi there,
Gandhi once said:
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
Really?
How are the animals treated in this country, and I don't just mean the ones that are eaten?
How many dog breeders out there actually care for the animals they're breeding? Not many I'd guess, it seems they are just treated as an income generator. Once they are used up, they are disposed of, either in horrendous ways I won't mention or simply 'given' to rescue centres or dog fosterers. (Basically, just get rid of them so I can get a new bitch in to breed with.)
I think there should be some kind of training commitment adhered to by all new dog owners. Maybe they have to complete a government recognised course on dog behaviour and welfare before they get given a license for a dog. Surely that would cut down on the amount of ignorant owners out there that just want a dog as a status symbol or accessory.
This is true of most pets, they're just bred for profit with little or no regard for the welfare of the animal.
That's my rant over with!
Then there's the animals bred for food.
Over the last few years I've noticed many more programmes being made about animal welfare and husbandry that are in the food chain, but how many people really care, especially if it costs more?
A couple of friends I train with were talking recently about finding a new supplier that would sell them 100 chicken breasts for £30!
Think about that, that's 50 chickens for £30. 60p per chicken!
Surely a chick has got to cost a farmer 20p or more right? Then there's feeding it for however many weeks (12 typically) till it's grown - say another 20p each. Then it needs to be transported to the abattoir, killed, butchered, and packed - that's got to cost a minimum of 20p each. So that's 60p in costs so far, not to mention any profit for the farmer. Then the end seller has to market it and deliver it and a make a profit within the remaining 0p per chicken!!!
So how do you think a chicken is raised in a pricing environment like that? Probably not well, probably in one of those cramped windowless barns with their other inmates dying around them and left where they lie.
If the old adage that 'You are what you eat' is true, then anyone consuming these chickens is eating misery, disease, fear and hopelessness. Not what I want on my plate.
Would love to hear your comments.
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
Gandhi once said:
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
Really?
How are the animals treated in this country, and I don't just mean the ones that are eaten?
How many dog breeders out there actually care for the animals they're breeding? Not many I'd guess, it seems they are just treated as an income generator. Once they are used up, they are disposed of, either in horrendous ways I won't mention or simply 'given' to rescue centres or dog fosterers. (Basically, just get rid of them so I can get a new bitch in to breed with.)
I think there should be some kind of training commitment adhered to by all new dog owners. Maybe they have to complete a government recognised course on dog behaviour and welfare before they get given a license for a dog. Surely that would cut down on the amount of ignorant owners out there that just want a dog as a status symbol or accessory.
This is true of most pets, they're just bred for profit with little or no regard for the welfare of the animal.
That's my rant over with!
Then there's the animals bred for food.
Over the last few years I've noticed many more programmes being made about animal welfare and husbandry that are in the food chain, but how many people really care, especially if it costs more?
A couple of friends I train with were talking recently about finding a new supplier that would sell them 100 chicken breasts for £30!
Think about that, that's 50 chickens for £30. 60p per chicken!
Surely a chick has got to cost a farmer 20p or more right? Then there's feeding it for however many weeks (12 typically) till it's grown - say another 20p each. Then it needs to be transported to the abattoir, killed, butchered, and packed - that's got to cost a minimum of 20p each. So that's 60p in costs so far, not to mention any profit for the farmer. Then the end seller has to market it and deliver it and a make a profit within the remaining 0p per chicken!!!
So how do you think a chicken is raised in a pricing environment like that? Probably not well, probably in one of those cramped windowless barns with their other inmates dying around them and left where they lie.
If the old adage that 'You are what you eat' is true, then anyone consuming these chickens is eating misery, disease, fear and hopelessness. Not what I want on my plate.
Would love to hear your comments.
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
Saturday, 4 September 2010
What a 6 year old can teach us...
Hiya,
A friend sent me an email the other day and I thought I would do a post featuring it here:
Title: A Dog's Purpose? (From a 6 year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”
The 6 year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.”
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
A friend sent me an email the other day and I thought I would do a post featuring it here:
Title: A Dog's Purpose? (From a 6 year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”
The 6 year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.”
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
for now
Be Inspired
Stu
If you like this you'll probably like my other blog:
http://thechangeyourlifeblog.wordpress.com
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