Sedona Newsletter 21

Greg's Monthly Message

Consciousness
( The Big Insight)

After 26 years of spiritual education, a month ago, I finally pierced through to
an insight around the principle of consciousness. I'm not kidding! For whatever reason I could not really absorb what consciousness was. This is within the context of the three principles: mind, thought, and consciousness. 

One day, while I was reading "Somebody Should Have Told Us" by Jack Pransky, I got it! When you give energy or life to a thought then automatically the principle of consciousness creates it as an experience. That experience could be a feeling.  Consciousness is like gravity. You can not get around it!  This is an important principle to get.  It shows you the power of thought.  If you give live to a thought you are guaranteed it will turn into a feeling.  But now reverse that: your feelings will always tell you what you're thoughts are!  This is a good thing to know!

If my clients took a good look at what I teach them or guide them to, they would have noticed that I never talked about consciousness! That was the reason. I didn't truly get it.

Even spiritual teachers are learning and this is important to remember. Over the years, I never beat myself up about not getting this. I didn't judge myself. Remember that, brothers and sisters--don't get down on yourself when you feel you are not "getting it".

A Ho,
Greg

PS. Thanks, Jack!

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Oprah Winfrey Honors Richard Carlson

Nearly a year ago on December 13, Richard  Carlson died suddenly at age 45 of a pulmonary embolism. We all miss him  and his wise words from his books, newspaper columns and many interviews in the media.

Next week, on December 5th, Oprah is doing a tribute to Richard and his contribution to humanity. She will air a 20 minute segment on the one hour show about his life and a new book that he and his wife Kris will co-author entitled "An Hour to Live,
An Hour to Love." This book was a love letter Richard wrote to his wife three years before his death called, "If I had an Hour to Live." Ironically, he had no warning of his death so his letter meant all the more to his wife. Because it is so powerful, she wanted to share it with the world, as it is one of the most poignant examples of Richard's lifelong philosophy. I hope you can watch the Oprah special on Richard and honor a great life. As Richard often signed: Treasure Yourself

Richard Carlson

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Moby Dick & An Apology

The other night I watched the great movie, Moby Dick.  It brought back a lot of memories and sparked a regret.  I grew up watching this movie on the "Million Dollar Movie".  Anyone remember that late night movie showcase?  I'm dating myself here! I can remember snuggling up on the couch under a blanket peeking out as they chased the great white whale.

When I was senior in prep school, I was very lucky to have a gifted English teacher by the name of Mr. Nathin. He was a deeply passionate about the novel, Moby Dick by Herman Melville. We spent a whole semester studying the book.

I didn't pay attention that fall as he led us through what he considered the great American novel.  That was the year my drug and alcohol use escalated. And as result, I gave his class a less then half effort. I was innocent in my alcoholism and drug
addiction but oh how I would have loved to take that class again! I would like to offer Mr. Nathin my deepest apology for not seeing the great gift he offered me--"You are a  teacher's teacher, Mr Nathin. I am reading and learning now. You
can count on it."

On that note, I would encourage you to jump in your car and go down to the local library and find Moby Dick! You will love it!

And on the universal rule note: Isn't it interesting how I magnetized a teacher that was so committed to Moby Dick, the movie I held so dear as a child.  Strange and wonderful world we live in, brothers and sisters!
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Reality Shows

A Bad Wrap

If I took a hard look at the content of my TV watching, I would find that I tend to watch more reality shows then regular programming.  I think reality shows have gotten a bad wrap!  I love watching Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. This is amazing and inspiring hour. Tim coaches one very lucky woman through the right way to dress
for her body type. These brave women go through these incredible emotional and spiritual
transformations. It's like the beauty inside them opens up.  And Tim's charm and gift of communicating to the women blows me away. He really models powerful teaching to me.

I have started watching Intervention again. I get a few things from this powerful show: One, it reinforces my sobriety. Two, as a spiritual coach, it's important to keep witnessing where the path to addiction and unhappiness can lead too. Third,
these interventions therapists blow me away! Last week, I saw one of them turn around a very addicted girl in five minutes! She was absolutely not going to treatment! She needs four days.  In a matter of minutes, the therapist has her negotiated down to--"I just need to say goodbye to my dog and I will go." These therapists are so gifted. I am in awe of them.

There are some good reality shows out there, they have something to teach us. Check them out!

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Relationships: Couples

Insights To A Deeper Richer Relationship

A young couple scheduled an appointment with me and I got inspired to write a little one-sheet for them on insights that make a relationship work. The idea is, if you get any of these insights at a deeper level you will create a richer relationship.

1.  Take 100% responsibility for how you experience your partner.

2.  When in a LOW MOOD under no circumstances engage one another. Do not trust your thinking and thus your feelings in this place. A low mood can range from subtle ickiness to anger.

3. Wait for the HEART TO HEART place to return until you talk about whatever issues are.

4. Deeply listen to your partner-meaning listen without thinking.

5. Know your partner's thinking is different than yours and always will be. Accept it! They will always be in a different reality than you.

6. Experiment with not taking your thinking seriously!

7. How you see something will always change when your mood changes.

8.  Can't figure out what to do? Invite your WISDOM to give you an insight about it and then let go.

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A Vortex Experience

The  Day Of The Cougar

Moved to my New Column!
Sedona Vortex Stories

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ArborDay.org

We help people plant and care for trees and encourage the celebration of Arbor Day to advance global environmental stewardship for the benefit of this and future generations. Cool site! Check it out!

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