From whichever angle you view life, we’re going into a new era — possibly a new millennium — of thinking. A more awakened, conscious, enlightened way.
The Wall Street Journal ran an article earlier this week, which a friend of mine sent around yesterday.
It was called 2009 Could Be Better Than You Think, by Alan Murray.
Murray gives five great reasons why, listed below (see the article, link above, for his brief paragraphs to support his claim for each reason):
1) This will be a good year to invest in stocks.
2) It will be a good year to invest in real estate.
3) Americans will learn to live within their means.
4) President Obama will have a historic opportunity to reshape public policy.
5) Your (federal) taxes won’t rise.
After reading these, I felt compelled to add my own sixth reason:
6) You can align your inner self
We are entering an age of more enlightened thinking that is catching on at an unprecedented rate, led by “gurus” such as Deepak Chopra
I wrote this on my iPhone while stranded in a jet at O’Hare waiting on a runway for two hours due to weather delays at J.F.K.
And I forgot to add Esther and Jerry Hicks
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Anyway, when I got back home late last night, I saw this related article on Huffington Post called Astrology and Beyond … What To Expect In 2009 by Phyllis Mitz:
Yes! 2009 beams some extremely uplifting astrological energies …and they are forming right now! Jupiter, the planet of Good Luck and Inspiration is beginning it’s year-long transit through the progressive sign of Aquarius. It can work wonders bring new social vision, community unity and hope and magic into our collective lives. Jupiter can bring unique blessings to each of us. Below I have a run-down of how it might affect your Sun Sign.
Globally, Jupiter in Aquarius stimulates idealistic activities. It can be much easier for we humans to love and respect one another. It can also be much easier to work as a community to make life good for everyone. Science will flourish. Amazing advances in the health field are likely as are inventions that radically improve our lives.
Jupiter’s rare alignments also signal a massive spiritual awakening. Many will experience an uplifting sense of connectedness and loving. Our intuition is likely to expand along with our sense of Hope and Anticipation of Something Magnificent.
In fact, this sense of “Something Good Is Happening” is so strong that many will be able to hold on to it even as life dishes our some surprising challenges. (I’ll discuss them next week). In that way we can experience how we are truly OK even when life’s circumstances are uncertain.
Hmm. Isn’t that what I just wrote, in so many words?
I’m not big into astrology, but I think I can live with Mitz’s outlook, especially since it echoes my own way of thinking (link to the article for details about astrological aspects in 2009 for each zodiac sign).
The bottom line is that whatever you believe, from whichever angle you want to view life, we’re going into a new era — possibly a new millennium — of thinking. A more awakened, conscious, enlightened way.
If this sounds spacey, that’s because it is. But does that make it wrong?
Here’s what one of the readers of my original email wrote back:
Claude,
I don’t think we’ve met but I wanted to thank you for your ‘reply to all’ response to [my friend's] email. I was touched that he thought to include me on this email in the first place, but I was also pleasantly moved by your words that followed (Even more impressed that you composed it all on an iPhone!).
I lost my job of twelve years a year ago and after a year of travels, relaxation and reflection, I’ve recently moved back home to Hawaii, where I’ve inadvertently achieved immeasurable peace and happiness by simply embracing the very ‘enlightened thinking’ you spoke of. To be clear, I’m not the dude who reads self help books, implements strategies from Oprah or consults gurus, but something motivated me to (as you put it) ‘do the necessary self alignment now’ and subsequently my priorities, goals and joys have all evolved in ways I never dreamed would happen. A year ago, you couldn’t pull my attention away from fresh sneakers, a shiny Italian watch or a tall brunette. And although I haven’t shaken the brunette thing, the rest of it is a distant memory!
Moving back home to Hawaii requires a willingness to embrace utter simplicity (I read on your blog that your brother lives here, so perhaps he can attest to what I’m saying). In the face of my ‘return to the basics’ life here in paradise, [that first email] and your email made me appreciative to still be part of a social network of intelligent, articulate and insightful individuals who take the time to inspire and encourage their friends, as well as complete strangers. Possibly #7 reason to look forward to 2009 – A culture of apathy and complacency will gradually be replaced by critical thought and motivation. (Maybe just another unintended element of the Obama effect???)
My apologies for the rant. I’m rarely moved by emails – even less often do I actually reply like this. I just wanted to express my appreciation to both of you. All the best to each of us in the new year!
PS, great post on your blog on Obama, Hawaii and Basketball. Though younger than him, I went to Punahou with the President-elect and I fondly recall watching his games as a kid. My alma mater has rich history and now because of Barack, basketball has been added to that mix.
Thanks again.
That’s very cool. But what he doesn’t realize is that I should be thanking him, because his words in turn validate my words, which validates my thoughts, which means everything to me and so therefore is priceless.
That’s why it’s important to say or write things that you think could be useful to other people, because in reality on the rebound you are helping your own self.
Anyway, I guess whichever way you look at it, I hope you and your family and those around you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2009.
I just love this blog. All of the above are my sentiments exactly. 7 years ago after surviving the WTC disaster I did a complete re-alignment of my entire life. I looked at everything differently in the blink of an eye. I walked away from a 6 figure Wall Street contract and just went home to be with my husband and children. For six years I got involved in my community mainly to restore my soul. No more designer shoes, suits and bags. No more power lunches. What a joy to wake up every morning at peace and in love with the world. I had to go back to Wall Street in 2007 but I am different and realize that is gives me the means to help my commmunity and spread love. Visit the online virtual totally free university some friends and I started (see website). And on Feb 13, 2009 we are holding a fund raiser for our library that is going to be a re-creation of a basketball ball game played by the Independent Pleasure Club of Orange, New Jersey in 1921 !!!! Thank You Claude, for helping to restore my faith everyday.
Hope to see you there.
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Mr. Johnson,
In one of their advertisements, the United Negro College Fund utilizes the phrase, “A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste.” I say this because the “Time we are living in and change we can believe in have crossed each others path and produced unthinkable possibilities for people in America and around the world! This “new” thinking didn’t just pop up from out of no where, it was being sauteed in the minds of our youth between the ages of three to thirteen. That age group caught on to the Barack message long before “we” adults knew what hit us. The leaders of that group were Sasha and Malia Obama. Our Children, and most of you will think about this now that I bring it up, were talking about Barack, saying things that were not their age appropriate conversations, and in short, guiding many of their adult family members on to the Barack for President bandwagon! Former President Jimmy Carter said his grandchildren convinced him that going with Senator Barack Obama was the best thing for the United States of American and the World. My interaction with School Children left me breathless. I had never heard young black children in the 6-13 year old age group talk about politics and be so informed that they could converse and convince adults about voting preferences. This is what happened during the Obama march to the White House. Out of the mouths of babes, led by the communication between children was one of the big assets that the media and most of you missed. I saw it, I followed it, and now I’m reporting it.
Because of the unification of youthful thoughts and the general public utilizing their minds like we have never seen before, a new time has come upon America and it is represented by the election of Barack Obama as President, but more important, it is witnessed and will be replicated by the thousands of Black Women and Children who see themselves in Michelle, Malia, and Sasha Obama! The energy that thinking produces has saturated our thoughts, dreams, visions, possibilities, and life will never be the same on this planet. A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste!
Peace and Blessings,
Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr.
The Family of Friends Network
Image Builders
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Claude,
This blog just keeps evolving! I too believe and am excited about the possibility of change and new perspective for human consciousness. Add Ra Un Nefer Amen to your list of guru’s that are raising the human consciousness. He has been consulting and teaching spiritual enlightenment for nearly 40 years (located in Brooklyn). Astrology is apart of it but so is science, biology, and spirituality. Obama has tapped into the human will to do good which is a natural state of peace. He has also said that it will not be easy because of the human forces that oppose peace (political and spiritual).
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Thanks ! Enlightened thinking is of current interest to me. I just started reading a book by Louise L. Hay called “You Can Heal Your Life”
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Claude,
Again you’ve outdone yourself. Many thought we were nuts when we both walked away from our careers when Bear was born 15-weeks prematurely. David left his position with a Newport Beach architect firm and I left my engineering job to heal our son. It’s been an amazing ten years. Despite his rough start, he is a healthy, thriving boy and we do not regret the journey. Leaving corporate life was hard and I missed the flying back-and-forth, meetings at the Pentagon, and being with the best and brightest minds in the nation, but I enjoyed taking all my meals with my husband and son. Since my husband designs and builds, he is able to work from home and/or include our son in his activities and we actually saw our income increase when we stopped working for others. I temporarily went back to work after 9/11 but one day decided that I enjoyed peace at home more than working in my field. Now we too are considering getting back to work. We’ve heard our nation needs us and our son is healthy enough to work alongside his Daddy. Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr. was correct about the children. It was my son and his chess club with children representing nine different nations that convinced me that Barack Obama was good for the world.
I’m glad you invited me to your blog. Thanks.
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Let me think for a moment and now I’m in the mode to answer Brother Claude’s response and also add a few words to my message about “new” thinking. I’ve read exactly what you wrote and both of us are correct in our theories. Belief is a valuable tool that can make all things happen in one’s life. If you read my original document, the theory foundation is the two Obama daughters. Out of the mouths and energy communication that our “youth” brought to this new thinking, is what I’m promoting for all of us to take a look at. As usual, you have out done yourself and your information keeps me coming back. Peace, Brother Zach
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i watch a man tv on friday on cnn something hit me it was the president elect -it dawned upon me that this man was born to lead our country out of these times of endless trouble we== will now have sense of family values again i am happy to respond with new information leaks for 2009… i know that you know that i will keep on keeping on peace cc
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Talk of peace, peace when there is no peace – calling darkness and blindness enlightenment – When the blind lead the blind both will fall into a ditch. False prophets announce prosperity, hope, and change when there is a storm approaching. The wise see the storm coming and seek shelter. Fools carry on as if there’s nothing wrong. Change your minds while you can; it will soon be too late.
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Claude, really nice…all of it!!!! Wishing you, cassandra, c, c,& c all the best in this wonderful new year 2009 ! I can’t believe I haven’t seen you yet? xo ana
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Karen thanks you know I’ll be there! Wouldn’t miss it! And as it gets closer be sure to email me a flyer and stuff like that so I can help spread the word.
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Brother Zach, thank you for that. I was very close to evoking that old slogan, but I decided that it’s time for that slogan to evolve. When we say “A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste” then we are still focusing on the “waste.” I would rather say, “A Mind Is An Amazingly Powerful Thing To Develop And Use To Your Advantage To Get The Things You Wish For In Your Life And To Benefit Those Around You.” We’ve graduated now. Instead of “avoiding” or “hoping” we can now realize that the mind is all about deliberate use towards a specific purpose, mission, and vision. Now we can begin to execute the idea behind that other famous slogan, “Whatever The Mind Of Man Can Conceive And Believe It Can Achieve.” Until now, for many, the missing ingredient was always the “Believe” part of that statement. We’re very good at “hope” and “faith” but that’s not the same as “seeing” something that doesn’t exist yet, in your mind’s eye, and believing it could become real simply because you “will it and desire it to be so.” Sometimes we do this without even realizing that that’s what we just done did. We do it all the time already, without knowing. But now we know the formula.
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Thanks Sam. The forces that oppose peace will get more attention because they hate with more conviction than we love. For now. That’s why conscious, deliberate conviction and focus (on what we want vs. what we “don’t want”) is so important right now.
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Gail, many of the books and resources I mention in this genre are published by Hay House, which was founded by Louise Hay. She’s a pioneer in this area. All good stuff!
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Zach, yes, I forgot to mention that in my opinion the best part of all of this is the little kids in the White House. Those girls are the same age as my boys. So I just got a lifetime worth of teaching opportunities with just that one thing.
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Veritas, I appreciate your view. But you sound
like a fool in a parableblind yourself. Sorry. Since when in history did people make progress by believing only what they could see? You have to be able to see things that don’t yet exist, in order to move ahead. You are focusing only on what you choose to see. You see only “no peace.” I see peace all around. There is much, much more peace than war in the world. It’s just that the war gets all of your attention. When you get sick, do you talk about how you want to be well, or do you focus only on how sick you are and nothing else? If the latter then you are probably sick all the time. Look, I’m not saying there’s nothing wrong. No one likes war. No one likes poverty. Or disease. Or starvation. Everyone is looking for ways to help bring about health and abundance and peace and joy. You don’t do that by sticking your head in the sand. But you also cannot succeed in that effort by focusing only on the problem. Using your words, if there is a storm approaching then someone has to see it coming and get the umbrellas and dig ditches to divert the rain towards irrigation canals or reservoirs for later use during droughts. You have to look beyond the storm. If allyouone can see is the storm approaching thenyou surely areone surely is blind. In any storm there are also opportunities for growth, learning, and more. Some see only problems. Some see only possibilities. Which ones are blind?Like / Dislike:
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Thanks for your reply Claude. I’m well used to being called a fool.
“We are entering an age of more enlightened thinking that is catching on at an unprecedented rate, led by “gurus” such as Deepak Chopra, Eckhardt Tolle, Mark Victor Hansen, Marianne Williamson, T. Harv Eker, Dr. Michael Beckwith, and many others. These people are helping interpret “the meaning of life” in new and compelling ways .”
The ‘enlightenment’ of the renaissance led to secular humanism which resulted in such wonderful results as the bloody French revolution which led to Napoleon’s reign of peace, and then more recently the enlightened Russian revolution and Mao’s ‘Long March’ both of which lead to peace, prosperity and security as promised. The current batch of ‘guru’s’ have nothing better to add to the mix than the ‘enlightened minds’ of yester-year. The results will be the same. Obama isn’t the saviour, he isn’t the messiah. He will betray his supporters, and break his promises.
True enlightenment comes by opening from opening one’s heart and mind to the truth. And the truth is absolute. It never changes. The current rabble of gurus have created their own ‘truth’ they are blind, false teachers. Those who follow them will end up like them. Far from being enlightened they walk like the blind. Look at what’s happening in the world the leaders are lost staggering back and forth trying this trying that but with no real answers.
Without a paradigm shift the US is doomed. (oops, I said the ‘D’ word). The storm I see approaching will not be ameliorated by umbrellas, and ditch digging it is far bigger than anything that the collective power of the American people can deal with. I see beyond the storm to a time of real peace, prosperity and security but I also see that there will be few who make it through. The few will make it because they reject the myopic advice of Tolle, Chopra, and other gurus and put their faith in the truth.
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Veritas,
Thanks for your comment. My impression is that you’ve shown sarcasm and knowledge of history but you haven’t really said much, except for the phrase “without a paradigm shift.” Sounds like you may be in need of a personal paradigm shift. I wasn’t suggesting that we follow those thought leaders, or any thought leader, as much as I was saying that we must change the way we are thinking. The last time I checked, that’s called a paradigm shift. The other thing you said — with which I completely agree although I’m not sure you believe it yourself — is that you can “see beyond the storm to a time of real peace, prosperity and security.” I doubt you believe that or else it would be your sole focus. Instead, you seem worried about who will “make it through.” This is fear-based thinking. If I were you I would just worry about your own self “making it through.” Instead of telling us to reject someone’s thinking, or to reject someone’s leadership, why not tell us what you recommend instead? Tell us Wwy are the views of Tolle, Chopra, and others of that genre myopic. It’s easy to try tearing someone down but then back up your wild-sounding claims. You say, “True enlightenment comes by opening one’s heart and mind to the truth,” but that is precisely what these people (these “gurus”) encourage. Are you familiar with their work or do you just reject any thoughts but your own? What you may not realize is that there is no truth other than our own truth. If you truly accept your own truth then you need not knock someone else’s truth. Each person must choose between that which is true to themselves, vs. something else that isn’t quite aligned and doesn’t feel quite right. That is, if they are honest with themselves rather than relying on saviors or pundits or messiahs or quacks. I always ask myself the question, What do I love to do? If you do what you love to do, and if you are true to it, then you will be able to identify the truth more easily. Because you will only see the truth.
Meanwhile, thank for the dialog; I appreciate it and I hope you do too. It’s very instructive, I think, all around.
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