Thoughts to Grow On..

So much of how we experience happiness and joy in our life is rooted in our own minds. I posted an entry a few days ago about the work of Byron Katie and since then have been reading more and more about the power and impact of the way we think.

I've always believed that I am a positive person at heart. I also used to think that I have been a very open minded individual. I'm discovering that much of the discontent I've experienced in my young adult and recent adult life has really been a factor of my own closed mindedness..and a way of thinking that has limited my ability to be truly happy.

I know for me..the challenge in changing the way I think and approach certain situations stems from not really understanding how to start. We ALL recognize things about ourselves that we would like or need to change..but understanding the "how to" can be very difficult and daunting. There are a hundreds of resources out there for people who have decided they want to develop themselves in ways that open them to greater happiness. I would like to share someone with you that fits my personal needs perfectly..

His name is Wayne Dyer.

Wayne Dyer is an accomplished self development author, inspirational speaker, and self-help coach among other things. You've probably seen him on PBS speaking in front of audiences of thousands. I never used to pay attention to those programs much - until a few months ago, when a good friend brought his work up during a conversation.

One of Wayne's books (that I am reading now) is called 10 Secrets of Success & Inner Peace. Click Here to learn more about this book. As you might imagine, my crazy schedule doesn't allow for a ton of time alone reading - so this book was perfect. It's a quick read...concise and to the point...and is extremely realistic in its approach. For those e-readers out there - this book is also available in a downloadable app for the iphone!

Here are the 10 Secrets...(keep in mind that each secret has context to go along with it)

1. Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing
2. Don't die with the music still in you
3. You can't give away what you don't have
4. Embrace Silence
5. Give up your personal history
6. You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it
7. There are no justified resentments
8. Treat yourself as if you already are what you'd like to be
9. Treasure your divinity
10. Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts that weaken you

My journey to find balance seems to be turning into a journey of finding ME. Since having my children, "me-time" has been a spa treatment here or there....shopping without the kids for an hour or two...or dinner and a movie with my sister or a girlfriend. Those are all very important activities (that I will continue) but what I truly need is something much more basic.
An inviting bench in a wooded park, a long walk/hike on a familar trail, a blanket and a book on a sandy beach...alone with some thoughts to grow on.