Awareness

Are you aware? I mean, are you really aware...of everything? Are you aware of everything that goes on around you? Are you aware of all your thoughts? Now there are two all-encompassing areas of awareness. Let's look at them one at a time.

Being aware of everything that's going on around you. Now why should you? Why would you? Good questions. Here's what I believe.

First of all, if you happen to see somebody who needs some help, then you're being aware - you're recognizing the experiences of somebody other than you. And that's a wonderful thing, because then you can help that somebody even before they ask for help. Perhaps they were shy about asking for help. Perhaps they were too proud. But the fact remains that they needed the help and you gave it to them. So being aware has brought joy to all - to the other person because they got the help they needed, and to you, because of the satisfaction one receives from helping others, especially when they're not expecting it.

Now here's the second awareness I mentioned - awareness of our thoughts. That's a tough one. Our thoughts are based on our belief systems, which have been formed from our experiences throughout our lives. But if we're not happy with those thoughts based on the past - if you want to change those thoughts - then being aware will help you to "stand porter at the door of thought" (quote by Mary Baker Eddy). That means taking a step back and looking at your thoughts, almost from a third party standpoint. You're seeing your thoughts from an objective rather than a subjective point of view. And through this thought process, you can realize and understand which thoughts work for you and which thoughts don't. Remember, it's not about what's right or wrong - it's about what works for you and what doesn't.

So if you're aware of everything you do and think and say, then you'll be in total control of your life. You'll be confident that everything you do works for you (and for those around you) because you've become aware of everything and you've examined everything and thrown out what doesn't work, keeping what does work. And if everything you're doing is working, then you're on the path of joy and peace and love. And isn't that what life is all about?

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

I've developed my awareness through practice, inspired and motivated by the writings of Neale Donald Walsch. Check out the first of his books:

Control

Many of us, at one time or another, have witnessed a scenario such as the one is this picture - a severe thunderstorm! This particular one, earlier this year, was very violent. So how did you react in the face of this storm? How do you react in the face of any storm? It seems that we're are the mercy of Mother Nature and we have no control over what happens.

Control is something that we have total control over. Now that sounds a little ambiguous, but if you think about it, it's really quite true. We can't control what comes to us in our lives, but we can definitely control how we react to it. Or, as I like to say, how we respond to it.

Here's my philosophy on control. I never get upset over something I can't control. Why would I? What good will it do me? Will it change anything? No! Not if it's something beyond my own control. So I go through life, observing what happens around me and to me - taking out the judgement...taking out the decision of "Is it right or wrong?".

And what's the result of this for me? It's fabulous! It's tremendous! It's wonderful! It's Life. I'm able to go through life without getting upset - about anything! Think about what that would look like in your life. Wouldn't it be more peaceful? Wouldn't it be happier? Of course it would.

So why not just make the decision to not get upset about anything you can't control. All that'll leave in your life is joy! And that is what Life is all about! Enjoy!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Check out our new website: www.inspirationbywondermar.com

And here's some recommended reading to help you to stay in control of your life: Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!

Circle of Synchronicity

Good Day to All,

Today I'd like to talk about synchronicity. Merriam-Webster defines synchronicity as "the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality". So to me, it's defined as so-called "coincidental" events occurring in a positive progression.

In my own life, synchronicity is playing a major role. Every day, events occur that have me saying "Thank you." To whom? To The Universe. For The Universe is actively working to provide me with things I need or desire. Take the photo above for an example. Notice how all the elements of the shot come together to create a pleasing result? Notice how the timing of the seagull sitting on the stacked rocks provided the perfect foreground for the beautiful Toronto skyline? That's synchronicity!

And another example: many of you know that I drive for a living. As I drive around the city, traffic seems to part for me. Over and over again, I find myself in a situation where it appears at first that there's no way through the traffic. Then, all of a sudden a lane opens up, or another vehicle turns, or something happens that allows me to continue in a positive flow toward my destination. I like to relate this to Moses and his parting of the Red Sea. It's the parting of the Paved Sea, as I call it, by God.

Now some of you may think this is rather extreme. But I believe that this is what's happening in my life. I believe that I will it to happen. I believe that whatever I desire will come forth and manifest itself. And it's happening repeatedly!

So my life is filled with synchronicity. The more good that comes to me, the better I feel. And the better I feel, the more good comes to me. That's how good is attracted - by feeling good! I call this my Circle of Synchronicity. And it's a wonderful circle to live in.

So if you want to start a Circle of Synchronicity in your own life, just find ways to feel good. Find good-feeling thoughts and focus on them...dwell on them. The better you feel, the more good will come to you. Try it...you'll like it!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples


If you want to become a Master of Manifestation, learn from The Master himself, www.DrWayneDyer.com

Inspiration

Once again, I've been inspired by another author's writing, so I'm posting this for you all to enjoy. I hope you get the same inspiration as I did. Thanks, Bob, for the motivation to use my God-given gift of creation. Here's Bob's story:



YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT
by Bob Perks

Earlier this evening I was inspired by this thought as I 
listened to a minister speak at the annual Red Cross 
dinner my wife and I attended. As usual I made a few quick notes to keep the thought alive and help me to remember exactly what I wanted to share with you. 
I tucked it away in my suit jacket with plans to write this 
"tomorrow sometime."

I was driven out of bed. It's 12:23 a.m.

Picture in your mind the most incredible thing designed 
by mankind that you have ever seen. Perhaps the Empire 
State Building, the Shuttle built by the technicians at NASA, 
The Golden Gate Bridge or even the intricate detailing in a 
painting you've seen.

What name comes to mind when I say the words "creative genius?"

Who do you think of when I mention God-like compassion, 
caring and loving?

What author's name do you think of when I mention "poetry,"
 "drama," "mystery," "fiction," and "comedy?"

What do you see when I say "strength," and "stamina?"

Finally "winner," "successful," or "role model?"

I'll bet you a Kids Meal at McDonald's you never saw yourself 
in any of those images. And yet...

Look at your hands. 
Are they not the same as the hands of the skillful 
artist, architect, mason, or technician?

If you were to x-ray your skull, would you not find the same 
brain matter that takes up the space between the ears of 
Einstein, Plato, and Disney?

Hold your hand to your chest. Can you feel the beat of a 
heart capable of paining for the homeless and starving? 
Have you not the same heart that beat in the chest of Jesus, 
Gandhi, Mohamed or the thousands of missionaries around 
the world?

Look at your fingers. Are they not like the fingers of Frost, Churchill, Stevens, Wilder and King that held tightly the pens 
that wrote the words that shaped the world?

Look at your feet. Show me the difference between yours and 
gold medalists of the Olympics or the rescuers who carried the 
people out of the rubble in Taiwan's tragic earthquake.

Finally. Close your eyes as you stand in front of a mirror and 
picture in your mind that man or woman who you think of as a 
success, a winner and role model. Open your eyes and explain 
to me the difference between you and that person.

There is no difference...except in how you perceive yourself.

You have the mind, the hands, the feet, the fingers, the heart to be exactly what you want to be. The only thing that is stopping you is the person you see in the mirror.

You have all that it takes.

It's 1:18 A.M. I can sleep now. The rest is up to you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob's signature story, "I Wish You Enough," has circled the globe via the internet. His inspiring true stories are based on the people he meets in his travels. In the mall, the airport, the park, or sitting in a restaurant, a simple word or phrase will often catch his attention, hook onto his heart—and from it a story blooms. Bob's unique perspective on life makes him "the philosopher of everyday moments."

http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
perksblog@hotmail.com


Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Just as I received this gift from Bob, so do you all receive gifts, for every moment is a present. For a wonderful gift to give to others, try this book: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay

What If There Were Only Love?

What if there were only love? Have you ever thought about that? If you have, the images would probably boggle your mind! Really??!! Only love??!! Well, let's take a look at some of those images and we'll see what we come up with.



If there were only love, there would be no war.
If there were only love, everyone would know and understand that we are all One.
If there were only love, everyone and everything would be free, because we would feel no need to hoard - only a need to share, because we would all know that in sharing, we'd have everything we need.
If there were only love, there would be no need for drugs and alcohol, because we would all be content with the peace and joy of life.
If there were only love, there would be no competition, because nobody would feel the need to be better than their brother.
If there were only love, we wouldn't need money, because the only value we would be interested in is the value of our brothers, expressed in the sharing of love.
If there were only love, science would work towards finding ways to better our way of life, through the wise use of our wonderful natural resources.
If there were only love, our natural resources would be appreciated and managed with respect, constantly replenishing and renewing.
If there were only love, there would be no need for jobs, because everyone would happily do their part, knowing that their reward would be imminent.
If there were only love...if there were only love...what a wonderful world this would be!

So why not do your part...do everything you do with love. Be everything you are with love. Cherish everything you have with love. It's been said for centuries that love conquers all, and those who said it were right. Have love. Do love. Be love. And then you'll enjoy all that love has to offer - all the joy and abundance that the Universe has waiting for you.

Just waiting for you...to love!

Cheers,
Gareth

Do you think you can't express and experience love at that level? Well, you can! And here's a wonderful guide to help you change your self-defeating thinking: Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!

Unbelievable!

A joyous good day to you all! Today, I'd like to touch on the subject of our words. Our words are messengers to the Universe; the Universe returns them in like kind.

With that in mind, I'm trying to eliminate negative words from my vocabulary. The word "hate" is the first one I wanted to work on. Now this takes practice, just like anything else. We can get very efficient at anything we want to if we practice diligently. So that's what I did with the word "hate". I practiced changing it whenever it popped up in my head. For instance, many people use the expression, "Don't you just hate that?", or "I hate it when..." If you put the thought of hate out into the Universe, it'll come back to bite you - every time! So now I just say "I can't stand it", or "I don't like it when..." It gets the message across without such a harsh word, don't you think?

Recently, I've begun working on eliminating another word from my vocabulary - "unbelievable". Now this can have either a negative or positive connotation, depending on the context. If somebody cuts you off as you're driving (which occurs regularly with me because I drive for a living), then I used to say "Unbelievable!". But I don't get upset; I just laugh at the person for being out of control of his life, or at least of his driving habits. Being in control will be the subject of another upcoming blog.

"Unbelievable" can also be used in a positive context, such as "The sunrise today was unbelievable!" So why am I eliminating such a positive word? Because I now believe that nothing is actually unbelievable. Some things are awesome. Some things are fantastic. Some things are fabulous, tremendous, and any other description you can offer. But that doesn't mean they're unbelievable. In fact, they're more than totally believable - they're fact, along with some positive emotions.

So now, when my past habits lead me to say "Unbelievable", I either change the word before I say it, or I correct myself, if I haven't done so in my mind, and change the word to some other positive response.

So my message here is, take the unbelievable and impossible aspects out of your life and out of your vocabulary, and focus on positive words. Substitute the more believable words. Remember, you can do anything with practice. All it takes is a desire to change.

So what words do you want to eliminate in your vocabulary?

Cheers,
Gareth Marples


If you'd like some sage advice on how to lead your life in a positive direction, with both thoughts and actions, make sure to read The Vortex

Relationships

Relationships...what a world! A world where we interact with others. A world where we counteract with others. A world where we come to the realization that we're required to respond to others, every day, in every way. How are your relationships?

Are you comfortable with the relationships that come and go in your life? Are you at peace with the people you come into contact with throughout your daily activities? These are questions that some people think of, and some don't. But the relationships you create and develop in your lives are the foundation for your growth. Do you understand that? I believe it's worth repeating. The relationships you create and develop in your lives are the foundation for your growth.

Life is all about expansion. The Universe in constantly expanding and you, as part of that Universe, are also constantly expanding. Every thought you have moves you forward...hopefully. Because some of our thoughts don't move us forward, but actually retract us from the natural flow of goodness that is our inherent right. And when that happens, we feel uncomfortable. We feel uneasy. We feel unhappy.

So here's the deal, as I see it. As you go through your daily lives, experiencing all your movements and actions, how you feel gives you a direct indication of whether your relationships are working. Whether it's a relationship with a life partner, a co-worker, a friend, an acquaintance, or even just a casual meeting with perhaps a cashier in a store; this is the time when you decide whether you're going to make this relationship a positive one or a negative one. Here's where you decide if you want to fill your environment with love, or fear. And that's all it takes - your decision.

We all find ourselves in situations that challenge our patience, probably at least once a day. So how do you want to handle that situation? Do you want to establish a positive relationship with your positive attitude and friendly smile and conversation? Wouldn't that be an ideal choice? Sometimes, that's not so easy to do. But the effort it takes to make every situation a positive one is surely worth it, don't you think? Wouldn't you rather be contributing some positive energy into what may be a volatile situation? Wouldn't you feel better if you'd made somebody else smile and forget their impatience or anger? That's such a wonderful thing to give!

When you talk about relationships, I believe I've seen the best and the worst of them all. Through my experience, I've learned that the best way to approach a relationship is with absolute respect. And that's accompanied by a total absence of judgment. Nothing ruins a relationship like judgment. Acceptance is the key.

Take my relationship with Suzanne, for example. We don't agree on everything. But we respect each other's opinions and the bottom line is, as it should be with any and all relationships, we let each other be Who We Really Are. That's the key. That's what works.

So if you find yourself in a relationship, whether long-term or short-term, look into your heart and find the love to make it work. Find a reason to express the joy of living that you experience - the joy that someone else might be having a difficult time finding. Find a way to give...unselflessly and completely. That's what will make all your relationships work.

So just enjoy your relationships. Because they're all gifts. And don't we all love getting gifts?

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

Throughout my relationships, I've found a tremendous amount of guidance and direction from the writings of Abraham, as expressed through Esther and Jerry Hicks.

Set your goals in cement - your plans in sand.

Life is all about change. Every moment, every second, everything changes. So we need to be ready. We need to be prepared. We also need to be aware...always aware of what's going on around us. Then we'll always notice the changes, and we'll be able to adjust on the fly.

If life is about change (and it is), then life has to be about adjustment. That's why, when we set our goals, they need to be firmly entrenched in our minds. So we set our goals. And then we create and develop our plans that are going to take us to our goals. OK, we're all set. We're ready for action!

But then, all of a sudden...whoops!...Life throws us a curve - a change. Now we're off course. We're pointing in a different direction. So what now?

Now the path to our goals has to change. Our plans have to change. Well, the solution is really quite simple. We activate our creative minds, directed by our personal GPS.

When you enter an address in your GPS, it tells you how to get from where you are to where you want to go, street by street, turn by turn. Where you want to go is your goal. Now, if something changes (and it will), then your route changes. But you're still going to end up at your goal. You're just going to take a different route.

And that is why I'm hereby renaming the GPS. My GPS stands for Goals and Plans System.

So get your own GPS and plug it in. Plug it in to our ever-changing world and turn it on. Set your goals. Make your plans. Start your journey.

And if you believe, and if you take action, you'll eventually reach your destination, no matter which route you take.

And aim high!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples


If you want help setting your goals, without excuses, then check out Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone!

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it."

This quote of wisdom is from William Arthur Ward. How true that is!

We all go throughout our lives, wanting and wishing for good things. Things that will bring us happiness. Things that will bring us peace. On a deeper level, things cannot really bring us peace and joy - that can only come from inside us. As my favourite author, Neale Donald Walsch says, "If you don't go within, you go without."

But on a more superficial level, we absolutely can have the things we desire. As long as we don't focus on the lack of the things we want, and, instead, focus on the belief that we can have those things, then we've set the wheels in motion to achieve our desires.

The process begins with the imagination - that world of wonder where we can go to think of the way we'd like life to be for us and for those around us. If we first imagine what we want, and feel (and feeling is a very key element here) what it would be like to have what we want, then the mind will start seeking out opportunities to give us what we want. It's all based on The Law of Attraction. And, as I mentioned, feeling the way we will feel when we've achieved what we want to do or have, will attract it to us that much faster.

So go ahead and dream. Go ahead and imagine it as if you already have it - right here, right now! And it definitely will be there!

May all your dreams come true!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If you'd like some help making your dreams come true through the Law of Attraction, be sure to check out The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

We Are All One

Here we all are...the diversified and multi-sided Marples family. As mentioned in a previous blog, we're united with a strong bond of love and respect. In essence, we are all one. Who we are is who we are being.

But in reality, too, we are all one. And not just the Marples family, but every family - every individual, every human being. My favourite author, Neale Donald Walsch says, "We are all humans, being." In that aspect of life, although we're individuations of the whole - God - we're also all equal parts of that whole.

We Are All One. Our outside appearance is different. Our cultures are different. Our lifestyles are different. But be that as it may (and it only appears to be that way to the human mind), we are all one.

If every human mind understood that, there would be instant and eternal peace in our world. Everyone would recognize and understand that we are here to express God's attributes of kindness, creativity, beauty, love, expansion, abundance and receptivity. A further study into these attributes can be found in Wayne Dyer's book, The Power of Intention. Highly recommended reading!

So remember, as you go through life, as you see people you love, and people you don't like so much, in reality, they're all equal. The only difference is that they've made different choices. If you choose love, you choose Oneness.

And that's all there is.

Cheers,
Gareth Marples


And if you're looking to share your love through an uplifting and spiritual gift, check out Experience Your Good Now! By Louise Hay.

Change is Good

Yet another beautiful sunrise! What a wonderful way to start a day, watching the sun poke it's blazing head over the horizon, sending out its warming rays of sunshine to brighten our day. This particular picture was taken from my "backyard", since we live only steps from Lake Ontario.

I find it interesting, perhaps even fascinating, how the position of the sunrise moves slowly on its journey from east to west, and back, every year. That greatly affects the way I take my sunrise pictures, because throughout most of the year, I can lean out my solarium window (we don't have a balcony) and take shots of the Toronto city-line, the lake, the sailing club harbour and, of course, the sunrise. But during the winter, if I want sunrise pictures, I have to go outside...in the cold. And I don't really like the cold! But getting that perfect sunrise shot is always worth it.

And speaking of the movement of the sun, it reminds me that the world around us is forever changing. Change is what life is all about. Everything is always changing. And that reminds me of a book I read by my favourite author, Neale Donald Walsch, called "When Everything Changes, Change Everything". I found this book fascinating and related the wisdom to my own life. If you want to do the same, check out Neale's website: http://www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/index.php?p=Doc&c=changes
Many people don't like change. In fact, it's been often said that it's human nature to fight change. Perhaps that's true, but think about this: If change is inevitable (and it is), then why not go with the flow, roll with the punches, and come out on top, with a clear understanding and a feeling of peace, knowing that you're adaptable to whatever circumstance life presents you.

I love change. Sometimes it's a challenge, and I welcome it. Sometimes it's a miracle, and I welcome it. Sometimes it's a Godsend, and I welcome it.
What you resist, persists. So adapt to the changes in life. Don't fight them. Change is good.

Have a perfect day, and a perfect week!

Cheers,
Gareth Marples

If the change you want to make is weight loss, check out this great program by Marianne Williamson: Get "Favorite Things" A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson at HayHouse.com!