Last week, we began a discussion called Who's Minding Your Potential? You can read that article here. I borrowed an idea from my friend, James Lynch, that you can best mind your own potential by becoming your own Chief Potential Officer. This week, we're going to investigate how to best utilize this important asset.
Now that your CPO has been hired and installed in the corner office, what's the first order of business? Don't you want to ensure that you're getting the biggest bang for your buck? No bloated salary for this chief executive, your CPO stands ready to deliver the goods. All that's necessary is for you to place your order.
You have at your disposal a most powerful tool. Used correctly, it has the ability to manifest your greatest dreams. Misunderstood and misused, it has the power to keep you on the treadmill of life, wondering why things never work out the way you want.
Key One
Your most powerful tool for manifesting what you want is to know and honor the power of your word. Yup, it's that simple, yet your word used improperly can make things very complicated. So let's learn how to use it effectively.
Your CPO is just like a short order cook. He or she (or It) is standing there with menu in hand, waiting for you to order up exactly what you want. The trick is, you need to be clear that you're really ordering up what you want instead of what you don't want.
Your CPO is so ready to deliver, when your consciousness hears the word "want", the order goes in. Whatever is thought or spoken after the word "want" is what gets served up.
So how does this work? If you're like a lot of people, you might be much more sure about what you never want to have happen again in your life than you are about what you do want. You might have just ended the relationship from h-e-l-l and say to yourself, "I never want that to happen again!" Guess what the CPO hears and orders? "Want that to happen again!" Guess what happens? That again!
Have you ever felt like you've recycled the same bad relationship over and over again only each time with a different face? Well, now you know why. The CPO has been following orders. If your focus is on what you don't want, you're going to get more of it. The principle behind this:
Key Two
We always get more of what we're focused on.
According to Webster, potential is defined as "the inherent capacity for coming into being." Think of it as the formless state that precedes form. All that is now form once existed in its formless state as pure potential with the capacity for becoming anything.
What determines how potential will be drawn into and shaped as form? Before you can manifest anything in your life, you must first have it in your consciousness as a thought-form. But here's where it starts to get tricky.
Some of what we manifest comes from conscious thought, but much of it comes from what's going on in the subconscious mind, as thought-forms that exist below the level of our conscious awareness.
If the subconscious mind is filled with content that affirms your limitations, i.e., thoughts or beliefs that attack your worthiness, self-confidence and self-worth, lack and limitation is what will manifest at the conscious level. And you'll wonder why you end up not creating what you want.
Key Three
Consciousness Aligns With Itself
There is a principle in manifestation that says, "Consciousness aligns with itself." Thoughts take form in language and we speak our reality into existence. Thoughts like, "I hate my body" become words like "I'm so fat, who could ever love someone like me?" become the reality of being alone and feeling unloved.
Our thoughts and beliefs are not inherent truths but they became so as we affirm them. We think and then we speak and our thoughts and words take form and create our reality.
This is where your CPO comes in. Its job is to be the keeper at the gate to the portal of your potential. When you start to go down the road of lack and limitation, your CPO's job is to notify you where your mind is going so you can wake up and choose consciously whether or not you want to continue down this road.
Sometimes, our beliefs about lack and limitation are so strong, they can challenge even the most vigilant CPO. It's role is to remind you that thoughts of lack and limitation are not in alignment with your true nature. This is an error in thinking which requires an intervention and a correction. Your CPO is also your Chief Correctional Officer, by the way. But sometimes it has to operate over some very "noisy" old beliefs still rattling around in your consciousness.
Key Four
Align With Your Highest Potential
Potential itself, is not defined by limitation, in fact the exact opposite is true. Potential by definition, is unlimited. To align then, with your unlimited nature, to bring your conscious awareness to that formless state where all things are possible, brings you into attunement with the state of pure Being, existing beyond form.
This is the realm Wayne Dyer refers to in his book, The Power of Intention, as a "field" characterized by the qualities of kindness, creativity, love, responsibility, abundance, intimacy and connectivity. Aligning yourself with the energetic qualities of this field, says Dyer, gives you access to creating your life from this place.
Try this experiment:
1) Close your eyes, take a few slow, deep breaths and settle into the silence.
2) Visualize your CPO. Notice if you see it as pure energy or if it has human-like qualities.
3) Connect your energy and awareness to this guardian at the portal. Allow yourself to merge with it, until there is only one energy.
4) Feel this energy flowing throughout your body. Stay here for awhile and enjoy this space.
5) When you're ready, declare what you want as a truth that is already so. Speak in present-tense, as in "The abundance of the universe is flowing through me." Or, "I am blessed with abundance and prosperity in all affairs of my life." Or "I enjoy perfect health. I am healthy and strong." "I am creating love and intimacy." You get the idea ...
Key Five
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
With your eyes still closed, express gratitude for your declaration as a state that is already fulfilled. Giving thanks for the blessings that are yet to come is a key to attracting more.
Key Six
Declare it accomplished.
Your CPO is on your team to support you in consciously aligning your thoughts and words with that of your greatest and highest potential. Speak your word, not as in asking, but as fait accompli, for at some level it already is. I'd love to receive your thoughts and comments on this subject in the space below or on my personal blog at Rx For The Soul. Please share by posting this on your FB page and stay connected for future posts by Becoming A Fan. I read and respond to as many comments as possible so please check back here if you want to read my response. I learn from all of you and appreciate your participation in our discussions. Meanwhile, I'm wishing you many blessings along the path.
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This line got me "When you start to go down the road of lack and limitation, your CPO's job is to notify you where your mind is going so you can wake up and choose consciously whether or not you want to continue down this road. "
When we take notice of that still, quiet voice inside, the more awake we become which is why I don't agree with Diogenes when he says that "we can neither endure nor expect too many of those wakeup calls". Of course we can! That is why we are here - to get better and better and fulfill our vastly unlimited potential! It's exquisite.
Speaking from personal experience, we probably think too much about the vastness of possibilities that it seems overwhelming. Which is why many who experience wakeup calls prefer to stay in their corner and avoid attention. Ha! As if that would make a difference.
We are ALL headed in the same direction and it's what we allow to enter our minds that makes the challenges and obstacles in our path appear larger (or smaller) than they are.
Nothing is meant to be easy because we wouldn't appreciate it as much. However, life is not meant to be difficult either. We are here to enjoy and learn to expect smooth flowing, free flowing life experiences so that when challenges occur, we're in the right frame of mind to handle
I'm inspired again, by you and also challenged to get to work. I'm taking the CPO to my Biggest Possible Future context and writing the book on how to create your life as a '10' on a day to day basis by taking little steps along the way -- a conscious journey. The idea of creating using your word is here, and it's in taking the right context for it all. We don't always need a solid makeover as much as a tune up or a redirection. What you're talking about here isn't for the 'super person' with a will of steel or a master's resolve. Just adding a little, like an ingredient to a stew, can change the whole stew and when you add TIME -- well anything can be accomplished.
This series is wonderful and I'm glad to share it with all of my friends,
James
Your CPO for hire!
I always seem to find your posts just when I need them. My subconscious CPO at work? My newst Rx for the soul and attempt to tap into my potential is cooking. My hypothesis is that we can chop, saute and stir our way to clarity, satiety and serenity. My blog is devoted to this hypothesis.
http://ascientistcooks.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by. I visited your blog and left a comment for you. Great concept!
I look forward to reading more......
Blessings,
Judith
I am with you on the expansiveness of potential that knows no limit. The point for me is in knowing that which I wish to choose that takes me further into the realms of loving, compassion, possibility, empathy, joy, enthusiasm, connectedness, being in the flow with all that is good in my life. And sometimes it is doing just what I have been told can't be done.
Keep inspiring.... !
With love, blessings and joy,
Anne
"And sometimes it is doing just what I have been told can't be done"...... Mostly we're the ones who tell ourselves we're limited and then we end up believing and acting as if that's true.
When we align with our true nature, we can't help but be aligned with love and joy. Keeping that in the forefront on one's consciousness seems to be the "work".
Welcome to the Mutual Inspiration Society!
Best love,
Judith
Inspirationally yours,
Anne
I hear what you're saying. I'm just thinking about someone being trapped under the rubble for 15 days in Haiti and the number of wake ups that could have taken place during that time. There may very well be more in store for this guy, no doubt there is. To the extent that we embody our capacity for realizing our true nature, that of infinite possibility, there is everywhere to go from there.
I think we're looking through opposite ends of the same filter. Isn't it interesting how the "truth" shows up vastly different depending upon where we look from?
Here's what I know: I appreciate your engagement in this topic. Thanks for your tenacity!
Judith
as we are infinite potential best to choose wisely what we do and lopefully it will be to benefit others.
When we doo good for others we do wonders for ourselves.
A rose smells so sweet but never says, "are others smelling me!"
The sun shines on all .. a tree gives shade
Let us learn from nature
You are a jewel,
Ed
Yes, indeed, nature is our best teacher. I always find refuge there, during good times and bad. The natural world reminds me that all is always well.
You ARE the sun!
Big Love,
Judith
So what goes wrong?
My 2 cents is that what is wrong is who/what we've become. The limitations that over time have diminished our potential are simply stronger than any new program to build us up. It's a tough fight.
I read a summary of a medical study that revealed that even when facing a life-threatening outcome that could be circumvented by changing entrenched behaviors, only one in ten elected to do so. We become hard wired to do the things we do.
That said, I believe what the science says about our brains being "plastic is true"; meaning that our brains can form new neurons, new connections, change, get smarter. So, let's keep trying, and perhaps make enough baby steps that added up will get us somewhere to shine.
Yep.
Jgarma
I couldn't agree more with your observations. I'd also offer that the "who we become" part is the crux of the matter.
Yes, we simply get "grooved" in to behavior patterns and become comfortable with the status quo, even if it produces pain. That is why it's often helpful to have some guidance to help break through old, stuck ways of being, kind of like having training wheels on a bike to give support until you can ride on your own.
But it's important to know that one has the potential to evolve beyond any circumstance. Circumstances are just here to nudge and push us to wake up and play big. I believe we're here to do just that.
I so appreciate your comment!
Blessings,
Judith
Love the fun blog and the CPO's orders!
Great reminders not to take ourselves too seriously, to laugh at our tendencies to hold onto "what didn't work" instead of focusing on what CAN and WILL.
I continue to reflect on this new decade and all the possiblities it holds...
why not just "go for it?" and kick up all of our potential's a notch.
Thanks!
Kari
Indeed, why not?
I'd say however to kick OURSELVES up a notch and meet our potential, which is always infinite just waiting to be called upon to manifest.
Beginning a new decade gives a certain perspective. We like nice, round numbers like 10. What will you make of the next 10 years, starting today? It's a chunk of time, but then again, we can only live it one day at a time. So what will you make of THIS ONE day?
I appreciate your comment, my dear. It's also our birthday month, with yours coming up very soon. What's on YOUR agenda for this year? Let's chew on that for awhile......
Much love to you and an early happy birthday,
Judith
So very true. I've certainly been haunted by that attitude for most of my life. It's only in some rare moments that a glimmer of hope makes it into my dark room, telling me to stretch a little.
But I'm afraid it's not going to be very often for good reasons. As far as I can tell, I have those glimmers only after completing some long and painful work or exceeding some expectations - mostly my own.
On the other hand, in my experience, it is perfectly good enough if these moments exist at all. They don't have to come every day. I will certainly never forget any single one of them.
Are you speaking of moments of clarity, after the fog of pain has disappeared? If I were you, I'd be planting seeds for MORE of those kind of moments. Imagine how you're evolving each time you pass through a period of "work". The labor pain of growth comes with its own rewards, clarity being only one of them.
Did I read you correctly?
Blessings
Judith
There are two different kinds of 'clarity'. One is ad hoc, forced and won't last for long, and the other emerges from apparent disorder spontaneously. Only the latter will allow for a reboot of desires, not the former. The former only leads to repetition compulsion.
In other words: the only thing that opens up the mind for NEW stuff is a solid overcoming of repetition compulsions. And that in turn usually comes along with periods of energetic work, because attempts at breaking old habits (which could be thinking habits) require - by certain principles of metallurgy - a stronger focus (or force) than the one that imprinted them on us.