"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."
George Bernard Shaw from Mrs. Warren's Profession, 1893
Have you ever found that when you know what you really want (to be, to do or to have) that there seem to be any number of reasons why you cannot be, do or have it? It can be that the more deeply you aspire, the greater the apparent obstacles. Yet there is a purpose in this: to bring forward more of your innate talent, gifts, creativity and personal resource to overcome whatever may be holding you back. Blocks can be transformed into assets, new understanding, greater commitment and enthusiasm.
The three blocks I usually hear are: Time, Money and Other People. Have you ever heard yourself say something like: if only I had the time, I would easily fit an exercise regime into my day? Or, I just don't have enough money to make that trek across the Sahara. My partner would never let me. My boss does not want to promote me. I have to cook for my family - I could never adopt a healthier pattern of eating that works for me.
"One very positive way to look at life is to realize that everyone - everyone - who comes to you is teaching you freedom."
John-Roger
So looking at each of the three blocks:
1. TIME
There are only so many hours in the day. True. But have you ever noticed how time is "elastic"? When you are doing something that fully engages you, you lose all sense of time? When you are bored, time seems interminable.
Managing time is really about managing yourself effectively in the time you have available. That is to say becoming more productive in all areas of your life. I highly recommend the work of David Allen as a resource for stress free productivity. Check out his website here.
"We can't change the wind, but we can adjust the sails."
If time is your issue, your opportunity is to clear the decks so you have less draining your energy. You can get done all you need - with time to spare.
2. MONEY
The current financial crisis may make better money managers of us all. We may need to learn to select more carefully how we spend, save and invest our funds, so that we do not become victims of forces outside of ourselves. Is this possible? I think so. Even though times are very tough for many of us, nevertheless there are those, who have always been relaxed about money, generous and resourceful with their funds, who are not suffering.
When you are truly enthusiastic about an objective, it is amazing how you can find the money you need. Money has been called a "mirror of consciousness". If you are experiencing an issue concerning money, relative to what you want, then you may learn what is limiting you that money reflects to you. Do you lack a sense of personal value, for example? Are you afraid of success, or failure? Could you be more accountable, generally, for your how your life is unfolding?
"Listen, there is endless supply.
Once you understand that, you are on your way to a much higher level of freedom."
John-Roger
3. OTHER PEOPLE
If we have any hidden doubts about what we want, you can be sure that those closest to you will reveal them. When you talk about something you really want, it is amazing how people can show up with all the considerations why not to go ahead. What might happen if..., ? Have you thought of all the dangers? You're much too old to do that - what if you get ill and need a doctor? The nay sayers can really discourage you.
However, they do serve a purpose in helping you to be clear. When you are 100% sure about what you want, no one can stand in your way. My suffragette great aunt, when she was campaigning for the women's vote in England, would say to me that men would stand aside to let her do what she wanted. What a role model!
"As you realize that there is no reason to hide what is true for you, you find yourself living a life of integrity, a life of loving. In so doing, you open yourself to an inner experience of loving and freedom that transcends words."
John-Roger
The love that we are is the greatest liberator. When we can love the blocks that show up, they have a way of dissolving. When we are feeling stuck, we also need to love ourselves through those times; to be kind. compassionate and forgiving. No matter the challenges we meet, the love within us is much greater and can overcome all fears, doubts, or obstacles on our path, releasing new energy in the process.
What blocks have you experienced, and how have they given you the resources to achieve what you want? Have you found ways of transforming blocks into assets? How have the challenges you have met been valuable for you? I would love to hear from you.
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For information about Clear Results Consultations and Training; for a copy of the Clear Results Self-Assessment, or for a copy of the Guidelines For Possible Dream Meetings,contact clearresults@mac.com.