Unlocking Your Greatness: Sharing Your Gifts, Shining Your Light and Impacting the World

Within each and every one of us dwells seeds of greatness. These seeds have been deposited in our spirits long before we made our entrance onto this earth. We've been placed in an environment with more support than we will ever need.

This includes the abundant sun that shines gracefully upon us, the powerful earth that spins beneath our feet, the oxygen that peacefully fills our lungs, our sacred hearts that beat, our incredible cells that divide with harmony, and the atoms that fill all things crackling with the Infinite energy that dwells within all things.

Being supported beyond measure and filled within the Divine Itself, it baffles my mind to think of the countless people who dismiss the seeds of greatness that rest within them.

This is apparent by asking the average person if they enjoy their job, asking people if they feel like they are living up to their potential, or if they feel like they are truly sharing their greatness with the world.

Unfortunately, over 2/3rd's of Americans dislike their place of employment. The average debt per household in the States equals about $135k. With people reaching to the outside for fulfillment, acquiring more things in hopes to fill the inner void where their dreams are meant to blossom, the majority of people overlook their greatness and settle into lives of mediocrity.

I know from my personal experience of allowing someone's opinions to outweigh my own, comparing myself to another person and following an average path for my early adult life, that suppressing our greatness soon pushes negative emotions of anger, stress, and unworthiness to blossom in our inner garden.

While the past is the past and what we've done cannot be reversed, we have an opportunity in this moment of now to honor the seeds of greatness that lie dormant within our spirits. In fact, there is no better time than now to share the uniqueness of who you are and use your light in a positive and empowering way.

As we recognize and honor the seeds of greatness within, we then can move into the dark realms of the world and be a light of peace. We can use our infinite energy and finite time in a way that can not only make our lives more enjoyable and fulfilled but can add to the overall well-being of the planet and our fellow brothers and sisters we share this experience with.

Looking back at history it is apparent that all the people we look up to, whether it be a spiritual person, a leader of peace, or a person who helped the less fortunate, they used their time and energy to unlock their seeds of greatness and shared this greatness with the world.

Being that these seeds are already within us, all we must do is step forth and be the person who we know we are here to be, the Light of the World.

Unlocking Your Greatness

It is nearly impossible to unlock your greatness if you don't believe you have greatness within you. Life is a mirror that reflects back at you what you are thinking into it. Therefore, if you allow false ideas, negative thoughts and unworthiness to fill your inner temple, you will construct barriers and walls of limitation that lock your greatness in place.

As you open your consciousness and center your heart on the truth of who you are, a child of the Infinite, you begin to honor the uniqueness of you. Further understanding that there have been innumerable events that have aligned with precision and order to allow your life to be.

Standing upon this foundation of truth and giving yourself permission to be the person you believe you are here to be, you start to see what is possible for your life. Honoring your time and directing your energy in a way that aligns with your unbound potential you transform your very existence.

This is not done by a snap of a finger or some magic formula, it is done moment-by-moment, day by day, thought by thought.

As you cultivate your gifts and share your light, you not only assist in recreating your experience, but you impact the world at large.

How To Unlock Your Greatness and Share It

You can unlock your greatness with ease and grace, peace and joy, powerfully and peacefully. Over the past 2 years, I have been using a guide map uncovered through deep study, mentors, and universal truths. This guide map has opened the door to allowing me to speak at over 70 different places in the past year. This includes giving a TED talk, empowering students and speaking at spiritual communities across the nation.

This guide map opened the doorway to be featured on Rev. Michael Beckwith's radio show and be called one of the emerging spiritual leaders of our world.

I have shared this guide map with hundreds of people and watched as individuals have given themselves permission to unlock their gifts and step forth into their greatness.

This guide map I am speaking of is a workshop entitled, Unlock Your Greatness. I am grateful to share this workshop on August 14 at the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley after service.

You're Invited To The Unlock Your Greatness Workshop

If you'd like to make the last 5 months of 2016 the best they can be and know there are specific gifts you'd like to share with the world, you are invited to attend.

If you catch yourself looking out into the world at the chaos that swirls across the planet and are called to be a light of peace, you are invited to attend this workshop.

The truth is that it is you and me who have been appointed at this time to step forth and be the light. Your life is valuable, your gifts essential and your energy can transform the seeming darkness into an endless array of light.

Join me on Sunday, August 14, as we collectively bring our minds, hearts, and spirits together to be the change we wish to see.

Be great.

Peace. Happiness. Compassion. Respect.

Jeffon Seely

To Learn More About Jeffon, Visit ThreeKeyLife.com

For more information about his upcoming workshop click: Unlock Your Greatness

Four Steps to Living Your True Potential

Do you ever find yourself in the same emotional landscape over and over again? Okay, sure, the scenery and faces around you might be different, but the way you feel – a tangible sense of dissatisfaction – seems all too familiar. Could it be Déjà vu? Karma? A result of your childhood? Isn’t it time to move beyond your inner judgments and start living your best life?

How can we live up to our true potential, a life filled with relationships and experiences that truly meet our needs, when we keep putting our focus on the outside rather than looking inward? Isn’t it true, that the only common denominator in your experience is you?

Nonviolent Communication gives you the tools to take responsibility for what you need to live your best life. This means no one else is responsible for your quality of life but you!

Check in with yourself over the course of a day. Do you find yourself blaming others for what’s missing in your life? Following the five steps below will help guide you toward creating a different life experience and living up to your true potential.

Step 1: Own It!

The first step toward realizing your true potential – in relationships, in your job, and in every aspect of your life – is to own your life experiences rather than blame them on others. You can do this by translating that blame into your own feelings and needs.

Instead of saying: “My boss is so controlling. He doesn’t let me take the lead on anything,” try this: “When I go to work I feel bored. I really need more stimulation and an opportunity for growth.” See the difference?

When I translate my life experience through feels and needs, I can discern my world without judgment. In fact, I can avoid any thoughts of good/bad or right/wrong.

This revelation may seem minor to some but to me it represents freedom, inclusion, abundance and the very real possibility for a deeper life experience, and more meaningful relationships. Through this simple first step, you can shift your method for discerning your world.

Step 2: Instead of Judging, Experience

Previously, my relationships were hampered by my judgments. Instead of simply experiencing my feelings and needs, I found myself constantly sizing up the other person to see where I fit.

If I thought someone knew more about a particular topic than me, I judged them as superior. If I thought I knew more about a topic than others, I thought I was better than them. This competition often led to distrust, hurt feelings and a lack of real connection with the people in my life.

As you go through your day, be conscious of how you relate to others. Do you find yourself turning to judgments to determine where you fit? If so, try to take a step back and simply experience your feelings and needs for what they are.

For example, if I’m in a conversation where someone knows more about the topic than I do, instead of judging them as intellectually superior (and myself as inferior), I can check in and experience what I’m feeling by thinking: “I’m feeling insecure right now because I’m needing acceptance and inclusion in the conversation.” Note that I say this to myself, not out loud to the other person. Experience the feelings/needs simply for what they are, absent of judgment.

Step 3: Focus on What You Want

At one point in my life, I began to notice I spent more time than I enjoyed focusing on the negative – what was missing in my life – rather than on what I wanted more of.

I wanted to notice my unmet needs, but focusing on what was missing made this difficult. In a sense, I was attempting to make a shift in my mental alignment.

For example, if I was talking with a friend who interrupted me, my first thought might be: “She is self-centered.” However, if I focus on what I want, rather than on what is missing, I might instead think:  “I love it when I’m heard.” When you translate your judgments in this manner as often as you notice them, it creates a subtle and powerful shift.

As this shift occurred in me, I noticed that the machine gun of judgments that ran through my head was running out of ammunition. My focus was more in alignment with my dreams, what I hoped for and valued, and most especially what I loved.

Perhaps the most significant gift I received from aligning my focus on what I want was learning more about what it is that I love. Prior to this step, I could tell you what I didn’t like and what I didn’t want to do, but to commit to what I wanted often eluded me.

Step 4: Ask For It!

Creating the life experiences that meet your needs also means being able to ask for what you want. By simply focusing on what you want (rather than what you don’t want), you are in a better position to suggest strategies to better meet your needs.

Going back, to the example earlier, let’s say that you‘ve connected to your needs and realize that you’re feeling bored at work, and need stimulation and an opportunity for growth. What if you requested a meeting with your boss to express your feelings/needs, and to brainstorm opportunities together?

When you are connected to your needs, your requests will become clearer, they will be more readily received, and they will be more precise in helping to meet your needs.

Step 5: Remember, Your Potential is a Living Concept

As I became more skilled at discerning what I want, and asking for it, all my relationships improved and I became more able to live my true potential.

What does that mean exactly and what is true potential? I used to think of it as an outcome – a static concept, something written in stone the day I was born that I was supposed to become.

Now I consider it a living concept that changes with the ebb and flow of my life. When ill, my true potential might look very different than when I’m healthy. It is, in fact, less about the results of my effort and more about the consciousness I bring to my life, such as authenticity, humility, and integrity. To me, this is living my true potential.

I will be teaching the basic principles of Nonviolent Communication at a workshop, Peaceful Living Through Compassionate Speech, sponsored by the Women's Group on Saturday, June 25, at the Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley in San Clemente. You can learn more about the workshop by clicking HERE.  Won’t you join me?

About Mary Mackenzie

Mary Mackenzie is the author of Peaceful Living: Meditations for Living with Love, Healing and Compassion and a certified trainer of Nonviolent Communication. She holds a master’s degree in Human Relations and is executive director of Peace Workshop International, a non-profit educational organization that offers training in Nonviolent Communication.

  

Living with Purpose in San Clemente

 Taking the time to search and examine.

Yesterday we had an amazing workshop with Rev. Michael Gott of the Houston Unity Center. I knew I was in the right place when Michael clarified that while seeking happiness, peace, or a new career path is all well and good but finding Purpose is really at the core of what we are here to discover.

We examined our desires, interests, gifts & talents, and values. And while I have journaled ad nauseum in privacy on these topics there is something quite different about sharing them outloud within a community. Having that compassionate, all accepting soul to bounce things off is truly empowering and challenging all at the same time. It's times like this when you experience the profound power of having a spiritual community to hold you up.

In four hours we traversed a lot of ground. There were various exercises to explore four main areas:

desires
interests
gifts & talents
values

The discipline for me comes in being absolutely genuine and self accepting in my responses. To trust and insure that my answers are unquestionably precise and absolutely devoid of self censorship and perceived judgement. Letting myself take the time to search and examine knowing that it is not self centered or self indulgent but rather the first step in giving my gifts to the world.

We start to reframe our life story. Sorrows point the way to our values. Patterns of fear and anger show us where great healing can take place. Obstacles become doors and blocks become stepping stones when we surrender to Spirit.

What a gift! Thank you Rev. Michael Gott.

New Thought's Musical Minister Comes to San Clemente

Music is the quickest way to the heart, they say, and I believe it. Anthems, like Pharrell Williams' Happy, take over the collective consciousness because they remind us what's right and true in this life and just make us feel good.

This weekend one of New Thoughts' anthem singer/songwriters comes to the Center to open our hearts and minds with music and a message of finding true purpose.

Yes, the one and only Rev. Michael Gott, Unity's musical minister, will grace our stage for his final Southern California appearance for 2014. We are so blessed to have him! And YOU don't want to miss him!

On Sunday, he will offer the morning message and then lead a workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. titled "Living on Purpose."

From Rev. Michael:

Each of us comes fully equipped with a unique set of gifts, talents, desires and interests. How do we connect who we ARE with what we DO in the world? This workshop offers specific tools to put you in touch with your inner widsom and your own divine spark that will lead you to a new understanding of Jesus' statement ~ "Don't you know? You are the light of the world."

The workshop features tools for manifesting dreams into lived experiences; dynamic and inspiring music; and the opportunity to ask questions that will activate your personal vision.

Dr. Heather first heard Rev. Michael at Asilimar many years ago and has been asking him to visit our Center since then. Because Rev. Michael is the music director for his home church, Unity Houston, his travel schedule is carefully chosen each year. This is OUR weekend! Woohoo!

Join us on Sunday and open your heart through the ideas and music of Rev. Michael Gott!!

Here is his anthem Amazing Things. I dare you to not sing along...lol!

A Gratitude List and the Law of Attraction

Looking for things to be grateful for retrains the brain and lifts our vibration to live the good life.

Keeping a gratitude list is not a new idea. For years, I heard about it from a variety of sources.  Most commonly, the prescribed gratitude list included 5 items or occurrences each day. I would keep a list for a time and then get out of the habit. Honestly, I seemed to put the same things on the list: my family, my health, our home, etc. and never really noticed a profound change in my life. So, when Rev. Bruce suggested I keep a gratitude list I nearly objected. Just so you know, Bruce doesn't simply suggest a list of 5 things but rather a list of 50 to 100 things. Fifty to 100 things!!! He sympathized, "I know that sounds like a lot, but here is why."

He said, the brain is bombarded with input and hardwired to look for danger. It's designed to keep us safe. The problem is focusing on danger creates a life lived from fear. You can train your brain to see the good that's going on in your life which lifts your vibration and attracts more good. By suggesting I keep a daily list of 50 to 100 things that made my day better, he explained, I would start looking for things to be grateful for throughout the day.The simple act of looking for things to be grateful for is one way to retrain the brain to live the good life.

That evening, right before bed, I found a tablet with 25 lines and made two columns so I didn't have to count my items and started listing. It didn't take too long to come up with 50 items, but it did require me to look a little deeper. I gave thanks for clean air and water; for a warm shower and cozy bed; and for my health and the health of each family member. After about 3 days of the same process, I noticed that I was sleeping better.

Now, about two weeks into this evening ritual, I notice that I am feeling happier throughout the day. When things go sideways, I'm calmer. In traffic the other day, I found myself lost in thought with gratitude for the sunny day and my purring car motor rather than focusing on panic thoughts and the rush to get somewhere. I smiled.

I feel more energized during the day and as a result I'm working on things that get me closer to accomplishing my dreams. I've taken steps to establishing a website for my photography business and have some new personal projects in the works. It's exciting!

Join Rev.Bruce Fredenburg for his workshop, Turbocharging the Law of Attraction, to learn more simple and effective ways to retrain your brain to focus on the good.

Einstein, Energy & Creative Change: Using Universal Principles in your Life and Organization — with Ian Percy

The liberating discovery that your authenticity 

and your highest possibilities are one and the same.

For 400 years corporations - and individuals - have been locked into mechanistic Newtonian thinking and it's become clear that mindset has taken us as far as it can. A revolutionary understanding of how the universe works is gaining the attention of corporations, schools, hospitals, associations and more as a way to breakthrough to new levels of purpose, passion, performance...and profitability.

Ian Percy: Organizational psychologist and Possibility Coach.

Ian Percy was inducted into both the US and Canadian Speaker Halls of Fame.

Hosted by The Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 100 (First Floor), San Clemente, CA 92673 949.240.6463

Saturday January 26, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Members of the Center: Love Offering
General public: $25
Child care available - contact Rev. Pattie Mercado

The Value of Continued Learning

We are taught transformational strategies at the Center for Spiritual Living - Capistrano Valley.

I will be the first to attest to that.

That said, I have expanded the implementation of these strategies by truly delving into other authors, workshops, seminars, etc. that support the same teachings as Science of Mind.

There are times when a nugget of information...most likely a life-altering one, is read from different viewpoints, in different contexts, and all of the sudden, it takes one last viewpoint for that nugget to come together and make sense in mind.

When that happens, there is an expansion in mind that one cannot fully express, only experience, however, when it's experienced, the mind can no longer ever go back to the way it was. 
It stays expanded.

I personally invest hours of time each week to continued learning. 

To increase myself, my knowledge, and my purpose, so that I can increase the lives of others.

In order for me to do so, I must trust in the those who have gone before me and expanded themselves so I can continue to learn and be expanded myself.

This week I will be learning from a mentor who has expanded herself in Spiritual ways that aspire to, Dr. Maxine Kaye.

Dr. Kaye will be teaching from a Science of Mind background, her perspective on living a Spiritually-oriented life and truly finding success in every part of one's life.

Who doesn't want that?

If you are ready to expand yourself, increase your value on others, and truly find success in every aspect of your life, join me this Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 1 - 3:00 p.m.  Attendance is based on a Love Offering so give what you see fit.  CLICK HERE for more information and to RSVP.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. ~Robert Frost