A Commonly Overlooked Place For Solutions To Life Challenges

One evening a radio talk show caught my ear as I coasted down a busy Las Vegas freeway. A caller seeking advice from financial expert Dave Ramsey explained that she was experiencing challenges with her personal finances.

Dave asked questions, listened intently, and gave his expert opinion as the caller explained her mortgage situation.

She added that her husband seemed hopeless and indecisive about their life and financial dilemma; more so since his mother’s passing.

After extracting more information from the woman, Dave eventually responded with “I don’t know what to tell you… your problem is a spiritual one.” Her husband had lost hope for his future and the desire to move forward.

 "Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens." ~ Carl Jung

When we experience life challenges, whether it is financial, business or relationship, we tend to look outside ourselves first for solutions rather than starting within.

Because we are all on a spiritual journey, experiences are presented to us so we may learn, evolve, and move forward on our path. As Zen teacher Charlotte Joko Beck explains:

Life always gives us exactly the teacher we need at every moment.
This includes every mosquito
 every misfortune,
every red light,
every traffic jam,
every obnoxious supervisor
(or employee),
every illness, every loss,
every moment of joy or depression,
every addiction,
every piece of garbage,
every breath.
Every moment is the guru.

When you experience life challenges, reflect on your situation and consider what you may be learning from that experience. Be grateful for your experiences because “every moment is the guru.”

When you feel uncertain about the situation and the lesson, Ask God/Higher Power/Universe for guidance and clarity. As you may know, a lesson will continue to show up until it is learned.

Understand that you possess the power, courage, and inner strength to move beyond your situation.

However, start by looking within. When you do, you awaken. You evolve. Ultimately, you discover the lesson and the GOOD it brings you.

How has looking within helped you overcome life challenges?

How Well Are You Moving Forward in 2013?

If you hold the vision of a bright future for yourself, you've probably set a series of goals in 2013 designed to make your vision a reality.

As with any goal setting process, you've most likely measured your progress to determine how well you are moving forward.

If you find you are not progressing as quickly as you'd like, one behavior you may consider implementing is the act of letting go. While there are many techniques that allow you to move forward, letting go of emotional baggage is one that's often overlooked.

For example, you may be holding on to past hurts such as being betrayed by a spouse or not feeling loved by a parent or child. Living from this emotional space can slow your personal and emotional growth.

"As I walked out the door toward my freedom I knew that if I did not leave all the anger, hatred and bitterness behind, I would still be in prison." ~ Nelson Mandela

Letting go frees you to live in the moment, opens the door to new opportunities, and allows you to move forward.

The act of forgiveness does not mean condoning the wrongdoer's actions, it means freeing yourself from emotional baggage that weighs you down. After all, how well can you fly when you're tethered to baggage?

Begin by forgiving the person you believe hurt you in some way. This may be challenging at first; however, it becomes easier over time.

Several ways you can practice forgiveness and letting go is to journal your thoughts and feelings about the person. You may also hold a 'pretend conversation' with the person. Speak with the individual as if s/he were there. Then pretend s/he is responding to what you're expressing. It also helps to focus on positive aspects of the person rather than just his or her negative behaviors.

Remember, ill feelings consume energy that can otherwise be channeled to a more positive place.

For more on forgiveness and letting go, check out this article by the Chopra Center.

A Powerful Secret For Achieving Your Goals

While there are many techniques for setting and achieving goals, here is a powerful secret for mastering your goals for 2013 and beyond:

 Create a Clear Vision… From the Heart

Achieving your goal starts with a clear vision. That means answering questions such as: what specifically does accomplishing my goal look like? What does achieving my goal really mean for me and/or for others? How will I feel when my goal is accomplished?

"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” ~ Carl Jung

The real magic for establishing a clear vision occurs when you look into your heart for the authentic answers. When you do, you awaken to your truth.

Looking Within For Authentic Answers
Looking into your heart is not about telling yourself what you want to hear. Rather, it involves looking beyond the surface and listening for the authentic answers.

For example, if your goal is to earn more money in your business or career, your immediate vision may be one in which you are able to pay your bills and enjoy the finer things in life.

While there is nothing wrong with this vision, when you look within and listen, a different and clearer vision may emerge.

Some ways in which you can look within is through meditation, reflection, journaling, and spending time in nature or the outdoors.

Engaging in these activities temporarily takes you away from your daily routine and environment, and draws you closer to the Universe and center of your heart. The answers may come to you quickly or over time.

Not only do these practices help you discover your answers, they yield moments of peace and contribute to your personal growth.

How To Become An American Idol… There’s Still Time

The hit reality TV series American Idol is currently wrapping auditions for Season 12 and thousands are showcasing their talent for a shot at stardom.

A solid piece of feedback judges offer some contestants is: bring an authentic voice or unique style to the competition.

Without a unique voice or presence, it becomes challenging for contestants to stand out and they may not be valued as marketable stars.

Being a Superstar
Similarly, being an American Idol or superstar in your own life - whether in your business, career or personal life - means bringing your authentic brilliance to the forefront.

Your authentic brilliance is what allows you to achieve new levels of success in your life.

Authentic Brilliance... What Is?
 "How is it possible to achieve new levels of success in my life?" you may ask. It's simple: your authentic brilliance is your divine right and privilege. When you live it, you are living who you are meant to be.

Your authentic brilliance is comprised of the unique gifts, talents, style, and abilities with which you come into this world. It is what differentiates from others allowing you to stand out and be the star you are meant to be.  

It's Written Upon Your Heart
Living your authentic brilliance is about expressing what's written upon your heart. Some Idol contestants receive feedback that they're unsure of WHO they are.

For example, they may flip-flop between genres (like choosing country songs and then rock songs) although rock and roll is what's really written on their hearts.

When Oprah Winfrey switched from a confrontational-style talk show to an empowering and uplifting format, she expressed what was written upon her heart and lived her authentic brilliance.

Choose to live your authentic brilliance without fearing judgment from others. Instead of copying a co-worker's presence or a business owner's brand, express your unique style or message.

There's always time to start living a life true to who you really are, so choose to start today.

Complaining Is Never The Answer; This Is

Recently, I have been mentoring a high-achieving young woman as she works toward becoming a top-performing athlete.

Her accomplishments have earned her sponsorships that make it possible for her to fully devote her time to training -- a golden opportunity many young women only dream of achieving.

Yet, a pattern began to emerge... a pattern of complaining.

She complained about her trainers, her training schedule, the commitment involved, and the way her parents interact with her throughout the process.

Her focus shifted from her talents and the opportunities she had received to what she didn't like about the experience. Similarly, many of us shift our focus from the gifts and opportunities in our lives. We soon take them for granted rather than expressing APPRECIATION.

As you reflect on achieving your goals, consider this: I have never heard anyone say, "I complained my way to success."

"The act of complaining, which some of us call 'venting' rarely makes us feel good; it just contributes to more complaining and more negativity," explains author Mike Robbins.

Instead of complaining, choose the path of GRATITUDE, and take these powerful words with you:

"There are two words that when spoken, have the most unfathomable power to completely change your life. Two words which, when they pass your lips will be the cause of bringing absolute joy and happiness to you. Two words that will wipe out negativity. Two words that will bring you abundance in all things. Two words which, when uttered and sincerely felt, will summon all the forces and vibrations in the Universe to move all things for you. The only thing standing between you, happiness, and the life of your dreams is two words... THANK YOU!" -from The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne

With gratitude,

Christine Ferguson

I AM Movie Asks "What's Wrong With the World?" Special Screening August 10 in Las Vegas

“Amazing…” –Ellen Degeneres

You are invited to attend a special screening of the distinctly powerful documentary I AM (as seen on OPRAH) at the Center for Spiritual Living in Las Vegas on Friday, August 10.

I AM Documentary

As a Spiritual Coach, I embrace the opportunity to host the screening and share the film's inspiring message.

About I AM
I AM is the story of a successful Hollywood director, Tom Shadyac (LIAR LIAR, NUTTY PROFESSOR, BRUCE ALMIGHTY) who experienced a life threatening head injury, and his ensuing journey to answer two very basic questions: What's wrong with our world? and What can we do about it?

With a film crew of four, Tom visits some of today's GREAT MINDS, including authors, poets, teachers, religious leaders, and scientists (Howard Zinn, Lynn McTaggart, Desmond Tutu, Thom Harmann, Coleman Barks) searching for the fundamental endemic problem that causes all of the other problems, while simultaneously reflecting on this own life choices of excess, greed and eventual healing.

They started by asking what's wrong with the world, and ended up discovering what's right with it.

Special Screening on Friday, August 10
The screening will be held at the Center for Spiritual Living from 6:30 PM to approximately 8:30 PM -- this includes a post-screening Q&A which provides an opportunity for you to share your takeaways from the film and how you will incorporate them into your life to make a difference.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the Center for Spiritual Living bookstore in Las Vegas and at the door.

Praise For I AM
"Amazing..." --Ellen Degeneres

"Everyone needs to see this film!" --Bruce Cohen, Academy Award Winning Producer (American Beauty)

"Entertaining and enlightening. The I AM Documentary is a spark of light and a work of love." --Marianne Williamson, New York Times Best Seller

Click here to purchase the I AM DVD.

Real Leadership: Former NFL Star Turned Supreme Court Justice

"He was studying law in the locker room as an NFL player." - Steve Rushin

As a football fan it is with interest that I watch The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players as voted by the players themselves. In 2010, Number 43 on the list was Alan Page.

Honorable Alan C. Page

Page’s career was recounted by sportswriter Steve Rushin who, as a kid, was a Minnesota Vikings fan in awe of number 88, Alan Page.

From 1967 until 1978 Page was a defensive player for the Vikings (thereafter, he joined the Chicago Bears and played through their 1981 season.) He never missed a game in his 15-year career. On the field he was considered relentless; off the field he was described as mild-mannered and cerebral.

In 1971 he was the first defensive player to be named MVP since the award’s inception. In 1979 he became the first active NFL player to complete a marathon. It is said that he has since completed hundreds of marathons.

Why Page is a Stand Out
So, why does Alan Page stand out in Steve Rushin’s mind? Besides being a gifted player, Rushin discovered Page’s grace and humility.

In the 1970s when Rushin was unable to find a Vikings jersey with the number 88 on it, he created his own. He knew Page would be staying at a nearby hotel, so he set out to have him autograph the homemade jersey. To his dismay, Page did not sign autographs. Twenty-five years later, Rushin met Page and told him the story.

Page later responded by sending a signed number 88 jersey with a note explaining that it was meant to replace Rushin’s threadbare jersey. According to Rushin, “I can count on one hand the number of NFL subjects I’ve received a handwritten note from after that.”

The reason Page didn’t sign autographs, says Rushin, was that he did not want people to feel he was better than they were because he was a football player.

No Regrets Over Super Bowl
Although some players retire with regrets over never winning the big one, Page cared little about never winning a Super Bowl.

He focused on HIGHER EDUCATION and attended the University of Minnesota Law School while still playing for the Vikings. Amazingly, there were times he studied his law books during locker room breaks. In 1978, Page received his law degree and today, he is a MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE.

Hard Work, Discipline and Focus
Of the many mementos in Page’s office, none reflect his career as an NFL player. Instead there are mementos of Jim Crow laws and other reminders of the power lawmakers possess to make a difference.

"The lessons that I learned from professional football were many: hard work, discipline, focus, the ability to analyze a problem and work through it. To accept that you don't always win and when you do win that doesn't change who you are." Alan C. Page, 2005