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The Purpose Of Life: Live Like You Are Dying, Loving, Accepting And Healing What Is… (#3)
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is. I believe in the latter" ~Albert Einstein
Kristine Carson, wife of Richard Carlson (author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff), writes in If You Had An Hour to Live, “Grieving is the ultimate act of love, or, at least, it can be. Love holds all possibilities, and that includes bliss in the face of immeasurable suffering and gain through loss.” Her point is that despite the grief and loss you experience, the quality of your Love determines whether you decide to choose to move into the pain and suffering associated with the darkness of grief – or into the warmth, peace and joy associated with the energy of the loving light. Your life’s purpose is a function of the choices you make. You are exactly where you are supposed to be because of the choices you make. Again, do your best and choose wisely!
Miracles are occurring all the time and Love is at the heart of miracles, according to the book, A Course in Miracles. Because we vibrate at such a high level energetically, when we choose Love in the form of Kindness and Loving Compassion for both ourselves and others, the body’s the immune system functions better (especially when dealing with a life-threatening illness or a significant loss). Perhaps this, again, is what motivates Tug McGraw’s character in his popular country song, Live Like You Were Dying, to want to go skydiving, fishing, bull riding and mountain climbing, as well as wishing to practice forgiveness. Loving oneself certainly includes following your hopes, dreams and long-lived passions, without the burden of anger and resentments.
As a researcher of miracles, and one who has witnessed real-life miracles, I have personally seen the stunning consequences, such as remissions and disappearances of different kinds of cancers, in my patients who have chosen to live fully in the moment, while treating themselves and others compassionately and lovingly. By choosing to take the time to become conscious of any thoughts or issues to which you have been attached and then detaching and practicing forgiveness, you shift your energy to a level which feels absolutely wonderful and initiates the release of valuable endorphins which enhance the functioning of your immune system.
Choosing to Face (acknowledge), Embrace (feel) and Replace your uncomfortable feelings such as anger, hurt, resentment, rage and disappointment, with more loving thoughts enables you to live more freely, without self- criticism or judgment. Miracles have everything to do with you choosing to see a situation or person from a more loving, kind and forgiving perspective. A change in perspective is often considered a miracle! For example, once you recognize that how you choose to think about your Uncle Fred really determines how you feel about him; if you choose to focus on how sweet he is rather than how annoying he can be, you actually feel much better, due to the release of needed endorphins. This is how easy it is!
A hero and mentor of mine, psychologist, scientist, author and survivor of two serious cancers, Paul Pearsall, states in Making Miracles, “Making miracles depends on understanding the profound truth that our perceptions create our reality and that there is always another view of every issue.” By choosing to live like you were dying, that is by detaching from anything that does not feel good and accepting what is, you will find yourself experiencing greater peace, joy and an overall enhanced quality of life. According to Pearsall, “Things-including miracles- do not just happen to us; we make them happen!”This is the power of your mind and your ability to choose to accept what is. This is your healing power!
“Making miracles is a matter of developing vigilance for the miracles all around us. If we are open to the miracles right under our very noses, and if we become miracles observers and unashamed practitioners of miracology, we are…much more likely to participate in the making of our own miracles.” ~Paul Pearsall, Ph.D, Author of Making Miracles
Susan Barbara Apollon
Author of “Touched By The Extraordinary”
& Intuition Is Easy & Fun
©2010 Susan Barbara Apollon
Finding Bliss, Unconditional Love & Making Miracles Are Among The Gifts Of The Haitian Crises
“It’s a matter of taking the side of the weak against the strong, something the best people have always done." Harriet Beecher Stowe
As a psychologist who works with those dealing with some of life’s greatest challenges, I have learned that the paradox of life is that we often come to see our difficult circumstances as “gifts” and that this perspective is a gift in itself because it allows for wonderful experiences, such a miracles, to occur. Haiti has been such a gift for us. It gives us opportunities to choose love, the highest of energies, leaving us in a state of miraculous bliss.
When terrible things happen, we are given a choice: to do the right thing – or not. Have you noticed how good you feel when you do what you know to be “the right thing” ? The events in Haiti motivate us to listen to our Higher, Intuitive Guidance, yielding a feeling of satisfaction that is comparable to that of joy. We just need to learn to listen and act on that.
For example, one woman in our community listened to her intuitive wisdom and began a collection of crutches for those people in Haiti who have fractured, amputated or lost legs. No doubt here that she is experiencing gifts which include a huge sense of bliss and satisfaction in knowing that there will be many who, thanks to receiving these crutches, will have greater mobility and a better chance of making it through difficult times.
Life can move so rapidly at times, be so filled with minutia and so overwhelming with responsibilities, that we lose touch with what feeds our soul, causing us to forget our priorities, which are, of course, people and love. The gift of the Haitian earthquake is that we are given a wakeup call which reminds us that we are all one, a part of the Oneness, and the only thing that matters is unconditional Love. An extension of this gift is that we are given opportunities to do something wonderful (such as being of service), which further contributes to our feeling true bliss.
The telethons for Haiti raised more money than ever before because all of us, from all walks of life, and all ages, have been touched and reminded that we are a brotherhood. The gift of this is that we are able to make the power of unconditional Love work for both the Haitians and for ourselves.. This was the first time that teens were able to participate and enjoy the heartwarming feeling of knowing their contribution could help fellow human beings make it through the worst of times. Imagine the sense of integrity and dignity felt by these young people! Talk about gifts!
Finally, when you are faced with a challenge and find that you can rise to the occasion, by making a difference in the lives of others, you discover that you are not alone. Indeed, you find that you are a part of a community which is also loving, kind, caring and compassionate. We all want the same thin: to know that we are loved and to love. We like knowing that we belong to a caring group of souls who think and feel as we do. How comforting this is!
When you choose to express your love, to give to your brothers and sisters, regardless of their religion, politics or any other difference, you feel you are a part of something greater, larger and more meaningful. The gift here is that you are given a sense of purpose..
A personal example I would like to share with you demonstrates the gift of the situation.. Several members of my family and I are privileged to be a part of a medical mission which will soon take us to the Dominican Republic and possibly to serve the Haitian refugees at the border, a well. We have received the gift of supplies from medical and dental firms, along with offers and purchases of small toys and toiletries to take to the inhabitants of both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Everyone, it seems, has been touched and wants to give and feel that their contributions are making a difference. I can actually feel the love coming from others; the energy is tangible, coming with the intention of unconditional Love, and very, very appreciated.
Susan Barbara Apollon
Author of “Touched By The Extraordinary”
& Intuition Is Easy & Fun
©2010 Susan Barbara Apollon
Crises In Haiti:The Choice For Love, Miracles, Inspiration And Bliss
“Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved.” ~ Jane Goodall
If you are looking for inspiration, miracles and feel good experiences, including bliss, then you have to look no further than the events in Haiti. Have you noticed that 9/11, Katrina, the tsunami and the earthquakes of Haiti have succeeded in uniting us as a country and as a world community in ways that no other force has been able to achieve. In simple terms, events that take our breath away, inspire each of us to make the choice for love which, in turn, leads to our experiencing an extraordinary sense of well-being and bliss.
Just think for a moment about recent weeks in which you have been traumatized, inspired, transformed and even able to experience your own healing as you stayed glued to your television, watching both the horror of the destruction of almost an entire nation, as well as the attempts to rescue those caught in the rubble of the destroyed homes and buildings. The turn of the clock and the shaking of the earth have forever changed the poorest country in the northern hemisphere, while, at the same time, deeply touching the heartstrings of the rest of us.
Have you wondered why it is that we are moved to choose to respond with love? The answer rests in part with Albert Einstein and his quantum physicist colleagues. Einstein believed that since everything is energy (and all energy vibrates), and love is among the highest of energies, we honestly are thy brother’s keeper. In other words, given that we can energetically merge with one another (because we are pure energy), the only way to treat one another is with compassion, love and kindness. Catastrophic events such as the colossal destruction in Haiti quickly remind us that we are a brotherhood, that we are in this together, and, therefore, we have a responsibility to care compassionately and lovingly for one another. That is what brothers, sisters and families do, isn’t it?
After all, there is an old saying that goes something like this: “ If not for the Grace of God, that could be me.” Haiti reminds us that we, too, could be in a similar situation. Mother Nature does not always give us advance warning. We identify with the pain of these people; we know it could be us in need of help at some point in the future. And, yes, as Einstein believed, we are thy brother’s keeper.
The fascinating paradox about a catastrophic event is that as horrible as it is, it provides opportunities for people everywhere to rise to an inspirational level of being the best they can be. As we choose to follow our hearts, do what feels right and behave lovingly, we create miracles and miracles feel good and blissful! (To be continued…)
Susan Barbara Apollon
Author of “Touched By The Extraordinary”
& Intuition Is Easy & Fun
©2010 Susan Barbara Apollon
Bliss & Making New Year Miracles On WNBC Today In New York
The invitation came unexpectedly just a few days before the New Year. Could I come to New York and speak about “How to Set and Keep New Year’s Resolutions and Intentions”? While there was little time to prepare, I knew that this would be a great opportunity to share with everyone what I have been living and teaching patients in my practice. Making miracles (Creating and Keeping New Year’s Resolutions) is really all about energy – and positive, loving energy, at that!
We arrived at Rockefeller Center early. After going through security, we headed up to the 7th floor for the interview. The studio is huge, pleasant and filled with desks, chairs, television monitors of all major shows being broadcasted at the same time.
I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with several of the producers and stage-staff – all down to earth and so very kind. While waiting for my turn to be interviewed, one of the producers, Li Jing, helped me with getting a cup of coffee and enabling me to relax a bit as we talked about what led up to the production of Touched by the Extraordinary.
The anchor who interviewed me, Pat Battle, was wonderful. We hit it off immediately. Pat is high energy, positive, has a great smile, radiates feel-good energy and is absolutely lovely. I felt blessed to have such a super, supportive team around me as we prepared for our segment. Having my family there, just a few feet away also helped me feel even more comfortable.
And, then, we were on. The segment literally flew by. I worked to convey as much of the material I had prepared. I was told my enthusiasm was felt by those present and that they especially valued some of the tools I had spoken of, including my ABC technique and three question journaling method. I was genuinely moved by their warm response.
What fun this was and what a great way to begin the New Year!
May we all be blessed with a New Year filled with Laughter, Peace and Much Love.
Susan Barbara Apollon
Author of “Touched By The Extraordinary”
& Intuition Is Easy & Fun
©2010 Susan Barbara Apollon
Part Two: Secrets to Finding Bliss & Making Miracles as We Create and Manifest Our Intentions
Why do we set intentions or make New Year’s resolutions? I am convinced that it is especially during the holidays that we realize we are out of balance, not whole and not feeling any true sense of inner peace. We wish one another a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year because we intuitively know that we are not feeling whole, though we desire and need to be. The word healthy contains within it the word heal. To heal is about creating balance, well-being and wholeness. So, our intentions are born out of our awareness of what we lack and need in order to feel better and happier.
Besides being aware of and harnessing the gifts of Imagination, Intuition and Breath, keep in mind that the secret to making miracles and manifesting your heart’s desires or creating an intention (what you are most passionate about and lacking in your life) is being aware and remembering that EVERYTHING IS ENERGY! Quantum Physicists, including Albert Einstein, emphasize this point, along with the fact that all energy vibrates at different levels. This includes you, your thoughts, intentions and all that you picture, visualize and see in your mind’s eye!
The way I help my patients heal themselves and create miracles of healing is to enable them to recognize that there is energy that feels good and energy that does not. Healing and feeling good require that we focus our attention on anything that feels good and makes our heart sing. Translation: when we picture, think or intend something delicious, upbeat, loving and joyful, we feel like we are on “cloud nine.” We vibrate at a high level – the same high level where our hopes and dreams live. This is good because it helps our brain release endorphins which our body loves and because it shifts us, energetically, to a vibrationally higher place. (Be careful because the opposite is also true!)
Therefore, when you set your intentions, pick something to focus on (a thought, picture or image) that every time you visualize and feel yourself experiencing, you feel fabulous! If you are eager to lose weight, see and feel yourself exercising, shedding pounds and feeling the joy of becoming your intention. If you intend to stop smoking, see and feel yourself living joyfully and with great freedom, not needing a cigarette to be okay. This will create the high energy you need to manifest your intentions.
In other words, your job is to engage in activities in which you have invested your hopes, dreams and high energy of excitement and enthusiasm.
Additionally, it helps to write out your intention daily, in a journal. As you write your intention, image you experiencing what you are write. Feel genuinely enthused and excited about it. Allow your senses to be a part of your “see-feel” experience. This is you doing an internal dance of joy which leads to the fulfillment of your intentions.
Create a community with which you can share your intention and the progress you are making regarding manifesting it. Just one other person is all you need to have some support for you.
If you do not accomplish something you had intended for the day, notice your feeling and thought; feel the feeling and then let it go. Love yourself enough to know that you are doing your best. Stuff happens and gets in our way. Say to yourself, “I am doing my best.” Take a deep breath or two and breathe out any toxic feelings, and return to the moment with the see-feel experience of you accomplishing your intention. In other words, get right back on the horse and continue with your intention.
We make miracles simply by opening our heart to the possibility of possibilities and changing our
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Furthermore, each day, create and engage in an activity which is related to the fulfillment of your intended goal. And, be sure to focus on this activity with anticipated excitement and joy; see it in your mind’s eye leading you to accomplish your intention. This keeps you connected to fulfillment of your intentions.
“Nothing happens until something moves!” Albert Einstein
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill
Susan Barbara Apollon
Author of “Touched By The Extraordinary”
& Intuition Is Easy & Fun
©2010 Susan Barbara Apollon
Secrets To Finding Bliss & Making Miracles As We Set & Keep Resolutions And Intentions For The New Year
“There are only two way to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. I choose the latter.” Albert Einstein
Here we go again…It is the setting of resolutions in the form of intentions and then waiting for us to “mess up” and beating ourselves up again for buying into the belief that we could succeed at the intentions we had set for ourselves. My gift to you this New Year is helping you recognize how amazing and powerful you are and that you can manifest any intention you create for 2010.
For starters, when you set your intention or make your resolution or two, you are actually hoping to create a mini or maxi miracle, something you passionately want, something that makes your heart smile each time you picture yourself fulfilling it. Making miracles is easier than you realize.
Making miracles or manifesting your intentions has everything to do with three major gifts (sometimes referred to as tools) with which you were born. Yes, you were born with them and they are an inherent part of your very being. They are part of your power and enable you to be and accomplish the extraordinary.
I have been teaching how to be aware of and harness these gifts to my patients for decades. I know, both personally and professionally, that when you learn to harness (through practice) these gifts, your life changes, and you recognize how much more joy, peace, satisfaction and unconditional love you experience. Keep in mind that the key to creating miracles is loving yourself unconditionally, joyfully and gently. I use these three gifts to help heal my patients by enabling them to use these tools to heal themselves!
As I see it, these three gifts are the gift of your Imagination, the gift of your Intuitive Wisdom and the gift of Breath. Einstein stated: “Imagination is more important the knowledge.” I encourage my patients to create in their mind’ eye an image or vision of what they are dreaming about and hoping for and to get really excited and enthused about what they are imagining. I have used this in my own life and have taught it so that those dealing with life-threatening illnesses and even loss can expedite their healing. Your cells (you have 60 trillion of them) experience the high vibrational energy of your enthusiasm which then contributes to your body’s production of the cells needed for a healthy immune system.
When you practice breathing by visualizing warm, healing, soothing energy entering you on your inhalation (through your nostrils) and moving down through your body, bringing peace to your cells, and then, in your mind’s eye, see and feel on your exhalation that you are breathing out through your mouth (lips parted slightly) anything tense or worrisome, your body experiences a sense of warmth, heaviness and relaxation.
Focusing on your in-breath and out-breath several times creates a sense of quiet and stillness. It also shifts you energetically to a higher vibration which enhances your ability to be aware of your third gift, your Intuitive Wisdom or Higher Guidance. Focusing on your breath is essentially meditation – for those of you who shy away from the thought of “meditation.”
When you are breathing deeply, in a quiet, meditative place and feeling relaxed, you find yourself going within and become aware of the ways you receive wisdom or guidance from your intuition. (Sometimes you may see a sudden picture, or in your mind’s ear, hear a tune, a word or more. You might also feel a sudden pain in your body.) This is you getting in touch with you. Sudden insights or “aha” moments can occur in these times.
Practicing these three gifts enables you to harness and make the most of them. By choosing to take a few minutes daily to simply breathe deeply, go within and experience your own inner stillness, you meet the world of both your Imagination and your Intuition. Thus, your three gifts provide you with what you need to change your perspective, “see” things differently which, in turn, can create the miracle of fulfilling your intention. This is extremely empowering!
More to come!
“Creating your intention is not as powerfully transformative as is your awareness of how you are managing the journey.”…Susan Barbara Apollon
Susan Barbara Apollon
Author of “Touched By The Extraordinary”
& Intuition Is Easy & Fun
©2010 Susan Barbara Apollon
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