Nov
16
2012
As part of the Dr John Demartini Prophecy workshop I’m currently in, we had to go out into the general public yesterday and ask a stranger two questions.
- What are 10 things to do in life?
- What are 10 things not to do in life.
I chose Rose who was a lovely young lady sitting in a bookshop café in Milson’s Point and after explaining the exercise, she sipped her tea and came up with these answers.
10 Things to do in Life
A Rose by another flower
- Finish High School
- Be kind to people
- Avoid getting trapped in what people think you should do
- Work out what you want to do and find a way to do it
- Have outrageously big goals and aim to achieve them
- Keep reminding yourself you’re younger than you are and you have many options
- Learn another language so you can see a different world
- Read a lot
- Take your friends’ feelings and dreams seriously
- Learn to love swimming.
10 Things not to do in life
- Don’t make decisions which lock you in if you’re not sure
- Don’t lose touch with your family
- Don’t let old issues get in the way of your life
- Don’t stay with someone just because you’ve always been together
- Don’t ever cry in work related meetings, Ever!
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t take your health for granted
- Don’t worry about things which might happen
- Don’t stay angry about things
- Don’t be rude to people who work in retail.
I’m not sure how old Rose was, but she was probably around 20.
What great lessons from a lovely flower of a wise person.
Thanks Rose
Oct
6
2012
I have been driving around the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland, for the past few months and as a huge truck and I passed each other between mines today, at a combined speed of around 200kmh I pondered on the topic of judgement.
Woooooosh… (btw, it wasn’t this truck)
The landscape in this area is predominantly relatively flat with a few undulating hills and occasional tablelands. The sun takes its toll and land away from water sources can often be barren and scrub-like. People talk about mines being eye-sores however I have to say that the mountainous spoil hills can resemble alpine terrain, especially where re-vegetation is in progress, and they are certainly a break from the monotony of the horizon. Incidentally I’ve seen these same mines from the air, and considering the colossal amount of land around this area, I find them quite fascinating to gaze upon.
A view from the Blackdown Tablelands
As I cruised along today observing the infinity tattoos of the railway lines tracing nature’s physique and appreciating her beauty where she was covered in a light down of trees or where she was bare to the caresses of the sun’s powerful hands, Woooosh! a three carriage road train passed me in the opposite direction. With my window open a gust of wind whipped around the cockpit and I realised that I was glad to have erred towards the edge of the road to give it a wide birth… I judged that one well.
I think judgement gets an unfair deal. Like a scalpel, judging can be used to hurt or to heal. Judging when to speak, what to say or not say, who to approach and especially which side of the road to drive on can seriously affect your life.
We shouldn’t be afraid of judging things – we do it all the time. Let’s not make ourselves wrong for using the diverse lives and experiences we’ve all had to determine our path ahead. As Danté said in the Divine Comedy,
“Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita
mi ritrovai per una selva oscura,
ché la diritta via era smarrita.”
“In the middle of the road of our lives
We find ourselves in a dark forest
And the route before us is lost.”
Judge it for what it is …
Despite all our assets and skills, many of us still find life a bit of a challenge; realise that judgement is simply a logical expression of intuition (or inner guidance), and let us take this moment to drop it as a complication on our journey. Use it instead for what it is really good for, helping us realise what serves us in any moment.
What do you think of my definition of Judgement? Have you chastised yourself or someone else for judging? What could you do differently now?
P.S. Being judgemental, now that’s a different story … I’ll talk about that next time.
Sep
15
2012
Driving from Dysart to Emerald this was one of the amazing land formations out here in the Central Highlands and Bowen Basin.
I’ve been working in the Central Highlands now for nearly three months. This is an area about 500km North West of Brisbane and is home to probably about 50 coal mines due to massive deposits across the Bowen Basin.
Dressed in my high-vis clothing and steel toe caps.
My day-to-day job has been to go to mines and train engineers and maintenance crews in the latest version of SAP, a powerful computer system used to run these operations. I have been based in the town of Emerald which in my opinion, is one of the best settlements in the area and has a population of about 10,000 which makes it probably the largest.
Coal miners – a dirty bunch
Many people have perceptions of what miners and mining is all about, and I have to say that I have been really impressed by the guys I’ve trained. Yeah they can be a bit rough and ready or for people who know Australia, they’re much more rural-natured. These are hands-on kinda guys who generally want to do a good job and have accepted the compromise of a town lifestyle for a higher wage and work in remote locations. Having been underground at a couple of mines, I’d say it takes a certain breed to be willing to work in the rabbit warrens which make up about 30% of the sites. In addition, most of the maintenance crews work night shifts at times which is a whole different kettle of fish and I’ve read that this kind of shift work can actually shorten peoples’ lives. Although I work here, this is not something I’d ever choose to do and I have respect for those who do.
Hot Poker
Not having many friends in the area, I looked for a pastime for the evenings I’ve been here and have been really pleased to find a couple of pubs which run free poker evenings about 5 days per week. During these sessions, you are given around $5,000 in poker chips which you use to play against and knock out the others. Those who finish in first to third place receive cash prizes of up to $175. Of course I’d like to win (I’ve come 2nd, 3rd and 5th and regularly make the top table), however it’s far more about the connecting and having fun which is appealing to me and I’ve made a few poker buddies.
Mining for Sapphires
Next to Emerald are the towns of Sapphire and Rubyvale. As the names suggest, they relate to the precious stones which can be found in the area. Incidentally, Emeralds cannot be found in Australia and generally come from South America – the town of Emerald is named after ‘Emerald Downs’ which is a farm in the area which was seen to have fields which were emerald in colour, hence the name.
I have spent a few weekends fossicking (looking for stones in dirt) and frequenting the Sunday Sapphire markets where the locals sell their wares. I recently procured about 250 stones for $20 at the markets which I have sorted (with the stones I found myself) and have sent off to Thailand to be cut. (I chose to send them away as the cost to cut them overseas is 10% the cost of cutting them locally.)
Bob at the Sunday markets in Sapphire – I bought my 18 carat white topaz from Bob who found it at Mt Surprise and cut it himself.
I have also purchased a few amazing stones and am designing a piece of jewellery to have them set in to. I am also building myself a treasure chest and will use some of the stones (including an 18 carat white topaz from Mt Surprise) in the mix.
Next steps
I’m not sure what my next project will be after this … potentially Western Australia, maybe even Canada or perhaps back in Brisbane to develop some courses. When chatting to the other trainers, when asked how we’re going, we say that we’re ‘Living the Dream’ and I have to say that I adore what I’m doing here and despite longing for consistency and a regular home base, friends to spend time with and the trappings of ‘normal’ life, I wouldn’t change my life right now and feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to live life in the way I am.
Here are a few other random shots of what I’ve been up to:
A rainbow flight … flying to Emerald
I drive across the Tropic of Capricorn most days on my way to work
As I often start early, I get to see the sun rise most days
These are the Blackdown Tablelands near Blackwater – one of the few high points in the area and they have beautiful waterfalls to visit.
Are you ‘Living the Dream?’ What would your life look like if you were? Do you want to work in mining? I’d love to hear your comments and observations.
May
31
2012
I couldn’t help myself – just had to share what else I found out about MONEY
I have a fascination about etymology (the origins of words). I believe that words are an invisible mind control tool we use every day so understanding them gives us flexibility and power … like a walking, talking, samurai sword wielding wordsmith.
In my last blog I mentioned the origins of the word ‘money’, and the Goddess Mnemosyne (say nemosin), the Greek goddess of memory.
Nine days solid of godly passion…
Welllll… according to Greek genealogy, Mnemosyne and the God of gods, Zeus, got a bit jiggy. To be accurate, they got jiggy on Monday and on Tuesday and on Wednesday … and for the rest of the week and didn’t stop till the following Wednesday! Nine days solid of godly passion!
Since they were Gods, Mnemosyne could get pregnant once per day so by the time they’d finished, Mnemosyne was pregnant with nine babies … or the nine Muses when they were born.
Their names and domains are:
1. Calliope (Epic Poetry)
2. Clio (History)
3. Erato (Love Poetry)
4. Euterpe (Music)
5. Melpomene (Tragedy)
6. Polyhymnia (Hymns)
7. Terpsichore (Dance)
8. Thalia (Comedy)
9. Urania (Astronomy)
Some believe that kings and poets receive their powers of powerful and fluent speech from their possession of Mnemosyne and their special relationship with the Muses.
Based on language we use today, Money gave birth to Epic Poetry, History, Love Poetry, Music, Tragedy, Hymns, Dance, Comedy and Astronomy.
So Money is the source of these great things …
… or is Memory the real mother?
Some food for thought.
“Dis-member is to take away from the whole.
Re-member is to put it back together again.”
“Learning is simply re-membering.” Plato
So what can you do about this?
When was the last time you allowed yourself to enjoy the fruits of comedy or dance, poetry and music, stories or stars? I suggest you treat yourself in the next week by booking or organising an outing to the theatre or to see a band or symphony. Perhaps read yourself or to a partner or friend some of the words of Kahil Gibran (The Prophet) or any of Rumi’s work.
It’s payback time!
Let me know your thoughts :)
May
17
2012
“I don’t have enough money. I need more money. If I just won the lottery …”
If I had a dollar for every time I’d heard these statements, I’d be a millionaire!
What is so special about money?
A belief is a feeling of certainty. A global belief is a belief which affects a whole segment of your life. Most of us are unconsciously either blessed or hounded by our global beliefs. Pause after each of the following and notice your answers …
- Work is …
- Food is …
- Men are …
- Life is …
- Exercise is …
- Women are …
- Life is …
- Money is …
Notice your last response. Take a moment and ask it again – you’ll hear the answer in your head.
Are you aware that your belief about money is a key driver in your life? Are you ok with that?
Many hear words like … Evil, …Hard to come by,… What other people have, …Slipping through my fingers? Examples like these mean people are adopting global beliefs which doesn’t serve them. Considering that money is simply metal, paper, plastic and now invisible (electronic), it’s surprising it is given Changing itcould unconsciously alter a whole segment of their life, for the better.
The definitive source of money
The origin of the term money is derived from the Latin words moneta and monēre. These also relate to the Greek goddess of Memory and also have links to meanings such as to remind, warn or instruct. Perhaps the source of money is a clue as to how we can view it most usefully.
Money: “What am I really?” asked the coins as they met the creator
- I am a token to remind you; trade me with others to receive memories you can treasure for a lifetime.
- I’m a sign to warn you from straying from your path; follow your purpose(s) and I will come to you in abundance yet likely lose importance.
- I am a teacher to instruct you towards the things you value.
Years ago at a personal development workshop with Anthony Robbins, I was fortunate to learn about global beliefs and realised that I didn’t have a very empowering view of money. I can’t remember what it was, but one day I committed to changing it. I decided that my new global belief was… “Money is the ultimate tool.”
With that belief conditioned, I have not always had lots of money in the bank, but I’ve always been able to do almost anything I truly wanted including incredible international holidays, gifts to friends, amazing technology, freedom to travel, festivals, cars, education and so much more; I believe those who know me would agree. Money is my Swiss Army knife and I’ve allowed it to flow in, out, and around in my life carving an amazing adventure for me. In addition, I certainly don’t have the stress many associate with money.
Ready… Change … Flow …
I’m not going to go through the full conditioning process I followed, but if you’re ready to change, then try this flow:
- Decide on a global belief you like about money – it should feel good when you say it, ideally making you smile.
- Every time you get your purse or wallet out to pay for something, or have money in your hand, say your global belief, “Money is guiding me. Money is my friend. Money is all around me. Money is always flowing to me. Money is the ultimate tool.”Out loud is best, but in your head is fine.
- Repeat this for thirteen days.
Watch the change, it makes cents!
Tally ho!
“I am not interested in money, but in the things of which money is the symbol.” Henry Ford
“With the wrong tools, even the most talent artist is helpless.” David Woodier
Tags: Beliefs, Flow, Global belief, lottery, millionaire, money, mysterious power, reminder, tool, Wealth | 
Comments (2)
Comments (2) Mar
28
2012
“God also likes to play hide-and-seek, but because there is nothing outside God, he has no one but himself to play with. But he gets over this difficulty by pretending that he is not himself. This is his way of hiding from himself. He pretends that he is you and I and all the people in the world, all the animals, all the plants, all the rocks, and all the stars. In this way he has strange and wonderful adventures, some of which are terrible and frightening. But these are just like bad dreams, for when he wakes up they will disappear.
“Now when God plays hide and pretends that he is you and I, he does it so well that it takes him a long time to remember where and how he hid himself. But that’s the whole fun of it—just what he wanted to do. He doesn’t want to find himself too quickly, for that would spoil the game. That is why it is so difficult for you and me to find out that we are God in disguise, pretending not to be himself. But when the game has gone on long enough, all of us will wake up, stop pretending, and remember that we are all one single Self—the God who is all that there is and who lives for ever and ever.
“Of course, you must remember that God isn’t shaped like a person. People have skins and there is always something outside our skins. If there weren’t, we wouldn’t know the difference between what is inside and outside our bodies. But God has no skin and no shape because there isn’t any outside to him.
The inside and the outside of God are the same. And though I have been talking about God as ‘he’ and not ‘she,’ God isn’t a man or a woman. I didn’t say ‘it’ because we usually say ‘it’ for things that aren’t alive. “God is the Self of the world, but you can’t see God for the same reason that, without a mirror, you can’t see your own eyes, and you certainly can’t bite your own teeth or look inside your head. Your self is that cleverly hidden because it is God hiding.
My friends … remember who you are …
)
Taken from “the Book, on the taboo against knowing who you are”, Alan Watts. More of the article here http://www.wedietorememberwhatwelivetoforget.com/AlanWatts.html
Feb
17
2012
What are you doing today? Is it what you were put here on the planet for?
If it isn’t, are you close or at least on the path? How frequently in an average week are you doing something which inspires you? Remember that Inspiration is like Respiration … an unconscious act meaning that you do the things which inspire you because you love them, not because someone makes or motivates you.
Inspiration is like Respiration … an unconscious act
I feel I’ve been in a little winter in my life for the past few months (despite spending my working weeks in Townsville, Australia, where the temperature at midnight is over 25 degrees). What I mean is that I’ve been spending less time on the things which excite, inspire, thrill and propel me and more on being human or human being. As with nature, winter is a time for planning for spring so if you’ve been feeling the same, keep focusing on your preparation for when winter ends.
As a self-confessed eternal optimist I realise I can gloss over some of the challenges others have in their lives however I assure you this does not mean that I don’t have challenges in mine.
I think that people assume that my optimism and self-belief mean that I don’t need support and encouragement and I’m trying to work out if they are right. My theory on balance suggests they are correct. The theory of equality suggests they are wrong. Still a work in progress and I’d appreciate your views below.
Just one key message for you today – what are you doing? Is it what you were put here on the planet for or are you at least on the path or can see the path?
If not, what three things can you do today to be one step closer to showing us the greatness of who you are … because I believe that if we are truly honest, we want everyone to succeed in being the best they can be, ourselves included.
Every second, you get a second chance to do something different …
And again.
And again.
Maybe now, try something different…
Jan
9
2012
New beginnings ... every month
Two thousand and twelve. Yup, here we are over a week in to the New Year and I’m wondering how many of you made New Year’s Resolutions you are being committed and persistent about.
Statistics show that you are likely having challenges and if so, I can help. I’m here to provide a tip which may make this year one of your best ever for you in this area, especially if there are things you’d like to change. The reason I offer this, is because it is what I’m doing myself.
Step 1: Separate the message and the messenger
IMHO a New Year’s Resolution has a primary purpose of helping you turn over a new leaf, start afresh, shuffle the deck or raise the bar. It is about letting go of the old and brining in the new. The messenger is the New Year’s Resolution; the message is the change.
So my question to you is this: can you turn the tide or make a change in your life without using a New Year’s Resolution?
I think we can all agree that of course we can. So if we want to get the most out of the idea of a New Year’s Resolution, we need to succeed in the change, not the Resolution itself.
Step 2: How to increase your chance of success by more than 12 times …
For most of us, keeping committed to something for a year such as exercise, healthy eating habits, reading more or learning a new skill, is a huge and almost incomprehensible challenge. As a result and with the associated pain or loss these activities usually generate, we tend to start off sprinting a marathon and understandably fail before we finish the first mile.
All I’m suggesting is that you implement the old adage about how to eat an elephant…. (one mouthful at a time) … and create shorter timeframes for our resolutions. Personally I feel that one month is a fair, yet still challenging period to start a new habit.
This year my aim is to tone my arms, improve my health, strengthen my abs and lose a bit of weight so I am doing one thing every day … at least 20 sit-ups and 20 press-ups. Since starting I have had to get out of bed only twice when I realised I hadn’t done them that day.
… and I have been pleased with myself and my progress so have also swum 60 lengths three times and been on two runs. The messenger is well on its way to succeed!
Unseen forces will help you succeed ... remember to smile on the way
Unseen forces will help you succeed ... remember to smile on the way
What you can do right now to stay committed?
- Decide to commit to something for a month.
- Select 1-3 activities in which to do this, more than four are strictly prohibited.
- Tell a few key people you care about and ask them to keep you accountable.
Ideally have a calendar or even better, an awesome way of recording your progress and mark off your achievements every day.
By doing this, you’ll be setting yourself up for success all year!
Step 3: Success breeds success
At the end of the month you’ll feel a certain sense of achievement so either carry on the habit, add a new one or simply feel proud of yourself for having achieved that resolution for a month. Ideally use it to catapult yourself forward in the areas you need it.
Check out my blog on the Four Disciplines of Execution for further understanding on how to effectively achieve more.
Good luck and I look forward to hearing your resolutions – I’d love to hear them below…
Nov
24
2011
There’s somebody you see every day, but chances are you don’t think you know them very well.
You probably don’t think of them as a friend and to be honest, you often treat them worse than any enemy.
You talk to them interminably, but frequently only to chastise, berate or criticise their behaviour, the way they look, the things they do and the life they’re leading. In fact, this is the only friend you allow to do this – any others would be dropped after years of this behaviour.
It is likely you have extremely high standards for this person but if you were asked to write them down, you’d find it difficult to do, nevertheless you expect them to live by these unwritten rules.
Need I say more? Have you worked out who it is? 
Stop. Listen …
They probably just said something to you.
Can you hear me? Yes, it’s you. YOU! Your best friend in the universe thinks you’re so awesome that they’ve chosen to be a part of you. In fact they’re never going to leave you. No matter what you do they will always be with you. Stop. Listen and appreciate that little voice – your best friend is talking to you.
Unfortunately, often that best friend feels more like a stranger…
So what can you do about it? Here are a few quick tips:
- Treat your body with respect by listening to your inner voice when asked to make a health related decisions i.e. relating to food, drink and exercise.
- Respect and love yourself for exactly who you are with all your ‘bad’ habits, skills, attributes, warts and war wounds. You can’t give something to another if you don’t have it … so love yourself so you can give love to others.
- Listen to yourself. You constantly get intuition guiding you the best direction, but too many people deny it. You don’t always have to follow it, but often it is giving you some great advice.
What do you think – does this make sense to you?
Nov
17
2011
I’ve been in a sad place recently and focusing on it (which has made it quite painful) … and I’ve just realised that this has been a gift – sweet poison.
I’ve noticed that when I focus on what is highest on my values, issues and problems on my plate seem to dissipate and feel less serious or pervasive. The reality of it is that the issues haven’t changed, the people involved have not changed … however I have changed.
I am grateful for this situation to appreciate the fact that when I change, the world changes.
Issues in your life?
Perhaps try changing your perspective or your procedure – how you see it or what you’re doing. Also, focus on the things you love to do instead … where time disappears and you are in the flow.
Gratitude is the remedy for Depression
Feeling depressed, disappointed or hopeless about something? Give your depression a score out of 100 and then read the following statement. C’mon, choose a number and you’ll find this exercise far more powerful.
I’ve written the sentence in reverse so as to serve you by preventing you from seeing this content before selecting a number.
.day per $0.47 about than less on live who people as defined is poverty Cambodia In Think about that for moment and what that would mean in your life. Now select a score out of 100 of your depression – notice if it has changed and use that information in future.
Remember that and feel the gratitude – you deserve it.