The enveloping air held a hint of ancient chinese mystique. A woman was sitting alone in a rickety wooden boat on a lake. While she would not be considered as beautiful by standards in those times, her features were pleasant enough. Fairly young, she was wearing simple grey robes. Her dressing indicated that she was a novice nun.

(The page from my art journal depicting the Chinese Woman at the Lake).

All was quiet. She had stopped rowing.

The woman bent over the hull of the boat, looking over. She was lost in her own thoughts. For a while, her thoughts were drifting in and out, nothing of particular significance. Then, she found herself tuning into a sense of melancholy. Curious as to what it was about, she allowed herself to feel her innermost emotions. Aha….she finally got it……it was disappointment. She was brooding over the missed opportunity of living a lay life.

The nun started to trace back to the story of her beginnings. She recalled of having been abandoned at the temple when she was a toddler. Her parents had been too poor to feed her. They were farmers. Life had been pretty much of a struggle. Their harvests had been dismal. The pantry was bare. Eventually, they left her at the temple, thinking that she would have a better chance of survival. While she had tried her best to understand their good intentions, she had always held a sense of bitterness towards them.

Then again, although life was spartan at the temple, the woman remembered that she had felt safe. Indeed, there was enough food donated by devotees and she had no cause for worry about her next meal. Everyday was pretty much a routine. She had to wake up early in the mornings for meditation, chanting and to do housework chores. Bedtime was early every evening on a wooden plank.

At this point of recall, the young woman noted the stirring of her unresolved feelings from within. Would her life pan out differently if she had lived on the outside walls of her temple? She wondered. How would her growing up years be like? Would she be married by now? If romance with another did not appear likely, would she be able to muster enough courage to shave off her head in a few months’ time?

As she pondered, she suddenly became aware of the shadowy reflections on the lake. The reflections ripple out from the boat, in gentle shimmers. She delved into each ripple.

The Hidden Treasure Chest

After what seemed like eternity, the novice nun came into some major insights. The waves of the ripples on the surface of the lake were like challenges that life presented. To ride the ripple was to learn about being in harmony with the events that unfold. Water – whether at the top or bottom of the lake – was of the same essence. Just like consciousness. Peace could be experienced by being consciously aware of the eternal presence that lied deep beneath the rippling surface.

Almost immediately, the nun found herself expressing her gratitude and appreciation. The walls of the temple shielded her from much of the ugliness she knew existed outside. She was grateful for the comfort that she enjoyed at the temple. She had plenty of opportunity to be in silence. At the temple, it was an acceptable thing to spend time in quiet solace. From what she knew, the laypeople had always complained about “the waste of time” to be sitting in meditation. They preferred instant gratification. Most of them who had come to the temple to pray were also largely unhappy about their lives.

The nun realized that what was more important was the “now”. She would never find out if things would be different as a layperson. She had no plans to leave the temple anyway. The temple was the only home she ever knew. A vast “playground” for learning of the mind. There was no point wishing and wondering what might have been. For the past was long gone. Neither was there a need to worry about the future which could only take time to unfold.

In that very instant of insight, she experienced profound joy. She laughed in awareness. She understood that whenever she get too caught up with her thoughts, she would forget about being present.

So once again, she stepped back into silence. The silence of the mind. To be in complete harmony with all there-is. Serenity in the surroundings of the lake.

“X” marks the spot to the Treasure Chest

The scene I have just described came to me while I was meditating early one morning in Botanic Gardens. Now, was it a dream, past life memory or simply a figment of my imagination?

Well, I don’t really know nor care to analyze because what was more important was the message that my subconscious mind was bringing to me. As I drew away from the scene – much akin to the zooming out of a camera lens – I saw a big chest lying at the bottom of the lake. It was an open chest, overflowing with gold. The chest was beneath the nun’s feet on the boat. Where she was marked the spot of her true treasure – The Now.

“An inch of time is an inch of gold. But an inch of gold can’t buy the inch of time.”
— Chinese Proverb

Nature Tapestry Notes

Notes for the Day: Where you are is the treasure. Be present. Ride out the ripples of life by being aware of your eternal presence.

Nature Tapestry Notes is a series of posts that I write and publish from insights gathered while connecting with nature at The Singapore Botanic Gardens. It now comes once every month.

Share Your Thoughts

Like today’s story? Share your thoughts!

Peace,

Consider creating a unique deck of affirmation cards using your private collection of favorite of positive affirmations, mantras or sayings! Have you been keeping a list of lovely quotes, romantic sayings or catchy phrases every once in a while which you get from magazines, books or online? Well, instead of simply copying the words down in a book or storing them in a word or excel file, think of making a set of affirmation cards that you can flip easily and carry around!

(Affirmation Cards On-the-Go)

Like the idea of mini collages for affirmation cards on-the-go (see picture example above for end product) ? If so, let’s get crafty with today’s post – creating affirmation cards the fun, cheap and easy way!

What You will Need for Creating Affirmation Cards:

1. Lifestyle Magazines.

2. Poster or acrylic paint. Quick drying ones!

3. A pair of scissors.

4. A stick of glue.

5. Colored paper or gift wrapping paper.

6. Ring holder.

7. Hole puncher.

8. Stencils or colored pens.

Steps to Creating Affirmation Cards:

1. Buy a set of blank white cards. I was lucky to be able to get a stack of pre-cut cards. The size will depend on how big you want your cards to be but most certainly, don’t have them too big for easy flipping and carrying around. Use a paper cutter if needed to trim the cards to a nice size. I prefer using cards with plain colored background, thus allowing the subsequent adding of color, pictures and words to stand out much better.

2. Choose a couple of blank white cards and paint different kinds of background. Add dots, lines, hearts, stars or whimsical shapes. Allow to dry.

(Backgrounds for Affirmation Cards)

3. Choose another few cards and stick on colored paper, if you so wish, for background. Other types of paper that you can use include graph, construction or gift wrapping paper.

4. For cuttings of sayings and phrases, look through magazines! Make your selections based on inspiration, color and variety in typography! The ones that I found from article titles included phrases like
- “Pack a Punch”
- “Creative Living”
- “It’s Fun to Smile”
- “Perfect Vision”
- “Breaking Boundaries”
- “Looking Good, Feeling Great”!

(Examples of Affirmation Cards)

You can find lots of great titles in home and decor, holistic living or lifestyle magazines. Stick the cuttings of words onto your cards! If any images in the magazines catches your fancy, you can also cut them for making your affirmation cards as well!

5. For specific positive affirmations or sayings that you want included, you can choose to write, stencil or type. If you choose the third option as I have done, open up your MS word software, choose your favorite font type, type, print, cut and then paste. It sounds like a lot more work than simply writing or using the stencil with colored pens. However, I like my affirmation cards to look like collages of art!

6. Decorate your cards with stickers, glitter, more paint or other items that will make them look more interesting!

7. [Optional] Laminate your affirmation cards with packing tape or a laminating machine.

8. Punch a hole on the sides of your affirmation cards.

9. Mix your cards up and then place a ring holder through them.

(Affirmation Card with Carl Jung Quote)

(Affirmation Card with Eckhart Tolle Quote)

Create Different Affirmation Card Stacks

You can create affirmation card stacks with different themes such as:
- Healthy Eating Tips
- Funny Jokes
- Riddles
- Mini Vision Boards
- Joy
- Abundance
- Gratitude affirmations.

Make them for yourself or as gifts for others! Make them together with your kids as holiday projects! The possibilities are endless! Invoke your imagination and connect with your creative self!

Last Note: Creative Living

If you don’t already know, I have been pretty much a hobby junkie. I have taken many classes during my spare time ever since I started working and could afford to pay for lessons. The art classes I have done included graphic design, jewelry making, pottery, folk art painting, etc. Then, I found myself completely absorbed and fascinated with internet marketing, building websites and writing; and gave offline hobbies a break for a while.

More recently, I found myself digging through my old paint boxes, beads and other craft items once again. I realize that with the intent of crafting my life creatively as a conscious being, it will be an excellent idea to interweave the various parts of who I am – not just metaphorically but literally. It therefore means honoring what I have done and what my passions at different times in my life have called me to do.

So it is and will be. A life of creative living. A life of inspiration. And finally, using an often quoted phrase, a life worth living!!

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates

Abundance always,

P.S. Like some of the images on this post? Get them on Affirmation Greeting Cards for yourself or for sending to friends here….

Can there be more to “how to win the lottery” than simply a game of chance? Is luck the only factor in winning a lottery? Or can there be any truth to the often quoted saying by Roman Philosopher Seneca that “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”?

So, what if there are some things that you can do to increase your luck? Well, I decided to do some research on what else we can do win the lottery. In case you are not already aware, Singapore is gripped with lottery fever at this time of the year. The prize is a jackpot of S$10 million (or US$7.1 million). The draw date? This Friday – February 26, 2010 – at 9pm. Long queues are reportedly seen at every ticketing booth this week.

The Toto S$10 Milllion (US$7.1 Million) Hongbao Draw

The Toto Hongbao Draw is a festive event that many Singaporeans look forward to every Lunar New Year. Since its inception in year 2000, the Toto Hongbao Draw has created more than 44 millionaires.

Toto is another form of lottery, just like The Sweep or Scratchit or 4D. The popular draw uses the word “hongbao” to great effect. Hongbao or ang pow refers to a red packet containing money. It is a Chinese New Year custom for children or singles to receive a red packet for good luck. With a highly attractive S$10 million jackpot, many of us are lured into buying a ticket.

How to Win the Lottery or the Toto S$10 Million Hongbao Draw?

A ton of information on how best to win the lottery came up during my investigation. The following is a compilation of some of the answers….

1. Win the Lottery by Increasing Your Statistical Chance

Okay….it can be a challenge should you start to think about the statistical odds of winning. But my all inspiring message for you today is that “if you already think you are beaten, you will be”. So let us play to win in the game of life. Tip #1 is about taking some obvious actions with increasing your chance. This means taking time to pick the right numbers, sharing in a group and knowing the stats from previous winning numbers. The points are taken from this top video….

2. “How to Attract Wealth” Visualization

Tip #2 is a summary of tips about the use of creative visualization. You need to invoke the power of your imagination and indulge in your dreams. Whatever you can conceive in your mind, you can find it turning true.

I recommend using a framework for your visualization. One great one is with the principle of Be-Do-Have. What do you see yourself as being, having or doing with a lot of money? Visualize the life you would like to experience and associate yourself with the mental picture (“associate” is an NLP term to mean seeing yourself in the image conjured) with your feelings.

Do not worry about the how. Let the Universe take over. Also let go of all attachments and negative thinking. Never buy a lottery ticket when you have feelings of doubt, guilt or worry! Instead hold the ticket with joy, expectancy, belief and faith.

3. Win the Lottery by Aligning with Abundance

Let the lottery win be an indication of your alignment with Source! No one can teach us better about the power of attraction than Abraham Hicks. I highly recommend the following two videos that specifically shared about how to win the lottery….

The core message is about shifting the vibrational state of being. You need to become a vibrational match to your desires. Your desires need to be strong for them to be lined up for you. However, avoid resonating in lack. Instead, be open to different ways of attracting money. Winning the lottery is just one of the infinite ways that the Universe yields abundance to you.

Amplifying the well being that you already are will help you in making the shift. Hence, find the thought that makes you feel abundant even before the abundance comes. You need to be able to think of money as easily available as the air you breathe. You need to feel as if you are “over there” even while you are “over here” (go back to tip #2).

4. Win the Lottery by Hypnosis

Pick winning numbers with hypnosis. Get hypnotic suggestions embedded in your subconscious with this video….

More hypnosis downloads are available here.

5. Win the Lottery by Subliminal Messenging

Use this video with embedded subliminal messenging….

Don’t know what is subliminal messenging? Subliminal messages are positive affirmations sent directly to the subconscious, bypassing the more critical conscious mind. The subconscious then follows these commands to produce powerful changes. Get Subliminal Power which works by flashing positive affirmations unobtrusively around your computer screen while you work. Subliminal Power works only on the PC, though!

6. Win the Lottery by Creating a Wealth Vision Board

Triple your magnetic power with creating a vision board! A fengshui wealth vision board may just do the trick! My previous post also inspired Baker (see the photo that he sent me below) to create one. Thumbs up to taking action!!

7. Win the Lottery by Eliminating Money Beliefs

You will need to bust your money myths if you haven’t already worked on them. Having negative money beliefs can sabotage your best intents of winning the lottery. Here are some that you need to make sure that you do not have….

“I feel guilty if I should win the lottery.”
“The Universe wouldn’t give me something for nothing.”
“The only way to make money is through hard work. It is absurd to think I can make money through a lottery.”

Refer to my list of 101 negative money beliefs, if you have to! I conduct “Transform Your Money Beliefs with EFT” workshops. If you are interested to attend one, please write to me at abundancetapestry [at] gmail.com.

Credit

Well, I was so tickled by the comics (as seen in the first picture of this post) that my cousin drew for his site that I asked him for permission to reprint it before writing today’s post. More of his drawings can be found at another site here. He and his twin brother are animation artists working for a top US firm based in Singapore. Their works are now found in shows aired across the globe. Call it luck or belief? Their intent was so strong that they managed to find a job in the same company – a top notch firm – with excellent mentors!

Let’s Hear It From You

1. Do you buy lottery tickets? Have you ever won anything? If so, what is your secret?

2. Any thoughts on the topic of luck?

Abundance always,

There was a certain buzz in the air which transported us to the many worlds of the Universal Studios Singapore. What a great way to anchor in the feelings of magic, of dreams coming true, love conquers all, the triumph of a hero and showers of joy by just soaking in the unique experience offered at each themed zone!

(Universal Studios Singapore Far Far Away Shrek Castle)

Indeed, during my first visit to Universal Studios Singapore, I took the opportunity to capture a number of photos which I believed would be useful for collages in the making of vision boards. I am publishing some of those I have taken for your viewing pleasure.

Universal Studios Singapore worked its charm on my family yesterday while we took a tour of its ground. As a fan to the power of imagination, creativity and play, I knew I just had to grab a first look. Sneak previews are available for this week before its official public opening a month later in March. Despite the announcement that rides would not be made operational, tickets sold out fast as soon as they were offered on sale. Most certainly, few could resist getting a taste before deciding if its entire course would be yummy.

(Universal Studios Singapore Grand Opening)

Oh yes, not just my kids, I certainly felt myself bubbling with excitement. It is, after all, Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studio theme park. Throughout the long weekend, thousands thronged into Sentosa, an island off the main city island of Singapore, for the grand opening of the park and a casino. A little history here. The Singapore government in 2006 decided to allow the opening of casinos in order to generate jobs and to promote tourism. The consortium that won the job had incorporated the building of Universal Studios in its bid.

The park is home to the world’s biggest single collection of DreamWorks Animation theme park attractions, namely based on “Far Far Away” from Shrek and the island of “Madagascar” from the computer-animated movie Madagascar. These two theme parks got the thumbs up from my kids.

(Universal Studios Singapore Far Far Away Castle)

(Universal Studios Singapore: Magadascar Theme Park)

My elder daughter’s favorite is Ancient Egypt. While she has not watched The Mummy, she has often held an amazing fascination for all things Egyptian. Of course, if you have read my previous post here, you would know why.

(Universal Studios Singapore: Ancient Egypt Theme Park)

(Universal Studios Singapore: Ancient Egypt Theme Park)

We found out that there were many – such as, Pinocchio – before us who have already secretly visited the park!

We will certainly go back for more when the park officially opens. We are looking forward to taking the roller coaster thrill ride, getting lost in The Lost World and taking pictures with Princess Fiona.

(Universal Studios Singapore Roller Coaster Ride)

(Universal Studios Singapore: The Lost World)

Sentosa Singapore

The wonderful part is that Universal Studios Singapore is also located on Sentosa, an island off the main city island. We spent the night at Siloso Beach Resort, set in tropical surroundings.

(Siloso Beach Resort overlooking the swimming pool)

No holiday, however small, can ever be complete without great food! Here is a picture of the Japanese lunch we tucked into just before returning home.

(Japanese food for lunch)

I Express My Gratitude and Appreciation

Looking at the pictures connected me with a multitude of joyful feelings. Which makes reviewing them or including them in my vision boards great for visioning or personal NLP anchoring work! I also recalled how important it would be to express my gratitude and appreciation. So I created a slideshow as a record of my happy memories and as a form of gratitude journal on my laptop.

The last time I went to Universal Studios was in L.A. and that was ten years ago. My thanks now goes out to the Universe that I no longer have to travel far far away to experience fantasy, child-like wonder and happy feelings. While my travel dreams to various countries still remain intact, it is great that through Universal Studios Singapore, out-of-the-world experiences have now been brought closer to home.

May my readers and all continue to have their wishes come true!

Abundance always,

If you have been thinking of creating a wealth vision board, how about incorporating feng shui elements and pictures into it? There are many feng shui symbols for wealth, luck and prosperity. We can see them in huge display at shopping centers and stores this time of the year.

(A feng shui wealth vision board featuring images of a laughing Buddha, the word “fu” for prosperity and koi fish.)

If you don’t already know, Chinese New Year celebrations start this weekend and last for a period of fifteen days. Decorations in red, gold and yellow and sweet delicacies that promise to melt prosperity in your mouth are being sold aplenty!

While I am no feng shui expert, I do have some very basic knowledge of the symbols used. After all, I was brought up in an environment decorated with Chinese antique furniture, auspicious paintings and mythical statues for wealth and well-being. Just this morning, I decided to make use of what I know, plus some research and creative skills, to demonstrate how we can create a feng shui vision board.

What is Feng Shui?

According to About.com, “Feng shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. It is a complex body of knowledge that reveals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it.”

Feng means wind and shui means water. Good feng shui means good luck and bad Feng shui means bad luck. Feng shui is based on a Taoist understanding of nature and qi (energy), and the harmony between yin and yang.

8 Feng Shui Symbols for Wealth Vision Board

(A pot of money plant and statue of Laughing Buddha sits on a table in my home)

Here are some symbols or images to represent good fortune that you can use for your wealth vision board….

1. Laughing Buddha. The laughing Buddha (see picture above) is my all-time favorite symbol. I cannot help smiling whenever I look at it! Its chubby looks and large earlobes (to represent wealth) is absolutely endearing! The laughing Buddha is sold in many Chinese antique or feng shui shops. Apparently, you receive extra wealth points if you get one featured with gold ingots!

2. Prosperity. The chinese word for wealth or “fu” is often posted upside down on the front door of a home. The upside down fu when spoken in Chinese is “fu dau” which also means wealth arrived.

3. Fish. The word “fish” (or yu) in chinese represent excess. Choose the koi fish as a symbol of abundance. I enjoy watching koi swim. There is much grace and fluidity in the fish’s movements. And every koi is unique in its color, shape and size. The gold or bright orange ones are a hot favorite to represent wealth. A picture alternative to the koi is the goldfish. Select images of three gold fish in a bowl or eight koi carp to invite good fortune into your home of business.

4. Flowing Water. Waterfalls represent flowing energy of abundance. My parents have a large Chinese painting of a beautiful waterfall in their living room. If you cannot find pictures of waterfalls that you like, images of moving water will also do!

5. Money Plant. Consider having money plant indoors! Money plants are very easy to grow. At least in tropical climate. They flourish with little care! Be sure to trim away brown leaves. Any signs of death or ill health is considered bad luck! If you do not have money plants, then find pictures of them to paste into your vision board!

(Feng shui wealth vision board with words “prosperity growth” or “fan rong”, water symbols, a chest of gold coins and pot of lucky bamboo)

6. Gold Coins. Nothing beats a picture focus of a treasure chest overflowing with gold coins! During the Chinese New Year period, when you give three gold coins tied with red ribbon, positive feng shui is created for both the receiver and giver! Six gold coins is also considered lucky!

7. Lucky Bamboo. I like the appearance of the soft green leaves of the bamboo plant. Bamboo plants represent wealth and prosperity as well as longevity and good health. They are easily available nowadays. You can consider having a pot of lucky bamboo on your office desk even! Lucky bamboo enjoy warmer temperatures of between 65ºF and 90ºF. Do not place the plants in front of air conditioning or heating vents, however.

8. Fu Lu Shou. The Fuk Lu Shou (also known as Three Star Gods) is a well favored symbol with businessmen, executives and high ranking government officials. They also appear in many chinese holdholds as they represent the integration of: Happiness/Descendants Luck, Power/Success/Prosperity and Longevity/Health. The picture I have is a wood carving of the Fu Lu Shou I have at home. Most Chinese prefer them in ornate statues though.

Colors For Feng Shui Wealth Vision Board

Pick rich colors to represent wealth. These include bright yellow, gold, red, purple and green.

Digital or Cut-and-Paste Vision Board

The vision boards I created here are all made with my photoshop software for illustration purposes. However, you can just as easily spend some time flipping through magazines for pictures to cut and paste.

Where to Place Your Feng Shui Vision Board

The following 4 feng shui placement tips came from Marie Diamond and are featured from the Vision Board book:

1. Always place your feng shui vision board somewhere where you can see it, in your office, your bedroom or your living room.

2. Place your feng shui vision board where there is beautiful energy; definitely not in your cupboard or bathroom.

3. Have your feng shui wealth vision board in a place where there is life and action.

4. Be sure to place your feng shui wealth vision board at eye level so that you can focus on it.

Another 4 extra tips:

1. Hang your feng shui board at the entrance of your house, to usher in wealth.

2. Be sure to choose pictures of incoming wealth rather than outflowing abundance.

3. Place indoor plants at south east corners to up your wealth quotient!

4. Never put your wealth symbols in the toilet! Avoid having the representation of flushing away your good fortune!

4-plus-4 tips bring us to the number eight, once again! The number eight when pronounced sounds very similar to “strike” in chinese. As with “strike lottery”, eight is considered an auspicious number to attract good fortune.

Free Image Sources

If you do not already have the feng shui items physically, I recommend sourcing for images to have them on your wealth vision board. Some of the pictures I have used here are free from Dreamstime, while others are photos that I have taken (feel free to download them for your own use)!

Final Note

As shared in the previous year, the Chinese has a habit of clearing out the clutter before ushering in the new year. So this has been a rather busy period for me, not just with clearing physical clutter but subconscious ones! Well, I am not the only one hoping to start the chinese calendar year on an auspicious note. I have been getting requests from clients with energy clearing work as well. So if you have not already done so, consider spending some time on emotional release (read the posts I published last year on 101 Negative Money Beliefs and Cultivate Positive Money Beliefs by Busting 10 Myths). Thereafter, create your feng shui vision board

The coming weekend is extra special!! It starts with a double celebration – Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day – on February 14!! Let us toast to a year of prosperity, love and peace!

Abundance always,

The power of imagination can bring us on exciting adventures, to fantasy playgrounds and rides on rainbows. Mine certainly did, one lazy afternoon while I was at the park. There was a tree that loomed above me (see picture). As I lay on the ground and turned my head upwards, I observed that the air that surrounded the crown of ferns sitting atop the tree carried a mystical charm. The day was hot. My eyes started to feel heavy. I closed my eyes.

“The Silver Shoes,” said the Good Witch, “have wonderful powers. And one of the most curious things about them is that they can carry you to any place in the world in three steps, and each step will be made in the wink of an eye. All you have to do is to knock the heels together three times and command the shoes to carry you wherever you wish to go.”
— Dorothy and the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz.

I saw myself shrinking many times over. My feet kicked off and I took flight. I hovered above the crown of ferns for a while before I swooped down. Upon landing on the crown, I was transported into another world. That afternoon, I frolicked with the wood nymphs, flower fairies, talking sparrows and purple-winged butterflies.

(photo by The 5th ape )

Time did not exist while I was away. When I finally awoke, I reflected on how the use of imagination has just allowed me a glimpse into another world. Through frolicking with the fairies and teas with the woodpecker, I ended up with a few creative ideas to take home that day! And so it is that I borrow what Jake Sully from the movie Avatar said: “I may just be talking to a tree, but if you can hear me I need to give you a heads up.”

The Power of Imagination

1. Unleash Possibilities. Utilizing the power of imagination applied to thought, we open doors to wondrous possibilities. Our mind is the canvas to which we can apply our creative imagination to. What is on the inside becomes what is on the outside. We can do much to create the beauty around us.

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
— Albert Einstein

2. Aids in Problem Solving. The use of imagination is not to be undermined because it grants us the power to change our life situation and to respond in more empowered ways. By asking what-if, we give ourselves the permission to unstuck ourselves. We create new neuro-pathways instead of repeatedly running along the same track without any breakthroughs. Possibilities are only limited by the extent to which we open ourselves to unchartered frontiers. Freedom from fear takes us soaring!

“You can never solve a problem on the level on which it was created.”
— Albert Einstein

3. Stimulates Creativity into New Frontiers. Without imagination, the first plane would not have taken off, boats would not have set sail and flights made to the moon. There would be no internet or personal computers either. Of course, you can also question about the use of imagination in science and technology being used for war or unethical purposes. Well, the problem does not lie in imagination but the intent from which we are applying our creative minds to.

“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.”
— Albert Einstein

4. Connects Us to Who We Are. We are born with the faculties of imagination and creativity. Not using these faculties is like living the life of a robot. Allowing our busy careers and lifestyles run our lives kills our spirit. Yet, conventional norms will have us believe that it is okay to continue producing repetitive, boring and unstimulating work for the primary concern of paying the bills. And so it is that we feel empty. We go searching for happiness and fulfillment, never realizing that the answers all lie from within.

When we start to connect with who we are, we realize that we are beyond time, space, dimension and form. We realize that we are truly powerful. We gain access to an inner power and strangely when we ask, we gain support from universal resources. We realize that our reality can be changed when we engage our creative imagination.

“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”
— Alan Alda

5. Key to Visioning. Imagination lets us see the possibilities of how we can represent our essence. Intention allows us to focus on where we wish to direct our energy on. Add the ingredients of focused attention, belief, expectancy and persistency to the mix, we have the formula for visioning!

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”
—- Gail Devers

Nature Tapestry Notes

Today’s post is a continuation of the Nature Tapestry Notes I had published in November last year. Going forward, I am intending to publish Nature Tapestry Notes every start of the month. First and foremost, doing so reminds me that no matter how busy I am, I am to find time to connect with nature in year 2010. Well, I hope to continue to draw love, inspiration and renewal from Mother Earth. My wish is that you will be inspired by my posts to make walks and meditation in the park a regular one too!!

Notes for The Day: Utilize the power of your imagination. It is a an important key to inspiration, creative problem solving and visioning. So, let your imagination fly and open yourself to all possibilities. And finally, when reviewing your dreams, consider the following advice….

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’”
—- George Bernard Shaw

Abundance always,

What is Attitude of Gratitude?

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” — Melodie Beatty

Many personal development practitioners tell us that gratitude is the best feeling to cultivate because it helps keep our vibrations positive and uplifted. So it is that when we adopt an attitude of gratitude, we are mindful about being thankful. We constantly express our gratitude for the blessings we are enjoying.

Admittedly if we are conditioned by past habits or find ourselves hijacked by our busy lifestyles, we may find it difficult to remember to express our thanks on a regular basis. We fall back into our old patterns of complaints, frustrations, and anger about how life sucks and is not treating us well.

We may well express our prayers of gratitude on rare or special occasions such as Thanksgiving Day. However, if we are hoping to attract a new reality, then it is obvious that saying thanks once or twice a year is hardly enough! Throughout the year, we will need to keep our engine of positive energy running. We need to keep our “energy engine” oiled with a constant supply of good vibes. Choosing to adopt an attitude of gratitude/appreciation is an excellent solution!

Wait a Minute: Gratitude versus Appreciation?

Wait a minute! If you have been reading my article closely enough, you will realize that I am alluding to a possible difference between the feeling of “gratitude” and the feeling of “appreciation”.

Admittedly, I first wrote this article using the two words interchangeably. Then, as I was at it half-way, I came into an achy feeling that something did not quite click. You may know what I mean. A torturous pain that gnaws on you, refusing to go away until you get to the root of your thoughts and feelings?

I recalled that I had watched a video sometime ago about the difference between the two. I managed to find it….

In short, Abraham Hicks explains that love and Appreciation carries the same energetic vibration. These feelings help to bring us into alignment with who we truly are. It is the absence of fear and resistance. Gratitude, on the other hand, carries the signature of past struggles that we have overcome. Abraham points out the difference between Gratitude and Appreciation is similar to the difference between motivation (makes you go somewhere) and inspiration (you are being called to who you are).

Hmmm….here is a confession: while I have always quietly preferred the use of the word “appreciation”, I admit to being swayed into using the catchphrase “attitude of gratitude” more often recently. To begin with, the phrase rolls off my tongue more easily because it rhymes better. No excuses but my subconscious must have been impressed upon from encountering the word “gratitude” more often than “appreciation” over several sites. So much so that just last week, I decided to make Gratitude a power word for me this year.

Well, I decided to sit quietly to examine my resonance with these words a while ago. I finally arrived at some thoughts.

Gratitude has more intensity compared to Appreciation. It carries with it a “push” energy as if I am compelled to express my thanks. It is as if I “should” feel it. It also captures the sensation of having experienced a favorable outcome beyond expectations. There is also someone or something that I am feeling grateful towards.

On the other hand, Appreciation is a feeling that naturally springs from within. When I am in appreciation, I have a regard for the object or person and I bring it into my presence. It is like how the Na’vi in the Avatar movie greet each other with “I see you” and truly mean it. So, Appreciation is about bringing whatever it is that I am thankful for into conscious knowing.

What is in A Word?

I did a check. According to the dictionary, the definitions of the two words are…

Gratitude
# (a) The state of being grateful; warm and friendly feeling toward a benefactor; kindness awakened by a favor received; thankfulness.

Appreciation
# A just valuation or estimate of merit, worth, weight, etc.; recognition of excellence.
# (n.) A rise in value; — opposed to depreciation.
# (n.) Accurate perception; true estimation; as, an appreciation of the difficulties before us; an appreciation of colors.

Then again, I also recognize that words by themselves can never fully encapsulate what we truly feel. What counts is the essence of our feelings and how powerfully we feel it. What is important is the conscious choice that we make when we feel negative.

My preferred choice, if I may add, is to direct my thoughts in better-feeling directions. Needless to say, the more I direct my thoughts positively and feel genuinely thankful, I find that the more I get to experience improved results.

The following are some tips to help you – and myself – shift into a paradigm of positivity through feeling thankful continuously. The words “gratitude” and “appreciation” are used interchangeably….unless otherwise specified…

7 Tips to Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude (or Appreciation)

1. Practice Gratitude Now. Indeed a sense of appreciation for the here and now is important. You may be led to believe that you can be happy only if some future event occurs. For instance, you will only feel good if you make lots of money, get a job promotion or become successful in our business. However, such beliefs keep you resonating in worry and lack. And since the Law of Attraction responds to your vibration, you will find that you are unable to manifest a new reality for yourself. You continue to attract the same life situations.

The secret therefore is to being thankful now. When we focus on the present rather than the past or the future, we realize that we are already currently enjoying many blessings. Our minds are not cluttered with misery over our past or worry over a future that is meant to salvage us from our dissatisfaction.

2. Connect With Your Feelings. It is important to FEEL grateful/appreciative. Your vibration goes up when you are experiencing a loving and positive emotion. It goes down when you are experiencing anger, jealousy, displeasure or worry. When you experience negative emotions, you are mis-aligned to who you truly are. Since the Universe responds to the vibration of your being, you will attract what you are largely feeling – whether positive or negative.

3. Be Authentic to Your Feelings. Gratitude and appreciation are feelings that expand you and should not put you in resistance. So if you express gratitude verbally even though you do not feel the same from within, you will need to stop lying to yourself. Perhaps in this case, a sense of appreciation versus gratitude helps in a greater alignment?

Even though you face challenging circumstances, there can be always something to be thankful for. I know it appears hard to feel thankful especially if the situation looks bleak! It is far easier to feel as if you are a victim of circumstances.

However, just think about it. There is no other way if you have a strong desire to change your reality. To experience a turnaround, you need to start feeling positive! You need to look at life as half-full instead of half-empty! The trick is to acknowledge what you feel, reframe your mind and bring yourself gradually into alignment. One thing to realize is that some of our best life learnings emerge from our most difficult time.

4. Every Thing Counts! It does not have to be something big for you to express your gratitude. Feel thankful as you sip your cup of coffee, take a walk or do your laundry. Say thanks for all the things that you take for granted. For instance, your family, home, electricity, water, pets, your friends, etc.) Give hugs, notes, a kind word. Thank your enemies for highlighting areas that you feel averse towards, and thus providing you with the opportunity to work on yourself. Once you start to notice beauty even in the littlest of things, you will find your life changing!

5. Make It Part of Your Daily Routine. The more we conjure a sense of thankfulness, the more the Universe will respond positively. Hence, not just for special moments, it will be good if we can make the expression of gratitude as part of our daily routine. Sense it, feel it and wear it!

Consider expressing your affirmation a morning or evening ritual, so that you do not forget. Incorporate it as part of your meditation session. Alternatively, consider expressing gratitude at mealtimes.

Other than just saying it aloud, it is a good idea to write down things that you are happy about. Keep a Gratitude Journal (featured in photo at the top of this post)!

6. Gratitude Rocks. I first learned about “gratitude rocks” from watching the movie The Secret. In the movie, Lee Brower shared about how the practice of carrying a gratitude rock assisted him in cultivating an attitude of gratitude. He began to sell his rocks and helped to spread positive vibrations around the world.

In the same manner, we can also choose to have little reminders – whether a rock, crystal or a photo of our gratitude board (see point 7 as well). The reminders help us in instilling a habit of expressing our sense of appreciation.

7. Make a Gratitude Vision Board or Photo Journal. To express your appreciation, you can make a vision board or a photo journal. Put together pictures of things that you are grateful or appreciative about. The advantage of making a gratitude vision board is that you can keep a mini photo copy of it in your wallet or bag and carry it around.

Let’s Hear it from You!

1. Since we still need to use words to communicate, I like to know your thoughts. For the practice of feeling thankful, which emotion resonates better with you: “Gratitude” or “Appreciation”? Is there a difference to you when you say “I appreciate what you’ve done for me” as compared to “I am grateful what you have done for me”? Or “I appreciate the beauty around” as compared to “I am grateful for the beauty around”? Is the nuance important to you?

2. What other tips do you have and can share about expressing thanks on a regular basis?

Abundance always,

The intent or power word that best resonates with me right now is Creation. It represents the birthing of ideas into fruition. It is about the need to be authentic to my inner vision and to trust that the marketplace will support me in my work. In being authentic, it is about claiming ownership what is inherent in me all along – my creative self. Of course, Creation and Creativity springs from Abundance – the power word which drives my overall intent and this blog.

Nature Tapestry Calendar for 2010 available at Affirmation Mart.

Creativity

For a long time, I associated creativity with artistic talents. Well, I never did not have the chance to develop my artistic abilities from young. Perhaps it was because I did okay in my academic results. So there never was a reason for me to consider studying art seriously. After all, based on popular beliefs and perhaps back in the old days for the majority of artists, the creative profession was never known to be a career that paid well. Compare that to being a banker, accountant, lawyer or a doctor. And so I never got that much of a chance to pick up the paint brush as much as I would like to have.

What was great was once I started my banking career, however, I could afford classes that encourage creativity. I dabbled in pottery, folk art, jewelry design, and graphic design in my spare time. At one stage, I also made some loose change from selling my creations; even though I did not have any proper qualifications. The beginning signs of an entrepreneur? However, I put a stop to all my hobbies with the birth of my two girls.

About three to four years back, I started focusing on inner work. I spent my available time doing energy releases, past life clearing and meditation; as first helping myself, then my family, friends and clients. There was hardly time for anything else, on top of minding my two young kids.

What emerged interestingly, was the chance to develop other aspects of creativity with the rise of this blog. Writing for it allowed me self-expression. I found myself happily designing headers, and spending hours making mind movies, creating videos, amending my photos, etc. I did almost everything on my own. In the last year, I started also using my own photos to go with the posts I publish. Okay…so I didn’t follow the rulebook of top internet marketers – that is to outsource design work to freelancers in India. But hey, I really enjoyed myself in the process!!

And so it is for me. Creativity is not just about painting a picture or designing a logo. It is how I can integrate many aspects of my life together in a creative output. Work is a seamless expression of my true nature. I still do not have all the answers on how the “final” output is going to look like. I suspect that there is no “final” product to begin with. Because my work is constantly evolving. Who I am is constantly evolving.

I make the intent to bring out the playful, creative and fun side of myself even greater this year. When I work from an inner creative space, I am connected to my feelings. In the silence, I can guided by an inner voice on how best to express myself. I am no Picasso but most certainly, my works are creations made with love.

(In a recent survey titled “I Can’t Get No…Job Satisfaction, That Is”, a survey funded by 2000 corporations around the world showed job satisfaction at lowest level. While other polls showed relatively stable numbers, this survey reported a decline. What was interesting to me was that in the same newspaper report – Straits Times Monday Jan 18 – it was said that the happiest workers are people in helping professions or doing creative work!! )

Creation

Incidentally, I received a number of “signs” that have affirmed the same power word of Creation for me. For instance, when I used my favorite pack of divination cards at the start of this year, I pulled out “Ostara: Fertility” card. On the card were the words “It is the perfect time for you to start new projects, access new ideas, and give birth to new conditions”.

Most certainly, with a card like “Ostara”, you won’t find me sitting on my butt and twiddling my thumbs for too long!

Gratitude

I started the year with the intent of “Inspiration” but had a gnawing feeling that I wanted something new to connect with. With regards to intent of inspiration, as of some time ago, I have decided that I would like to inspire others through my site. My intent is to show others the qualities with which I craft my life, inspiring others to do the same with theirs.

Then, I woke up this morning with the word: Gratitude. I realized that in recent weeks, I kept coming to the message of showing thanks and appreciation in several places. I have more thoughts to share on this. Do keep a lookout for the post!

Year of Planting Seeds

Life is one big adventure for me! Naturally so, ever since I have taken the less trodden path of becoming self-employed. I believe that 2010 will be another exciting year for me.

I have started the year with the birth of Affirmation Mart. It sure seems to be the year for planting seeds and watching them take root and grow.

Well, let’s just see how my intent of Creation, Creativity and Gratitude plays out! I look forward to the unfolding of my journey!! May the fun begin!

Any Comments

Are you working on anything new for 2010? New ideas, projects, books, programs? What seeds are you intending to plant firmly into the ground?

Abundance always,

Find yourself forgetting about the intentions or power words you have made at the start of a year? Positive affirmations on your everyday products can help you with visual cues for reminders throughout the year.

Shop from an exciting array of affirmation gifts and products with power words such as “Abundance”, “Money Magnet” or “Gratitude Rocks” at my new online store – Affirmation Gifts Lifestyle Mart or Affirmation Mart! It presents a range of affirmation magnets, T-shirts, cushion covers, stickers, keepsake box, etc to help you stay focused in your visioning process. They also come in fun colors, symbols and whimsical designs; blessed with plenty of love

It is a fact that where attention goes, energy flows! The best way to make a positive affirmation work for you is to say (and hear) it, see it, feel it or hear it – that is, engage your senses as often during the day as possible. It is not that affirmations don’t work; rather it is because we do not stay focused enough on them! Hence it will definitely be helpful if we can have affirmations or power words integrated into our lifestyle products.

Welcome Affirmation Gifts Lifestyle Mart

May it grow in love, peace, prosperity and joy! And may it assist in upholding raised vibrations for everyone around!! Please help me to welcome my new baby – Affirmation Mart – into the World!

Abundance Always,

P.S. Comments are closed to this post. I will be back soon with another post!

Setting new year resolutions appears to be passe amongst spiritually-aware personal development experts. More people are recommending using intentions or themes to guide our directions at the start of a new year.

Since two years ago, I have also personally found it more helpful to be setting intentions rather than be engaged in traditional resolution setting. In fact, I have found that the use of power words and phrases – to encapsulate the essence or the meaning of the intent – very effective.

Difference Between Setting Intentions and New Year Resolutions

What is the difference, you may ask?

Well, my perspective comes from personal experience. For the most part, new year resolution setting has been pretty much a left-brained activity for me. My resolutions were externally driven or were chosen because they would make me look good. In fact, it was easy to simply adopt a few – if not one – from a pool of widely known ones. Well, as far as I could remember, I never quite stuck to my New Year Resolutions as soon as I have made them.

On the other hand, picking the right intentions involves our intuition. It requires an awareness of our inner desires, the stirring of our heart. It is about bringing ourselves into alignment. The alignment is with a desired aspect of life that we are working on. Because it is about aligning ourselves, setting intentions also comes with addressing our resistances. Inner work may be required when we observe that we are out-of-alignment. Throughout the year, based on our ongoing experiences, it may be necessary to make any changes to our intents as appropriate.

The process does not generate any sense of perceived “failure” or not living up to our resolutions per se. Setting intents is not a once-a-year activity; rather it is a process that naturally unfolds as we evolve. Because of this, I keep an intention-setting journal by my bedside to keep track of changes arising throughout the year. It is interesting to note how my intents have shifted to today’s.

Power Words for Visioning

From studying the the science of visioning, I learn that it is a good idea to keep our intents or vision statements short and snappy. Having a power word, phrase or motto – that sums up the essence of what we desire – keeps us focused.

Indeed, the use of power words can serve as an ongoing mantra or motto. The Vision Board Book shared about the one compelling word for the Shroyers family that helped in achieving a life of their dreams. Keith Shroyer sprayed a wall – ten by twelve foot – in his living room with the word “freedom”. “Freedom” served as their guiding vision, motto and statement all rolled into one. Eventually, Keith moved from a dead-end job to a life of financial freedom. His family now lives in a boat.

While intention setting comes from within, it is not that we have to come up with something new. More importantly, choosing the appropriate power word or phrase to adopt for visioning must be able to elicit an emotional response from us. Power comes when we are able to connect deeply with the meaning behind the word, phrase or motto.

To help ignite inspiration, I came up with a list of 30 power words for those who are new to intention setting. I also provide some examples of actions that can be taken to support and activate each vision.

30 Power Words: A-Z Guide

1. Power Word: Abundance
Power Phrase: Inter-align with Abundance, Living in Abundance.
Power Action: Be expansive, let go of resistances and have a reverence for life.

2. Power Word: Action
Power Phrase: Just Do It, A thousand-Mile Journey Starts with a Single Step, Inspired Action.
Power Action: Take inspired action, avoid procrastination.

3. Power Word: Authenticity
Power Phrase: Authentic Expression, Be Who I am, Use My Voice.
Power Action: Connect to the truth of who I am.

4: Power Word: Balance
Power Phrase: Balance is Key to Wellness; Yin and Yang.
Power Action: Make time for priorities in life, restore inner and outer balance, study feng shui elements, go for yoga.

5. Power Word: Be
Power Phrase: Just Be.
Power Action: Focus more about being than doing, practice patience, just breathe.

6. Power Word: Clarity
Power Phrase: Insight, Be Awake, See Clearly.
Power Action: See big picture, avoid getting too caught up in the content of the story, practice insight meditation, wisdom from insight.

7. Power Word: Courage
Power Phrase: Live My Dreams, Fly.
Power Action: Take risks, be bold, go on adventures, master courage to do things differently.

8. Power Word: Creativity
Power Phrase: Creative Ideas on Tap, Creative Artist.
Power Action: Engage imagination, play and possibility.

9. Power Word: Dream
Power Phrase: Dare to Dream, I Dreamed a Dream, Dream Big, Dreams take Flight!
Power Action: Open myself to possibilities, engage in imagination.

10. Power Word: Equanimity
Power Phrase: Equanimity, Quality of Equanimity, Non-Attachment.
Power Action: Practice equanimity i.e. calm, centered, balanced and mindful awareness of the impermanence of things, sensations and experiences.

11. Power Word: Freedom
Power Phrase: Freedom from Fear, Financial Freedom, Freedom to Live.
Power Action: Let go of resistances, free to make choices.

12. Power Word: Gratitude
Power Phrase: Gratitude is Gold, Gratitude Rocks, Gratitude Now.
Power Action: Practice gratitude, count my blessings and share my gifts.

13. Power Word: Harmony / Peace / Serenity
Power Phrase: Let my Breath be my Guide; Love the Moment, Peace of Mind.
Power Action: Make peace with every moment, learn qi gong.

14. Power Word: Health
Power Phrase: Health is Wealth
Power Action: Practice mindful eating, make healthy food choices, exercise, stay healthy mentally.

15. Power Word: Intuition
Power Phrase: Intuitive Awareness, Intuitive Intelligence.
Power Action: Awaken and develop intuitive abilities.

16. Power Word: Joy
Power Phrase: Enjoy the Journey, Live it Up, Celebrate, Live Now, Happiness is Key to Success.
Power Action: Choose to be happy whatever the situation is, be light hearted, celebrate every small thing!

17. Power Word: Laughter
Power Phrase: Lightness of Being, Laughter is the Best Medicine.
Power Action: Look at the humor in each situation, avoid taking things too seriously, have fun.

18. Power Word: Love
Power Phrase: Love Thyself; Love is All Around.
Power Action: Practice unconditional self love and love for others.

19. Power Word: Money / Prosperity / Wealth
Power Phrase: I am a Money Magnet, Multiple Streams of Income, Financial Freedom
Power Action: Shatter limiting money beliefs, adopt prosperity consciousness, worry less but keep vibrations up.

20. Power Word: Oneness
Power Phrase: We are One.
Power Action: Let go of separation.

21. Power Word: Possibility
Power Phrase: Open to Possibility, Dwell in Possibility.
Power Action: Open to receiving, practice non-judgment, try new experiences.

22. Power Word: Power
Power Phrase: Step Into Power, Awaken My Potential.
Power Action: Let go of fears, step up, take charge.

23. Power Word: Presence / Mindfulness
Power Phrase: Live in the Now.
Power Action: Practice mindful awareness, give quality attention to the moment, meditate.

24. Power Word: Responsibility
Power Phrase: Live Deliberately, Take Charge, Power To Change.
Power Action: Commit to inner change, less blame of others, conscious living.

25. Power Word: Share
Power Phrase: Spread Love, Share my Divine Light.
Power Action: Practice loving kindness, lend a helping hand, share my gifts.

26. Power Word: Success
Power Phrase: I am a Winner, Success is Constancy to Purpose.
Power Action: Think success, dream big.

27. Power Word: Smile
Power Phrase: Window to My Soul, Language of Love.
Power Action: Smile to strangers, neighbors, etc.

28. Power Word: Space
Power Phrase: Make Space.
Power Actions: Clear the clutter, switch off TV, meditate.

29. Power Word: Spirituality
Power Phrase: Connect with God/Source/Guides, “I am a Spirit with a Human Experience”.
Power Action: Adopt good values, live consciously, mindful of ego, take wise actions, reverence for life, etc.

30. Power Word: Wellness
Power Phrase: Mind-Body-Spirit Harmony, Self Nurture.
Power Action: Make time for relaxation, de-stress, release negative emotions, let go of old baggage.

Sources for Power Words and Catchy Phrases

Still feeling stuck over what power phrases to use? The world is a huge resource. For inspiration, check out:
- Memorable Songs & Jingles. Look up The Best Songs Ever!
- Favorite Quotes. Use the keyword directory to a favorite quotes website.
- Poems. Hunt at Poem Hunter!
- Popular Advertisements. The advertising industry is great at coming up with slogans: The Advertising Hall of Fame .
- Popular Phrases. Use a tool: Phrase Finder.
- Make your own slogan. Use the Slogan Generator found here.

Less is More

Don’t make the mistake of cluttering your visioning or intention setting process with too many power words (see picture at the top of my post) either! My suggestion is to choose one or fewer than three at any one time. The picture below is a vision board that I made to illustrate the right use of power words….

Decided on yours already? What is/are yours, by the way?

In Loving Abundance,

Credit: Vision board pictures used for this post are made using photoshop software and also, with free textured images available here.