Thought For Today - 12/31/09

Today is New Year's Eve for 2009. Many will be out and about this evening. As we move about this last day of the year, we will be around people who may seem unconscious.

I'm reminded and it would help for you to - be reminded that every one must find their own path (as I have) to awakening and that the experiences they are having are an essential and educational part of their process (which might be painful).

If we hold them in the light of our own energy or our past behaviors which is similar to theirs at present, may be the best way to awaken theirs. Yet, we can be inspired by their example to look within ourselves and let the light shine on our own unconscious places, sacrificing the urge to judge and surrendering instead to humble self-inquiry.

Happy New Year's Eve.
Be safe and much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/30/09

Let's go into the Year 2010 with the mind that God is your Source for everything! In simple words, you will look to God as your Source, because it is better to trust in Him than to put confidence in man or yourself.

I am starting 2010 off with the mind-set of God being my Source. God is my Source for physical, mental and emotional well-being. Whatever I will face in 2010, God will be there on my behalf as my Source.

If I need wisdom, He is my Source. If I need healing, He is my Source. If my heart is broken, He is my Source to mend it.

My suggestion to you? Become God is my Source minded. Make it a point to become more spiritual in 2010. Only then will you be able to say "My God (the Source) will supply all my need."

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/29/09

OK, I can not stress this enough - meditation. Many need to find inner peace, calmness and rest especially during this time of year. Christmas has passed and we are approaching a new year.

Before 2010 comes in, take a moment for yourself and your Yoga practice (physical, mental or spiritual. Even if it is just a short meditation or a few sun salutations will keep your energy balanced and your mind centered.

This is also a great time to share your practice with family and friends. Invite someone you love to join in for a new and maybe first-time experience before 2010 arrives!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/28/09

As e approach 2010, many see this as the perfect time to reflect what their accomplishments were in 2009. They then begin thinking about what they want to accomplish for 2010.

I did not accomplish all the things I set out to do for 2009. However, many, many of the resolutions I declared at the beginning of 2009 were accomplished. I know many of you also achieved much more than you could have ever thought and others will carry their 2009 list into 2010 - which is OK!

My desire for you as 2009 comes to a close, to continue to work towards your goals, even those that were accomplished in 2009. See how you can make them better in 2010.

And, above all, I want to suggest you especially make it a point in 2010 to help others accomplish their goals for 2010. Make 2010 a year you will help others more that you did in 2009.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/27/09

As 2010 approaches I'm making it a point to have what most people call an accountability partner. Most of my community consists of me being in the role of accountability partner for others.

While I have a hand full of close friends that I share things with - I really don't have someone checking in on me on a regular basis. I generally contact them with updates of things happening in my life.

I'm of the school of thought that we all should have someone who are accountable to. Someone who will tell us the truth, no matter what. Someone who will be honest to us, who will tell us just how we are acting.

I am committed I will be accountability to individuals who are above me (mentors)that will encourage me in my personal and professional relationships. I will seek them out as others have sought me out.

2010 is not only a New Year, but I'm looking for it to be a New Beginning for me in many areas of my life. How about you?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/26/09

The new year is almost upon us. I want to ask you to allow room in your plans for the new year for even better ones. They can be something better than what you have planned if you allow it to come forth.

It may require to change your affirmations, prayers, and goals. But, again this can be something better!

Yes, I know doing this may not be easy. Yes, some may feel challenged to surrender the things they might feel they now control. But this, I’m convinced, is how God can work in your life.

God sees a larger, grander plan than you and I can see. God will support each of us in our individual pursuits at every turn, but God will also fit these pursuits into what you might call His Master Plan for your life.

Today, stay open, do your part to further that possibility of God showing you His Master Plan for your life. Only then, will you be ready to take that next step.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/25/09

Today is Christmas Day - Merry Christmas!

God put a marvelous plan into action when Jesus was born into this world. And God did it all for the sake of love. He loves us so much!

In John 3:16, it states, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . . " It all started with Jesus coming in this world for you and me.

Because of this, as we accept Christ into our lives - being born again enables our hearts to love. When we believe that Jesus was and is the Christ, our hearts are now new. Our hearts are now a place where God can speak and we listen.

We are now to focus on and reach out to others who God loves so much! Our lives are changed and we are to love people and see their lives changed, too!

This Christmas Day, let Him live big in you. Do it and have a Merry Christmas!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/24/09

Today is Christmas Eve. Christmas is tomorrow. You have done all that you can do to prepare for tomorrow. There is nothing else to do. There are no regrets, no sorrow, only satisfaction that you made it to another Christmas.

Take time this day to meditate. Draw attention to your breath. Your mind may be scattered as you do this and that is OK! Just stay there and focus on your breath.

Even if your mind tells you - you forgot this or that, etc, stay present to the breath. Whatever is in the background, listen to it and even give it your attention.

Tune into these sounds. Don't let them fade into the background. Stop and listen as if you are hearing a sublime piece of music. Let the music of this world take you on a journey of natural sounds. Let your breath take you there and back.

Tomorrow is Christmas and you are ready for it!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/23/09

Your most important to anyone is your gift that allows the light of God to shine. As you do this - especially during this season, you will discover that more and more opportunities will come available for you to make use of them.

This is because your gift is a channel through which the love of God flows. By simply doing what you are good at and also love to do, you make a positive difference.

Just as your existence is made richer by the love, support, friendship, aid, and compassion of others. Turn it around and do the same to other - add riches to their lives. Your natural ability to soothe hurt, inspire compassion, have a listening ear and not being judgmental will a boom to someone in need.

Find someone before Christmas, on Christmas Day and after Christmas to love on. The recognition you receive for your efforts will pale in comparison to the satisfaction you feel when fulfilling your innate potential.

Thought For Today - 12/22/09

We are in reality made of of three - spirit, mind (soul) and body. However, having all three to balance can be challenging.

We are spiritual beings, but are bound by our physical bodies. We do have a duty to nurture and take care of both the spiritual and physical with equal love and devotion. However, many tend to either focus more on one or the other. In both situations, there needs to be attention to both.

Yes, there will be many times, we feel more comfortable focusing on the spiritual self or the physical self, but denying the importance of one or the other will bring about illness, emotional challenges and and a sense of incompleteness. From personal experience, we need both facets working together for our well-being.

In conclusion, it is the responsibility of each person on earth to forge a lasting relationship between the two. This needs to happen in order for the our best to come forth which will work towards creating a more vibrant and dynamic life.

Seek God and His wisdom in this. As you do, revelations will come to show you how to do this.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/21/09

This Christmas, I'm finding that people don't really need a lot of gifts, money, etc. But, what they do need is to hear from God regarding their situation. The best gift I can give them is to tell them about trusting God and His Word.

I live I believe a simple and ordinary live. However, with trusting God and His Word, the ordinary turns into something new everyday. Things just don't happen to be happening. Things happen to and for me because of the Word of God - me spending time in meditation over it.

I know for a fact, if you will give God's Word your full attention, meditate on it, and not fear what you might hear from God regarding your life, you will be a much happier and prosperous person - more than you could ever dream of.

Much love and Merry Christmas,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/20/09

I started practicing and teaching Yoga (within a three month period of both) about 7 years ago. The most important thing I have learn in these few years of Yoga involvement is I need a strong and discipline spiritual practice. The spiritual practice is what will and has carried me throughout my day.

As I move throughout my day, I will listen to spiritual Cds' while driving to my next class or appointment or spend time in meditation (quick) sitting in my vehicle while I'm waiting for a class or appointment to start.

Your growth with Yoga or without Yoga should be centered around spiritual growth - whether consciousness or not - it must be done on a regular basis. One aspect for me having to continue grow spiritual is my relationship with the students that attend classes I teach.

Yes, once we as instructors begin to teach, we can lose our own personal practice and become un-rooted from what we believe and teach. We are then just going through the motions.

If I am to be there for the students who attend classes I teach - I must have a strong spiritual practice and it is so important that I do set aside time for this. In doing so, I can let go easily any personal agendas, attachments, pride (ego), etc. and keep moving to the next spiritual level.

How is your spiritual walk (growth)?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/19/09

This season I'm practicing Yoga with the spirit of offering. I have chosen to surrender the time I'm in practice to sending positive energy, praying and meditating to those individuals I know on a personal level that are confronted with insurmountable circumstances during this time.

This may seem strange to many. But, I see my Yoga practice as a time for me to align my spirit, mind and body into one. In doing this during each practice, I have come to appreciate just being "present" more than ever. I want the same for others too!

So, how about you setting your intention during your Yoga practice especially this season on individuals you know that may be experiencing situations that could use some love?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/18/09

There will come situations in your life that seems hopeless - especially when you look at it through the eyes of fear. However, it does not have to be this way. Try looking at it through the eyes of God and it just may become easily manageable when approached with the confidence that God is in control of the situation.

As you allow Him (God) to be part of the solution, you will discover the helplessness you feel within you is not invincible. Rather, God (as you put your trust in Him) will respond readily to your efforts to resolve it, leaving you with peace, rest and a knowing that for future issues, He (God) is capable and willing to handle any challenge that arise in your life!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/17/09

There are times and moments in Yoga class where I may say something that brings about a verbal adjustment which brings more awareness and understanding to a pose. I'm doing this more now than before.

Why? I'm wanting students to experience their own adjustments that may have a greater impact on their practice. I actually have students use their hands to heighten their awareness on various poses instead of mine.

In the same manner I'm giving student verbal adjustment which they can use in their lives off the mat or outside of the classroom. As they experience adjustments outside of the classroom, it too will heighten their awareness in various situations.

This is called taking your Yoga practice everywhere you go. And, it can be also called moving from physical to mental to spiritual practice. This is the objective of Yoga bringing it all together.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/16/09

Lately, I have felt like I have been pushed to the limit of things I'm involved with. A few days ago I attended a Yoga class and during the class I began to force myself into certain poses that resulted in not proper alignment and the class at the end was a disappointment.

When I arrive home after the practice I spent some quiet time in meditation regarding what had occurred. The answer I received was I needed to surrender to that class. No matter how difficult some poses were, it was an opportunity for me to either modify the pose or go back to a resting pose. Pretty simple?

Lesson learned? No matter what circumstances we are faced with, we have a choice to be present - in the moment, know it and for what it is and to make the best of it.

Note, I really thank God for allowing me to experience things of this nature, learn from them and share them.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/15/09

Words are very powerful. We should be more conscious of words that come out of our mouths and aware of their power and the energy that comes along with them.

From personal experience, speaking consciously is very effective in bringing about positive change. I have actually changed my life for the better, by being more aware of the things I say.

For instance, if you're constantly saying the following, "I'm fearful about the economy, my paycheck is already spent before I get it, bills are due, etc." then you will no doubt feel as such.

However, if you stroke yourself with positive affirmations, "I'm not fearful about the economy, I have money left from my paycheck after I pay all of my monthly expenses, all my bills are paid on time..." you will feel more positive about yourself to aspire to such things.

Today, become more conscious of the words you speak and your intentions when speaking. Speak the truth - mean what you say. Become fully aware of your words, this will caused you to be less likely to speak negatively.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/14/09

Just a few more days before Christmas. Let me strongly suggest you put aside your projects and commit to doing only what you consider truly pleasurable during the holidays. Your responsibilities will wait as you put emphasis on peacefulness that comes from within.

If you find it challenging to ignore the temptation to simply fall back into your usual schedule, consider that relaxation should occupy a prominent place on your to-do list.

Take some "you time" and to care for yourself, even during life’s busy periods. While you may not always be able to get away from it all, you can still nurture yourself and regain your peace of mind.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/13/09

I often tell students their Yoga mat is a reflection of their lives off the mat. If they are having conflict with certain poses or fighting the poses when in them, there is peace missing.

True peace only comes from within. If you don't like yourselves, if you are in a constant state of inner conflict - it will show up in your world, your family, your job and the list can go on and on.

When we begin to look inside ourselves for the meaning of peace, we will begin to understand why it has always been so challenging to come by. This alone, can cause us to be compassionate toward the many people in the world who find themselves caught up in conflicts.

True peace begins with a willingness to ask Jesus to come into your heart. Once this happens, His peace will transform it into the light of our love.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/12/09

The fight for the problem you're facing right now is in your mind and on your lips. What you have to do is to hang onto the Word of God. Darkness knows that if it can steal from you - your words of faith, your words will defeat darkness.

Darkness will tell you to worry about certain situations. It will tell you some crazy stuff. But, remember this, it's the Word that does the work, not the one holding onto it.

Spend time in meditation on those words and continue to say them, the truth in them will begin to sink in. They'll take root in your heart and begin to grow. And eventually you really will be speaking from the abundance of your heart.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/11/09

Start watching the words that come out of your mouth. Quit speaking words like they weren't important and start using them like your life depends on it! They do!

Take note, the universe does not operate on what you mean. It operates on what you say. What you say counts! Don't get too excited about what your next phrase might be. Just use the wisdom God has given you. Train your mouth to be obedient to things that are true, uplifting, positive, helpful, etc.

Example, if you say "I have hope." You are stating that you are in despair. You have to go past hope and despair. You can ONLY do this if you are rooted in yourself and God and know who you really are.

Anything and everything that exits will then be mastered as you experience the truth of who God is along with the truth of who you are.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/10/09

However you precede yourself is how the world will precede you. Do you see yourself as a mighty warrior or as a wimp?

The answer to that question depends on you. I realized that one day that failure is found in how we see ourselves. If you see yourself as a grasshopper, then so will others.

The reason so many people are terrified to fight for what they believe in or for who they are is in many instance they see themselves so small that they are defeated in every area of their lives.

It's what you are in your own sight that will make the difference. If, in your own sight, you're a weak, powerless, darkness will run over you three or four times a day or more.

But when you begin to see yourself as God sees you, as a conquering son or daughter of the Almighty God equipped with the very power of God Himself, darkness will stay clear of you.

Darkness would rather do anything than come against somebody who's bold and courageous. If you're not strong in God in your own sight, you need to change that. You need to get so full of God and His Love that you walk around like a spiritual giant.

Turn the tables on darkness and let it find out what it feels like to be a grasshopper for a change.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/9/09

Don't ever underestimate the power of your words. I can assure you, darkness doesn't. Darkness works constantly to get you to turn them in a negative direction.

Darkness fire darts of pain and discouragement (just to name a couple) at you just to get you to speak words that are not of faith - words that will eventually have you living a life full of doubt and fear.

Don't let darkness succeed. Instead, speak words of faith and stop doubt and fear before it starts today!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/8/09

I have known for some time now in order for me to walk in the blessings of God, I have to stay positive and make sure my words agree with His Words. And, not just for a few hours or a few days, but all the time.

Yes, this can be challenging. I am believing God for things to happen in my life and while some things come easy, other seem to be determined to stay in the unseen realm. But, I know I have to keep confession and believing that these blessings will appear too.

Yep, there are time when I feel foolish, but I kept (will continue to keep) on believing and thanking God for bringing these things to past. Yes, I also realized that my confession started working the very first day I spoke it. But again, some things take time to come forth.

I'm here for the long haul. Some results may be immediate while others may take a while. I am determine that I'm not going to let the waiting period discourage me. I am hanging on God's Word regarding His promises for me. All of His blessings for me will manifest themselves in me life. I will receive those things I'm believing for!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/7/09

This Christmas, as you get ready to celebrate, take the time to recall how good God is and how good of a plan that He has for your life.

Make sure that each gift you give reminds you of how special the individual is who is receiving your gift. As you prepare to give the gift, pray over each person who you are giving a gift to know the love of the Father and walk in His plan for their life. On the other side, as you receive your gifts from others, remember how precious you are to that person(s).

And to top all of this off, remind yourself just how special you are to God. As we move toward Christmas Day, remember God has a good plan for your life. He has had this plan for you before you were born. He has plans to give you every good and perfect thing that you need and desire.

Because God gave His Son Jesus for us, will He not give us everything we need? Keep this close to your heart, as a child of God, you are precious and special to Him. Have a safe, prosperous and Merry Christmas!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/6/09

Have you ever been about certain people that give off positive energy, or others that give off negative energy? I have and on a daily basis. I believe the positive energy people have a quality of or a measure of the love of God living within them. While the negative energy people are yet having challenges with anger, hatred and the list can go on and on.

From my observation, people with the positive energy are compassion, supportive, loving and kind. You can sense a safe, relax, peaceful atmosphere when around them.

Also, from my observation, people with the negative energy seem to want to attack, constrict, pretty much tense most of the time, you don't sense a safeness with them. With me, I want to get away from them as fast as I can.

Yep, I have also been about negative energy people and became ill. Also, when around negative people - my energy is zapped. I can only say that relationship is not for me!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/5/09

You know, it really does not matter how you look in the eyes of people! At the end of the day, it is obeying God that really counts! When it comes to obeying God, your (mine) reputation doesn't count; and the sooner we realize that, the better off we will be.

From personal experience, once I just obeyed God, my reputation got better. When you lose the desire to protect your image, your image will improve. Why? Because then when people look at you, instead of seeing that image you created of yourself, they will see the image of God shinning bright through you.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/4/09

If you feel incapable of making a decision, how about asking God for wisdom and direction? I have and you know what? He has ALWAYS given me sound counsel and guidance.

What I have learned is before making a decision, I give way for God to speak to me regarding the decision. I release any fear I have to Him in prayer/meditation. Even if I don't get it right in making the decision, God's love for me is so wonderful, the unexpected path I took will yet turn out for my good.

I have put my life in His hands. Therefore, I let go of the notion that certain choices are utterly right while others are entirely wrong. The choices are ours together (God and I). Therefore, I will be satisfied with the outcome of those choices.

My choices and decisions are a reflection of my desires which are God's desires. Once I accepted that, I now live have peace with the decisions I make. You too, can experience the same as you learn to make informed choices by honoring God in your decisions. In doing this, you will have the ability to consciously be directed by the flow of your life without interference.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/3/09

I often tell individuals that we are defined by the decisions we make each day. It does not matter whether we are selecting a restaurant, a new career, a move to another state, these decisions will shape our lives one way or another.

When we make or chose these decisions it allows us to enjoy the benefits of self-determination. However, it can also cause anxiety because decisions force us to face the possibility of dissatisfaction and inner conflict if we don't have peace with the decisions.

As a result, many of us opt to avoid making decisions by allowing others to make them for us (I have been here too many times). We consequently turn our power over to others, such as a spouse, relative, or friend, which gives them power to and over our lives which is not there's.

From personal experience, the decisions I have to make can be challenging, but with each decision I grow more self-sufficient and secure each time I trust myself and the leading of God in choosing.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/2/09

The other day I was at the grocery store and I gave place for a complete stranger to step ahead of me in the checkout line. To me it was such a little thing, and yet it filled my heart with happiness.

What I experienced, was more than just allowing someone to step before me to checkout first. It was an affirmation of being connected to people - a stranger and, therefore, to all beings.

On the surface, being kind to others appears to arise from a sense that this is something we are suppose to do. But, on a deeper level, we all are connected, whether we want to accept it or not.

Once we break away from our self-centered point of view, it's expectations and demands, we will then be able to accept people in the simplest way, no matter what their circumstances, situations, etc., because we have been given the miracle of life to live this day.

Live today as if it is your last day. Live and love people on purpose!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/1/09

As we begin the month of December 2009, let me begin by saying God so loved the world that He gave Jesus to us. This is the reason we celebrate Christmas with giving, because Jesus was the greatest gift that has ever been given!

God send Jesus to bless us. That is good news! The gift of The Blessing has been given so we can give it to the world.

You don't have to be in full-time church ministry to give the blessing to the world. Regardless of your vocation, you have the same ability to bless others. It does not matter whether you are a pastor, an attorney, or housewife, if you are doing what you are called to do, you can carry blessing to people wherever you go!

You can go about doing good and releasing God's compassion to the world just like Jesus did. Because the God who so love the world that He sent His only begotten Son, has put that same love in you!

Much love,
Joseph