I love this lighthearted article from Alan Cohen about death (just changing your address) and his new spin on Facebook. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did!
Alan Cohen * From the Heart * April 2011
Eternal Life through Facebook
I was surprised to receive a Facebook friend invitation from Eric Butterworth, a respected author and minister who introduced me to the new thought movement many years ago. The astounding element of Dr. Butterworth’s invitation is that he is dead. He passed away eight years ago. How he found his way onto Facebook is a matter of great interest to me.
The Internet and Facebook bear huge metaphysical lessons. In truth no one ever dies and we are capable of communicating inter-dimensionally. In the movie The Last Starfighter, a young Jedi-like disciple grows sad when he learns that one of his heroes has been killed. His mentor tells him, “He is not dead. He is just battling evil on another dimension.” On a more earthly plane, a friend of mine told me that his mother had just passed away. When I offered him my condolences, he explained, “She really just changed addresses.”
Just as the essence of a person never dies, neither do relationships. All real relationships are eternal. You might break up, get divorced, move away from each other, or one of you might pass on. None of these logistical shifts diminishes the relationship. Only the love is real. Everything else is just story line. A Course in Miracles tells us, “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.”
One of my favorite John Denver songs is Annie’s Song. When I attended one of John’s concerts, he mentioned that Annie’s Song is the most popular of all of his compositions. “When I went to India, people would stop me on the street and sing to me, ‘You fill up my senses. . . .’” he recounted. When I read John’s autobiography, Take Me Home, I learned that he wrote the song for his wife Annie, from whom he later got divorced. Initially I felt sad that such an exhilarating romantic song yielded to divorce. Then I realized that the love John expressed when he wrote the song was genuine. What happened after that is less important than the passion that flowed through him at that moment. Though the marriage ended, the passion that inspired the song is eternal and available to anyone choosing love at any time. Forms of relationship may change, but the energy that joins people in their finest moments cannot be destroyed.
I met John Denver when I was walking along a remote road on Maui. Driving a rental car, he pulled over and asked me if I wanted a ride. I was enjoying my walk, and much as I would have liked to ride with him, I told him thanks but I would continue walking. I took John’s hand and told him how much his music had inspired me over many years. He smiled, told me, “Thank you,” and continued on his way. A few years later I learned that John had died in a small plane crash. Upon hearing that news I was so grateful I had that moment to touch him and say thank you. Like John’s music, that moment is mine forever.
If you have gone through a breakup or divorce; or parted ways with a friend; or experienced the death of a loved one, take heart. The precious elements of the relationship are yours always. People and circumstances come and go, but your connection in Spirit is inseparable.
That’s why and how dead people can friend you on Facebook. They don’t really go very far from you, just behind a curtain. You can’t touch them with your fingers, but you can touch them with your mind and heart. That’s why I’m establishing an alternative to Facebook. I’m calling it Faithbook. We’re making a movie about it called The Spiritual Network. On Faithbook you are connected to everyone everywhere all the time and you don’t need a computer to communicate. There are no annoying ads or silly games, and the organizers don’t keep changing the rules. You make friends only by the Law of Attraction, and messages that you would have to block on Facebook never get to you on Faithbook because they don’t match you. You can easily communicate with departed loved ones because on Faithbook no one ever dies.
All relationships offer us the opportunity to discern between reality and illusion. We make up all kinds of stories in relationships that cause us pain and sorrow. The relationship journey evolves from the stories we made up to stories that are true. Contrary to what soap operas, romance novels, and movies tell you about relationships, the only real purpose of relationships is to experience deeper love. That love does not depend on what our bodies are doing. It depends solely on what our heart and minds are doing.
When Facebook became popular I resisted joining because I did not want to spend any more time on the computer. Now I like it. Where else can you get messages from dead people you love? In the old days you would have to go to a medium to get messages from the departed. Now you go to social media. It’s kind of cool when you think about it: No one ever dies. They just move to Facebook.
Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books, including his newest book of uplifting messages, A Daily Dose of Sanity. Listen to Alan’s weekly radio show Get Real on Hay House Radio at www.hayhouseradio.com, and join him for Life Coach Training beginning in September 1, 2011. For more information about Alan’s books, programs, or his free daily inspirational quotes via email, visit www.alancohen.com, email info@alancohen.com, or phone 1-808-572-0001.
Here is the replay link to my April 13, 2011 radio interview with Deb Scott on The Best People We Know. Deb is the bestselling author of ‘The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue‘ which talks about how to turn your upside down world right side up. Deb and I had a great talk on this interview about Living in Courage. I hope you enjoy it!
I am honored to be featured in Life By Me this week. I would like to thank my wonderful friend Chris Cade for recommending me to Life By Me. Chris is featured on their site as a writer, speaker and empowerer. I am listed as writer, joyful experiencer and courage advocate. In fact I like the sound of courage advocate so much I think I will call myself “The Courage Advocate.”
Life By Me posts only one question “What is most meaningful to you?” Every day there is an original answer from all people such as Gary Zukov, Michael Beckwith, Judith Orloff, Dean Ornish, Leigh Taylor Young, Seth Godin, Marci Shimoff, Jack Canfield and many others. It is a wonderful space to get lost in…a real gem.
Click the link below to read my answer to the question “What is most meaningful to you?”
This is a very inspirational video of a football coach and his team. It is important to be a team player in life. When you are someone people look up to, there are certain things that are required of you. This applies to all areas of life, not just football or sports. Being a living example to others takes courage. Do you have what it takes?
A few qualities that come to mind are Kindness, Determination, Leadership, Mentor-ship, Tolerance, Wisdom, Passion, Vision, Integrity, Persistence, Courage and Commitment. What is important is to take a good look your self imposed limitations. How far you are willing to push yourself to be your best YOU? Are you willing to put on a blindfold to all your limitation and allow yourself to cross the finish line? This video exemplifies inspiration and encouragement.
In order to grow we must obtain what is necessary for our growth. Non-Judgment is an important part of self growth. Self-judgment, judgment of others and the world, is learned from a very early age. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to grow up being taught to love yourself unconditionally, with no judgment of self or others? We grow up clothing our thoughts in the form of words. Many of these words are of judgment, blame, criticism, or just plain gossip. We are a product of our environment. There are times where it can be easier to judge others, than to take a hard look at our own life. It’s the simple way out. Judging other people doesn’t require intense self-examination. Have you found that judging has made you happier, healthier or a better person? No, of course not!
By choosing to grow and expand, there comes a time when we carefully and wisely select our thoughts, feeling, words and actions. The old saying “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” is very good advice. Growth is obtained when we exchange the old habits for new ones. One of the best habits you can develop is non-judgment of self and others. Since thought is energetic and creative, why not choose a stance of non-judgment that will serve to empower you.
It is difficult to develop trust with people when they know you are judging them. By choosing to be non-judgmental, you develop a safe comfortable environment for all in a respectful manner that empowers versus belittles. In judging, we only belittle ourselves, which serves us not at all. I find great value in people who are not constantly judging everything in sight. Breaking old worn out habits can be a challenge. We must rise to the challenge with the courage of our convictions and take the higher road. How about observing and listening. If a judgmental thought comes up, let it go. Don’t even judge your observations. By practicing, you gain skill and become competent at non-judgmental behavior. You have diffused any chaos by non-engagement, where in the past it may have been another story that needed healing. Be mindful. Your happiness depends on it.
I have heard it said that our life is governed by immutable laws and principles that never vary. These laws are in operation in all time and places. I have also heard that every effect is the result of the cause, and that the effect becomes the cause, which creates other effects, and on it goes. I have found my life experiences unfold beautifully when I choose from a place of love. This brings “Endless Possibilities” into my experience. The power of thought is so powerful because it creates a result. I am magnetic, you are magnetic. This poses the questions “What am I bringing into my life, and what motivates me in my decision making?” I have to say that as each day passes, and I choose love as the motivating factor, my life expands. When I go back to old habits of thought, feeling and action, it is reflected back to me very quickly.
I choose to see it as a privilege to have the ability to make a conscious choice in each moment. How I think, feel and act has a vibratory effect that flows out into the world. I want to see change in the world, just as you do. The best way I can make my individual contribution is to act in accordance with love and peace. If I see this world as broken, I am part of the problem. I prefer to see this world pristine, healed, in a state of peace, love and joy. If I have a desire yet doubt it can be a reality, how can that desire show up in my life? It can’t. I envision this world in a state of magnificence and see it as an already existing fact. I have planted a seed thought of peace. I will nurture it endlessly.
How do you see your life, your environment, the world? Wisdom requires an understanding of the basic knowledge and working principles of the Universe. These laws and principles never vary. As you learn to work with these laws, illuminated wisdom will light your way. Miracles do happen. If you have no knowledge of your power, your courage, how can you use it? Accessing and applying the knowledge deep in your heart and soul will allow you to act with purpose and determination.
What are you thinking about throughout the day? Your thoughts and feelings are being fertilized by your attention to them. Have you ever looked through a camera lens that is out of focus? The object was blurry, hard to see or unrecognizable. What is in your viewfinder? Is it blurry or in focus? What you think, feel and act upon will find you. Acting on a desire out fear and doubt will send you less than desired results. When love and joy are the motivating factor, you will develop crystal clear clarity in attaining your desired result. Be vigilant, move forward, expand and stand in your power. The Universe if infinite. The unseen can be brought into your reality, because there are unlimited resources available to the Universe that you may not be aware of. Choose to work on one desire you want more than anything else. Focus the force of your thought, feeling and action upon it, while allowing the unseen forces of the Universe to handle the details. Stay happy, on course, never lose sight of your desire and know that it must come to you. If you are not focused, doubt your desired outcome, hopping from one desire to another, your end result will scatter like leaves in a strong wind. Do not worry about the time frame in which it comes to you. Have faith, knowing it is done. Once you take back your creative powers, you will never be the same.
Today is a beautiful day. I choose it to be so. Yes, challenges come up from time to time, and they may require courage to get through, yet they strengthen me in ways I can’t imagine. Everywhere I look, I see beauty. The sun shining through the window, the trees blowing in the breeze, my heartbeat and each breath I take, people going on about their lives around me, the aroma of food cooking, children laughing and playing. The deliciousness of life and all it’s nuances are all music to my senses. I trust that as I choose joy and peace as daily companions, they will reflect their qualities back to me.
It is my responsibility to choose what I want in life, all that I desire. Once I have chosen, I remain in a knowing anticipation that my “good” is here, without doubt. There are unseen forces that go to work to bring me just what I need. My job is to to is feel good and hold my peace, without placing a time line on my “good” because I know the timing will be perfect for me.
I bless you with a beautiful day today and every day.
I was reading a quote today about how the difficult moments in our life have the potential to open our eyes and open our hearts. I realize life has been challenging for most people this last couple of years. I also know that people are expanding their knowledge of the world around them. Taking more interest in how the world works. I see people from around the world collaborating together, while keeping an open mind and attitude toward other cultures, religions and values. Almost everyone wants the same things in life…love, happiness, success, peace and all the great qualities life has to offer. Yes, we each go about in different ways, but we must learn tolerance, kindness and respect toward our fellow man. It is time to put our best foot forward in the pursuit of peace. I know we are courageous enough to do this. I have faith in humanity, as well as those of us that are here to lead the way into the global shifts that are to take place before our very eyes. Get ready to open your hearts!
“Each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart. – Myla Kabat-Zinn
Think of the creatures of the woodlands and forests as your soul; they are pure, shy creatures that only reveal themselves when they feel safe and in harmony with your physical presence. Crash your way through the undergrowth and you will see and hear nothing of nature and her companions, but sit quietly still and wait patiently for a while and you will gradually be able to sense their presence. Wait a little longer and you will tune into your environment and begin to hear their movements and songs until eventually they will show themselves to you with no fear of harm.
As with nature as with the soul; crash your way through life, taking no time to connect with your inner self and you will feel nothing but pain as your soul hides in the shadows not knowing who you or your intentions are. The only way to get in touch with and be able to understand your emotions is to find a stillness of the mind, sit quietly still and patiently for a while and you will gradually be able to sense the presence of your soul.
There are many theories on how to get in touch with your inner self, to discover who you are and to bring your mind, body and soul into harmonious balance; but as with various religious beliefs they all boil down to simplicity, finding a place away from everyday life, to be still for as long as you can manage and drift inside of yourself. I do this through nature, others may find music or simple silence does the trick and I am not here to tell you the best method, only you can find that out for yourself. All I can do is to share my own experiences of nature with you so that you can explore that route if you wish, and that is what I hopefully do here thanks to Debra.
I think I have become closer to nature and in turn to my inner being as I have grown older; I used to go for long walks in the countryside which looking back at now were more like an army route march and to quote and old saying, ‘I saw but did not see.’ But nowadays I take leisurely strolls, often not even getting to my predetermined destination; I stop, look, listen, touch and smell the things around me so often that I find myself no more than a mile or two on my journey after a couple of hours, but I have experienced so much more than if I had marched ten or twelve.
Make time in your life to sit and sense everything about you, really listen to a bird singing, really listen to the breeze through the trees, really smell, feel and taste those herbs you use every day to cook with and gradually you and your soul will greet each other in harmony.
Will Smith is my courage cheerleader. Watch this 10 minute video and I believe he may become yours as well.
Will says that “Your words and thoughts have power.” I wholeheartedly agree. He says he wants the world to be a better place because he was here. He has done that. He also says “If you are not making someone else’s life better, then you are wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.” Wise words from a very wise soul who speaks with conviction and honesty. This is a great video to watch if you feel you need some encouragement to overcome life’s biggest challenges.
This is a list of topics he covers in these interviews:
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the #1 Self Improvement Website on the Internet
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