Category Archives: Quotes – 2009

Questions to ask…

It is better to know some of the questions rather than to know all the answers.James Thurber

This is another bit of amazing advice! When we’re lost does it not help to ask rather than to assume and act as though we know? Men appear to do the latter more than women when lost driving apparently :)!

Well it’s the same way in life. To seek and find answers to life’s most difficult and mysterious questions; we must ask. If we go about thinking we already know, that would be true, except limited to what we already know!

Think in questions! Refine these questions. Journal all questions.

We grow when we do that.

Another quote:

"He that knows not,
    and knows not that he knows not
        is a fool.
            Shun him

He that knows not,
    and knows  that he knows not
        is a pupil.
            Teach him.

He that knows,
    and knows not that he knows
        is asleep
            Wake him.

He that knows,
    and knows that he knows
        is a teacher.
            Follow him."

(Arabic proverb)

Recommendation: The Awakening of Intelligence

Awakening of Intelligence, The

True empathy…

Empathy is full presence to what’s alive in the other person at this moment.John Cunningham

This is about the best advice I’ve come across when it comes to building better relationships with one and all!

Think about it, your full attention on the other person, totally connected to the very heart and soul of this individual. What would be the world-wide result if we all did this even once a day? There are 3 components mentioned:

  1. Full Presence: We’re listening and present at all levels.
  2. Alive: We seek that which is beautiful and magnificent in the other.
  3. This moment: It all occurs in the eternal Now.

Imagine the sheer power of this one exercise on all aspects of our lives!

Recommendation: Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition

Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life

All we need is love…

The general thing to remember is that politicians need love.Dick Simpson

So do we. Everyone needs love and needs to be appreciated. We live our entire lives seeking love, adoration and appreciation from our lovers, parents, siblings, teachers and friends. Once examined we realize that this quest for love is the driving force in our lives and underlies all ambitions.

What does this mean to you?

What happens when we recognize this need in every person (including family) we meet, daily?

Recommendation: Love: What Life Is All About

Love: What Life Is All About

The creative act…

The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality overcomes everything.George Lois

What is creativity? Creativity comes from an original thought and takes the shape of seeing Beauty in a new way, expressing Truth as no one else has and experiencing Goodness in unique ways.

How can one be creative? By not being a slave to habit; especially not a slave to habitual thinking.

What’s the way out? See things and people as they are, don’t paint it/them by brushes of thought you’ve always thought about it/them. See it new, see them afresh. Don’t let your habitual thoughts define the rest of your life, be creative instead!

Recommendation: The Artist’s Way

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity [10th Anniversary Edition]

Your sacred duty…

Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.George Macdonald

What keeps you from just being, rather than always doing? What do you fear, is it boredom? Do you fear your past or being alone?

Just being allows for a deep rejuvenation. Such a non-activity replenishes your body, mind and spirit. It’s time when you can experience yourself across these 3 dimensions. You allow for healing to  take place. Healing that leads to a healthy body, a clear mind and a purposeful spirit.

Why would you not jump at this opportunity?

Recommendation: In Tune With the Infinite

In Tune With the Infinite: An Inspirational Masterpiece that Tracends Time

Just sit

Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.Satchel Paige

We’re busy bodies. What does that do to our mental and physical health? What impact does it have on our spiritual makeup?

Work and action is good, don’t get me wrong. To gain clarity of thought and a window into the best action to take, ‘sit time’ is crucial.

Another name for ‘sit time’ is stillness! Here’s how you might attempt it.

Meditation Tip #5:

  • Step 1: Find a place to sit/relax
  • Step 2: Just sit
  • Step 3: Focus on your body, don’t stay in your mind. Notice your hands, feet, legs, your breath and don’t make thoughts up about any of what you see. That’s key.
  • Step 4: When you think of something, become aware of that and put your focus back on just being.

Result: Enjoy the ensuing peace and quiet! Take it with you wherever you go.

Recommendation:

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Are you, what you do?

If you are what you do, when you don’t you aren’t. – William Byron

Where does your primary identity come from? If you’re like most folks alive on the planet today your answer will be: WORK!

What happens to ‘you’ when you stop working, lose a job or can’t work due to another reason? What happens to ‘you’ when things aren’t going well at work or if you don’t get that promotion?

Are you your work? What are you?

You are a being, not a doing.

Recommendation: The Art of Being

The Art of Being