Albert Einstein said, “Each child is born a genius.” Was he speaking of our I.Q.? I think not. I
believe he was speaking of our ability to create. Every human is born with creativity. It’sas
natural for human beings to create as it is for fish to swim or birds to fly. We are all blessed with innate creative
ability. We were created in the image of
the Creator of All, I AM. Therefore, we
have an inherited ability to create or co-create with God. We can, however, stifle our and our children’s creativity by not acknowledging and nurturing
its existence. We then miss an essential
element of the human experience. After
all, what do human beings do? What makes
human beings different from other creatures?
Perhaps more than anything, it is the human capacity to consciously create.
In studies designed to uncover the variables that predict
creativity—what makes one person more creative than the other—researchers
looked at IQ, socioeconomic background, education, and a host of other
factors. They were surprised to discover
that the only variable that could reliably predict whether or not an individual
would demonstrate creative ability was the individual’s belief that he or she
was a creative person. People who
believe they are creative actually are more so.
The first step then, to uncovering your or your child’s creative power,
is to embrace and celebrate that you and your child (like everyone else in
their truest nature) are a creative person.
One of the most noted creative genius is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He said to have written many of his finest
works as if taking dictation. He
described the state of mind that best facilitated his capacity to receive
ideas. He said, “It is when I am, as it were, completely myself,
entirely alone, and of good cheer….that ideas flow best and most
abundantly. Whence they come, I know
not, nor can I force them.” As Mozart
said, being alone, quieting your mind, getting away from the noise of modern life,
puts you in a frame of mind that encourages your reception of creative ideas.
Each human being, including you and your child,
is a genius. We are born with our own
special creative gifts. When we accept
that we in our truest nature are no better, no worse, and no different from
anyone else, we are free to be who we are as unique individuals. When we accept
that we were created in the image of the Creator of All, I AM we can embrace our natural gifts and share them with the world. I believe
we cannot overlook how crucially important it is to know the genius that lies
in ourselves and our children. We must
shift from our cognitive, analytical mind and embrace the intuitive, creative
nature of who we are to live a life of authenticity and balance. You and your child are geniuses.Own it, live it, and en-joy! I AM Joy video clip...
Just as we possess the genetic information of our earthly parents and ancestors, so do we possess the genetic information of our spiritual Mother/Father. You were created in the image of the I AM. The I AM is the God-like nature that exists in you. This is a big deal! The I AM comes from “I AM THAT I AM,” the name God revealed to Moses when he said, “This is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” When we say, ”I AM,” we are claiming the God-like nature and creativepowerwithin us. Affirmations are powerful statements about you either positively or negatively. Every time you make a mental affirmation, your subconscious mind hears it and adjusts towards the reality of that statement. The subconscious does not filter, it just acts on your statements. It is important that you feed yourself positive thoughts about who you are. I AM Affirmations are especially powerful statements. Whenever you say, “I AM …..” you are saying “God in me is…….”. You are summoning God’s power within you to bring about constructive change whether you say “I am sick”, “I am tired”, “I am having a great day” or “I am healthy”. This is because the state of your mind is influenced by what you think and by what you say.
When I began practicing I AM Affirmations, I initially had a difficult time overriding negative self-talk with the positive! It was only when I began practicing meditation combining I AM Affirmations that I was able to experience the feelings of the positive affirmations. In experiencing the feelings of the words, I was then able to believe them! It was then that the negative habitual talk became less frequent. And when it did arise, I then was able to shift to positive truths more easily.
The truth is, we are extensions of the Divine; children of God. All the wonderful qualities of God are within me and YOU! Own it! Believe it! Live it! Step into the full expression of your magnificence. This isn't to say you are perfect. No one is perfect. It is to say, you are a powerful co-creator with the Creator of All. Affirm and most importantly feel your worth using I AM to bring joy, peace, and love to you and therefore, others. It is your birthright!
"I don't have time" has got to be the number one excuse for not implementing practices such as meditation and physical exercise that have been proven to have tremendous mental, physical and spiritual benefits. I've heard this excuse over and over in my twenty-five years in the wellness industry. Heck, I've said it myself from time to time. "Not having enough time" on a regular basis, however, can no longer be an excuse when you know "The Power of Ten."
The American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines for physical fitness is 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity, 3 - 5 days a week, and strength training two days a week working all the major muscles, 8-10 repetitions each. Looking at this prescription, when you already have a packed schedule, can be very daunting--no doubt about it. Here is the good news: You can divide the 20 minutes of aerobic activity. Studies have shown proven benefits from performing aerobic activity for 10 minutes twice a day. For example, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. We all know the benefits of regular aerobic activity but let me remind you: improved circulatory system; prevention of Type 2 Diabetes; 50% reduction in cardiovascular disease; improved self-esteem; less depression and anxiety. It is also very gratifying to climb a flight of stairs without sucking wind!
I've been accustomed to spending about an hour at the gym with strength training, but it has not worked for me in the past couple of years. I found myself procrastinating and often skipping my workouts. That is, until I discovered The Power of Ten workout by Adam Zickerman and Bill Schley. (I've had their book for a few years now but was skeptical.) This works for me! I now only spend 20 minutes at the gym and am working twice as hard while there. The workout is basically performing your repetitions to failure in 20 second increments; 10 seconds up and 10 seconds down for each repetition. Weight training is the "key to the kingdom of physical fitness" say Zickerman and Schley, who are stronger proponents of weight training than aerobic training. It's interesting how gradually it has become less about a sculpted body for me and more about the prevention of osteoporosis. It also gives me great confidence to know I can move that heavy box, piece of furniture, and grandchild when he/she comes along.
Don't leave here... Give me 10 more seconds! This is very exciting to me! Research scientists at The Institute of Heart Math have proven that thought from the conscious mind attached to a strong feeling from the subconscious mind creates an energetic pattern or a belief in the heart. It has proven that our hearts are quite literally at the core of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) that communicate with our brains and the cells of our bodies. The heart's EMF is 5,000 times stronger than the brain and measures at least 8-10 feet outside of the body. This powerful EMF of the heart tells the brain which chemicals such as hormones and endorphins to produce in the body at any given time. More precisely our feelings tell our brains which chemicals to produce in the body at any given time. This form of energy informs your brain and each of your cells about your heart state be it happy, sad, excited, depressed, etc. Every time you have an emotionally charged thought from a strong belief held in your heart, your body responds either in healthy or unhealthy ways. And because these heart-based feelings create electromagnetic waves that extend outside the body, science is also saying they influence the energy that forms the atoms of our world. Our inner world literally affects our outer.
Quoting Greg Bradden from his book, The Spontaneous Healing of Belief,"We are speaking to the world around us in each moment of every day through a language that has no words: The beliefs of our hearts. It makes perfect sense that the power to change our bodies and our world is focused in the one place that's long been associated with the spiritual qualities that makes us who we are: the heart." I believe in spending only 10 minutes a day to connect our hearts to an all loving power, God--I AM, we create tremendous healing for ourselves and our world. This can be done through meditation, prayer, art, listening to soothing music, a walk through nature, etc. There is not a perfect way. The perfect way is what works for you in connecting your heart to the power of unconditional Love! The key to the kingdom of Love is connecting your heart to the Creator of All, and allowing this love to permeate every cell of your body flowing forth into the world.
Surely now is the time for each of us to take personal responsibility for what betters the whole. We are mental, physical, spiritual beings gifted with life itself. We are contributing to the whole by what lies within our hearts. Loving thoughts towards ourselves and others are difficult when we do not feel good physically. Loving thoughts towards ourselves and others are difficult, if we do not refrain from the noise of the world and connect our hearts to the power of unconditional Love--God, I AM. Implement The Power of Ten! Take 10 minutes a day to connect your spiritual heart to unconditional love of God, I AM. Take 10 minutes twice a day for your physical heart and other health benefits; take 10 seconds up and 10 seconds down on your repetitions for muscle strength. I do believe more than ever, now is the time.
Does a song ever appear in your mind clear out of the blue? This happens to me fairly often. I used to wonder, "Where did that come from? What made me think of it?" I know I had not recently heard it and nothing just happened that could have created a memory of it. If I don't know all the lyrics, I've learned to find them, because invariably there's a message in the song that I need a reminding of or need to learn! It seems to be one way that Spirit teaches me. This is the case yesterday with Joe Cocker's, "Up Where You Belong."
Verse 1:
Who knows what tomorrow brings In a world where few hearts survive All I know is the way I feel When it's real I keep it alive
The road is long There are mountains in the way But we climb a step every day
Chorus:
Love lift us up where we belong Where the eagles cry On a mountain high Love lift us up where we belong Far from the world we know Up where the clear winds blow
Verse 2:
Some hang on to used to be Live their lives looking behind When all we have is here and now All our lives Out there to find
The road is long There are mountains in the way But we climb a step every day
(Chorus)
I realized after reading the lyrics, I once again had fallen into focusing on the past and worrying about the future! This, of course, always dilutes the present moment and generally provokes fear and dis-ease! It is impossible to experience Love on any level with this mindset!
Love does lift us up where we belong but we have to make the conscious choice to be in Love and not fear! This sounds so easy doesn't it? That is, just make the choice! I've found that certain times it's easier than others. It depends on the circumstances involved. Yet, ultimately, it is always a choice.
For me to switch from fear to Love, I know it is time for me to... "Be still and know I AM, God" (Psalms 46:10). I've found this to be a very powerful mantra in meditation. I repeat it until I feel His Love which lifts us up where we belong!
Having gone through two pregnancies myself, I know this is a very special time for a woman and her family. It is a time of many changes in a woman’s body, in her emotions and in the life of her family. As welcomed as they may be, these changes often add new stresses to the lives of busy pregnant women who already face many demands at home and at work. I know from my personal experience that there is an amazing difference in a newborn whose mother was extremely stressed throughout her pregnancy vs. a mother who was calm. Meditation during pregnancy can be the solution.
Studies have shown that regular meditation increases serotonin; a powerful “feel good” hormone which contributes to feelings of happiness and contentment which can help mothers avoid pre-natal and post-natal depression. Recent research suggests that meditation while nurturing your baby is a contributing factor in having a peaceful and content baby after birth.
Many people shy away from meditation because it uses valuable time and can be frustrating if you don’t experience quick results. “Twenty Gems, Journeys to the Self” provide the benefits of meditation during pregnancy in a short and gratifying process. Each visual meditation leads you through an 11-minute journey of skillfully combined imagery of nature scenery, mesmerizing graphic animation and soothing music while instantly relaxing and healing, where you emerge feeling calm and rejuvenated. The optional positive affirmations throughout encourage healthy self-esteem, self-acceptance, and empowerment. Here’s what a few have said: “I have been looking for weeks for a DVD with beautiful images that could provide relaxation. Finally during a flight on US Airways I discovered TwentyGems which was showing as the boarding video. It is exactly what I’ve been looking for. You must let other pregnant mothers know about this production. By the way, it was the most relaxed flight I’ve ever taken.” – Kayla “My two-and-half-month old son is a very colicky baby who cries a lot. I placed him in front of our television with TwentyGems and he went from a fussy state to cooing with delight. He watched the whole 44 minutes!” – Theresa, Atlanta, GA … “As a psychologist, I have seen many similar products and none compare to these. The caliber of the spoken words and dynamic, exotic, and serene visuals is unlike anything else. I would highly recommend these materials to anyone who desires to slip into total relaxation and feel better than they thought possible.” - Kathleen Nickerson, PhD, Laguna Beach, CA “I agreed to baby sit my four month old grandchild on a day I had so much to do. I placed him in his swing in front of TwentyGems hoping to occupy him for a brief while. Much to my amazement he watched the entire 44 minute loop twice! He was totally entertained while joyously interacting with these beautiful visuals!” – Jolene, Kansas City, MO Watching TwentyGems only eleven minutes a day on a regular basis as meditation for pregnancy will help your body and mind to work in harmony not only as you prepare for the birth of your new baby but also for a content baby after birth.
Here is a sample,” I AM Harmony” from Volume 1. Experience it for your Self…
