Pure Potential

Just Own Yourself ™

PURE POTENTIAL

“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing – that's why we recommend it daily.”

~Zig Ziglar

Right on.  Now Zig is definitely speaking my language!  If I don’t submerge myself in motivational bathing on a regular basis, life becomes more challenging for me to navigate.  That’s why I’m always on the lookout for new, inspirational material.  This past Sunday, I had my very first sampling of Bishop T.D. Jakes, and I am HOOKED!!  Holy cow, does he ever deliver a message with pure power and inspiring impact!!! Absolutely incredible. 

Bishop T.D. Jakes (hello, how come I’ve never heard of him before today – one of my new favorite people ever!!) had me whooping and hollering in my living room like I was a guest-gone-wild in his live studio audience.  My teenage sons would’ve looked at me like I was half whacked had they been home that morning! J  I couldn’t help myself.  He has a gift of delivering such a powerful message with incredible zeal and passion, that I found myself on the edge of my couch, pumping my arm in the air with enthusiasm, totally caught up in his message of birthing new ideas.  We are ALL here for a purpose, each one of us, pregnant with pure potential and real possibility. 

Bishop Jakes was on Oprah’s new network, OWN, and his message paralleled how I’ve been feeling lately.  Inside of all of us there are new concepts, songs, books, works of art, creative ideas, business ventures, fill in the blank, just waiting to come out.  If YOU haven't said or expressed it, it hasn’t been done.  We are all unique with our own gifts to share with the world, and the world needs your unique contribution.  I cannot stress that enough.  I know, because this very feeling has been knawing at me for ten years, if not longer.  There's a place deep inside of each one of us that wants to take life to the next level, and go from surviving to thriving.  Take a chance with me.  I know you can do it!  What do you have to lose?  Absolutely nothing, but potentially a whole LOT to gain.  Step out on that ledge…believe you can fly, and we’ll soar together!    

Here I am, closing in on fifty, daring to take a chance.  It’s scary, but it’s also fun, new, exciting…and what I’ve always wanted to do – inspire others to believe in themselves and live their best life.  I encourage you to join me on this journey of being bold and adventurous, by bringing your full potential and craziest dreams to life!  We’re only crazy if we hide our God given talents and gifts…and we’re also being selfish, too – for God didn’t give us our talents to be hidden away, but to be set free to take on a brand new beautiful life of their own, and impact the lives of others.               

So, last week when I saw the online ad for Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” and the sneak peek of Bishop Jakes and his message of personal empowerment, I knew I had to check it out.  I caught the live stream of inspiring interviews with truly soulful people that made me come ALIVE.  It was a Super Soul Sunday, indeed!  Soak me regularly in your tub full of radically alive guests, Oprah, you just got yourself a new fan, and I want to pass the inspiration along! J

You can still catch it here: http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/super-soul-sunday.html  Just look under ‘Full Episodes’.  Truly empowering.

As an aside, I’m not here to promote TV shows or celebrities, not getting paid to write any of this, but this was a must-share.  If you’re looking for some inspiration and motivation, no doubt you’ll find yourself as moved and inspired as I was. 

I’d love to hear your feedback…and to also learn of who moves and inspires you?  Moreso, what precious dream can I tenderly hold for you?  What is it that your heart truly desires and what do you wish to manifest?  Please let me know in the comment section and I will put you on my daily prayer list and affirm only the highest and best for you and your life.  

I believe in you!

Much love and many blessings,
~Vicki.

Do you meditate?

Just Own Yourself ™    

DO YOU MEDITATE?

 

I remember the first time I took a meditation class.  I was living in Phoenix in the late ‘80s, and signed up for introductory lessons at a place called The Center for Radical Aliveness.  With a trendy name like that, I was bound to learn how to meditate like an ancient Buddhist monk!  My neighbor, Jennifer, signed up with me.  We decided that this was clearly the hippest thing in town.  Besides, her nature was as inherently anxious as my own, so we were both looking forward to calming our minds that surely raced faster than my teenage son’s fingers sending text messages!

The first class was intimidating.  Everyone brought their own cushion and looked like they had been practicing with the Dalai Lama for years.  Not to mention, Jennifer’s breathing was so loud and nasally that all I could envision was turning my bandana into a gag to quiet her down.  I was so distracted and overwhelmed; I thought for sure this meditation thing was not for me.  Even as I sat in the lotus position to practice at home, I couldn’t sit still for more than a few minutes at a time without runaway thoughts bombarding my inexperienced mind.  I didn’t finish that course.  I also forgot about meditation for a while … or, did I?

I remember inspiring walks in the majestic Phoenix Mountains with my two golden retrievers, Thor and Thia.  I recall the tranquility I felt drinking in the beauty of the desert flora and fauna, the rejuvenation of the sun’s invigorating rays upon my face, the serenity only Mother Nature in all her glory can bring to a budding soul.  Talk about radical aliveness … as well as peace of mind.  I didn’t put it together, though, that this type of inspiration could be a form of meditation.  

I used to drive myself crazy thinking I had to be like some type of meditating guru in just the right pose, breathing just the right way, all in silence.  After I threw those expectations out the window, I found what worked for me, and discovered there really is no “right” way to do it. 

What takes your mind off the external world and brings you to a place of calm?  What brings you peace of mind?  What brings a sense of ease to your soul?  For my mom it’s reading; for my friend, Paula, it’s sewing; for me it’s a number of simple things:  listening to relaxing music; soaking in a tub of warm water; gazing at the flame of flickering candles; the aroma of sandalwood incense filling the air; taking nature walks; sitting alongside a river and just being still in the moment. These are the times when I can be fully open to feeling the peace within myself.  I’ve also discovered writing and learning to play guitar as a way to relax, as everything dissolves around me.  It’s all very therapeutic for my soul.

So, if sitting in the lotus position chanting “om” doesn’t work for you, and even if it does, what are various ways you recharge, renew and restore your spirit?  I'd love to know.  Please share in the comments section. :)

Happy meditating!

Peace & blessings to all,
~Vicki.