Confidence

 Confidence - Daily Inspiration Series | Episode 4

This episode teaches us to turn self-critical moments into positive energy creating moments which is the main ingredient in Confidence. To be confident, we have to go beyond outward aesthetic markers, and consciously reach deep into our innermost energy source.

Confidence is the devotion to honoring oneself, taking action to build self-esteem and promote health on all levels. What we believe, we create. If we believe that we are somehow "not enough", that is the very image we project. What we project we also tend to attract.
Those who are self-critical, or who feel "less than" others, will tend to draw people and circumstances into their lives that are not in their best interests.

One of the biggest keys to creating confidence is to direct our
attention to our positive qualities and talents. We live in a
consumer society which sends the message that we never have enough.
We feel compelled to acquire things to make us thinner, less wrinkled, more beautiful, and powerful. The end result is often good for business but leaves many people feeling empty at the end of the day.

Confidence does not come from diet pills, beauty products, or all the other marketable "confidence" creators. Confidence is the result of a conscious decision to focus our energy on abundance, our natural talents, and positive qualities. The more confident we become, the more capable we are. The end result of developing a strong sense of self worth is that we begin to naturally attract healthier conditions, from physical health to our relationships.

NOW LET’S DO THIS!

Look at yourself in a full length mirror if you have one available.
How do you hold yourself? Do you tend to slouch, hold your head down, look away without truly seeing yourself? What feelings do you have?
Do you immediately start pointing out perceived flaws? There can be several keys to our confidence level discovered in the way we look at ourselves. The goal is not to look at physical appearance so much as it is to witness how you perceive yourself.

Make a journal; discuss your thoughts and feelings
while looking in the mirror, then list the different traits or talents (not focusing on the physical) that boost your confidence. Make a conscious effort to direct your thoughts towards these areas when critical self-talk sets in. After you have done this, look again at yourself in the full-length mirror while concentrating on these various talents or strengths. How does this affect things such as posture, eye contact and interactions?

Discernment

 Discernment - Daily Inspiration Series | Episode 3

Discernment is a tool for freedom and the path to inner peace; it comes from a place of empowerment when we decide to investigate the truth for ourselves before going along with the plans or motives of others. This episode trains us to empower ourselves.

The word in this episode calls on us to be multidimensional, to use all of our faculties when weighing conditions, or planning strategies.
Discernment comes from a place where we rise above emotions, the
influence of others, and we seek for ourselves the knowledge lying beneath the surface of the situation. Often people with great personas and their own agendas will try to influence us to go against our better judgment by playing on our emotions, or making us feel we are outcast, or "wrong" if we don't follow along.
Discernment comes from a place of empowerment when we decide to investigate the truth for ourselves before going along with the plans or motives of others. Discernment gives us the authority and ability to make empowered choices.

Discernment is a tool for freedom and the path to inner peace. Do not ever let anyone take your decision-making power away from you. Often we feel powerless to say "no"; we do what others want to gain acceptance, or to feel important or needed. Sometimes we fear repercussions if we go against the grain. This type of behavior leaves us vulnerable to being manipulated and allows us to be controlled by others. Discernment asks you to do what is important and right for you first, remember that an empty cup cannot quench anyone's thirst. If you constantly put the opinions, needs of others ahead of your own, you are left empty.

NOW LET’S DO THIS!

Take a look at a situation where you feel you tend to be swayed
greatly by others. Consider the reasoning of all parties.
Weigh all the objectives, all the potential courses of action that can be taken. Look deeply into the situation from all angles and empower yourself to make the decision that feels right in your own heart. Write about this in your journaling. What did you learn from this experience? Have you been giving more of your personal power away than you would like? Take positive actions towards personal empowerment based on your discerning ability.

Reformation

Reformation - Daily Inspiration Series - Episode 2 

Reformation is beneficial when we make changes that make way for a higher purpose or goal. Today's episode trains our minds on how to transform a plan into actual action.

The word in this episode is one that requires courage and an action plan. Often it is difficult to recognize old patterns in our behavior that are no longer working. Many times, we realize that things are not going the way we intended, but we are unaware of what is needed to correct the situation. Reforming conditions allows the whole unit, be it work or family, to work together for the collective good of all concerned.

Reformation is a word that suggests to us to keep an open mind, and be willing to listen to and act upon new ideas. Be willing to consult those whose experiences may be greater than your own. Listen to what they have to say and be willing to try the alternatives that are presented. It is through the spirit of cooperation that we enable ourselves to reform, bringing better future plans to all.

NOW LET’S DO THIS!

Choose a goal, this can be anything such as a work related issue that needs reorganizing, a family plan, or a personal undertaking like learning a new skill, quitting smoking, writing a book, and so on. Ask for the opinions and experience of others around you and be willing to open up to this advice. Make a list of all the different ideas and opinions you receive. From this experience, form a new action plan that moves you towards your goal.
This exercise can also make a great group or family project, by sharing all of the ideas and the opinions gathered, you will learn more about the dynamics of the whole, and how to make positive changes for all concerned.

Knowledge

 Knowledge - Daily Inspiration Series - Episode 1

"Being aware" is an effective tool in the search of knowledge. This episode gives us the practice we need to activate our minds and form our own individual personalities.

There is a common phrase we have all heard - "knowledge is power". The term “knowledge” is a suggestion for us to become actively involved in our ongoing education which should be a life-long venture. We cannot be truly powerful people through complacency. It is becoming increasingly important for us as individuals and as a society to put more focus on being aware. When we willingly accept "the norm" without questioning we lose our sense of identity; we lose power in this world to make a difference.

Behind every established norm is a great deal of history, tradition, and core values. We are so often taught to not question tradition, to accept other people's methods and values as our own without seeking the deeper meaning. The act of questioning and seeking understanding is a beautiful process - it causes us to open up to more of our potential. We are inspired to find innovative new methods from which
to operate, and we find new and higher standards to hold ourselves up to. In this process of expansion new values can be adapted - ones more in line with current times.

It can be easy to settle in and allow our routines to take over our lives. It is human to believe that things are "fine" as they are, and that may be the case many times, but "fine" and "Ok" do not fuel our passion for living. We are inspired and drawn to create and achieve greatness - and the key to this standard of living is knowledge. Our individual lives and our societies always benefit from a persistent dedication to expansion through education.

NOW LET’S DO THIS:

Try something new. Look at the world through the eyes of others,
view an alternative media outlet, or read a book or magazine -
something different than what you would normally select. You can do this with other aspects too, just do something different from your usual routine, or make a conscious effort to learn how to do something new or in a new way. Open yourself up to a different experience and reflect on the meaning of it and what you learned at the end of the day.