To be clear , I didn’t grow up in a religious household. Neither one of my parents were affiliated with any particular faith. At best , they were agnostic. My grandparents were very religious though. My grandfather was Wesleyan Methodist and my grandmother was Episcopalian. They were like my second parents. They had a major influence on me. My concepts of God, Satan ,Heaven ,Hell, good and evil were definitely shaped by them. Interestingly enough, at 7 years old, I decided that I wanted to be both baptized and confirmed a Catholic. I literally begged my parents to let me do it. I memorized all of the prayers and everything! I wouldn’t let my parents eat until they blessed the food… at seven years old! You would think that I would have joined the priesthood. Puberty, girls and nudie magazines changed all of that!!
Moving forward ,from 12 years old onward, I did whatever I wanted without any concern of “sin” or punishment. Despite graduating from a Catholic private high school, I was still getting drunk, high and having as much sex as I could without any remorse. I wasn’t the worst kid, but I definitely wasn’t a “boy scout” either. This type of behavior continued and worsened in college.
Once I turned 24 years old, life changed dramatically. Due to certain events that I participated in earlier in my life that I wasn’t proud of, I had a type of spiritual awakening. I started to feel a need to seek God. I decided to join a church, but not just any church. I joined a Christian Fundamentalist Movement. That is a long , fancy term used to describe a cult. From an early age, I started off a staunch Catholic, then reverted to a drunken, sex-crazed ,young heathen and , ultimately, a crusader whose sole purpose for living was to save as many souls possible from eternal damnation. I was determined to be the next Apostle Paul and take as many people with me to heaven. Constantly, I would look around at everyone that was around me that wasn’t “saved” and think to myself, ” All of these people are going to hell. I need to do something!” Wow!! In retrospect, I was the one that was lost. Cults thrive off of the vulnerability of others. I wanted to be forgiven, but, not only that, I wanted to belong.
After 11 years , getting married and becoming a father, I had another awakening. The church group that was the source of my salvation became my prison. I began to question everything. It was as if scales fell off of my eyes. It was scary. It was time to move on to the next chapter of my life.
Although I didn’t question the existence of a higher power, I did question religion. I began reading various books about spirituality, religion and philosophy. I became a self help junkie. I came to the conclusion that we are each spiritual beings having a human experience. Nearly 20 years later, this conviction has only gotten stronger. I even went as far as to earn a degree in Metaphysics. Metaphysics deals with the first cause behind all there is, has been or ever will be. We and everything around us are of the same source. We are all one. Everything , including us, is energy transitioning in and out of form forever. God, Source, Higher Self or whatever you want to call it is infinite and we each exist in it and it in us as “us”. Sounds kind of trippy right?
As humans , we have an advantage . we have the ability to grow in our awareness of this higher power that animates us giving us life. We are one with it therefore we are it. If it is our creator and we are one with it , doesn’t that make us the creator as well? There I go “trippin” again. I will state it again. We are creators. We are GOD. We each create the circumstances of our lives whether we are conscious of it or not. It is our nature. Are thoughts determine our words and the “things” that appear in our lives. It is as natural for us as breathing. The key is to become conscious creators. Our thoughts determine our reality. If you are not happy with your current situation, you have the power within you to change it. You can bend your reality.

Remember that you are infinite being. You are the universe, God, Source, Higher Self, etcetera expressing itself as you. Think about the concept of heaven for a moment. Heaven is where God/the Creator lives right? Isn’t that what most of us were taught? If each of us is one with the creator therefore ARE the creator , then why not create heaven here, now!!? I envision heaven as a place of bliss and pleasure. I no longer view heaven as a destination, but rather a state of mind. I believe that each of us possesses the ability to establish heaven for ourselves. Let’s look at several possible action steps do it.

1. Establish a daily practice of gratitude.

From now on, take time out of each day to acknowledge all of the things and people in your life that you are grateful for. Tell each person why you are grateful for them. Hearing yourself speak kind words to others benefits both parties and potentially raises serotonin (feel good hormone) levels as well. Perhaps consider starting a gratitude journal to reflect back on whenever you want. Our emotions(energy in motion) has a major effect on what and who appears in our lives as creators. With practice, the vast majority of us can develop a heightened state of gratitude. This emotions acts as a magnet attracting the situations and people necessary to perpetuate more gratitude. This is powerful.

2. Consider using daily affirmations

Affirmations are phrases or statements that , if used consistently, can have a positive effect on your subconscious mind. Whether you say them out loud or to yourself, they can shift negative perspectives to positive ones. Your subconscious thoughts about yourself, your world and others determine what appears on the screen of your life. Positive affirmations can change your view of the world which , in turn, changes your experiences. Happier thoughts attract happier experiences and more of them. It is a simple exercise that I practice daily and have had exceptional results. It is a discipline that improves with practice like any other discipline. Here is an interesting article about them: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/positive-affirmations/

3) Practice Visualization

Visualization can be defined as the process of establishing a mental image of whatever you desire to experience in your life. The more that you attach your emotions and five senses to the image the better. Doing this strengthens the impact of the visualization. Your subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between what is reality or fantasy. Remember that you are always creating something with your thoughts . The more mindful you are of your thought patterns, the more control you will have over them. Visualization doesn’t have to be forced. It should be something that you look forward to with pleasant thoughts. Ideally, you are establishing a most pleasant image that expresses your deepest desires. Consider creating a vision board: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-make-a-vision-board . This is what heaven looks like to me. It is an existence in which I am surrounded by people that I care about and care about me. I am also engaged in activities whether it be meaningful work, travel, food , drink or entertainment that is “heaven” to me. This experiences are occurring on a consistent basis each and every day of my life. I might face challenges, but , ultimately, I have conditioned myself to look for the good in all circumstances. Sounds simple perhaps, not necessarily easy, but , eventually, ..possible!

4) Don’t ask…Command

You are the Creator. The same power that flows through you creates stars, worlds, galaxies, etc. As I have already stated, your thoughts become things ALWAYS. What you establish as your reality MUST happen! You have to be patient though because every creation has a gestation period. Think about childbirth. “Birthing” your ideal experience is no different. Certain realizations  will manifest immediately while others might take days , months or years. This why it is important to establish your vision and be confident within yourself that is a done deal without having to see the physical proof. DO not tolerate doubt . Doubt sends a signal that you do not truly believe it is possible. This is why affirmations, visualization, gratitude journals and other exercises are so useful. Place your order to the universe trusting that your higher knows all things and is working behind the scenes on your behalf. There will always be goals to accomplish and dreams to realize. Remember not to forget to enjoy the journey. Your are infinite spirit here on this physical plan within time and space to experience all that you can for your personal benefit and growth. Be determined to have your best experiences on your terms. You can have heaven on earth. You deserve it. Expect it. Command it. You experience who you are or rather, how you see yourself. Be awesome because you already are 🙂 Until next time…

What does the phrase “speaking truth to power” mean anyway? In Pop Culture, according to the Urban Dictionary, it is defined as “A phrase adopted by dissidents who’ve chosen a non-violent approach by using truth to oppose perceived acts of oppression by the government.” I have a different definition. Your words are powerful. You are a creator whether you are conscious of it or not . Both your thoughts AND words become things. You also have your own experiences and way of seeing the world. You possess strengths, gifts and talents. Perhaps you know what they are or not. Either way, you have them and they are unique to you. Others may possess similar ones, but none of them are exactly like you. You are an original. There isn’t nor has there ever been anyone exactly like you. There are those out there who you are destined to meet. They are waiting for you to show up as the best version of yourself whether they are aware of it or not. You will inspire them to become the best version of themselves somehow or some way. This is how special you are. My definition of speaking truth to power is you having the courage to stand and reveal to the world who you truly are. It is time to step into you greatness. It is time to reevaluate your goals and ambitions to determine if they are truly yours or based on outside influences. Have you ever been introduced to your authentic self? Where do you find him/her/them? The way is within and absolutely no one can do it for you. It is there that that you will discover your true super power(s). This is the ultimate knowledge, but please understand this truth. Knowledge in and of itself is not power, practical knowledge is .

Speaking your truth to power has to do with you declaring what makes you wonderfully and uniquely you. Declare your truth unapologetically with both confidence and joy. It is only when you do that you experience true freedom. Life is not supposed to be lived in a straight line. Life is supposed to be a dance. Don’t leave this life with your music still playing. Let’s dance !!!