How To Fight The Good Fight
It’s true…
As we age, and as we align our experiences with our soul’s growth, we DO in fact take on DIFFERENT levels of tolerance.
And, I’m using the very much misunderstood word (tolerance) loosely here.
So often in the arena of “spiritual growth”, there’s this attitude of you’re IN (and playing nicely) or you’re OUT (and playing not so nicely).
As in, “hey, Bucko… you can’t be stirring up conflict, or acting so emotionally hard-hitting, around me. Look, I watched The Secret and it tells me that negativity is nonspiritual.”
Well, even though that’s not what the movie said literally (maybe implied), nor is the above quote exactly “right on” with the kind of responses we get, from time to time, around our blog posts and commentary, let me just put it to you this way:
It’s pretty damn close!
Now, I am not going to start ranting against the woo-woo thinkers in the world who find it unbearable to flip up their rose-colored glasses occasionally, or any such thing like that, so take a deep breath and keep reading.
= = = = =
Rather, I’ll just ask you one KEY question… and, maybe, if I’m in the mood, rant or “lash out” about something else that’s related.
QUESTION: At what point does not being calm, cool, and collected, about something you don’t like or want to change, become nonspiritual?
And, to add to that: who’s to say a person isn’t calm, cool and collected just because they’re confronting (whether in writing or verbally) an unpleasant, erroneous, or even asinine issue, idea, person, or institution, etc?
Recently, because of my want to get our MastersofTheSecret.com community to BE AWARE of just how far “Big Brother / Protectionism Thinking” has evolved into our psyche, I instigated an audio post about the creator of SelfHelpFraud.org.
While the majority of our 30+ commenters on that post understood why I did that, and heard my PASSION (and plea) for self-accountability about the results we do or don’t get while being a so-called “manifestation practitioner”, a few felt that I just wasn’t… well... being “tolerant” enough toward good ol’ John Curtis.
Yep, even though he’s the one who spouted off in a very overly-dramatic, over-generalized fashion (by stating, “many victims, blinded to the value of their own life experiences, are attracted to the latest secret in self-help, in an attempt to find out what they should think, feel and how they should act…”), and even though Heather and I are known as the team around here who defends this industry (especially the teachers in it who are teaching for all the right reasons), we (or maybe just I) was, once again, the one who apparently shouldn’t have given FOCUS on such stuff.
What I find interesting is that there’s a LARGE percentage of spiritually-minded / manifesting enthusiasts who still feel it’s juvenile, or needless, to SEE and face up to their negative states or issues that, if they could shine some light on (and I’m not talking about just beaming positive energy towards somebody either), might have an impact (a positive one too) on their lives.
And, these same people even find it hypocritical for somebody, like us, to be a champion and advocate for consistent self-improvement while at the same time engaging in any subject that is less than “feel good” or “uplifting.”
Somewhere along the way, some folks (maybe you know a few) have lost sight of just being themselves and not trying to fit some “spiritual / enlightened mold” that makes them “whole” (in their minds).
To me, the things that make a person REAL and WHOLE are things like:
>> having a belief in something whole-heartedly and not feeling “unevolved” if you stand up for it, get angry, or rant about something or someone who opposes, disagrees, or tries removing it from you.
>> keeping your view of life in full-color mode, always questioning what and why things are, and exploring how life can be received and given. And, to not feel you’re burning or selling out just because you may not be “beaming healing light” towards (or just ignoring) something you don’t like or oppose.
>> acting upon your inward courage, and natural inclination, to be an iconoclastic thinker - to challenge value systems, controlled processes, and anything or anybody that you KNOW (from a gut level) prevents you from expressing your opinions and your own unique ability to reason.
I could go on and on about the ways you can feel comfortable in your own spiritual skin and STILL “fight the good fight” in an attempt to make this world a better place for yourself and the people in your immediate circle of friendship and influence.
And, fighting the good fight, to me, means not being afraid you’ll come across as a “spiritual hypocrite” for SAYING what’s on your mind. It means being “okay” with coming out from behind your veil of perceived perfection and showing the world the “good, bad, and ugly” side of your experiences, relationships, and entangled webs you weave.
Yes, go for it — talk about what’s on your mind, even if there’s no rhyme or reason for the message. Pick up the mic, my friend, and show your true colors.
Maybe you, or someone you know, has this belief that you can ONLY inspire, enliven, awaken, or make a difference in the world if you don’t pay attention to “depressing”, “negative”, or “insidious” things.
I once felt that way.
I remember reading a very funny (sad, but true) article title that Dave Barry wrote about 15 years ago.
It said:
“Country is shocked, saddened by… whatever TV tells us.”
Yes, at the time that headline hit me smack upside the head… hard.
Not only was I allowing the “soap opera syndrome” to rule my experience, I knew other people (loved ones) who were allowing somebody else’s life, or some event, to dictate how they felt or thought at the moment, for the day, or even for longer periods of time.
But, it wasn’t until many years later, when a well-spoken and wise sales manager / friend of mine asked me one day, after work, how I felt about a particular issue that was permeating the news.
It had something to do with the United States’ involvement in trying to be, again, the savior of the world, and not ACTING on certain very important domestic issues.
I just flat out told him, “I don’t care about it, don’t know about it, ’cause I don’t watch the news.”
Yep, that was the head in the sand stance I took back then. It was a place of feeling that there’s nothing I can do about stuff like that, and being 100% focused, and concerned, about my own happiness and growth.
After all, based off my immersion into the laws of the universe, manifestation research, and inner-awareness, I thought to myself:
“I know that I should curb my exposure to world events, the news, and the affairs of government. It’s all just a bunch of negative stuff that won’t help me evolve, and will keep me from being a brighter, cheerier, more buoyant, more accepting, more agreeable person.”
But, I was wrong… really wrong!
Kirk, the friend I mentioned above, put egg on my face when he told me:
“Look, you’re a good-natured, self-aware, passionate guy. A little understanding, and exposure, to what’s going around you, still considered your universe, isn’t going to make you a hardened, unfriendly, unhappy guy. You might think you’ve found a way to be bounce conflict and negativity off you, by putting on blinders and wearing rose-colored glasses, but have you? Sure, those glasses look nice on the face, but will they help you SEE your real reality? You can’t see beyond yourself, if you’re always absorbed in your own little inner world.”
Yeah, that was the mental “tough love” kinda punch that I needed and deserved at that point in my life.
Kirk spoke his truth, made his point, and gave constructive criticism, not because he came from a place of righteousness, but because he CARED. And, guess what… sometimes, caring does indeed mean you have to call out somebody on their way of BEING.
Sometimes, the only way you can “get through” to PEOPLE — whether that be a friend, loved one, or your worshippers (gawd, I hate guru-followers) — is to verbally smack them around a little.
Yes, I said it — that’s what it takes sometimes.
But, unfortunately, in New Age teaching, it’s passed on that “What you resist, persists”. And it often goes unspoken, in the minds of literal-thinkers who hear this from a perceived guru, that the resist part is synonymous with “challenge” or “confront” or “focus on”.
The result?
We have a bunch of spiritual-seeking lemmings walking this earth, truly feeling they are never supposed to be confrontational or adversarial. That would be perpetuating an unevolved “us-them” dualism, right?
I often want to ask those who blithely repeat it: “What’s your evidence? When it’s so blatantly obvious that what you don’t resist, or confront, persists like crazy anyway?”
So, if you’ve made it this far in this post, hopefully, you now have some foundational reasons to feel good about going through life with all 6 senses on HIGH ALERT.
Meaning, be AWARE of everything in your existence, not just the cheery ol’ good stuff.
And, in regards to expressing yourself…
Be bold. Be meek.
Be confident. Be unsure.
Be strong. Be weak.
Be a hard-ass. Be forgiving.
Strive for results. But, be willing to admit a setback.
Share your struggles, if needed, but don’t let the despair run your life.
Be pissed off. Be happy.
Show diplomacy. Show controversy.
Dream a lot. But, truly LIVE this life even more.
Laugh. Cry. Sing.
The point ?
Just Keep Things Real !
We all see right through people who aren’t genuine.
The way to let people SEE your genuineness is to let people hear, see, and feel a “range of emotions” — the experiences of your life that show you’re just like everybody else on the same path to personal freedom and happiness.
Conquests come with challenges. Achievements come with sacrifice. Growth, personal or business, comes with fear, doubt, and anxiety…
And, speaking of FEAR, I was lucky enough to come across a video clip of James Spader’s character, Alan Shore, in the hit T.V. show Boston Legal.
James, of course, was talking to a fictional jury, but he’s really talking to every American.
In his closing arguments he gives a 3+ minute tirade on a topic that is now close to my heart, and should be to yours too: the apathy of the majority of the people in this world in the face of continual loss of liberty.
Now, look, I know the common, unspoken assumption is that spirituality is about calm and peace, and conflict is nonspiritual.
And, of course, I know I’ll get comments saying I can’t (or “shouldn’t”) integrate the spiritual with the political (which is all about conflict), but I want to bring your ATTENTION to this anyway.
Never was the case for democracy so articulately and compellingly — and entertainingly — distilled into an argument that lasts just a few minutes.
You can watch the entire closing argument here
(Note: The video will pop up in your default media player.)
But, here’s my favorite part of Alan Shore’s statement:
“In fact, if the people of this country have spoken, the message is we’re okay with it all. Torture, warrantless search and seizure, illegal wiretappings, prison without a fair trial — or any trial, war on false pretenses. We, as a citizenry, are apparently not offended… At a presidential rally, parade or appearance, if you have on a supportive t-shirt, you can be there. If you are wearing or carrying something in protest, you can be removed. This, in the United States of America.”
He goes on to mention that fear breeds repression.
Read that again: fear breeds repression. Our government and media excel at keeping us in fear. And under the guise of “keeping us safe,” we are losing our freedom.
Some people in our community, as I’ve already predicted, don’t want to hear this. To them, it’s better to think positive and use the LOA to do away with evil or negativity.
If that’s you, then you’ll probably be prone to not watching the video, linked above.
But, regardless, while I have you here, this far in this blog post, if you’re a U.S. Citizen, and care about personal freedom, and want to learn about somebody who tirelessly works for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies, then WATCH THIS:
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NOTE: We’re not planning on turning our blog into a forum for political ideology, or views. Rather, we’re in business to share resources, insights, and teachers who can help you experience an uncompromising, ever-prosperous life. One that is unbound from restrictions, not just mental, emotional and spiritual, but, EXTERNAL too.
Sometimes, the world runs by its own rules and, if we’re not AWARE of the puzzle-making behind the scenes, we might fool ourselves into thinking that we really are in charge 100% of the time.
We’ll always hold on to the idea that we can affect our outer through our inner work; however, just because inner is the focus, is doesn’t mean that the outer should be ignored!
Understand?
I hope so !
Your partner in the quest for
living a Life Without Limits,
Barry Goss
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Filed under: Self-Freedom / Emotional Mastery
Hi Barry,
You’re giving alot of power to Self Help Fraud. org. He doesn’t think like you think, oh well..
It’s my decision to think & feel the way I want to think & feel. And it’s my decision to keep certain people out of my face. I’m a nonbeliever & if anyone from any church came in my yard & to my door, I’d tell them (not potitely ask them), to get out of my yard. Confrontational? It’s what I believe. Michelle
thank you thank you thank you! seeing this on your site is great! i am a HUGE Ron Paul fan and was part of the nov 5th ‘money bomb’ and will be part of this one, too!
This is something I’ve been wrestling with for the last little while, being away from the source at times, and how it’ll affect the ability to manifest, I don’t think anybody wants to be in postion of grief, anger, etc, etc, etc. So I do my best to let it go without hurting myself or anybody else. Mostly thru grieving, journaling, talking, and thru prayer…even though my trust has been shattered, I still try to find a way to get it out, and hell yea, it’s tough at time’s, cause it feel’s like it’s never going to end, that where prayer comes in..Graditude…Alowing me to get it out…Thanks for letting me share..
Many Blessing’s
DonniB
[...] http://www.lwlworldwide.com/blog/how-to-fight-the-good-fight/ [...]
YOUR state of mind only matters to you, yourSELF. The REAL world is MONEY. It loves to see dissent every where. When money loses money, money will change what ever needs changing to keep making money. SO change your self, change your friends, but if you do not change MONEY, you all will be living in your own little paradise bubble. Meanwhile money laughs.
Barry,
I’ve been seeing much of your “online stuff” for the past couple years - and subscribed to some of it. I’ve also subscribed to much of Heathers “stuff” as well.
“Stuff” is not to belittle the information you guys have provided, it merely indicates from my point of view, that you guys are unstopable - in a good way.
When I heard of your “unity”, I felt that the match was “made in Heaven”. ‘nuf said…
Anyway, my “kudos” for putting forth this video.
I am 52 years old (chronologically) and I’m still trying to get it. By that I mean the “trade the time for money” thing.
I know I’m worth more than $10 an hour. Shit, I should be making no less than $200 a day!!!
But, after spending most of my life under the “social” norm of “work hard, wear yourself out, maybe get a reward” syndrome, I’m tired.
After learning Carpentry through remodeling jobs for 15+ years and training for being an Information Specialist (Journalist) in the Army (1980) and getting an A.A.S in Computer Systems Technology (- being married and divorced three times, losing two homes - working on losing my third), and finally discovering the power of the Internet, I have yet to get past the influence that society has “programed” me into believing.
All I want is my own (profitable) website, a few acres on the side of a mountain here in Western North Carolina with my own cozy log home on it and a passionate loving woman to share it with.
Currently, I am living on the side of a mountain but I’m afraid I will have to move - unless I can find a way to avoid j.o.b.s like the one I was just laid off from in order to keep it.
I think (from what little I’ve heard - media dis-information) that most people around here agree with your sentiments.
I’ve always been a “behind the scenes” type person - I work better that way. But, after being introduced to the LOA from Bob Doyle nearly 5-6 years ago (WBR), I’ve continually run into damned near everything there is to read, download and listen to about “creating one’s own reality” - so much so that I’ve almost given up.
Wouldn’t it be nice to find a website where one could really get an answer?
I know how to work for a living. I’m good with my hands. But, all through my childhood - from what I remember - I heard “you are special” and “you’re going to make a difference”, etc, etc. My Dad, however never knew anything but “WORK”. Now, I know it as “keep busy”…
Now, since none of us can ever live in our past (except in our minds) and there are a multitude of possibilities for tomorrow, how do I pay my (monetary) debts while I manifest another employer to work for. That’s not very appealing…
The freedom to do whatever I “feel” in my Spirit seems to get quashed with what the Electric Co., phone co. and gas tank of my truck dictate. Not to mention my stomach.
My Spirit is strong. I can count all the people and friends who believe in me on one hand. I don’t give up.
What’s missing - I’m sure I’ve left something out…
Keep up the good work - and, if you need any assistance in “feedback”, I need answers…
Robert
Hi Barry,
short, simple and to the point, I appreciate your perception and agree with your post. If we choose to see ONLY what we WANT to see we miss the point. Emotions are but a trigger to let us know what feels good, for the sake of keeping us on our personal path, and what does dot feel good. This is the contrast, seeing only what we WANT to see is not what self improvement is about.
Very well written post, thanks again.
Landon
landonporter.com
Fantastic Barry. It’s amazing how many good natured and often highly intelligent people take the door to “la la land” when things get tough. I have tried to wake up numerous people and was silenced for not “being positive”. I responded like this: “Let’s do some role playing… You’re a German and I’m your friend, a Jew. You just found out about the camps and the ovens and you’re trying to warn me. How would you do it while ’staying positive’?” I don’t think that many people have the ability to concieve of evil or danger at the level they need to be aware of it. Further, I think that the whole planet has been conditioned through TV watching to react to the world in a passive way. When you’ve seen thousands of dramas with countless murders, the truth just gets blurred in with the fiction and the fight or flight instincs fail to function properly. It will be interesting to watch how things continue to unfold. I for one do not plan on following the lemmings even if they’re “manifesting” a giant safety net at the bottom of the cliff by “believing in it real hard”.
Hi Barry,
I am from the other side of the world but I watch events unfolding in the US with great interest. You see, what is happening in your country is happening everywhere…
Individuals are being hoodwinked into complacency, TV, fast food, drugs, alcohol etc to dull the mind into apathy. Over the years our minds have been brainwashed into believing that the state knows best. God damm it .. The state is our servant. We put people in Government to serve us.
My heart is full, reading this blog. You stand apart from all the new age crap that abounds with platitudes of life is bliss, there is no such thing as bad/evil. How can you know good if you have experienced its opposite - The bad/challenges are there for our learning. Yes we create them but when we take the learning from the bad we move forward.
Life is not just about “Me” and what is good for me. Its about me and my relationship to everything that exists. Its about living by the rule of principles. This is where one starts to get the idea of what freedom stands for. Once you come to this place your fears fall away. Ron Paul is a living example of this.
Barry I commend you for making a stand for liberty by posting this article.
Kate from New Zealand. (currently referred to as the Nanny State)
Hi…
That was a really good article!
The bottom line is: we live in a world where everybody is unique, and this uniqueness means that everybody will have likes and dislikes… and there will be situations that we all are faced with that we absolutely don’t like! It doesn’t make one person more right or more wrong if they disagree.
Two points come to mind — firstly, there is a huge difference between being true to yourself and being confident and assertive enough to keep to your truth even if it is controversial, and expecting that everybody should agree with you.
And secondly, you need to be able to listen and acknowledge other differences of opinion. That’s what makes the world go round — I think.
I know I have several people in my life that I just don’t get on with — huge personality clashes. And in me that brings up a major spiritual, law of attraction, dilemma — I can’t feel good about being around these people — they bring out the worst in me. But the only thing I can do… is to respond rather than react. I don’t have to make them my best friend, I don’t have to socialise with them… but what I do have to do is make my interaction with them incredibly brief and just respond politely when I absolutely have to. It’s staying true to me without damaging them (if that makes sense). And in my mind I wish them well… followed quickly by I wish them away from my life.
Jeanne
http://www.aspirationsplus.com
Dear Barry,
Conflict IS spiritual : remember Archangel Michaël and the dragon !!!
Fran
Here it’s me Ursula again from good old oz, I suppose at the end of the day for each of us our journey requires of us what it requires of us and challenges us in ways that best befit our own personal evolution. Just today I sat at a table and witnessed a very heated discussion( about nothing that mattered to me) using this experience to maintain and settle into my own emotional equilibrium. cos that’s where I am at and it’s not a spiritual cop ( I’ve done the fighting, expressing my views thing) out but me practising creating my own reality no matter what is going on around me, knowing that I take away from the other person way more than I give them if I try to sort out what is not mine to resolve.
That being said: If you attract “stuff” into your life that contradicts, challenges, heats you up, pisses you off then OBVIOUSLY something inside you has been triggered and needs to move with it. If that same stuff leaves another unaffected they aren’t lemmings or new age neophyte no hopers practising nirvana or trying to be OH SO SPIRITUAL, untainted by negativity and being non committal, maybe you are past it, beyond or not yet at the place where a fight turns you on, maybe you’ve been there and done that and feel happy to leave others to their “fights” “rants” “raves”
Surely one way or the others isnt right or wrong. I play golf and for me it’s the ultimate metaphor for life, like life I find my energy best utilised when I am composed and focussed…………..on my target!! Wasting it on making an impact on someone else’s opinion or view seems futile, it gets me nowhere………………..I sure as hell know I make the greatest impact energetically on those around me through who I AM, not what I preach, we all need to remember that the old paradigm of victimhood rests on the energies of opposition, separation and struggle as well as ego, noticed lots of commentaries coming from ego, sometimes a good tussle is just the thing where we can prove ourselves better than our opposition. with BIG words and clever ideas it’s just the thing to get you out of the manifestation zone because as an act it contradicts totally what it is to invoke your inner power..
Basically you are either in the zone where you truly believe you create your own reality or you ain’t. If you ain’t in that place then yeah…………a good fight on your hands is just the things you need to get involved in because it’s “out there” you have to manipulate to get what you want. If you utterly believe that cause is in here and you are the creator of your reality, what’s the point of impacting on “out there”!!! The only things that matters is core cause. The rest takes care of itself, as for ignoring or head in the sand stuff, if it’s in your field of vision of course you have to take note, you created it!!!!!…………but what about if crap just has stopped happening around you, then you aren’t creating it anymore, are you?? not even vicariously or even in any way remotely relevant to you, it’s not there anymore!!!
You’ll only be committed to energetically impacting on “out there” if you don’t really trully fully wholly believe that you create your own reality!! My attitude to any nasties in and around my reality isnt to give it more countering energy so it hangs around or comes in for a second bout………….I find what inside me drew it in, I examine that, I question that, I explore that and then I look at ways that I can unhook from the electromagnetic energy attracting the phenomena towards me.
It’s funny you know, the more peaceful and emotionally balanced I become the more people notice me, enjoy me and want to be around me, I feel that I impact on the world much much more in that subtle way than lets say when I taught and showed people the way!!!
Have a great christmas, did you know they reckon Jesus wasn’t even born on December the 25th, he’s supposed to have been an Aries, and that has nothign to do with this conversation.
Cheers Ursula
Further to my previous comment, it just ocurred to me that when we “fight” in so doing we abdicate our right to the choice of time and space ( location) as we aren’t really ‘acting ” we are re-acting” in response. To explore my golf metaphor, I recently asked an excellent long hitter how she got her ball to fly so far and seemingly effortlessly, she said “you hit it in the perfect spot and the perfect time” and it soars with a minimum of force.
The magic of manifestation is this perfection of right use of time and space………..being is response to that which we feel we must resist requires the abdication of our choice…….we are acting out in reaction to someone else’s timing and subject matter therefore being run by what we oppose nevertheless under the ego led illusion that with our zest and passion we are in control when in fact we aren’t.
Thanks for the chance to comment Cheers ursula
I got to a point where I got sick and tired of listening to these self proclaimed guru’s talking about positive and negative. I think to myself since when is it a crime to feel? Then again if you live in America you better be prepared to guard your attitude before some worthless buracrat passes another useless law.
I recall a while back where suddenly it became illegal to flip your ciggarette out your car window. You could be fined, depending on the cops mood upwards of 10 grand. I laughed and found out that the legislator that instituted the law had pissed off one of his consituants to the point where he flipped a lit ciggarette at him while he was in his vehicle.
Now of instead of those 2 working it out it suddenly became another one of those big brother knows best situations. Land of the free? home of the brave? Not even close.
What a delightful topic and very well stated comments.
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I think we do seem to be loosing our freedoms one by one. But then I’ve always ‘rocked the boat’ when it needs to be rocked.
I believe we make our own reality, on an individual basis, but that we also affect others on a collective basis. Whatever we think does have an effect on al others. I don’t stick my head in the sand, but I do try to be careful where I choose my ‘fights’. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be anything we can do about world events. Even so, we can change our reactions, and our views…thereby changing others’ in the long run. We made our own government, and we are supposed to be for the people, by the people and of the people. NOw it’s more like ‘big brother’ thinks the people are a bunch of sheep. I’d much rather be a goat and think for myself any day.
I realize day by day, and have for years, that I do create my reality. I’m not perfect at it,and there are times when things outside my influence (seemingly) dictated what I should do and how I should react. But sometimes, there is a way around even that. I call it “mind magick”, because I say in my mind what I want and it appears. It has always been this way, even sice I was young…before school…but I often forget tis is possible and end up taking the hard road. Everything isn’t always roses, but then roses have thorns…(laugh).
Anyway, Blessings to all
Nina
Barry,
Thank you! I was starting to get really religious about being so good. LOL I am in the middle of a legal battle with the last company I worked for and was being told by good people that the legal battle was the source of my resistance to getting all the good stuff.
Well hell! I am not being resistant, but just standing up for my rights as a citizen of the USA. Being discriminated against by companies that think bigotry is… OKAY!
I am glad to hear that I can stand up for my rights and not be in resistance to my goodness, because I am over the initial pain of the acts that led me to taking on Goliath. If not me than who!
Thank you,
Elsa
I’m responding only to your promotion of Ron Paul as “somebody who tirelessly works for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies.” Have you actually looked at what he believes in? He wants to overturn Roe vs Wade, is against stem cell research, is against universal health care, and wants public tax dollars to go to private schools with absolutely no accountability, no requirements to meet the standards that public schools must meet. I care about personal freedom, and Ron Paul is NOT the person who will deliver that!
This is a really valuable conversation because a lot of people equate “spirituality” with some kind of blilss state that is not a reality for the overwhelming majority of the population which would then lead to the false conclusion that if you are not in perpetual bliss, you can’t be leading a spiritual life which could not be further from the truth. When you are a whole human being, fully engaged in the life of the universe, you are making a difference, working towards meaningful goals that will bring more peace and value to the world. When you discover your mission in life or follow your bliss, work becomes pleasure, relationships are what ever they are but you dont’ have to put “good” and “bad” meanings to the things that happen between you and others. I have been living with the concepts of “The Secret” for over 25 years, I KNOW they work and my own life is proof of it. There is no reason to try to defend or convince others of anything. Your site provides tremendous value by bringing enlightened thought leaders to your audience and allowing us to absorb what we resonate with and ignore what doesn’t. Keep up the good work.
Barry, Thank you for standing up and giving us hope in America. We can be grateful we have you to encourage us to grow and be better in a wiser way, by being accountable and true to our inner self. You are my hero today. Dee
Hey Robert, we should put our heads together . . . your post looked like it was torn out of my life journal! Not sure if this will get past the blog patrol, but if it does email me at psn8ldy@aol.com. Otherwise, maybe the moderator would be so kind as to forward it to you.
Your controversial video is “NO LONGER AVAILABLE” on UTube.. (It MUST have been politically controversial, because it was “removed’ lest the sheep “get ideas”.
Standard operational procedure for the govt. minions.
Thank You Barry,
I am as well a Ron Paul (freedom) supporter and lover of the “secret!” In considering the “secret” and the continued (new) release of this information to the masses I have at times considered that this may be another conspiracy. Call it a conspiracy of complacency.
Go Ron Paul
I mostly work with healers who are also labeled as light workers and other names. One of the main problems I have seen is that a large percentage of these great warriors and very brave men and women feel they have to be perfect in order to be able to lead others. They feel they have to have a life free of conflict, sadness, divorces, illnesses, and in particularly anger. When they do fall into negativity they retreat into their own world so that no one sees them. A lot has to do with not having anyone who will help them out in their time of need as they help others, which is a direct effect of hiding their negativity and lows.
The first step in their road to recovery is to allow themselves to be human, allow themselves the same compassion, patience and time they give the people they look after. The second is to allow themselves to do what you so eloquently describe in this post, open their eyes and see the entire world with all its colors to shine forth into their consciousness and stop resisting the variety we are experiencing.
After all, if we can indeed affect the world with our thoughts and feelings, then we must go out and find areas that challenge us, let those areas into our minds and feelings where we can process them and do something about it.
Many years ago I was told by a Buddhist teacher that if you see or know of an injustice and do nothing about it, then you are as guilty of that injustice as the person who committed it.
By hiding our heads in the sand, whether to our or other’s suffering and negativity, we basically do nothing and are thus propagating that negativity.
Well done on a great eye opening blog. Keep them coming!!!
Consider us not “sheep” but ants as in the movie “Ants!” The grasshoppers know how powerless they really are! If only We the people knew how powerful we are.
All of us need to look to the examples of Buddha, Jesus, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, etc. to learn how to maintain our personal power when others around us are giving theirs away to the false gods of greed, external power, religion, politics, fear…. When we are able to maintain our personal power, then we can deal effectively with those who are determined to take away our way of life. And, someone needs to have the courage to speak the truth about the John Curtises of the world, the corruption of government, of religion, of big business, of greed, of fear…. And, in speaking that Truth will be doors be opened for all of us to grow. We just need to speak with love and to maintain our center.
Wow! Great commentaries here!
First about Ron Paul… I did some quick research for you, Jeri, and here is his stance (in full-color video) on abortion and stem cell research:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66jpPCIzza8
Not exactly what you said… for the most part he just wants decisions and laws to be made on a State, rather than a Federal, level. He may want to “overturn Roe vs. Wade” as THE WAY the law is implemented (Federally), but he does not necessarily want the ESSENCE that the law supports to exist or not, regardless of his personal beliefs as a doctor… he wants to give more freedom to people at the State level to choose.
Should he ever be elected, which is a long-shot based on the Big Brother ways the elections truly happen, each State could certainly implement abortion laws that were more or less restrictive than Roe vs. Wade.
Also… the clip clearly states that he is not against stem cell research.
You may know I’m a Canadian citizen, and as such will not be voting in the next election, but I just wanted to bring you some of the facts from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.
And Robert… thank you for your comment about subscribing to our “Stuff” individually, and your point of view on what we do. We also feel our “unity” is a match “made in Heaven” (whatever Heaven really is… well, I’ll say a match “made in the spirit world”)
based on how it all came about.
Truly a powerful manifestation story… and to the people who often comment that the only way people manifest things is by teaching about manifestation (and being paid for their teachings), I can say from a personal perspective that that is absolutely not true.
cheers
Heather
Actually truth be known Paul’s rEVOLution is moving forward faster than any ever in the history of america and it is ALL volunteer (not bought). It is brilliant, such as the light of freedom. Go to http://www.ronpaul2008.com/
And see how this UPRISING has already exceeded it’s fundraising goal of $12,000,000.00.
This is mass manifestation!
Hi Barry. I think you have hit on something as far as America becoming the land of the non-free. I never watch the news by choice because I do not believe the media. In fact, I don’t know who to believe anymore. The President, congress, the media and the whole lot of them are not to be trusted. And the news is negatively slanted to capture viewers and sell ads. People seem to be enthralled with negativity. Can you honestly tell me who tells the truth in the country?
I am struggling to just get by everyday. I have been trying for years to do things I enjoy, including work and have not been able to create any kind of steady income. My income for this year is under $500. So, I don’t have time to entertain all the negatives around the world since I am battling so many in my own backyard.
I remain steadfast in my ideas of never giving up. I know there is much potential in my efforts and I am determined to make it all work out. I think about happy outcomes, but they seem to elude me. I hate being stuck in negatives, whether in my thoughts or in the outside world. Before I can make a difference in the world, I feel as if I have to have my life working.
I admit I am not in tune with the political scene. I am so tired of Dems and Repubs and the whole mess, and all the socialism running rampant. I will check out Ron Paul and read what he is about. I viewed both videos. Boston Legal is one of the few shows I will watch on TV. And, it is scary to protest something you don’t agree with because anymore you don’t know when you will be arrested or silenced or threatened in some way by the government.
“Be bold. Be meek.
Be confident. Be unsure.
Be strong. Be weak.
Be a hard-ass. Be forgiving.
Strive for results. But, be willing to admit a setback.
Share your struggles, if needed, but don’t let the despair run your life.
Be pissed off. Be happy.
Show diplomacy. Show controversy.
Dream a lot. But, truly LIVE this life even more.”
Sounding dualistic to me ~
Many points are between and around the opposites.
This is a dilemma of the human quest. To know the truth of oneness while appearing to be separate. If we are all connected by one essential truth, then each of us has a knowing and experience of that truth under all the apparent separation.
A helpful strategy for me is to ask the questions: What truth is being revealed in the other’s position? How can that help me come to a greater knowing & experience of the essential truth?
What is behind the question of fraud?
Robert’s comments echo those from many people who are trying in earnest to follow the teachings & teachers of “The Secret” and feeling much worse for the effort. While the prinicples are simple, the path to effective implementation is unique, personal and involves a process which is not always simple or easy. Are there gurus who do not have the depth of mastery to help others move through their “challenges” leaving people feeling like failures in their wake? Are there people who are trying to cash in on “The Secret” without integrity? Have human beings ever been misguided by gurus to swallow the “koolaid” to their demise?
What are the real issues underlying the other’s point of view? Can we come to a greater knowing and experience of the essential truth by exploring those?
“One man may hit the mark, another blunder; but heed not these distinctions. Only from the alliance of the one, working with and through the other, are great things born. ” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Thank You for providing a Forum for this Exploration!
Namaste,
Aila
In reading Barry’s well reasoned oration, followed by the comments I was especially taken by Ursula’s comment and follow-up as it appeared to be incompatible with the main thrust of the Blog.
After some reflection, I reread the whole thing and found myself agreeing with Ursula on a semantic level. But no sooner had my mind more or less settled on the idea that I would do a post in her praise, I became embroiled in a personal mind argument that began with; “What about Edmund Burkes famous statement?” “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.”
Then the rational good old cowboy sense side of me took over; “Wait a minute I was just reading something and hopefully in the process would be able to learn something useful.” Thus in a literal way both points of view are valid, and the criteria for whichever group you may find yourself in may well be found in the serious answers to some serious questions.
- whether or not you’ve had this fight before?
- did you settle it in your mind the last time?
- how important is it to the rest of humanity?
- if I/we win the battle does it make life better for all?
Anthony Robbins said; “Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” and that is certainly true of both Barry and Heather, so keep up the good work it certainly makes us all take time to think.
If you live long enough you will learn things along the way. What’s true for me may not necessarily work for you. But I’ve found works for me. At least for now.
1.) Pick your fights and choose your targets wisely.
2.) Different people have different roles at different times. Sometimes its okay to sit one out…sometimes its not.
3.)What’s important will filter down and become known to you.
4.) Network media exists on controversy and creating fear. Use this filter to understand all network shows no matter what platforms they use.
5.) Be the change, if we want better money policy then examine our own money habits. That’s not to say you can’t do both at once.
6.) I do believe in a “mass consciousness” that can influence or responds to events.
7.)I believe each of us are born with the ability to tap into universal energy but learning to flip that switch on is…
Thanks for the stimulating commentary. Echoing your sentiments about staying tuned to the real world around us… and speaking of recent wake-up calls… try googling “anti-communitarian league”… and the video series “Ring of Power” and everything by “Adam Curtis” at Google Video. I’d thought I had seen everything by Adam Curtis so far, but here I’m still watching an older documentary I apparently missed… called “The Mayfair Set”.
The message of Ron Paul couldn’t be more crucial to our well-being in this new century - as you so eloquently point out. Have you or anyone else found yourself forwarding the “Zeitgeist” movie to friends or family members?
http://www.whoradio.com/pages/2008elimination/index.html?feed=119197&article=2855869
Also, WHO NewsRadio 1040 in Des Moines, Iowa will grant an on-air interview invitation to the winner of this so-called double elimination online poll. It’s currently down to choices between Gavrel and Richardson for the Dims; and it’s between Huckabee and Paul for the Repugs.
Dr. Paul is leading Mr. Huckabee 67.51% to 32.49% so far.
Some of you know that Ron Paul’s campaign has been victimized by big media blackouts and censorship in Iowa… as he has been in a lot of places. The biggest newspapers in Iowa and New Hampshire have already thrown their support to McCain - who, of course, as you know, is just another warmonger and a parrot for the neocon’s socialist agenda.
The site asks that you confirm your vote selection by clicking onto a confirmation link back to the page showing how your vote changed the percentages for each of the candidate.
You know what else? As of this moment, it’s now 32.49% for Mr. Huckabee and 68.14% for Dr. Paul!
Be in touch with your inner muse and go check it out.
First off, I have a lot of respect for you for coming out and saying what you really think. This makes you legitimate and trustworthy in my book. By the way, if you want a ‘prosperity guru’ who is not afraid to rant and say what he thinks, look up Randy Gage.
I also think that what you are doing; ranting and saying what you really think, is by far, much healthier and better for your vibration, as you are honoring your feelings rather than trying to suppress them.
This is a point that so many folks that are involved with LOA really just don’t get; there’s no point in lying to yourself!
If something upsets you or bothers you, trying to suppress it and tell yourself that you really aren’t bothered by it is really what causes it to be stuck energetically in your system.
It’s just like telling yourself that you are rich while the voices in your subconscious say ‘Oh no you’re not’ or ‘the rich are evil.’ You cannot ignore these inner voices and hope to get anywhere, but I get off topic; the subject of clearing is voluminous.
Good for you for speaking your mind, especially about these mixed up folks who tell themselves that something just doesn’t bother them when, if they listened to their emotions, they would know the truth.
I certainly also agree that we are headed down a slippery slope of letting the government make moral decisions for everyone. Yes, it’s about the right of every individual to decide what is right for them. Talk about polarized. You cannot come out and say you are for letting individuals make their own decision about some issue without being accused of being ‘for that issue.’
Abortion, for example. I am in favor of letting women have the right to decide what is right for them. It doesn’t follow that I am ‘pro-abortion,’ or that I think it good. Nor, do I think, that women would be lining up around the block to get one. (like it’s an out-patient procedure!)
So much the same for so many issues that others think they have the right and need to decide for everyone else!
Thanks for writing something worth reading and commenting about.
Hi Tom,
I just had to answer what you said about the news and your struggles. Barry wrote that he also used to not watch the news, for some of the same reasons you don’t, and that was part of what sparked this whole “head-in-the-sand” debate.
No one’s telling you that you have to watch the news or be aware of what’s going on in the world around you… and certainly too many people get obsessed or caught up in the news, even feeling guilty or depressed in what they’re seeing… but it is definitely beneficial to know what’s going on, especially the things that can affect you — and the things you can affect.
Avoiding the news because “it’s too negative” is like avoiding basic life challenges because “they’re too hard”. And as many metaphysical teachers will tell you, the challenges are what make you strong, and enable you to manifest what you want. Hence, the “negative” news, and how if affects you, could make you stronger and wiser as well.
I used to work in the news, as a radio news anchor. And while I shook my head in disgust at my colleagues who wished for something dramatic (read “violent”) to happen so that they had “something to talk about” on the next newscast, there were many of us who simply worked from the old-fashioned journalistic ethic of people’s “right to know”.
I have seen my friends and family get too consumed in the news, too obsessed with things happening to others as if it were in fact happening to them; but that is really just the flip-side of the “head-in-the-sand” phenomenon. In other words, they were AVOIDING their own lives, and the reality of what they had the ability to affect, just as much as people who ignore the news or refuse to watch it are AVOIDING the world at large so they don’t have to deal with that.
As for who tells the truth in this country… if you can get past his fast-paced need to interrupt and talk over his guests, Donny Deutsch’s “The Big Idea” is probably the best show on TV for discovering truth in an inspirational way.
Now… you also said “I am struggling to just get by everyday… So, I don’t have time to entertain all the negatives around the world since I am battling so many in my own backyard.” And then you go on to describe how you want to get out of that trap.
Have you thought that focusing on these “struggles” and “negatives” might be what’s keeping you there?
Okay, the secret to success is NOT positive thinking. “The Secret” is NOT about positive thinking. So thinking about happy outcomes is not going to get you what you want.
BUT… emotions really ARE the key when we’re talking about manifesting realities (combined, of course, with the right actions).
So if you feel defeated, if you feel frustrated, if you feel depressed, you will just keep perpetuating that.
If you feel angry at the injustice and get out there and DO something about it, you’re making a difference.
And if you feel happy and grateful for what you ALREADY have… not what “outcome” you “will” have, but what you have NOW… then you’ll be quickly on your way to having more to be happy and grateful about.
Trust me, I’ve done it myself, time and time again. Sometimes I end up in a new situation, BANG, without even realizing it, because I’ve been manifesting that new reality so well.
So while it’s easy to get caught up in the struggles and the battles, it’s actually just as easy to find what you have to be grateful for in any given moment. There’s always someone worse off than you.
So… just be glad you’re you, and not them, and YOU will have more to be glad about (it’s a non-vicious cycle)
cheers
Heather
Thank you Barry
I agree that must be aware of everything in our existence. True education is the exposure to many different paths. Eduction helps us make informed choices. A lot of my friends think that we must ignore and not focus on the outer least we draw the negative into our existence. I on the other hand have thought that we should know the outer in order to know where to focus the inner. Thank you for this very informative article.
I am a Canadian and I can’t vote for Ron Paul, but our family lends support to our American Cousins who support Ron Paul. We think that it is important to understand that what occurs in US politics effects all of us in the world as we are subject and effected by US foreign policy. The international community is beginning to understand that Ron Paul is bringing a message of hope and freedom to the world.
I don’t understand the connection between Ron Paul and manifestation? It seems to me that you all should watch the video on this page - http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=About.Home
Ron Paul’s video doesn’t move me - personally. I can’t see him being in touch with people like us at all.
And I think I saw a fleeting reference in the comments to personal responsibility. You’ll find a recent article I’ve written at http://CommonSenseLiving.com if you’re interested.
The original premise of this post was to give us permission to be human. I say hooray!
Let’s get out there and make a difference. You can do a lot more than you think you can - starting with your own life.
Merry Christmas by the way
Let’s all make the New Year a great one!
Thanks Barry for the well thought out and written message that all these good folks are commenting on. It is a very interesting and thought provoking discussion. I am American but I have been living in Asia for almost 30 years. Studying martial arts and asian spirituality etc. Every time I go home for a visit I can see so clearly how the citizens have allowed their unwise leadership to undermine their constitutional democracy and errode their constitutionally garanteed freedoms. It is really very shocking to me.
I suppose because I am not living under the non-stop mind manipulating propaganda that Americans endure on a daily basis, that I can see things from a fresh perspective.
Anyway, thanks for shaking things up with your take on things. I really enjoyed the clip about Ron Paul. From my perspective, and knowing how mass mind control of a population works, I find it very telling how afraid the powers that be are of this Ron Paul grass roots revolution. His campaign is obviously being blacked out from mainstream thought programing. Out of sight, out of mind. BUt with the awakening that is going with new consciousness teaching and with the internet and all, this could become the big surprise of a paradigm shift. Lets hope and pray there is a major change there. One group of corrupt leaders of a major power like America can wreak a lot of unecessary death and destruction on this planet. The opposite is also true. Pray for, visualize believe and work good leaders.
Keep up the good Barry and Heather.
Almost everything I’ve read here this morning are things that have been on my mind lately…A LOT!
By the responses to Barry’s post, it seems this is a conversation we really need to be having. Personally, I believe our Republic needs saving and the question is how do we accomplish within our milieu?????? Just how DOES the geo-political conundrum in which we find ourselves fit into our somewhat common spiritual journey??? And it seems some have the same individual personal concerns I have as well.
Being alive is truly a PARADOX…we are all One, yes—but what is called an apparent separation is exactly that, a separation. It’s like a coin…two completely different sides yet still one coin. That analogy has gotten me through many confusing moments, it keeps me sane and spares my cognitive dissonance.
Though Ron Paul is interesting, he’s not exactly on my presidential candidate ‘A’ list. I’m not sure if I want a “Libertarian” as our president, though I surely know we could more than likely do WORSE! (coughhillarycough) I reserve judgment and mental energy for the ‘real’ campaign next year.
These are my observations and I’m just glad to see I’m not alone.
If you really want to know the truth about what’s going on behind the political and financial manipulations of the world, try typing “Illuminati” into your search engine. There is plenty to read and plenty to be scared about. This is definitely no longer the Land of the Free.
Why the focus on wealth, happiness and joy. What happened to compassion and integrity. Love others more than your selfs, lend a hand, help up others and you will be wealthy, happy and joyous. Of course this takes real effort not just contemplation of your navel, for your own benifit. Feel, hurt and grow.
i have some lot of news collected in this site am really very happy sir
for the reader who said the video is no longer available, you have to reset the page and then it will play. and the tea party was a record breaking success! Go Ron Paul!
oh, and what is the connection between Ron Paul and manifestation? This movement is manifesting the re-emergence of our freedoms!
Powerful and necessary post Barry. Unless and until people begin pulling their head out of the sand, our liberty is going to continue to decline.
Case in point…Check out http://www.givemeliberty.org and you’ll learn of a group that since 2002 has addressed head on the quickly declining freedoms that we have enjoyed for years. In fact their continued efforts, regardless of the resistance they’ve encountered has warranted a Supreme Court hearing with regard to our governments arrogance concerning our inalienable right to petition the government for a “redress of grievances” which they’ve chosen to ignore.
Haven’t heard that one on the mainstream news have you?
Time to wake up and get “actively” involved people while you still have a choice in the matter.
A lot of different thinking, some very good points yet through out I kept thinking back to the question “QUESTION: At what point does not being calm, cool, and collected, about something you don’t like or want to change, become nonspiritual?”
Then the thought goes to “when it’s not my truth any more” I listen, see, read people defending the rights of others only for what’s in it for them. Very thought provoking question and one I’d like to think deeper on. Lady J
Terrific bunch of thoughts. My past year has encountered deaths of good friends, my mom, untold anger and animosity in my love relationship with the person I hope to marry, complete disbelief with friends lying to me and me losing my business and now being banished from the home with my love because her children need help with drugs, addiction, legal battles, and potential imprisonment. Where is MY secret?? I’m not alone and I’ve never believed this was brought on by me, only that I didn’t aggressively oppose it well in advance. The spiritual people (that I thought were spiritual) have not stepped up to the plate about values and principals. Ask the people killing in the middle east about values and principles of the folks they needless kill for their own selfish reasons (??27 virgins??)? Every single person that stands for righteous values and principles is the spiritual temperature of our land. It don’t matter if your DEMO or REP or INDEP. Thanks for standing up, just make sure it involves THE BEST FOR EACH AND EVERY PERSON.
‘glenn’
Well, I read your site and I went to their site. I was insulted by the information (or lack there of) they had on the site. They really think people are that non-thinking. I read mass fear in what they wrote - fear about life and their own training - fear of (their) ignorance - fear of what the mind/soul connection can and will do. There are a number of interviews that I have read about the science behind Metaphysics and why researchers are not forth coming. Most are afraid of field work because they believe that it will lesson their own creditability - And most even doubt creditable Lab experiments. I do not know the answer or answers. Their site is a waste of time (energy) and energy, except for Bills write-up which I have already heard (and it go without saying).
On another note I enjoy your site and your commentary. Please keep it up. Love to hear from you.
Thank You! Thank you very much! I believe this is 1 of the greatest articles I have ever read! Well put in all ways, You put a huge smile on my face, and I thank you!
With 6 billion people on the planet..is it possible that we ALL have a “mission”?
Isn’t ok for some of us to duck and avoid all the “big stuff” and major questions?
Is it immoral to stay out of spirituality entirely and simply exist for pleasure whilst perhaps being decent to the folks you care about?
I ask I suppose because I’m heading towards apathy and cynicism at age 30.
I’ve got the ability to do healing, had it since I was a kid. Had great success using it on individuals. Hasn’t drawn me into any particular paths or cults etc. I wondered if there was even a purpose.
Now I got most of what I asked for sort of in life. I’ve reached a weird place. There’s not much I believe I truly want. Seriously. Somewhere I ditched major monetary gain. I ditched big “success”-too much dedication needed and I don’t have it. I got love-twice over. I got sexual pleasure in plenty.
I suppose if I was to write a list now, it wouldn’t be long. A private place with some basic facilities and no special need to struggle to earn money to live. There and then, I’ve never had to work hard for all that much stuff. So that could be an issue in itself.
So, do we ALL have to engage and do this stuff, or can some of us be morally fine just sitting back and avoiding all the difficult stuff?
Should I *have* to push to find the “path” just because I DO happen to have the healing ability, or can I rightfully make my own choice there…as in, maybe I’ll do it when I feel like it and maybe I won’t bring it up much. I never charge for it-I know my heart there. I charged once and hated it. Never again. I ain’t spiritual or mystical..you just know when you are doing something that ain’t in your nature.
Anyway, I don’t know where I’m going with this. I felt like commenting purely because I was sent the link to read as I’d sent a couple of cynical emails to supermanifestor.com.
I’m still cynical-product of seeing millions of “products” being “sold” that are Secret/Powerful and hell, every combination of possible “answers” you could ever imagine.
A few minutes on google will turn up thousands of high power sales letters on all sorts of related products-hence, my open mind got closed due to over exposure.
Anyway I wish everyone the best with the paths they choose and hope that some if not all do lead to the planet being a better place. Cynicism doesn’t mean I can’t wish it all well :).
[...] >> The person who thinks you’re less evolved than them because you show your emotion, rant about things, incite controversial ideas, or say things that aren’t in 100% harmony with their rose-colored glasses. For a compelling discourse on this, and to read over 50 fascinating comments, read How To Fight The Good Fight. [...]