Wind of the Soul

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” – Calvin Coolidge

The eleven letter word, titling this post, may appear to move against the grain of many spiritual teachings. There’s no denying, however, it’s one of the most important components for achieving the changes we desire in our lives. A form of consistent persistence, both of thought and action, is required to get the ball rolling on desired manifestation, and ensure it continues gaining speed.
(Read the rest of Perseverance…)

Today’s entry, in continuing with my wisdom in nature posts, features the elusive wind. At times, this element can be the yin to water’s graceful yang, yet it too provides us with its own enlightening characteristics. Wind has the ability to rapidly modulate its movement and its course, all based upon a connection to the moment. And while its temperament may not always be as passive and gentle as flowing water, it has developed its own unique variations and capacities for being a spiritual teacher just the same.

Wind provides the majority of its insight and wisdom through the demonstration of persistence and tenacity. Like water, it has the ability to slowly wear away any form of resistance and is a true artisan among the elements.
(Read the rest of The Wisdom of Wind…)

Mankind has always looked to nature as its ultimate external spiritual teacher. When we observe the elements in their natural, pristine settings; they have much to share regarding the unfolding of life. All things in the environment, (minus man’s interference) come about through an unhurried, consistent, form of allowing. While these traits can be witnessed in many elements, there doesn’t seem to be one that articulates them in a manner more beautifully than flowing water.

Water shares its wisdom with us through the subtleties of its action. Aside from an occasional storm, it has very little to prove and radiates a modest confidence in this knowledge. It has the ability to relax; taking on any shape which tries to encase it, while simultaneously possessing the potential to eventually realize its freedom- whether as a vapor or a liquid.
(Read the rest of The Wisdom of Water…)

A topic near and dear to my heart is the idea of people marching to the beat of their own drum. Despite what’s deemed the norm, and often times in spite of it, certain individuals manage to carve out their own unique ways of living, thinking and being. They’ve long since thrown off what’s considered acceptable by society’s standards and they live their lives by tuning into an inner calling and an awareness of what’s right for them.

In my opinion this is one of the fastest ways to become a fully self actualized human being. Self actualization is about more than establishing an identity. It’s about living intentionally and feeling wholeness and a fulfilled happiness that’s not dependent upon things or others. But, it’s simultaneously the recognition that material items and relationships can enhance your experience. However, they by no means have any bearing on your self sufficient state of joy and the knowledge of who you are.
(Read the rest of Shaking off Social Pressure to Achieve Self Actualization…)

For years, musicians, in different genres, have touched on the sentiment of today’s post regarding our perspective and how it pertains to opportunity. Two songs come immediately to mind: The rock anthem- You Can’t Always Get What You Want, by the Rolling Stones and the country classic- Unanswered Prayers, by Garth Brooks.

Of course, the Stones were singing about the concept that we don’t always receive everything we desire, but through our continued efforts, we can receive exactly what we need. Garth on the other hand, was referencing the idea that the god source energy provides its most amazing gifts, to us, by not granting certain prayers. However, it’s only in hindsight that we can understand and appreciate this.

Now, I don’t agree with the portion of these two songs that indicates we are unable to have or achieve certain things, whether by our own accord or due to a supposed intervention by source energy. It’s simply a matter of how we pursue our dreams (both through our thoughts and actions), and how willing we are to allow an adjustment of the means for them to manifest in our reality, which determines the outcome.
(Read the rest of Recognizing Opportunities for Expansion…)