Everything works for the good if you choose it.

Arizona Topix has a group under the heading 'how many nurses licenses.....' for nurses to share their personal experiences with the state board of nursing.  'Let each person tell the truth from his own experience.' - Florence Nightingale.
The AACN has made a powerful statement about what nurses face day to day in the workplace, calling for nursing practice to be guided by six essential standards.  'Standards for establishing and sustaining healthy work environments...negative, demoralizing and unsafe conditions in workplaces cannot be allowed to continue!'

Pema Chodron is a Buddhist Monk who writes about uncertainty and change.  During the process of an investigation or disciplinary action or other more serious and life altering measures it is a time for self development and learning from teachers such as Pema who can help you get through the despair.  The challenge is to allow what has to be and to soften in the process instead of resist.  This is the way of enlightened beings.  One saint says 'Sweet is thy will O Lord.'  We have a saying 'run for your life!' and sometimes that's tempting, but to stand tall and let your light shine, takes inner courage.  'Strength does not come from physical capacity.  It comes from indomitable will.'  Mahatma Ghandi.  There is a tab for ways to change negative thoughts to positive ones on the site if you would click on 'Pema Chedron.'

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Healing-Shame-That-Binds-You/dp/1452603618  John Bradshaw writes and shares about shame.  Shame is something that can be deep rooted in our childhood and it becomes magnified when put under stress of having a state board investigation etc.  When left powerless to earn a living and your fate lies in the hands of those who have accused you and those who have made the charges against you, it evokes a feeling of shame.  The best way to approach the challenge is to look on this opportunity to go deeper into your quest to know yourself and root out this part of yourself that isn't real but superimposed onto your personality through social conditioning.
www.sos.org is a web site with information about third eye meditation called Joyti meditiation which I encourage you to learn.  H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj encourages people to think positively.  'Every time we are about to have a negative thought, word, or deed which is detrimental to our progress, we  should try to nip it in the bud.'  I can attest to the fact that it's a life time's work and can share that it is best to accept that you think negative thoughts.  It is a milestone in your growth to get to the point where you are aware of such thoughts and can then turn your awareness to how it makes you feel.  Immediately go to a repertoire of positive thoughts that evoke bright and good feelings such as a nice experience, a memory of nature etc.  Be ready to switch channels as quick as a switch on the t.v. channel. Thinking of your Higher Power, Jesus, or one of the prophets of the Old Testament for instance who is an empowering figure for you will help with this process.

I am from Kenya originally and love the way animals get along.  Perhaps we can learn a lesson or two?

St. Hilda's, Birmingham will have a guest speaker on Tuesday 1st October, Dr. Julie Jones, nurse ethicist will speak about her role with the NHS related to decision making for budgets.  Please mark your calendars and send in questions via email to her if you cannot attend in person.

Money is important.  Suze Orman says 'To live a life of material and spiritual abundance everything about you must be in harmony.'  

Lice Removal  When you are unable to work in your profession it's time to think about business!  One service that mom's will appreciate is lice removal for kids.  No matter where you live this is a problem whenever kids mix at school.  The more affluent areas are the most promising for this service.  Click on the tab and you will see the services that are offered includes laundering clothes.  Some mom's just would rather have their child treated in a contained environment away from home.

Think of house sitting and child care before and after school for professional couples who can afford your service.  At this time in your life you have to put your needs first as a business person.  You can always be charitable and generous with giving to support the mission of your church, Higher Power etc. when you have the money entering into your business bank account. 

Many children have to travel back and forth to boarding school.  In the UK I read an article that parents get better deals for boarding school fees in the US.  If you live in the UK you could place an advertisement in The Lady magazine.  

When you start out with an idea it starts to materialize when you visualize every step in the process to your success.  Prayer is important and then know that the Universe will bring the conditions necessary for you to bring all you need.  Meditation is when you sit still and listen.  The answers are inside and if you still the mind with the focus between the eyes you will know what to do.

Write every goal down with short term, medium term and long term dates and objectives that you can follow to keep tabs on your progress.

You are not alone and many are facing the same challenges as you are at this very moment.  Be supportive with each-other and connect via the MeetUp tab and form groups wherever you are to network and provide business and job leads.  

My prayers and very best wishes are with you in the days ahead.  I have set my goals for this week and will keep you posted about the website and how I am doing with my book manuscript.

Please feel free to contact me at lawrencerita511@gmail.com

Rita.

Doing what's best.

Sometimes people are afraid to speak up because the fear reprisals.  This fear comes from the feeling that your are alone in your struggle.  It takes time for people to stand up one by one and add their voice.  The power and confidence comes from within as you learn to trust your intuition and gain confidence in your ability to move ahead with your life.  Each day you will have doubt it is only natural for your mind to wander and think of negative scenarios.  The realities of existing through the ordeal of undergoing state board discipline are real.  As I mentioned yesterday Amanda Trujillo is about to loose her home and car.  In the US it is essential to have your own transportation because there aren't public transport services available to cover the wide areas and distances.  Amanda is finding it difficult to find employment.  Nurses are licensed to be advocates for their patients and expected to actively intervene if a plan of care isn't in the patient's best interest.  Following this guideline Amanda none the less has found herself defending her license for educating her patient about the option of choosing hospice rather than having a liver transplant.
Florence Nightingale said "Let each person tell the truth from his own experience."  I hope that nurses who are undergoing state board discipline will soon reach out to others and share their experience.  In isolation silence prevails but in community the volume goes up and up!  I encourage nurses to use the acronym NUSBD and join in groups through www.MeetUp.com and support one another.  Share experiences and help each other learn what is working for you and what is not.  Learn about local resources and where to go for advice in your area.  I'm with you in thought and spirit, but of course it would be impossible to link you to all the resources you will need but together you can.  Although it may be cold and bleak on the inside and outside the sun always will shine through!  Like the wagoners travelling through the wild west did bring the circle together and stay tight!

Florence Nightingale also said "How very little can be done under the spirit of fear."  Don't let others intimidate and make you feel shamed.  I have found through personal experience that it is better to involve as many people and agencies as possible for when things go public they tend to change.  If fear rises and you can feel this energy in part of your body like the abdomen and chest area (solar plexus is the term for this energy center) you will have to note your thoughts and how this thinking made you feel and change the thoughts to positive ones.  Breath deeply and feel the inner shift once you infuse your mind with positive thoughts.
Daily affirmations are hugely beneficial to having a positive mental mindset.  Write down three positive affirmations of your own or use this example to begin with:
I am worthy of defending my rights and having legal representation.
I bring qualities of goodness and dedication to serving others and that will continue.
I trust in my ability to adapt and earn money in whatever form of occupation I choose.
Repeat your positive three times daily for seven days.
My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you to reach your personal goals and grow in self-knowledge and inner strength.  I recommend a daily practice of meditation, journal and vegetarian diet.  I personally practice yoga because it brings inner and outer fortitude.  The exercises alone are beneficial and the connection that comes with the body and soul is something to be experienced if you want to learn to know yourself.
www.TonySamara.org has meditation instructions for those who would like to learn.

Transitions.

I have been reading a book by my Meditation Master called "Empowering the Soul through Meditation," and he has said so many things which I feel that I am now comfortable with and know about through my own experience under His Graceful guidance.  I have to stretch my sense of trust and surrender about waiting for a job and being okay with my circumstance of uncertainty as I transition.  Whether that is a new direction, a new location or a combination of the two I don't exactly know but I am moved to a deeper level of surrender and trust as I go through the process.
All is well and when doors close it is for the good.  My first teacher taught that everything happens for the best and truly it does.  I read a question on a post today asking about what I would have done differently etc.  I don't think that I would have done anything differently because acceptance of what is in the present is the most important focus and I wouldn't be experiencing this moment as the person I am if things had been different.
Meditation is the key to finding the soul and connecting with the Universal power that empowers our soul and links us together in our common humanity.  With so much intolerance among ethnic and religious groups I hope people will choose the high road so to speak and try to reach out to others and allow them their rights as citizens to practice their form of religious prayer.  I read one of the Masters on my path say that humility is the ornament of the saints and with humble hearts all can be overcome.  It is the ego that cries out for victory and domination.  Surrender is sweet but it comes at a cost because the path that leads to detachment is often one that causes emotional response while the ego let's go of its hold on the soul.  It is really the pain of separation from the Higher Power that is the underlying source of suffering according to the Saints and Mystics.  Surrender is about letting go and letting God!
If you have a great longing to know God you will find Him within and this has been the message across time.  Love always comes through for the seeker.  Love is never ending and timeless.  Share the love inside with others and let your love light shine in the world.  Be accepting of others even if your path teaches that they are "wrong."  Let go and let God!  Let love shine on all you meet and see their faces as that of your God or Higher Power.
Remember love is always the best answer to any problem and as the Bible says "Love conquers all."
Practice meditation daily and follow your path with love and joy.

Addicted to worry?

I am fortunate to belong to a Meditation Master who is taking some introspection via a group that has met for the past two weeks.  It always seems that what I need to learn is underscored in so many ways and given to me in different forms and situations so that I definitely get it!  I hope you can relate too!
Now that I have been through a process of transformation that has coincided with looking for work I find that I am tempted to go into a mode of worrying.  Just like a marriage that is over and perhaps the couple know that it is over before the formal ending I too know that the work as I have previously given is over.  I need to obviously support myself and that needs to happen no matter what.  That is why I am keeping busy reaching out and doing what I do best on line and that is connect and write.
My Meditation Master says that when the future is uncertain get busy!!!  You better believe that!  I know too that it is time that I looked at my addiction to worrying and wanting to control through finding a secure job.  Perhaps that times has come to an end I have felt removed from the complete model I used to work in and now I have to trust my Master and let go and do the work that I do best.
I love working with children and adolescents to help them connect with their soul through meditation and increase concentration through centering techniques.  This improves emotional stability and academic outcomes for children and adolescents who may be going through a period of stress or perhaps it is in their nature to be easily distracted.
On the spiritual path there is no escaping what your destiny is and being part of a bigger plan to uplift the lives of others with the talents that you are blessed with is what has to happen.  I have been aware for many years that my work is to be with children and not in the way I was trained and educated but through what I have learned through my own learning with Indian Spiritual Masters.  This is truly transformation at a level that allows the individual to go into a space of peace and quiet no matter what the distraction on the outside.  It's a matter of practice and then being able to remember to do it when the time calls for it.
My addiction to worry will have to end with this current situation in my life that is really completely out of my hands.  I will do everything to bring about prosperity through my work with children and plan to volunteer in schools east of Troost in KC where children have many struggles in their lives.
Look for answers from within and with the Grace of my Master I can be confident that all I need will manifest.  Car, money and bank account to have several thousand dollars.
Blessings to you to identify your personal addiction and how to let go!  One technique is to get a baloon and put a note on the end of a string attached to it.  Write on the piece of paper what it is that you are addicted to and let it go up into the either!
Write about the addiction in a journal and note if it comes up again.  Repeat the same practice and immediately center in the still spot inside and focus on your higher power.  Ask your higher power to remove the addiction.  Repeat until gone!

Loving animals.

My teacher says that animals have souls and that it is because of the Grace of God that we are born into our human form in order to experience God and find a path to spiritual liberation.  Animals are souls who have been reincarnated from lifetimes of not achieving the goal of mankind - that of liberation and are trapped inside a body of an animal.
One story illustrates this point.  There was a man who was about to slaughter a goat.  The goat suddenly laughed then cried.  The man was puzzled by this behavior and asked the goat to explain what was going on.  The goat said that he laughed because this was the 500th time he was to be slaughtered and the last to clear his karmic load and cried for the man whose consciousness didn't understand the ramifications of his actions.
Vegetarianism is very much a direct command by my Master and I am thankful to be with a Master and on a path that give absolute and clear direction to the followers.  Heaven knows I don't want to harm or hurt animals and want only to raise consciousness in others who wish to live with enlightened consciousness.
I have posted a video about the treatment of bears in China for some extract that is tied to superstition and folk medicine.
Please share this story as much as it is revolting to bring up with you friends.  It is necessary when we have the bear in beds with our children to hold and feel secure at night.  We read stories about bears and how much fun they bring into the lives and imaginations of children.  Remember Winnie the Poo?
Become a bear lover and do something to make it impossible for this practice to continue.  Evil exists in dark places in our lives when we turn away from shining our light onto the issue and showing it for what it is.  You can show your children that bears are not only a symbol of security and love but of worthiness for our love and attention to the conditions in their lives.
Ghandi said that we can judge a nation by the way it treats its animals.  Let's show our children that we can love and protect animals.  Tell them about the life of St. Francis of Assisi and how he loved animals and thought of them as his brothers and sisters.
Love conquers all!  Meditate daily and eat vegetables and fruits.

Focus in the moment.

To be sure we all have so many things to manage in our lives and when we have added to that changes it becomes a distraction (if we let it!)  Times of transition can also be a time of learning to be in the moment and letting what is to unfold, unfold.  There is surrendering on the spiritual path that isn't about giving up with your plans or responsibilities but there is a giving up of the worrying component.  There is no more room left for control or manipulation in life, only a sweet surrender and allowing your higher power to show you what is meant to be.
Be aware of what your tendencies are toward any negative thoughts such as worry and work toward letting that habit go.  Let every thought go by like a constant stream of consciousness and drop the addiction of getting caught up in the energy of the transition.  It will unfold as it is supposed to do and you will need to follow what you need to do in the moment to move forward.
I have filled out application forms and gone for interviews.  I am really excited about a prn job with children and adolescents as I will have the opportunity of working on my meditation and spiritual life talks.  I am in transition like so many people and there is no certainty about what will be coming next.  Be sure to keep busy with your time and complete projects that are potential streams of income for you.  I like to write so blogging is a natural way for me to connect with others and share my knowledge.
Use your down time to stay connected with communities of people who can use your services or products.  It's about connections in social networking and keeping your name out in front of people who are searching for your services.  Be aware of every word and every attitude you display as people tend to judge.  Be gentle with your words and uplifting.  You never know what the other person is going through.  It's just good PR!
Make a list out each day of all the things you need to accomplish.  Work on those items and chart your progress at the end of the day.  Without any sense of shame critique yourself and write down where you think you have failed.
The next step is to go deeper and find out what you are attached to?  Is it self-sabotage?  Is it procrastination?  Insecurity and fear?  The most effective and efficient way that I have cleared out these blocks is through this process of introspection and offering the situation to my higher power, my Master.
Develop a yearning for God and stay focused on your higher power in the area between the eyes called the third eye.  Be in constant remembrance.  You will get the help and guidance you need to work through the inner obstacle and you will find that a new path will open that you would not have planned on your own.
Always another door opens when one door closes.  When you look at things not working out know that everything is working out for your best.
Nothing is an accident.  Yesterday for instance while having coffee I spoke with the lady next to me who is also a nurse.  She volunteers in Rawanda, Africa and I happen to have a friend who lives close to where she works who visited Rawanda with a major university in the NE USA.  The object of my friend's trip was to identify programs that were already in existence there and provide support with financial and academic resources.  Coincidence?  I don't believe so!
Trust and let your intuition guide you.  Take the steps in each moment to keep moving forward and be confident that "everything works out on the spiritual path" as my friend Lottie Rose used to say.

Living through emotional pain.

When we have a physical injury it is so much easier on some level to endure and I certainly don't want to underestimate the impact on peoples lives who live with chronic pain.  I wish to differentiate between emotional and physical pain because one is seen and the other subjective and unseen to the observer.  It is difficult to imagine the psychic gash to the soul that some people experience during times of emotional trauma that is caused by relationship difficulties.
I pray for those who are married and with kids to work through things together and remain as one unit because of the times we live in it's easier to stabilize the life of the kids who need certain goods and good school districts.  There is a time when people have to end a relationship if it is abusive and only that person will know when that time has come.  I encourage time to work things out on a spiritual level by learning to meditate and still the mind through connecting the soul with the greater Power of the Universe.
It takes courage to stay in a relationship and work things out and it definitely takes two to make it work.  When either partner has decided to leave it leaves no other option.  Self development is such an important part of our lives that we cannot look to our partner to fulfill our unmet needs and many of which have entered into the relationship because they have not been dealt with from our past.
If you are on the verge of chucking in the towel with your relationship I suggest that you spend time in stillness and alone and connect with your heart.  Be humble and willing to do what it takes to make the relationship work.  Meditation is key to connecting with how you really feel and if you can get past the anger and fear and experience a stillness inside you can look at what parts of the relationship are working and what can be salvaged.
Take short vacations from one another and do your separate interests so that you are not focused on having needs met by your partner/spouse.  Learn to let one person talk and wait for them to finish before responding to what is being said even if it is hurtful.  Pray inside for humility and understanding.  Be prepared to take the heat and blame and when the other person is feeling more trusting and secure you can each take part ownership of what has gone wrong with the relationship.  The stronger of the two needs to be more objective when the crisis mode is in effect.  Be patient and take a time out if you feel that you are getting impatient.
The tongue is a small part of our body but does immense damage with one short movement.  We can destroy relationships and incur guilt and shame if we don't control it's impulse to lash out.  Tell yourself that you will only speak kind and thoughtful words.  Write out hostile feelings and put them in a place that you consider sacred.  In the East they have prayer stands of pujas.  I suggest that you keep offering the broken relationship to your Higher Power.  Nothing is impossible through the Power of Love.
Meditate daily, pray often, stay in constant remembrance of your higher power.

You lead the way!

There are times when you have followed and other times when you lead.  Leading the way for others is a natural outcome of learning how to overcomes inner obstacles and challenges.  Realizing today how many people are wanting to move forward into a new line of work if they have been laid off perhaps comes from understanding the experience of being without a job or income.
If your inner obstacle is fear the best thing to do is face that fear.  In my experience is in putting a plan into action so that you can create a method or interventions to get from point A to point B without fear.  Keep fear to a minimum by acknowledging its presence.  Supression is not a health mechanism to deal with fear and by pushing it down into the psyche it lingers and becomes stronger.  When you bring the fear out into the light of day so to speak it looses its grip or power over you.  Relate to the fear as something that will be helped to find an end to.  Rather than taking it on in opposition or as a fight to extinguish.  Know that fear comes from a part of us that is not in a space of confidence and love.  It really is a false reality that has become through the thoughts of the mind very real and scary.
One of the practices that helped me was one that I learned from my first Meditation Teacher and that was to devote a spiritual text that I sang each morning to overcoming the inner obstacle of fear and anxiety.  I did this for a period of time and the fear and anxiety became extinguished.  This is the difference between the spiritual guidance and Grace of a living Master and doing it from a cognitive/behavioral framework.  It's not that without the power of connection with the One Being or higher power and your soul.  Your soul is empowered through the source of all and you will be able to overcome all difficulties through this power.  You have to have a clear intention about what you want/need to overcome and have the discipline to stick with the chosen course of action.
There is little benefit from stopping and starting although if that happens initially don't give up.  Let your will be so strong to be more firmly rooted in your spirituality that it empowers you to push onward.  Obstacles actually make our minds and hearts stronger which my first Meditation Teacher reminded us of so many times.  It is when we get the experience of that teaching that it becomes very real.  

Creating abundance.

These days so much is being said about what to dread ahead of us as the economy remains uncertain.  I tend to stay informed and tell myself that God doesn't know lack or economic depression.  Being healthy and being able to create a means of earning a living is what I am grateful for each day.
I am going to have to find an alternative place to stay and that will happen.  I will at least have another place to go to on the 20th.  The studios where I will be holding Meditation Groups are working out well and I will get the message out about my work between now and the 13th when my first group will be held.  I know that my efforts will be supported by Grace.  I am particularly interested in working with children and adolescents to teach Meditation and inner tools to help increase attention and concentration.  I will provide topics for focus with each group to work through issues that are relevant to their lives such as raising self-esteem, bullying, labeling and other topics that are needed.
Every time I feel uncertain I remind myself that all is well.  It will take me a little while to get my life on track.  I have applied to a hospital in KC and hope to hear from them soon as they requested my resume last week.  I always remain optimistic about my future and see a lot of positive changes coming my way.  Doing what I love and helping others is a gift.
Money always comes and I will work hard to bring money into my life through the groups that I am offering.  To be sure life can be viewed as uncertain or embraced as an opportunity to move forward and create abundance.  The right place to live and the right places to hold groups will manifest.
I have been blessed with so much support in my life.  Always someone there to lend a hand when I have needed it.  Never alone.  I wish to go gently and do what is right in all situations.  The key to all understanding comes from within through the practice of meditation.
Meditation puts you in direct link with the One source of our being and the soul is alive and joyous.  Be happy and count blessings in every moment.  Others are struggling and they need to see that in the midst of difficulties are blessings and abundance is always there for those who keep moving forward with confidence and trust.

Meditation.

As a health care provider it is important to meditate and refresh you soul.  An enlightened friend once told me to meditate fore at least two hours a day as I work with the mentally ill.  There is so much work to be done on ourselves as we help others and putting our own development first is essential.  Burnout will be an inevitable outcome if we don't take steps necessary to enliven our souls.  We will run out like a battery.
Start with a thirty minute meditation.  Sit quietly and close your eyes.  Connect your mind with your heart and center your concentration in the area between the eyebrows or the third eye as it is called.  If you see light that look likes a star focus on it and go beyond it.  Stay in silence.  You don't have to focus on the breath instead let your breathing continue naturally and let you attention go inside and not remain tied to the senses.
You can make an intention for your meditation.  Here are some suggestions.
May the energy that surrounds me be pure and uplifting to all.
My love grows for all those whom I care.
Respect for myself comes through respecting others.
What I need to change about my own attitude will be reflected to me through others.
I am open to compassion and feel it for others as well as myself.
When you come out of meditation you can write about your experience and what came up for you.  Did you have feelings of regret or were you worried about anything?  Did you feel refreshed?  Note how meditation changes your inner state and how you are then able to relate to outer circumstance.  There is a direct relationship.
When you feel stressed out you can go back to that space of meditation and the peace that you felt then can be drawn upon in the moment to help you center and feel calm.  Rememberer to recall your meditations and remember your higher power constantly.  Grace is always available and if you listen to your inner guide you will know what to do in any situation.

Silence.

I like the blank, pure, simple things in life.  When I look up at a star studded night sky my soul connects with the energy of the universe.  When I look into a clear brook or stream I am drawn inside myself.  I like to be in nature because it is so easy to connect within.  I love butterflies and find they come to me and sit on my hand or foot for a while.  There is no expectation, no motion, just a communication about the simplicity of being.
We are conditioned in life to want to fill our lives with events, relationships, conversations, opinions, judgments etc., on and on.  We loose touch with who we are when we are pulled outside ourselves constantly by our senses.  We learn to think of love as an escape into some other experience other than our own love that is resonating inside our own heart and soul 24/7.
We can connect through relationships and community if we choose and it's goo if that's what you want because you can share a part of your love from your own soul.  If you are looking at these interactions with others as an escape or the continuation of the same old, same old denial of the need for self introspection, you will not benefit from the experience.
Take time to be silent and appreciate your own inner being.  If there is pain or blocks you will have to go deep within and heal those places.  It is all possible.  You are one complete whole and vibrating with love.  Don't waste this life in looking for all the material goods or a special relationship.  The one relationship that will take you to God is within your own self.  Be kind, first to yourself through self thoughts, self talk, and your actions.  Be gentle, first with yourself then with others.  In this way spread kindness throughout the day, in the moment and as part of your life.
I work as a Professional Life Coach and can be reached at lawrencerita511@gmail.com  Part of my work requires a commitment to the spiritual path and initiation by a living Master.  Vegetarianism and Meditation.

Good thoughts come back to you through good happenings in your life.

When we see good in others we recognize in them that which is in ourselves.  When we see God in others following Mother Teresa's example we are in touch with our own Godliness in side our own being.  Spirituality used to seem very on the fringe but now is more main stream as people realize that when they clean their act up so to speak their lives actually turn out better and they experience more joy and loving relationships.  What holds us back is our conditioning and that can come from a broad social context or from our close family contacts.  We have to shed our false self or small ego that is tied to everything that we have identified to without the experience first being grounded in our love for God.  Once we have this experience of God's love that is ever live and present in our own heart and soul we can relate to others in a whole new way that brings harmony into our lives.  We don't have to feel isolated or that our life hasn't worked out as well as we had anticipated.  There are never any mistakes on our part only learning opportunities.
Once you let go of the negative ways of viewing life you will naturally replace it with positive thoughts.  Positive thoughts draw in positive people into our lives and positive things will begin to happen.  When we feel despair in our lives it is just that we haven't experienced God's love for us and that is always available.  What it takes is a step of faith and confidence will replace the feeling of void.  Confidence building after you cross over dark waters and get to the other side.  There is no magic cure for getting you out of a space of despair.  It is your trust in your own ability to muster up the strength to get to the next stage.  There is always a period of pressure, like being caught between a rock and a hard spot before the good times happen.  Just hang in there until you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
None of us are spared hard times in this life.  Certainly some people's lives seem smoother from our perspective.  It is through the struggles that our minds and hearts are made stronger and we grow in confidence and love as a result.  It's just that we don't these realities out into the open in our families.  Perhaps you have come from a family like my own where achievements went unrecognized.  I never felt the pride that my own mother felt when I completed graduate school.  In my earlier years this coldness and harshness caused me a lot of emotional pain.
Today if you are having a difficult time start by writing an intention that is clear.  For instance "I will go for a walk."  "I will look for the good in my boss/spouse/parent etc."  "I will sit for meditation."
The best tool for inner healing is meditation.  Meditation has been taught in the East for thousands of years and we have had great mystic teachers come to the US.  I met a lovely woman who has three generations now initiated and practicing Science of Spirituality www.sos.org
I am a Professional Life Coach and can be reached at lawrencerita511@gmail.com

Why meditation and vegetarianism is core to spiritual life.

As a Professional Life Coach, in the beginning of my work I am quite clear about the spiritual aspect of my work in self-development.  My Master of Science education gives me a broad understanding of our human makeup in terms of psychological as well as our physiological being.  The two are scientifically grounded and well researched.  Although educated in pharmacology I have not felt comfortable with it as the core treatment for people suffering from such conditions as depression.  I believe that our inner world is where we have to first connect and then we can connect to our outer being and personification.
My spiritual journey began in 1986 as I was initiated on a path that taught me to love my self through meditation and understand myself through self examination.  Through a long process of combined spiritual practices, spending time in spiritual retreat with my Master and meditation I was able to free myself of all the inner baggage which I call garbage that had caused me pain and burden me physically with a heaviness that blocked me from experiencing myself as light and joy.   For the past year and a half I have been on the path called Science of Spirituality http://www.sos.org under the guidance of HH Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Marahaj who is the current Master of the lineage.  This is the right path for me and I am grateful that I am now learning from my Master who uses scientific logic and practical teachings that connect us with the self through mysticism which is the inner experience of knowing God.  There is an outer knowing of God that we learn through religion that is cognitively understood.   This understanding alone is not enough to take us to enlightenment which is the goal for mankind and attainable through the Grace and guidance of an enlightened Master.
When I work with individuals I must take them on the journey to inner freedom through learning to meditate and following a daily practice that includes self introspection and using tools similar to those used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to monitor thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  Vegetarianism is required because of the ethical choice that must be made not to harm any animals as well as the purification of our bodies through eating vegan diets.  Vegetarian foods are delicious and once you learn to cook them you won't want to go back to eating meat!  I recommend that you watch the video at http://www.FoodInc.com but make sure you don't eat first as it is disgusting to see how inhumanely animals are treated in the food industry particularly factory farming.
I look forward to taking you to the first step in creating a better life through connecting first with the inner self and then as taught in Kashmir Shavism your outer world will manifest according to your inner state of being.  We have an opportunity in this lifetime to know God and this is your chance not only to create a successful life but to become initiated by a Spiritual Master and transgress the wheel of karma which brings you back to this life repeatedly until lessons are learned and karmas ended.
I can be reached at lawrencerita511@gmail.com

Stay Centered.

There are so many issues that we have to deal with in our everyday lives and then we are faced with additional issues that affect our immediate environment and world.  Our sphere of influences has grown with the Internet making us in touch with our world and one another as we have never been before.  That is a good thing and I love the work that Yoko Ono is doing to bring the world together through smiles.  Join this group which I posted earlier and will add a link to the bottom of this page.  Perhaps the most central issue that I have identified to the current economic mess is the idea of the "straw man redemption."  It is new to me and I can only say empower yourself in this life and change is only made in a positive direction when knowledge isn't held by the oppressors only.
Through all our difficulties we can center in the space of love inside through the practice of meditation and then when problems arise and we feel an emotional reaction we can retreat into the space interact from that space of love.  All the great Saints have taught that love is the answer and until we connect with our own soul and merge with the soul of God we will be in pain no matter what.  For me the option of living a life  that was not centered on love and the teachings of my spiritual teachers was unbearable.  For that reason I am thankful for having a hard life because I have always sought God inside and was blessed to find my first Master in 1968.  It is okay to follow the religious and moral teachings of your religion but unless you connect inside they are just words.  Spiritual life is a robust and fresh energy that makes religion come alive and we can then cherish the teachings and apply them in our everyday lives and nurture our love for nature and animals.
Meditation is the key to knowing God because you are absorbed in the energy of God and the intention of becoming that same energy.  It happens without effort or any manipulation.  Like a flower growing in soil that is watered and soaked in the rays of the sun, similarly we grow with meditation.  Under the guidance of an enlightened Master our growth is tenderly guided.  Whatever we need to become the fullest and most beautiful flower will take place under the loving care of Master's guidance.  Spiritual initiation is something which has to take place in order to become awakened to our spiritual self.  Depending on our karma's from previous lives and what we have accumulated in this life we will be destined at some point to meet the Master.  I never would have predicted that I would have a different Master after having spent many years with my first.  I know that He is my true Master and that I had to go through some preparation with my first whom I will always be thankful.
Perhaps one of the testiest times of year is around the holidays when we feel hurt by those we love when expectations are not met or people we love are not with us through some tragedy or illness.  These burdens can only be healed through deep spiritual work and the energy of meditation is so gentle and cleansing that it is like magic fairy dust that clears away the debris.  We are freed from all attachments in this way.  Love lasts and in fact through my own experience actually grows after the loved one has passed on.  Love is eternal and love exists in our waking and sleeping states.
When you feel pushed to your limit take a deep breath and close your eyes.  Center your mind on the area of your heart and stay there.  Continue to breath in deep and breath out long.  Bathe yourself in the presence of your true self that is connected with God.  That is true empowerment.  You can center in the space of love and stillness whenever you feel threatened in any way.  One great Saint said "The heart is the hub of all sacred spaces, go there and roam!"
I am a Professional Life Coach and can be contacted at lawrencerita511@gmail.com  I require that you become initiated on the spiritual path by a spiritual Master.  You can check into the official schedule of my own Beloved Master Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Marahaj www.sos.org  A daily practice of meditation and vegetarianism is required for the spiritual journey to begin.
I also recommend an natural antioxidant www.MyRain.me/Rita
God Bless you and keep you safe always!

Monitoring your inner world.

Stress has its toll on us all during the season when schedules pick up pace to fit in family members and meet others expectations.  We normally try at some level we are capable or aware of in ourselves to help others around us to be happy.  It is a rare thing to find someone who would enjoy going out of their way to make us upset.  We are all on a continuum going toward the light in this life and finding liberation and others may not be in the same place as we are and have a different energy about them.  While we cannot avoid people completely it is always wise to limit our connection with others who are unable to respect us or treat us with a caring attitude.
I was stunned to find people who could not care for me during a recent trip nor have the insight to understand how their behavior had affected me.  I even had the person concerned try to put her arms around me as I sat in a chair and ignored her passing.  Such incredible lack of empathy and yet I know that it is because that is the level of understanding that person has and I accept that but it doesn't mean to say that I will continue to allow further circumstances to me in a similar situation again.  That is what drawing boundaries is about and we have to take care of ourselves first on the spiritual path.  It isn't about sacrificing our own good for others ignorance or lack of common courtesy.  I find some people get confused about caring for themselves on the spiritual path and putting other first.  I have done this with patient care in the context of the healing relationship when the person has a need for strength and support from the healing person.   Then I allow for the giving and direct my attention and energy to uplifting the person.  It is through my intention for their good and constant focus of mental, spiritual and physical efforts that a therapeutic and healing field occurs.  This relationship can be used with people from time to time but not when people are unwilling to grow but instead tirelessly repeat the same abusive behaviors.   Then I will "leave off," as a phrase that my Master uses to bring us out of meditation.
I explained to the lady who dropped me off at my home that I have certain standards and I don't break them or allow others to trample on them.  That is a core part of my being and I have earned my own self respect through years of learning that started out with the mental or psychological approach and later found the spiritual path that embraces the total self.  There is no going back and when I have to walk away from situations that have a quality that belongs in the past I know that God will support me and situations, people and things that serve my highest good will then manifest.  If we don't respect ourselves others won't either and our self respect is reflected in our total countenance.
T-F-B!  Remember this acronym because you will soon be able to monitor your thoughts, feelings and behaviors if you do!  The purer your thoughts the higher your vibration that is felt on the emotional or feeling level inside.  For instance when you experience mental anguish it is felt inside the soul or upper torso of the body where this energetic part of our being resides.  The solar plexus or center of gravity spot on our body will often feel a "hit" when someone throws an unkind word or thought our way.  It is through the spiritual shield that we can deflect from psychic attacks of others.  Our behaviors are like a reflex of our emotions that arise because of our thinking.  Behaviors will change as soon as thinking is made positive.
Once you are able to take a deep breath and center your mind on the area of your heart you will become attuned to your inner state.  Whenever you feel a downward spiraling of emotions do something simple like closing your eyes and breathing easy to relax and go inside with your total awareness.  Focus on the area of your heart.  Your soul will lead you and take you through the process necessary for you to find stillness and peace.  As you get to know your inner self you will be able to spend more time in harmony with your life because your vibes will attract higher vibes to you.  When you want to attract money think of money all the time and incorporate money into the realm of love that you live in.  It is better to arrive at a higher realm of existence and then draw in the material blessings that vise verse.  In my humble opinion.
I work as a Professional Life Coach and can be reached at lawrencerita511@gmail.com I require individuals to become vegetarian and find a spiritual path or follow your particular religion.  It is important to become initiated by a living Master and I recommend that you check www.sos.org for more information.

Introspection takes you deep inside the soul.

The journey is sometimes difficult despite the inner bliss.  The experience of uncaring and lack of compassion wrenches my soul and I have to look deeper inside my soul to see if there is a part of myself that is unhealed.  Why did an experience land me in a situation where I felt so vulnerable?  Trust is so open and the thrust of hurtful behaviors is like a gale force wind against a petal.  I have learned that I must ask more questions and when I see superficiality in others take note and not let them put me in a position where I become vulnerable.  I must reinforce boundaries.  I am normally very independent and until I have a legal matter dealt with I will have to get buy with having to depend on others.  Disrespect is something which I won't allow others to treat me as less worthy than I am.  It may mean severing relationships and being patient while I build my life back again.
I spent the past week with my Master, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj in Chicago.  I am planning to move to Chicago so that I can be near the Science of Spirituality Center in Naperville and spend as much time with Sant Rajinder as I can.  This life is an opportunity to liberate and I am going to do all in my power to make sure that happens with my Master's Grace.
For today I have to go through my goals and one of them is to write an outline to tie events together. I have truly been blessed and protected.  Now I must keep up the good fight as the saying goes.  I felt weighed down by others lack of compassion this past week and that low feeling can snowball.  I have meditated and rested since Saturday when I returned to KC.  There is a core part of me that will not allow others to disrespect me or mess me around.  I won't stand for it and that's the bottom line.  I have no tolerance for mistreatment and I can detach and release but I will not allow the same thing to recur.  My Master will be giving a program again on December 5th and I hope to be able to go.  Maybe I can combine it with an interview that I want with a hospital in Chicago.  God willing!
How is your life going dear ones?  If you are like me you will use a mantra or similar focus for spiritual energy to raise and stabilize when you get up in the morning.  We have what is called a Simran which is a set of words for God that works with each of the Shakras.  It is very powerful and given to the initiate by the Master.  You can go to www.sos.org for more information.
Many of you have had to get your lives back together following some kind of unexpected loss.  Mine has been a legal battle that has been won but now things need to be tied up and threats to my liberty and good name need to cease.  I write an intention daily and today I wrote out that I would speak truth to power and stand firm against oppressors.  No matter how big or who is involved self responsibility calls for action.  Inaction results in victimization and loss of all that life has blessed you with.  The latter is not acceptable to me and so I will stand firm.  Blessings are always given to me and I have been protected all along.
You too can call on God for protection.  Root your mind in scripture and work on the inside by opening up the heart and soul to your religion.  That is where having a spiritual Master makes a difference because the inner work of mysticism can only be accessed through spirituality.  The inner realms are where the connection with God can be experienced.  The purpose of this life is to make that connection.  Don't miss your chance.
I am going to work on my outline and send an email to someone who will work on my legal case.  I am blessed in every way.
I work as a Professional Life Coach and can be contacted at lawrencerita511@gmail.com  I require that individuals meditate daily and follow a vegetarian diet.  Your spiritual path is up to you but you must have one.

Forgiveness.

Forgiveness is an never ending process that we can use to let go of negative emotions that arise when someone causes us harm.  Forgiveness isn't something that we wait for in relationships.  When you practice forgiveness it becomes fluid and as a result you will feel lighter.  Nobody likes the feeling of being burdened by feeling blame or any other negative feeling.  You don't have to go there.  When you free yourself from the shackles of others oppressive behaviors while staying in your own power and positive thoughts.

"The minds job is to doubt," a famous spiritual teacher once said.  Once you are able to clear your heart and live from the realm of love you will no longer be ruled by the mind.  The mind will follow the heart.  Forgiveness is an aspect of love and love conquers all!  Where love is the opposite cannot coexist.  This way of living takes time to develop and you will find that the more time you spend in the realm of love the more you will want to stay there.  The practice of meditation is key to clearing all negativity and connecting you with your soul or true self.  I have been fortunate enough in my own life to have spent many years with two Indian spiritual Master's who have led me on the spiritual journey.

For me the choice to take the journey was one that was made easy because I didn't want to exist in the arid realm of the mind and materialism.  I knew that the Saints and Sages could lead me to the experience that they so willingly and lovingly shared.  I spend time in the evening and early morning hours in meditation since I have been initiated in Sound and Light Meditation.  When I meditate I immediately feel free of any burdens or negativity.  It is just me and God and that is felt in my heart as Love.  You will benefit from finding a spiritual Master who can initiate you on the spiritual journey and direct you through life.  Each person experiences something different because under the guidance of a Master your life will unfold in whatever way is perfect for you to learn.  There are many things that you will learn and your purpose will be revealed to you through a process that I have found repeats itself in different forms.  I knew in my heart when I was in graduate school at The Catholic University of America that my life wasn't just about me and I willingly have allowed my life to be of service to God for whatever He wishes.

Forgiveness is an aspect of love and it doesn't mean that you become a target for others abuse.  You can forgive others while making sure that you take responsibility for your own life and the impact of their behaviors on you.  You can still draw boundaries and say no.  Be clear and be certain.  A clergyman wrote "You can't blow an uncertain trumpet!"  It's okay to be strong.  Tyrants are usually cowards inside.  Just like some of those candies that have a hard shell and gooey stuff on the inside when you bite down.  Except there is nothing sweet about cowards.  Learn to identify them and learn how to deal with them.  Don't become a victim like so many kids I have been reading and hearing about in schools.  Read books by Carlos Castaneda whose stories involve tyrants and examples of how to deal with them.  The main lesson is to remain impeccable according to Carlos.

So many things to master in life and the first place of course to start is within your own heart.  Learn how to connect with your soul and God.  Be a blessing in this life to those who need you to show them the way and like the title of a book said  "How to swim with sharks!"  Nothing is impossible when you decide to keep making breakthroughs.  You will not get anywhere at times and in that still time learn to control the doubts that the mind uses to discourage you.  Keep pressing in to the situation and eventually when the time is right there will be a breakthrough and you will emerge on the other side of your problem.  Wait on the other side of that opening you created and help others through.

I am a Professional Life Coach and welcome you to contact me at lawrencerita511@gmail.com  I require individuals to meditate on a regular schedule and eat a vegetarian diet.  I also promote antioxidants and you can check Rain Nutrition at http://MyRain.me/Rita

Goals!

$4.2million ear marked to defense spending appropriations bill.  If any business tries this they will be accused of fraud and most wouldn't dare!  Why do we put up with it.  I voted for Senator Roy Blunt who is following McConnell and I am a Republican who wants to follow Senator DeMint.  Ban PORK! and make sure that you follow what your senators are voting for that is why we have the tea party.  It makes me wonder whether the government uses goals to guide policy.

I hope that many of us can do well despite the economy and find jobs.  That's a challenge with unemployment so high.  We need leadership that is going to look after American people and families.  We don't need any more spending or social programs.  When we have a culture that begins to believe that they can't live without government support we are sunk!  Join groups like Americans for Prosperity and work for prosperity in your life.  Don't walk away from opportunities.

Write down your goals and find people who can support your ideas.  Find a business mentor if you are developing an independent stream of income while perhaps you continue working while you get started.  You will need to look at sections of your business plan that will be centered  around your income or loan amount that you can work with until you are able to make a profit.  Look at your marketing opportunities and join social networks such as twitter and face book.  You can do well if you make the right decisions to get your brand name out there and become familiar to groups of people.

If you have a service find local places where you can offer courses.  People are interested in finding new insights, skills and tools.  Whatever it is that you can do to get your name in the limelight will be a positive.  You obviously don't want to do anything embarrassing but make sure you focus on your area of expertise.  Find people who can write recommendations and give testimonies that will give you credibility.

When in public make sure that you are dressed well and have hair groomed.  Look like you would if you were going to the photographers.  Let people notice you in as many ways that you can.  Be polite and always make a good impression even if you think nobody is looking.  Talk to people like they are your lover!  Your reputation goes before you and there is a rule of thumb that says that for every one person you tell they tell another fifty!  Be on good behavior wherever you are.

Goals, goals and goals are the way to go forward.  Once you have three goals written for one section of your plan.  Maybe it will start with finances make them measurable.  You will want short therm goals that are measured in weeks and long term goals that are extended into months and perhaps years.  These need to be reviewed on a regular basis and record your achievements and modify any that you need to implement new measures to achieve.  It's called tweaking and very few things go according to plan.  Know your own hangups and why you are holding back.  You need to be able to put in the time that it takes and keep replenishing your self during times of discouragement.

That is when a Professional Life Coach is a benefit to achieve your ambitions.  You need someone in your court who will research for you, meet with you, and provide the emotional support that you need.  Please contact me at lawrencerita511@gmail.com  I require that you practice meditation daily and follow a vegetarian diet http://myrain.me/rita for antioxidants and natural health support.