05-01-12

PEACE OF MIND IN TIMES OF CHANGE
Many people never ask themselves what’s happened to their peace of mind. Or, was there ever a time they really had it? What do I mean by peace of mind? This is the term I use for a state of mind in which there is no stress, there is no doubt, and there is no fear. Still, there may be feelings of grief, feelings of loneliness, feelings of uncertainty, or feelings of joy. The state of being called peace of mind (as used here) can accommodate many different feelings; it’s only when fear becomes a factor that those feelings become overwhelming and peace of mind is lost.

Peace of mind contains an element of confidence and belief in self that is key to experiencing all kinds of feelings without getting lost in the depths of emotion. In the course of living one’s life, one would not want to be devoid of real feeling. Yet, without some kind of discipline, emotions surface that may take control and leave a person feeling vulnerable and afraid. This happens because the mind isn’t always good at distinguishing between real and imaginary danger, and if it senses any danger at all, it initiates the fight or flight response.

The experience of constant stress, whether from one’s job, one’s family life, or outside circumstances takes a toll on the mind and body. The emotional part of that stress (the underlying fear) is recorded in the brain and in the cells of the body. Then, if anything similar is experienced in the present, those past recordings play again, intensifying the fear of the present experience. Past and present thus become inseparable, leaving the person to feel overwhelmed and afraid. You can see what effect this could have on a person when stress is a daily or hourly event.

This is why we must release the fear as it is happening and thus reinstate a feeling of peace of mind. Without that correction to one’s thoughts, the emotions take over, and the damage is done to mind and body. One has only to study the body’s response to stress to know that chemicals are discharged that are meant to assist only in an emergency situation, not as the “normal” response to daily events. To have those chemicals constantly discharging in the body is to invite illness and mental distress.

How does one make the correction in a timely way? One must become mindful of the thoughts one is having on a daily basis—not every thought, as that would be impossible—but the thought patterns that seem to be replaying. Are you saying to yourself, “What’s the matter with me? How could I have made such a mistake?” or “Nothing ever seems to go my way. Now here’s another problem I have to deal with!” Self-talk such as this is just an example of the many things people say to themselves in the course of a day. Other thoughts might contain almost constant anger towards self or others, or they might dwell on self-doubt or self-recrimination.

Becoming mindful of such thoughts allows one to release fear at the moment of the thought in order to redirect the mind toward a different way of thinking. When done consistently, this process can reinstate a peaceful state of mind in which one can deal with the current issue(s) more productively, leaving out the self-destructive elements on mind and body that fear produces.

The reason learning how to attain peace of mind is so important at this time is that people are facing change not only in their own lives, but also in the world itself. In many parts of the world, one is seeing economies in flux, joblessness, poverty, war, and natural disasters. It’s understandable, certainly, that such situations can be upsetting, but that’s all the more reason why learning the skill of releasing fear is so important. Make the practice of releasing fear part of your routine in getting through each day, and you’ll find yourself better prepared to deal not only with your personal issues, but also with issues and situations that arise in the rest of the world.


Question: I accept that change is simply a part of life, but uncertainty about the future makes me so uncomfortable that I can’t help worrying. It seems as though I’m always worrying about someone or something. How do you deal with worry?

Worry is just another name for fear, and yet many people do not identify it as such. They think if they worry or are concerned about someone that this shows caring for that person. Yes, there is caring for the person or the situation, but worry is totally unproductive and can be quite damaging, particularly to the person doing the worrying. Worrying keeps one from having peace of mind, and this has a negative effect on the mind and body as described above.

Rather than engage in worrying, it would be better to first release your fear and then send the thought of releasing the fear of the person(s) about whom you are worried. If it’s a situation, send thoughts of releasing the fear of all those involved in that situation. In that way your thoughts are put to good use, and you are doing no harm to yourself through worry. Do this several times a day, if needed, and know that this is a healthy way of dispersing your worry/fear, as well as a way of helping to bring about a positive change for the person or situation you’re trying to help.
 

Question: Please answer this question without telling me to release fear, as I’ve tried that and it doesn’t work for me. I don’t think I’ve ever had peace of mind in my life. I had a very hard childhood and that started everything going wrong. Today I live in total fear and don’t know how to change that.

I have said before through books and various messages and Conversations that sometimes releasing fear is not enough. I am presuming that when you say you’ve tried that, you’ve tried it many times, not just here and there. It must become a mindful discipline in order to be effective. But, if you have tried it diligently for at least a week with no feeling of relief, then you are one of those for whom releasing fear is not enough. Releasing fear is always a benefit, but for you and those like you, more help is needed.

Some people benefit from the services of a good therapist. This person can help you explore the reasons for your current fear and help you find ways to minimize or eliminate it. This person can also be a great support for you as you try the various methods they have to help you gain your freedom from fear. In order for your life to be of value to you, you must persist in demanding the answers that will bring you peace.

For some people, drug therapy (through the use of carefully selected drugs) is also needed. When mental pain is great, one must first get a respite from the pain before one can concentrate on the thoughts that need correction. If you’ve ever been in serious physical pain, you know that all you can think about is the pain, and until you find a way to alleviate that, it’s very hard to do anything else. With extreme mental pain, it’s the same in the sense of being all-consuming, so just talking about issues may not bring the relief you need. You may need a drug that treats your symptoms so you can concentrate on the underlying factors that may be affecting your condition.

I recommend finding a therapist who listens carefully to you, explains how he/she intends to address helping you, and who gives you an expected timeline for treatment. I also think you need one who you feel will not be fooled by you, as it would be a waste of money and time if the therapist cannot help you confront the real issues that are causing you pain. Also, you need a therapist who believes that you can solve your problems. If the therapist tends to give something a name and then excuse you because you have that condition, then the therapist is hindering you, not empowering you. If the therapist believes in you, you are more likely to believe you can change what needs to be changed in order to create the peace of mind you seek.

04-15-12

GROWING EXPONENTIALLY
I know that some of you are ready to “get on with it.” You’ve been waiting for what seems like an eternity for some kind of dramatic action to take place, for some sign that we’re moving toward a better world, for some glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Many of you have been following the predictions of spiritual voices who have said a better world is already on its way, but you wonder how that can be, given some of the terrible events of late.

Well, interestingly enough, both the “good” and “bad” events of late have been therapeutic for the world. Consider the Middle East and what has been happening there, as the people of several countries are saying they can no longer accept a life without freedom. They have had enough of tyrant rule, and they are risking everything to bring about change for themselves and their children.

Consider the coming together of people in response to the horrific storms on your planet. Consider the voices that have been raised in protest to the extreme differences between rich and poor. Even some of the wealthiest people are saying they cannot abide the unfair tax burdens that are being carried by those who can least afford them.

Consider the way the press, movies, and other media are exposing impropriety and unfairness in many areas of your living so that the people will know they need to remain alert and keep informed. This will translate into more informed voting than in the past. You’ll see fewer and fewer people that are one-issue voters; instead they will see a bigger picture. This is already happening.

So now, let’s look at you and what you can do to “get on with it” in a way that’s meaningful to you. I’ve said before to find your voice. Enter into discussions with family, friends, co-workers, and other groups with whom you’re involved, and let your thoughts and feelings be known. You’d be surprised at how many people are eager to discuss things important to them. And, humanity is evolving away from a “me first” attitude and is moving toward a “we first”---exploring what is best for the group. This is because they are beginning to understand that when people’s needs are met, with something to spare, those people tend to spend and share generously, and this helps everyone.

This idea is not what many people consider to be socialism, where they define it as a few people supporting everyone else, but rather a scenario in which everyone has an opportunity to learn and therefore contribute something of value to the whole. It is a concept of pragmatism, combined with compassion, not of handouts---of helping people get on their feet so they can be productive citizens—not of helping people become burdens on society. Think of the severe storms as a metaphor for the situations that some people have found themselves in. Of course for some it has been reality, not a metaphor at all, but the point I am making is that people are helping people in need, and not resenting it in the least, because they trust that the people they are helping want and need to contribute as soon as they can. They trust that people are not taking advantage to avoid personal responsibility, but instead those receiving help are hopeful they will be in a position to be the helpers of the future. This is an important change of mindset that many people are embracing at this time.

So what does any of this have to do with growing exponentially? Let me explain. Those of you who are students of history have seen history repeat itself many times over. You’ve seen humankind making the same mistakes over and over again. If any progress occurred, it was as though humankind was taking baby steps, or a step forward and two steps back. Not any more, my friends. A level of growth has already occurred because of the bravery and strength of purpose of many of your fellow human beings. The needs and desires of people are what have brought you to this point in your own history. People have said enough of the old ways. There must be change, and the changes must benefit everyone, not just a few.

Because of what has already been attained, humankind will find their efforts magnified and intensified by the energies that now exist. There will be growth as you’ve never seen it before, and that growth will be due to you and those like you who care about the planet and their fellow human beings, and who are making their voices heard. If you pay attention, you’ll see there is already considerable proof of what I’m saying. Whether or not you choose to participate, you will reap the rewards because of what others are doing, but why not play your part in helping bring about a better world?


Question: I’m not one of those people who thinks all change is good. What was good for our forefathers should be good for us today. Why the push for growth and change?

It is never easy to embrace change, but change is one of the constants of your world. It will continue to happen with or without you. The important thing is to attempt to influence the type of change you want to see happen. That is the freedom you have, to be the master of your own destiny, and this is what your forefathers fought for.

But, all life experiences exist within the context of the present time. The world looked different to your forefathers. Yes, many of the problems they faced, such as weighing the needs of the individual against the needs of society as a whole, were similar to today’s problems, but now the context is different. There are many more people, who are spread out all over the place, and their needs may vary greatly from one area to another. For example, your forefathers had no way of knowing that access to the Internet would make such a huge difference in creating equality of opportunity for people in remote areas. They had no way of knowing how many languages would be spoken in a single classroom. We could go on and on. The fact is that today’s world presents countless new challenges that must be addressed, and it will take today’s minds to come up with the answers.
 

Question: Sometimes I feel that the world is moving ahead without me. I can’t keep up with technology, and everything is moving so fast that I just don’t fit anymore. Will there continue to be a place for me in this fast-paced world?

It may comfort you to know that indeed there is and will always be a place for each and every one of you. Luckily you are sharing your planet with all kinds of people. Not everyone has to have the same skills, interests, and abilities, and in fact, it is the diversity that makes your world strong because you can draw from so many areas to meet the challenges that arise. The key is in not isolating yourself from your fellow human beings. Offer to help and be helped when needed. Give others a chance to be of service to you, just as you are willing to be of service to them in a different way. If you feel you have no skills of value, try to learn something new. Perhaps you will discover a hidden talent or two.

At the same time that technology is moving your world forward, there will always be a need for the human side of things—for a kind word, for a willingness to listen and support, for an embrace, for an open heart. Technology will never take the place of those things, and humanity’s thoughts of concern and caring for others will be the lifeblood that keeps people grounded in what is truly important in life.

04-01-12

POWER FOR YOU TO USE
You might be surprised to know that you are much more powerful than you think you are. This is because you are used to thinking in very limited ways—not just you personally, of course—but you collectively. Humankind in general has very little knowledge of the power of the human mind.

Take the act of thinking, for example. Many of you experience letting your thoughts roll randomly in and out of your consciousness. So, for example, you might go from thinking about what you’re going to have for lunch to what your boss just said to what you wish your child would do differently, and so forth. Thoughts just jump around. I like to call this kind of thinking “mind chatter.” You’ve probably heard that term often if you’ve followed the Conversations on this website.

At the same time that many people allow their thinking to flow freely, they experience their emotions doing the same thing. So, one moment they might be feeling fine, and the next moment they might be full of worry or anxiety. This is understandable from the standpoint that thinking and emotions go hand in hand. Some subject matter evokes feelings and emotions that are so strong they can be debilitating. This is generally so when fear is a part of those thoughts and emotions.

But, this is not a lesson on fear today. This is a lesson on an effective way to use your mind. What I wish for you to understand is that your mind is a powerful tool for you to use. Rather than allow it to use you, such as in creating fear and emotions that are counterproductive, you can use it for your benefit—at all times and in all places. Think of it as a powerful battery that keeps you going, just as your heart does, one that lasts your entire life and is in place in order to serve your needs and wishes.

So, you have this powerful tool, and it wants to know what you want so it can serve you better. How do you wish it to serve you? First you have to figure out what you want. Do you want to feel better physically or mentally? Do you want to get a job or a better job? Do you want to find more stimulation in your environment, or do you want more time to relax? Do you want to learn something in particular? When you figure this out, tell your mind what you expect. “Get working on this right away,” is the message you want to convey. Then begin focusing your thoughts on what you want, and devote little attention to obstacles or excuses.

The next thing you can expect is for your mind to begin giving you answers, information, or suggestions. Perhaps it seems the information you are getting back from your mind is unrelated, but that’s because there may be several steps to take that will lead you to your destination. Your mind cannot always take the direct route because perhaps other people are involved (people who, of course, have minds of their own), or certain other things must happen before you can get your need or wish met. The important thing to count on is that your mind is paying attention. Expect it and know that it is true. Think of your mind as your own private servant, ready and willing to assist you at all times.

Now, fear does play a role in creating limitations for the mind, and this is where humankind can take control in a much stronger way. When you hear yourself saying, “but, what if, or maybe,” there is a good chance that you have fear in your thoughts. So, when that happens, just dismiss the fear as though it were something annoying that you wanted to brush off. Tell it to be gone, and then your mind will be back to functioning as it was always meant to function—for your value and benefit.


Question: My emotions are what give me a sense of power. When I feel love for another, I feel powerful. But also, when I feel anger towards someone, I feel a surge of power. Do we need emotions to feel powerful?

This is interesting because passion of any kind does affect how the mind functions. If you think of the mind as power for you to use, then if you add passion to the directives you give your mind, it is going to respond more quickly to what you want. It is as though the passion or strong emotion is giving your mind, as in the above example of the battery, a boost of extra power. That is why it’s helpful to think about how you wish to use your mind.

In the case of a strong feeling of love accompanying your thought, you can be sure that such a strong feeling has a benefit for you as well as for the recipient of your thought. In the case of anger accompanying your thought, you can be sure of just the opposite. Anger is a fear-based emotion and so it has energy as love does, but its energy usually hurts both the sender and the receiver of that emotion. This is not to say that disagreement and resentment are wrong, only that when fear enters the picture, all that extra passion gets directed toward a negative result.
 

Question: I really question the overuse of the word power. Everything these days is said to be powerful. Or, people say, “This is something that is so powerful it will change your life.” I’m tired of hearing that too. Why do you use the word “power”?

Let me rephrase what I’m saying. Perhaps effective is a better word. People today are looking for answers, and like you, they are tired of hearing the same old things said in the same old ways. They want information that is really going to help them—something that will be effective in helping them make the changes they wish to make. Yet, the word effective does not contain the degree of benefit that perhaps the word power does. Power tends to add emphasis, so we could say that something is emphatically effective, but would that appeal to readers?

No matter what words are used, what is meant by the mind being power for you to use is that the mind is a power source—it has energy. And, that energy is directed by one’s thoughts. So, to use that energy effectively, one can direct one’s thoughts toward certain desired results, and one can keep a gentle focus on the benefits, rather than on the pitfalls of trying to get those results. This is a far more valuable use of the mind than to simply allow it to wallow in fear or to indulge in endless mind chatter, which is what most people do, mainly because they don’t understand what their minds can do for them.

If you will try what I am suggesting, you can be the judge of whether these ideas are powerful, effective, and beneficial, or whether they are just words. The true power lies in the application of what is being presented.

03-15-12

IT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENS IT'S HOW WE REACT
There are so very many situations that happen to each of us every day of our lives. Even if we are home alone, things affect us. Or, if we are on the job and around a number of people, situations arise that we aren’t happy with. Or we are driving down the road minding our own business and something occurs; a situation arises. We talk ourselves into believing that we are okay and all is well and then something goes wrong. But life seems to place us in situations where we have to face what’s before us. Perhaps it is a little something or a big something.

Do you begin to think that you have no control? Life just flows and you are in the middle of all sorts of happenings. This is just about right, isn’t it? You go from one thing to another in the midst of your day.

It’s really not what happens to us that’s the issue here; it is how we respond and react to what’s happening. You can work to release your fear and to live in peace; nevertheless, both good and bad things happen. Being without fear doesn’t insulate our living experience from what’s before us. However, it definitely allows us to work with a free mind. We have all seen the bumper sticker stating: “shit happens.” Well, yes, sometimes it does. It’s how you react that is important. It is how you respond within your mind and then put forth those thoughts into actions or words that are the key.

We can’t control what’s out there. What we can do is give ourselves the freedom to live without fear. You notice I’m not saying control ourselves for that isn’t what I’m speaking of. I’m letting you know that life brings upon each person situations that are good and of benefit and that can be bad and harmful. It’s what you do in the midst of your reacting to either that sets the stage for your next moment and the moment following and so forth.

Don’t try to maintain a life of control. Work to maintain a life of freedom lived without fear. We’ve repeatedly presented on this website how one releases their fear and the benefits of living a life without fear. When you do this, your mind is working correctly. And when one’s mind is working correctly the reactions and responses to those “situations” that crop up everyday do not become mountains to climb. They simply are situations to handle or solve.

If your mind is working correctly all of the energy in your reaction is positive and beneficial. All of your effort goes towards a good solution, a peaceful solution, a favorable and constructive solution. Do you need an example in order to have a better understanding? Let’s go about this first by giving some examples that contain fear in your mind. If you are living with fear, then you will respond and react with fear, with anger, with even hatred to situations that upset you. When driving down the freeway and someone cuts in front of you, if you have fear in your mind you’ll probably react with anger and honk your horn or speed up behind the person. If you are living without fear in your mind, then your reaction will not contain fear and you’ll react by simply saying to yourself: watch that guy he’s driving dangerously. Which one adds fuel to the mind of the driver who’s just cut you off? By adding fear to his careless deed, he may do something even worse to another driver. By living without fear, you don’t even think to add fuel to someone else’s anger.

Another example might be one that is affecting you financially. Let’s say you are searching for a better rate on your home mortgage. It’s a process that takes time and energy. You may receive some rejection and we know that rejection can insert fear into one’s mind. If you are living without fear and handling this situation for your family, then you will take each step that is necessary in order to get to the right mortgage company and right interest rate. If you have a few rejections, you simply take the next step and try again. Think of how much less effort will be exerted in following this very important process when you do not have fear.

It’s not what happens; it’s how you react to what is happening that’s important in your life.

Question: I do like this concept of how I react being more important than what happens. Are you saying that if I don’t have fear, my life might be lived a bit easier?

Absolutely this is what I am trying to explain. Fear in your mind will always create negatives in your life. When things happen to you and you react with fear, those situations become much worse. Thus creating more fear in you and easily fear in the mind(s) of the other person(s) involved. Remember having fear always equates to anger. And I think we can all agree that anger in itself takes more energy. Do a little experiment within your mind. Think of a very peaceful thought. Then think of a thought that contains anger. Can you feel the difference in the energy in your body with the peaceful thought and the tightening of the muscles with the anger? That’s a very simply example, but telling no less.  

Question: Can I make a difference “mid-stream” if I find I’m reacting to a negative situation with anger, therefore you’d say I had fear?

This is exactly what I hope people will do with the concept of fear: stop themselves mid-thought or mid-action when they realize they have fear. Then all you have to do is release your fear and extend to the others involved in the situation the thought of releasing their fear. It could almost be like waving a magic wand! It will allow you to participate with confidence and consideration for the others. A potentially volatile situation could be extinguished before it got out of hand and all parties to the action will have benefited.

03-01-12

SHIFTING ENERGY
Many people are asking, “What is my relationship with the shifting energy or with the changes in the world today?” While Gladys has given information about individual responsibility towards the end of the Annual Message for 2012, you may still wonder where you stand between the old energy and the new.

It’s quite simple. If you are a searcher, a seeker, a person of conscience who believes that the world is shifting and changing into a better tomorrow, then you know you are playing a significant role with your energy. Some years ago we began writing of and hearing of the “new energy.” In the Mayan Calendar conversation, Gladys said that the “old energy” will ebb and flow into non-existence. That in itself is rather exciting, that the end of old energy is in sight. What exactly is old energy? Well, it’s the energy of people who make decisions based solely upon greed and self- gratification. It’s the energy that causes people to think that they alone are right in their point of view, or in their religious beliefs, or in the dogmas that have dictated their lives, rather than considering that others also have their needs and points of view. It is an energy of selfishness and a lack of caring or consideration for the needs of others. Old energy has been imbedded in the politics and religions of so very many cultures. It has been employed by dictators filled with greed, who have felt justified in killing anyone not agreeing with or bowing down to them. Shall I go on? I think you have a good understanding of old energy already.

The new energy was brought about by the needs and desires of the people. The phrase, “the 99%”, has recently been coined. It says it all. Many within that 99% are of the new energy. Exactly how many does it take, percentage wise, to make changes? Well, the percentage is actually very small. It’s less than 5% of the people in the world today, who have made their needs and desires known for the betterment of all humankind, who have brought about this energy shift.

Isn’t it exciting that after the last four or five decades, humankind is defining their needs and desires and making them known? The New Age fostered the beginning of the New Energy, so much so that people are joining together to make and seal these changes. People of conscience know that all people need basic freedoms, in addition to their needs for food, water, shelter, and a good education. There is enough money in the world to make this happen, though money actually isn’t the most important component. The most important component is each individual, thinking thoughts of a better life, desiring a peaceful existence, and desiring that humankind live as one--brothers and sisters joined in thought to bring changes and a better life to themselves and all others. There is enough technology to see this happen. However, that again isn’t the most important component for change. There is enough intelligence among the people of the world to see this happen. Again that isn’t the most important component. The most important component, which is and always will be is you, the individual, is what you do with your actions and thoughts.

You can make a difference. You can make a difference in your own life. You can make a difference in the lives of your families, friends, co-workers, countrymen, and in human beings the world over. All it takes is your being a part of the new energy that will move mountains in the not-too-distant future.

People everywhere have the capabilities to make their voices heard as never before through electronic media. If you don’t agree that the greed of the financial institutions of many countries is taking care of the needs of all, then make your voice heard. Join a group; respond with actions; let your legislators know. If you don’t agree with how your legislators are voting or with the noise they are making, then make your voice heard. Contact them as a concerned individual, as a member of a group, or even organize a group. If you don’t agree with your country’s leader or leaders, join together with others to make your thoughts known. As we know from the news of the world at this point in time, this could mean joining to be militant, but militancy will not be the answer in the long run. Physical conflict will bring about changes, but it will also bring about hardships, and that is not what is needed. Equal representation, voting rights, opportunities, and respect will be the answer. The end result of any actions should contain these components within all countries for all citizens.

Question: With respect to what one individual can do, I just don’t see how I can make a difference when all I do is go to work to make a living and then try to make ends meet with what money I earn.

Please understand that many people are exactly like you. However, ask yourself how often you have thoughts, you read or listen to the news, or you express your opinion to others? In any of these thoughts and actions, you are setting the stage for the next thought or the next action. If you experience no fear, then your thoughts will be sending messages into the universe that do not contain fear. They will be thoughts of, “Oh I wish this were better.” “Oh, I want all the fuss of the politicians to stop.” “Oh, I don’t agree with fighting, killing, and warring.” “Oh, I want/need to make more money in order to support myself and my family.” All of these thoughts go out and join others who are of similar minds, and the power of your thought becomes magnified as it joins another and another. The thought of “It’s time to stop fighting and start with the compassion and understanding of others” is a powerful thought that reaches out and touches millions of others with the same thought. The consciousness of the universe then makes a shift. This conversation is entitled “Shifting Energy.” And my explanation has just described how and why humankind is where it is today: making positive and beneficial changes for all.  

Question: Haven’t we heard for years that changes in structures and education must happen? That we must feed the people of the world or that we must stop the greed of some leaders or of some of the people in control of corporations? How can it now actually happen?

The power is in you and your thoughts. Yes, it has taken some time. But the world is on a roller coaster now of imminent and immediate changes being able to take place. Much of this power is in electronic communication. The thoughts of one individual are magnified when joined with others. Yes, putting thoughts into the universe is important, but it becomes concrete when typed into a blog, a tweet, or a new website for social change and so forth. With this magnification, changes and shifts are happening more and more quickly. People all over the world are in touch. People of oppressed societies are hearing about societies that are not oppressed and making their thoughts and desires known for change within their society. So it magnifies from one place on earth to another and then another. Gladys has said for years that changes had to take place. Well, those dynamic and beneficial changes are finally happening.

There is tremendous energy in the world today that can be labeled new energy, or dynamic energy or not labeled at all. Energy shifting is a direct result of the thoughts, desires, and needs of people, no matter what name you give it.

02-15-12

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION
Many spiritual teachers refer to the law of attraction. The Gladys website has received inquiries as to where Gladys stands on this issue, and so the following is her explanation: To begin, let us say that it is a principle of the universe, and you can apply it purposely if you want to. What I mean by that is that it operates with or without your approval or knowledge. What you focus on, what you think about the most, what you desire are all things that attract the attention of the universe. Consistent thoughts and desires definitely carry weight and are infused with energy, especially during this time when The New Energy is active.

The real question you may want to ask is, “How Do I Use the Law of Attraction to My Benefit?” This assumes the existence of the Law and then suggests that you make the most of it. Does this mean you can focus on money and gain more money? Does this mean you can choose the person you want and focus on him or her to bring that person into your life? Does this mean you can demand a beautiful day for your wedding and get that? Not necessarily on all of the above, and I’ll explain why.

The issue is twofold. First of all, we’ve talked extensively about fear on this website, and fear can certainly interfere in your attaining your desires. Second of all, you live in a shared environment, so can you control things that involve other people? Probably not. It has to match with their desires too. If you are demanding a sunny day, and another wants it cloudy, who is to win out? Then, there’s the matter of the earth’s need, and that is usually what wins out when it comes to the weather. Better to be in tune with the weather situation so you choose the right time and place for the wedding J.

Let us take a more serious look at your question. What the Gladys concept has to offer is the information of how fear can affect the outcome when it comes to attracting that which you want and desire. Desire is very powerful, and so is fear. Both involve a level of intensity that is needed to bring about quick results. The problem with fear is that it distorts your mental functioning. It provides a barrier to success by “attracting” your attention away from what you really want toward that which you fear. So, let’s say you want to meet someone with whom you can have a close relationship, but the fear keeps saying things like, “But, what if the person doesn’t like me as much as I like him?” or “What if s/he is just playing a game with me?” or “Maybe I’m reading something in to this relationship that really isn’t there?” Such thoughts may be full of fear and so will often distort the desire you think you have put out to the universe to be fulfilled—that of finding the right person for your relationship.

What is needed to make the Law of Attraction work in your favor is to release or let go of the fear whenever you become aware of it. In that way you are directing your mind to focus not on the fear, but rather on the desire. How do you know when fear is there? You look for indicators, such as the words, “but, what if, or maybe”; or you look for an uncomfortable feeling, such as one full of doubt; or you look for physical signs, such as shortness of breath, breaking out in a sweat, or getting a panicky feeling. Or, you might find yourself making excuses or jokes or whatever to distract yourself from your purpose. If you’re not sure you are experiencing fear, just release it for good measure and then see what your mind suggests. If you don’t know what to do, then do nothing, as the timing is not right for action.

Many people find that they are unable to use the Law of Attraction because they don’t really know what they want. To them I say to release fear any time the question of what they want presents itself. Eventually their desires, unclouded by fear, will arise, and at that point, they can affirm what they want and begin using the Law of Attraction purposefully.

Question: Some people say you should concentrate on what you want and believe that it's already on its way to you, and others say you should be willing to experience anything that comes along and willingly participate in that life experience. Which is correct?

Both are correct, and really there is no conflict in the two points of view. The reason is that while you are waiting to experience that which you have desired, you can experience what comes your way. You are showing no lack of belief in the former by allowing yourself to fully experience the latter. And, it’s possible that you may find something better than you thought you wanted in the first place. Now, does this mean that you do things you don’t enjoy in the meantime just to be doing something? No, you still ask yourself if this is something in which you wish to participate. But, by releasing fear before considering each option, you have a better chance of choosing those things that will be of potential benefit to you, rather than just doing something to distract yourself while you’re waiting for your real desires to materialize. So, be open to experiences, keep releasing fear, and maintain your belief that what is best for you is already on its way.  

Question: You've talked before about the power of positive thinking. How is the Law of Attraction any different?

The Law of Attraction does not care if something is positive or negative. It simply is the power behind thought energy. Because thoughts have energy, that which you think about most often, or that which you think about with great emotion, which we’ll call passion, comes to fruition if no barriers are created in the process. Now, there are people who constantly think about (fear) getting cancer who don’t necessarily get it, but in that case, the barrier might be an early warning, diagnosis, treatment, or a change in behavior, such as quitting smoking. If such people constantly think about it, and there is no barrier that occurs, very likely they will get cancer.

Conversely, there are people who think positively, but who have fear, who negate many of their positive thoughts because of the underlying fear. In such cases, fear becomes the barrier to the realization of that which is desired. Therefore, the best course of action is to allow oneself to pursue thinking about one’s desires, to believe in the realization of those desires, and to release fear whenever doubts or concerns come up. In that way the Law of Attraction can be used as a tool to achieve what one most wants in life.

02-01-12

THE MAYAN CALENDAR
Let’s begin with the date 12-21-12, a date of significance, as will be the entire year. The Maya, though ancient people, were people with perceptions who put forethought into the future. While their civilization diminished, their “calendar” lived into perpetuity.
During the year 2012, if enough fear ceases to exist in the minds of the people, the year will live into eternity as the year when the people of the world came together to live as one people, to live as brother to brother, sister to sister.

The Mayan Calendar is very much on people’s minds now, because, of course, 2012 is upon us. What does it mean? What is its significance? Should we pay any attention to it at all? And, is it real? These might be some of your questions.

Let’s look at some answers then. Yes, the Mayan Calendar has a huge significance in the history of humankind. The ancients who were called the Maya were people whom we could say were of superior intellect and knowledge. The culture they created sustained the people for many, many years and then they were no more. Have you ever contemplated that point in itself—“They were no more?” Well, let me tell you that they chose to be “no more.” The people of the culture departed on good terms with the world as they experienced it and will return in the same way, on good terms. What, you say? They will return? Yes, my friends, the Maya will/have returned. Not the culture as a whole, but as individual people, for those people of long ago have been re-entering living over and over as they have experienced reincarnations. So the world is populated by souls that came from the Mayan culture. And they live today on good terms with the earth, the world, with others, and with themselves.

The Mayan culture continued to evolve, even though the mass number of people drawn together within that culture subsequently dispersed into all other cultures that then and now exist. So what do they bring to the table in living today? They bring intellect, ideas, philosophies, and honor. They bring gratitude, joy, and love. It was and is innate to their living experiences.

The Maya predicted how the world was going to continue to interact long after their culture “disappeared.” They set things up, so to speak, because their calendar followed humankind throughout the years. There have been all sorts of interpretations of the Calendar; some are right on and some are rather off, even to the point of being far-fetched. So how does one begin to know which interpretation is correct and which ones are wrong? Let me tell you: The Maya expected and predicted that the world of humankind would be on a different level of living by 12-21-12. Those were magic numbers. Those were numbers prophesied. Those numbers signified the culmination point of changes that had to be experienced and brought forth into the world of those who found themselves living on 12-21-12.

There are many books and many theories written on the subject. This is where the right and the incorrect information can be found. Gladys now wishes to simplify the information so that you can take it and run with it.

The date of 12-21-12 in the history of humankind will see the changeover that people have worked to manifest—a change the world has never witnessed. Yes, there will be a continuation of old energy after that date, but old energy will ebb and flow into non-existence. The new energy of love of self, love of one another, love of the planet, and love with the universe will create a torrent of good will and good things. As the old energy ebbs and flows out of existence, the new energy will be the energy of predominance.

Those who have lived with greed in their hearts and the desire to harm others will simply cease to exist with the pseudo power they thought they had. Most will become very fear-filled people. They will yell and scream and try to keep everything for themselves. However, it simply will not work anymore.

Those who have lived with hate and conceit, malice with forethought, and the means to inflict some terrible things on others, will cease to have the power to do so. Even those who work with and under such people are already turning against such actions and thoughts.

Those who have lived with prejudice and distrust of people who were not exactly like themselves, will find the people they thought had been agreeing with them all along will find their chorus of voices raise in disagreement with the prejudice. Those of prejudice will cease to have an audience, and when that happens, they will find they are simply talking to themselves. With no one to listen, there will be no power in their prejudice.

The time has come for people of goodwill, good conscience, good intentions, and with love in their hearts, to take the lead or join like-minded groups. These people already far outnumber the ones who have misused trust and power. These people will find they belong to a chorus of goodwill. They will find that the new energy of which they are a part actually came from within. As that energy came from within and found its way out into the world and the universe, the balance changed.

Oh, yes, we were speaking of the Mayan Calendar, weren’t we? Those Maya of so many, many years ago knew what was to become of humanity. Humanity was to become one of benevolence and understanding, of gratitude and appreciation, and of love and brilliance.
So, will we see all of this take place on 12-21-12? I’m afraid not, as much will not be visible to the naked eye. But you will know, and oh so many others will know, that it is there. And when all of you know, simply know what is at hand, the reality will become apparent.

Be at peace with this information, for oh so many have waited oh so long to hear this.

Question: So, shouldn’t we really be on the safe side and stockpile food before December, 2012?

Of course that is your choice. If you want to play it safe, then you must do what you feel is right. Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be of more value to set your intention to enjoy this year and the next and the next? To set your intention to search for ways to change yourself, so that you are a happier person; so that you face your problems with a clear mind; so that you make your decisions without fear, therefore with confidence that all of your decisions are good for you and for others with whom you have contact? Why not work with the concept of releasing fear and change your life forever? We all have work to do in our living experience to become self-confident, self-sustained, and self-nurtured individuals. I believe there is much more benefit in doing this for self, rather than buying up more groceries. And by making your own changes, you will assist in moving humankind along its path of experiencing the new energy that will permeate the world.  

Question: Why have so many theories on the Maya developed for “the end of the world” on the December date?

In all things of significance, many interpretations are made. Look what happens with the Bible. The Bible has been interpreted a thousand times over, and those interpretations continue to be made. The Maya were an ancient people of superior intellect and knowledge. Of course over the thousands of years, people have studied and interpreted their works. Sometimes interpretations are created to sensationalize or scare people. Sometimes, as with the Bible, interpretations are made that “suit” the interpreter. Perhaps the zeroing out of their Calendar was a declaration of a new world with new energy.

We may be coming to “the end of the world as you know it.” That is the “interpretation” that the Gladys knowledge places on this time in the life of humankind. As you gain in spiritual strength and wisdom, hasn’t your life been changing from the way you once knew it? Haven’t your life and your beliefs taken turns you never predicted? What you may wish to do is continue with your spiritual growth and become in touch with who you really are; who you want to be in a few months or years. Then set your mind to it! Be a part of the changing world as we all know it. Be active, be diligent, and be at peace.

12-15-11

THE GIVING SEASON
Tis the season to be jolly . . . that’s the message for this time of year, and wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone could experience the feeling of joy during the holiday season? That is what most people expect to experience, and yet, for many reasons it doesn’t happen.

Often it doesn’t happen because of a person’s circumstances, or because of his or her point of view about those circumstances. For example, a person might have had a significant loss during the past year. Perhaps a loved one has died or become ill, or one’s employment situation has become dire. Perhaps one is missing the quality that used to be part of a certain relationship, and so where there was once joy together, now there is only loneliness and frustration.

In many cases loved ones are separated during this time of year when people long to be together, and so this can be discouraging and sad for them. Whatever the reasons for the lack of joy, and there are many of them, it is still possible to find ways to truly enjoy the spirit of the season. And, those ways center around the act of giving.

Many people believe that being around children is the key. Children are usually very excited by the thought of getting certain things they’ve been wanting for Christmas. But, if there is a gift exchange, you might find it interesting to observe the eyes of the child who is giving something as opposed to receiving it. That child is more interested in having his gift accepted and loved by the recipient than he is in getting his own gift. That is especially true if he chose the gift because then his decision (his ability to be successful) is what led to the recipient’s experience of joy in receiving the gift.

Isn’t it interesting that feeling capable and accepted are always at the heart of the matter where relationships are concerned? People want to feel they are important to someone or to their workplace because of what they have to offer—whether that is their skills and knowledge, or simply their desire to please, help, and make a difference in other people’s lives. That is why, when those feelings of acceptance and competence are not there, people often develop the fears of rejection and inadequacy we describe on this website.

So, let us get back to a child’s joy in seeing that her gift has been accepted and liked by the recipient. How can each person experience that same kind of joy, even when that person doesn’t have the money to buy gifts for others? The key is in finding a way to give that satisfies an inner urge to be generous.

What might you do if you are so inclined? Give of your time, your talents, or simply send loving thoughts. Send a thought of compassion toward someone in need. Send a thought of healing. Ask that another’s needs be met. Say a prayer for peace. Make something for a homeless shelter, or help give out food and clothing where it’s needed. Create something from items you have on hand and give it away. Do random acts of kindness wherever you can. The possibilities are endless.

The key is to let your heart be your guide. Ask yourself what would give you pleasure in giving your gift, because in this way, you also give a gift to yourself in the process. Each person nurturing self by giving to another, receiving from another, and sharing the joy that abounds—this is the true spirit of the season.


Question: My child has become so spoiled. All she thinks about is things she wants, and then when I give them to her, she is soon tired of them. But, I want to see her happy, so what should I do?

The answer is in helping her find joy from giving. You might wish to have her select some toys in good condition from her collection of unused toys and then take those toys to a homeless shelter (yes, there are children in many of them, as well as on the streets). Or, you might decide to bake cookies and do the same thing, or give away some clothing or other items.

The important thing is that the child be asked to really participate in the giving by choosing something nice to give away, ¬¬and then by taking it to actual people, as opposed to just an agency, if possible. Many churches, schools, or community organizations also provide opportunities for group projects that children may be a part of, such as food banks, clothing and toy drives, and sending personalized cards to servicemen and women overseas.

Ideally the child, when encouraged and given the opportunity, will come up with an idea of what to give someone less fortunate, and then you, as the adult, can be a support person rather than the instigator. This reinforces the true joy of giving, and unlike the toys that grow tiresome, the feeling that comes from helping others will last.
 

Question: Personally, I think a lot of volunteers are just do-gooders who have a lot of time on their hands and who want to brag about all their “selfless” actions for charity. It’s just a show so they can tell their friends how great they are. Would you agree?

I won’t say there are not those people out there, but the majority of volunteers have a genuine desire to do something for others. And, many times even those who do volunteer for the reasons you described, end up having experiences that are unexpectedly rewarding. For example, they see the gratefulness in the eyes of the recipients, or they get a surge of pleasure from seeing they have actually helped someone else. Generally, no matter what the original motivation for helping might be, the actual act of doing it provides its own rewards, and soon people find themselves doing it because they truly feel their actions are needed and worthwhile.

11-15-11

VOICES OF THE PEOPLE
If you haven’t read the last Conversation about making a stand, I would ask that you do so before reading this one, as they are related. The last one asks you to demand what really needs to happen so that you can participate in creating the kind of world you would like to inhabit. Chances are that if it’s one you would like to inhabit, then it will be good for everyone else, especially the children of the world, who will inherit the world you create.

You may wonder how such a world could come about, just for the asking. Isn’t there more you should be doing, or more someone else should be doing? Of course, it is also important that some people step forward and take the actions needed to help bring about the world that is desired. Yet, long before actions are required, there is the need to identify what should happen and who would be the beneficiaries. In other words, thoughts about what is desired precede action. It is the thinking that sets everything in motion—the thoughts in fact create the conditions for effective action to take place. Otherwise, the action taken might just be futile and self-defeating.

What many people have not understood is the power that is inherent in thought. If you were to think of thought as thought waves, you would be closer to having a clear understanding. Thought is energy. Thought transfers to others. Thought can join up with other people’s thoughts to create even greater energy. And here is the best part: Thought intended to help others has particular power in today’s world. This is because such thoughts are of universal benefit, and as such, have more power. Why more power? It’s because more people are likely to agree with such thoughts and to want the benefits they entail, thus they are willing to add their thoughts to this pool of thought energy. Simply put, there is power in numbers.

On a personal level, you have to strengthen the power of your thoughts in order to get the fastest results. Let’s use the example of a person who is looking for work and who is perhaps in need of a better home, and a more promising future in general. Let’s say right now the person is discouraged or disheartened and has felt as though everything she tries fails miserably. She doesn’t know where to turn.

Here are the steps I would encourage her to take: first, release her fear each time she has the thought that nothing is working out for her. Her fear is what is now controlling her thoughts, and because her thoughts have energy, those fear-filled thoughts are quite powerful. Holding on to those thoughts is going to make everything worse, as fear creates more and more fear. So, she must demand that the fear go away. Then her next thought might be that she doesn’t know what to do. Okay, that is her answer for now. She should not respond with more fear, as her mind is simply giving her the information that she does not know what step to take next. Her mind without the fear will eventually give her the next step to take, and it will happen at the appropriate time.

Next, she can tell her mind what she wants to have happen. For example, “I want a job that will pay my expenses and give me some satisfaction.” Then she must be open to possibilities that present themselves. Sometimes the route to a better future is not direct. It may take some steps that at first don’t seem ideal but that lead to other, better options down the road. When there is no fear in one’s thoughts, those steps seem more plausible or acceptable.

The key to finding one’s way is in trusting one’s own thought processes, or simply trusting one’s mind. Just as in the last Conversation we spoke of demanding what you want and need for the betterment of the world, we are also asking you to demand what you want and need for the betterment of your own life and that of your loved ones. Direct your thoughts to guide you in the best, most effective way. Expect them to produce results, and most importantly, keep them free from fear and negative thinking. This will move you on more quickly toward getting what you want out of life.


Question: In the past the motto of “Just think positive” was promoted as a way to create a better future, but I tried it and it didn’t do anything for me. What did I do wrong?

During many different times in the history of humankind, the message has come out that positive thoughts are more helpful than negative ones. I agree with that part. Yet, many people did not get rid of the underlying fear in their thoughts, thus negating the effect of trying to think positive. Fear is a powerful emotion, and its power continues to work until a person finds a way to release it. It is like a wound that doesn’t fully heal under the scar tissue. Instead it opens up periodically, exposing the original wound.

Now, getting rid of fear doesn’t have to be done the way this website promotes, as many people have found various ways of releasing fear without saying the words. Yet, what I am teaching is that saying the words, and having the strong intention of eliminating the fearful thoughts, does the trick in most everyday situations. When it is not effective, there is probably more underlying work that needs to be done through some type of therapy or medical assistance. Almost everyone, though, can benefit from releasing the psychological fears of inadequacy and rejection that came about in the course of living one’s life from childhood through adulthood.

So, let’s get back to your question. It’s not that you did something wrong. You just didn’t understand the role of fear in preventing the positive thinking from working. Release the fear and then return to your positive thoughts and see what happens.
 

Question: I think I understand about fear and all that, but what I don’t get is why there doesn’t seem to be any help coming from the Universe, God, or the spiritual realm. I don’t think we can solve the problems of the world on our own. Are you saying we can?

Let us return to the discussion of the power of thought. The Universe, God, and the spiritual realm, to use your terms, are interested in the thoughts that human beings are putting out there. God is hearing your prayers, which are thoughts. God is listening, the Universe is listening, and the collective energy of the spiritual world is responding. Your thought waves go out, and they connect with universal thought and with the thoughts of other like-minded people. When enough people desire certain things, the universe adds its collective energy to the end result. In other words, when enough of you want world peace, there will be world peace. When enough of you want an end to world hunger, the means to feed everyone will be found. When enough of you want there to be effective and safe power sources to handle the needs of all humanity, those power sources will be discovered. It is a question of enough.

Because the Universe respects your free will, we wait until you decide what you want in order to assist. The key is that enough people have to want the same things for widespread changes to occur. Then we come in like gangbusters and help you achieve what you want. This happens on a personal level as well, which is why I’ve advised you to declare your needs and desires after freeing your mind of fear. Without fear you are more likely to be pleased with the results.

So, I wish to assure you once again that the problems you’re facing within your personal lives, your families, your communities, your country, and your world community, are all solvable, and the Universe is eager to help. Just eliminate your fear and send your positive thoughts out into the world so that others’ thoughts may join with yours. Before long there will be enough to provide all the solutions you and others are seeking.

11-01-11

THE KEY TO FINDING YOUR WAY
If you haven’t read the last Conversation about making a stand, I would ask that you do so before reading this one, as they are related. The last one asks you to demand what really needs to happen so that you can participate in creating the kind of world you would like to inhabit. Chances are that if it’s one you would like to inhabit, then it will be good for everyone else, especially the children of the world, who will inherit the world you create.

You may wonder how such a world could come about, just for the asking. Isn’t there more you should be doing, or more someone else should be doing? Of course, it is also important that some people step forward and take the actions needed to help bring about the world that is desired. Yet, long before actions are required, there is the need to identify what should happen and who would be the beneficiaries. In other words, thoughts about what is desired precede action. It is the thinking that sets everything in motion—the thoughts in fact create the conditions for effective action to take place. Otherwise, the action taken might just be futile and self-defeating.

What many people have not understood is the power that is inherent in thought. If you were to think of thought as thought waves, you would be closer to having a clear understanding. Thought is energy. Thought transfers to others. Thought can join up with other people’s thoughts to create even greater energy. And here is the best part: Thought intended to help others has particular power in today’s world. This is because such thoughts are of universal benefit, and as such, have more power. Why more power? It’s because more people are likely to agree with such thoughts and to want the benefits they entail, thus they are willing to add their thoughts to this pool of thought energy. Simply put, there is power in numbers.

On a personal level, you have to strengthen the power of your thoughts in order to get the fastest results. Let’s use the example of a person who is looking for work and who is perhaps in need of a better home, and a more promising future in general. Let’s say right now the person is discouraged or disheartened and has felt as though everything she tries fails miserably. She doesn’t know where to turn.

Here are the steps I would encourage her to take: first, release her fear each time she has the thought that nothing is working out for her. Her fear is what is now controlling her thoughts, and because her thoughts have energy, those fear-filled thoughts are quite powerful. Holding on to those thoughts is going to make everything worse, as fear creates more and more fear. So, she must demand that the fear go away. Then her next thought might be that she doesn’t know what to do. Okay, that is her answer for now. She should not respond with more fear, as her mind is simply giving her the information that she does not know what step to take next. Her mind without the fear will eventually give her the next step to take, and it will happen at the appropriate time.

Next, she can tell her mind what she wants to have happen. For example, “I want a job that will pay my expenses and give me some satisfaction.” Then she must be open to possibilities that present themselves. Sometimes the route to a better future is not direct. It may take some steps that at first don’t seem ideal but that lead to other, better options down the road. When there is no fear in one’s thoughts, those steps seem more plausible or acceptable.

The key to finding one’s way is in trusting one’s own thought processes, or simply trusting one’s mind. Just as in the last Conversation we spoke of demanding what you want and need for the betterment of the world, we are also asking you to demand what you want and need for the betterment of your own life and that of your loved ones. Direct your thoughts to guide you in the best, most effective way. Expect them to produce results, and most importantly, keep them free from fear and negative thinking. This will move you on more quickly toward getting what you want out of life.


Question: In the past the motto of “Just think positive” was promoted as a way to create a better future, but I tried it and it didn’t do anything for me. What did I do wrong?

During many different times in the history of humankind, the message has come out that positive thoughts are more helpful than negative ones. I agree with that part. Yet, many people did not get rid of the underlying fear in their thoughts, thus negating the effect of trying to think positive. Fear is a powerful emotion, and its power continues to work until a person finds a way to release it. It is like a wound that doesn’t fully heal under the scar tissue. Instead it opens up periodically, exposing the original wound.

Now, getting rid of fear doesn’t have to be done the way this website promotes, as many people have found various ways of releasing fear without saying the words. Yet, what I am teaching is that saying the words, and having the strong intention of eliminating the fearful thoughts, does the trick in most everyday situations. When it is not effective, there is probably more underlying work that needs to be done through some type of therapy or medical assistance. Almost everyone, though, can benefit from releasing the psychological fears of inadequacy and rejection that came about in the course of living one’s life from childhood through adulthood.

So, let’s get back to your question. It’s not that you did something wrong. You just didn’t understand the role of fear in preventing the positive thinking from working. Release the fear and then return to your positive thoughts and see what happens.
 

Question: I think I understand about fear and all that, but what I don’t get is why there doesn’t seem to be any help coming from the Universe, God, or the spiritual realm. I don’t think we can solve the problems of the world on our own. Are you saying we can?

Let us return to the discussion of the power of thought. The Universe, God, and the spiritual realm, to use your terms, are interested in the thoughts that human beings are putting out there. God is hearing your prayers, which are thoughts. God is listening, the Universe is listening, and the collective energy of the spiritual world is responding. Your thought waves go out, and they connect with universal thought and with the thoughts of other like-minded people. When enough people desire certain things, the universe adds its collective energy to the end result. In other words, when enough of you want world peace, there will be world peace. When enough of you want an end to world hunger, the means to feed everyone will be found. When enough of you want there to be effective and safe power sources to handle the needs of all humanity, those power sources will be discovered. It is a question of enough.

Because the Universe respects your free will, we wait until you decide what you want in order to assist. The key is that enough people have to want the same things for widespread changes to occur. Then we come in like gangbusters and help you achieve what you want. This happens on a personal level as well, which is why I’ve advised you to declare your needs and desires after freeing your mind of fear. Without fear you are more likely to be pleased with the results.

So, I wish to assure you once again that the problems you’re facing within your personal lives, your families, your communities, your country, and your world community, are all solvable, and the Universe is eager to help. Just eliminate your fear and send your positive thoughts out into the world so that others’ thoughts may join with yours. Before long there will be enough to provide all the solutions you and others are seeking.

10-15-11

MAKE A STAND FOR WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN
It may sound totally oversimplified to say that all you need to do is learn to experience living without fear, and what you want to have happen will happen. If you are able to give yourself the gift of living with a mind that is free of fear, you will live a life that allows you to see yourself clearly and to then see all others or all situations clearly. With greater understanding of yourself, others, and situations that are created by human interaction, you will live a free life.

Therefore, I am saying to you that you must make a stand for what really needs to happen for yourself and for the people in the world today. When you do this for yourself, you open all doors to possibilities. If each person came to live without fear, all anger, subterfuge, lies, hate, and greed would cease to be. I know you are saying to yourself, well, that’s not ever going to happen. Nevertheless, that’s what will eventually take place on earth. Earth will become a peaceful place, and, yes, it is taking years, but it is not impossible. It will happen.

At the present time there are shifts of magnitude happening within the minds of humankind. Therefore, there are shifts of magnitude happening to the earth that man lives upon. There is such upheaval because people are running scared. People are filled with fear. If you are aware of the greed in the world that has brought humans to this place of financial and political upheaval, then you know that fear is rampant. Greed is a result of fear in the mind. If people have experienced greed for years and made decisions only for their own greedy benefit, then those people are living with fear intensified now. They see avenues of consumption being taken away from them. Let’s say that they see the handwriting on the wall. And they are becoming even more greedy in order to stockpile for their own greedy futures.

Does this sound harsh? No, my friends, this sounds realistic. Changes are occurring in every country in the world. Freedom is being sought and gained. Think how many, many years people in those countries gaining political freedom have lived under oppression and have only dreamed of creating a better place for themselves and their children. It’s happening. It’s freedom from control by greedy politicians, not dictators, but greedy leaders of a country that is being sought by the populace.

Many people lose hope and belief in times such as this. The news of the world continually bombards them with the chaos and upheavals. Perhaps it is time to stop listening to this. Perhaps it is time to take a stand. What must happen in the world today is that people of honesty and integrity need to join their fear-less mind powers; join with one and then another and then another. Don’t propagate the news that is full of fear. Release your fear and the fear of all others. Expand your fear-less energy into the universe and let fear-less-ness do the work for you and for all people.

Say to yourself that you won’t be a part of distortions and misinformation. Say to yourself and others that this is not right. Stand up for what is right, what is ethical, and what is correct in these times of fear. If you can make a difference for yourself and become a fear-less person, then know that you can make a difference for another person and another and another. The fearless mind expands and assists others in becoming fear-less. When enough minds of the people on earth become minds that function without fear, then all of the changes that are desired and longed for will become reality.

Don’t keep your work to create a fear-less you under a barrel. Expand that energy out into the universe and join other like minds. Become a force for creating ultimate changes, for we aren’t going for simple changes here, we are going for ultimate changes for good.


Question: Gladys, I know you are a spirit who works for good on earth, but do you really understand how people are suffering from personal terror, war, financial disaster with life savings lost and homes lost? Also, so many are suffering from hunger and other deprivations.

Gladys is a spirit of the Universe who works to impart knowledge and belief to the people on earth. The spirit called Gladys has lived many times as a human incarnation, so she lived and felt many things. This is one reason she was chosen to send energy and information back to humans. Gladys lives in a constant state of the pure energy of love, and she sees and feels the pain of humans. Her “calling” is to teach the concept of releasing fear for humans while in their present living state, for if more and more people live without fear in their minds, then all things will change for the betterment of all people.

You are correct in understanding that there are many, many situations causing pain and suffering to the people on earth at this time. But in making that list, know that each situation is changeable. Hunger could be alleviated immediately, as the earth is capable of producing enough food for all. It is the greed of some people in the chain of providing and producing food that needs to be changed. You are correct about the financial disasters which are now circling the globe, as it is not just one country, but it is close to being all countries. Again, all people of good faith and belief must put forth the energy into the universe, demanding that true change occur. There are people and leaders in every country who are capable of creating honest and just regulations. These people must come forth. The leaders who are filled with personal greed will drop by the wayside, and this is exactly what must happen. So demand that these changes are brought about. Don’t give up. Stand up for what really needs to happen.
 

Question: Gladys, you are saying that all we need to do is release our own fear and the fear of others, and everything “good” will come about. Is this correct? How is this possible?

Let me present some proof. Back in the 1970s, and in some cases even earlier, people began to realize that human greed was consuming the lifeline of many. What is the lifeline? Well, it’s the right of each person living on earth to have enough food, enough dignity, enough compassion, and enough fortitude to live a life without constant need. As people began to realize that consumption was not the true answer to the ills of the world, enough people made their point of view known. Little by little these thoughts, created by people seeking love and freedom, permeated the thoughts of others. Do you agree?

The chain of events began to take place, really as a tug of war. Some good came into being, and then some bad things came back. It was a seesaw effect. But gradually, because of the perseverance of enough people, true good and honest changes started to happen. Yet, change in any form creates a certain degree of chaos. So the tug of war continued. If the Universe were keeping tabs, understand that the good things for people always outweighed the bad things, because of those people who lived without fear in their minds. As leaders, with the purpose of personal greed, became aware of changes that didn’t allow them to continue along their path, they not only had minds filled with fear, but also they had minds that were consumed by chaos.

That is where humans are at this time. Just as Gadaffi never gave up, or conceded to the demands of his people, many, many humans in power today don’t want to concede anything, especially if it concerns losing their basis of money, power, or both. Nevertheless, there were enough people within his country who kept giving their lives and living in near poverty to facilitate the changes that had to occur for freedom. They took a stand for what must really happen. (Gladys is not promoting a belief in war, please understand that, but in some cases that is the only way humans know how to effect change.)

That’s what I’m asking of you today. Make a stand for what must really happen. People of the world are suffering for thousands of reasons and this is not the way it should be. So, to make changes, each and every person needs to live without fear; then whatever needs to happen in life will happen.

10-01-11

METHODS THAT WORK
People are searching for answers to a complexity of questions in today’s world. They are searching to find a new job or a better job. They are searching to feel more secure in each day’s living experience. They are searching for a life partner. They are searching to find a few moments of peace or joy. They are searching to live a life of value for themselves and their families. The searches are endless. Can they be reduced to one search? One choice? One answer?

Yes, I believe the searches can be reduced to one answer. To live a life without fear in one’s mind is to find a re-patterning of life as one has known it. I speak over and over about the value of living without fear in your mind, and much has been presented on this website for your knowledge and consideration. However, nothing will work for you until you try releasing your fear and you experience a mindset that is different from your previous mindset—one that contained fear.

I believe that once you have begun to experience living without fear and you have made fear-less choices for yourself, you will see what is possible. The ultimate in one’s life of living without fear is to truly experience love and joy. With that love and joy, you may find your peace and then tranquility (an extended time of experiencing peace of mind).

You may think this is an oversimplified “method” of finding the answers to your life’s searching questions. Nevertheless, it is a “method” that works. Many, many people have chosen to work with this concept, and they have seen and felt the differences made in their lives by living without fear. Yes, you take one step at a time and you release fear. Gradually, you begin to know yourself and in the process learn to recognize when fear enters your mind again. Then you make that mind correction again. The benefit is to then think, react, and respond without fear. When you release your fear, you have taken away those cobwebs in your mind where fear is hanging on and affecting every thought. You have taken away self-doubt. In place of fear-filled thoughts you now have a mind that is working correctly and is clear. It is clearly giving you answers, if you are ready to listen. If you pull back in fear, then you must once again release your fear or demand that your fear be released. Feel the calmness that comes into your mind and body. Use that calmness to live the next moment and the next hour and day. Carry that calmness into your tomorrows.

There are certainly many “methods” and religious teachings out there that you can use. However, did you know that you can insert this concept into any of the teachings you accept? You can add this along with prayer, because releasing your fear is a type of prayer. It is saying to yourself and the Godself within what you wish to do and experience. If you add this along with meditation, how wonderful to start your meditation practice with a mind that is fear-less and clear. If you add this along with any ritual that you accept, you will find an added bonus.

Releasing your fear and experiencing the result of having a fear-less mind is a tool for you to use to create a better life for yourself. When you are making decisions and choosing options in your life, it is a wonderful feeling to do so knowing that you can trust your mind and trust yourself. As you make decisions that are fear-less, then you are making decisions that are good for yourself, for your family, your friends, your community, for the world, and ultimately the universe. What a concept!


Question: What exactly does it mean to “have a clear mind?” Can you be more specific?

Let me give you two examples. The first is making decisions with a clear mind, therefore a fearless mind.
You are involved in a relationship in its beginning stages. You feel you have met “the one.” You have become friends and you have shared thoughts and ideas and situations from your past. You have been honest with yourself and with the other person. Hopefully, you have found someone who can be equally honest and he/she does not experience fear. As your friendship grows and expands, you are able to take each new step with confidence and trust. You know yourself well and you are getting to know the other person well. Each step brings you further along into experiencing respect and love for each other. Each step brings you to settling into a serious relationship, which might lead to marriage. This example presents a person with a clear mind, therefore a person who does not experience fear and is experiencing peace of mind.

The next example is of one who experiences fear and therefore does not experience a clear mind. You are becoming involved in a new relationship. You constantly analyze yourself and the other person. You set up games to see if the other person “qualifies.” You try to change or mold the other person into someone you think you wish to be with. If you have to tell some white lies to please the person you do. You doubt yourself and you doubt the other person. You constantly worry about the person rejecting you, so you present someone whom you think the person wants. You are not being yourself. You feel inadequate, but you’ll do almost anything to make a relationship work.

As you realize the difference in these two examples, you see what a difference we can make in our lives if we live without fear. And living without fear means we will have a clear mind that directs us into the best possible situations for ourselves.
 

Question: What do I need to do in order to find peace and tranquility?

I believe that when you are able to release your fear and work with this concept that you will begin to experience peace of mind. As you experience having no fear but instead having peace of mind more and more, you will always make a choice to go back to a fear-less state of mind if you happen to lose it. The possibility of fear returning is always there for anyone, especially when they have had a chaotic past, for they may meet situations from the past again and again. But working with your mind and making corrections that change the patterning of your mind opens the opportunity to live without fear.

As you progress into experiencing living without fear for longer periods of time, then you will experience peace of mind. Experiencing peace of mind doesn’t always settle problems you’ll face, but you will definitely face them differently than you did in the past. I believe that as one experiences peace of mind more and more each day, then the possibility of experiencing tranquility is there. You know if you let go of your fear a little, you’ll find a little tranquility. If you let go of your fear more and more, you’ll find a lot of tranquility. And if you let go of your fear completely, you’ll experience complete tranquility.

09-15-11

LESSONS TO LEARN
Do we learn lessons from our experiences? That is often a question people contemplate. Or they ask: do we have certain experiences in order to learn a lesson? Or: do we always have a lesson to learn?

The answer is this. If you wish to learn a lesson then you will see situations as teaching you a lesson. If you don’t feel there is a lesson to be learned in every situation then you’ll do just that, not accept that there is a lesson to be learned. There are all types of situations that open our eyes to looking beyond what has just occurred to “how do I truly feel about this?” You may have a memory, experience something with someone else, or read or hear something that juggles your mind. In all of these ways, we may choose to turn our thoughts to “what’s going on here?’ If you don’t have fear in your mind then you will be able to look at something you wish to look into with clarity and without prejudice.

Not all people have an interest in learning or analyzing self. Others do. If you are one of those who looks into what is happening, then that is okay. I say okay because I want you to realize you are okay. The situations are okay. Your life is okay. It is when you slip into a fear-filled mode that things are not “okay.” When you accept fear into your mind, then your thoughts become permeated with fear. You insert your what if’s and wherefores. You negate good thoughts and dwell instead on the bad self, the bad thoughts. You are therefore rejecting yourself. And certainly you have no love of self. You are doing this to yourself. Self rejection and hate is the worst of any act you can inflict upon self.

Was this a stretch to go from “Do we have lessons to learn in life” to “self rejection and hate of self?” You may be one who has quickly gone from the one to the other if you are fearful. With fear in your mind, you can easily spiral downward into depths of fear which will include self rejection and even hate of self. The mind is a complex unit and when a thought appears, that thought can go anywhere. It can tap into your past experiences of inadequacy and rejection or it can tap into positive, loving thoughts. It can go from one to another very very quickly. It becomes a matter that is up to you. You can stop the spiral downwards that having fear creates by demanding that your fear be released and yes, demanding peace of mind. Once this is accomplished notice where your thoughts then lead you. More than likely it is to a basis of good experiences and interactions. Good responses and feelings. That is what you want to have happen.

In putting too much weight into learning a lesson from every experience one usually goes to the negatives, not the positives. If you are living without fear, the positive aspects of your past will come into mind and you’ll analyze the present “lesson” with consideration and love of self. If you are living with fear at that moment of analyzing an experience, then you will begin the spiral that could lead you into self rejection and lack of love and acceptance of self. From there you will go into all of your past wrongs and mishaps and possibly reach a state of depression.

You have a choice. If you wish to learn a lesson from every experience, then that is what you will do. If you look upon each experience as something that has simply happened and respond by releasing your fear you may go into analyzing, but you will not bring fear into your thoughts. Your mind will see the situation clearly and concisely. Your mind will give you an immediate summation of the situation and you will then get on with living your life with fearless thoughts. Your self esteem will remain intact and you will possibly offer an apology to the others involved. If that isn’t necessary, you will consider the facts with kindness and consideration for all parties and go on to whatever is next in your life.

To analyze everything that happens to you with fear and trepidation will mean that you could remain fearful for hours and days. Make a conscious choice to release your fear and to stay without fear. If it takes repeating and reaffirming then do so. You’ll feel the difference from that point onwards. You will live with a clear picture of what has just taken place and you won’t feel a need to “learn a lesson.”


Question: All of this is well and good, but don’t you think most people feel there is a lesson to learn in everything that happens?

While there are some people who choose this path, there are a multitude of people who don’t. It is not the most common thought, let’s put it that way. If that is your belief then you probably feel that most people think as you do. Why not open your mind to thinking in either way you choose: there are lessons to learn in every experience OR there are not lessons to learn in every experience.

If you choose to believe that you are to learn a lesson in every experience then hopefully you are not one who pulls fear into your mind. If you don’t have fear you will analyze the experience clearly; although if you do have fear, then you will instate fear into each thought. This is a habit that would be good to break. You will live your life more freely if you work with your mind correctly and release fear. What is fear? This website goes into great detail about this, but basically it is the fear of rejection or inadequacy. There are many facets to both rejection and inadequacy. If you find yourself angry and unhappy about a situation, then you have fear in your mind and releasing your fear at that point is the best possible choice you can make for self.
 

Question: Are you saying we never have a lesson to learn, we just go about living freely without consequence?

Taking the first part of your question I am saying that no, we do not have a lesson to learn in every experience we encounter in our daily living. Next I do not say that one goes “about living freely without consequence.” I would hope that if you do live without fear the majority of the time you are then living freely. You are ready to face the day with hope and belief. You take each situation that arises and by showing consideration and love for self and all others the situations work out for the benefit and value of all participants. As far as consequence goes, one is always responsible for the outcome or consequences for their interactions. Yes, there are accidents which mean you aren’t responsible, but if you are living without fear you will make the best of what the accident entails. Hence you are affecting the outcome.

09-01-11

MUSINGS ON CURRENT AFFAIRS
Let us begin with the events in Libya. As we have seen once again in the Middle East, things can change in a split second. As soon as a sufficient number of people gather together to fight for what they want and need, they bring about change in a relatively short time. This is not to minimize the pain and suffering that went on and will continue for some time, but rather to emphasize the power of group will, action, and achievement.

It is a victory for the people and by the people, and they are to be congratulated for their courage and commitment. This should serve as notice to other dictators that the people of the world are ready for democracy (in the general sense of the word). They are ready to take responsibility for their own country. What they may not be prepared for at this point are the intricacies of creating a stable government, one that is effective, efficient, and just. They will need some guidance from other countries that have previous experience in setting up democratic systems and in dealing with the emerging issues that are part of this challenging endeavor.

Those offering assistance should do so with no strings attached—so as not to substitute one type of oppression for another.

It cannot be overemphasized how significant this and previous events in the Middle East have been in showing the world that what is desired there is the same as in all of the civilized world—freedom of choice, the opportunity to be productive and earn a living, a good education for the children, safety and security, and a good way of delivering health services to those in need. People everywhere need these things. What they don’t need are a constant state of war and repeated killings in the name of vengeance, religion, greed, or other causes that only serve to deny the people what they want most out of life.

The time of a few people controlling millions upon millions of others for self-aggrandizement and greed is drawing to a close. The people won’t have it, and they will not sit back and take the brutal treatment being served out by the selfish and greedy leaders whose motives are not for the benefit of the many, no matter what they might say to the contrary. Stability may come from oppression, and some people may defend the status quo out of a fear of change, but once people see the cost of that stability, most find they would rather live with temporary uncertainty than with the kind of certainty that stifles everything worthwhile in life.

Now let us return to the political scene in the U.S. What I have said before is that the time of political apathy has come to an end. People are talking about candidates, issues, political leaders and more. This is a good thing, but what we didn’t talk about is a pervasive feeling of powerlessness that has affected many people, particularly the young. Many people have given up thinking they can effect change in the Washington machine. They have asked their leaders to compromise with one another for the good of the country, but still the leaders do not seem to respond with anything but stubborn certainty that they are right. No one wants to be seen as weak or willing to give in.

So how can people begin to believe again in the democratic process? How can they find the will to keep trying to communicate their expectations and to insist their leaders listen? I would suggest they look to the Libyan people, the Egyptian people and to others worldwide who have been willing to risk everything just to have the rights that already exist in the U.S. If people in the U.S. don’t realize the gift they have in their form of government, then they have merely to observe how hard others are trying to get a piece of that gift. Think about it. The American people have what others only dream about. Surely they can be persistent enough and committed enough to bring about the changes they seek by peaceful means.

Let your voices be heard and your desires be known. Do not allow your leaders to use stubbornness, ignorance, or deceit to oppress your opinions and ignore your concerns. You can speak up without the fear of reprisals. How many other people in the world have that luxury?


Question: What about the fact that many people in the U.S. and other parts of the world don’t have the understanding, education, or knowledge of the issues that would enable them to make informed decisions?

This is an excellent point in that democracies require an educated electorate in order to function well. Let me just say that everything is a process. People do need to be educated and informed, but this takes time, creativity, and resources to develop effective education systems. People have to start somewhere, and seeing the need for their children to have a good education provides the impetus for parents to demand good schools. What creates the need? Opportunity, a desire to better one’s life or the life of one’s children, the chance to express one’s gifts and talents, the chance to follow one’s dreams. It’s the same for people everywhere, as these are human needs. As long as these needs exist, people will seek out ways to fulfill them. Education remains the key to fulfillment of many dreams worldwide.  

Question: The instability in the Middle East and in other parts of the world makes me feel terribly uneasy. Where is it all going to lead?

There is uncertainty about where everything is going to lead, but this need not destroy your peace of mind. The feeling you are describing is fear, the fear of being inadequate to handle the changes that are coming about. It is a fear that is certainly understandable in today’s world. The good news, though, is that the type of fear you’re describing need not be debilitating without your allowing it to be so. This is because you and others have the power to release your fear and send out thoughts of releasing the fear of everyone else in the world. Yes, I know this sounds preposterous, but I assure you it is true.

As we’ve talked about so frequently on this website, fear is the enemy of humankind. It is behind all the negative events that are happening in the world. This is why it is so important that each human being who is aware of this phenomenon take the steps to begin reducing fear in the world. Begin by demanding the release of your own fear, but then add the words, “Release the fear of everyone else, too.” What does that do? It sends out powerful thought waves into the universe, and it allows your desires and wishes for peace to connect with other people’s desires and wishes for the same thing. It is like sending out an email to everyone who has fear and asking them to do their part in eliminating it. This is done on a thought level, but that is where every good action begins. It begins in someone’s mind as a thought wave.

If you find this difficult to believe, just think about all the events of late in which group action has had a powerful effect, and realize that before the action, there had to be thought. Each person who has taken part in making changes in his/her country began with the thought that something needed to be done. There was the need felt, and the thought expressed. Only until there was sufficient thought (usually committed to by self and then extended to others) did a positive action come about. So, by all means don’t give up on the power of your own thoughts. That power is the beginning of the changes you wish to see expressed in human activity.

08-15-11

AMERICAN POLITICS IN ACTION
Let us consider what has recently taken place. The two parties, after pushing their own sides to the limit, finally settled out of desperation, neither party feeling satisfied with the result. The fallout from this will be substantial, and by that I mean political fallout. What the American public saw was what happens when brinksmanship becomes more important than statesmanship, and political selfishness becomes more important than what is best for the country. They saw this clearly, and it has been a sobering experience for most Americans. Adding to the mix is the poor showing by the markets, which are reflecting the mood of the country as much as other factors. No one is buying that the country’s leaders have come up with a solution to anything. They have just averted a crisis, but the basic problems remain.

That said, there are some positives to focus on. President Obama, though he was perceived to have caved in on his party, indeed understood the magnitude of the situation and pushed for a compromise. Even long before everything came to a head, he was pushing for a bipartisan solution. Few people really understood the consequences of allowing the debt ceiling issue to fail, and it was his persistence more than any other’s that pushed this deal through. He, of course, along with Congress, is being blamed for the consequences of the whole debacle, but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is that he took the action that needed to be taken, regardless of the political consequences for him personally. He put his country first. How this will play out at the next election has yet to be determined, but in all likelihood, he will be re-elected as people see a pattern of his actions leading the country in the right direction.

Another positive is that political leaders are being held accountable for their actions in a more dramatic way than ever before. No longer are people apathetic. People are stirred up. People are angry. People have opinions they are sharing with whoever will listen. The welfare of the country is at stake, and people know it. This doesn’t mean they are necessarily becoming well informed, but at least the days of an apathetic public are over.
The next step will be for people to gain knowledge and understanding of the issues, and in this area, much education is needed. This will begin to be the focus of lawmakers (and the press) as the public demands to hear the rationale for this or that action or inaction.

Another positive is that there will be a “disconnect” between what is being told to the public by their politicians and what the public is actually experiencing. Therefore, they will question their leaders and take stock of their own situations. In this way they will look for the truth in a more determined way. For example, if people hear repeatedly about the dismal state of the economy, and yet they see the restaurants full every time they go out to eat, or the attendance at sporting events thriving in spite of high ticket prices, they may wonder what is going on. Or, if people are searching for work and they hear that businesses are sitting on huge cash reserves and are not hiring, they may ask what is going on. Or, if people hear that business leaders are taking home huge bonuses and are making ever-greater salaries, they might question why the average worker is not making similar gains, and again, why such businesses are not hiring. In other words, sooner or later people are going to get the big picture and will quit accepting simplistic explanations for things. This change will work in favor of getting more responsible people in office. You will see evidence of what I am saying by the 2012 elections.

Now, it may appear that Gladys has a political bias here, but in reality, there are people of both parties who have the ability and the foresight to lead this country in the direction of benefit for all people. What has been allowed to happen, though, is that a few outspoken leaders have intimidated or otherwise convinced other leaders that they represent what the American people want. Because they speak the loudest or claim to have the authority of their party, they are representing themselves as more powerful than their more thoughtful colleagues. However, this power is an illusion, and it is only because others accept their power that these people have any. So, what you will see happening in the months and years ahead is that the illusion will be exposed, the actors will be robbed of their masks, and they will be seen only for their sound and fury. There will be no substance to their stories, no benefit for their constituencies that will last, and no credibility because they have no integrity.

I would like to end this message with one more positive that came out of the recent debates. Gabrielle Giffords chose to show up for the vote. Her presence was undeniably significant. Her presence said, “Remember what can happen when extremists get too much power. Remember how important it is to have a voice. See how I denied those who would suppress my voice a chance to do so. I’m still here. I still care about the people I represent. I still care about my country. I hope you do too.”



Question: How am I supposed to know whom to believe when I hear so many conflicting explanations for things?

It’s understandable that one would be confused with so many stories going around. What I would suggest is to ask serious questions when offered simple answers to what appear to be complicated issues. For example, when you hear something like “I can’t overdraw my bank account, and neither should the federal government,” then just think for a moment whether the situations are the same. Does your level of responsibility equal that of the federal government? Should the federal government turn its back on victims of damaging floods, tornados, or other weather-related disasters? Should it abandon schools that need federal assistance? Should it dip into Social Security when people have spent all their working years paying into it for their retirement? Should it let the infrastructure of the country—bridges, highways, dams, etc.—just deteriorate to the point where they are not safe? Should it compromise air safety or the country’s security? Should it address national issues like illegal immigration? What about health issues? Should it help those who cannot help themselves? Is Medicare justified, and to what extent? If the country considers war justified, should war be pursued without the necessary funds to see it through?

It’s been suggested in previous conversations that it would be wise to think about the proper role of government before choosing your public officials. After doing so, you might want to consider the issues in light of your philosophy about government and see if your opinions change as your knowledge and information expands. Then next time you hear a quick soundbite that’s supposed to explain everything, demand more explanation. Then if the explanation is not satisfactory, try to learn even more about the issue so you can better evaluate the people touting various positions.

Besides considering the proper role of government and learning more about the issues, you can look into the background and experience of the people who are taking certain positions on the issues, and/or who are running for office. Is the person credible based on education and experience? Is the person making an emotional appeal, or is the person using relevant information/data or examples to make his/her point? Is the person demeaning others on a personal level or is he/she sticking with the issues? Is the person considering the needs of the population at large or a particular lobby or group? Questions such as these will get you thinking more broadly about what is important to you, as well as to your community, city, state, and country.
 

Question: I would like to know about the consequences of the controversy over the debt ceiling in America on the world in general.

There is no doubt that the U. S. plays and has always played a leading role in what happens in the rest of the world. People in other countries are as upset and sickened by events in American politics as the American general public. They feel totally vulnerable because they don’t have a say or a vote in these issues and yet are seriously affected by them. Therefore they have strong opinions and desires that America clean up its act. Like everyone the world over, they don’t have the answers, but they know that answers must be found. They know that if America has lost its credit rating, then their own country may be set to fall financially also. Solutions must be sought and found. It is through the desires of millions upon millions of people the world over that this message is being heard loud and clear. As I said earlier, people are no longer apathetic. Now what must happen is that understanding, knowledge, and honesty come to the forefront in all countries, not just in America.

08-01-11

KEEPING THE PAST IN ITS PLACE
Most people feel that there is much to be learned from the past, and this is true, but too many people keep reliving the past, and this indicates that very little learning is happening today. How do you know when this is happening to you? You know by looking at the patterns of your life.

This, of course, requires looking at the past in a more objective way. For example, when you review your life up to this point, do you see a prevailing tendency to do any of the following: Blame others for things that have happened to you? Feel guilt even when you haven’t done anything wrong? Take excessive risks in your daily activities? Escape difficult or uncomfortable situations through the use of alcohol, drugs, frantic activity, or other distractions? Take on the role of a martyr? Take on the role of a clown? Talk incessantly to others about your past accomplishments, honors, or possessions? Look down on those who are different from you? Lie to make yourself sound like more of whatever it is you would like to be? Ignore information or facts that challenge what you believe to be true? If you can look at yourself honestly and see any of these or other negative patterns, then you are on your way to improving your future.

When you are able to look at your past objectively, you begin to allow the healing to take place. “What healing?” you may ask. It is the healing that comes with insight, with recognition of that which you want to change, and with the choice to work on eliminating those things that offer no value to your life. Patterns such as those mentioned above are indicators that fear is active in your mind, the fear of inadequacy or rejection. To allow those patterns to continue will interfere with your personal growth and quality of life, and they will insure that your future is no better than your past.

Now, some of you may feel there was much joy in your past, and that is what you are trying to hang on to or to recapture by focusing on the past. My questions to you, then, are: How can you make the future reflect the past? Do you have the same dreams as you had then? Are the same people in your life? Have they changed? Are you the same person you were then or have you changed? Was it youth that was so enjoyable? Was it the things you were able to do then? By answering these questions for yourself, you will see that the past, however enjoyable it may have been, is still past. You can’t hang onto it, change it, or manipulate it to be what you want today. It simply was what it was. If you have good memories, then enjoy them, but don’t dwell on them, as you will miss out on too much of what is available to you today.

Today you have the opportunity to create value for yourself and others. Through your enjoyment of today, through your appreciation of all that you have at this moment, and through belief in yourself, you are creating your future. Your future benefits from your experiences today, so let those experiences reflect a life lived without fear.


Question: I have a lot in my past that I’m ashamed of. I know I can’t change it, but what can I do about my feelings of guilt?

By asking this question, you are already indicating that you’ve changed and that you recognize some errors in judgment you might have made. Many people find value in making amends, or at least in expressing to those they have hurt their regret in having done so. However, sometimes the other person is unwilling to forgive, or there is no way of making amends, and then one has simply to accept that the only person with whom to make amends is oneself.

One can do this by looking upon one’s past self as a person who had fear and who acted in unacceptable ways because of that fear. Then one can begin releasing that fear, and in doing so, one will begin to replace feelings of guilt with peace of mind.
 

Question: If you’ve had a good past, one that you’re proud of, doesn’t that count for something?

By all means, it counts for a great deal! Having had a “good” past allows you to build on your successes and accomplishments with greater belief in self. When a person can look back on her life and see how she has overcome difficulties, she then feels more capable in handling future difficulties that may come up. She is less inclined to have fear because she has found herself to be adequate (or much more than that) in her past dealings, and she therefore expects to be adequate in the future.

However, let’s say the person did not have many challenges in her past. Let’s say she was fortunate in having had things come easily to her. Then let’s say she finds herself in the middle of a big challenge—something new and unfamiliar. She may insert fear into the equation—fear of the unknown—and more importantly, fear of her ability to deal with the unknown. Then, if she doesn’t release that fear, and she does not have the result she was hoping for, she may begin to fear her own ability to deal with future problems. In this way, she may not benefit from her past in the way described above. She may think her past was just a fluke. So, you see, fear can enter the picture at any time, and having the skill to release it when needed is very beneficial no matter what one’s past has been.

The other comment I would like to make is that life is all about what you are able to do today. If one relies only on one’s past accomplishments to feel adequate today, one does not get the benefit of constantly renewing one’s belief in self. It is in living each day with a sense of value and purpose, and in meeting each challenge that presents itself, that one’s belief in self expands for personal benefit and for the benefit of others.

07-15-11

DON'T WAIT FOR YOUR LIFE TO BEGIN: IT'S HERE NOW
Too many of us are caught in a tangle of questioning about what the future holds. It’s a tangle because the future is not here (and never will be), and there is no way anyone can predict and know what the future will bring. Predictions cannot be made because the future is full of so many options. One can guess but that is all. Even the predictions of a “fortune teller” are open to the options that cause an outcome different from the predictions. If we live our lives constantly by only looking to the future, then we are losing the value of today. We are losing the value of our actions today if we are simply basing them on the future. Does this make sense?

Do you spend too much of your time waiting for your life to begin? Do you spend your time with thoughts of what if, what’s next, why hasn’t, or when will something happen? Instead you should be giving your attention to today. You should be giving yourself the gift of today, now, this minute, this second. No one else can do it for you. So much that is talked about and taught in the Gladys concept is about you. Everything in your life begins and ends with you. You are the one to make the decisions and the one to release your fear. You are the one that must decide if you even have fear and the one to decide if you are using your mind correctly. You are the one that creates your tomorrow.

Granted there are many people who influence your life or contribute good and bad to your living experience. There may be many people for whom you must take responsibility, such as your children or your elderly parents, and that responsibility affects decisions in your everyday living. However, you mustn’t let these responsibilities, or these people who contribute good and bad, affect your every moment so that you lose the value of today.

Perhaps it seems a strange concept to wait for your life to begin, though there are many people caught in that trap. They aren’t happy with today or they want something to change or want something better. Therefore, they spend too much time thinking about tomorrow, projecting themselves into the future. What they need to think about is today and the value in today.

So let’s look at what could be causing people to focus almost entirely on the future. If someone’s life is based in fear, living with a mind that is filled with fear, they are unable to look beyond that present fear. They are constantly trying to change things or not experience something or make decisions for the wrong reasons. They are constantly making the wrong decisions for right now, based upon having fear-filled thoughts. It is very difficult to almost impossible to look at the present when it contains feelings or situations we’d rather not have. So it may be easier to look to the future and try to forget about today. That doesn’t solve problems, though, does it?

To rid your mind of fear will allow you to insert peace of mind and belief in self. How does this help? It helps because you then begin to see every situation and every person differently, without fear. You will be using your mind correctly and you will search for answers and solve problems. As you live more and more of each day without fear in your mind, you then begin to enjoy the moment. You are happy today and you know that if you have problems tomorrow, you’ll be able to handle them and successfully solve them no matter what they are.

If you are truly happy and at peace today, you won’t then be awaiting your life to begin tomorrow or next week. You will know and enjoy that your living experience is here to enjoy and savor today.


Question: I’m wondering if I don’t think about the future how I will find things to look forward to?

I believe we are talking about two different things. In the above Conversation I am referring to losing the value in today because we discount today by only projecting our lives forward into the “what if’s” of tomorrow. We aren’t living today or in the now. We are living in the future, which is a fantasy, because no one knows the future or what it will bring. We are negating the value of today. Yes, we want to plan for the future and make decisions today that will be part of our future. But we mustn’t live only in the daydream of tomorrow. We have things to do, experience, and accomplish today, which allows us to create a tomorrow that is of value.  

Question: I like the thought of why am I waiting for my life to begin. It’s like I’m wasting my time in living today if I’m not at peace with today.

That is exactly what I’m talking about. We spend so much of our time each day thinking about tomorrow and what’s going to happen or what we are going to do. In this way we negate the value and benefit of living today. We fail to enjoy the adventure of today or even the situations of today. It’s like we aren’t paying attention now because our mind is on later. What we need to do is reign in our thoughts that scramble every which way. We need to stop the mind chatter of questioning and planning and fantasizing about our future. If we can do this, we will stop to smell the roses and see that today is a fantastic day in which to spend our life. We will consciously be part of the value of today and of this moment. What a joy we may be missing if we fail to experience the moment.

07-01-11

WHAT RELEASING FEAR CAN AND CANNOT DO
After reading the books or reviewing information on this website, many of you have been working diligently to release your fear. So, let’s look at this issue more closely now that you have some personal experience with the concept. First we’re going to look at what happens when fear is released. When a person asks or demands the release of fear with full intention that the fear go away, and with complete attention to the task of releasing, a miraculous thing happens. Within seconds or minutes, the mind absorbs the request/demand and takes the action of either mitigating or removing the message fear has already taken to the area of the brain that processes it.

It may be helpful to understand that when the brain perceives danger, the brain bypasses reason in order to jumpstart the body’s self-defense mechanism. This is what you’ve come to know as the fight or flight response. Your brain takes care of making the chemical changes needed to ready your body for the challenge to life or limb that the message of fear connotes. This response does not engage the thinking part of your mind because in a fight or flight situation, physical strength and stamina are needed, not wondering or thinking about what to do next.

Because your brain has not been trained to immediately evaluate the level or type of fear being experienced, it is simply trying to keep you alive, using the process that is has known since the times of the caveman. So, whether you fear being eaten by a lion or being without a job, your brain has been wired to respond in the same way. And, as most of you are learning, when fear is part of your thinking most of the time, your body is being stressed far beyond what it can tolerate to keep you in good health and of sound mind.

So, let’s go back to what releasing fear does. In effect, it says to your mind, “It’s okay. You don’t need to protect me from imminent danger. This is not a physical threat to my body, but rather a matter that requires thought and consideration. I’m going to need you to function effectively so I can deal with this upsetting situation.” In effect, what you are saying to your brain is that not all fear is life-threatening.

As human beings, you are, of course, evolving. So, what was appropriate for humankind centuries or even decades ago is not appropriate today in areas where actual threats to life and limb are rare. In other words, you don’t need your brain to immediately assume your life is threatened when in fact you’re dealing with a psychological issue. Fear has kicked in, not because of some actual threat or danger, but because you feel inadequate to deal with a situation you find yourself in, or you feel rejected by people important to you, and this creates fear in you. This type of fear does not go away or benefit from the fight or flight response. Instead, you need your reason and intuition working so that you can think effectively.

Now, I’ve said above that your brain has not been trained to immediately evaluate the situation, but in some cases it has. For example, in growing from a child to an adult, your brain has learned that certain things, which in a child’s mind are scary, in an adult’s mind are not. For example, as an adult you don’t fear fire unless it is posing a threat to you, but as a young child, anything hot generally creates fear so that children will learn to be careful and not burn themselves.

Still, growing to adulthood does not automatically eliminate fears learned in childhood. There are many, many things that have escaped the scrutiny of the adult mind and have simply stayed in the background the whole time a child was growing into an adult. These may or may not have been traumatic events in the child’s memory, though often they are. This is why you see adults still using behaviors they learned in childhood to cope with their fears of inadequacy and rejection in the present. For example, you may see adults demanding undue attention, discounting others by being judgmental and unforgiving, carrying around unending guilt, being martyrs, acting superior, blaming others for their own inadequacies, and so forth. There are endless ways people have developed to cope with their underlying fears, and the unfortunate thing is that they don’t realize they have fear. If they did, they might want to do something about it so they could experience more benefit in their lives.

Hopefully you now have a greater understanding of the need for releasing fear. By making the mind adjustment of releasing fear, one can begin to retrain the mind. As you might imagine, it takes some time to retrain a mind that has learned to accept fear as a normal part of life. This is why one might have to release fear many times before seeing a change in the way his/her mind works. And, even with releasing fear, there are those who have experienced such traumatic events that releasing fear is not enough. For example, those who have experienced post-traumatic stress from war, personal tragedy, natural disasters and so forth; people who were neglected or abused as children; people who witnessed horrible events or suffer from extreme anxiety or depression; often need psychological counseling in order to recover or at least live with some peace of mind. In such cases, releasing fear can help get one through the day (or get one to a therapist), but it is often not enough to counter the extreme fear that has entered the person’s psyche. It can still be a tool for the person to use, though, and it is certainly better than just believing nothing will help. Releasing fear helps everyone; it is just a question of degree.


Question: I've been without a job for several months now, and I’ve tried releasing fear, but I still don’t have a job. Why isn’t it working for me?

It would be helpful to understand that releasing fear does not take away all stress you might experience. If you’ve lost a job, a loved one, your health, your house, or any number of things, just releasing fear is not going to solve the problem you are facing. You still have your loss to deal with, or you still have your problem to solve, and those things can cause stress. The same goes for something less traumatic but still difficult, such as having too busy a schedule or not having enough income to meet your needs. Those things produce stress as well.

What releasing fear can do, though, is to minimize the stress by not adding fear to it. When you feel inadequate to deal with your situation, and you allow fear to enter the picture, you are then facing a much more intense level of stress. This, then, may negatively affect your health and well-being and may cause you to be ineffective in dealing with your problem. This is because fear keeps the mind from functioning effectively. Your mind really can’t think when fear is in control. Therefore, you’re more likely to make poor decisions and choices that then exacerbate an already difficult situation. Now you must deal with the consequences of your poor choices, along with the precipitating problem. So, you see, if you learn to recognize and release fear, you are so much better off as you face the challenges in your life. You become far more confident and gain belief in self each and every time you release fear.
 

Question:I have an addiction, and I’m finding releasing fear isn’t helping the way I thought it would. What am I doing wrong?

You are already one step ahead in realizing that you have an addiction. Perhaps your release of fear has allowed you to accept you have a problem. The next thing releasing fear can do for you is to allow you to take another step, which is to seek help. An addiction requires serious intervention or the addiction simply continues on its destructive path. My guess is that you have already had the thought numerous times that you should seek help. When you release fear, your mind will give you information on what to do next. Your mind is giving you the information; now you must act on it. Release your fear and seek out a center that specializes in your addiction. Then as you pursue your treatment, use the tool of releasing fear over and over again to maximize the benefits from the treatment. In this way you will regain your belief in self and be able to begin again to pursue a life of value.

06-15-11

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF SELF
It is not unusual to hear people say you should love your children unconditionally, and certainly this is true, but what about yourself? Maybe you were taught that to focus on yourself is inappropriate, selfish, or conceited. You may have been taught that others are more important than you, and so if you consider your own needs first, you might feel vaguely uncomfortable or guilty. What I would like to present is a different point of view.

Loving self unconditionally is accepting a gift from the universe or God. The creation of you was a gift—an opportunity to explore and express the uniqueness of you. So, what does this entail? you might ask. What am I supposed to do that I’m not doing? Why are you talking about this, Gladys?

Since many of you are asking these questions, here is what I’d like you to understand: Your focus is often so much on others that you exclude yourself from common courtesy, respect, and consideration. Many of you feel better when your focus is on others because then you feel worthwhile—you can feel as though you’re contributing something, such as helping your children grow and develop, helping a friend in need, helping the company you work for, helping serve the community, helping the world become a better place—all important and worthwhile things to be sure.

The opposite is also true in some cases. Some of you are not focused on others at all, but on yourselves entirely. To you, others are secondary to your needs for wealth, possessions, power, fame, influence, and control. To you, others are there only to help you acquire the above—in other words, they are pawns in helping you get what you want. Other people mean little or nothing to you.

Neither of the above examples truly addresses what I’m talking about here—self-love in its purest form. To love yourself is to give yourself consideration, respect, and love, not at the expense of others, but in celebration of yourself as a valued human and spiritual being. It means you would treat yourself at least as well as you would treat a close friend. It means you would withhold judgment of yourself as a “bad person” when you make a mistake, use poor judgment in making a choice, do something foolish, hurt someone unintentionally, look unattractive, or respond inappropriately. Just as you would forgive a friend, you would forgive yourself and move on.

Instead, what many people do is punish themselves for perceived mistakes or inadequacies. They make themselves sick or become careless and have accidents. They subconsciously create conditions under which they fail, or they ignore opportunities where they might experience personal rewards or success. They put themselves last or fail to consider their own wants and needs. They deny self and they hurt self. It’s not what they consciously want but what they willingly settle for—all this because of feelings of inadequacy or rejection—accompanied by another powerful emotion, which is fear.

Now, in fairness, if you see yourself as I’ve described above, it would help you to understand that it was not your fault that you developed fear of inadequacy or rejection. Having these fears usually begins at a young age, so it’s not as though you decided to be afraid and to begin a pattern of self-rejection. It just happened to many of you, and you didn’t realize it. You just accepted it as your fate, your karma, or your weakness. Then you developed a “survival pattern” so you could get by with your little secret of being unworthy. But, you see, once you understand this, you can change things—not what happened to you, but what happens to you.

Think of what it would mean to love self unconditionally. What if you saw yourself as a person who has had many experiences in life—some good and some not so good—but who has done the best he or she could? What if you saw the mistakes and inadequacies and accepted yourself with compassion anyway? What if you saw yourself as someone who meant well, who tried and sometimes failed, and who was simply trying to figure things out? What if you just embraced your whole self and the adventure you’ve been on? This is what you deserve and what you can now do for self.

Then to keep yourself focused on the present, which is the only place you can really make a difference, consider using the tools you’ve been learning on this website. You can release fear whenever you question yourself, and you can ask for your needs to be met. Just take these steps purposefully as a gift to yourself, and you’ll see how your life will change. As your mind begins to work more effectively (since it’s uncluttered by fear), you’ll see your abilities, talents, gifts, wants, desires, hopes, and dreams become more clear and more available to you. Then it will be up to you to acknowledge and use them wisely and to continue the adventure that life is, but with renewed belief in yourself.

Question: When you have children, you can’t just put your own needs first. I feel there is never any time to take care of myself. Does this mean I don’t love myself?

No, it does not mean you don’t love yourself, it simply means you are too busy with everyone else and you are not taking time for self. It is a matter of discipline or setting new patterns in your living experience. Yes, children take an enormous amount of a parent’s time. That is an undeniable fact of life when one takes on the commitment of being a parent. But then again in your living experience don’t you also need to have a commitment to self. If you don’t allow time for self, then you have less self to give to others. Either think of taking time for self as a discipline you need to insert or as a pattern of living you need to allow. Just as you allow time for the children, allow time for yourself. It can start as easily as allowing yourself five or ten minutes a day and then increasing to larger amounts of time or it can be small segments of time several times a day. The discipline comes in by just doing it. Time for yourself is not an added bonus to your day, it is an important part of functioning as a responsible adult. And that adult is one who knows the value of taking quality time to be considerate of their own needs in the course of their everyday experiences. It’s simply one facet or one segment of living a life of benefit and value for self and then for all others.  

Question: I was always taught it was selfish to put your own needs first. How can I stop feeling guilty every time I want to do something just for me?

You know sometimes you need to say to yourself, my training in the past had some flaws, I need to let go of my guilt derived from “my training.” And do that for self. Guilt has a place in living, but a very limited place. It often causes anguish and discomfort. If you’ve done something wrong and need to make amends then do so. Or apologize and then change your behavior. If you actually haven’t done anything except input “your training” then forgive yourself and get on with living a life of value. Guild does not have a place in putting your own needs first, unless you are harming someone else or yourself by doing so. Release your fear so that you don’t feel inadequate, which may be a part of “your training.” Release your fear and live your life making choices that are good for you and for all others with whom you come into contact.

06-01-11

FREEDOM AS SPIRITUAL EXPRESSION
As we contemplate yet another freedom that each person has, the present subject easily could be a freedom that many people have not had the privilege of experiencing. Spiritual freedom by some would be defined as religion freedom. But religion starts placing definitions upon spiritual belief. Religion becomes a discipline which is not an expression of spiritual freedom. For many the discipline of religion is what they seek and each person is free to make that choice. In this conversation I wish to tell you about the freedom of spiritual expression, not placing definitions or constraints upon your beliefs.

Each person has the right to seek their spiritual bliss. Perhaps you think bliss might be the ultimate once you open your thoughts to spiritual freedom. Yes, it might be a goal; nevertheless I’m going to suggest that it simply be your path. Each person within themselves has a spirit, a soul, a life energy. The core of the life energy is completely spiritual. Or let’s reverse this and start with the core of spirit and go outward into the body with the life energy. The life energy is encased in the physical body. The physical body has many parts and functions, one of which is the mind. There is a power in the mind that has as its source the life energy, which goes back to the core of spirit. So the human body is complete. However let’s go one step more and say that the core energy of life is the energy of love. Could we then contemplate defining spiritual as a totality of the energy of love? We all have had the experience of love, the feelings of euphoria and joy. Therefore we all can relate to the vastness and freedom one feels when experiencing love.

As one begins to seek their understanding of life and the meaning of that life, they start from this spiritual core of love. Do you see that I am saying to you that you already have spiritual bliss within your being, within your body? As one dispenses with the clutter that each person seems to collect along the path of their living experience, then their individual spiritual bliss opens to exposure. The Gladys Concept teaches how to rid oneself of the “clutter.” The tools that are given are based upon releasing fear. Fear is simply the clutter that keeps you from experiencing your spiritual bliss.

If each person works to release their fear and subsequently allow their mind to work with clarity, freedom of thought is a direct result. To have freedom of thought without fear allows one to experience their spiritual expression as it is meant to be, the pure energy of love.

Yes, love can experienced be for others, for our pets, for our country, and for materialistic objects for some. It doesn’t matter, as it gives you a basis for understanding the feeling. In spite of these “loves” I’ve mentioned, I would like to speak of love of self. This is not a selfish love. This is an open, accepting, self fulfilling, nurturing love. It allows one to totally accept oneself, complete with attributes and faults. It allows one to see oneself clearly. This in turn allows one to see others with clarity, again with their attributes and faults. It allows freedom to see and accept. There is no judging and measuring. There is acceptance. For when one accepts oneself as he/she is, then one accepts others.

This in itself may be your spiritual bliss: coming from a core of love, expanding that feeling outwards through your body, through your experiences and then living your life as a truly free individual.

Freedom such as this will allow you to do whatever it is you want to do, to experience whatever it is you want to experience. Freedom such as this allows you to live with peace, happiness, love and joy. Certainly this is a freedom worth searching out and a freedom that leads to spiritual bliss.


Question: Are you saying that spiritual has nothing to do with religion?

No, I’m not. I am saying that often under the structure of religion one loses spiritual freedom. I am saying that spiritual is within the individual. Spiritual is your core, your essence, your energy of love. Why not accept that and then build your life from that core outwards? It will allow you to experience life as a being that doesn’t hurt or harm self and doesn’t hurt of harm all others, a being that shows concern and compassion to self and others and a being that shows love and understanding. No matter if life presents problems and conflicts or peace and security, the being will be okay. The being, let’s say that is you, is able to understand and sort problems. You have the freedom to solve your problems or create more problems. However, if you are coming from your spiritual core, you will not wish to create more problems. You may even simply accept the problem, but you will be at peace with it. Religion may teach other methods of living your life. Religion may provide you with a structure that you need or desire. You have the freedom to accept the teachings of your religion or to question them. That is within your freedom of spiritual expression.  

Question: Spiritual expression is up to the individual, is that correct?

Yes, most assuredly so. One may never question spirituality or one may delve into it by studying spiritual guides, spiritual disciplines, religions and religious beliefs. Living in many parts of the world, one is allowed the spiritual freedom to explore, to change, to accept and to study. Though in other parts of the world, one has no choice and is not allowed to explore and investigate. This leaves a broad spectrum of choice or lack of choice for people. However, no one can dictate what is in a person’s mind. If one lives under oppression, the mind can be a beautiful thing and allow one to explore within oneself. The mind has the ability to give peace in the face of oppression that in itself is the freedom of spiritual expression.

05-15-11

HAVE AMERICAN POLITICIANS LOST THEIR WAY?
You are asking a question that many other people are asking. It is a time of much confusion among the general public, and even the politicians who are involved are uncertain of their positions in many cases. First let us discuss the impact of fear upon elected officials—the fear of not being reelected (fear of rejection) and the fear of not knowing what to do or how to lead at this difficult time (fear of inadequacy). Both fears are running rampant in Washington and in other parts of the world, as is understandable, because the challenges for leaders are extremely taxing at this time.

The effects of fear are that no one wants to be wrong; no one wants to lose; no one wants to be seen as weak; no one wants to give in or give up, even when to do so might result in more success overall. You can see the above fears at work, can’t you? Obama, quite amazingly, is not fearful but he is hampered in doing what he thinks is right. He is hampered because of the fears of others, even within his own party. They are afraid to trust him because of their own fears. Consequently, mistakes have been made, and those mistakes will have to be corrected at some point.

What will force a correction are many factors that can’t be discussed here until they occur. They have been set in motion by the desires, beliefs, and needs of people in the world. People are wanting their leaders to take responsibility for their decisions and actions. They want those leaders to be guided by the needs of their constituencies, not by personal greed or by selfish desires, and it is becoming apparent to most people that their leaders have failed them. Consider what is happening in the world at this time. There are waves of chaos exemplified by the tsunamis you just witnessed or experienced first hand. These are events not only of the physical world, but of the emotional, political, and personal realms as well. It’s not just the Japanese who have experienced tsunamis, though their losses and suffering have been enormous, but to a lesser but still significant degree, many other people throughout the world are experiencing tsunamis of a different sort. Of course this is adding to feelings of instability and fear as people work to accommodate or confront today’s challenges.

There are those who see Obama as having deserted them or as having caused some of the current chaos, but there are even more people who see how he has kept a cool head in the face of unprecedented simultaneous events in the world. Throughout the challenges, he has remained steadfast and relatively unfettered. Many who would take his place are secretly afraid that they could not handle the job, and in reality, they can’t, even those who have good intentions, as they lack the needed knowledge and skills of a Barack Obama. Because of being without fear, he will make judgments and decisions that will prove of value to people all over the world. You will see.

Now, it may feel as though there is nothing the average person can do to help what is going on. Yet, there is much each person can do, and each of you has the ability to take your steps. When possible, you can make your wishes known to your elected representatives. You can also keep yourself free of fear by demanding its release whenever you feel uncomfortable. You can ask for the release of fear of all those who could benefit from its release. You can send healing, comforting thoughts to all those who are suffering. You don’t even need to know who those people are. At the same time you can demand the corrections you want to see in the world, whether those corrections are to get rid of greed as a force in human society, or of torture, religious persecution, violence, or whatever it might be. Make your demands freely and earnestly.

Finally, join with others in discussing current events, and share what is on your mind. This will eliminate some of the feelings of powerlessness and futility that many of you are feeling. Talk about what you want to have happen, even when you have no idea how that might come about. Above all, keep your peace of mind by eliminating any fear that comes into your mind. Remaining fear-free is the best thing you can do for self during this difficult time.


Question:all of this political maneuvering have to happen in the US Congress?

Absolutely not! There will come a time when people will make vast personal changes and accept that they have responsibilities in the world to themselves and to all others. There will come a time when people will accept the responsibility of integrity and compassion. There will come a time when people will know beyond any doubt that equality in the world of humankind is what is valuable and of benefit to everyone. I know you are thinking well, then when? That time is not in such a distant future. That time is nearer than most people can comprehend. We have seen vast changes in the world geopolitically. Countries have split such as the Soviet Union, conversely countries have joined as in East and West Germany. Leadership in countries has changed such as the present situations in the Arab world. The people of the world are going to a place that is difficult to fathom, but when you think of some of the magnificent “overnight” changes, then you’ll understand that all is possible. And the most valuable thing for you to contribute is to live a life without fear and to extend fear-less-ness to all others.


 

Question:Using the US again as a focal point, why are people so fiercely opposed to the greater good within the American system?

That is a huge question, easily worth a book! Each person contributes what he believes or thinks right. Each person however may come from a place of fear in their minds. That is where the problems lie. If someone is fiercely opposed to say paying an equitable tax, then that someone is guarding their own money fiercely. It becomes a “Don’t touch my money” kind of thing no matter how much the person has. There is the factor of greed. There is the factor of selfishness. There is the factor of lack of trust and compassion. The person who is fiercely guarding their own wealth is a person who is consumed by the wrong feelings. Fear is at the base of it. Fear of not having enough. Fear of being inadequate. Fear of the future. One could define fear in numerous ways. Whereas, if a person lives without fear and therefore with belief and compassion; with love and understanding, then you’ll find a person who is willing to pay their fair share because they know all will be well. They will always have enough; they will always be adequate.

If you have elected officials that ran for office (or perhaps changed while in office) because they wished for power, money, prestige, privileges or they were bought by lobbying corporations or groups, then you have officials who will fight for what they believe will allow them to keep all that they personally desire. You will have officials that make every decision based upon fear. This is exactly where the problems in Washington lie.

05-1-11

FREEDOM AS POLITICAL EXPRESSION
We continue with yet another freedom that is one of important concern as the politics of the world seem to erupt from one country to another. Do you spend time contemplating your political beliefs, opinions and principles? Many people do and then there are some who never give it a thought. Freedom as a political expression is of prime importance with most people at the present. People are protesting, fighting and demanding their political freedom from tyrants, dictators, regimes and even doing the same in democratic societies where wrong seems to have overcome right.

What is right? Are you right, and are your friends right? Is everyone else wrong? In expressing your political freedom ask yourself what is of utmost importance to you? Do you look only after yourself or do you feel responsible for others also? Do you become overwhelmed with the political posturing of elected officials and those in power? So what is one to do?

First, rejoice if you live in a country that enjoys the rights of political expression. Rejoice and enjoy the freedoms you have. What next? Well, to those who are not experiencing freedom, send loving energy in the form of releasing fear for all people who do not at this point in time have freedom, for they are striving, working, protesting and fighting for that right. Think of how many countries are in upheaval. Why is this happening now, seemingly all over the world? The answer is this: the energy is right, for enough people have come together with like minds to raise their voices in protest. The needs and desires of all people have been heard and corrections are taking place. Wouldn't it be wonderful if fighting and death did not have to occur in order to make changes? That too will come to an end. Perhaps not tomorrow or next year, but the energy of change for the betterment of all humankind cannot be stopped.

That is what the current situations in the world today are all about. We know how each of us can do our part to continue changing. First, we look within ourselves and accept that we truly need or desire change. We desire all people to have safe water, good health care, a roof over their heads and freedom of political expression. We desire for all people to experience a quality of life that allows families to stay together and live in harmony.

Political expression is in the form of formulating views, opinions and beliefs. Then taking those qualities into a real political system where each person has the right of expression and has the right to cast a ballot that supports their belief.

I’m sure you know that I will now take it back to the individual. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to all others to speak the truth, to stand upon our convictions and to see change occur. If no change is needed, then that is good. If change is needed and is the desire within enough people then change will happen.

When you hear others who do not agree with your point of view, listen to them and acknowledge that they have the right to their expression and to their opinion. If they are not, however, looking out for the good of all people then they may not be correct in their thinking. What then do you do? You engage them in conversation and/or you release their fear. Fear is at the basis of their thinking if they do not feel compassion and cooperation for and with others.

Fear is at the core of avarice and selfishness. Greed and power are not the by-words for today. Finding sensible solutions and working in a united effort are the by-words. The more you send these messages out into the universe, the stronger and stronger these desires become. Release your fear when you find that you are upset over political happenings. Release your fear and demand peace of mind and then go about your work. Send energy into the universe for solutions to the problems of today, in this way they will lessen and lessen tomorrow.

Exert your freedom of political expression by seeking solutions for the betterment of all people.


Question: Is it possible to find peace on earth, when countrymen that are in “revolt” right now in the world have chosen fighting? By violence aren’t we propagating violence?

How long have you lived and heard the expression “peace on earth?” How long have you lived and not understood what peace is or actually experienced peace? How long have you lived in a world that erupts into violence seemingly more and more? Yes, during your life time, no matter how long you’ve lived, you would have been exposed to the news of violence and destruction in countless countries and you may have experienced it yourself.

The upheavals in the world today are happening for a reason and it is because people all over the world are expressing their right to political freedom. This nevertheless does not make violence right. But we have to take into consideration that this is all that so many people know. Violence has been inbred into our cultures. The notion that violence must stop and that peaceful solutions are the right way to settle disputes is what is right. It will take time for this reversal to happen. Don’t lose hope, faith and belief that this will be the way in the future. When many regimes that are currently under siege are changed, then the new leadership will work to make positive changes especially if the new form of government allows for the freedom of political expression. This is the desire of the people and that desire is being heard all over the world and in the universe. This is the message going around. To live a peaceful existence is the desire of enough people that these thoughts will then become inbred into their thinking. There have already been a few success stories of peaceful leadership change. Don’t lose your belief. Release fear and be a part of those changes.
 

Question: I live in the US and am lucky enough to have not had direct experience with violence centered around political freedom. I know I am fortunate, so when I hear of the abuse and massacre, the pain and misery of people directly involved in political uprisings, I become very depressed. How does one cope with working to understand what is happening, staying well informed and yet not get depressed?

Almost every person wishes the best for themselves and for all others. And almost every person desires to show compassion and empathy for those who haven’t had the opportunity to live in a country that enjoys freedom from tyranny. Obviously you are one of those people. There are many things that can become upsetting and unsettling when you stay well informed on political subjects as well as natural disasters and, let’s be honest, economics of the world today.

It isn’t the best choice to put your head in the sand and ignore what is happening. The best choice for every person is to be informed, immediately respond to upsetting news by releasing your fear and releasing the fear of those involved. This, in itself is making a correction. It takes fear away from your mind and the mind of those involved. Yes, you may need to again release fear, but as you get in the habit of this your mind and the minds of others are released from the depression, the anger, hate and violence pertaining to the situation. In this way you are creating positive thoughts. I’ve used the example before: think of the story of how far the movement created by a butterfly’s wings expands around the world. This is how positive fearless thoughts expand. And through this expansion you are making a positive difference all around you. It will definitely relieve you of your depression and if it returns, again release your fear and demand peace of mind for yourself and all others. Move your butterfly wings. Make a ripple that will become a wave of energy helping yourself and others.

04-15-11

FREEDOM AS PERSONAL EXPRESSION
In many parts of the world today, people are demanding freedom after years of living under a dictator. It is so important to many of them that they are giving up their lives for the cause. The word “freedom” has many different contexts and meanings, and we will be addressing “Freedom as Political Expression” in another Conversation, as well as “Freedom as Spiritual Expression” in still another. For today, though, let’s look at the nature of freedom from a personal perspective.

Within each of you is the desire for freedom. If you question this, just look at your average two-year old. Is there any doubt that children of an early age are already testing and challenging adult authority because they wish to make choices of their own? Wanting to make choices is only natural because human beings come equipped to use their minds in multiple ways.

Your brains have been evolving to greater and greater capacities as the needs of humankind have grown and changed. When there has been the need for an invention, let’s say, someone or several people have come up with an idea. Human needs have provided the seeds for creativity and invention, whether those needs were for basics, such as food, water, and shelter, or for things to make life more interesting, beautiful, and enjoyable.

As each of you in your human form lives out your life on this earth, you are given countless opportunities to shape your life. This is true even for those of you who have been victims of poverty, disease, and oppression. There have been challenges, and there have been your responses to those challenges. There have been choices to be made each and every day, and those choices have helped to create your existence as you know it. Now, I am not saying it was your fault if you were a victim, or that it was your fault if your mother was a drug addict or your father a criminal. But, even in the worst of circumstances, I am saying there were matters of choice for you in how you responded to whatever situations you faced. Perhaps your choice was all about survival, and you survived in whatever way you could. Thus, you made your choices, and in doing so, you exercised your freedom.

This is important to understand because many people associate the word “freedom” with happiness or success. And, it’s true that people can feel a degree of joy even in facing dire circumstances if they perceive they are exercising their own free will. But, freedom alone can also result in feelings of panic and uncertainty. This is because of the responsibility that comes with being free. If you make a choice that helps you but hurts others, there is guilt to deal with. If you demand freedom, and you then don’t know what to do with your freedom, there is doubt to deal with. If you exercise your freedom and make a bad choice, there are the consequences to deal with. So, you see, demanding freedom isn’t enough. Demanding freedom from fear is what will be of most benefit to you and everyone else.

Why is this? Within every thought that contains fear are the seeds to do harm—to yourself, to your family, to your community, to your country, and to your world. This is because fear does not breed good choices. Fear causes people to make choices based on anger, jealousy, hatred, revenge, doubt, guilt, shame, and other negative emotions. Then with that fear as the basis of people’s choices and decisions, many mistakes are made that make matters worse. Then new decisions have to be made to try to correct all the bad ones, and so on. You can see how such scenarios could lead to personal struggles, family conflicts, community shouting matches, shootings at political rallies, and even wars.

Still, freedom is vital to every person’s growth and development. So, what do you wish your personal expression of freedom to be? If you wish it to lead to a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and joy, then your best option is to demand freedom from fear so that every choice you make is your best possible response to the situation at hand, whether that is a difficulty to be overcome, or an opportunity to be embraced.


Question: I am a very responsible person who takes my job seriously, but I work with other people who show no consideration for others, and who do things they shouldn’t. Their only worry is in getting caught. I know they have freedom too, but what if it affects me?

You’re correct that others have the same freedom to make their choices as you do, and sometimes their choices offend you or may even do harm to you and others. In such cases, if you are in a position to influence them, you can try to do so. You can try reasoning with them or stating how their behavior affects you. You can inform authorities if the harm they are doing is of concern. You are the one who can choose your response—this is part of your exercise of freedom. Also, knowing that their bad behavior is fear-based can give you another option. You can ask for the release of their fear each time you think about their offending behavior. This gives them a chance to experience a few moments without fear—sometimes enough time to consider a better choice of action. And, in doing this for them, you are extending positive thoughts toward them that can replace the anger or resentment in your mind, thereby making your life around them more palatable.  

Question: I don’t see how we can all live together if we put our own personal freedom above the needs of the group. Hasn’t that been part of the problem in the world? Aren’t people inherently selfish?

This is an excellent question and one that calls into question one’s personal views about human nature. I will tell you from my spiritual perspective how I see human nature. In spite of what appears to be the case in many areas of human experience, the nature of human beings is not to be selfish. When human beings allow their minds to be free of fear, their needs mesh with the needs of society and there is no conflict. When fear is present in people’s thoughts, however, a feeling of having to protect self comes into play because there is no trust. Fear breeds distrust, which breeds conflict, which breeds more distrust and so on. The selfishness this engenders is simply a response to feeling you have to look out for self because no one else is looking out for you.

As more and more people in the world begin to experience what life is like without fear, they will discover the joy that comes from knowing that others will exercise mutual consideration in making their choices each day. This doesn’t mean that there will be no individuality, just that individuals will exercise their individuality in a way that does not interfere with or threaten others.

04-01-11

MANAGING MENTAL OVERLOAD
For just a moment, I would like you to picture this scene: You are driving your car to work, and you are not focused on anything in particular, when you suddenly realize that you are coming into a blanket of fog. At first you can see a ways into the fog, so you’re not too alarmed, but within seconds, you suddenly realize the fog has thickened and you can’t see anything. For just a second, you panic, wondering if you can safely pull to the side of the road. Then you get just enough clarity that you can see the shoulder, and you pull well off the road and come to a complete stop. You exhale deeply, realizing you’ve just avoided what could have been a very serious accident. You decide to simply wait for things to clear up enough to drive on, but you continue to feel a vague anxiety, wondering if you’re indeed safe where you are.

The above scenario is rare in physical terms but increasingly common in mental/emotional terms. Allow me to explain. Many people on earth at this time are experiencing a kind of information overload--from the Internet, TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and so forth. Perhaps they now have access to more information than ever before in their lives. This information is full of uncertainty regarding conditions in the world, such as what is happening in the Middle East, in Japan and other areas that have experienced horrendous earthquakes and tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, dangerous and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions, fires, and the like.

On another level, countries have had to deal with rising gasoline prices and food shortages, not to mention the financial cutbacks being discussed and implemented in many parts of the world. Almost daily we hear of people challenging their governments at all levels, and while this can feel empowering, it can also feel threatening as real dangers to people’s ways of life come to the forefront. Strikes and demonstrations are now commonplace, as well as viewing people’s personal tragedies. In addition, people once trusted by many others are proving to be untrustworthy, adding to people’s feelings of betrayal and distrust.

If we return to the example of the person in the car who felt the fog coming on moment by moment, we can begin to understand what happens to the human mind when the outside world seems overwhelming and unmanageable. Just as the fog can bring one to a standstill, so can fear in the human mind. Fear clouds one’s judgment and does not allow a person to “see” how to respond without fear. Therefore fear itself imposes severe restrictions to finding acceptable solutions, or even peace of mind in the face of difficult circumstances.

The result is that people’s minds, often unintentionally giving into fear, are being taxed and taunted in new ways almost daily. How does this affect each of you personally? Many of you are feeling wary and worried in vague or specific ways, depending on what is going on within your own lives. It is as though decisions are too difficult to make, and even choices as simple as what to wear or what to eat may seem daunting. You may find you’re afraid of making mistakes or of taking any risks. You may feel as though it’s not worth pursuing a plan or a dream because it may be shattered. You may feel as though nothing is right with you and nothing is right with the world. You may wonder if you will ever feel positive again, especially if your usual coping mechanisms don’t seem to be working for you, and diversions such as TV, food, sex, or whatever, just leave you feeling unsatisfied and unsure of yourself.

If these symptoms describe your situation, you may be experiencing a kind of mental overload. It’s as though your mind just can’t take any more, and perhaps all you want to do is sleep or rest (though even that is not working for many of you.) You want a break. You want to trust people and have that trust justified. You want to be able to count on someone or something without being disappointed or disillusioned. Most of all you want to be able to count on yourself, but you may even lack the energy for that (especially if to do so, requires that you confront an uncomfortable truth). You may feel as though nothing is “worth it.”

So, the question is what to do about this malaise or worry. How can you lift the fog that’s overtaken your mind? First you must understand that the underlying fear here is one of inadequacy. Anytime people feel powerless, there is the chance that fear can take hold of their thoughts. It doesn’t always happen, as when one sits back and lets the authorities handle a situation they are trained to do. For example, if there’s a fire, one seldom feels responsible to do the job of a firefighter unless that is one’s profession. Often now, though, people feel helpless in the face of their own or other people’s suffering, and they wish there was something they could do to help.

If you find yourself in this situation, the way to help both yourself and someone else is to first let go of that fear of inadequacy. Just as the driver in the above example had to finally pull to the side of the road to regain a sense of control, you can regain a sense of control by making a mental adjustment anytime you feel overwhelmed. Lift the fog of your own thinking by saying to yourself, “I don’t want or need this fear! It’s a burden I no longer wish to carry around.” Then if you want to help others, say, “Also release the fears of everyone else, and fill their needs.” In this way you are extending your thoughts to others in need. If only for a moment, you are offering assistance mentally, and in the process, you are lessening your own feelings of powerlessness. Do these simple mental adjustments whenever you become aware of the “fog” or simply of a feeling of being overwhelmed, and in that way you can clear your mind. Try these adjustments for a few days and see if you feel better about life and your part in it. You might be quite surprised.



Question: I feel so desperately sad about the state of the world. Is this actually fear, or is my sadness justified?

Certainly there are reasons to be sad, and yes, you are justified, no matter what your feelings are. Yet, if pervasive sadness is what you feel (or pervasive anger, hate, or guilt), then fear is probably involved, and you should let the fear go. Sometimes when people assume too much responsibility for the welfare of others, there can be fear involved, as if their personal suffering somehow relieves the guilt of witnessing the misfortunes of others. If you are not causing the suffering of another, there is no reason for guilt. So, look at your own feelings and emotions, and if inappropriate, make your mental corrections to release the fear and ask that the needs of others be met.  

Question: Is there any way to watch the news or at least stay informed without getting depressed these days?

Once you have made your mental adjustments and corrections as described above (releasing your fear and asking for others’ fears to be released, and then asking for your and their needs to be met), you will find that you either are moved to take some sort of action to address your concerns, or you are able to find your peace with the way things are. This doesn’t mean that you condone or are pleased with the status quo, but that you see your limited role and responsibility, and you know of no further steps you can take at this time. This applies whether or not you choose to watch the news or read the papers. Some people have adopted a certain detachment to the news in order to keep from letting fear develop in their thoughts. The main thing is letting the fear go as you become aware of it, and this should keep the “depression” from developing.

03-15-11

THE POWER OF THOUGHT
Have you ever thought about how much time you spend simply trying to figure out your feelings? You ponder them. You discuss them with others. You dwell on them. You analyze them. Do you sometimes feel as if you are at war within yourself? Does this sound familiar? Perhaps your deepest stress is caused by these internal feelings. Perhaps it would help you to understand that these feelings can usually be reduced quite simply to feelings of inadequacy and rejection. When you have these feelings, then you need to realize that you are experiencing fear.

What about trying something different to stop that war within you? All you need to calm those feelings is already in you. It is in the power of your mind. No one else is in charge of your mind. You can be told what to do or think, but you are the one who is really in charge. You have an option on what to do or think. So stop right now and release your fear. Use the power that is in your mind to calm yourself, to accept yourself, and to love yourself.

I have presented for years the concept of fear and the simple declaration of “release my fear.” Instead of participating in mind games and mind conversations that dig you deeper into the fears of inadequacy and rejection, stop your thoughts. Remember I’ve just reminded you that you are in charge of your mind; therefore, you are in charge of all your thoughts. Your mind is not in charge of you. Say to your mind, “release my fear.” Feel the relief that flows through your body. Even if it is only momentary, you have made a correction. If the plaguing thoughts return, then demand that your mind be released of fear. Demand that of yourself. It may take a bit of time to train your mind to have peaceful, loving, and compassionate thoughts for yourself, but you can do it. No one else can do it for you. It is up to you.

Why do I present this concept? It is because “releasing your fear” is a tool for your mind that works. It is a way of immediately making a correction to your thought patterns. And, with the added bonus of the “new energy,” you have a perfect opportunity to be successful in releasing your fear. (Refer back to the Conversation posted on this website on 2-15-11 for expanding this information). The new energy has a power, and when you direct that power toward releasing your fear, absolutely believing it will work, then you expand your mind’s possibilities of living without fear.


Question: It seems to me we stay in a tangle of fear in spite of what we want to do. Is this true?

You certainly have an option of looking at it like that. Nevertheless, it isn’t your best option. Referring back to the explanation I’ve given of the power that a thought can have, your best possible choice is to let go of that thought. Do just that, let it go. Say: “I’ve had enough of that type of thinking. I want to change my thoughts.” And then give yourself the freedom to do what you want. Release your fear. Expect it to work. Believe that it will work. Put the power of those thoughts into your mind and therefore into the universe. I have said that other people picking up on the thoughts you are projecting will add power to your wants and desires, and it will add power to their wants and desires as well.

The new energy is a wonderful opportunity the people of earth have been given to make sincere and lasting changes for themselves and for all others. Be a participant, not an observer.
 

Question: I’m in love with this thought of the power in our minds, though isn’t it really energy you are speaking of?

That’s a very good point. First, I like the fact that you’ve said you are “in love with this thought.” That says to me that you are experiencing love of self. Did you realize that that is the most precious love you can experience? That means you are accepting of self. Congratulations! Project that thought out into the universe and join your thought with others. More and more mind powers will join you in the thought. And yes, you are correct that the power of which I speak is an energy. It is a fantastic energy that surges forth and creates and creates and creates more energy. So use the power and the energy to project beneficial thoughts to yourself and then outwards to others.

03-01-11

EXPANDING POSITIVE ENERGY
One seems bound to have feelings of despair and concern with the continuation of so many bad things happening in the world today. However, one must realize that much of this is the way the world has been for centuries. A huge difference today, though, is due to the technology that allows opportunities for immediate reporting and sharing of survival or hardships on the Internet, Twitter, and the like. I’ve said before that all of these world “situations” sound dire.

Nevertheless, to stay with negative feelings is not making things better, is it? Most of the things you can think of that are happening are beyond your control, aren’t they? So what is the average man/woman on the street supposed to do in the face of all of this? You may think that there is nothing you can do. Financial institutions continue with their greed-filled policies. The weather seems to take its toll. Groups continue with their fighting.

What you must do is reduce all of this to the level of self.

If all people took it upon themselves to make changes within their own lives to rid themselves of fear, then they would have a different presence to present to the world. They would have a different presence to present to all others. They would look at themselves in a different light, and yes, they would look at others in a different way.

If you are living without fear in your mind, then you are able to use your mind correctly. You are able to understand more fully what is happening to you and others. On the other hand, if you seek control, you will realize that control will always evade you. It is better to seek peace of mind as that is the best possible gift you can give to yourself. Without fear, and with experiencing peace of mind, you will find that you are able to expand with a positive energy that will benefit everyone. You will reduce your stress and worry. You will send positive energy into the world that is in the process of experiencing the new energy, thereby quickening the changes that are needed.

If you use your mind to control, then you are limiting your mind’s power. If you seek the best possible solution for yourself and for all people, then you are expanding energy. Which would you rather be a part of? Where would you like to place your energy?

Try a simple exercise. First think of something or someone you love, or of a wonderful fulfilling experience you may have had. Do you realize that feelings such as these allow your body to fill up and send out beneficial and positive energy within and without? Does your chest open up? Does a smile appear on your face? Do your shoulders drop down away from a raised and stiff position close to your neck? Now do this. Think of something personal or of something that is happening in the world that is really harmful and detrimental. Take in that thought and concentrate on it. Feel your body cave in, your shoulders hunch, your chest tighten. The energy contained in these thoughts full of worry and concern concentrate inwards into your body, into your heart, creating a constriction.

This is a graphic example of how energy works. If everyone is going around with their thoughts of destruction and harm, then energy is closed. It is held within. Conversely, if everyone were living with thoughts of love and compassion, with feelings of belief and trust, the energy of those feelings would radiate into the world and the universe.

Therefore, the personal choices you make each moment of the day are affecting you, those close to you, and beyond into the total population, into universal thought. If you immediately react to something adverse that has happened to you by releasing your fear and the fear of anyone else involved; if you immediately send a release of fear to all of the people involved in making governmental decisions that affect the population; if you immediately release the fear of someone in the media speaking untruths or prejudices, then and only then are you helping and assisting in creating positive energy that will make a difference. It doesn’t matter what’s happening; what matters is how we relate to it, how we deal with it, and how we get on in spite of it. What matters is if we are able to do away with fear-filled thoughts, and thereby expand positive energy into the situation.

The power of the mind is unfathomable. It is endless and it is limitless. So use the power within your own mine to add beneficial thoughts for all. Include yourself and include the universe. See what that power can do.


Question:I have had the feeling when I’ve passed a highway accident that I should do something for the people involved. However, I don’t stop I just keep on driving. Is there anything I can do mentally?

Yes, of course there is. If you release your fear because you are experiencing a fright over the suddenness of what happened, you will have set your mind for helping those involved. If your next thought is one of sending love and healing and the release of fear to everyone involved, you will have made the most beneficial impact possible. Now, if you are medically trained and wish to physically assist in the accident, your immediate reaction may be one of action. However, the mind plays a huge part in what you are experiencing. If you release fear and send out those thoughts in the midst of action, or if you simply drive past to get out of the way of emergency assistance, you will have been of benefit to all of the people, the victims, and the emergency response people.  

Question: I’m wondering if I actually have an effect on anything in the world today if I stop my worry and release everyone’s fear. Does it need to be one person at a time, starting with me?

: It is always of benefit to start with yourself first because if you insert a release of your own fear, you will have cleared your mind to send a pure energy out to all others. Yes, you could say one person after another after another, but that could be limiting. It is better for you to send benefit to everyone involved by releasing everyone’s fears. Perhaps you can’t name all of the people individually, so to say everyone involved is an excellent way of creating benefit for all.

02-15-11

OLD AND NEW ENERGY
If you’ve been following past Conversations, you’ve no doubt heard references to old and new energies. At this time I would like to expand upon the significance of these energies and invite you to make use of a power you may not have believed you possess.

What is the “old energy” to which I’ve referred on this website? It is an energy that is mired in the past. Although in and of itself, it was just energy for people to use, the way it has been used by humankind has had mostly negative consequences. It has become an energy of conflict, guilt, anger and revenge, of jealousy, greed, hate, and destruction. The destruction may refer to literal loss of property and/or human life, or it may refer to the destruction of joy and peace of mind. It is an energy that grew in power as people assumed it was needed for survival, as people fought and scraped for the earth’s resources and treasures, for power, and sometimes for safety and security.

Today the world is a “smaller” place. Because of advances in technology and communication, and the growing interdependence of people upon one another, the old energy is particularly destructive. This is because the world has truly become a place where in order for all to survive, cooperation is needed. Mutual trust is needed. Reliance on good intentions is needed, and the old energy of “every man for himself” just doesn’t work anymore, if it ever did. The Internet, especially with its power to connect people socially, has allowed more and more people to see the private lives of others and to understand their challenges and frustrations, as well as their triumphs and achievements. The Internet has given people a tool with which to find a sense of belonging to a human network. No longer does one have to feel isolated and alone, an island unto himself.

Can you see how a culture of war and conflict is in direct opposition to the way the world is supposed to evolve? If you think of your planet as a human body, you might see how each and every part of that body depends on every other part’s fulfilling its role to keep the body healthy. In the same way, each person on earth has a role to play in creating a safe and healthy environment in which humankind may live and thrive. If you care to look, you’ll see the universe has given you many microcosms to help you understand the macrocosms that exist on your earth and beyond. Many of you have already discovered countless examples of this, and you’ll continue to see more and more of them.

You were meant to live in peace on this earth. This is why you seek it. This is why every holiday you ask for it, and why many of you are filled with longing during the year. This is why you may become overcome with emotion in wanting it so badly and fearing it will never come. Think of it: peace on earth. How will it come about?

It will come about from the desires, needs, and wishes of humankind. Because many of you have wanted this so much and have asked so fervently, an energy has evolved that addresses your needs and desires. This is the “new energy” of which I’ve spoken. The new energy is powerful and it is available right now to each and every one of you. How do you access it? You simply use your thoughts. In fact, you direct your thoughts to what you want and need. You ask and you expect to get what you ask for. Then you keep your thoughts on what you want to have happen. This focuses the new energy and puts it to work for you.

Thoughts can be your friends or your enemies. When you focus on the past, on what has brought you pain and disappointment, on what has hurt you or caused you grief, then the new energy will “energize” those experiences, making them even more intense and real in your life today. Especially if your thoughts contain fear, such as memories of when you made mistakes or were a victim of other’s choices and decisions—when you were inadequate or rejected—you will find those feelings intensified by the new energy. Now, this is not how you want to use the new energy, is it?

So, the key is in recognizing when you are going down the wrong path and then making a correction. Think of the new energy as a tool for you to use. Then use it for your benefit. Begin again to focus on what you want, on what you need and desire, then on what is good for the earth. This will allow the new energy to “energize” that which you want instead of that which you don’t want. The new energy is power for you to use, so your job is to determine how you want to use it.



Question: When you speak of energies, I get confused. How am I supposed to know whether I’m using new energy or old?

The key is in your own mind. If your mind is full of doubt, mistrust, feelings of inadequacy or rejection, or just plain negative emotions, then you’re being pulled into the old way of thinking—the old energy of fear. The thing is, the new energy is always working now, so it’s not really a question of whether you’re using the old or the new. It’s more a question of how you want to use the new energy. It’s power that you can direct, so make sure you are directing it to do what you want to have happen, not what you’re afraid might happen. You direct the new energy by focusing your thoughts.  

Question: More and more I am getting the feeling that our thoughts are more than just fleeting images and emotions. What are they, exactly?

Thoughts at times are just that—fleeting images and emotions. In those cases, thoughts, which may contain ideas, feelings, passions, reflections, notions, and so forth, are to be enjoyed and fully experienced. What I am trying to raise awareness of are patterns of thought, particularly negative patterns. To become a pattern, something must be thought over and over again. It is these patterns that hold power over you until you change them. This is because they create pathways in your brain that become entrenched. They then become not only mental or emotional, but also physical. This is how thoughts begin to affect how your mind and body function. They can create disease. By the same token, if used correctly, thoughts can heal. Amazing, isn’t it?

So, to counteract patterns of thought that are negative, one must assume responsibility for creating new pathways in the brain. Because brains respond to these new directives, one really can make a difference by changing one’s thoughts. I recommend first releasing fear (having the intention to release fear), and then putting in new thoughts that are beneficial. Making this correction frequently, if needed, will begin to create the new pathways you are seeking. This sounds like it might take forever (rewiring the brain, so to speak), but because of the power of the new energy, the time is reduced, and you will see results in terms of greater peace of mind soon after beginning this process. Isn’t it worth a little time and effort to create a new pattern of thinking that could greatly improve your quality of life?

02-01-11

ACCESSING UNIVERSAL KNOWLEDGE
In this year’s New Year’s Message, I said, “Each human being is a vital link to universal knowledge and understanding.” You may have wondered what this means. How can one, in fact, connect with universal knowledge? This can be done in different ways. For example, many of you pray according to your religious beliefs. You ask God for something, or you pray for someone in need. This is a way of accessing universal knowledge, though you may not have realized it. God is open to hearing from anyone, or to directing energy toward the object of your prayers, whether that be you or someone else.

However, it is not necessary to believe in a certain religious sect in order to converse with God. In spite of what some of you believe, God is not exclusive; in fact, God is inclusive. God accepts and loves everyone, unconditionally. This information may upset some of you who believe what you’ve been told, that only those who believe a certain way can find their way to God. Not so, my friends. I assure you this is not so. God is omnipresent; God is a part of you and you are a part of God, so why would God cast off one who is a part of God? The answer is, God wouldn’t.

Now, you might be wondering, must one believe in God to access universal knowledge? The answer is “no”. Perhaps you prefer to think of universal knowledge as something other than God. If in your mind the term God doesn’t fit, then don’t worry about the title. Call it whatever you like. The point is that if you are seeking a knowledge that is beyond the scope of what you consider human, then you’ll want to keep reading, as I will tell you all that is necessary to access universal knowledge.

The access you are seeking is through your own mind. Your mind is equipped to tap into the spiritual realm. In fact, your creativity is needed in the spiritual realm. Because you have a direct link to the universe or God, your wishes, desires, and needs are heard. So are your solutions. This means that if you have a creative idea as to how a problem can be solved, let’s say, the universe wants to hear it. You might have a passion, for example, for solving the world’s energy needs. You might be a scientist or just someone who cares deeply about the environment. So, maybe you’ve devoted many hours of study and thought to solving the energy needs of humankind. Perhaps you have a theory on how this can be done.

Here’s what’s exciting: your thoughts go out into the universe and others of similar interest pick up on those thoughts. Then your thoughts pick up on the thoughts of others, and together you work out a solution. Just your wanting a solution will spur the minds of others to work on one. And, someone or several people will come up with those solutions. This is because the human mind, when free of fear, not only has access to itself, but to the universal mind of humankind. This is like many minds together churning out solutions. In addition, there are the minds of all those who preceded you, whose knowledge and understandings expanded the mind of God (or the Universe) upon their death. In other words, everything one learns during one’s lifetime goes into a kind of bank that becomes part of universal knowledge. Everyone then has access to that knowledge through a need or desire to know. So, you see, your mind is limitless. Think of it—a mind that is limitless! What could people do with their minds if they realized their minds are limitless? Just imagine!

So, let’s bring this closer to home. Let’s say you need a job. How can universal knowledge help you? First you must establish a mindset that says you are as deserving of a job as the next person. This requires that you believe in yourself. What would keep you from believing in yourself? Well, it could be you were always told as a child that you were not deserving—that you were lacking in sufficient ability or that you were a bad person. You may have accepted that assessment of yourself and therefore, by accepting these beliefs as your own, today you may actually defeat yourself before you begin to hunt for a job. This is what I call fear-based thinking. So, first you must release the fear. Each and every time you think poorly of yourself, release your fear and insert belief in its place. Tell yourself that you are indeed deserving. Then act on your mind’s suggestions as they present themselves. This is a process that will guide you to open your mind to universal knowledge and understanding. All you have to do is to be persistent in your belief in self. That is the key.



Question: I feel I have a purpose for being here, but all I ever experience is the mundane world of everyday life. How do I find my purpose?

First, make use of this website to learn how to get rid of fear in your thoughts. Then begin listening to your mind. What creates passion for you? What matters to you in the world? What gets you excited about life? What creates joy for you? Then begin to make notes of each and every time something makes you feel emotional or gets your blood pumping. This is an indicator of something you feel strongly about, something you wish to impact through your own actions. Then see if there is something related to this interest that you can work on, even if it’s an avocation, rather than a vocation. You don’t have to be paid in order for something to qualify as your purpose in life. You just have to experience joy in doing it. When there is joy in doing a certain thing, you have found your purpose, and it need not be limited to just one thing. Perhaps many different things bring you joy. If so, all the better for you.  

Question: When you say “accessing universal knowledge”, do you mean hearing voices or doing automatic writing or something like that?

No, there doesn’t have to be anything magical about it, though sometimes the results are so amazing that you might think something magical has happened. Have you ever had a sudden burst of insight? Maybe you were trying to solve a problem and then when you went to take a shower, the answer suddenly came to you. Or, maybe you needed an answer to something, and you just happened to see a program on TV that told you what you should do. Or, perhaps you were pondering something and a chance meeting with a stranger gave you an idea. These are just a few examples of how universal knowledge can come to you. You have a need or desire, and before you know it, something opens a door to filling that need or desire. You just have to be open to it.

Many, many people are so accustomed to expecting their minds to give them the answers when they need them that they don’t even stop to wonder how the answers came to them. They just trust the information and know their minds will come through the next time there is a challenging situation or problem to solve.

This is the way your mind was designed to work. When it is free of fear, it operates in a fashion that is open to finding solutions, creating ideas, and seeing connections between things. If you allow this to happen, it will happen to you. Accessing universal knowledge is a natural human function. It’s always been that way and always will be.

01-01-11

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE
The end of a year and the beginning of a new year is a special time of reflection and anticipation. While it could be said it is simply a change from one day to the next, in essence it is quite different. The winter solstice has just been experienced as the year draws to a close. That in itself brings anticipation because the days begin to be longer as the sun moves in a new direction. Many people reflect on the good and the bad of the closing year, and many people look with anticipation to the year that is beginning. Perhaps beginning is a word, too, that needs more attention. To begin means to commence, to start, to open, to launch. With the end of 2010, it is time to embark upon a new era, for the years that comprise the second decade of the 21st century coincide with benefits of change being experienced.

Gladys is a spirit who brings information to the people on earth. Gladys was a person in living during the 20th century, and she saw and experienced much of the trauma and tumultuous happenings of the world of humankind from the Second World War onwards into the 1990s. She saw and heard and listened to the needs of the people. When she made her transition from living into the realms that comprise the afterlife of a human, it was found that she carried so much knowledge about the people in living that she became a spirit or vessel to carry information or messages from universal knowledge (the highest being or God, whatever you prefer as a label) back to humankind. Anyone in his/her living experience can converse with Gladys, the Spirit. And in the same way, anyone can converse with God, the highest being. Everyone has the ability to receive and benefit from the knowledge of the universe.

This explanation is given this year of all years because too often human beings forget that they are a direct source or line of information from the universe. Human beings forget that they have unique and exquisite knowledge and wisdom with which to conduct their lives. They forget that they have choices to make every moment of every day as to how they wish to think and how they wish to act. They have choices as to how they wish to relate to others and how they wish to interact with others. Each human being is a vital link to universal knowledge and understanding. And in being a vital link, each person then becomes a vital link to any and every other person with whom they come into contact.

Please bear with me as I continue with this progression. If each human being is a vital link to the universe and a vital link to all others, does it not stand to reason that each human is a part of every other human? And, each and all of these human beings are therefore links to or part of the universe of all wisdom and knowledge.

As one begins to understand the vitality of this link-up, then one begins to understand the energy that forms the links. Gladys has said for years and years that God, the highest being, the source of all universal knowledge, is the energy of pure love. As we begin to understand and accept the link-up that I have been describing, then we end where all begins: all of the universe is an energy of pure love. Sounds like utopia, doesn’t it?

If each human being, each person in living today, could accept that they are a source of the energy of pure love, think of the vastness of changes that would be experienced in the world as we know it. Think of the vastness of benefit and good that could happen.

If each person in living today, this first day of the year 2011, will accept that they are an energy of pure love, then all thoughts and actions would reflect that energy. All wishes and desires would center around that energy. All resulting happenings and situations would be interwoven with the energy of pure love.

This is not a pipe dream. This is to become reality. This is where the world as each of you knows it today is heading—to a place where all ultimate reality will be an experience of love. It can be now, the next minute, or the next day. Or, it can be ten years from now. It is a choice that the people on earth are being asked to make.

The easiest way to begin to experience the energy of pure love is to make sure that your mind does not contain fear. By using the simple tool of releasing fear, you are setting your thoughts to be fear-less thoughts. You are setting your mind to work correctly and to make the right choices for yourself and for all others with whom you come in contact.

For many years Gladys has channeled a message for the New Year. These messages have delivered reasons for hope and belief and trust to many, many people. These messages are given because of where the people are at that point in time. These messages are a “reading” on what people are thinking and hoping and desiring. So, if you have found messages in the past to be perhaps a bit too optimistic or like getting a good fortune told by someone peering into a crystal ball, then perhaps you should realize that these good things, these good possibilities come from the hearts and minds of the people. Gladys does not “make up” good things in order to make people feel good. Gladys gives a channeled message based upon the desires and needs of the people.

If 2011 is to be a year of experiencing the energy of pure love, then it remains up to the people who have the desire to experience pure love, to accept this gift given by the universe. From my “reading” of the hearts and minds of millions upon millions of individuals who comprise the groupings of the people of the world, this is the gift they have been seeking—this is what they want in their lives now.

Allow yourself to ponder these ideas. Then know you have a choice to either make them ideas you wish to experience as your reality, or you have a choice to stay in the past of a broken energy that is no longer relevant. It is entirely up to you.




 

12-15-10

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE
At this time of year one either feels the spirit of the season, or one tries to get into the “holiday spirit” and may even feel guilty if the “spirit” doesn’t appeal or attract. Am I right? One can force the holiday spirit and pretend, or one can truly embrace this time of year as a special time and enjoy participating with friends and family.

I’m sure one of the above statements describes your thoughts and feelings. Does it seem as if one doesn’t have a choice about the holiday spirit? One must play act and get into the swing of things, or one truly enjoys the season. Or, you may be someone who doesn’t have family members or a lot of friends, so you simply go about your business as you would any time of year.

Let’s look at why the “holiday season” even exists. It is a time of year that Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, and Jews experience Hanukkah. It can be a magical time of year with experiences of friendship, love, and merriment. Over the years traditions and celebrations have changed and evolved. Many people now feel that the holidays in general have produced so much commercialism that the reasons for the holiday season have been lost in a tangle of presents and parties.

You can make of this season what you want. You can participate to any extent that you want, and in doing so, you can be true to yourself. You can have your own celebration and commit to simply helping and serving others. It is a perfect time to work with a food bank to help people in need, especially during the winter months. It is the perfect time to share gifts with those who have little and are in need of clothing. It is a perfect time to talk with your family about the abundance that they may have and include your family in projects that touch others. It is a perfect time for reflection and contemplation on your desires and values.

This year the holiday season is marred by what is happening in the world; what is happening in your country or town, or in areas much farther away; what is happening with participants of war and terrorism; what is happening to victims; what is happening to people who have suffered economic setbacks; or what is happening to those close to you or to you, yourself. Is this not true of anytime of year? Yet many of these situations I’ve described seem to hit home much more deeply when we know from the past that the holiday season is supposed to be one of peace and calm, love and joy.

Why? Why? Why? You may find yourself asking this question over and over. Why are people seemingly consumed with greed? Why are the leaders and people in power in many countries failing the people? Perhaps you seek peace and calm and have made many changes in your life over the past year, five years, or even twenty years. You find yourself at a place in your life where you’ve always desired to be. You are experiencing the fruits of being one who has sought answers to life’s mysteries. Nevertheless, you find yourself immersed in the problems of the world or being a victim of others who lash out in anger. Perhaps you find yourself worried about family, friends, and community.

It takes all types of people to make up the world of humankind. It takes seekers and problem solvers; those who are still seeking, and those who have not begun. As you know in the Gladys Conversations, we often relate subjects and situations to the level of fear that people are experiencing. If you understand the concept of fear and have worked to release your fear, and consequently have better understood your feelings and emotions, then you are in the group I’ve described as finding your peace. However, if you are still seeking, or you have not begun, you may find yourself consumed with fear, or you may vacillate between having fear and not having fear.

What does fear do to you if you are experiencing fear? What is fear, anyway? We have written extensively about fear on these pages and on the website. But simply put: when one has fear in one’s mind, that person is feeling inadequate and may lash out at others. When one has fear in one’s mind, he or she is feeling rejected and unloved. We can do this to ourselves by our negative thoughts and criticisms of self, or we can subject others to our moods and anger, our outbursts and hatred.

All people have choices on how they wish to conduct their lives. Each person has a choice on how to act and react. It is much easier to live a life without fear in one’s mind. It is much easier on you and on all others with whom you come into contact to live without fear.

If you are not experiencing fear, then I believe you will experience this holiday season with an attitude of loving and helping others. If you are experiencing fear, I believe you will see this holiday season quite differently.

As an added incentive to rid yourself of fear, you might like to know of the special energy that is available to you at this time of year. Gladys in living used to give people the dates each year during which a balancing energy comes into play in the universe. It is always around the winter solstice, and it came into being because of the needs of people. The dates for this year are between December 5th and January 15th. What you can expect if you are working to be free of fear is that during this time you’re more at peace than usual, and your plans and desires are more likely to come true. If you’re full of fear, then you may find yourself more frustrated, angry, and unhappy than usual. Whatever your thoughts during this time, the energy of those thoughts is magnified by this special energy.

Why not give yourself a holiday gift in the form of releasing your fear, and see what transpires? You may be quite surprised and pleased with yourself. You’ll think Santa paid you a personal visit.




QUESTION: Gladys, I just don’t get the drift of relating experiencing fear to how I celebrate this season. Could you be more specific?

Let me give you some examples. When you have fear, then everything you look into or every situation with which you come in contact will be “tainted” by fear. It is difficult to see the happiness of others when you are experiencing fear in your mind. It may be that one or two members of your family are happily planning family events and activities for the season, and you are sitting there feeling the part of the Grinch. Does that sound familiar? You may wish they would all just go away. So ask yourself: how are you really feeling? Are you angry? By being withdrawn you may be feeling inadequate to match their enthusiasm, or rejected that you really aren’t included. Both of these feelings tell you that you have fear in your mind. By releasing your fear, you will “let up” on yourself first. Then you will probably not feel the need to criticize or chastise the ones who are planning for a happy holiday.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the holiday season or the middle of January or July. If you are living without fear in your mind, you are open to experiences, and you are willing to enjoy creating experiences for yourself and your family. As I’ve said, it’s a much easier way to live your life.

 

QUESTION: Does everything relate back to fear?

Yes, I believe it does. If you experienced a childhood that involved rejection or a lack of love, you will find that your life is lived with fear in your mind. With that fear being present as you grow up and mature, fear will affect all of your relationships, your habits, your thoughts, your desires. Instead of openly embracing areas of growth and development, you may have found that you were a loner at school, or you bullied or were bullied. You may have found that having open communication with your family and friends was difficult, so you pulled back. All of these early experiences set the stage for your future life. At some point along the way, if you become aware of the concept of fear and you start releasing your fear, you will then be creating a space of freedom within your mind. With that freedom you will approach others, your work, and your pastimes with openness. All of these fear-less thoughts and activities will lead you to be able to experience living with love and joy in each moment.

12-01-10

MANAGING MIND CHATTER
What do you think of when you hear the term “mind chatter”? A conversation between you and yourself? Between you and your inner parent? Is it something over which you have control, or does it simply enter your mind in an undisciplined way, ready to take over your thoughts? Is it a negative influence or a source of entertainment? It can be both, you know. . .

Let’s look at what can be good about mind chatter before we look at what’s not so good. Mind chatter refers to your thoughts. Thoughts do flow in and out of your mind at all hours of the day and night. It’s impossible to look at all of them objectively, and if you tried to, you’d get nothing else done. Besides, your thoughts can be delightful at times, seeing the humor in things, seeing the joy in everyday happenings and experiences, interpreting new learning and understandings, and experiencing the love that comes your way from sources expected and unexpected. So, the message here is that a certain freedom of thought is of great benefit to your health and general well-being. It gives you your quality of life.

But, not all thoughts and inner conversations are beneficial. Often the kind of mind chatter that many of you experience is self-defeating—even difficult to endure. And endure is what many of you have trained your minds to do. It’s as though you’ve given up having any say over what your mind listens to and accepts. If your thoughts are angry ones, you say it’s this or that person’s fault. If your thoughts are hateful, you blame the subject of your hate. If your thoughts are depressing, you blame your genes or conditions beyond your control. If your thoughts are of being helpless or a victim, you blame God for abandoning you, or you look to others you see as responsible for your plight. Most people find it easier to blame others than to look squarely at themselves for the answers. Yet, self is where the answers lie.

I know what many of you are thinking: “But, Gladys, people truly are victims, and you can’t say there aren’t other people and situations that have caused them pain. What about the victims of earthquakes, tsunamis, or other natural disasters? What about people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own? What about people who are seriously ill or were mistreated and abused as children? What about people who have lost loved ones who meant the world to them? Many of us have experienced plenty of pain in our lives. Have you no empathy?”

Let me assure you that I do understand what you are saying. Yes, the world holds many victims, and you may be one of them. It is unfortunate, and in some cases tragic, what has happened to many people today and throughout human history. The ongoing wars and their consequences create many victims, as do natural and other types of disasters. There are criminals, child predators, and terrorists. There are people who do unconscionable things to their fellow human beings for reasons of greed, malice, or even indifference. And, yes, there are plenty of adults who just don’t know how to be good parents, teachers, or caretakers of children. These things are very sad, and the fear that such people and events have perpetrated in other people’s lives has been enormous.
The question is: Who is in a position to do something about the effects of the fear? Is it the perpetrators? Can they somehow take back the fear they’ve created in you? If you’re the victim of a natural or other disaster, can you look to someone else to take away your pain? If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one, can that person take away the fear that was created in you? Can a parent who created fear in her child take away the fear that is still felt by her adult child? No, it comes down to each individual person and what each person can do for self. And, this brings us back to the subject of mind chatter, because, you see, mind chatter presents a place of departure.

Mind chatter provides the information you need to see what you need to change. By examining the general drift of your mind chatter, you can determine if fear is present in your thoughts. If you become aware of a certain helplessness, of a prolonged sadness, of an angry state of mind, of a hateful or jealous tendency in your thoughts, or simply of a negative or unhappy state of mind, then you can see what fear has done to your peace of mind. And, the good news is that you are the one who can do something about it.

Reinstating peace of mind is the goal, and it is why I urge each of you to eliminate fear from your thoughts. How do you do that?
•First, you look for patterns within your everyday mind chatter.
•When you see a pattern of negativity in the form of anger, hatred, jealousy, excessive guilt, or self-doubt, accept that fear is in your thoughts.
•Consciously choose to let the fear go. Ask your mind to release your fear.
•Begin to ask your mind for answers. What should I do next? What would be of most benefit to me in this situation? You’re asking your mind to guide your actions when fear is not present.
•If negative thoughts return, demand that they leave. You no longer want to listen to them.
(Note: For much more help with this subject, please consider reading, Conversations with Self, which addresses these issues and more.)

What you will find when you begin to change your thinking patterns is that your quality of life improves, no matter what your past experience has been. So, even if you have been a victim your whole life, you can begin to see other possibilities for yourself once you have confronted the pattern of fear-filled thoughts. Now, I’m not saying this eliminates the need for therapy or that you would not benefit from pursuing a greater understanding of self, but I am saying you can improve the quality of your life by learning to recognize and release fear in your thoughts. You can exert a powerful influence over your mind chatter by making some consistent mind adjustments. Isn’t peace of mind and your health and general well-being worth exploring this subject?


QUESTION: I don’t understand how something as innocent as a thought has any power whatsoever. Can you give me some examples I can relate to?

What I wish for you to understand is that thought waves, for want of a better term, carry an energy that you do not see or hear, and yet this energy, like the wind, is quite powerful. Consider, for example, what happens when many people hold on to the same fear. Their fearful thoughts join with the thoughts of others to create an even greater energy. This is why “mob rule” is so powerful—because it extends from one person to the next and the next. Yes, words may be used to express the thoughts and incite hatred, but words would not have to be used to extend the energy. Just thinking the hate-filled thoughts could begin to create havoc in the minds of people who are open to such thinking.

Another example is more positive. Have you ever watched your child perform, and in doing so, have you sent positive thoughts to him as he is performing in the hope of helping him? If you have, then you have in actuality assisted your child through your belief in him and his ability. Other thoughts can generate healing and comfort for another. All you have to do is have the intention and desire to send a positive thought to another, and it is accomplished.
 

QUESTION: I really work at keeping my mind chatter positive. If I start to think something negative about another person, I try to stop the thought. Also, I use affirmations a lot, but they don’t seem to work as well as I’d like. What am I doing wrong?

Positive thoughts extend energy toward the person or subject in question and can be used for personal benefit, as well as for benefit toward one’s fellow human beings. But, those positive thoughts must first be cleansed of the emotion of fear. Otherwise, despite one’s good intentions, what is lurking underneath an outward demand for peace on earth, let’s say, is the belief that this is impossible and won’t happen. Of what value is saying an affirmation if one doesn’t believe it’s possible? This is true of personal affirmations as well as of the more altruistic sayings, such as asking for peace on earth. An affirmation for personal health, for abundance, for good will toward man, for an end to poverty, for whatever it might be, carries at its heart what is felt deeply, and if fear is at the heart of one’s experience, then little good can be done by that affirmation.

My suggestion is to first release fear before making any affirmation, and to keep releasing fear when doubts or disappointments occur. Before long you will begin to see that your affirmations carry a belief that you didn’t have before, and you’ll soon realize that your belief, unclouded by fear, carries the energy I’ve described above, and causes things to happen that you didn’t believe possible before.

11-15-10

EDUCATING THE YOUNG CHILD
In a previous Conversation (Helping Children Develop a Love of Learning), we discussed a child’s natural desire to learn, as well as the benefit parents can provide when they give their children unconditional love. We also briefly discussed the affects of the fears of inadequacy and rejection on learning, and more will be offered on that subject in the future. If you haven’t had a chance to read the above-referenced Conversation, please go to the Archive section on the left side of the current Conversation page, and read that Conversation before proceeding with the following information.

Many young children in developed countries today have the opportunity to go to preschool. Depending on the quality of the preschool experience, it can be a very favorable and positive beginning to the child’s “formal” education. If the teachers enjoy working with children, are patient and encouraging, and understand the child’s developmental needs, wonderful things can happen in preschool. Through guided learning experiences, caring attention, and appropriate challenges, children’s brains are stimulated and growth occurs in countless ways.

The social environment for young children in a childcare or preschool setting is one of the greatest benefits for the children’s brain development. As children learn to communicate, share, negotiate, accept limits, comfort themselves and others, and generally relate to children and adults, they make great strides in mental and emotional development. Then as they are introduced to new skills, processes, and tools for learning, their natural love of learning expands, and “school” becomes a place they want to be.

During the preschool and early school years, the focus of teachers should be on identifying the child’s strengths, and on supporting the child’s own efforts to explore and learn. Hardly any attention should be given to the child’s weaknesses. This is because the child is building a base of experience that is going to create a foundation for the child’s belief in self. Once that belief is established, any apparent weaknesses can be addressed from a firm foundation of belief in self. Noticing and dealing with weaknesses early on can have the negative effect of reinforcing in the child’s brain what he can’t do, rather than what he can.

When a child knows from personal experience that she can do many things, she is more inclined to see difficulties as challenges that she can meet. Let’s use an example: A child is learning to tie her own shoes, but this is hard for her. If she has the background experience of having put on her shoes and having secured them with Velcro, she now sees tying as just another step that the older kids can do, and she is eager to learn. If, however, she still struggles with putting her shoes on the right feet and getting them to stay on, trying to add tying to the mix is just too frustrating. This could create a mental mindset of I can’t instead of the desired response of I can. Often introducing new skills is simply a matter of timing, and by a teacher’s knowledge of each child’s strengths, the new skill can be introduced at the right time.


Teachers should feel free to convey the idea that “We have all the time in the world to learn this skill, and we all learn at different rates and in different ways.” If, on the other hand, teachers are pressured to make sure each child knows a particular skill at a specific time, the teachers’ fears of inadequacy could come into play, and they could instill that fear in the child who is struggling. Then the child’s fear could create a barrier in her ability to learn. The teacher should feel free to leave a skill for awhile, come back to it later on, or put it off indefinitely, until the child shows an aptitude and desire to learn it.

At this point, I would like to insert a comment about praise. Telling a child he is great, when it is not based on any specific accomplishment the child has achieved, is confusing to the child and is often not beneficial. There has been a misguided practice during the last many years where all children are given awards, or all children are told they are great, when the children have no specific action on their part that matches up with the praise or recognition they are getting. You see, children of this young age are very concrete in their thinking, and so it becomes meaningless to them to get awards and recognition when they don’t know what they did to earn them.

Conversely, when a child sees he has done something, even if imperfectly, he can accept the recognition or award. Then he can build on that experience when the next challenge comes around. Now, you might say, “Aren’t teachers supposed to make children feel good about themselves? And, doesn’t this say that children are not great just by virtue of being themselves?” What we are talking about in this segment is education and what makes it work. It is about learning skills and applying those skills to real situations. Even for a child to consider himself “a good person,” he has to have specific examples that show what he did to demonstrate he is a good person. As I said earlier, very young children are concrete in their thinking and must have examples they can understand.

So, we now have a basis for understanding how to begin the young child’s early educational experiences: Pay attention to each child’s strengths, build on those strengths, introduce new skills as the child is ready, back off if it creates too much frustration and reintroduce at a later time, and give specific examples of what the child has achieved. This teaching should be accompanied by warmth, encouragement, and an attitude of belief in the child’s ability to learn. By following these suggestions (both parents and teachers), it is very unlikely that the young child will develop a fear of inadequacy when it comes to learning and being at school.


QUESTION: At my child’s preschool, the children are expected to clean up, treat one another with respect, not push or tug at other children, and be quiet when the teacher is talking. Isn’t this a bit much for little kids? When do they get a chance to just play and have fun?

You are correct in thinking that children do need time for play. Are you sure play isn’t built into the program at your child’s school? Most likely it is, and having the other requirements is quite appropriate as long as the teacher isn’t talking all the time (understanding that the children have short attention spans), and as long as the learning environment is warm and inviting. Most children think of learning as fun, so there is often no difference in the children’s eyes between learning and playtime.

However, if you observe the setting for a period of time and feel the atmosphere is too stern and unfriendly, or if your child seems afraid to go to preschool, you could talk with the director about your concerns, and see what can be done. If the director seems unresponsive, you might want to explore other places for your child’s first school experience. It should be a positive experience for the child in every way.
 

QUESTION: I feel guilty because my child has been in daycare practically from birth, and now he’s in preschool. Am I a bad parent? Unfortunately, both my husband and I have to work full-time in order to make ends meet.

I wish to reassure you that this can work for children as long as you know what kind of care your child is receiving. Although many parents try to share responsibilities so that children are not in daycare full time, often this is simply the way it has to be. In that case, a good facility and competent, caring staff are of utmost importance. How can you judge? Here are some questions to ask:

-Does my child seem happy most of the time?
-Do the personnel at the facility know my child by name and tell me about his activities? Are people there warm and friendly toward the children?
-Do people there, especially my child’s teacher, seem to like him?
-Does my child behave in age-appropriate ways?
-If I have a question about my child or his program, does the teacher seem knowledgeable?
-Is the place kept reasonably clean? Are safety standards posted and followed? Is the food nutritious?
-What is the student/teacher ratio in my child’s age group? What is the state requirement?
-As a parent do you feel welcome to drop in any time and observe what is going on?
-If discipline is called for, what procedures do they follow? For example, if one child bites another, how is that handled?
-What does your child say about his preschool experience? Does he like it?

If you are satisfied with the answers you get to the above questions, then very likely your child is in a good place. Just be sure to supplement his school time with quality time at home. Even though you may be tired, make sure to spend some time talking and interacting with your child each day so you can show him with words and actions how much he is loved.

11-01-10

HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A LOVE OF LEARNING
Periodically we will devote a Conversation to education and learning, as they are topics of interest to many people today. I would like to first distinguish between the two terms. As I am using the term, learning is the natural process of acquiring knowledge, understanding, and skills that is a part of growing from a fetus to an adult and on into the adult’s life. Education, as will be used in this and other Conversations, is the more formal method of acquiring knowledge and skills that is used in schools, home schooling, colleges, universities, technical schools and so forth. Learning, of course, is the intent of the educational process, but just because someone is teaching doesn’t mean that the intended recipient is learning.

Today we will concentrate on the love of learning. Would you be surprised to hear that every child is born with a love of learning? This is because for an infant, learning is tied to survival, and every child wants to survive. So, a baby comes into the world already knowing how to get food—the sucking motion is as natural to a human baby as to a baby lamb. And, just as a baby lamb knows to bleat when it needs something, the human baby knows to cry. From then on, though, the human baby has to figure things out, whereas the baby lamb can rely more on instinctive behaviors and the simple teachings of its mother.

This need to figure things out is the path to natural learning. The baby’s brain and senses are stimulated by everything going on around and within the baby—the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, touches, and feelings. And then, simultaneously, the baby’s brain works to organize and utilize the sensory information, as well as the thought/awareness information that is being directed at the baby, most often from those closest to him or her. What an exciting and thrilling time it is for each new little being!

Most adults understand how important it is to see to the baby’s needs—for protection, nurturing, adequate clothing, milk, and so forth. What some adults may not understand is how their thoughts affect the baby’s well-being. If the parents are highly stressed, indifferent, or depressed, the baby is going to pick up on that distress or disinterest and record that information in his/her brain. This is without having any language to identify the feelings, but with having the ability to sense that something’s wrong—with him or her. In other words, the baby internalizes this information as “something is wrong with me,” not as “something is wrong with my parent.”

I am telling you this, not to create guilt or doubt about how you might have treated your young infant(s), but to inform you of the importance of communicating nonverbally as well as verbally how much you love your baby. You have probably noticed how babies study their parents’ expressions, looking for smiles and loving approval. If they see instead excessive frustration, anger, tension, fear, worry, indifference, or sadness, they will often respond in kind. Many times parents are not aware of their expressions, and situations they are going through may be outside of their control, but it would be of great benefit to the child if the parent knew how to quickly rebalance and greet the child with heart-felt love.

This is not a digression from the topic of learning; rather it is fundamental to understanding how children learn. As explained earlier, children have the need and the natural desire to learn, and so the question is, How can adults foster that learning and not get in their children’s way? The most important answer is to love them unconditionally, and this should start during the fetal stage. Once that love and acceptance is well understood in the child’s mind, and the child is not saying to himself, “Something is wrong with me,” he will enjoy and embrace virtually everything there is to learn and experience. This is because the parent, or primary caregiver as the case may be, will not have created any fear in the child. That leaves the child free to learn, unhampered by fear.

Conversely, if the parent is unwilling or unable to provide unconditional love, the child begins his journey in learning with doubts and fears about himself. “What’s wrong with me?” he begins to wonder when he has a greater awareness of the rejection. “I am not pleasing my parent. Why is that? Will my parent abandon me if I’m not good enough? Do I know how to be good enough?” In these subtle ways, a degree of fear begins to take hold.

Now let’s say the parent feels she wasn’t perfect. She may have been overly worried about doing the right thing for her child. Perhaps she blamed herself if the child couldn’t be easily comforted. In other words, she had fears of her own that might have been picked up by her child—that would be most everyone, wouldn’t it? Does that mean the child is doomed to a life of inability to learn? Certainly not. It just might mean the parent will have to help the child overcome some feelings of inadequacy or rejection that might interfere in the child’s learning. Or, it might mean the child learns just fine but may express his or her fears in other areas of life, such as in social situations. Still another possibility is that the parent and child re-establish a strong love connection a little later on, and then the child begins to thrive.

It’s important to understand there may never have been a lack of love, but with fear present, that feeling of unconditional love toward the child may have been affected by the fear. The child may not have gotten a clear message about being fully loved. Many, many possibilities exist for how this matter may express itself and develop, and there are many solutions, such as extra attention, extra holding and assuring, and so forth.

One very effective way for a parent to reconnect with a child who may be feeling afraid or insecure is to use as much eye contact as possible. The parent needs to look for occasions to get down to the child’s level, look him in the eye, and say how much he is loved, or even just to say, “Thanks for your help,” or “We did a good job together, didn’t we?” What you are doing is reinforcing the trust, care, and love you have for your child, and nothing communicates that as clearly as eye contact.

Touch is also very effective, and again, parents can look for opportunities, such as hugging the child with joy and affection, rubbing her back or shoulders gently, or gently touching her face, to demonstrate the love they have for their child. The idea is to convey truthfully and honestly the love that is felt, and then to be aware of when the child is trying to reciprocate, so that you don’t unknowingly reject the child’s overtures toward you.

Obviously, a book could be written on this subject (and many books already exist), but please allow this Conversation to remind you of the importance of starting out on the right foot with your child so that his/her ability to learn will not be hampered by fear. In a future Conversation we will discuss some techniques that might be helpful, as well as some more ideas for furthering your child’s love of learning.



QUESTION: I think too much is made of the impact of parenting styles on how kids learn. Lots of different kinds of parents produce perfectly normal kids, don’t you think?

I think what you are saying is that some parents are very stern, others relaxed as parents, and others may be super vigilant, and so forth, and yet all of them are good parents. I certainly agree that many different parenting styles are effective in creating good, strong kids. My caution to parents is in the area of creating the psychological fears of inadequacy and rejection in their children.

Parents can be stern and still convey to their children an unconditional love, but other stern parents may come across as rejecting of their children’s efforts to learn. The same goes for relaxed parents. Are they conveying unconditional love, or are they conveying an indifference that does not make the children feel valued? For the super vigilant parents, are they showing unconditional love while conveying a fear that the world is not a safe place? If so, the children get the benefit of the love but perhaps they also develop some fairly strong fears about the world.

Parents can have all different parenting styles and be excellent parents. They just need to think about what they are doing and understand the consequences.

 

QUESTION: I had a perfectly awful childhood, and yet I was an excellent student, maintaining a 4.0 average all the way through school. Frankly I think the effects of parenting are overrated.

Good for you that you were so successful! And, if the other aspects of your life are going well, and you feel successful there too, all the more power to you. You found a way to make up for the feelings of rejection you must have felt during your childhood.

Not all people are able to do this, and especially children who may not have your intellectual gifts. Often special gifts and talents enable children to feel good about themselves even when they don’t feel the love and appreciation of their parents.

All I am saying is that if parents are able to give their children unconditional love from the start, they are giving their child a gift that is more valuable than any talent their child might possess. It is the “gift that keeps on giving.” Even if the talent is diminished over time, the love that was internalized by that child never goes away. It is a love that sustains the child, especially during life’s most challenging times.

11-01-10

HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A LOVE OF LEARNING
Periodically we will devote a Conversation to education and learning, as they are topics of interest to many people today. I would like to first distinguish between the two terms. As I am using the term, learning is the natural process of acquiring knowledge, understanding, and skills that is a part of growing from a fetus to an adult and on into the adult’s life. Education, as will be used in this and other Conversations, is the more formal method of acquiring knowledge and skills that is used in schools, home schooling, colleges, universities, technical schools and so forth. Learning, of course, is the intent of the educational process, but just because someone is teaching doesn’t mean that the intended recipient is learning.

Today we will concentrate on the love of learning. Would you be surprised to hear that every child is born with a love of learning? This is because for an infant, learning is tied to survival, and every child wants to survive. So, a baby comes into the world already knowing how to get food—the sucking motion is as natural to a human baby as to a baby lamb. And, just as a baby lamb knows to bleat when it needs something, the human baby knows to cry. From then on, though, the human baby has to figure things out, whereas the baby lamb can rely more on instinctive behaviors and the simple teachings of its mother.

This need to figure things out is the path to natural learning. The baby’s brain and senses are stimulated by everything going on around and within the baby—the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, touches, and feelings. And then, simultaneously, the baby’s brain works to organize and utilize the sensory information, as well as the thought/awareness information that is being directed at the baby, most often from those closest to him or her. What an exciting and thrilling time it is for each new little being!

Most adults understand how important it is to see to the baby’s needs—for protection, nurturing, adequate clothing, milk, and so forth. What some adults may not understand is how their thoughts affect the baby’s well-being. If the parents are highly stressed, indifferent, or depressed, the baby is going to pick up on that distress or disinterest and record that information in his/her brain. This is without having any language to identify the feelings, but with having the ability to sense that something’s wrong—with him or her. In other words, the baby internalizes this information as “something is wrong with me,” not as “something is wrong with my parent.”

I am telling you this, not to create guilt or doubt about how you might have treated your young infant(s), but to inform you of the importance of communicating nonverbally as well as verbally how much you love your baby. You have probably noticed how babies study their parents’ expressions, looking for smiles and loving approval. If they see instead excessive frustration, anger, tension, fear, worry, indifference, or sadness, they will often respond in kind. Many times parents are not aware of their expressions, and situations they are going through may be outside of their control, but it would be of great benefit to the child if the parent knew how to quickly rebalance and greet the child with heart-felt love.

This is not a digression from the topic of learning; rather it is fundamental to understanding how children learn. As explained earlier, children have the need and the natural desire to learn, and so the question is, How can adults foster that learning and not get in their children’s way? The most important answer is to love them unconditionally, and this should start during the fetal stage. Once that love and acceptance is well understood in the child’s mind, and the child is not saying to himself, “Something is wrong with me,” he will enjoy and embrace virtually everything there is to learn and experience. This is because the parent, or primary caregiver as the case may be, will not have created any fear in the child. That leaves the child free to learn, unhampered by fear.

Conversely, if the parent is unwilling or unable to provide unconditional love, the child begins his journey in learning with doubts and fears about himself. “What’s wrong with me?” he begins to wonder when he has a greater awareness of the rejection. “I am not pleasing my parent. Why is that? Will my parent abandon me if I’m not good enough? Do I know how to be good enough?” In these subtle ways, a degree of fear begins to take hold.

Now let’s say the parent feels she wasn’t perfect. She may have been overly worried about doing the right thing for her child. Perhaps she blamed herself if the child couldn’t be easily comforted. In other words, she had fears of her own that might have been picked up by her child—that would be most everyone, wouldn’t it? Does that mean the child is doomed to a life of inability to learn? Certainly not. It just might mean the parent will have to help the child overcome some feelings of inadequacy or rejection that might interfere in the child’s learning. Or, it might mean the child learns just fine but may express his or her fears in other areas of life, such as in social situations. Still another possibility is that the parent and child re-establish a strong love connection a little later on, and then the child begins to thrive.

It’s important to understand there may never have been a lack of love, but with fear present, that feeling of unconditional love toward the child may have been affected by the fear. The child may not have gotten a clear message about being fully loved. Many, many possibilities exist for how this matter may express itself and develop, and there are many solutions, such as extra attention, extra holding and assuring, and so forth.

One very effective way for a parent to reconnect with a child who may be feeling afraid or insecure is to use as much eye contact as possible. The parent needs to look for occasions to get down to the child’s level, look him in the eye, and say how much he is loved, or even just to say, “Thanks for your help,” or “We did a good job together, didn’t we?” What you are doing is reinforcing the trust, care, and love you have for your child, and nothing communicates that as clearly as eye contact.

Touch is also very effective, and again, parents can look for opportunities, such as hugging the child with joy and affection, rubbing her back or shoulders gently, or gently touching her face, to demonstrate the love they have for their child. The idea is to convey truthfully and honestly the love that is felt, and then to be aware of when the child is trying to reciprocate, so that you don’t unknowingly reject the child’s overtures toward you.

Obviously, a book could be written on this subject (and many books already exist), but please allow this Conversation to remind you of the importance of starting out on the right foot with your child so that his/her ability to learn will not be hampered by fear. In a future Conversation we will discuss some techniques that might be helpful, as well as some more ideas for furthering your child’s love of learning.



QUESTION: I think too much is made of the impact of parenting styles on how kids learn. Lots of different kinds of parents produce perfectly normal kids, don’t you think?

I think what you are saying is that some parents are very stern, others relaxed as parents, and others may be super vigilant, and so forth, and yet all of them are good parents. I certainly agree that many different parenting styles are effective in creating good, strong kids. My caution to parents is in the area of creating the psychological fears of inadequacy and rejection in their children.

Parents can be stern and still convey to their children an unconditional love, but other stern parents may come across as rejecting of their children’s efforts to learn. The same goes for relaxed parents. Are they conveying unconditional love, or are they conveying an indifference that does not make the children feel valued? For the super vigilant parents, are they showing unconditional love while conveying a fear that the world is not a safe place? If so, the children get the benefit of the love but perhaps they also develop some fairly strong fears about the world.

Parents can have all different parenting styles and be excellent parents. They just need to think about what they are doing and understand the consequences.

 

QUESTION: I had a perfectly awful childhood, and yet I was an excellent student, maintaining a 4.0 average all the way through school. Frankly I think the effects of parenting are overrated.

Good for you that you were so successful! And, if the other aspects of your life are going well, and you feel successful there too, all the more power to you. You found a way to make up for the feelings of rejection you must have felt during your childhood.

Not all people are able to do this, and especially children who may not have your intellectual gifts. Often special gifts and talents enable children to feel good about themselves even when they don’t feel the love and appreciation of their parents.

All I am saying is that if parents are able to give their children unconditional love from the start, they are giving their child a gift that is more valuable than any talent their child might possess. It is the “gift that keeps on giving.” Even if the talent is diminished over time, the love that was internalized by that child never goes away. It is a love that sustains the child, especially during life’s most challenging times.

11-01-10

HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP A LOVE OF LEARNING
Periodically we will devote a Conversation to education and learning, as they are topics of interest to many people today. I would like to first distinguish between the two terms. As I am using the term, learning is the natural process of acquiring knowledge, understanding, and skills that is a part of growing from a fetus to an adult and on into the adult’s life. Education, as will be used in this and other Conversations, is the more formal method of acquiring knowledge and skills that is used in schools, home schooling, colleges, universities, technical schools and so forth. Learning, of course, is the intent of the educational process, but just because someone is teaching doesn’t mean that the intended recipient is learning.

Today we will concentrate on the love of learning. Would you be surprised to hear that every child is born with a love of learning? This is because for an infant, learning is tied to survival, and every child wants to survive. So, a baby comes into the world already knowing how to get food—the sucking motion is as natural to a human baby as to a baby lamb. And, just as a baby lamb knows to bleat when it needs something, the human baby knows to cry. From then on, though, the human baby has to figure things out, whereas the baby lamb can rely more on instinctive behaviors and the simple teachings of its mother.

This need to figure things out is the path to natural learning. The baby’s brain and senses are stimulated by everything going on around and within the baby—the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, touches, and feelings. And then, simultaneously, the baby’s brain works to organize and utilize the sensory information, as well as the thought/awareness information that is being directed at the baby, most often from those closest to him or her. What an exciting and thrilling time it is for each new little being!

Most adults understand how important it is to see to the baby’s needs—for protection, nurturing, adequate clothing, milk, and so forth. What some adults may not understand is how their thoughts affect the baby’s well-being. If the parents are highly stressed, indifferent, or depressed, the baby is going to pick up on that distress or disinterest and record that information in his/her brain. This is without having any language to identify the feelings, but with having the ability to sense that something’s wrong—with him or her. In other words, the baby internalizes this information as “something is wrong with me,” not as “something is wrong with my parent.”

I am telling you this, not to create guilt or doubt about how you might have treated your young infant(s), but to inform you of the importance of communicating nonverbally as well as verbally how much you love your baby. You have probably noticed how babies study their parents’ expressions, looking for smiles and loving approval. If they see instead excessive frustration, anger, tension, fear, worry, indifference, or sadness, they will often respond in kind. Many times parents are not aware of their expressions, and situations they are going through may be outside of their control, but it would be of great benefit to the child if the parent knew how to quickly rebalance and greet the child with heart-felt love.

This is not a digression from the topic of learning; rather it is fundamental to understanding how children learn. As explained earlier, children have the need and the natural desire to learn, and so the question is, How can adults foster that learning and not get in their children’s way? The most important answer is to love them unconditionally, and this should start during the fetal stage. Once that love and acceptance is well understood in the child’s mind, and the child is not saying to himself, “Something is wrong with me,” he will enjoy and embrace virtually everything there is to learn and experience. This is because the parent, or primary caregiver as the case may be, will not have created any fear in the child. That leaves the child free to learn, unhampered by fear.

Conversely, if the parent is unwilling or unable to provide unconditional love, the child begins his journey in learning with doubts and fears about himself. “What’s wrong with me?” he begins to wonder when he has a greater awareness of the rejection. “I am not pleasing my parent. Why is that? Will my parent abandon me if I’m not good enough? Do I know how to be good enough?” In these subtle ways, a degree of fear begins to take hold.

Now let’s say the parent feels she wasn’t perfect. She may have been overly worried about doing the right thing for her child. Perhaps she blamed herself if the child couldn’t be easily comforted. In other words, she had fears of her own that might have been picked up by her child—that would be most everyone, wouldn’t it? Does that mean the child is doomed to a life of inability to learn? Certainly not. It just might mean the parent will have to help the child overcome some feelings of inadequacy or rejection that might interfere in the child’s learning. Or, it might mean the child learns just fine but may express his or her fears in other areas of life, such as in social situations. Still another possibility is that the parent and child re-establish a strong love connection a little later on, and then the child begins to thrive.

It’s important to understand there may never have been a lack of love, but with fear present, that feeling of unconditional love toward the child may have been affected by the fear. The child may not have gotten a clear message about being fully loved. Many, many possibilities exist for how this matter may express itself and develop, and there are many solutions, such as extra attention, extra holding and assuring, and so forth.

One very effective way for a parent to reconnect with a child who may be feeling afraid or insecure is to use as much eye contact as possible. The parent needs to look for occasions to get down to the child’s level, look him in the eye, and say how much he is loved, or even just to say, “Thanks for your help,” or “We did a good job together, didn’t we?” What you are doing is reinforcing the trust, care, and love you have for your child, and nothing communicates that as clearly as eye contact.

Touch is also very effective, and again, parents can look for opportunities, such as hugging the child with joy and affection, rubbing her back or shoulders gently, or gently touching her face, to demonstrate the love they have for their child. The idea is to convey truthfully and honestly the love that is felt, and then to be aware of when the child is trying to reciprocate, so that you don’t unknowingly reject the child’s overtures toward you.

Obviously, a book could be written on this subject (and many books already exist), but please allow this Conversation to remind you of the importance of starting out on the right foot with your child so that his/her ability to learn will not be hampered by fear. In a future Conversation we will discuss some techniques that might be helpful, as well as some more ideas for furthering your child’s love of learning.



QUESTION: I think too much is made of the impact of parenting styles on how kids learn. Lots of different kinds of parents produce perfectly normal kids, don’t you think?

I think what you are saying is that some parents are very stern, others relaxed as parents, and others may be super vigilant, and so forth, and yet all of them are good parents. I certainly agree that many different parenting styles are effective in creating good, strong kids. My caution to parents is in the area of creating the psychological fears of inadequacy and rejection in their children.

Parents can be stern and still convey to their children an unconditional love, but other stern parents may come across as rejecting of their children’s efforts to learn. The same goes for relaxed parents. Are they conveying unconditional love, or are they conveying an indifference that does not make the children feel valued? For the super vigilant parents, are they showing unconditional love while conveying a fear that the world is not a safe place? If so, the children get the benefit of the love but perhaps they also develop some fairly strong fears about the world.

Parents can have all different parenting styles and be excellent parents. They just need to think about what they are doing and understand the consequences.

 

QUESTION: I had a perfectly awful childhood, and yet I was an excellent student, maintaining a 4.0 average all the way through school. Frankly I think the effects of parenting are overrated.

Good for you that you were so successful! And, if the other aspects of your life are going well, and you feel successful there too, all the more power to you. You found a way to make up for the feelings of rejection you must have felt during your childhood.

Not all people are able to do this, and especially children who may not have your intellectual gifts. Often special gifts and talents enable children to feel good about themselves even when they don’t feel the love and appreciation of their parents.

All I am saying is that if parents are able to give their children unconditional love from the start, they are giving their child a gift that is more valuable than any talent their child might possess. It is the “gift that keeps on giving.” Even if the talent is diminished over time, the love that was internalized by that child never goes away. It is a love that sustains the child, especially during life’s most challenging times.

10-15-10

DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH CHANGE
The only constant in life is change. You’ve heard that many times, and for the most part, it’s true. Some changes are welcomed, and other changes are not. This is also true, so how can one deal effectively with the challenges that change often creates? You know the answer: It is to live without fear.

Change does not require that you learn lessons, but in experiencing your life each day, change offers opportunities to learn more about yourself. Many people discover that they are resilient; others find they are overwhelmed or incapacitated in the face of change, and both extremes offer information to the person experiencing the change. If you are resilient, it is because you are not feeling afraid of the experience. If you are feeling overwhelmed, just the opposite is true—there is fear in your mind, and it is the fear itself, not the challenge you are facing, that is creating the feeling of being overwhelmed. You can meet your challenges, no matter how difficult, if fear is not in the picture.

So, if you are a regular viewer of the Gladys information, you may be thinking this is a tired subject. Everything comes down to fear, and fear can be a tiresome opponent, one that tries to wear you down or wear you out. Just know that you are stronger and far more powerful than fear, and there’s nothing like change to drive the point home. Change can reveal your fear so that you can learn how to confront and eliminate it. It is exciting to discover your own power in the face of what often seems like a fierce competitor. Many people even get a thrill out of experiencing themselves releasing their fear.

You have only to think of the times you may have felt overwhelmed or down and out in your life, and then remember what you did to get out of that place of despair. Maybe you were one who said, “Let go and let God.” Maybe you were one who wallowed in self-pity for quite some time before you made the decision to get on with your life. Maybe you were one who simply said, “I’m the only one who can get me out of this, so I might as well get to work.” Maybe you had the support of loved ones who stood by you while you made the decision to confront your issues, but still, it had to be you who made that decision. In all of these cases, you found the strength to carry on. You found a way to deal with your fear, and you prevailed in the end. As long as you had a shred of belief in self, you could do it, and that means you were able to overcome your fear.

If you see yourself in the above examples, ask yourself if you think you did things the hard way or the easy way. The Gladys concept is about doing things the easy way. This is why I’ve been telling you that you can release fear. You don’t have to fight it or overpower it; you simply have to release it. You do this with belief and the conviction that it is your right and your responsibility to say what inhabits your mind. Your mind is your castle, and you get to say who lives there. If fear has shown up as an uninvited guest, you can ask it to leave, and it has no choice but to do so, as you are the superior power.

Yes, change is here to stay, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying each and every day. Know that you have a mind that can deal with whatever challenges change brings your way. You can even create your own changes. If you don’t like the ways things are, set out to change those things. Set your intention and bolster that with belief, and watch those changes come about. For those changes that were not of your making, let your intention be to keep your peace of mind while you decide what to do about the situation. Be assured that your inner guidance will help you out of whatever situation you’re in. As we have said many times before on this website, your mind will serve you well when it is free of fear.




QUESTION: Many teachings say that nothing happens by chance, including change. Do you subscribe to that belief? Why or why not?

It is true there are teachers who say nothing happens by chance, but the way most people interpret this is to say that therefore choice doesn’t matter. After all, if one is simply playing out a script of someone else’s making, then what’s the point of living? In reality many of the teachers do not mean by the above statement that choice doesn’t matter. They might say the choices were made before one enters into the life experience.

This is a difficult concept to understand, and to explain, but I will give it a try. Prior to one’s experience of living on earth, there is a matter of intention that comes into play. For example, the intention might be to cure a disease, or it might be to show by example how one can find joy in living despite having a disability, or despite having had a difficult childhood. So, we have the intention of the being that is coming into a life experience. This intention is nonspecific in the sense that much is left for the being to create upon entering the life experience. There is no script that requires a being to play a certain role. Each and every day, as the being learns to use his mind and heart to guide him, he will be free to make his choices and decisions. He will be free to create and to direct his own life. Only fear will create barriers to the fulfillment of what the person wants for himself. Other limitations can be overcome.

Change does not happen by chance. Change comes about from the choices and decisions that human beings make. When human beings see the need or the value of change, they begin demanding that change and helping to create it. Through their thoughts and actions, they join with others of similar persuasion, and together they become a force for change.

Even when there is a natural disaster, an element of choice is made available to the living. How will you respond? What can you do in the face of this natural disaster? Many remarkable choices and decisions have come from the impetus of a natural disaster, turning what might have been all negative into something positive. This is the power of the human mind and spirit.
 

QUESTION: Some changes seem absolutely devastating, such as the loss of job or

It is true that some changes are devastating and painful to experience. But, here again, what human beings may do is choose their response. People have responded in many different ways to misfortune and have had many varied and interesting results. To use an example, let’s say a person lost everything he had in a fire, and he had let his insurance lapse to the point that he was essentially uninsured. That person could live the rest of his life in despair of what he lost, and probably no one would criticize him. But, he has many other choices he could make. If he is of sound body and mind, he could go to work and start to create a new life. He could ask for help from the services available. He could join with another family or friends and work together to make a living. He could apply for help in getting further education. These are just a few possibilities. The point is, he’s not finished unless he says he is, unless he accepts defeat. It is his choice.

If he overcomes his misfortune by learning a new trade, let’s say, it is tempting to assume that there was always a larger plan at work. “He would never have known he could be a lawyer if he hadn’t lost his home in that fire. It was obviously meant to be,” some might say. But, actually, there were always many potential life experiences for this man, and it was not preordained which of those the man would choose to develop. His life experiences were of his own choosing and had much more to do with his belief in self than in the power of outside events. The power lay with the man, not with the events.

10-01-10

CHALLENGES IN THE WORLD TODAY
For many of you, your concern for the world as you view it today can be overwhelming at times when you hear of some new disaster or event that is taking place. The collapse of the financial world a few years ago still plays upon many of your thoughts, because you are still experiencing the repercussions from loses. For others their concerns lie in being personally involved with one of the many natural disasters that have and are being experienced in various places on the earth. Yet for many their lives have not changed beyond trying to make a living to support their family or trying to meet the challenge of finding a job.

We all know that the challenges are there whether they are huge challenges or small ones.

In order to support changes that continue to be needed in the world as we know it today, each person must make a personal effort to be responsible citizens of the world. That is why today the need is to be citizens of the world. One is no longer simply a citizen of their community, their province, their state or country. We are all citizens of the world and that means taking responsibility to be informed, to express your opinion, to support leaders who stand for ethical government and sound polices that help all people. That is what the world is about today and that is where you need to place your energies.

One can participate in helping to meet challenges in many many ways. First of all spend quality time with any child or young person that you know. Express your interest in how the world is meeting challenges and how the people of the world are working together to meet those challenges. Offer to help them express their ideas and desires for the world. Give them a sounding board and encourage their participation in any way in meeting world challenges. If they are aware from a young age of issues in the world as it is today, they will come forward in the future to be equitable leaders.

Next take responsibility for being heard by participating in conversations and discussions about what is happening in the world and what needs to happen. Don’t be hesitant to support peace or peaceful demonstrations. Do not be hesitant to write letters and follow action groups that are working for freedom and equality for all people no matter their race, creed, beliefs or religion. Be prepared to stand for honesty and integrity in your home, your community and your country. Follow and support media where coverage is open and fair and honest.

Challenges in the world today should be that education is available for all children; that adequate food and water is available for people all over the world; that freedom of expression and freedom from religious bias; and that freedom for all men, women and children is experienced. Basic freedoms must exist for all people. Once a person is educated, has adequate food and water then they become active productive citizens of the world and each person will then make a difference for themselves and for others as they live their lives.


QUESTION: The challenges seem so huge for the world in general. How can they actually happen?

Many of the challenges have been there for a number of years. The difference in today’s world is that more and more people and yes, finally enough people, will demand these changes so that the balance it tipped. Some of the problems facing leaders today are the results of wrong decisions made in the past. For example, in the financial structures of the world, decisions in the past have been made because of greed. More and more people are realizing this today and are demanding the changes and decisions now must be made with the good of all people as a basic criteria. This realization will make a difference.  

QUESTION: I seem to stay overwhelmed just facing my personal challenges. I doubt this is helping the world.

You’d be surprised. If you face your own personal challenges with integrity and honesty, if you are forthright with your solutions, this means you are without fear in your mind. If you can do this for yourself and your set of “problems” then this fearlessness is conveyed in thousands of ways to others. The others will see what living without fear is doing for you and they too will begin to release their fear and meet their own challenges with fear. Each person can make a difference for themselves and for the world if they work from a fear-less basis. Their mind will be free of fear and they will be able to think clearly and make the best possible decision for themselves and for others. It goes from one person to another, to another and grows exponentially having a beneficial effect for the world.

09-15-10

REINVENTING THE ROLE OF POLITICIAN
Recent trends that try to sway public opinion to one side or another by gathering like-minded pundits together are creating concern among those who favor moderation and balance. It feels as though the country is running amuck with fear, and this isn’t too far from the truth. Fear is exactly what the pundits are relying on—they know that people are so afraid they will believe anything if you say it frequently and with enough conviction. As many of you have already learned and experienced, fear does not allow for logic, intuition, or even common sense for that matter. Fear simply promotes more fear, and those who know how to use it to control people are finding a ready audience.

Yet, I am here to assure you there is light at the end of the tunnel. Not everyone is afraid. Not everyone believes in the people who shout the loudest or who promote hatred and distrust. Not everyone is willing to accept simplistic so-called solutions to difficult and complex issues. Not everyone is naïve and gullible. In fact, there are currently many, many people in the world who operating from a different perspective. They are the ones who understand that it is in bringing people together for the purpose of finding real solutions that those solutions will be found. Creating divisiveness, promoting hatred and distrust, and blaming everyone else for today’s problems are fruitless and self-destructive behaviors. Just the opposite approach is needed.

An approach of inclusiveness is what is needed. Bringing people of good will and intention together is what is needed. Understanding the needs of the larger group is what is needed. Believing in one another is what is needed. Establishing and earning one another’s trust is what is needed. So, how can this seemingly impossible state of being ever come about?

First, there must be the need and the desire for such a change. Obviously the need is there, and each of you can affirm the desire for such a state of being. This creates a sense of urgency within the universe, which responds by filling the needs and desires of the people. What emerges next are the leaders who will feel a calling to share their ideas and serve the public good. Nowadays, it is difficult to make the decision to become a politician because of the people who focus on tearing the person down or making his/her life impossible.

This needs to change. People must begin to use their minds and hearts to discern the real leaders from the pundits and would-be power mongers. Each of you, if you free your mind of fear, has the ability to see into the hearts and minds of those who are true leaders and who wish to serve the public good. They are out there: some are already in public office, some are running for public office, and others are considering doing so in the future. And, you, the public, are the ones who are going to choose who will join or replace the ranks of the today’s politicians. It is a big responsibility for you and for them.

Here are some things you can do to help you decide:

•Listen before you judge. What is the person saying? What is the message?
•Does the message make sense for everyone, or does it work for only a few?
•Read between the lines. Is there a common thread that supports human decency and a belief in the dignity and rights of every human being? Or, does it sort people by religion, class, color, sexual orientation, or other restrictive beliefs?
•Is the person spouting easy solutions and catchy phrases? If so, s/he is not fully grasping the issues.
•Look for depth of understanding of an issue. Does the person see things from various points of view—because there are often conflicting points of view, and seeing only one side is not going to bring people together.
•Has the person lived a life of integrity, or if mistakes were made in the past, what did the person learn about self as a result of those mistakes? Does the person seem trustworthy and open now? Does s/he walk his/her talk?
•When you ask questions, are the issues minimized, or is the person forthright in saying what he/she knows or does not know about the issue? If the person needs further information, does s/he say what process will be used to gain further information or clarification?
•Is the person willing to work and negotiate with the opposing party? If not, you will see more of the status quo.
•Is the person inspirational? What are you inspired to do as a result of listening to this person? If you’re inspired to offend, humiliate, insult, assault, or otherwise hurt someone as a result of listening to this “leader”, consider what would happen if everyone acted as you’re inspired to act. Would the world be a better place?

It is important to consider the needs of a broader group than your own because everyone is affected by the decisions of others, and the problems are such that if only one group’s needs are considered, an effective solution will not be found. It will just become part of the patchwork that now exists, and that leaves people feeling vulnerable and unstable.

People say their number one concern is the economy. Yet, for solutions to be found, cooperation among your best leaders is needed. As long as the approach taken is primarily adversarial, this feeling of instability and vulnerability will be the norm. Your leaders need the support of one another. They need to bounce ideas off one other in the spirit of commitment to the people they serve. Your leaders, no matter what their party affiliation, have to be able to talk together to get things done. As long as the expectation is party first and everything else second, you will continue to see things deadlocked, and your leaders will be ineffective. Wouldn’t you rather see your best leaders from both parties work together for the benefit of the country?

As we look at the needs of the people at this time, it is clear that you each have a role to play. If your calling is leadership, then enter that arena with the idea of being a public servant. Enter that field with a desire to serve, to share your ideas, to work with other leaders toward the achievement of meaningful solutions. Then assume your colleagues have a similar goal, and put petty (and party) issues aside.

If you have no such calling, your role is to choose the best people available to serve your country. In this endeavor, keep your mind free of fear. If you can do that, you’ll be able to see who the real leaders are, and you won’t allow yourself to be manipulated and controlled by people who don’t have your best interests at heart. They have only their own.

Finally, stay informed but don’t allow yourself to get inundated with bad news. It’s easy to think you are getting facts when you’re often getting slanted “news”, interpreted by the media or by pundits who are just pushing their point of view, or who like to keep people titillated with fear. Readjust your mind by releasing fear whenever you become overwhelmed. Turn off the news if you feel discouraged or depressed. Assert what you want to have happen in the world, and take action through your vote.


QUESTION: I’m afraid it’s hard to trust any politicians these days. Do you see any hope of things changing?

Politicians have certainly gotten a bad name, and they have become synonymous with “government as usual.” This refers to the frustration people feel in wanting change but in not seeing their representatives and leadership deliver on the desired changes. It must be noted that any bureaucracy, especially one as large as exists in the USA, creates enormous barriers to effecting change. Yet, the processes are in place to get things done if the will is there. This is where people must make clear to their representatives that they expect them to work with the opposition to come up with solutions. Although a case can be made that compromise is often watered down and ineffective, it opens the door to listening to other ideas, and once people begin listening, they start to open their minds to other possibilities. From there, solutions can be found.  

QUESTION: What do you think constitutes a good politician?

Many people would say a good politician is one who can convince others to do things his/her way. Often this involves having powers of persuasion, manipulation, or even coercion. My definition would be someone who has the ability to work with people of many different persuasions, someone who can articulate what he/she understands the challenge(s) to be, and someone with the energy and desire to persist in finding viable solutions. I would put far less emphasis on “power” and much more emphasis on “service.”

Too often, politicians get hooked by greed, wealth, and power, and in the end these factors don’t make them happy or bring them satisfaction (let alone serve the people). What creates the most satisfaction for people pursuing this career is the knowledge that they made the world a better place, that their actions made a difference. The best politicians are altruistic and optimistic as they try to mold the future, while applying to the present reality all the wisdom, talents, and abilities they possess.

09-1-10

EGO VERSUS SPIRITUALITY
There is a belief among many people at this time that the ego is the culprit when is comes to blocking one’s potential for spirituality and greater joy in living. I would like to present another view of the ego that perhaps may resonate with some of you and will give you an opening to considering the ego in a different light.

Humankind needed to develop the ego as a way to express the uniqueness of self. Ego, you see, was meant to be a creative expression of individuality on the one hand, and an indication of human potential on the other. A comparison among human beings became inevitable as each person compared self to the “expressions” of other human beings, and as each person learned what it was possible for a human being to be. The comparison aspect was meant only to say, “Here is what a human being can do or become.” It was to be a statement of possibility to give humankind hope and belief in the range of talents, achievements, and potential that was (and is) inherent in the makeup of humanity. For such a group, one might dare to believe, anything is possible!

Now enter the aspect of fear. What did fear do to the ego? Fear of inadequacy and rejection carried the ego into new realms, and it was only at this point that there was anything negative about the ego. It was when humankind began to say things like, “I’m not acceptable because I don’t look, act, or perform as well as another,” or “That person is inferior because his looks, talents, and abilities are not the same as mine,” that ego became problematic. In other words, fear was the problem, not ego. One’s judgments of self and others became the problem because fear entered into those judgments and changed the value people placed on one another.

So, now when people are advised to stop letting their egos control, what is really meant is that egos with fear need to cleanse themselves of the fear. Then egos can simply be the free expression of individuality and human potential that they were always meant to be. You have heard that no two people are alike. This is of course true. Why would you want to be exactly like someone else? What would have been your reason for being here, if someone else could have done your job just as well? Your ego is as unique as your signature or your DNA. It is simply who you are, not from a soul standpoint, but from a human expression on this place called earth.

Now, if you don’t like who you are, in what ways would you like to be different? What is it that you want to experience that you are not experiencing? Let’s say a person says, “I’d like to have more freedom, have more money to do the things I enjoy, be in better health, and have more opportunities to contribute to the well-being of the human race.” Am I close? Is this what you wish for? If so, how do you actualize that wish? You do the things we’ve discussed in the Conversations and through other information provided on this website: releasing fear at appropriate times, demanding peace of mind, acting on the ideas that present themselves when fear is absent from your thoughts, asking for what you want, believing you deserve what you want, and then saying, “A solution is in the making” every time the idea returns to your mind. This is just another way of affirming that you still want these things you have declared you want. Now, is there more? Yes, indeed, there is.

Enjoy your life as it is today. This means, do not put your life on hold until certain things come into being. Be in your life each day. Find the joy in each day. Carpe diem. I know that it is hard when you feel as though you are waiting, constantly waiting, for your dreams to be realized. For many, many people, this tendency to delay happiness until something specific is attained sets off a pattern of dissatisfaction that settles in and becomes difficult to dislodge. It would help you to know that dreams build upon previous experiences of success. So, when you find the joy in each day, your brain records a success for that day. Then, as each day builds upon the next and the next after that, you establish a pattern of successes for your mind to build upon. This is the key to realizing your dreams more quickly: give your mind the chance to experience success every day and focus on that success.



QUESTION: What about the New Energy you’ve talked about? Doesn’t that override our egos?

The best way to think of the New Energy is as a surge of power that helps you to activate what you hold in your thoughts. So, if you are trying to override the negative aspects of an ego that is filled with fear, consider releasing your fear, all the while knowing that a surge of power from the New Energy is ready and able to help release your fear. What a boon! What a gift! Think of what this one thing could do for your life! The same goes for demanding peace of mind. Pay attention to where your thoughts are, and you’ll know what the New Energy is focused on in your life. Change your thoughts; change your life was never a truer statement than it is today.  

QUESTION: I’ve always thought of myself as a spiritual person who has not allowed ego to control. Yet, I’ve still to actualize what I want most in life. Why isn’t this happening for me?

I hear your frustration and your questioning of self and the “powers that be.” That’s okay. It’s all right to wonder and question why things are not going as you’d planned and desired. For each of you the reasons will be different, and often it is a combination of reasons that contributes to your frustration. Some of you feel undeserving of success (for want of a better word) and so you sabotage yourself. Some of you are playing out the hurts of your childhood and are still licking your wounds. Some of you are feeling victimized by life and its series of hard knocks. Some of you are full of fear and can focus only on your inadequacies. Others of you have had success and then lost it, and you may now believe you can’t trust yourself to hold on to success. Whatever your beliefs about yourself and your place in the universe, those beliefs tend to play themselves out until you stop them. How do you stop them? You read the resources available through this website—the Conversations, questions and answers, books, and messages. Of course, you may also choose other avenues that make sense to you from your reading and research.

The other major factor in this discussion of actualization and realization of hopes and dreams is timing. Let’s say you’ve been releasing fear regularly, demanding peace of mind when worries about the future present themselves, using your mind well, saying affirmations of what you want to have happen, asking for your needs to be met, saying the solution is in the making, and so forth, and still there’s no proof that anything has been accomplished. How can you keep from being discouraged? You make the choice not to be. You allow yourself to know that all is as it should be. The timing will be right at some point. You affirm this, you believe this, and you know this. Be at peace with this knowledge and focus on looking for the value in each day.

08-15-10

Expectations of the Gladys Channel
As people read the Conversations of Gladys, they may begin to wonder if there are certain political positions taken. What is of the utmost concern for one to remember is that information that comes from a spiritual (or a universal) source is truthful, honest, and filled with integrity. If you are seeking information from the Gladys site, know that the information is always true. A spirit that is channeled for the benefit of all humankind could never fail to be truthful. A spirit that is channeled presents honest information. The seeker or reader then takes the information and “understands” it based upon their own set of criteria that is sourced from their beliefs, their conditioning, their openness, or their prejudices. One can “understand” in no other way. All of these factors allow the person to take information and make of it what they will.

Anytime you listen, read, discuss, convey, present, or think a thought, your past knowledge and information will affect what you do with or make of that information. Your beliefs may come from conditioning as early as childhood. Your openness to new thought or your prejudices, which direct your interpretations of information, also begin in childhood. If you are the child of parents who show racial prejudice, you may easily fall into their ways of thinking and reacting. Or you may experience those prejudices and as a young person decide that you don’t agree. It doesn’t matter if you let your parents know, and it may be that you simply decide to react and respond in a different way than they do. During your school years you may become open to new thought and direction or you may continue to carry forward with your conditioning from your family. It is your choice. Yes, you may experience a rejection from your family if you go against the way they believe and act, but it is still your choice.

In the same way you may hear or read information as an adult, and you may immediately negate the information because of your past and your conditioning. You may have your mind made up and nothing will change it. You may decide to only accept ideas, thoughts, and information that correlate or corroborate what you already think and believe. You may not be able to do otherwise because of a closed mind or because of a fear of rejection by people you know and associate with, and you may fear reprisals if you “go against the grain.”

This type of conditioning, which is closed and opinionated, biased and prejudiced, is an example of how one who is experiencing fear will think and act. Of course I am using the term “fear” as we describe it on the Gladys Connection website. One experiences the fear of rejection or inadequacy if one’s mind is not working correctly. These fears will permeate the mind and cause you to not be open and receptive to anything that goes against your staunch beliefs. These fears will not allow you to accept thoughts that do not fit into the mold in which you desire them to fit.

If you work to release your fear, you are then creating a mind that is free to think for the benefit of yourself and then for the benefit of all others, which leads you to think of the benefits to all mankind. That’s a very broad reach, isn’t it? But let me ask you. Isn’t the ideal world a place where all people benefit from their own living experience, from their families, from their friends, from acquaintances, communities, states, nations, provinces, and governments? We are in this world to live a life of benefit. A life that is joyful and peaceful. A life that is fulfilling and healthful. That isn’t too much to ask for. That is why you are in this place called life.

To look at living and people and the world in this way makes one realize that we should be living lives of trust and belief, of kindness and generosity, of nurturing and love. How are these factors possible in your life if you look upon others with contempt and hatefulness? If you live with distrust, prejudice, and hatred, you are not living your life in its fullness. You are limiting your thoughts, actions and deeds by thinking in ways that don’t allow you freedom in living.

Information from the spiritual realm is given to those who seek it. Information is given so that you can make your living experience one of hope and joy. If you seek to better yourself, to enjoy perfect health, to live your life in fullness, then you are one of those people who probably seeks assistance from universal knowledge.

You’ll have noticed that in the Gladys Conversations, distrust and hate are not taught as a way to treat a president. You’ll have noticed that taking advantage of other people or how to cheat and destroy is not taught. You’ll have noticed that actions of terror and war are not accepted. Instead what the spirit called Gladys wishes to convey to you is how to improve the way your mind functions, how to release your fear, and how to live a life of benefit and value.
No politics are preached. Rather love and acceptance are presented as a way to gain fulfillment in living. We are on this earth today in a time of tremendous change and benefit. While the media you choose to read, listen to and/or accept may be saying otherwise, Gladys says that changes will come about that will make your head spin. Solutions to problems will be sought and found. Answers to questions of how to live peacefully upon this earth are being found as this conversation is being written.

Do your part by sending positive energy into the universe. Spread your joy in living so that others may see hope and find belief, so that they too can prosper and live a life of value. Be a candle that shines and radiates love and joy. That’s all you need to do in order to find your happiness and peace.


QUESTION: I know that the oil spill in the Gulf is/was a fact and that war is occurring in many places in the world and that my best friend’s family is struggling to make a living because of the economy, so is there more you can tell us about how simply having belief and hope and faith is going to work?

The answer to that question is simple. Those factors have to work. If they don’t, then the world is going to continue to spiral into chaos as the people spiral into despair. When you have belief and hope and faith in the future, in the betterment of yourself and of mankind, then you are placing positive energy into the universal consciousness that adds and multiplies with other minds that are conveying the same thoughts. Human consciousness is the most fantastic dynamic that exists. You are a part of human consciousness. Allow yourself the privilege of being a part of world changes that will improve the lives of every person and creature on the earth. Be a part of the human dynamics, the human consciousness that is calling for benefit for all. It takes everyone doing their part to make these wonderful, heartfelt, and fantastic changes in the world. It will happen because it has to happen.  

QUESTION: Why in so many countries does the media control and distort?

If the media has an audience, then it continues to present what will “sell” to that public. If the media source is working to present an honest appraisal of the day’s happenings, then that’s what that media group “sells.” Conversely, if the media source is working to distort, influence, and control in devious ways, and they have a public who is willing to listen and be a part of that kind of thinking, then that media source will continue. When enough people stop exposing themselves to bias and slanted “news” reports, to misinformation and literature or programs that preach hatred, then that type of media will cease to exist because there is no audience. Again there are some simple things out there in the world today with solutions and this is one of them. Distortions continue to exist in the media world of today because there are people willing to participate.

08-01-10

Globalization
We’ve heard this phrase for many years now. Globalization is a catch-all term for making everything in the world the same. Or is it a term that denotes taking pride and responsibility for your segment of the world today. Globalization may have started with the intention of making the people and countries of the world one homogenous place. It may have started as a way to promote commerce between countries or within a country. It may have started as a way to make the people of the world fall under the power of one country over many other countries. There are many positive choices and negative choices for defining the term.

Globalization has made progress, no matter the explanation we want to choose. It has made progress in the area of sharing information; of assistance being given from one area to another for commercial endeavors or for a specific disaster hitting one part of the world while other parts of the world come to the aid of those in need. Assistance has been given in small and huge ways. Often the small, such as setting up a underprivileged woman in a cottage industry, has done much more to influence her life and the lives of others then the big banks making loans or donations to huge foundations whose members then misappropriate the funding. We all know the stories that abound. Be that as it may, there is much benefit to come forth since globalization became a catch-word.

Now, let’s look at what you yourself might do. Yes, you are only one person in the midst of whatever town or country in which you live. Nevertheless you are a citizen of the world and can make a difference. You can support change within your own community by getting involved and by making contributions of time and money. You can see the changes come to fruition and perhaps then choose a broader scope for your next contribution. You can write letters/e-mails to effect change within your state, province or country. You can make your voice heard in dozens of different ways. As you affect local areas, those positive changes go into larger and larger concentric circles of benefit further and further out from your area. There are dozens of ways to communicate these days. Take advantage of the various ways and make your voice heard further and further out into the world.

What I’m saying is that globalization begins at home. By working and making positive changes within yourself, within your community and then further afield, you are activity participating in globalization.

And have you realized that globalization is synonymous with the thought that “we are all one.” Each and every person is connected. We are responsible for our self and for all others. As a movement in one part of the world affects a situation in another part of the world, this is the same as the affect of human activity, thoughts and actions from one place to another.

As you take pride in yourself, your home, your community and your country, this feeling goes on to create pride within others in exactly the same way. As human consciousness has expanded and continues to expand, so too do the benefits for all people and all countries. I know that daily you are exposed to misconduct and misuse of money. You are exposed to corruption and greed. You are exposed to horrors that shouldn’t happen. But all of this is truly and inexplicably changing because of the individuals who are taking part in letting those in charge know that certain behaviors will no longer be acceptable. And this too is part of globalization.

I would like to define the term globalization as movements within the community of people living in the world today which brings benefit to all people everywhere.


QUESTION: Is globalization the right thing for the people of the world?

If you are willing to accept the definition I just gave for globalization then yes, it is the right thing. If we continue to believe that globalization is a symptom of all that is wrong in the world today, then no, it isn’t the right thing. If globalization takes away pride in an area or takes from one people to give to another, then it is not being used correctly. If globalization means using the internet to give correct and true information to people around the globe then it is a good thing. The main point I wish to make here is that the sharing of correct information, goods and services that are needed, volunteer hours, and of course monetarily to people in one part of the world that is in need is definitely the right thing.  

QUESTION: I’ve always thought of globalization as a way for making the whole world the same. Isn’t this the way most people would think of it?

Yes, I think many people feel this way. But this really isn’t the aim. If individuality is stripped from people, then that is wrong. If individuality is honored and accepted, then I should think we can agree that is good. Of course I am saying that individual is an honorable and just person. We can say the same for a group, a community, an ethnic group, or a culture. Their attributes need to be honored and accepted, not changed or destroyed. There is no reason to make everything and everyone in the world the same. That would be the least of the desired effects of globalization.

07-1-10

What Can Be Learned from the Oil Spill?
Many people are discussing and debating the issue of the BP oil spill, and there is much disagreement regarding the way it’s been handled. There is little disagreement that BP is at fault, but people don’t understand the complexity of the problem and why world experts have been unable to find a good solution. All that people know is there are apparently no easy answers, the results seem to be catastrophic for wildlife and people alike, and that a feeling of helplessness persists, even after all this time.

There are many who blame the government for not stepping in and doing something about the problem immediately. Apparently they think the government should have high-level scientists on the payroll who know how to handle any problem that comes up affecting the American people. Perhaps they feel BP should have been given no chance to solve the problem it created before the government stepped in.

Perhaps they think President Obama should have reflected the outrage and disbelief of the people that no technology for handling such a disaster was in place before the drilling began. Perhaps they blame this president for not having made sure sufficient regulations were in place to oversee and control the workings of private industry. Perhaps they think this president should have ignored the cry of the people for less reliance on foreign sources of oil, and should have instead found a way to stop all off-shore drilling. As you can see, the range of opinions about what he did wrong go on and on. Yet, just saying someone is wrong is not enough. Thoughtful recommendations for a better way to do things have not been forthcoming.

Many of the most vocal critics are the same people who are calling for smaller government, less regulation, and lower taxes. The citizenry will need to give some thought as to what they are asking for when they want a smaller role for government. Given the scenario the government now faces, who would call BP to task, make sure claims are honored when appropriate, hire the scientists and engineers who would be capable of overseeing future drilling procedures and applying regulations, employ appropriate officials to enforce those regulations, and do the myriad other tasks people are now expecting from the government? How does the notion of smaller government fit this scenario? What is it you want—more or less?

Before the oil spill, who were the people asking for more regulations of the industry? Certainly not many of the current critics. Who were demanding oversight? Who were saying government is already too big and too expensive? It seems that one of the lessons to be learned here is that you can’t have it both ways. You can’t ask for more services and skilled government workers while demanding that taxes be cut—at least not without removing other services or totally revamping the way bureaucracy works.

This is a good time to reflect on what you think the role of government ought to be. Instead of just listening to the pundits tell you that government is interfering too much in your lives, perhaps you could think about what you need from your government and what you don’t. For sure whatever you do need from the government will cost money, and someone is going to have to pay for it. And, if more regulation is needed, those who benefit from the status quo are going to object, as you’re seeing from the financial industry now. Let’s not pretend that this is a new issue or one recently caused by the current president.

Besides looking at the role of government in its response to the recent oil spill disaster, what other lessons can people come away with? A good thing that comes up again and again during disasters, but especially in this one, is that people don’t like feeling helpless. They don’t like to stand by while others are hurting. They want to help fix the problem. Just look at the “ordinary” citizens who sent in their proposed solutions, the school children who sent in theirs, the people who have volunteered to help clean up the mess, the people who are trying to rescue the animals, the people who are writing letters and sharing with others what is important to them about saving the marshes and so forth. As with many other disasters, natural or otherwise, people extend themselves and try to help others.

Even the news media, which has often been criticized on this website, has done some good for the public in this case, both by informing them of the complexity of the situation, and by persistently seeking out the truth related to this oil spill. This is the proper function of a free press, and there has been some extraordinary reporting going on. Now if members of the press would also bring to light more of the contradictions being expressed, whether from the “right” or the “left,” such as what people are expecting from the government versus what they are willing to pay for, or expecting complete security within a risk-taking industry, the press would cause people to reflect on their choices and decisions more carefully. This is another function of a free press. Instead, what many members of the press do is simply report on who said what, as though just saying something makes it true. Or, worse yet, simply allowing whoever shouts the loudest to get the most airtime. How about questioning the assumptions and inaccuracies of what is being presented as truth? Perhaps the truth-finding that pervades the oil spill investigation could be applied to other areas of interest to the public.

The oil spill is an excellent example of what can happen when greed overtakes safety and concern for human welfare and the environment. Here again there is much to be learned. Throughout your history there have been examples of this, whether in the coal mines, the factories, or the battlefields. People must begin to examine the real price of what they want. Is the loss of human life, of animal and vegetative life, of people’s livelihood, of one’s integrity, or whatever the loss might be—is that loss worth a cheaper tank of gas, a higher stock price, a bigger house, or more possessions? It’s not only big companies that must examine their ethics, it’s the “ordinary” person as well, who through his/her tacit acceptance keeps “business as usual” going, or places the blame where it doesn’t belong. It may be time to voice your opinion, to say “no”, to refuse to buy something that goes against what you think is in the best interests of your family and the country in the long run. It may be time to think for yourself and not just listen to the loudest voice.


QUESTION: Do you think there is always something good that comes out of a disaster?

I have always taught that bad things do not have to happen in order for good things to come about. Yet, the chaos that often accompanies negative events in the world does work to reorganize itself into something else—and for those willing to take it on, that chaos can bring about a new order.

Right now in your world it feels and is very chaotic. For some, this chaos results in their becoming more and more fearful. But, if fear can be released (and I assure you it can), then the minds of people who banish their fear will be free to create something of real value out of this chaos. That is the hope, the excitement, and the promise that humankind can embrace at this difficult time.
 

QUESTION: How is it possible that there is still no apparent solution to this appalling situation?

What is happening is that technology is expanding exponentially while human beings are losing sight of their need to control its use. In other words, it’s possible to do things because of the advancements in technology (the word used broadly here), but whether to do them is a human decision. If that decision is based on greed or the need for a convincing “bottom line”, then too often other ethical considerations fall by the wayside. You’ve seen countless examples of this in recent history (Need I mention Enron or the mortgage meltdown?)

From a different perspective, it is similar to the nuclear issue in which the fact of having a nuclear bomb does not mean you will use it, mainly because it would be suicidal to do so. The oil spill, in its own way, shows what can happen when you “use it” without considering all the consequences.

The necessary safeguards to ensure that whatever is being proposed is a reasonable risk for the possible human benefit, as well as the company’s benefit, environmental benefit, and so on, must be weighed and considered by human beings of high moral character. In addition, ethical standards throughout every industry must be discussed and embraced. This is the primary learning that you human beings are now in need of. This is where your current world challenges are taking you. You must think about the risks, the possible benefits and dangers for all parties affected by each risk, and make your choices.

06-01-10

CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES
This is a title that could have several different meanings. Choosing your battles certainly implies some kind of conflict. It may mean you are in conflict with someone else, at odds with your work situation, in a disagreement with a family member, or even in conflict with yourself.

When ideas for Gladys Conversations come up, it is hoped the topics will be relevant to what many of you are experiencing in your everyday lives. It is true there may be battles as you live your life and make your choices. Perhaps the problem is more with your mindset when you ready yourself for battle. Choosing to “battle” is setting yourself up. If you take on someone or something with the mindset of a “battle,” then more than likely you will very soon become engaged in a battle, a conflict, a confrontation, or a struggle. This can make life very difficult. Or, if the battle is within yourself, for example, struggling to make changes in your life or fighting with loved ones, life can become not only difficult, but overwhelming.

Of course there are other kinds of battles as well: dissatisfaction with the present economic climate; disagreement with political movements; or worries about how to take care of yourself and your family, to name just a few. There are so many negatives in the world today, if one wants to find them. But wait. Let’s look at this another way. The Spirit called Gladys is here to support, assist, enlighten, and hopefully lighten up your living experiences. Therefore this conversation is going to make a 180-degree turn from the above. We’re going to look at your responsibilities and see how we can diminish the sense of doing battle.

The first thing to do for any of the above-mentioned situations is to realize that you always have a choice. You have a choice to use your mind correctly. You have a choice to release your fear so that you respond and react without fear in your mind. If you are not experiencing fear, then you will respond and react so there is benefit for you and for all others involved in the situation. Next, you have a choice on whether to even participate in the situation. “Choosing your Battles” may mean that you choose to not participate. You choose to stand back and not add words that may hurt or alienate others. And, best of all, you may decide to make a choice that will add beneficial energy to the situation for all parties concerned. You may decide to uphold your side to the best of your ability, looking at the situation as one where you can contribute rather than do battle. You may decide to objectively look at your own point of view to see if it’s reasonable, and further, look more objectively at the other person’s point of view. The possibilities for looking at any conflict from different points of view are many.

Consequently, in this world that seems to be overrun with negativity, you can start to make a difference by bringing positive and beneficial energy to the table. And truly, what a difference that can make! It all begins with you and whether you have fear in your mind. If you have fear, then you probably find it easy to feel anger toward something or someone much of the time. If you have fear, it’s easy to become jealous, even hateful in your approach toward life. If you have fear, finding something to feel guilty about is no problem, nor is finding endless ways to inflict self-punishment.

So often in our Conversations, have you seen the thread that weaves throughout the topics? Much begins with you, within you, and for you. You can make a difference on the field of battle. You can make it better, or you can make it worse. It’s your choice.



QUESTION: I'm used to thinking about the expression, Choosing Your Battles, as a good thing. Instead of getting angry all the time, you should decide which issues are really important to you, and then choose how you will deal with them. How do you feel about that?

Yes, I do think it very important to decide which issues are very important to you, but when you speak of battles, you are preparing for conflict or a good “fight.” This is where I invite you to look at this differently. You could say, “I am looking for a good resolution to this issue of importance to me.” Then as you address this issue, make your choice(s) with a fear-free mind, rather than a fear-filled mind.

If you have released your fear and you are looking at the situation fear-lessly, then you will have a beneficial impact. For example, you may become involved in a situation where many people are angry and combative, and yet, if you are without fear, you can add objective and pragmatic observations that may calm the others. You can also release their fear as you are all together or before you are to meet. That is an excellent tool to use. Granted, you may have to release fear again for those who are experiencing fear, but it is a tool that works.

I agree with you that Choosing Your Battles can be a good thing, and I applaud your using your mind correctly to decide which issues are important to you.

 

QUESTION: Seems to me another way to look at this is that there is enough negativity in the world, and it is up to “us” or “me” to work to make a difference. Why can’t we just send a thought of calming and positive energy into all negative situations we become aware of?

I agree with you, and well said! To view situations in your life as a chance to say, “Ah, here’s something I need to do; can I add positive energy to this?” is a way to live that says you are making the very best and beneficial choices for yourself. What a wonderful gift to give yourself. Therefore, I’m going to say that you do not have fear in your mind, and you are using your mind correctly. You are contributing your positive energy toward finding solutions. As you act and behave in this manner, others will follow suit. You will have a dynamic impact on creating good things for self and others.

05-20-10

WEATHER PATTERNS AND EARTH MOVEMENTS
In a previous conversation we spoke of “The Wonders of Nature.” Now, we’ll go a bit further into nature, weather patterns, and earth movements.

Unusual weather patterns seem to be the order of the day on earth, as well as earthquakes and other natural phenomena. As we know, recent volcanic eruptions has resulted in shutting down air travel throughout a large area, stranding passengers in many parts of the world. In addition, there have been hurricanes, tsunamis, droughts, flooding, and temperatures atypical of many areas. When you put them all together, they create quite a list, don’t they? It seems as if every part of the world has something different, unusual, or unexpected that’s happened recently.

Let’s think about the overall weather patterns in the past and compare them to the present. We know people talk about the weather all of the time. This is because weather affects everyone, a few more than others, such as farmers, but it may be something as simple as wanting to know the weather so you can go for a walk. It is sometimes laughable when the weatherman misses his prediction completely, and your picnic, instead of being pleasant, is greeted by a snowstorm.

Why is this, one might ask? The answer is that weather has always been unpredictable. Even though the science behind weather prediction has improved significantly in recent years, there are and always have been factors that create the unexpected. We’ll look at some of those in a moment. In the meantime, it’s helpful to remember that although weather patterns today are not that different from the past, what is quite different is the reporting of weather-related information. Severe weather is reported around the world immediately, and this brings it to the attention of people everywhere in ways that would not have been possible in years past. But even today, some severe weather may take place in an unpopulated area and go virtually unnoticed by the outside world.

In referring back to the topic, “The Wonders of Nature,” we discussed that nature has a way of balancing the natural world, including all creatures living on the earth. Something that happens in one part of the world can easily affect another part of the world. And, we witness daily what the acts of humans can do to this world of natural balance. Extensive research and publicity surround the destruction of the rain forests, for example. This act caused by humans will have a far-reaching affect upon the environment—the majority of it being negative. The significance of trees adding oxygen to the atmosphere, providing important habitat for insects and animals, and of trees creating a mini climate within the shelter of their branches, bringing humidity and rains to the area, cannot be overstated. Now, with the destruction of the forests, bare land is left to erode and be blown or washed away. The resulting reduction of rain in the area will then have a continual effect upon other parts of the world, whether close or far away.

Now, let’s have a look at less understood influences on strange weather patterns and other “natural” phenomena. Few people understand the effects of human consciousness upon weather patterns and earth movements. The question was posed to Gladys some years ago about the tsunami in the Indian Ocean that devastated land masses and caused so many deaths, as to whether humans had caused the severe action. The answer given was that in part, human consciousness played a role in creating the shift that produced the energy that helped to create the tsunami. That’s an amazing assertion to be sure. Yet, this is an important understanding for human beings to gain: Human consciousness (the combined thoughts of all those living on earth) is always in motion and always shifting, helping to create positive or negative effects, and everything in between. This means that when a tremendous shift toward negative consciousness has occurred, i.e. a certain point of chaotic thought has been reached, and other physical factors within the earth itself have reached a point of readiness, human consciousness may be the catalyst that sets off a “natural” event. Conversely, if there are positive shifts in human consciousness, then fewer natural disasters occur. Beneficial human consciousness helps to create beneficial conditions on the earth.

To clarify, human consciousness is playing a part in the dynamic changes in weather and movements of the earth. Human consciousness is shifting, yes, and we hope that it is for the benefit of humankind and the world, but at times the shift is actually toward a negative and chaotic state. The way this works is the following: As there is turmoil in your own mind, turmoil enters the universal state of consciousness and creates more and more turmoil. For an example closer to home, let’s say a working mother has a frantic mindset because she has too much to do, and then that very day her children make things worse by acting up. In effect, the mother, without saying a thing, has conveyed her frantic mindset to her children, and their behavior is negatively affected. This example, though greatly oversimplified, suggests how it is that everyday human thoughts extend without words to join with the universal consciousness.

By contrast, when one’s mind is at peace and has no fear, one is sending that thought, feeling, and peaceful mindset into the universal state of consciousness. Just imagine what effect a huge number of people with a mindset of peace and calmness could do to help improve weather patterns and earth movements in the future!



QUESTION: OK, how is human consciousness causing the weather upheavals experienced today?

Remember I said it is only playing a part. Also playing a part is the example used previously of the annihilation of the rain forests. Also playing a part is the shift of the axis of the earth. Also playing a part is the movement of the butterfly’s wings. Every movement and every thought experienced by whatever creature lives on earth, is affecting the earth as you experience it today.

Is this a pretty dire picture I’ve painted for you? Not in the least. If you take this information and begin to make beneficial changes within yourself, and if you then work to participate with others in making beneficial changes within themselves, then all of you start to have a beneficial effect upon human consciousness. You will then eventually experience calmer weather patterns. You will then experience fewer earth movements. This is how the world has always functioned and will continue to function.

 

QUESTION: I find it hard to believe that humans play any part in the weather or the earth’s movements. You haven’t convinced me, that’s for sure.

I am not trying to convince you of anything. What I am trying to do is give you the information that you can take and do with as you like. There will be many people that agree with this information, and there will be those who do not. The Gladys information is not here to convince you. The Gladys information is presented in a channeled message from the Spirit called Gladys for the benefit of humankind.

I will ask you to take this information and let it rest in the back of your mind. Then when you experience a severe change in the weather, ask yourself what has been happening in the world around you. What messages have been circulating from the pundits that are, let’s say, either highly controversial or simply untrue? What messages are designed to create as much fear as possible in people? What is the state of mind of many of the people with whom you come in contact? If your answer is, “Well, everyone is feeling a bit chaotic right now” and/or “Well, those commentators surely know how to distort the truth!” then you’ll have your answer. Perhaps then you may have a glimmer of understanding of the interconnectedness of all people, all plants, all animals, and of the whole earth and the universe.

05-10-10

WONDERS OF NATURE
When it comes to looking at some of the wonders of the natural world, one must be willing to look at the spiritual world, because nature is nothing if not spiritual. It’s true that nature is responsible for earthquakes, tsunamis, mudslides, tornados, hurricanes, volcanoes and the like, but these events, too, are spiritual, as I will explain below.

Most people think of nature in terms of its beauty. Few people would fail to note the effect on the human psyche of colorful sunsets, snow-covered mountains, lush forests, flowers, butterflies, flowing grasslands, billowing clouds, rushing streams, and tranquil lakes, to name just a few. Your world is a compilation of exquisite beauty, and few people, no matter how poor or deprived, are left without numerous chances to see things that take their breath away. Of course, if one is blind, one must find an inner source, or use a sense other than sight, to experience the beauty of one’s environment.

But nature is so much more than aesthetics. It is a source of survival, in that it produces the food, air, water, and other resources that are required for each living thing. And, nature is the ultimate teacher. It teaches about the nature of life itself: the beginnings, the endings, and everything in between. It teaches about the dependence each has upon the other, and about how the extinction of one species often leads to the extinction of various other life forms. It teaches about cause and effect. For example, when a forest fire leaves the ground vulnerable to erosion, and then the rains come, the effect can be an enormous mudslide, which then might cause many people’s homes to collapse, killing or injuring people in the process. Nature also teaches how a change in weather patterns in one part of the world can affect communities in a distant part of the world that may not be prepared for the consequences.

Nature does not pick favorites and can have just as devastating an effect upon the rich as upon the poor, though the poor are often less prepared because of the fragility of some of their structures, or the absence of good resources. Thus nature reminds humankind of the need to either protect those who cannot protect themselves, or to teach them how to do this for themselves.

In every aspect of life, nature is there teaching, demonstrating, and reflecting what humankind needs to learn in order to reach the potential of enlightened humanity. This is nature’s highest spiritual purpose.

From a spiritual standpoint, nature’s most negative events provide a mirror on the human experience, offering the opportunity for human beings to first see what ferocity may exist in the human mind, and to then respond with the wisdom to correct what is correctable and to demonstrate with support and compassion what can be done for the victims of those events that are not correctable.

From a natural or physical standpoint, nature seeks always to create a balance on your planet. This means that activity in one part of the planet creates a counterbalancing effect somewhere else on the planet. There are times when human activities create a need for the balancing, and other times when human activities are irrelevant. Either way, there is value in the physical event taking place, that value being the survival of your planet.

Returning now to the spirituality of the natural world, it would be a benefit to understand the resource nature can be for you in today’s world. Nature can calm, soothe, strengthen, support, and help maintain a balance and sense of peace in the inner world of your mind, as well as in the physical world of your body. Breathe it in, and nature will refresh you. Sense its beauty, and nature will inspire you. Make good use of its plants, and nature will heal you. Take care of its resources, and nature will continue to feed you. In summary, nature, used wisely, will continue to provide energy, building materials, and solutions to your needs, be they for water, protection, inspiration, or anything else. Nature not only serves you but also is you, so please handle it with care.


QUESTION: I have always loved nature, but there is such brutality in nature when you watch the nature shows on TV, and I wonder why it has to be that way.

There is certainly violence in nature when you see one animal kill another, though most animals’ instincts are to kill quickly and surely so as not to waste their energy on a lengthy struggle. In the case of a group kill, there appears to be more violence as one animal alone is unable to make the kill, and the group attacks different parts of the victim’s body. Still, once the victim understands there is no point in struggling, which happens very quickly, it surrenders itself and at that point no longer feels pain.

To clarify, the instinct to survive causes the animal to do everything it can to avoid death. Fear and pain are factors that serve to keep the animal from simply giving up its desire to survive. However, fear and pain cease to exert their power at the point when an animal understands that death is inevitable. By such time, fear and pain have served their purpose and are no longer needed. Survival is no longer at issue. For an animal the decision to surrender is instinctive. Now as you watch the TV shows, watch the animals and you will see what I am talking about. You will see when the surrender occurs, and it will make sense to you.
 

QUESTION: I don’t understand why there have to be such awful pests in the world. When you think about biting flies, disease-ridden mosquitoes, and the like, one wonders why they are needed in the scheme of things.

When something has evolved and survived up to this point on your planet, it is there because conditions on earth have fostered its growth. Humankind, with its ability to think, can determine if that “something” has value sufficient to justify its existence, and to what degree that existence is of value. Then humankind can factor in all the variables and make what adjustments it sees fit for today’s world. Of course, as so often happens, human beings may disagree with one another, in which case, human beings have the brainpower to figure out how to resolve their issues of disagreement.

Issues such as these represent some of the fundamental challenges of your time on earth. Though they may seem daunting, such challenges are present to keep life interesting. Also, be assured that humankind has everything it needs to solve the problems and challenges before it. It just takes the desire, the persistence, and the resolve to proceed with the solutions.

05-01-10

BEING A LOVING PRESENCE
Being a Loving Presence

Most people are in the midst of experiencing difficult times, if not personally, then from seeing others go through them. It may be that some friends’ sons or daughters are serving their country in the military, and there is worry for their safe return. It may be that an acquaintance is losing his house because he can no longer make the mortgage payments. It may be that one is enduring the loss of a job or a cutback in working hours. It may be that people are suffering from the effects of unusual weather patterns close to home. It may be that people are suffering from financial losses or failed investments. If you are one of those people or families, you may be feeling overwhelmed just reading this. The intent of our Conversations is not to create worry and certainly not to create fear or intensify fear that may already exist. The intent is to open the reader’s mind to new ways of thinking, to assist in creating belief in self and others, and to help each person learn how to better nurture self and others.

Throughout this website and these Conversations, we consistently refer to the tools of being able to “release your fear” and “ask for peace of mind.” Making use of these tools is fundamental to gaining the greatest benefit from the Gladys Connection. When one lives without fear in one’s mind, then peace of mind becomes a constant companion, even during difficult times.

When one has become adept at achieving a consistent state of peace of mind, then one can serve as a loving presence for all those with whom one comes in contact, and to a lesser extent for all those with whom the former group comes in contact. This is the domino effect that one person interacting with others from a peaceful state of mind can have on many, many other people.

A loving presence does not judge others, attempt to control them, influence their opinions, use survival patterns to manipulate them, or compete with or disrespect them. Instead, a loving presence is free of fear, offers input if asked, is caring and compassionate, is respectful and accepting of each person as he or she is, and has the intention of spreading positive energy whenever and wherever possible.

The benefits derived from there being a growing number of people on earth who are able to be a loving presence are being felt in the world as we know it today. The world cannot help but become more positive, more peaceful, and more beneficial for all humankind because of their presence. This represents yet another way in which one person can truly make a difference. So, just imagine what a large number of such people can do!

If you are wondering what you can do to tilt the balance away from the negativity that seems to be spreading, from words and acts of hatred and violence, from bias and prejudice, and from rampant mistrust, then I ask you to consider what has been written in this Conversation. Work within your mind to release fear and to instate peace of mind. Then contemplate becoming a loving presence. Act upon it if you are so moved. The primary benefit will be for you, and then that benefit will spread to those with whom you come in contact. As I’ve said, “One person can truly make a difference.”


QUESTION: This sounds all well and good, but it also sounds impossible. What can you add to make me see this differently?

Know that it is not impossible to release your fear. Know that in doing this for self, and, yes, it will take some time and practice, you will begin to respond and react without fear as you experience each event in your life. Your inner thoughts will not chatter on with fear-based thoughts, but instead with fear-less thoughts, which are far more beneficial.

The first step is to work on releasing your fear. As you develop an awareness of fear and its release, you will begin to feel and see the difference in yourself. At that point you’ll definitely begin to respond and react to others in a fear-less way. If you don’t feel you are then experiencing peace of mind, demand of yourself that you experience peace of mind. Say to yourself emphatically that you demand peace of mind! Upon making this demand, you’ll begin to feel your body physically respond with relief and relaxation, and be assured that your mind is responding in the same way. At that point you are without fear, and you are experiencing peace of mind. Recreate that feeling again and again by using your tools and by staying in tune with how your mind is functioning.

You must do this first for yourself, and then you can work to become a loving presence.
 

QUESTION: I love the term “loving presence.” It certainly inspires me to work with my mind to achieve such a state.

I love this kind of question because it has an easy answer: We are only talking about one person here and that person is you. It takes only one person to accept an idea that person feels is beneficial. Then, by making inner changes, that person extends her thoughts, feelings, and actions to another and another and so forth.

You can extend your thoughts by your actions and words; however, you can also extend your thoughts to others through thought transference. Let’s say you have thoughts of becoming a loving presence and you wish to make a difference in the world. So, you extend those thoughts out into the universe, into the level of high consciousness you believe is there, because you want your thoughts to benefit as many people as possible. One way to do this is to practice visualizing that your thoughts are expanding before you as a balloon that gets bigger and bigger until it leaves the earth and goes into the universe and all of the cosmos. It’s a wonderful feeling to experience. So, if you wish, try it with your understanding of being a loving presence. This is how change really happens and takes hold.

04-10-10

THE PLACEBO EFFECT
Many people have heard about, or perhaps even participated in, studies where placebos were used. Placebos are usually sugar pills or other innocuous substances that are considered to have no discernible affect on the outcome of a study. In a controlled experiment they are given to some of the subjects while the others get the actual drug or treatment that is being tested. It can be quite surprising to many people to discover how frequently placebos seem to “work”, in other words to bring about the desired outcome, simply because people believe they are getting the real drug or treatment that is supposed to cure them.

Interestingly, placebos are often thought of in a disparaging way, as in “It’s probably just a placebo,” suggesting that something so simple couldn’t possibly last or have any real value. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just think about what someone has done when just the act of taking a pill brings about an improvement in the person’s condition. If there is no medication in the pill, and yet “the pill” has cured a headache, lifted the person’s depression, tamed a fever, erased anxiety, calmed a person’s fears, or helped someone lose weight, how can this happen?

The answer is that a person’s mind has taken care of the problem. If only one human being were given a placebo and were able to recover from whatever the condition (and please know this has happened millions of times), then any human being can do the same thing. This tells you what a human being is capable of doing. This tells you the tremendous power that is a part of the human mind.

Now, does this mean a cancer patient should stop doing his treatment and rely only on his mind to cure him? Not usually. Belief in self has cured many people of cancer and other medical problems, but this takes a strength of belief that is extraordinary. One has to feel with absolute certainty that one can do the healing. Yet, for the person who isn’t absolutely certain of her own healing powers, there are still important ways she can assist in the healing process.

Understanding the power of the placebo effect should encourage one to use one’s mind for healing, not only for self, but for others. Your thoughts have tremendous power, and there is every reason to direct your thoughts toward healing what needs to be healed. Visualize what you wish to heal, see yourself doing the things you could do before your affliction, and begin to know that you are making a difference by thinking of a positive outcome. Using your mind in this way is using your mind as it was designed to be used—for your benefit—and for the benefit of all with whom you come in contact. Begin thinking of your mind as the powerful and useful tool that it is, and begin demanding of your mind that your needs be filled and your desires fulfilled.


QUESTION: You know it’s very difficult to keep hearing that you aren’t being positive enough, or you’re not believing hard enough, and that it’s just plain your fault if your life isn’t going the way you want it to. I find that very frustrating.

This is a concern that many people have, and it is not my intention to suggest that you are doing things wrong in your life. Here is my intention: to inform people of the power of their own minds so that they might begin to expect their minds to serve them better. Too often people feel powerless and victimized by life. They feel life has been unfair, and that no matter what they do, life, fate, or God does not allow them to succeed. Certainly we have seen examples of this, such as the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, or of other natural disasters, or the victims of terrorist attacks around the world. Such unfortunate people had no choice but to accept their fate, but as long as people have options, they are not powerless and they are not helpless. They have the ability to choose.

Someone out of a job has the ability to choose how she will tackle the job-search process. Will she give in to her fears of inadequacy? Will she dwell on how she has been rejected? Will she spend all her time thinking about how difficult it will be to find a job in today’s market, or will she spend her time exploring what is really out there? Will she allow herself to think creatively, or will she think it’s hopeless? These are all choices she has.

What about a person who is very ill? Will he choose to let his thoughts go toward, “Why me?” day in and day out, or will he choose to think thoughts of healing and love toward his body? In other words, will he choose to participate in his own healing, or will he give all his power over to the doctors and expect them to do it?

The daily choices a person makes can make all the difference in how that person experiences his life. One can be poor, ill, disabled, rejected or inadequate, or any number of things we might consider unfortunate, and yet still be happy. Think about your own life and the choices you make each day. Such an exercise could be enlightening.
 

QUESTION: I don’t understand how a placebo could possibly work. Yet, I know placebos have been used in scientific experiments for years, and some people really cure themselves. What is happening when the placebos work?

In today’s conversation I referred to the mind and to what it is capable of doing. What is important to understand is that the mind has a role in creating illness, usually subconsciously through the way one deals with stress, and thus the mind can play a role in undoing what it has created. A placebo demonstrates what a mind is capable of, and a mind is capable of either fully curing self or of assisting in the process of curing self.

Usually, it takes several months or often years for the body to reflect the effects of chronic or trauma-induced stress. This stress affects the brain first, which activates the release of hormones, such as cortisol, into the body, which over time may result in other chemical reactions that can activate dis-ease. Science is just in the early stages of understanding this very important connection between stress and illness.

So, what the mind can do to help either avert or treat illness is to learn how to handle stress more effectively. What we have taught on this website and in the recommended books is a process for learning to recognize psychological fear (which often accompanies stress) and release it so that it doesn’t negatively affect one’s health and quality of life. There are other ways to do the same thing, of course, and many people have found therapy to be effective, particularly in dealing with past trauma. The advantage of learning how to release fear is that it gives you a tool to use during your everyday activities so that stress that contains fear does not have a chance to build up. You can keep making your mind adjustments when needed, and this works in the same way as the placebo effect.

03-20-10

EFFECTS OF THOUGHTS ON OUR EXPERIENCES
I would like for each of you to understand the effect that you have upon your living experiences, your minds, and your bodies by the thoughts you have. I would venture to say this: As you think, so shall you become.

Years ago the term “positive thinking” became a by-word for many people. The power of positive thinking was studied and taught. This remains a valid concept. This remains a phrase worth contemplating. We are what we think. If we insert positive and beneficial thoughts into our minds, then our bodies and the cells of our bodies experience the benefits.

When you have a thought, it is as if you are accepting that thought as part of your being, as part of your body’s cellular makeup. If you have a constant or repetitive thought, that thought becomes part of your being and your cellular makeup. If that thought is positive, then the thought has a positive and beneficial effect upon your entire being. Conversely, if you have a negative, or let’s say a fear-filled thought, then that, too, becomes a part of your being.

Many people are tied to the notion that thoughts just come and go, and we have no choice but to accept them. In fact, we do have options in what we think about, particularly in what we dwell upon. Repeated thoughts become a kind of mind chatter, and if we pay attention to that chatter, we can do something about it. We can challenge the negative thoughts and let them go. The choice seems obvious: having beneficial thoughts is best. However, this is easier said than done for many people.

Let’s use the example of a fear-filled thought that concerns your livelihood—your financial situation. This is something to which most people can relate. We have thoughts of how will I manage, how will I have enough money, or will I have enough money? These fear-filled thoughts, which are in the mind, affect the systems of the brain, and as these thoughts circulate within the “thinking” part of the mind, they affect all the cells in the body. It is as if a secretion goes from one cell to the next and so forth until all the body’s systems have been affected. This is how stress takes over the entire body’s systems. If you then have a vulnerable area, let’s say in your digestive system, then your digestion is compromised. You may begin to have digestive problems. Your body may create an ulcer in part of that digestive system. You may become constipated or have loose bowels. Repeated thoughts that are fear-filled play havoc with your body. Each individual will handle this process differently. It depends upon any vulnerability that may exist within your body.

This does not happen overnight, but it does happen after fear-filled thoughts are allowed to remain in your mind for an extended time.

Fear-filled thoughts also not only affect our physical being, but they affect how we respond and react to situations and to other people. Fear-filled thoughts dictate how we act. If we have continual fear, it will affect how we make decisions, how we live, how we converse and relate with others. If our minds are plagued with fear, then we are not the people we desire to be. We put forth a persona that works to protect ourselves. We are not open, truthful, and trusting.

Do you see how our thought patterns are interwoven into everything we do?



QUESTION: Are you saying that any ailment or illness I have in my body is created by my thoughts?

Let’s look at this question in a straightforward manner (as if Gladys is not always straightforward!). Let’s say you are feeling good, you are accepting of self, you are nurturing self and applauding self. Now ask yourself, do you have any physical ailments or illnesses right now as you are experiencing these good situations? The answer is probably not. You feel good mentally and emotionally, and therefore you feel good physically.

However, when you start to insert negative thoughts, let’s say after having a negative experience, you begin to doubt yourself, berate yourself, and possibly even hate yourself. At this point check out how the physical body is feeling. There may be some new aches and pains; you may accidently hurt your back as you pick something up. Your stomach may become bloated or uncomfortable from stress.

If you continue along this line of negative thinking, you will create more and more distortions within the cells of your body. And if this continues over a long period of time, you may easily experience a serious illness.

 

QUESTION: If I am experiencing a serious illness, can I overcome it through positive thinking?

Just as you have created a physical ailment by fear-filled negative thoughts, yes, you can begin to reverse the physical problems by working to create positive thoughts, therefore energy, within your body. However, I caution you to accept a doctor’s care if you do have a serious illness. There may be certain medications and medical help that you need to fully recover. Still, there is power in your thoughts, and if you are able to work within yourself to release your fear, and if you are then able to experience beneficial thoughts, you will be able to maximize the benefit of your medical treatment in overcoming your illness. Your mind and medical treatment can work hand-in-hand towards your recovery.

All of this may take time. But, it is possible to also make immediate corrections to your physical body by sending loving, healing energy to your body, by practicing stress-releasing exercises, by eating properly, and by experiencing love of self. Accept yourself, love yourself, and nurture yourself. If you can do this, there will not be room for negativity within your body.

03-01-10

RELATIONSHIPS IN TURBULENT TIMES
We all know that relationships can be difficult during the best of times, so it’s not surprising that during tough times, they can be especially challenging. Relationships require time and energy, give and take. It’s not enough to feel love; one has to show love as well. Relationships take compassion and caring, honesty and diligence.

You could say that relationships take work, and you would be right!

There are all sorts of relationships. Some examples include: the relationship between or among parent/s and child, child and school acquaintances, adult friends, adult and spouse/partner, adult (non-parent) and child, siblings, and other family members. And, of course, as the ages and situations change, the nature of the relationships change.

The most important relationship is between parent/s and child. This relationship begins from the time of conception. If the baby is conceived for the right reason, that reason being to love the child, then the stage is set successfully. If the baby is conceived from love and is immediately conveyed love and acceptance in the fetal stage, then the future growth of that child has a firm foundation. If the child is brought into the world and is given love and acceptance, and, when appropriate, is given loving discipline, the growth continues on a positive path. In summary, the child, conceived in love, brought into the world to love, accepted and allowed to develop with continued love, and given loving discipline will flourish and thrive.

Perhaps I am speaking of perfection here, but it is possible. This is the exact pattern for which parents should strive. However, we know that perfection in any endeavor is rare, and child rearing is certainly no exception. Yet, the fact remains that a child’s life is profoundly affected by the degree to which love and acceptance are experienced from the fetal stage onward. If the child does not experience love and acceptance, then the stage is set for many traumatic things to happen in his/her life, and the fear of acceptance and inadequacy begin to make inroads into the young child’s mind.

With respect to people in general, the amount of fear in their minds allows or inhibits them from experiencing successful relationships as parents, siblings, and friends, and it deeply affects their marriage or love partnerships.

The degree to which people experience fear sets the stage for relationships in turbulent times. Though do you see that this also sets the stage of relationships in good times and for all times? Therefore, turbulent times and other times may not differ much in how relationships are being experienced.

To experience a successful relationship, ideally two people come together who do not experience fear. That is when the relationship will be experienced with compassion, love, understanding, and empathy. That is when a true friendship/partnership can be experienced. When two people come together who have little or no fear, they are able to give of themselves openly and freely without placing constraints and rules upon the others in the relationship. The give and take balances out. The good times are heartfelt, and the bad times are felt with understanding of what the other is going through. Sounds like perfection, but it is possible.

Experiencing relationships during turbulent times then means that the parties involved will weather the storms together, with compassion and understanding of each other. When one person is filled with worry and stress, then the other will offer understanding and assistance, if possible.

By contrast, when two people come together during turbulent times and one (or both) experiences fear to any degree, then there will be misunderstandings and arguments. The turbulent times may create turbulence within the relationship. In this scenario one or both of the people do not have the tools to help themselves individually, much less as a pair.

What needs to happen is that each person needs to work on his/her level of fear. Both need to release their fear so that they are making decisions and having interactions without fear in their minds. If both people in the relationship will work on their own fear level, then fear-less conversations and interactions can once again be experienced.

All of this may not have been what you expected from this conversation, but I wish to present to you information that will allow you to understand the importance of not having fear in your mind. Your success as a child, as a friend, as a partner, as a lover will be affected by how you yourself handle your fear. You are the one who can make a difference for yourself first, and then make a difference for those with whom you interact.



QUESTION: What you are saying sounds very simple, but I doubt it will make that much difference if my partner and I are in the midst of losing our home during this mortgage crisis. Are you saying to simply release our fear, and then all will be better and get resolved? Sorry to push you, but this is the problem we face right now.

By using the tool of releasing your fear, you will have a mind that works correctly. You will have a mind that doesn’t panic, but instead starts to sort out the problem. That mind may lead you to seek help from someone who knows how to best address mortgage problems. That mind may lead you to find the steps for the solution yourself. You might find yourself asking the right questions, reading pertinent information, discovering how others are solving the same or a similar problem, or just being at the right place at the right time to hear of a solution. That’s what a mind without fear can do.

A fear-less mind can also allow you the wisdom and compassion to help your family during this time of great upheaval. Your mind may require many adjustments in which you say to yourself, “Release my fear,” but at least you know what you can do for yourself. You know that you can make a difference for yourself, and that is exactly the way you will find the path out of this or any other problem you are facing.

 

QUESTION: Turbulent times for me have led to losing my job, and so there’s no income. This isn’t exactly a relationship question, but how can you say that releasing my fear will help bring money into my home?

The answer remains very much the same as the previous answer. You have every right to have fear, as you have been rejected by being let go. It probably was not because you were not doing your job properly; it was because your employer felt he/she had to cut back. However, in this case most people would give in to the feeling of inadequacy, because whether they were actually inadequate in their job or not, they would feel inadequate, and such feelings often create fear. So you have the fear of rejection and inadequacy to deal with. Here is the perfect opportunity to use the tools I am offering. Use the demand of releasing your fear every time you question yourself, doubt yourself, or berate yourself. Stop the negative inner dialogue, and emphatically release your fear.

At the point you’ve released your fear, you will begin to find some answers. You may at that moment be drawn to read an ad for a job that might suit you. Whether it is for long-term remains to be seen; it may simply be a job that gets you through these turbulent times.

Releasing your fear allows your mind to work correctly so that you can embark on finding a solution to your problem.

02-15-10

HOW TO LIVE RATHER THAN SIMPLY SURVIVE
If you are pondering this subject, you are a person who knows what it means to live successfully, though there are times you fall into survival mode. Am I correct? For to be aware of living, rather than simply surviving, you have to have a means of comparison. Fortunately for you, the ability to live successfully is already a concept you understand. I am not referring to monetary success; I say this because most people’s minds go directly to defining success as having money. It is really a shame that people so often equate success with money. Granted, money is important in that it provides both necessities and luxuries.

By your being able to live successfully, I mean that you have a mind that is serving you well in making your choices and decisions. I mean that you have abilities and capabilities to question and find your answers. Remember that you are a life energy that is residing in a container (physical body). At birth your life energy combined with your mind power, and you took on the form of a human body. Now what you are doing with this amazing package is your choice. You can expand your energy and knowledge. You can develop and grow into an individual with compassion. Conversely, you can grow into an individual with many problems because you have fear. Fear invades a mind and is propelled by the power within that mind to expect and consequently experience rejection and inadequacy. (For a greater understanding of the meaning and impact of the fears of rejection and inadequacy, please review the information on this website.) Included on the website are many tools that can assist you in ridding your mind of fear. It is your choice.

If you are living successfully, however, it is probable that you experience fear only part of the time. At times you live totally without fear and at times totally with fear. When living without fear, you make good and honest choices for yourself; you show love and compassion for self and others; you nurture self and others; you experience love and joy in your living experience. And that is living successfully. It has nothing to do with monetary conditions. One can be rich and have fear or not have fear. One can be poor and have fear or not have fear.

Most people would say they want to live without fear. Most people desire to experience and extend compassion and love to self and others. What many people may not realize is that they have a choice: they can choose to live without fear. The responsibility is on their shoulders—and to personalize it—on yours. You are the life energy who came into this present existence to gain fulfillment in living. That correlates directly to success in living.

If you are simply surviving, then you are not being the person you wish to be or were meant to be. If you are simply surviving, you have probably lost belief and trust in self. If you are simply surviving, why do you find this acceptable? What made you believe you should settle for survival when you could be experiencing living as it was meant to be experienced? The reason is that fear has control of your mind power.

If you find that you are spending most of your time in survival mode, then you must make decisions for yourself to get beyond your fear. You must release your fear. Demand that it leave your mind power. Then, demand peace of mind. Work with your mind to say that whatever solution is needed is already in the making. Then get up and talk with other people. Interact with those who have belief in self. Share stories. Extend yourself to others: help someone else, even when you feel you need help yourself. Go beyond yourself and give of yourself. That is one of the best ways to get out of the mindset of simply surviving. When something good happens, give yourself applause. Give yourself credit. Then you will start to insert belief in self instead of thinking you can never do anything right. It is your decision.



QUESTION: Sometimes I like what you’re saying, but I can’t see myself actually going through the motions and seeing results. Do you know what I mean?

Perhaps some of you are thinking I’m just using words that sound nice but are hard to believe. If you are one who is suffering, then yes, it is hard to believe what I am saying. And, it might seem as though I am expecting you to “go through the motions” without believing in what they represent. Nevertheless, what I am trying to impress upon you is that you are the only one who can help yourself. You can seek encouragement, advice, and the companionship of others, but it still comes down to you—whether you choose to believe that life is worth living. Decide today to make changes that will allow hope to enter your mind, and belief to guide your thoughts.  

QUESTION: Most of the time I think I am living without fear, but then it creeps back in. Then I get really discouraged. I tend to think the concept isn’t working for me. What can I do?

If you are one of those people who vacillate between having fear and not having fear, then again it is up to you. In the answer to the first question following the 2010 Conversation (message) posted on this website on 1-1-10 (and now archived), I said the following: “If or when you have the feeling that fear is coming back into your mind, immediately make your correction by saying, ‘Release my fear.’ You can even demand that your fear be released. Be emphatic. Know that you have a choice. You can allow fear to creep back in, or you can take a stand and say no to fear. The fear of inadequacy and rejection is what will come between you and your peace of mind and/or between you and your aspirations.” Don’t give fear the power to interfere with the quality of your life.

As I said before, hold fast to the belief that your life is going the way you wish. Then, don't let anything come between you and that peace—or between you and that conviction. Make this a gift you give to yourself.

01-20-10

CRUMBLING STRUCTURES
You have probably heard the expression, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” many times in your life. You may have even agreed with this statement, but today I must tell you that many of your structures are indeed broken. And, we’re not talking here about falling buildings or bridges, though many of those need attention, too, but we’re talking of institutions that are no longer viable.

Right away this will make many people uncomfortable. They will want to know what’s wrong with the way certain things have traditionally been done. They will wonder how a change in structure will affect the bottom line, how their finances will fare if things change too much. Talking about massive changes creates fear in many people, too, and you may be asking, “Aren’t we all about reducing people’s fears?”

We have reached the point where we can openly talk about these issues without creating too much fear because humankind is already realizing the need for change. Very few people will have to be convinced of the issues I’m going to present because they already understand them at a subconscious, if not a conscious, level. The ones who will be reluctant to accept the need for change have a stake in keeping things as they are, and this usually stems from the fear of losing large sums of money. So, it’s understandable that they are reluctant. Yet, they, too, know they are living on borrowed time.

In a previous Conversation, I spoke of the drug companies and of their unfair control over prescription drug prices. Why should people in one country pay considerably more than people in another country for the same drug? Why should certain information be withheld from the public—information that might eliminate the need for certain high cost drugs in favor of lower cost ones that would be just as effective? Why should the drug companies be allowed to dominate the prime-time airwaves promoting products that can only be obtained through a prescription from a medical doctor? Such a constant barrage of information on diseases plants the thought in people’s minds that not only are they ill, but also that prescription drugs provide the only cure. This is subliminal advertising that could be categorized as a health risk because it plays with people’s minds in a detrimental way. This needs to change, and it will, as people are already getting “sick” of and from the drug commercials.

Insurance companies, of course, are beginning to lose their hold on the way health care is delivered and funded. They, too, will have to accept the changes that the general public is demanding, as people are unable to pay their premiums, and more and more people are making the choice to give up on health insurance. This, along with pressure from federal legislation, will cause the insurance industry to become creative in coming up with new ways to “insure” they will have a future role in the healthcare industry. This creativity will lead to new insurance products and services that will be viable and effective. If insurance companies would stop fighting change and instead embrace it, they would benefit by becoming a whole new “healthy” industry sooner rather than later.

Many of the larger financial and banking institutions are still clinging to the past, believing that no one is noticing their return to some of the same old practices that did a disservice to the general public in the past—practices such as exorbitant interest rates. They will find, though, that as the public becomes more aware of their policies, and as they make their views known to their elected representatives, profound changes will occur, and the changes will be quick and merciless toward those who are profiting unduly from public ignorance of their unfair and unethical practices. Then, those institutions that are above board and are acting ethically will come to the forefront. They will provide leadership to the banking industry by promoting new standards for their peers. Again, you will see creative products and services coming out of these institutions as well.

Big changes are also ahead for education—public and private schools, as well as higher education, are falling short in preparing many of the nation’s young people for the challenges of this century. The reasons for this failure are complex, and blame should not fall solely on the schools, as is the current practice in many states. Education should be a community as well as a government responsibility, with parents, teachers, business, and government officials all participating in preparing young people for a productive future. As the public gains a greater understanding of what is needed for young people to be successful, they will participate in solving the problems that are keeping education stagnant, and great progress will occur in a relatively short period of time.

The government is also going to begin seeing big changes. It will not be business as usual. Powerful lobbyists will lose their influence as the general public becomes the biggest lobby of all. With the Internet now providing the means for people to let their voices be heard, they will become more and more vocal with their needs and desires, and they will hold their senators and representatives, as well as the president and his staff, accountable for what happens in Washington. You might think this will cause even more division and discord than already exists, but actually this is not the case. More and more people will gain a perspective and understanding of what society needs in order for it to be peaceful, productive, and fulfilling, and people will be more willing to support measures that help bring about these carefully identified values. A movement toward the public good and away from personal gain is afoot.

The legal profession, medical profession, judicial system, corrections, and other major institutions will follow suit in making the changes that are necessary to improve the quality and fairness of their services. They will do this because of public pressure, but the answers will come from their own ranks, as people in these professions come forward with the ideas and innovations that are needed at this time.



QUESTION: Is it possible that we will go through a very unstable time as these changes are taking place?

Though there will be some instability, what you will see is a mass movement of people coming together in a mutually supportive way to see that needed changes take place. There will be more of a consensus than now seems possible, so you will not experience the chaos that such massive changes would suggest. The chaos has either already occurred or will soon emerge and quickly burn itself out, and what you will see in its place are individuals coming together and organizing themselves toward a more singular purpose.
 

QUESTION: Lately, Gladys, you seem to be making predictions, and rather drastic ones at that. What is your purpose in doing this?

Many of you have been suffering as you’ve either witnessed or experienced the unfolding of frequently alarming and chaotic events in your world. In a very short period of time, there have been natural disasters, wars and other major conflicts, serious epidemics threatened and sometimes experienced, increased terrorist activity, plane crashes, shootings, and a world economic crisis that has affected nearly the entire planet. People have suffered personal crises as well, some no doubt in response to the world situation. With so much going on, it can be difficult for even the strongest people to accommodate these events and their consequences without losing peace of mind.

What I and other spiritual leaders are doing in sharing information about the future is to try to alleviate your fears and give you hope that indeed things are changing for the better. The corrections that have been taking place have been painful but necessary in bringing awareness to all people of the need for significant change in your world. As a new and brighter world evolves from the mistakes of the past, you can be assured that your needs, desires, demands, and actions on behalf of humankind will have made it all possible.

01-01-10

Glady's 2010 New Year's Message
Every New Year the Spirit called Gladys gives a message to all people for the benefit of each and every one of them. While many people still fail to see any good from recent changes and happenings in the world, there are those who have been able to see how past and present events are creating corrections in the world. For those who now see few benefits, rest assured the Year 2010 will kindle a spirit of complete faith and belief. Few will fail to see what is before humankind, and the masses will gain a belief in the future and in the life that is possible for each person. It will not take much to tip this balance, and this new belief and faith will come to people during the New Year before they can scarcely blink an eye. Changes that were needed have already been set in motion. It hasn’t been easy. It has been the culmination of the work of thousands of people. These people had the answers within, and they needed only to understand the reason for bringing those answers into reality. There will be advances in all areas during the Year 2010. Scientific discoveries (perhaps not the right word as these “discoveries” have been waiting in closets and test tubes for an opportunity to reveal themselves) will create easier lives for people. They will create medications that are full of benefit rather than full of side effects. Weather problems will play to a huge audience of people ready and willing to accept responsibility and offer solutions. Financial solutions will be accepted and put into action. The Year 2010 will become known as a turning point, not only in the lives of people, but in the structures of institutions, governments, and other organizations that affect their living experience. The Year 2010 will not be the time for great changes in religious organizations, but that time is not too far in the future. Those changes will be left to the Year 2012.

There is much misinformation in the world today. It will become an important task for thinking, intelligent, unbiased, and non-prejudiced people to make their thoughts known. The coming year will be the time of standing up and facing the biased news reporting, the prejudiced media presentations, and the misinformed media notables by giving warning that their words, actions, and plans are harming people rather than helping. Their actions are creating mistrust and hate. This must be stopped, and for those presenting the truth, it is important to confront the motives of those perpetuating distortions and lies. The world is becoming a place of compassion, not a place for misrepresentation and deceit.

Perhaps it is the time to insert this information as a way of explaining why certain people perpetuate lies and misrepresentations: When people become totally fearful, they fight in every way possible to preserve what they have. When people become overwhelmed with greed and contempt, hurtful words and happenings occur. The Year 2010 will be intense with people consumed by fear and greed trying to make everyone else bow to their desires, their wishes, and beliefs. They will attempt to bring more people over to their side. However, this time it will not work. There are enough people in the world today ready to stand up and say that the massive changes must continue to occur. The changes are for the good of all people, not just a few who have profited and controlled in the past. And remember that the changes taking place in the world today are for the good of all people in all countries, all cultures, and representing all religions.

For the present there are conflicts and wars to be settled. The time has come to accept responsibility to bring an end to terrorism, torture, and destructive actions of individuals, cults, cultures, and countries. Solutions will be sought and found by leaders of the world to end acts of violence. These solutions will come about as acts of violence between individuals lessen. As individuals take responsibility to end violent actions, groups will become less violent, and the progression will go on from there. It is the desire of the majority of world leaders to end violence. Because the critical level of desire has been reached, there are now nearly endless ways in which to achieve the end of war and terrorism.

The spirit called Gladys has always wished to present the most helpful information available for the benefit and value of humankind. Over the years, there was much to be accomplished in the area of belief and trust—within self and between self and others. Each of you took up the challenge to make changes within your own life. You have sought answers to your problems. You have used the tools that have been presented to assist you in making significant changes in your living experience. Each of you is to be commended for tackling the challenges that were before you. Understand that your efforts have been fruitful. Each of you has a much better understanding of self, and in that understanding, you have extended understanding and assistance to others.

The Year 2010 will see a culmination of your searching. The understanding of self that you have attained will allow you to find your peace, to accept responsibility for self, and then for others. You will find that experiencing joy in your heart allows you to extend heartfelt love and assistance to others. This is how changes will continue to be made for the benefit of all humankind.

QUESTION: I have a desire for 2010: I want to welcome in the New Year with a feeling of joy and with the thought that my life is going the way I wish. How can I sustain this desire?

For now, perhaps it would be of value and benefit to point out that sustaining your desire correlates to sustaining your ability to live without fear and to maintain your peace of mind no matter what is going on in the world around you. If you have no fear and are experiencing peace of mind, then you will be able to perpetuate the feeling of joy in welcoming in the New Year and of belief that your life can meet your expectations.

What I wish for you to do is this: If or when you have the feeling that fear is coming back into your mind, immediately make your correction by saying, “Release my fear.” You can even demand that your fear be released. Be emphatic. Know that you have choice. You can allow fear to creep back in, or you can take a stand and say no to fear. The fear of inadequacy and rejection is what will come between you and your peace of mind and/or between you and gaining your aspirations.

Enter the New Year with your feelings of joy, and believe completely that your life is going the way you wish. Don't let anything come between you and that peace—or between you and that conviction. Do this for yourself and truly make your New Year a memorable one.  

QUESTION: You've mentioned that we've faced our challenges, but won't there still be challenges in the future?

There will always be challenges, and you were correct in questioning this. However, what I meant with regard to challenges is that you understood you needed to make changes in order to experience living in a way of fulfillment, enjoyment, and compassion. You knew it would be a challenge to let go of past experiences and memories and create new and fulfilling experiences that did not contain fear. You knew that you wanted to change, and you have made your changes.

Yes, there will be new challenges, but they will be external rather than internal. What you’ve accomplished is internal; it is all about self. It is making changes and living as a self-fulfilled, self-nurtured, and self-applauded individual, ready to take care of self, and therefore ready and willing to assist others.

12-20-09

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE
Historically, this time of year, both coming into the holiday season and ending the year, has been a time for contemplating goodwill towards man. Why be different this year? It is an excellent time to stop and think of the year that is closing and of what the future holds. This year, as in many other years comprising the history of mankind, to pause and reflect is especially relevant because of the difficult situations that are ongoing in so many countries and cultures. Though only a few religions created the holidays that occur at this time of year, we should think about all religions and their devotees while we’re addressing the theme of peace and goodwill.

Peace and goodwill. That is the feeling or state of mind that every religion should endeavor to create in its believers. Peace and goodwill. What does that mean to each individual, whether or not the person accepts a certain religion? At this time of year there is tremendous value in seeking to experience peace and goodwill. As has been presented in the Gladys Concept, sending out your thoughts of whatever you desire for the world has an effect on universal thought. Those thoughts join together and create the thought pattern of human consciousness. We might also want to look at the thoughts of envy or hate that some people have. Please understand that those thoughts also create the thought patterns of human consciousness. It becomes very easy, then, to choose which thought consciousness you desire to be a part of.

It is also possible for a person to remove the religious connotations of the holiday season and to simply act as a caring, concerned individual who desires the best for all people. In that way, one can send thoughts of love, peace, joy, and goodwill to all human beings who inhabit the earth at this moment.

For the next few minutes, let your mind go only to the thought of sending these feelings to all others. Give yourself pause and really concentrate. Expand your energy and your thoughts of love, peace, joy and goodwill, and send them out to all people. Breathe deeply and as you breathe out, expand, and send your thoughts. As you breathe in, feel the energy of life come into your body. Give thanks for the energy of life that comes in with each breath, and then give thanks for the conscious effect you can have on one other person, and then another and another.

It is the time to contemplate peace on earth and goodwill towards man. And, I will add that throughout the year there is tremendous value in continuing with this same contemplation. How else will the world continue on its path of positive change?

I wish to give each of you hope and belief in the world in which you find yourself. Your part is of utmost importance. Each person has a part to play and a responsibility to live in peace and joy. Do this for yourself and for all others. It will make your life an adventure to enjoy, to relish, and to share.

QUESTION: Is there more good happening in the world today than bad? One feels as if the media consciously plays up the bad and forgets to report on the good being done. I know there are tremendously wonderful things out there, but it’s hard to keep them as one’s main focus.

Absolutely, beyond any doubt, there are tremendously wonderful things happening as the changes in the world are taking place. In every area of living and human experience, there are changes for the better. There are world leaders, business leaders, government officials, and people in healthcare and education who are striving to make beneficial and lasting changes.

However, one can become overwhelmed by the barrage of negative information reported by the media. There is much with which to be dissatisfied when listening, viewing, or reading what the people in the media wish to present. There are huge distortions and misinformation being propagated by the media in today’s world. Never forget you do have a choice in what you wish to input into your thinking. In making your choice, you need to make your voice heard that you do not appreciate these distortions. In making your choice, you don’t have to be a part of the presentations. You can make a choice to seek out newspapers, magazines, TV presentations, and online news sources that seek to present an unbiased presentation of facts. You can support any media that reports correct information. That is a positive part you can play, and when more and more people join in this way of thinking, the media will change.

 

QUESTION: You often talk about this concept of sending your thoughts out into the universe in order to affect consciousness. How does one know it works?

First of all let’s go to how and why it works. It correlates with the theory of the movement of one butterfly’s wings having an effect upon the next and the next and the next movement of air. Your thought may be as gentle as that butterfly’s wing movement. Conversely, your thought may contain hate and violence. Each movement and each thought goes on exponentially, eventually affecting all that is. The movement or the thought holds energy. That energy transfers on and on and on. This is simply the way all energy works.

How does one know it works? First you have to try it. You have to send thoughts of love to another person. You have to send thoughts of goodwill to all others. You have to consciously be a part. You will know it works because YOU immediately feel better. YOU immediately know love or goodwill. YOU are the first part of the equation. That’s how you know it works for it transforms in your mind and you feel better. Then the thought transfers from your mind to the mind of another and another. There is a constant motion of energy that goes forth from your thought.

12-10-09

SHIFT IN CONSCIOUSNESS ON HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE
There is no question that in the U.S. today, health care is a major issue. While politicians and insurance and pharmaceutical companies argue over the merits of this or that plan, it’s interesting to consider what the average person on the street is thinking. More than likely the person is asking himself, “How do I afford health care for myself and my family? What will we do if someone gets seriously ill or injured? Do we have adequate coverage, and if not, how will we cover the bills? The worries are endless, and the supposed solutions being presented are confusing and worrisome. What is one to do? Obviously, just worrying is not the answer.

Let’s stop right here and view the situation differently.

I would like you to realize that you have a choice in how you respond. To continue to worry is pointless; yet the problem of inadequate or no insurance remains. So, here is what you can do with your own thought process: When you begin worrying, stop the worrisome thoughts and affirm that a solution is in the making. The answers are everywhere around you. All that needs to be done is to bring those answers to the forefront. I’m proposing that each of you send problem-solving energy into the universe and enhance that energy with love. You need to stop your mind chatter of worrisome thoughts, and say instead, “No, I’ve had enough. The solutions MUST be found.” This is what you can choose to think and do. Rather than worry, say, “I’m going to send positive, problem-solving energy to policymakers, to the medical profession, to drug companies, and to insurance companies. I’m going to think and demand that solutions be found.”

Then please consider saying to yourself, “I’m going to start taking responsibility for my own health. I’m going to change habits that do not serve my body and mind well. I’m going to be active and participate in finding solutions to my own needs. When I take responsibility for myself, I am creating a ripple in consciousness that then affects someone else’s thoughts about his/her own health. As I create this ripple, what is happening is that more and more people are being affected, and they in turn are affecting others.”

Continue with your thoughts in this way: “I’m not only going to take responsibility for my own health by using immediate preventive measures, but also by making important changes in my lifestyle, changes that have the chance of producing long-term benefits. I’m going to investigate alternative ways to remedy my aches and pains or my chronic complaints. I’m going to use the information and assistance from medical sources while I also add alternative treatments and remedies when they make sense. I’m going to use all of these sources, and in addition, I’m going to use my mind correctly to send positive and healing energy to myself. I’m not going to use being ill as an excuse to miss work or school, nor will I use being ill as an excuse for not confronting a situation or problem that is seeking my attention.

“A source of life and light is within me, and I am in control of my life. I can make choices that are good for my well- being, my health, and my happiness. I have the ability to do that for myself. And as I do this for myself, my actions encourage others to do the same thing for themselves. I am going to demand and expect perfect and fabulous health for myself.

“When there are health problems beyond my ability to care for myself, then I have the opportunity to make responsible choices in terms of my doctors and medicines. I have a responsibility to myself to seek a doctor who is willing to listen and attend to my problem. I then have a choice of whether to take medications, whether to change things in my lifestyle, and whether to accept that this problem is one I wish to deal with over the long term. If I send healing energy into my body, into my cells, I will be able to create greater effectiveness when it comes to all the resources at my disposal.

“I have a choice to have not only good health but fabulous health.”

Now let’s talk about the healthcare issues facing many countries today and specifically about those facing the U.S. Make your voice heard that you will no longer accept arbitrary decisions from an insurance company that places you as an individual into a certain category, a certain box. Make your voice heard that you do not wish to have medication as the solution to every health problem. Let the decision-makers know that pharmaceutical companies have too much power, and that behind their power is the corporate incentive for placing the needs of the stockholders above those of the customers. Let the decision-makers know that you have the right to fairly priced medications.

There is much that you as an individual can do. You can refuse to accept what has been, and, instead, give energy and thought to what can be. Humankind is continually being challenged to leave behind what has been in favor of what can be. So much of what has existed in the past has been based upon greed, power, and money. So much in the future will be based on love, kindness, gratitude, and on what is best for all people.



QUESTION: I don’t see how things can change as long as there are powerful lobbyists allowed to influence policymakers.

This is an easy answer. Say to yourself that change MUST occur. When you hear on the news that a certain company or companies are pouring millions of dollars into a specific lobbying effort, say to yourself and send the thought into the universe, “This is not right. This is not what is right for people. This cannot continue.” Send these thoughts from your mind into the universe and release fear for yourself and for those who are making policy decisions. That is what you as an individual can do to effect change. Conversely, if you continue with worrying thoughts and thoughts of this is not possible, then you are sending those powerful negative thoughts into the universe and into consciousness. This is why the answer is easy. Send positive, power-filled thoughts into the universe.  

QUESTION: How can you say that we should ask for or demand fabulous health when I for one have so many aches and pains and have to take my medicine?

Yes, you may have aches and pains and conditions that require medication. But why continue to accept that you must experience any type of ill health? Why not begin using your mind for sending powerful and beneficial thoughts to your body. Instead of simply accepting your lot, consider taking the following actions: Send healing to that ache. Send healing to that pain. And expect a change! Take your medication while saying to yourself that the medication is for your body’s benefit. Then demand that the condition improve and expect it to leave your body! Don’t feel you must accept that anything need go wrong with your body. Make choices that are good for your mind and body by choosing beneficial foods, and stay active physically. Then set your intention or expectation for fabulous health. What a gift to give yourself, don’t you think?

12-1-09

LOVE OF AND BELIEF IN SELF
How does one know when love of self and belief in self are sufficiently strong to experience one’s potential?

You won’t need to ask. That is the short answer. But, I have every intention of giving you a more thorough response to this very important question.

Let us begin by saying you have the correct understanding: this is the key to everything. Without love of self and total belief in self, you will have experiences that are missing something. You may experience love, joy, frustration, anger, happiness, loneliness, and a full range of feelings and emotions, but there will be doubt and questioning of the legitimacy of, or reasons for, your experiences. In other words, you may wonder if they are illusions, if they are a game you are to play, if they are part of a script that has been given you for God’s amusement. You may look upon your life as just playing out some karma from a previous life. You may wonder if there will be an end to your suffering or your discontent, or if things are currently going well for you, if there will be an end to that. Without love of self you question your experiences, you question your right to experience love and joy, you question how your life will play out in the future. You question, you doubt, you feel sometimes as if you are on a roller coaster, with good days and bad, but with no apparent reason for either. You wonder what you did to deserve your life, and you wonder what you can do to improve it.

Now let’s look at the other side of the coin. With love of and belief in self, your experiences take on a different meaning—they provide avenues for your growth and expansion. They provide everything from challenge to amusement. They glow with the potential to bring joy and satisfaction as you experience them without fear. They give you opportunities to use your mind creatively, to solve problems for self and others, to interpret possibilities and set priorities. They offer chances to think or not to think—sometimes just to feel. They offer chances to communicate and share with others or to stay within yourself—to feel individually what is being given to you by the Source of all things—by God and through God to the godself within you. Your life experiences are there for you to express yourself, to find your voice, to make your mark. You do this through the choices and decisions you make each and every day.

Let go of your limiting thoughts—thoughts of past experiences that didn’t work out. Let go of thoughts about your pain and suffering, your worries and fears. Just let them go and tell them not to come back. They may have served to help you survive when you lacked the knowledge or ability to use your personal power, but they are not serving you now. You don’t need them to survive, because your life is not about survival now; rather it is about expansion, about manifestation, about being the expression of the human being you have always wanted to be. It is, in short, about experiencing your potential to the fullest extent possible in this lifetime. The New Energy is ready to respond to your needs, wishes, and desires, so let them be heard. Your job is to ask and accept. The gifts are there for the taking.


QUESTION: What if I have strayed off track and want to get back on? How do I reclaim the love that has always been there for me when perhaps I have refused that love or failed to recognize it?

The answer is quite simple: You ask. You open the door and let in the light. You accept and embrace what has always been and will always be yours—divine love. You forgive yourself for all your perceived inadequacies. You quit judging yourself as unworthy. You quit dwelling on all the things you feel you’ve done wrong. You quit looking at yourself as small and begin to see yourself as enormous. You keep your intentions respectable. You accept responsibility for where you are in your life and where you would like to be. Then go there in your thoughts until you can go there in person, for your thoughts create and manifest what you focus on and what you desire for yourself. Don’t worry about time. Time will take care of itself as you focus on what you need and want.  

QUESTION: Can one love or believe in another, if those factors are missing within oneself?

To truly love and believe in someone else, one must love and believe in self first and foremost. It is impossible to fully experience the love of another until one truly experiences love of self. To believe in someone else, one must first have belief in self. You may feel that you love someone else even though you don’t love yourself, but that is not love. That love is placing conditions upon the other or conditions upon self. That love is controlling and manipulative. Therefore you are not feeling love; you are acting out your own lack of self-love by placing conditions and controls upon the other person.

Love is a pure energy. Love does not control or restrict. Love does not dictate or demand. The pure energy of love is the ultimate in feeling, either for oneself or for another. That energy of love is unconditional.

If you first love yourself and you choose to love another, you will love that person freely, openly, and honestly. You will give of yourself to that other person with abandon, knowing you are filled to the brim with a love that cannot be depleted.

11-1-09

GLOBAL WARMING
There has been much controversy regarding the legitimacy of global warming. Scientists say humankind must act quickly to see the trend stopped or at least slowed down, or disastrous consequences will occur. Others say the dangers are exaggerated and that nothing need be done. Still others say it is a legitimate concern but is being overplayed in the media. What I have to say will be different from all of these.

If you believe in the New Energy as it’s been described on this website, and if you believe humankind has all the answers it needs to solve the world’s problems (though those answers may not be in the immediate consciousness of humankind), then you might ask, “What’s all the fuss about?” Let me explain, please. There is certainly considerable evidence that your planet is warming up, and so far not enough people are taking the warnings seriously. Remember that change happens globally when enough people assume the thought patterns that reflect a problem exists and a solution is needed. So, for example, enough people would need to be saying, “A solution to this problem is needed.” Then when the thought enters their minds again, “A solution to this problem is in the making.” The latter comment reflects a belief that the first comment was heard and acted upon, and thereby it requires only an affirmation that all is happening as it should be. So, simple as this sounds, it is not enough to ignore the problem or assume someone else is dealing with it. One has to participate, if not by taking action personally, then by the power of one’s thoughts.

Can you see a pattern here in how the New Energy is working? Remember that it took enough people wanting to change the way the world was operating in order for the New Energy to take hold in the first place. Enough people had to have a need or had to see the need in others in order to demand change for the better. You were told there were enough who said, “This is enough! I’ve had it! Things must change! The way things are now is unacceptable!” People’s needs and the thoughts of others who understood their plight are what created the surge in energy called the New Energy.

An example can be found in the changing structure of the financial industry. Changes in the financial structure were needed, and this pattern is what brought the need for change to light and is ultimately going to bring about a new and more beneficial way of doing business—one where greed and irresponsibility (to employees and the general public) are no longer considered acceptable. Similarly, other institutions that are defective will experience an overhaul as people begin to let their voices be heard and their thoughts be channeled toward the need for change.

The dangers of global warming are real, but the solutions are not out of reach. As I said, it just takes enough people committed to finding a solution. Then it will be easy to get the solution to surface from its current location in the minds of capable people. Are you intrigued yet? I certainly hope so. You will be amazed at how quickly solutions will present themselves—solutions to all kinds of problems you are having on earth. But, first you must recognize that something is wrong, direct your thoughts toward finding solutions, and take appropriate action when an action becomes clear. Sometimes all one has to do is take some small action; other times just using one’s thoughts are sufficient. You decide what level of support you can provide, but the key is to participate in creating the solution.


QUESTION: Some teachers say a period of cooling is coming, so why worry?

Some spiritual teachers are optimistic that humankind will meet the challenge of demanding change. They think that once people’s demands are made to change the direction of global warming, one solution could be that a cooling time would result. But, such a solution will not occur if humankind does not recognize the need for change. We are in a time of participation and commitment to creating the changes that are needed. The Universe isn’t going to do it for you because it can’t. Humankind must participate, and then the Universe will join in meeting whatever challenges present themselves.  

QUESTION: I’ve heard that drastic action needs to happen now in order for the trend in warming to be slowed down. Yet, not enough is happening. So, what good does it do to talk about this stuff when people don’t listen anyway?

Let us not be too quick to assume no one is listening. Just because you don’t see the evidence right now does not mean that people are not paying attention. In fact, many people have made significant changes in their own actions, and many more people are weighing their options. As the scientific evidence continues to affirm the need for change, people will become more committed to doing their part.

It’s important not to be too wrapped up in the need for drastic action today. Change can occur more quickly than you now believe. It just requires having enough people who assume a commitment to the health of the planet, and having the right people to address the technical aspects of finding effective solutions, for real change to occur. Each of you can do your part by becoming more informed, by taking action in your own home and community, and by affirming that a solution to global warming is already in the making.

10-15-09

THE INTEGRITY OF CHOICE
In today’s world it can be easy to feel powerless, given the overwhelming number of problems that seem to be everywhere. If it’s not the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, then it’s the economy with its ups and downs, its job loss figures, mortgage failures, and projections for tough times ahead. The political climate adds to the mix, with threats and counter-threats leaving people feeling frustrated and afraid of how such important matters as health care will ever be resolved.

What I wish for you to consider are the ways in which you are being manipulated and the ways in which you can respond so as to maintain your own integrity and dignity. These are indeed contentious times, and the fear that is being promulgated from many sources is a serious issue. If you listen only to the general news sources, and you don’t see the larger picture of the changes that are taking place, you can quickly become frightened and overwhelmed. I will add that there are commentators who want nothing more than to keep the general public feeling overwhelmed so that the public will accept their assessment of each situation that comes up. This makes sense as a manipulative strategy because if people are feeling helpless and confused, they tend to look to someone else for their answers. This is what the fear-mongers want you to do: listen to them, ignoring your own reason and common sense.

The manipulators want you to be afraid. They want you to be confused. They want you to be angry. They want you to abdicate your own thinking in favor of whatever they think is right. This is what they are counting on, and in many cases, their strategy is working. Yet, you can do something about this situation. You can insert your own free will into the picture, and you can refuse to be manipulated.

Here’s how: First, when you hear of something that makes you afraid, such as poor economic news, a drop in the stock market, an escalation of war-time activity, another bank that has failed, a terrorist in your own back yard, an outbreak of the Swine Flu, or whatever piece of news it might be, release your fear and ask that the fear of others be released as well. This action will restore your mind to a peaceful state, allowing you to think more clearly.

Second, demand that a solution to the problem be found. This sets your intention to change what is wrong and pursue solutions. Positive change happens when enough people identify a certain situation as unacceptable, and they demand a correction. This sets the energy in motion, which then stimulates the minds of those who have the ability to help solve the problem, which then brings other factors together (such as the resources needed) to create solutions. It all starts with each person’s intention to find a solution, and then it expands exponentially as more and more people set their intentions and demand solutions.

Third, once you have made your demand for a solution to a particular problem, each time your thoughts return to that issue, simply say to yourself, “A solution is in the making,” and suspend all disbelief that such a solution is possible. In this way, you continue to assist those who are actively working to find a solution for the problem. You can follow the same process for each and every issue that occupies your thoughts.

Fourth, maintain belief in yourself. It’s true that you may not understand why something is happening (though some of you will understand). You may not know how a certain problem will get resolved. You may not feel you can do anything about the seemingly enormous problems that are confronting your world at this time. You may also have the belief that your thoughts (positive or negative) have no impact on future events. Yet, I wish to assure you that you have a say in the future of your world by virtue of your thoughts and actions.

Your thoughts (and actions, of course) do have an impact on your world. So, focus those thoughts on finding solutions and answers. Don’t abdicate your beliefs and adopt someone else’s just because that person speaks with authority and wants you to be afraid. Ask yourself, “Is this person saying something I really believe in, or is he/she just trying to keep me helpless and afraid so I’ll do what he/she wants me to do? I have a choice, and I have a mind that without the influence of fear can think this through.”

You maintain your personal integrity and dignity not by adopting the mob mentality that dictates you blindly follow another’s bidding, but rather by releasing your fear and allowing your mind to guide you in the direction of what is best for you and indeed for all humankind.


QUESTION: I’m not convinced that thoughts really have energy and power, even though many spiritual leaders say they do. It just seems so unlikely that people’s thoughts could make much of a difference.

There are many books on the brain that can explain this phenomenon more scientifically, but for this answer, I will rely on common sense. Your thoughts activate your brain to move your legs when you want to climb the stairs. Your hunger pangs communicate to your brain through thought so you’ll get something to eat. Your thoughts determine what you do each and every day—what you focus on, what you do at work, where you go, what you eat, how you communicate with others, and so forth. Yet, you cannot see those thoughts. You just take thinking for granted.

Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am,” and he was right about that. Your thoughts (and I will add, your feelings) are what make you human and what give you the ability to function in living. Thought extension, the notion of “putting your thoughts out there” or sending your thoughts to others, may be a new idea to you, but it’s been happening since the beginning of the human experience on earth, and it will only get stronger as more and more people come to rely on it. The years ahead will bring an ever greater understanding of what this phenomenon can do for each and every one of you on earth. It will transform life as you know it.
 

QUESTION: It makes me mad when I hear people imply that I have created my own misfortunes by the choices I’ve made. I’ve had to fight illness and loss all my life, and I see myself as the victim here. What do you say to that?

I would first like to extend my sympathy for the pain you have experienced. For all those who have been abused, have been hurt, or have experienced significant losses in their lives (including the loss of good health), life can be difficult indeed. It may feel as though life has been unfair and has given you greater challenges than it has given others. Yet, what I wish to convey is that there is a way to move out of feeling the victim. To remain angry, to remain afraid, to remain cynical or negative in any way is certainly your right and your choice. The result of that choice, though, is to remain unhappy or even become bitter. Is that the way you wish to live the rest of your life? Again, it is your choice and your right to decide.

If, however, you decide you want to change from this mindset, you can. No matter who was at fault for your predicament, you are the one who can change the way you feel now. And, you do this first through your thoughts. Some people find that professional help is needed to gain an understanding of self and others, and to find ways to think differently. What can help any process, though, is to release your fear—the fear of having to change and of being inadequate to deal with that change.

It can be very uncomfortable to begin seeing yourself as a different person, a person capable of looking at the world in a fresh, new way. Releasing fear helps this transition. To begin listening to a mind and heart that are free of fear gives you a sense of freedom you cannot imagine. Limitations become possibilities, and possibilities become realities. If you wish to experience what I am talking about, read more information from this website. Also, give yourself the freedom to explore these ideas fully, and seek professional help if you need to. In the end, it really doesn’t matter where the responsibility lies for all that has happened to you in the past. What matters is your ability to shape your future now—in ways more likely to lead to joy in living.

10-1-09

MANIFESTING
Is it possible to manifest something you desire? Is it possible to make something happen?

Why not look at the issue this way first? The Gladys Concept teaches a way to experience a better life by releasing your fear. Have you tried it? Have you experienced it? Have you manifested it? Well, manifesting is that simple. I have always said that the Concept is simple, and it is almost too easy. This is why many people discount it before they even try it. “How could a phrase as simple as Release my fear make a correction or change in my mind,” many ask? It does work; it is that simple and it is that easy.

Therefore, why not accept that to manifest “something” is possible?

What does it mean to manifest something? You may have heard it talked about—that people can manifest something if they try hard enough. To manifest means to bring something into being, to visibly create something from nothing. There are books written on the subject. There are classes given and directions offered.

Your belief plays a significant role in manifesting, as does your desire. If you believe you can do something, you are sending positive energy into that “something.” If you believe you can get a job, then you are bypassing the negative aspects of your job search, and you are putting your positive creative energy into attaining the job. If you believe you can play the piano, then very likely you will be able to play. If you believe you can write a book, then you will apply yourself to the creative process of putting that belief to work, and you will write your book. To have such a strong belief in something allows you to bypass the hurtful, negative feelings that often accompany finding a job, studying an instrument, writing a book, or doing anything else you might wish to do.

What is the difference between belief and desire? Belief is an inner knowing that something is going to happen. Desire comes from the heart. Desire is a strong, heart-felt feeling that may also draw from your gut. Desire gives the emphatic push to your belief. Desire wells up and you know that something must happen.

Many try to manifest a relationship or money. These are often the most sought after “somethings” in people’s lives. Many people feel that the right relationship will solve all of their problems; that the right relationship will take away their loneliness. Some feel that the right relationship will allow them to fit in or be acceptable. So they try to manifest the right partner appearing at their doorstep. Others feel that money will do the same things for them: solve their problems, allow them to have friends, and generally be acceptable to others. Consequently, people try to manifest that person or that money because of their fear, greed, or feelings of inadequacy (all of which are fear-based). If this is the impetus that drives your wanting a relationship or money, then do you see that you have fear in your mind power? You are driven by the fear of inadequacy or rejection. If you rid yourself of fear, many wonderful things will come your way, without your having to work for them.

Now, believing in and desiring a relationship or money is not wrong. But it might not be what you need. Experiencing the benefits of living without fear allows you to live with hope, joy, and freedom. If you are living with hope, joy, and freedom, the right things happen for you. Your mind is directing you to be at the right place at the right time. And just possibly, that person at that right place may prove to be the right partner for your future. Or, just perhaps an idea or a situation may occur at that right place that allows you to move into earning more money.

Living without fear and wishing to manifest may actually be one and the same thing. Think about it! If you are living a life that is free of fear, your mind is working correctly. It is working as it was meant to work. You are then living a life that is full of benefit for you. And the “somethings” you wish to manifest could be exactly what may come your way when you have no fear.


QUESTION: What if your reason for manifesting money is to help the arts or some charitable organization?

This is something that happens every day. Usually it’s the people who work for the organization, volunteer for it, or benefit from its services that keep the money coming. It is their combined belief in the organization and their desire to see it continue that lead to finding solutions when financial needs present themselves. Many times a certain charity or arts program gets rescued at the last minute because of the desires of many people to keep it alive. This desire may be communicated to others and result in successful fundraising events, or in political action to support the organization. In any case, the same principles apply whether one is manifesting for self or manifesting for an organization. It’s just that when manifesting for an organization, more people are involved.  

QUESTION: Can you manifest something that may not be in your best interest, or will the Universe stop you from being successful in your attempt?

Here is something important to understand: the Universe does not interfere with your choices. Many people have manifested things that turn out to have negative consequences. Perhaps they manifested a spouse who seemed perfect at the time they married but who later proved to be wrong for their growth and development. Perhaps they created wealth that turned out to be more of a burden than a benefit. This is a key reason I recommend people learn to release fear, because they will make fewer mistakes. It’s not that one doesn’t learn from mistakes; rather, it’s that mistakes can be costly both emotionally and physically, and why put oneself through difficulties that are not necessary?

Without the interference of fear, it’s much more likely that the decisions and choices one makes are in line with what is best for that person. This does not mean one will have to live a life of self-denial; on the contrary, a life that is full and rich is the most likely consequence of living without fear.

9-15-09

What Makes People Change
We are at a time of great changes in the world. We are seeing changes happen because people have desired and asked for changes. We know that structures are changing because of the needs of many people to experience changes. Structures are changing to accommodate the needs of people. Now, let’s look at this from the standpoint of what’s needed from people. Structures cannot change without people working to make those changes. Endless structures have been in place for years and years. For example, in the banking industry as it evolved in the past, only a certain number of people were served. A certain number of people became rich and richer, leaving out the majority of the people. The banking industry restrictions, practices, and rules are now undergoing massive changes. Those in charge in many cases don’t even know how to cope with the changes, much less implement them. And those in charge are seeing their personal power structure within the banking structure crumble. Consequently, some chaos exists. People demanded the changes and people will see the changes come into practice. It is reasonable to assume that the people who were in charge may no longer find themselves in a position of power. New thinking, new ideas, and new polices will be implemented by people new to the industry.

People are involved in every detail of the changes. For many, many years, people were saying structures needed to change. However, the first stage of this was for people to change. The stage was set when enough people made their changes toward living a life of honesty, integrity, freedom, and compassion. And along the way, they made demands that structures within the world change to reflect their personal changes. It is only because of the people that the structures are now changing. After the first step of personal change took place for enough people, only then was the world ready to adapt and make the structural changes happen.

Now the world is in the throes of making those changes happen. Now the world is in the throes of so many changes that many individuals who didn’t make changes before are seeking to change now. Are these people being made or forced to change? The answer is no. People only change when a need or desire arises from within that leads them to change. No one else can make the changes for them. Each person has to want to change.

Let’s give an example from the health care industry. Massive changes must take place in health care. All over the world problems exist whether there is no health care readily available, or whether there is wonderful health care available only to those who can afford to pay for it. We know there is a huge difference between these two examples. Health care will change when enough individuals stand up to be counted—when they make their desire known that all people should have adequate, affordable health care. When you have enough people who live with honesty, integrity, and compassion, then you will see enough people desire to work for the changes that need to take place. As enough people enact the changes that are needed within their own country, or they travel to assist people in other countries where the need is so great, massive changes will occur.

It has taken individual people, each making his/her changes, for the larger movement toward reform to take hold. As individuals change, then another and another individual will see the difference and decide to become a part of that change. Sometimes, by becoming a part of overall change, people will develop the desire to change within themselves. They will take note of how other people are acting and reacting, and they will want to become a part of that thinking.

Most people change when their desire for change becomes so great that they know they can no longer live as they have lived. They can no longer think as they have thought in the past. At that point they will seek to make their changes. The Gladys Concept offers a way to make changes just as other concepts do. A person must find the concept that speaks to him/her in order to make and retain the changes.

The Gladys Concept presents a simple basis for making changes within that goes to the core of one’s mind. That concept is to release fear. That concept is to work within yourself to release your fear and free your mind from constraints of the past. If this concept speaks to you, then study the writings on this website and make beneficial changes within your mind. There is always a way to change. There is always a way to make a difference for yourself. Give yourself the gift of change when your desire to live differently takes over your thinking.



QUESTION: Are you saying that personal and structural changes are interconnected?

Yes, that is correct. I am also saying that at times one comes before the other. It doesn’t matter which comes first. What matters is that you realize you have reasons to change within yourself. What matters is that you then find a way to make your changes. Read books, talk to people, and listen to speeches. Find your way of making changes that allows you to live with peace of mind, and with honesty and integrity. Find your way of changing so that your life becomes better and you then begin to positively affect the lives of people around you. Gladys believes that fear is a basic component that must be released from your mind before you are able to live with peace of mind. Numerous ideas and discussions are presented on this website for understanding fear and understanding the benefits of living with peace of mind.  

QUESTION: I know that my wife needs to change as she is stressed all the time. I don’t know what to do for her and I don’t think she knows what to do for herself. Where does one start to help someone else?

As I have said above, the person herself must desire to change before anything can happen. In the case of a loved one, you can demonstrate love and consideration through your own actions. When the person is receptive, conversations can take place about how to change or about the need to change. However, such conversations will be effective only if the recipient is not made to feel defensive, or if she, herself, does not become defensive during the conversation. If a person is fearful, then s/he will often turn defensive in a conversation. Using the Gladys Concept you need to release your own fear. You need to work within yourself to live without fear and to experience peace of mind. Then as you do this for yourself, it is beneficial to release another person’s fear. This extension of the mind does benefit the other person and will often open the door to positive and beneficial conversations about how to make changes within one’s mind.

9-1-09

Letting Go of Old Thought Patterns
Those of you following the Gladys Conversations have been told that for change to happen, or let’s say, for your desires to manifest, you have to change your old patterns of thinking. If you continue to think the same way, as in “Life is hard. Life is a struggle. Things don’t come easily for me. I have to earn my rewards through hard work and dedication. I must make myself worthy, etc.,” then you find that things are as you think. Certainly, you are making life harder than it needs to be if these are the beliefs you carry around in your head all day.

To be fair, this has been the way many of you have experienced your life, and so why wouldn’t you think this way? It is all that you know to be true. Or, is it? Let’s consider something else: Most of you have experienced the joy of serendipity—those times when things just flowed toward some positive outcome without much input from you. Examples would be occasions you found yourself at the right place at the right time; you landed a job because you applied right after someone else quit (unknown to you); your new house loan came through with its lower payments just before you had to buy a new car; you heard before anyone else of a house going on the market that you wanted to buy; you needed legal advice, and your long-lost cousin, the lawyer, gave you a call; you needed a solution and just happened to receive a magazine with an idea you hadn’t considered. We could list many, many more examples, and you would have to admit that, yes, there are those times when things are not so hard. In fact, there are times when solutions appear almost as soon as the problems present themselves. So, do you call that blind luck? Or, do you think that perhaps your way of thinking may have created these “lucky” outcomes.

If you think that life is all about luck, and some of you do, then you are literally taking yourself out of the equation. You are saying something outside yourself decides whether life goes well or poorly for you. You’re saying it’s whether God likes you or not. So, does that mean if two members from opposing teams pray to God that their team win the game, that God has favorites? Does God decide that this team has the better character, so this team wins? If so, then no teams who play “dirty” would ever win, would they? And yet, we know at times they do. So, let me assure you that God is not dispensing wins and losses to the various teams out there. God is an integral part of all the players, the referees, the sports announcers, the advertising executives, and everyone else, so God is not deciding the outcome of games. Then who is left? In all fair games, it is the players themselves, correct? Now let’s return to you and your patterns of thinking.

You are the player and part of the creator, so how can you keep your mind open to opportunities, to serendipity? How can you live your life in such a way that “lucky” events are the rule and not the exception? First, you become an observer of your thoughts—not every thought of course—but your frequent thoughts, or as I call them, your patterns of thinking. Brain science will tell you that what you focus on most frequently determines how much of your brain space is devoted to those activities. Therefore, people who are professional golfers, chefs, musicians, or whatever they might be, will actually have a larger portion of their brains devoted to that talent or skill than the average person would have. Similarly, if most of your thoughts are of helplessness, powerlessness, anger, or fear, your brain devotes a larger amount of space to the realization of those skills. You can actually become more skilled at negativity because it’s upon this that you choose to focus!

So, let’s say you monitor your thoughts and you recognize they are too negative. What do you do? You stop the thought process that brings you negative results, and you insert what you want your brain to focus on. You stop the thoughts by releasing your fear, and you insert your wishes, such as “Fill my needs.” Perhaps those needs are for a job, a home, a relationship, a solution. You can be specific in your request, or you can just say to fill your needs. Your desire, need, request, or demand becomes your new focus. If you first release fear, you can be sure that what you wish for will be in your best interest. Without the release of fear, you might wish for something that will only bring you more problems or difficulties because your wish might be based on a fear, say of inadequacy or rejection. That fear, then, compromises any benefit you might get from fulfilling your fear-based desires. It’s better to let go of the fear first, and then tell your mind what you want to manifest.

What I have given you are some mind adjustments you can make that will keep your mind in a peaceful state. While in that peaceful state, you are more likely to recognize opportunities when they arise. You are more likely to experience serendipity. You are more likely to let go of the struggle. In short, you are more likely to enjoy your life!


QUESTION: I have always considered myself to be an unlucky person. Yet, I think I’m a good person. What is wrong with this picture?

You are correct in questioning why a good person would have so many unhappy experiences to overcome. It doesn’t seem fair does it? Yet, you could look at this entire issue differently: you are a good person in spite of your unhappy experiences, so what does that say about you? I think that says you are extraordinary. You are remarkable. You should applaud yourself for your resilience and belief in yourself. Focus on what is right about this picture. Others might have succumbed to anger or bitterness, but you have remained a person you could respect and appreciate for your good qualities. So, you’re already on your way to experiencing a different reality in the future.

Now after reading the above message, you can see how to make your life better. Begin to notice if your thought patterns reflect fear—perhaps the fear that the future will contain more of the past. Then release that fear and demand a different future. Demand a future that is easier and more fulfilling. Demand that your needs be met and begin to expect they will be. Believe that not only do you deserve happier times ahead, but also you are ready to experience them. Let thoughts such as these be your focus now, tomorrow, and every day thereafter. You will see your life begin to change.
 

QUESTION: I don’t know how to put past memories of trauma to rest. I know I should move on, but how do I do that? I mean, how would releasing fear help when I don’t have fear now? These things happened a long time ago, and I’m not afraid they will happen again. Yet, I don’t know what to do with the memories.

This is an important question, and it is one that applies to many people. Memories that keep replaying in your mind are old thought patterns that need to be rearranged, let’s say. They need to be given a place to reside where they won’t impinge upon your peace of mind today. It’s not that they were unimportant; they may have even been life-changing in your personal history. Rather, it’s that they are interfering with your opportunity for happiness today and your chance for future happiness if they remain in the forefront of your thinking. You are not being asked to forget about them because they are part of what made you who you are today. I speak only of reducing the amount of space they take up in your brain—to give them less focus, less of a voice in your reality of today. The truth is you don’t need to give them so much importance now.

So, you can certainly go to a qualified therapist for help, and I do recommend this, or if you want to try something on your own, you can begin to release your fear each and every time you have a memory you dislike, you behave in ways you don’t like, you feel anger at past events, or you feel anger at people who were part of your past. The fact that such thoughts are still with you means there are aspects of your past that are disturbing your peace of mind today, and they need to be put to rest, to be made inactive, though not forgotten. Many people find that through energy work, alternative healing methods, and/or counseling/psychotherapy, they are able to put their disturbing memories in a manageable place. At the same time, the discipline of releasing fear when fearful thoughts intrude, and of demanding peace of mind routinely as needed, benefits you in a general way, guides you to pursue professional help when needed, helps you make faster progress during therapy if you choose to have it, and allows you to experience greater retention of all progress made.

Usually the fear being experienced in connection with certain memories (even subconscious ones) is a fear for your very survival, or a fear that you would be inadequate in dealing with the consequences of a particular event or series of events. These are traumatic events that may have resulted in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since that fear was recorded in your body and mind with intensity during the original experience(s), it is more difficult to release later on and often requires professional help in order to let go of the thought patterns that were created when fear was being experienced at its greatest intensity.

8-15-09

Sustaining Peace of Mind
These are indeed challenging times! What is making them especially challenging are two primary concerns: Many effects of the faltering economy are now being fully realized, and there is a backlash that has been created from changes in the banking industry and in governmental leadership and policies. These two issues are fear-producing to those who are being negatively affected or who perceive they are, and some people’s responses are locking them out of experiencing the benefits of the New Energy. Let’s look more closely at each one, and then consider the most effective ways to respond using techniques from the Gladys concept.

There have already been Gladys Conversations devoted to the economy and how individuals can deal with it. What I wish to reiterate here is that the faltering economy created a series of events that are playing out in the form of further job losses and difficulty with credit issues. People are declaring bankruptcy without fully understanding the consequences; they are looking for the easy way out of their economic difficulties because their fear is so great that they cannot fathom other options. Yet, in many cases, declaring bankruptcy is going to create even greater challenges than they had before, and other options might be just around the corner, if only people’s minds were clear enough to identify them.

The backlash to change is what happens when the changes that are implemented by governmental or other agencies, or by banking institutions, begin to affect people’s feelings of control and comfort. For example, there are those who are stockpiling weapons for fear the Obama administration will take away their guns. There are those who have been refused loans who fear they will never qualify for a loan in the future, and who want to punish the banks, legislators, or anyone else they can lash out at. There are also those who don’t like some of the decisions of the Obama administration who want to foment fear in order to oust him from office in the next election. All of these examples and many more we could come up with demonstrate what happens when people allow fear to control their minds. They become incapacitated by their fears, and they are not able to see possibilities for the future except through the lens of their fear. Certainly it’s acceptable to disagree with policies of the current administration, but those disagreements can be expressed without inciting more fear.

The key to sustaining peace of mind is in maintaining a belief in something close to your heart. There are those who can sustain peace of mind without any knowledge of the Gladys concept. This is because they have found a belief that resonates with what they know in their hearts and this belief keeps them on a steady keel. For those who search help from Gladys and her method, the key to sustaining peace of mind of is in understanding and applying the concepts she teaches. (Please refer to this website for a complete discussion of Gladys’s methods.)

For those experiencing personal distress for whatever reason, know that you can call on the New Energy for help. You don’t have to shoulder the full responsibility yourself. After releasing fear, ask that the New Energy meet your needs and point you in the right direction. Then let go of old thought patterns that recreate fear of the future and keep you on edge. Stop the “what if” thinking. Instead, affirm belief in yourself to interpret the information that comes your way. Act on the steps that are not based on fear, but rather on a suggestion for new action on your part. Expect solutions to unfold and maintain that expectation. The old energy seemed to require work and effort on your part to make things happen. In the New Energy, what is important is belief in self and in something close to your heart, desiring a thoughtful solution, and expecting beneficial solutions for each and every problem you or society faces. In other words, you still play a role, but that role does not have to involve suffering and extreme effort in the process. Rather, that role is one of enjoying a challenge and knowing that every challenge can be met.


QUESTION: I’ve asked that my needs be met, but then it feels like a long time goes by, and still I’m waiting for my needs to be met. Please comment.

The timing for meeting your needs is not always within your control; therefore you need to expect that the end result is for your benefit, and the timing will work itself out. If you can maintain this belief as you are going through your daily stresses, and the additional challenges that come your way, you will have peace of mind. A challenge is only a problem needing a solution. Your mind, when working correctly, that is to say when it has no fear, has the ability to connect with the information you need to get your answers. Sometimes this requires your taking steps even when you don’t know where those steps are going to lead. But with belief in yourself, you will know that each step will take you closer to where you need to be. Sometimes people fail to take the steps they are being given by their minds because they can’t see how doing so would help. Yet, if they had taken the steps, they might have already found their solutions.

This is a pattern of living that could be called living an adventure, because you don’t always know what the outcome is going to be. But you do know whatever the outcome, it is part of the adventure and you are capable of enjoying the trip even when it gets a little uncertain. Remind yourself on a regular basis that life is to be enjoyed and experienced with gusto. Then approach your challenges as part of the fun. In this how you will begin to experience the complexity of life without the burden of it.
 

QUESTION: It sounds simple and yet when I try it, it is really hard to accomplish.

Again it is your pattern of thinking that is causing you problems here. The concept is very simple. You only have a few things to remember to tell yourself. Yet you then need to monitor your thoughts and be aware if fear returns or you lose peace of mind. If that happens, be emphatic. Use these few tools and emphatically say them. Emphatically believe them. Emphatically desire that your life is one without fear. Each and every one of you desires to live a life without fear and then enjoy your living experience. Let go of the past patterns. Let go of the mind chatter that is filled with fear. Emphatically stop those thoughts by saying, “No, I’ve had enough of this!” And go on to fear-less thoughts. See where it all leads you.

7-15-09

THE MIND/HEART CONNECTION
What is important to understand about the mind/heart connection is that for optimal living, there needs to be a balance between the two. The heart knows what is real, what is true, and what is of greatest benefit to you in your living experience. The mind exists to serve the heart, to power the desires of the heart, and to offer the heart the benefit of reason. Where the heart might want to rush in and save someone from a fire regardless of the danger, the mind would say, “Let the professional firefighters do their job.” The mind keeps you from trying to save a drowning man when you can’t swim. It is the discipline that tempers the wishes of the heart.

How does one know if the balance is there? One experiences peace of mind. This is how it works: Let’s say you are tending to an aging parent, and your heart longs to keep your aging parent happy, as healthy as possible, and cared for to the greatest extent possible with the resources available. The heart keeps reminding you of what’s ideal, what’s right to try to do. On the other hand, the heart also knows certain things. It knows, for example, that the parent is deteriorating, the resources are nearly gone, and the siblings don’t agree on what to do for the parent. The heart aches from this knowledge, and the heart becomes mired in confusion and conflict over what to do. This is where the mind comes in.

The mind takes in all the information, and the mind begins working on solutions to this problem. Now, if the mind has fear, all the mind can do is follow the fear-filled thoughts. A mind with fear might say, “What if the resources run out before we get this settled? What if the relatives think I’m being selfish? What if my parent thinks I don’t care enough to do what he/she wants or needs?” You can see that such thinking would interfere with the mind’s being able to find effective solutions. So, the mind must be freed of the fear of inadequacy before it can adequately serve the needs of the heart.

The reason we are using such a difficult example here is that the tougher the problem, the greater the need for a good balance between the heart and the mind. Without making a correction to this kind of thinking, the mind with all its tremendous power is wasted on accommodating the fear, rather than on solving the issues at hand. This is because fear tends to take over a person’s thinking once it takes hold of his/her thoughts. If you are in this situation, what can you do at this point? As soon as you realize your mind is not at peace, begin to demand peace of mind and release the fear of inadequacy (Please see other locations on the website for more information on the process of releasing fear and demanding peace of mind.) Take some deep breaths to physically feel the release. Ask that your needs be met. Then begin listening to your mind and heart communicate with each other. Here’s how that might go:

Heart: I want to do the best thing for our parent without sacrificing my own peace of mind or that of my other family members.
Mind: Yes, and we must realize there are limitations in what we can do. We are beyond the point where we can provide adequate care, hard as that is to accept. We would like to personally care for our parent, but that is now not in our parent’s best interest or in ours, as we don’t have the time, resources, or energy to fulfill that level of responsibility.
Heart: I trust and believe in what you are saying. Let us take the steps we must take.
Mind: First we will take this step. Then we will take another and another until we do what must be done. I will identify each step needed when it is needed.

In this way, the heart and mind, without fear, will meet this challenge and any other with peace of mind and with trust in each other. Over time, as the mind is continually corrected when fearful thoughts intrude, there begins to be a harmony and balance that is nurturing and attentive to the heart while fostering an effective way of living.


QUESTION: How can you tell which is leading, the heart or the mind?

The heart is altruistic, the heart is not ego-driven, the heart is aware of the big picture, and the heart understands at a deep level the needs of self and others. The heart leads with passion, desire, and love. The heart knows what is true and real and of ultimate value.

The mind, when affected by fear, may want to make choices out of resentment, revenge, jealousy, or anger. The fearful mind resists solutions and keeps inserting doubts and guilt to distract from its real mission. The fearful mind doesn’t rest and instead resides in stress-filled thoughts that entertain all the buts, what ifs, and maybes it can imagine. On the other hand, the mind without fear is a powerful, creative energy that can solve problems, find solutions, and serve the mission of the heart. It is the mind that creates the energy to make choices and decisions that will bring about what the heart desires.

To tell which is leading, the heart or the mind, look at how you feel. Are you frustrated, angry, upset? If so, look for fear in your thoughts, and realize a fearful mind is leading. Are you feeling peaceful, excited, joyful, or grateful? If so, your heart is leading the way, and your mind is activated in the heart’s service. In the example above, there may be no joy in making the decisions that must be made, but there can be peace of mind in knowing you are doing what needs to be done.
 

QUESTION: What if I manage to calm my mind, but five minutes later it is all in a worried state once again? My usual state of mind seems to be worried about one thing or another.

This happens to many, many people, and it can be difficult during very stressful times not to worry. As human beings, you want to anticipate the worst so you feel more prepared and are not caught off guard. This is how many of you have learned to “protect” yourselves. Yet, there is a different way to live, and this is what I am suggesting you consider.

When you learn to trust your heart to give you a sense of purpose and direction, when you clear your thoughts of fear, and then when you trust your mind to find the answers you need when you need them, life becomes much easier. There is no need for self-protection when you know you can handle whatever comes along. How many times have you worried about something just to discover there was no need for all that worry? The problem was solved, or something wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be. Meantime you put your body in jeopardy, all that worry causing stress to your heart and other organs, and weakening your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and flu. Is that the way you prefer to live? It is your choice. My hope is you will consider this new way of living as something that is achievable for you. Let it be your heart’s desire, and allow your fear-free mind to achieve it.

7-1-09

LEADING FROM THE HEART
Today I’ve chosen a topic, the subject of which may be new or different to you. I’m hopeful that you will find it interesting and will keep an open mind as we explore it.

When confronted with a situation, whether good or bad, that calls for an emotional response, we actually respond first with our heart because the heart is the center of our emotional base. It is as though the heart has a mind of its own that processes information at record speeds and then produces an immediate response. Yes, many times we will have fear (which originates in our minds) as part of that response, but we can learn to correct that. This will be easier to explain if we use an example, one that elicits an emotional response, whether expected or not.

Let’s use the illness of a child. The child might be your own or you might be reading of this illness in the newspaper. We’re assuming the illness is grave and may be long-term. In a situation like this where a child is the victim, most of you will experience a gut-wrenching reaction. You may feel overcome with love coming from your innermost being, your heart. You may find yourself at a loss for words. You may feel stricken to the core. If this is your child, you may bring in your own fears of inadequacy: “How can I help?” “How will I cope? “How can I make this better for my child?” “What can I do?” “How will I do it?” The mind rushes in and begins to feed you with “what ifs.” Yet, at the same time, your heart is responding with: “I know I can do this. My child will need me more than ever.” “I know I can do everything possible to help.” “I must not let my child down.”

When the heart is involved, your feelings come from a place of pure love. Your feelings allow you to know that you can be of help. Or, in the case of a child you do not know, your feelings allow you to send love and compassion to that child from your heart. You may even write a note or contribute time or money to the cause. The least you will do is send love from your heart.

Yes, the heart is an organ of the body. Yes, the heart functions on a physical level. Yes, the heart is a core component of your body’s physical being. Yet the heart is also a place, let’s say of your true being. And your true being is the essence of love.

When we allow ourselves to speak from the heart, we know that we say what is right to say or what needs to be said. We know that we respond to others or a situation with love. We know that “we just feel it in our heart.” We know something to be true, right, or correct. We simply know how to respond without thinking too much about it.

Our heart, a basis of pure love, allows us to live a life with kindness and grace. It is fear that gets in the way of the kindness and grace, not our heart. Fear will bring up past events and emotions that contain rejections or the lack of love. Fear will allow our minds to chatter on and on in a negative vane, to the point where we can barely think without fear in our thoughts. Fear is insidious. It begins to rule. We know, having studied the pages of this website, that we can release our fear. We can relieve our minds of fear. We can live without fear if we release fear and know in our hearts that that fear has been released. We know. We accept. We choose to live without fear.

The deep feeling that comes from the heart is a balance for our living experience. Allowing that emotion to lead then allows us to live our lives in a way that is acceptable and that restores value to our living experiences.

We know that when we are in love with someone, we express that love from our heart. Hopefully, that love is reciprocated and is expressed from the heart of our loved one. Love goes both ways in an unconditional way. There are no rules and regulations. There is no judging and no measuring. There is simply love. Love from the heart is unconditional. It is fear that places conditions upon love.

Unconditional love is hard to find, you might say. And you would be correct. Because so many people experience fear in their minds, they love with that fear coming through to restrict and demand, to judge and measure, to criticize and even humiliate. That is not what love is about. Many people only receive unconditional love from a pet. An animal leads from its heart. An animal lives from its heart. An animal expresses from its heart. Would that not be an optimal way to live.--with unconditional love?


QUESTION: As you are explaining this, I have the thought that leading from the heart is really desire. Is that right?

Desire and the heart go hand in hand. We can often move mountains because of a deep, heart-felt desire. You notice I’ve inserted the word “heart-felt.” Desire comes from the heart. Desire is an expression of the heart. Desire is an emotion that starts in the heart and comes forth with power to move that mountain. You may have a desire to own your own home. You may even have a certain dream home in mind. You create pictures in your mind of that home. It becomes a burning desire. That desire may lead you to actually purchase the home, or at least hold it in your thoughts as a possibility. That desire may lead you to make changes, move forward, even ask for assistance. Whatever it is, the desire for your home is felt from your heart. So yes, one might think of the emotions of the heart and the emotion of desire as one and the same.  

QUESTION: If I hate someone and wish the person ill, does that come from my heart?

No, that hate comes from fear. And, fear comes from your mind. If you do not experience fear, you will not experience hate. Hating someone is out of the question when you operate from a place of love. With love in their hearts, often the relatives of serious crime victims have been able to forgive those who harmed or killed their loved one. This shows the power of love to heal.

By contrast, what does hate do to the one who hates? It creates stress that subsequently causes damage to the person’s body and mind. It festers and grows. Many times it becomes so consuming that it gets directed to other people, not just the “one” a person hates. It fosters and generates self-hatred, as it is an unnatural state, and the one feeling it often feels trapped by guilt and self-loathing. Hatred spreads, hatred poisons, and hatred destroys. Just look at Hitler. There was no way for him to survive the hatred he felt and perpetrated. Harboring hatred is the essence of a self-defeating behavior.

So, what can one when s/he feels hatred for another? Begin the discipline of releasing fear whenever thoughts of hatred enter one’s mind (This website addresses fear and how to release it.). Seek peace of mind and learn to forgive. Lead with your heart. Only in this way will you be able to break the hold you have allowed hatred to place on your heart. Only in this way will you free your heart to do what it was designed to do: bring you the joy that comes from generating and responding to love.

-09

CHILDREN OF THE NEW ENERGY
This is a subject that is filled with intelligence, spirit, abundance, joy, and love.

How can one discuss children without engaging all of these terms? Gladys has always said that the only reason to bring a child into the world is to have a child to love, to have a child to accept, and to have a child to hold in your heart with a love that is undeniable and unconditional. This love is not meant to be applied in a suffocating way, but in a way that holds the child dear to your heart, to your spirit, to your soul. A child enters this world and thrives or fails to thrive based upon the intentions and the actions of his/her parent, parents, or primary caregiver. A child should be brought into the world because of love and to experience love.

We know this is not always the case. We know there are children who are ill treated, who are shamed or ridiculed, and who are abused. This makes for a very sad world, doesn’t it? So what about the children of the New Energy? Are they children who are only conceived and born because everything is right or perfect for their birth, their growth, their development? This is not necessarily so.

Yet, no matter the circumstances of conception, birth, growth, and development, the children of the New Energy will thrive. They are infused with the benefits of the New Energy. Any child that has been born in the last six years is infused with this energy. The date is not absolute, as there may be variances before or after the six-year mark. I know this is a very bold statement to make. But this is the way it is. As human consciousness has been gaining momentum and strength in bringing about needed changes in the world, one of the primary benefits has been to children, and few have understood or even known of this perhaps unexpected benefit for humankind.

These children are of every color, race, nationality, and culture. These children possess an enhanced intelligence. These children have a beauty of soul, an internal core that is of love. Being born into the New Energy, they will excel in everything they wish to explore. They will have abilities that will make demands upon the education systems. They will push the limits on tests. They will excel not only in intelligence, but also in physical abilities. Or, if the child has a physical handicap, s/he will excel in every other way possible.

It’s as if the children are already educated, are already talented, and are already set upon a path. They are knowing individuals who won’t question that they have talents and abilities. They will simply be in the present. They will experience an abundance of confidence. They will follow their hearts to make dreams come true.

These children of today with the bonus of the New Energy will be the leaders of tomorrow. Think about it! Rejoice in it, for the world cannot fail to benefit from what these children will be able to do and to accomplish. Having a core being of love, they will see to the expansion of changes that are happening today. They will provide the ideas, the energy, and the compassion to make the world the place that it was always meant to be. These children are filled with intelligence, spirit, abundance, and love. This is as it is.


QUESTION: How do we know if a child is “of the New Energy?”

All children born within approximately the last six years are “of” this energy. Will all children display special qualities and talents? We know that each person is an individual and expresses his- or herself in individual ways. This unique quality of expression will continue to be the case. Individuals make choices that lead them from one thing to another to another. This will continue to be the way, though these children of the New Energy have been given a bonus. They will thrive in spite of what their parents are able to give them. If love is withheld, the child will thrive because s/he has a core center of love. If food is withheld, the child will thrive in his/her innermost being, in spite of a lack of nutrients. If guidance and discipline are withheld, the child will follow his/her own guidance and discipline from within.

Now, you may ask, “Well, what is left for a parent to do?” The answer is everything. A parent has responsibilities to love and discipline, to guide and direct. These responsibilities do not change just because of the New Energy. Nevertheless, children of the New Energy will be capable of ready responses to guidance. Children of the New Energy will question the whys and wherefores perhaps more readily than children in the past have. Children of the New Energy will respond with ideas of their own that are beneficial, and they will surprise their parents with insights and possibilities.
 

QUESTION: How will the present education systems all over the world be able to educate these children?

Excellent question. It has been known for many, many years that education systems for both young and maturing children needed to change. These systems represent one of the major institutions that is in the throes of change. No matter what country in the world, people who work in education are aware of the need for change. Now the world will see the needed changes happen more swiftly because the needs of the children have changed.

Education must allow for individual differences, for creativity, for discovery, for time to delve into a desired subject from all angles, for time to contemplate, and even for the option to whiz through a subject. The needs of the children will dictate the way the changes will come about.

6-01-09

THE RISE IN HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS
Among the many ways one could describe human consciousness, the one I like the best is the following: a deep knowing and understanding of what is needed at this time for the human race. The human race refers to every person now alive on earth and to those who will inhabit the earth in the near future. Because needs do not remain static, neither does human consciousness. It must grow as needs change.

What has come to pass as human beings have developed technology is a far-reaching awareness of what life is like for other people. For many centuries, little was known about the conditions under which other people lived. One knew about one’s immediate surroundings, as well as what was taught by the authorities of the day. There was little evidence to contradict what people saw or were told to believe, so it was possible to control people through the “information” you provided them.

Gradually people became informed though the advent of radio; television; then cable television with its hundreds of channels; widespread telephone service; satellite dishes; the Internet; and all the latest technological advances that emerged to enhance and speed up communication on a global scale. Art, music, theater, film, books, dance, and other art forms also became accessible to far wider audiences than ever thought possible, and they communicated in their own ways how they saw the world and its people. News media personnel have been able to access information almost instantaneously and broadcast their assessments of current news to ever-more-remote parts of the world. So, if information is power, and I believe that it is, then power has been spread all over the world, and there will be no turning back from this point.

Enormous as they are, these factors are only partially responsible for the exponential leap in the level of human consciousness. Now human beings who were fortunate could see what life was like for other human beings who were not. And, those who suffered through famine, war, disease, deplorable living conditions, and oppression could see what life was like without such burdens. So, for these reasons and more, people in pockets all over the world began to demand change. They had had enough, and they now knew it was possible to have a better life. Their needs, their wants and desires for themselves and their children, combined with the demands of the more fortunate who wanted better lives for everyone, created a New Energy that is now in place for the ultimate use and benefit of all people.

To further clarify what this means for humankind is this knowledge: People of good faith can use the New Energy to continue raising human consciousness to ever higher levels. Obviously, there are enormous problems to be solved on earth, problems that require knowledge, creativity, and skills. There is a need for higher quality leadership, in which the leaders possess not only the intelligence, but also the will, integrity, persistence, sense of responsibility, ethical behavior, and abilities that go with whatever position they are in or are seeking. There is also a need for reform of many institutions that have gone astray with greed or incompetence, and these institutions no longer serve the people well.

In many, many arenas the call for change has been heard and begun, but there is much work still to be accomplished. For this work, a high level of human consciousness is needed. This is why humankind created the New Energy, and now it is time to use it for the greater good.


QUESTION: If humankind got us to this point, where we could actually create a New Energy, why do we feel so helpless when we watch the news and see how miserable many people of the world are? It doesn’t feel as though we’re making any progress. Look at the wars, the poverty, the economy, the earthquakes, and the diseases that may grow into pandemics. I feel so discouraged!

Yes, you are correct in that it is a difficult time, and it’s clear your discouragement is heartfelt. And yet, and here is the key point other spiritual sources and I are trying to convey: Never before have you had the resources you now have to make the corrections that are needed. Yes, you may feel discouraged, but why spend your powerful thought energy on that? Why not, instead, use your thoughts, your powerful mind, and if you so choose, your abilities to create solutions to the many issues before you?

Here is how it is done: First, accept that your thoughts have energy—real energy. Second, accept that this energy is now enhanced by the New Energy (see previous month’s Gladys Conversation on the New Energy). Third, focus this combined energy on what you want to be done—on the outcome you would like to see. You could say, “A solution is in the making” if you don’t know how to solve the problem. In this way you are lending your mind energy to the outcome you would like to see. You are actually assisting others who are working on the problem directly. Fourth, become involved to the degree you are comfortable in helping bring about change. In this area something as commonplace as teaching your children about respect for others, and modeling that behavior yourself, can have powerful consequences. Teach your children healthy ways of working out conflict. You may, of course, already be working in such a way as to help create, invent, teach, develop, solve, or lead others in confronting the problems of this time in your history. If so, keep doing what you’re doing. Finally, as others have said before me, “Be the change you would like to see in the world.” By following the above steps, you will no longer feel helpless, but instead will feel as though you are a part of the larger solution.
 

QUESTION: How can I bolster my belief? I want to believe in the future. I want to believe that solutions are being found, but doubts continue to creep into my thoughts. Any suggestions?

Let us begin by looking at the source of belief. Belief, unlike faith, almost always comes from personal experience. Faith is something that you accept without proof or verification. You just accept that something is true, usually because someone you trust encourages you to have faith. You may have faith in God or faith in a particular person or leader. But, to really believe in something, you usually need some kind of experience that confirms your faith has been justified.

This website talks a lot about belief in self, and we teach that belief in self comes from releasing fear. The reason this belief in self develops over time with releasing fear is that you begin to think and act differently without fear. You begin to actually experience yourself as the kind of person you’ve wanted to be. You find yourself making better choices and you don’t second guess yourself. You become someone you can count on, someone you can trust, and someone you can admire. This is the actual experience that comes from releasing fear on a regular basis when needed. So, you see, this belief is founded in something real to you—your experience of yourself.

Now, let’s extend this thought to your question above. How can you bolster your belief in the future? How can you believe solutions to the world’s problems will be found? You begin by believing in yourself, because if you can believe in yourself, you can believe in others. Now, others may need your help. They may benefit from your releasing their fear and asking that their needs be met from time to time. They may benefit from your sending positive thoughts their way, such as “A solution to their problem is in the making.” They may benefit from your doing something tangible for them as well. The list could go on and on, but the point is, it’s not that difficult to send positive thoughts that might help energize their success. This is the outcome you want, so why not energize it?

Now, along with this beneficial thought extension to people in need, allow yourself to have faith in them. Just let this faith hover around and about them with the intention that other people, those who are needed to solve the world’s problems, will rise to the occasion and offer their skills and talents. Allow that thought to be a matter of faith until such time as you begin to see the results. Then, when you see what human beings are capable of doing and you find yourself amazed, then, and only then, need you believe. Of course, once you are a believer, those doubts you spoke of in your question above will completely disappear.

5-15-09

THE NEW ENERGY
We are hearing much about the New Energy from spiritual sources today, and there are many beliefs surrounding it. Gladys would explain it as being a new force that has come in very recent years to serve human beings in their quest to gain expansion. So what does this mean?

You first need to understand more about energy. Energy is a force. Energy is dynamic. Energy is expandable and contractible. And, energy is always a factor in human existence on earth. Energy can even stagnant. Let’s start from that point, because energy for humans reached a level in the last two centuries where stagnation occurred. There was even the probability of not only stagnation, but also of regression. This would not have been good for the expansion of the human mind.

Even within the last twenty years, there was the possibility of a total stagnation before a regression would have set in. Fortunately, this did not happen and absolutely will not happen because of the positive events of very recent years. We know of the commonly used examples of the fragmentation of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall. These dramatic changes seemingly occurred overnight. They were momentous, and they carried forth an energy that expanded from those moments in which human beings took responsibility for self and others. This energy then began to expand in beneficial ways to accommodate more and more people’s demands all over the world. There are still areas of extreme need for this expansion, but be assured it will happen. It will happen because of the momentous changes that have and are becoming commonplace today.

During this time of the 80s onward, energy expanded several times over to a point where the changes of today (which some would call chaotic) have become a reality. Some consider this period of time terrible, destructive, and inhibiting. But in actuality, this energy of change was needed and is even expanding. It is expanding to a great degree because of the needs and desires of people. It can no longer be stopped. The energy is a force of benefit to all people and has come about because of the needs of people. This is what the New Energy is.

Now, what you would like to know is how the New Energy affects you personally and how you can make use of it. Perhaps you could best visualize it by imagining you have a source of energy that is unlimited, like a genie’s magic urn. When you open the urn, the energy just flows freely into your mind and body, and when you close the urn, the energy stops. So, how do you ensure that, like the genie, you can always open the urn? The answer has to do with fear. When your mind is dealing with the energy of fear, there is no room for any other kind of energy. Fear is potent and is easily expanded. This is why we encourage the development of a mental discipline in which a person seeks to immediately identify fear when it becomes active in his/her thinking, and then works to shut off its effect before it gains momentum. This discipline is one that is taught throughout this website. It is one of immediately releasing fear as soon as you can identify its presence. This stops the momentum that fear would otherwise gain in your thinking. Now with that discipline in place, you are able to open the urn with no effort whatsoever. And that urn is bottomless. This is the beauty of the New Energy.

For you now, there is the opportunity to experience the New Energy first hand. Begin using your discipline of releasing fear and demanding peace of mind whenever you find yourself feeling anger, fear, excessive doubt, worry, guilt, or other negative emotions. Then begin to expect an infusion of energy to flow freely through your mind, charging it with ideas, solutions, and new thinking. As you begin to experience the release of fear and the infusion of positive energy, you will realize almost immediately that your mind is working differently.

Another way to think of this is that the departure of the energy of fear creates a vacuum in your mind, and the force of the vacuum is what opens the urn and starts the flow of energy. This happens almost automatically when fear is gone. In a relatively short period of time, you’ll sense a different rhythm to your life. Once the pattern of releasing fear is formed, your mind will flow with positive energy, without your having to ask for it or having to wonder if it’s coming. You won’t question it in any way. It’s just going to come pouring in.

So, now you understand how the New Energy will affect your mind. There will also be an effect upon your body. If you’ve experienced fear (and I will add that most people have), your body has throughout your life incorporated the energy of fear into your cell structure. To the best of its ability, your body has tried to accommodate this negative energy without ill effects. In some cases, though, this energy has created such an imbalance as to have resulted in illness, fragility, fatigue or other factors you would rather not experience. Many people experience a vulnerability to illness because of the imbalances created through years and years of experiencing fear. Now, just imagine the benefits to your body as the fear is released and the New Energy begins pouring in. What this will do is to rebalance your physical body in such a way that it will have a defense against illness. It will become stronger, and it will function with great energy and vitality.

Now, it will take some time to repair the damage done to the physical body, but not as much time as you might think--certainly not as much time as it took to create the imbalance in the first place. So, why not begin today to clear your mind of fear, welcome the New Energy, and begin a life of greater freedom and vitality?


QUESTION: I thought the concept of New Energy was energy sent from God or the universe. Could you explain this?

There are all sorts of ideas and assumptions about the source of this New Energy. The explanation that has just been given is Gladys’s summation of the creation of the energy. Did God originate people’s having conscious thoughts of their needs and desires? Did the universe send the same ideas of questioning? Either could be true. When one contemplates the vastness and limitlessness of God, the universe, and the human mind, one comes to a point of understanding that they are all one and the same. No human being operates outside the energy of God or the universe. It is just that some people would rather not use the word God or accept that universal knowledge and energy play a part in their lives, in their being.

We are all one. We are all god. We are all the universe. All are combined and this is as it should be. Now, with that understanding, I will add there are huge variations of factors, such as personalities, past and present life experiences, and so forth. All play a role in the mix to create a wealth of diversity.

The New Energy has been created by the continued and far-reaching human expressions of desires and needs. What would a desire and need be? A desire is something that comes from within, that seems to well up in and through your body and comes out in emotions, words, affirmations, and/or other expressions. A need is more basic. Human beings have a need to be free, to be able to make their own choices, to express their opinions, to have adequate food and shelter, and to be able to raise their children as they wish without fear. People around the globe have been putting forth their ideas, choices, words, and songs, demanding that the world be a better, easier place to live. They’ve demanded that they do not live under tyranny or famine, and that they have a roof over their heads. With all of these needs and desires being expressed in innumerable ways throughout the world, an energy of and for change was created. This energy gained momentum and force until it expanded and expanded and expanded. This energy is a result of human consciousness coming together with the same expression: Things must change. The world must change. Our leaders must change.

What is being experienced today in the world is a new energy that has been created by the needs and desires of millions upon millions of people. This is collective consciousness. This is a force that could not be contained. Expansion occurred, and indeed the changes are taking place.
 

QUESTION: Is this just another way to make me believe in myself?

Very interesting question! Thank you for asking it.

What is belief in self? First we must acknowledge that it can be either positive or negative. One can have negative thoughts about self—criticizing self, chastising self, or judging self. This happens when one experiences fear in one’s mind. Or, one can have positive thoughts of acceptance of self, applause of self, and love of self. I would ask, which would you rather experience? Yes, one can bounce back and forth between the negative and the positive. Again, this has to do with fear. Therefore, first you need to use the concept of releasing your fear. Do this until your mind gets used to and becomes trained to not experience fear. This happens when the beneficial experience of belief in self becomes so strong that little can deter you from experiencing that state of mind.

What does the New Energy have to do with this? With the factor of the New Energy in place, you will find that you are able to release your fear more quickly and efficiently. You will find that you are able to experience living without fear more readily. The force of the New Energy will allow you to make changes much more quickly.

Therefore, yes, the New Energy could be another way to help you to believe in yourself.

What happens when one has a positive, beneficial belief in self? I could give thousands of examples. But let’s look at one person for the answer. This person has such a belief in self that he doesn’t become immersed in fear-filled thoughts. He goes about his day with a vibrant energy of belief in self that propels him to be at the right place at the right time. That propels him to say the right thing at the right time. That allows his thoughts to be creative, constructive, and filled with well-being. That allows him to become self-fulfilled, self-nurtured, and self-applauded. He accepts others without judging and measuring. He has a self-fulfilled ego that allows him to not personalize words or situations. Need I go on?

A person with belief in self is a member of society who expands acceptance and trust among any others with whom she comes in contact. And, a person with total belief in self experiences love and joy in every moment of her day.

So, if this New Energy allows you to arrive at this state of being, what more could you ask? The choice to live without fear becomes an easy choice. And, with the added bonus of the force of the New Energy, what are you waiting for?

5-01-09

MANAGING FOR MYSELF DURING THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
The conversation for this month touches on aspects of the economic downturn that are affecting everyone in his/her living experience at this time. A person may have an issue as simple as putting himself on a budget for the first time, or a person may be facing something as devastating as losing her source of income. The economic situation affects everyone in one way or another.

This conversation is intended to present ideas that may be of benefit and value to anyone taking part in the conversation. The Spirit that is Gladys is a source of the energy of love and compassion that is available to everyone as a way of helping each person live his/her life with value and ease. The Gladys information is available to those who wish to better themselves and their situations. The information is given for the benefit of all people.

The worst thing that a person can do at this time is to give in to a feeling of victimization related to the economic downturn. To become a victim means that fear is working full time with the person’s thoughts. This happens as fear in one area of thought goes on to permeate all other areas. Before one is even aware, fear becomes active in all one’s thoughts, which then affects all of the person’s actions and reactions. Life becomes one of misery and compromise. To change this pattern, the first action that must be taken is to demand the release of fear. Yes, demand it! And then expect it to happen. Expect the mind to then work in a way that does not contain fear.

Once fear is no longer a factor in the mind, one can begin to use one’s mind correctly. By this I mean that a mind without fear will direct you to think fearless thoughts, to say fearless words, and to take fearless actions. What could be more beneficial if you are looking for a job? What could be more beneficial if you are hard at work trying to feed your family on a limited budget? What could be more beneficial if you are trying to assist and/or aid a family member or friend who is suffering financially?

If you are looking for a job, your mind without fear will enable you to make the right choice of a job to pursue. If you are turned down, your mind will encourage you to keep looking until you have found the right one. However, it’s important not to let fear return and lead you once again down a spiraling path of self-doubt and self-pity. You must continue to release your fear and know, simply know, that the right job is waiting for you.


If you are on a restricted food budget, your mind without fear will lead you to the places where you can find the best value for your money. You’ll be able to make the right choices so that you are able to provide the food that is needed. If you are assisting someone else at this time, using your mind correctly (without fear as a factor) will keep your efforts from becoming a burden to you. You will be able to know what to do for the person, and you will be led to do the very thing that is of most benefit for both of you. It may be that you will give or lend money. It may be that you will offer your time. It may be that you will help the person fill out a job application. It may be that you will provide one meal (or more) a week to a family. It may be that you will offer to provide childcare while the person is seeking a job. All kinds of ideas will enter your mind when it is not clouded by fear—ideas that will allow you to be of help in such a way that you will feel compassion but no sense of burden or responsibility for another.

If this is what you want—to help without feeling burdened by your own or others’ problems—allow your mind to work freely after releasing fear, and in that freedom, you will be led to the solutions. Another thought you can insert into your mind every time you have a concern about your or another’s financial situation, is the following: “The solution is in the making.” By inserting this thought instead of doubt or worry, your mind will not be led back into a fearful state, but instead will be free to anticipate and experience the solution. When you insert powerful, positive energy into the situation, you will indeed find the solution much more readily.

By now perhaps you are realizing that so much is up to you and the way you allow your mind to function. You can make any situation more acceptable, attainable, and beneficial if you are using your mind correctly. If you do not allow your mind to become congested with fear-filled thoughts and worries, and if you are able to release your fear and experience that release, you will be of more benefit to yourself than you could ever have imagined. EXPECT your mind to be clear of fear. EXPECT your mind to follow your demand of releasing your fear. Then EXPECT your mind to work clearly and concisely. If you have to express the affirmation again, then do so over and over until you know that you are thinking freely and easily. Your mind chatter will cease and your mind will become clear. You are then working your mind correctly.

There are, in reality, many solutions in the making that will address the economic crisis affecting so many people in the world today. If you extend your positive thoughts into the universe, you are taking part in the most beneficial act that is possible. This is because you are helping create the power derived from collective thinking or collaborative thought. This is the way change occurs (I don’t say positive change, because negative change could also be created in this same way!). Collective thinking brings about co-creation, the joining of minds for a certain purpose, so that people working together for change can find the solutions to the present economic situations affecting all people.

This will happen. This must happen. This is happening. Be an active participant in co-creating the solutions for you, your family, your friends, and for all people who are in need. Change is occurring at an unbelievable rate in the world today. Don’t buy into the negative media presentations. Simply send out the thought of releasing your and all others’ fear. Don’t support negative thinking among your associates. Project a positive image of energy that will change the world. Be a participant. Don’t be a naysayer. Create your own positive image and project it to all others. Change will happen. Change must happen. Change is happening, AND you are a part of that change.


QUESTION: How can I pretend to be positive when my circumstances feel so overwhelming?

The key is in not pretending. Allow me to explain. In almost any situation there are choices to be made that will affect the outcome of what you experience. Let’s say that you lost your job. If you abdicate any control over your thoughts, you are saying in effect, “Let others decide for me what value I have in the world. If they want to fire me, I have no value.” This type of thinking diminishes you and leaves you a victim. Instead you could choose to think, “I have lost my job, but I will find another.” Or, “My skills are in an area that is no longer in demand. I’ll find out how I can learn new skills that will lead me toward a more positive future. I know a solution for me is already in the making. I want to keep fear out of my thoughts so that I will take the actions that are most likely to bring about a positive result.”

Allowing fear to control one’s thoughts brings on more fear and consequently more desperation, usually causing the person to make poor choices, which then lead to further problems. So, instead of one problem to face, the person now has multiple issues to resolve. Why not confront the fear as soon as it appears in your thoughts, and thus keep an unfortunate situation from becoming worse?

If nothing else, this economic crisis is teaching people what they are made of. Many people are finding a strength within that they never knew they had. Rather than taking the economic crisis as a personal affront, they are seeing the larger correction that is necessary to create a more fair and just system, and they are adjusting their thinking to accommodate greater personal responsibility and greater personal power. These are the people who will thrive in the new economy that is being created at this time in your history.
 

QUESTION: Will there be an end to the greed and corruption that got us into this mess in the first place?

Certainly greed and corruption played a major role in the situation the world finds itself in, although it would be an oversimplification to say they are totally responsible for this “mess.” There were those who did not personally participate in a greedy or corrupt way, but who simply turned a blind eye to what was occurring. There were also those who blocked reasonable regulation. Then there were those who knew they couldn’t afford to buy what they were buying, but they did so anyway. And, there were those who saw disaster coming but failed to alert those who could do something about it. We could go on and on with the reasons for the current situation. But, for purposes of this question, let’s address just the greed and corruption factor.

What has been referred to on this website as the New Energy or the Intervention is going to make a difference in how greed and corruption will be experienced in the future. What has happened is that enough people have participated through their thoughts and actions, and have thus created through their combined energy a New Energy that will Intervene in “business as usual.” People have said, “Enough is enough.” They have said, “This or that action is unacceptable, and this in not how we want our family, community, country, or world to be. We want a structure where all people have opportunity, where all people have respect, and where all people can experience a life that is free of struggle and misery. We want to bring the word, humane, into our common human experience.”

Because of this need and strong desire on the part of millions and millions of people worldwide, the New Energy was created, and the Intervention is taking place. Now, what will happen with the pattern of greed and corruption that has been experienced in the world for centuries? It will begin to falter as people stop turning a blind eye. It will become more transparent to more and more people, and they will not allow it to continue. They will recognize and see greed for what it is—the aggrandizement of the few at the expense of the many. They will not allow corrupt leaders to lead for long, as again, there will be a transparency to the corruption. Everything will become more visible because of the New Energy, and what could be hidden from the public in the past will no longer remain out of sight. People will not be fooled, and they will no longer be naïve. Neighbors will assist neighbors, groups will assist other groups, countries will assist other countries, and people will not feel alone in their fight for justice and equality of opportunity. A new time is coming of age, and you will see great changes in how greed and corruption are dealt with in this new era. Be a participant or be a leader, but most importantly, be involved. Keep your thoughts tuned to “A solution is in the making” and you will become an important part of that solution.

What has been referred to on this website as the New Energy or the Intervention is going to make a difference in how greed and corruption will be experienced in the future. What has happened is that enough people have participated through their thoughts and actions, and have thus created through their combined energy a New Energy that will Intervene in “business as usual.” People have said, “Enough is enough.” They have said, “This or that action is unacceptable, and this in not how we want our family, community, country, or world to be. We want a structure where all people have opportunity, where all people have respect, and where all people can experience a life that is free of struggle and misery. We want to bring the word, humane, into our common human experience.”

4-15-09

WORLD ECONOMY
For so many at this time, the world and its economy are at the forefront of their thinking. There are many options open for each individual. Yet, for a large number of people, this has become a time of fear, of fear-filled thoughts, and of fear-filled actions. Let’s admit that this is the worst possible choice—to respond with fear. However, that being said, the spirit called Gladys understands that so many of you simply cannot grasp thinking otherwise.

If you are able to instead pour positive energy into any situation in which you are involved, or into any situation of which you become aware, either through the media, reading, or conversation, then you become part of the solution, rather than remaining part of the problem.

Now, for many this is hard to understand, but if you have an awareness level of the power of thoughts, the power of words, and the power of media, then you are already aware of the impact of both positive and negative energies. If you are able to sustain thoughts that don’t contain fear; if you are able to extend those thoughts into the world (universe), or to others with whom you come in contact, then you personally will have a dynamic influence in assisting those people to move forward without fear.

Some of you may think this a strange way to begin a discussion about the world economy. What I wish to do is open your minds to the idea of projecting positive energy into the world (universe). For, after all, the world economy is made up of individuals. When each individual accepts his/her role in determining where the world economy now finds itself (and therefore where each individual finds him- or herself in everyday life), and when each person looks at his/her decisions in relation to the world economy, it begins to make sense that every person bears some responsibility for the way things are. By the same token, each bears some responsibility for the way things could play out in the future.

Now I know you are saying, “But I don’t know what to do! I don’t have the intellect, the experience, or the education to make huge financial decisions.” You feel as though you’re a victim of a system that is larger than you are. So, how could you bear any responsibility? Besides, you tell yourself, one person can’t make a difference. But, what I am saying is that change, even in something so seemingly large as the world economy, is up to each and every one of you. Each of you makes a contribution to the answers officials will make on your behalf. Therefore you must communicate your needs, desires, and ambitions for the world economy. How does one accomplish this?

It’s clear that the Internet has become a tool for joining voices together, and that can be done by anyone who wishes to participate. However, much closer to home is the fact that every thought you have, every desire you make known, every need that comes up can be conveyed in a thought. You can then extend your thoughts for change to another person or to the universe in general. What has been taking place over the last years is a change in consciousness. I know each of you has heard this term, but perhaps you haven’t fully understood the impact of human consciousness. Let’s use the recent U.S. presidential election as an example. There were enough people who put the thought, need, and desire for change into the universe, which then caused these issues to come to the forefront of human consciousness. It was then the tool of the Internet that allowed people to safely share their opinions. Using this tool, along with a tremendous degree of thought energy, and a solid organization headed by Obama, allowed this election, considered by many to be an impossibility—to elect a young man, an African-American, and a relatively unknown man to become the President of the United States. It happened because of the changes to human consciousness that came about by one person after another putting the thoughts forward for emphatic change.

Now, the world economic situation had been deteriorating for a number of years. It came to the forefront some months before the election. The ground had been laid for the chaos to occur. Obama came into what many consider to be an unsolvable situation. What I wish for each of you to understand is, just as the ground work for the chaos had been put in place, the ground work for the solutions have already been in the making. When one has fear in his/her thoughts; when one puts negative energy into the present situations, that one person is adding those thoughts and energy into the human consciousness. So what every person who wishes and desires the situations to improve must do, is place beneficial, positive, constructive thoughts into the universe. This then is the basis of expansion for human consciousness. And, this then is what every person should desire.

Forget about the details of the everyday skirmishes, newscasts, commentators. Instead, focus on the positive outcomes that must take place. Allow your energy to join with the energy of others in making good things happen.

The universe has already provided, through the minds of thousands upon thousands of people, the solutions to the problems. For many years new thought was not allowed, not accepted for open discussion, and certainly not to be acknowledged. What is happening today is that because of the problematic situations in which the peoples of so very many countries find themselves, these people with solutions, who have the minds, the brain power, the desires and the knowledge will take center stage. This is why the spirit called Gladys is willing to say: have hope, have trust, have faith because the answers will be here before you know it.

QUESTION: What if we’ve lost our source of income and there are no job possibilities in sight? How are we to wait for things to change? We have pressing problems.

What I wish for you to consider as you face your day to day problems, is that you have choices that will make a difference in how you experience each day. If you make the choice to be a victim, to be helpless, to be like a leaf floating in the wind, all you can do is accept your fate and try to accommodate it. If on the other hand you do as I suggested in the conversation above, begin active thinking in the direction of what you want to have happen you no longer are a leaf floating in the wind, but you are part of the wind. It has been a way of thinking for some time among many many people that they have no control over many of the events of their lives. I wish to emphasize that this is an illusion. And to accept this illusion is to say your life has not meaning. Your life has meaning primarily from the choices you make. Every day you have opportunities to choose what you will do, what you will say and how you will think. The solutions you need during this difficult time are ones that you can influence by what you choose each and every day. What I am suggesting you do is to begin sending serious thought energy into achieving what it is you really want and need.

You can do this by first clearing your mind of fear as has been taught on this website and then by energizing through your thoughts and beliefs that which you need and desire. When action on your part is called for you will know because you will be tuned in to your thoughts and the information that becomes available to you when you work your mind without fear. Allow yourself to believe that solutions to your problems are already on their way to you. You have only to listen and act when appropriate.

We could say for more clarification explore ideas on this website.

So often when we hit severe problems we feel inadequate and go into a spiral of self doubt and self punishment. This is what I wish for you to not experience. So if you are able to understand the value and benefit of the ideas that are being presented you will save yourself from pain and suffering.  

3-15-09

HEALING
In the area of healing, there is much to explore. Let us begin with the self-healing of physical complaints within the body. First we need to distinguish between something that is potentially life-threatening, and something that is more annoying, stressful, or chronic in nature, than it is serious. Life-threatening possibilities require immediate medical attention. For example, if you are suffering from severe pain, shortness of breath, a severe blow to the head, or other serious symptoms, you would seek medical help right away. The information that you will gain today is not meant to replace good medical advice, but rather it offers a discipline one can develop to become more in tune with one’s body, better able to ward off illness, and better able to correct minor discomforts. Having said that, let us talk about some things you can do for yourself.

As background information it would be helpful to understand that the body keeps a record in your cell structure of your past emotionally charged experiences. When you have a negative experience in living, your body records that experience in the cellular memory of each cell. At the same time, your brain picks up on patterns of responding to these emotionally charged experiences, and if you’ve frequently focused on such issues, your brain thinks they are important and devotes more area in your brain to the memory of these experiences. Over time such experiences can and often do create imbalances within your body. In short, your life experiences and the way you have learned to think about them have an effect upon your health. Now there may also be imbalances created through heredity, but even hereditary factors can be influenced to heal themselves by the way you choose to use your mind.

The first step in self-healing is the process of releasing fear and demanding peace of mind. (For detailed information on these subjects, please refer to the Overcome Your Fear and Understanding Fear tabs at the top of the home page, or to related Questions and Answers within this website.) By releasing fear you are creating a pathway through which healing energy can flow without obstruction. In a sense you are opening a door to allow the free flow of your body’s natural balance and healing abilities. Let us say that the body’s natural state is one of perfect health. So what you are doing is addressing the factors that interfere with that natural state of health. When you release fear, you are releasing one of the major obstructions to the free flowing energy of health. I’ll leave it to you to explore the methods of releasing fear and keeping fear from being a factor in your health by referring to the website topics.

As we know, most people today live under a lot of stress. When stress is accompanied by the psychological fears of inadequacy and rejection, that stress is intensified and can become overwhelming. The effects of fear and stress on the body are to release chemicals into the bloodstream that are meant to stimulate the brain to respond to any clear and present danger. They are the chemicals that were provided for the purpose of self-preservation. However, this natural release of chemicals becomes distorted by chronic stress in the body. Chronic stress, particularly when it is accompanied by fear, creates an almost constant release of these chemicals to the point where the body is virtually under siege. You can imagine when this happens over the course of years the kind of physical damage that can occur. It would be an oversimplification to say the perpetual release of such chemicals creates cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, but the connection of fear and stress to disease is certainly there.

Consequently, when we have a desire to heal for ourselves, we must first release our fear, which gives us a clear mind from which to respond to whatever stress or other conditions are affecting us. In the Gladys concept there is an almost constant reminder to release fear before doing anything else. This is because self-healing cannot occur when there is an almost constant flow of unhealthy chemicals pouring into the body, using up its valuable resources. Developing the habit of releasing fear whenever fear intrudes upon a person’s thinking is the most important aspect of self-healing. To better identify those times when your thoughts may include fear, please refer to appropriate places within the website. (A good summary can be found by reading the chapter entitled, “Exercising Your Power of Mind,” under the section, Understanding Fear, on top of the home page.)

Now let’s use an example and see what can be done after releasing fear. Let’s say you are starting to get a cold and would like to nip it in the bud. What you would do first is release your fear any time you have a thought such as, “Oh no, is this going to get worse?” or “I can’t possibly be sick right now!” By releasing your fear as soon as you get such a thought, you are relieving your stress about getting sick. The next thing you can do is to begin a visualization process whereby you purposefully apply mental energy toward getting rid of your illness.

Let me suggest this image: Picture a white cloud blanket that you pull over your entire body. Then imagine it has magnetic properties that can pull out the negative energy from every cell in your body and your surrounding energy field. When it turns gray or darker, picture the cloud blanket floating over to an incinerator that disposes of the blanket. Now picture a pink cloud blanket floating on top of your body. Breathe it in and allow it to be completely absorbed into your body. Allow it to heal any part of you that needs healing, whether that is mental, physical, or emotional. Know that the pink cloud blanket is pure love energy that can heal, comfort, and help provide for your needs. Welcome it and imagine it creating a feeling of total peace and comfort. This visualization is very powerful and can be used as needed. Using this visualization should relieve your symptoms and begin to address their causes. A good rule of thumb would be to do the visualization once in the morning as you are waking and once at night as you are going to sleep. More often than that would be dwelling too much on the illness and inserting fear that the process isn’t working.

Once you’ve done your visualization, let go of any concerns about your illness, and as much as reasonable, go about your normal activities. In some cases people will actually feel better right away, while other times it may take a little time or a day or two before they feel that it has done its work. The combination of releasing fear and creative visualization for the purpose of healing will give you a valuable tool to use whenever you don’t feel well.

You can take these ideas and use them in ways that are comfortable for you. In other words, make them a tool that you feel good about and will use as often as you have physical symptoms. You may have to customize the wording or visualization you use, and even practice a few times, before it becomes second nature to you. Would you use it only for illness? Not necessarily. Let’s say that while walking you accidentally bump into something and bruise your leg. You can immediately release your fear and send healing energy to the place you feel hurt. This is the best possible response your mind can send to your body. It is as if you are stopping the current of pain from spreading or becoming worse. There is so much to be said for what a free mind, meaning a mind without fear, can do to alleviate aches and pains, to heal a cut to the finger, and to assist with the healing of more serious conditions that may occur. In all cases if your mind is free of fear, you are then allowing a free flow of natural energy to assist your body in any way needed.

In this format of the Gladys Conversations, whether on this subject or subsequent subjects, we will only scratch the surface of ideas and tools that you can use in your everyday living experiences. The conversations have begun with healing because this is a topic to which everyone can relate, as we all have concerns about our physical being. If you have an interest in helping yourself overcome physical problems, then this starting point of very basic information about self-healing may open valuable and new horizons for your thinking and what you eventually do. The tools for self-healing are almost endless. You can create your own affirmations or visualizations that speak to you and therefore become easier for you to use. You can, of course, read and take classes on healing for yourself. The intent of this Gladys Conversation is to open doors.

As you heal for yourself, you will move into thoughts of healing for others: for loved ones, for family, friends, and co-workers. Any healing techniques that are presented here can be expanded for use on yourself and others. The basic process remains the same: Release your fear; release the other person’s fear if another is involved; ask that healing be extended to the other person, and then use affirmations and/or visualizations to assist in the healing process.

QUESTION: Do you have to release a lot of fear before your healing becomes effective?

“A lot” is an interesting choice of wording. One has fear. One has the fears of inadequacy and rejection. Depending upon one’s life circumstances, experiences, and causes of fear, either recent or from childhood, the amount of fear would vary. For example, one person can experience fetal development, childhood, and early adulthood without fear and then have fear become a factor in living from an unsatisfactory personal relationship. Such a person’s fear may not be deeply imbedded. Whereas another person may have been rejected from the fetal stage onwards, may have been inflicted with fear from their primary caregiver, and may thus have created a survival pattern (refer to Survival Patterns under Search Answers, Categories) that is intense. We can then say that person has “a lot” of fear. It would then follow that the second person would have to release fear more frequently.

To get us back to the effectiveness of your healing experience, know that you only need to start by releasing your fear (and the other person’s, if you are extending healing to another) to get the process working. In all probability you will go into your healing and not reinstate fear. However, if your mind wonders and inserts worry, you have returned to a fear mode. To keep this simple, which is always my intent when giving information, I want each of you to feel that releasing your fear and proceeding is all you need to do to begin healing. Thought and actions of healing are composed of the pure energy of love, which is the finest energy one can feel personally or project to another. If you stay with your thoughts of healing, this pure energy will not allow you to insert fear.

Whenever you are extending your thoughts without fear, either to yourself or to others, this is the most beneficial and heartfelt extension of love that can be experienced by yourself or anyone. This in itself elevates your energy to the natural state of it’s being. I say this to emphasize the benefits and value of your actions.  

QUESTION: Can the healing you are describing help when one is seriously ill?

Let us begin by saying that it is always helpful to extend healing energy because it is the pure energy of love. When one is seriously ill, there is also the matter of mental, physical, and emotional comfort. So, by sending thoughts of healing to one who is seriously ill, you are adding this intention to create more comfort for him/her. You also may be effective in reducing the person’s fear of the illness, thereby opening the person’s own natural healing abilities to function as they were intended. In such a case, it’s possible the person would recover. Although the final result might still be that the person does not recover, your thoughts of healing will have been of great benefit.

Contrast this to what is usually done, which is to extend thoughts of worry, concern, and hopelessness. This is of no benefit to the patient, as all you’ve done in the process is to extend negative energy to what is already a negative situation. By keeping your thoughts on a higher level, that of intending to heal and comfort, you are extending energy that can be used by the patient to assist him/her in whatever the outcome may be. In other words, you can even assist someone in the process of dying because you are helping to take fear out of the dying process. Remember that dying is a natural part of living, and while you may heal for the person’s recovery, s/he may deep within be ready to die. In a case such as this, the loving and positive energy of your healing will then be used by the person as needed. So, there is always benefit, even though you may not be able to define it, see it, or experience your expectations.