breaking patterns

The Wish-Fulfilling Mandala (Or how not to mistake a rope for a snake)

Posted on by
244

The wish-fulfilling mandala is a simple tool that allows you to manifest your intention. You will experience immediate results through the use of this mandala. It’s a simple practice to transform negative mind-sets and experiences to allow for direct spiritual and creative experience. It facilitates the transformation of pain stories, difficulties, and resistances into a way of living that is inspired by intention. It’s a wish-fulfilling tool. Begin with the center circle. In this circle identify a strong assumption or pain story you hold that you know influences your inner and outer landscape. Identify something that you are struggling with. This could be about how you view yourself … Continue reading →

The Secret To Success Is: There Is No Secret (The 8 Knowns of Creative Freedom)

Posted on by
27

There are no secrets or formulas or one size that fits all when it comes to success. It’s all known, although for some not yet discovered. Here are 8 knowns (researched and evidence based) to living the creative life, successfully. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. We are habitual, comfort seeking creatures. Unawares, we may lose a myriad of opportunities in our reach because we keep taking the same route home. For too many, remaining in a toxic environment feels easier than to break free because such risk-taking creates anxiety and discomfort. Ask yourself: Are your habits living your life? Is … Continue reading →

An Old Dog With An Old Trickster

Posted on by
8

Early on in my life, I found myself at times inundated with certain dark thoughts that just seemed to appear randomly and out of nowhere. They would show up at different times in my life and interfere with an otherwise pleasant time. They didn’t seem to have any cause. Asking why they existed only generated more unhappiness on my part, so I decided to pay more attention to when they arose. Knowing that the problem is next to the wound, that the solution is within the question, I noticed how, if it weren’t for these random dark thoughts, I would … Continue reading →

Ajatashutru’s Freedom from Anger and Attachment

Posted on by
17

This is the fifth piece in the Venerable Geshe Lhundup Sopa’s introductory teachings, the “lessons before the lessons.” Commentary and spiritual writing prompts follow his lesson. Ajatashutru, who was a cousin of the Buddha, was under the influence of very strong attachment. This story is a good example because it shows us how even a relative of the Buddha can be under the influence of a strong mental delusion. He began to compete with the Buddha for recognition. In this story Ajatashutru met up with a companion in evil, Devadatta, who ignited more aggression and more anger in him, until he … Continue reading →

A Little Freedom Can Go A Long Way

Posted on by
6

“ . . . Re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul and your very flesh shall be a great poem.” –Walt Whitman, taken from his Preface to Leaves of Grass Too often we live from our pain stories, while thinking and acting habitually. As a result, we carry more weight on our bodies than is healthy, are not active, cycle in and out of difficulty, find ourselves confronted with the same old problems (may be different faces but the same issue) and repeat and see the past. … Continue reading →