Personal Development Resources I Found Useful

Personal Development Resources I Found Useful

You probably spend a lot of time reading,
like I do and trying to assimilate all that
you take in into your life.

One of the conundrums of this life is the
nature of time. And the way that the more
important anything is to us, the less time
there is to spend on it.

Well, I have made my own journey toward
greater personal and spiritual fulfillment a
major priority in my life, and so am always
looking for ways to get the most from the
time that I spend in pursuit of this.

I just came across two sites that are huge helps
in this regard. If they do not seem so to you,
that is okay too.

But if they seem to click with you like they did
with me, then grab all of the resources you can.
Most of it seemed of good quality and not just
BS commercial stuff.

You may have to look at some of it from the
inside to see what you think. Fortunately it
won't cost you anything to do so.

1. Self Growth Giveaway.
The Mind Mapping software is intriguing.
Anything by Joe Vitale is always welcome as
well. The package is really quite large, so take
some time to see what all is here.

2. Motivator Software Giveaway.
I actually came across this one first, and you
will no doubt notice that this software is included
in the first bundle of titles. There are some useful
items that you get as unadvertized bonuses when
you sign up here so go ahead and sign up here too.

I know that my own efforts at personal development
and enlightenment have been aided by these items,
and I hope they'll do the same for you...

Eat a peach!

Floyd Bogart

Richard Abanes Refutes Eckhart Tolle - Sort Of

Richard Abanes Refutes Eckhart Tolle - Sort Of

Author and journalist Richard Abanes has written
a book responding to Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"
and "exposing" his teachings as... What?

Well, from the press release on PRWeb, his book
"A New Earth, An Old Deception" he effectively
refutes several of his own interpretations of Mr.
Tolle's teachings. Unfortunately (IMHO) he has
them all wrong.

Here are a few of the things purported to be debunked:

• Who or what is God--and is God separate from us?
• Does Tolle accurately interpret the Bible?
• Is everyone essentially "One" with all that exists?
• Is evil real, or do we only perceive it as real?
• Are all religions equally false/true and do they all teach a single core Truth?
• Is suffering just an illusion of our mind?

Quite frankly my own Christian faith neither wants
nor desires for Mr Abanes to expose anything about
what Eckhart Tolle teaches. If he does not find the
content to be helpful to his own spiritual journey,
he is free to move on.

In my experience, this kind of closed minded critique
is really unnecessary for those able to reason for them-
selves. I cannot say that I agree with all that Mr Tolle
holds to be true, but have found much to be instructive
and quite useful. None of this has been any kind of
threat to my Christianity.

Evidently a response to Mr. Tolle was deemed necessary
(or perhaps profitable) due to the huge sales of "A New
Earth" as well as "The Power of Now". And no, I have
no more of a problem with Mr. Abanes making money
from his books than I do with Eckhart Tolle getting his
royalties. Perhaps next time Richard Abanes could
earn his offering something of his own, instead of just
panning a work that at least attempts to assist people
with their own spiritual journeys.

Read the PRWeb Press Release HERE
and then make up your own mind on his
works merits.

Because as always, all of this is just MHO...

Eat a peach!

Floyd Bogart

Observations On Internal Application

Observations On Internal Application

There has been so much response to my last post
that perhaps more needs to be said about the
internal application side of personal development.

So much about true growth hinges on understanding
that this journey is at heart a solitary one. The path
that leads to a truly satisfying and rewarding existence
can not be dependent upon other's cooperation, aid or
complicity.

Likewise, our search for enlightenment must encompass
all aspects of ourselves. One of the reasons I have
enjoyed reading Dr. Teri Speed's book (see the sidebar)
is her attempt to grapple with bringing the three aspects
of ourselves together in a unifying whole. Mind, body
and spirit...

Like Dr. Speed, I am at heart a Christian, but I expand
my knowledge of this existence beyond my (extensive)
study of the bible as well. What this means to me is that
as more information comes to me in my search it must
fit into a certain framework of beliefs.

Does this mean that my faith is rigid and inflexible?

Not at all! It simply means that frequently as something
reveals itself to be newfound truth to me, that if it
seems to be in conflict with something within that
framework of beliefs held that it must be resolved...

Sometimes this comes about easier than others. In some
cases, it comes about as fuller understanding of already
held concepts become more fully formed. Other times
it will turn out that my previous understanding of some
scripture was of a more all encompassing principle than
a further study of more biblical texts would support.

The point here is that for anything to be a useful tool
of instruction in this life, it needs to be dynamic in
nature allowing for the kinds of everchanging
circumstances that this life provides so abundantly.

Expect your horizons to expand beyond your wildest
dreams, and you will have just begun to grasp what
you can expect from an extended journey of self
exploration.

Bringing together the three previously mentioned
aspectsof our natures (spirit, mind and body) is no
small thing, and thus cannot be limited to any single
author or teacher. Lately Eckhart Tolle has become
quite prominent, and rightly so as he has quite a lot
to offer in our search, but even he cannot be our sole
source of growth. Soon I will be doing some work
online with Dr. Speed and look forward to learning
more of her concepts as well.

However it is vital not to allow ourselves to become
centered on any one individual. To do so would
bring us out of balance, and therefore threatening
our progress.

Grappling with the issues regarding the nature of
human existence is an amazingly rewarding experience
that can expand our understanding and experience in
ways that will stretch all aspects of life, if we manage to
juggle this aspect of balancing our existing belief
structures and keeping our perspective on those that
we are learning from.

More soon!

Think Universally - Apply Internally

The title of this post is a reworking
of the Green Movement's mantra of:
"Think Globally - Act Locally"

Much has been written, both online and
off about carrying this out in our
efforts to address the crisis that this
planet is in. Considerably less has been
said about this concept in our "spiritual"
development as a species, and as individuals.

Don't get me wrong, Mr Tollle, Mr Chopra
et.al. are addressing this in their own
ways, but implementing this as individuals
takes some thought and occassionally some
interaction with others on their own journeys.

Eckhart Tolle is definitely the most visible
personality currently in the Self-Actualization
"movement". He speaks and writes about the
gradual enlightening of us as a species and it's
implications long term for the very nature of
our existence.

While I can't say I agree with all of his
conclusions, I would agree that something will
fundamentally change as this type of inner
directed progress becomes more and more prevalent.

This conclusion does not ignore the fact that
there is probably just as much written, spoken,
posted and shouted declaring Mr Tolle to be an
AntiChrist as there is in exploring what he
actually has to say. Can you name one single
time when real progress was not met with
opposition if not open hostility and resistance?

And yet we have radio, television, an accurate
globe for our map of the world, as well as a
basic understanding of how we function as an
organism. I say basic, as this whole area of
our "spiritual" side and how it interacts with
our physical selves is still mostly a mystery.

Dont' get me wrong, I see the amazing things
being accomplished in this realm. It is obvious
to me however, that the really cataclysmic type
of advances are all in front of us.

The type of sharing and coaching that is now
being done, such as Mr Tolle's webclass with
Oprah Winfrey makes the journey more accessible
for many, but this is still mostly a solitary
journey. One which will happen for each individual
at a different pace, and in no set order.

This is why I say that it is important to Think
Universally and yet Apply Internally.

If you seek confirmation of what you have been
experiencing on your path, you will more often
than not be frustrated, and in come cases
ridiculed.

Our spiritual selves are definitely in a state
of evolutionary flux. This is true for us whether
we acknowledge it or not. Railing against it is
as fruitless as complaining about the tide. It
will just roll in anyway...

It probably shouldn't surprise me so much that
most of the resistance to this comes from what
passes as "Christianity". The very things that
are shouted down due to "faith in the Bible" can
be directly linked to things that Jesus spoke
and taught about regularly.

On the other hand, the Bible speaks frequently
about the importance of cleanliness, and yet at
one time the "Christian Church" forbade bathing.

Just remember that all or your most important
accomplishments in this arena will occur with
no witnesses. The satisfaction that you draw
from them must also come from within. This is
not to say that they cannot be shared to a
certain extent. Just don't be disappointed if
you are unable to get the magnitude of what you
experienced across. Your accomplishment remains.

And your accomplishment adds to that of us as
a race as well on some level. So continue to
Think Universally but remember that you must
Apply Internally...

Eat a Peach!

Floyd Bogart

An Eckhart Tolle Case Study

An Eckhart Tolle Case Study

With all the uproar (both positive and negative)
about the Eckhart Tolle/Oprah Winfrey webclass,
I thought it might be good to take a look at the
effect that this type of self development is having
on an actual human life.

I came across a blog post in a Google Alert I that
I have set up to keep me informed about just this
kind of thing. Julie is a blogger that goes by the
title of Nature Chick. Her blog is not about her
spiritual progress, but about her life in general as
many of the best blogs are.

Take a look at her post about The Power of Now
and it's affect on her life HERE.

She doesn't seem to have become a zombie, or
a self denying ascetic. Actually she just seems
to have become someone that is enjoying life for
the first time in quite a while.

I see, hear nor feel anything within this woman's
experience to concern me for her emotional or
spiritual wellbeing. What is more, I see no danger
to her personal belief structure either.

We live in a society where dysfunction seems
to be the norm instead of the exception, and
not everyone has the resources, time or even
the emotional strength and will to overcome
their issues via intensive therapy.

So maybe this is a shortcut to a healthier life
and world view that can allow a significant
portion of the population to live a happier and
more fulfilling life...

Why is this threatening to some people?

Floyd Bogart

The Longer I Live, The More Often "Balance" Is The Answer To My Questions

The Longer I Live, The More Often "Balance" Is The Answer To My Questions

I have seen so much resistance in the past
few months to the teaching of Eckhart Tolle's
"The Power of Now" principles, that I have
had to ask myself: Why?

Invariably, the arguments against applying
these tenets to life seem to be extreme
interpretations of what Mr Tolle is saying.

This is not an isolated instance to approaching
Self Development or Self Improvement issues.
The answer to challenges to what is being said
regarding by Mr. Tolle, is usually the same one
to counter those against Deepak Chopra or even
to the Bible.

You have to apply what is being said with balance.

Principles being taught, are taken out of context
and discussed as if they are all encompassing, and
not intended to be applied within the confines of
a particular paradigm.

This is not balanced.

Balance is at the heart of what each of the three
sources referenced above espouses. Tolle, Chopra
and God are each all about applying principles in
our lives with balance.

It is frequently stated that you can quote scriptures
to defend almost any point of view that you wish.
This is only true if you do so without the balancing
influence of it's context.

Likewise, to say that Eckhart Tolle is advocating
a total relinquishing of the concept of self, is not
a balanced application of his intent. This particular
principle must be viewed in the context of the current
over emphasis on self that is prevalent in society
today, which is just as unbalanced.

For that matter, if you want to criticize Eckhart Tolle
for preaching a denial of self, you have to throw out
most of the Bible as well anyway.

If you read my previous post, then you know that I
have recently been reading Dr. Teri Speed's book
"The Incurables: Unlock Healing For Spirit, Mind
and Body".

In approaching illnesses and other of life's problems
by addressing all three aspects of a person's being,
Dr Speed seems to be using balance, in my opinion.

No doubt I will be posting more about balance in
future posts...

Floyd Bogart

Cure The Incurables

Cure The Incurables

I have lately come across a very interesting
author in the person of Dr. Teri Speed.

Her first book is entitled:

The Incurables: Unlock Healing for Spirit, Mind, and Body

You can learn, read and listen to more
about her HERE

Dr. Speed is a surgeon that is unique in that
she addresses not just her patients physical
needs, but that of all three aspects of their
beings.

Do yourself a favor and check out her site!

Floyd Bogart

The Basics Of The Law Of Attraction

The Basics Of The Law Of Attraction

There is a secret in the universe that can bring
you good things, it is called the Law of Attraction.
This can bring you happiness, wealth, and physical
well-being. You only have to know how to apply it.
A few basic concepts of the Law of Attraction can
help you on your way.

A concept central to the Law of Attraction is
that the things you think become reality. The
things you think are energy, just as the entire
universe is energy. As you ponder your reality,
or simply let thoughts run through your mind, you
are shaping your reality.

You do this by means of the Law of Attraction.

The energy you send out connects with like energy.
Then, the universe responds to your feelings by
returning the energy back to you. This happens
for good or bad feelings.

Another basic concept is that it is too difficult
to monitor every one of some 60,000 thoughts you
have every day. The goal, instead, should be to
foster a feeling of happiness, gratitude, and well-
being. This will go further than trying to change
every thought individually. Feelings are important
to the Law of Attraction.

One assumption of users of the Law of Attraction is
that life is meant to be joyous and fulfilling.

Many people feel that their lives can be no more than
difficult work situations, unhappy relationships, poor
health, and a mountain of debt. Unless these people
change their attitudes, they can never know the
abundance they can get through the Law of Attraction.

There can never be a lack of anything that you want
if you follow the Law of Attraction. This is another
concept of the movement. It means that there is enough
for everyone to have what they want.

This is especially true because some people want certain
things and other people want something else. According
to the Law of Attraction, what you want is always possible.

One concept of the Law of Attraction can be stated as
something like, "what you get is what you see."

What this means in this case is that when you see a
result, you will vibrate with energy based on that result.
If you see good, you will send out good energy.

This energy will return to you in the form of more
positive results. So, if you want positive results,
you need to find a way to see the good in situations.
This is how the Law of Attraction works. If you see
good, more good will return to you.

The concept of asking for particular things is a part
of the Law of Attraction. When you command the
universe to give you what you want, you can get it.

To do this, you must believe in it. Then, you must
accept it as if you had already gotten it. Then you
will find the Law of Attraction bringing all kinds of
good things your way.

The Law of Attraction is at once both simple and
complex. You must only ask and receive. Yet, to
do that in confidence, you must work to restructure
your whole way of thinking.

To do this it is good to study the concepts
of the Law of Attraction.

Floyd Bogart

Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth Web Class

Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth Web Class

This is an amazing event. I can't say I've ever been
that big of an Oprah fan, but when she teams up with
Eckhart Tolle in this big of a way, I have to take off
my hat to the lady...

Without further ado, I'll turn the stage over to this duo:





The rest of this series may be seen at my
Squidoo Lens: Eckhart Tolle & The Power of Now

Floyd Bogart