Thought of the Day 9/30/09

Technique

“Good words bring good feelings to the heart. Speak with kindness, always.” – Rodney Williams

Sally has an artist friend that uses a very unique technique when she creates a piece. When she puts the pen to paper, the pen does not lose contact with the paper until the piece of work is completed. I do not know how she decided to draw like this or if it is indeed called a certain style of art. I just know it made me think a little. Can you imagine having the vision, forethought, and talent to be able to draw something without breaking contact between the pen and paper? The first thing that came to mind for me is focus. To have the clarity in your head and commit to completing the work all at one sitting is quite a skill.

Personally, I would almost see it as a form of meditation. I found one definition of meditation that I really like: "self regulation of attention, in the service of self-inquiry, in the here and now." You are present in the moment to create the work and filtering out all the ambient “noise” of life to maintain focus on the piece of work until completion. That’s how meditation indeed works for me. I can sit in the chair or lay on the bed, get jacked in to the Holosync, and close my eyes. I still hear every single thing going on around me but my inner vision begins focusing on clearing my mind to receive. Receive meaning taking in whatever the universe, the Lord and the experience chooses to give me at the time. Every single session is different as things in my head and heart are different every day. I sometimes do an hour and sometimes 30 minutes. I never know until I jack in at the time. Meditation is part of “doing the work” like I referenced in yesterday’s TODs. There are a lot of other techniques that can help.

Over the last few years, I’ve learned to open my mind to the possibilities of improving my focus and life by trying and employing techniques I did not consider in the past. In addition to meditation, I use acupuncture and Chinese herbs, I do Chakra balancing and tuning, I consult with one of the world’s leading internationally known clairvoyants, mediums, and channels Kristina Lynn (member of our group - she was dead on when she read me and is available for readings), use manifestation and visualization, work with the Law of Attraction daily, ask for more advice than I give, and will be adding sessions in the field of Energy Medicine this week.

When I opened my vision and went from the “why would I try that world” to the “why in the world would I not try that”, things began changing for me in a significant way. How? By trying and using different techniques. Everything I learn and experience by using the techniques above, go into who I am today and what I write about. I do the work, and the TOD is my “technique” for creating.

Action Item – Do you have a technique for improving yourself and those around you that you want to share? Do you need some? “Free your mind, and the rest will follow.”

SAND PAPER MOMENTS

Phillip the Cab Driver
Phillip the Cab Driver picked me at the Harley dealer yesterday. As soon as I got in the cab, he kindly greeted me and started chatting about Harleys. He asked a common question. What do those Harleys cost, $30,000? I went through the prices and why certain models cost so much. Then came the sand paper moment

Phillip - “I could never afford one of those. I’m not an educated man…I never went to college….I’m just a cab driver that works 14 hours a day…you must be an educated man sir to able to afford one of those Harleys…”

Rod – “Yes I did go to college and have done well from it, but I can tell you college did not make me the person I am. The biggest thing I got out of it was the life experience.”

“Phillip, college does not mean you are educated, and it does not necessarily mean you make more money. It just means you set a goal and completed it That’s all. I’m sure there are things you know that I don’t because you have different life experiences than I do. Life experiences are what educate you, not college”

The Sand Paper Moment – He turned and smiled. “I’ve never thought about it that way, thank you for talking to me.” Phillip’s questions helped me sand and refine my words. My words to Phillip sanded his self image a little to know that he matters. He’s more than a cab driver. He’s a human being with unique life experiences.

I gave Phillip an $18 tip on a $22 fair. He just looked at me with a perplexed look and said thank you. I smiled, said you’re welcome, thanks for the ride, and got out of the cab. I’m 100% convinced he is still thinking about that conversation.

POSITIVE NEWS

The Next 100
Carin, from my rodeo committee, is number 101 to join the TOD Group. Welcome Carin.

Upcoming Fun
The Annual Greek Fest starts Thursday. It’s quite the large time. Here is the link for additional info. http://www.greekfestival.org/about.html

Fort Bend County Fair: http://www.fbcfa.org/

Goodness for the Critters
Bring your dogs, cats and other beloved creatures to the Blessing of the Animals at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., on Saturday, October 3 at 10 am. We will gather on the front lawn of the church to bless the animals that enrich our lives. This event commemorates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi and his love for all animals. Bring pets either on a leash or in a carrier or other appropriate restraint. Donations of animal treats, bedding, food and other items will be accepted for donation to the Houston SPCA.