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Is This Natural?

January 15, 2021 by Mary Gow

"Shine Your Light Within" Watercolor by Mary Gow

“Shine Your Light Within,” Watercolor by Mary Gow

For a little while I had a banner on my blog that said “Move in the Direction of Your Dreams.”

Later I thought, does that really sound inspiring?

One of my lifelong pursuits was given a name by Anthony Robbins in one of his books so I realized I wasn’t so unusual. He calls it “Constant and Never-Ending Improvement” or “CANI.”

I remember when Robbins advertised his “Personal Power” 30 day coaching program in infomercials. He was convincing and I bought the program that came out in the mid-1990’s. Within those teachings he brought my attention two different ways people may be wired to get things done – a basic part of what is known as Neuro Linguistic Programming (“NLP”).

“NLP works from the starting point that you may not control much in your life, but that you can always take control of what goes on in your head.” –https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/nlp.html

Robbins got my attention because I didn’t think “moving away from” could be as powerful a driving force as “moving towards,” yet he and other coaches have told me that the majority of us are motivated by moving away from, also known as the need to avoid pain.

In fact pain and moving away from pain can be a greater motivator than pleasure.

Look at the ways limited time offers work, for instance.

Doesn’t the fact that it’s going to go away compel more action because of the possible pain of missing out?

Would “Don’t Move in the Direction of Your Dreams” actually be motivating? or “Don’t Miss Out on Your Dreams”? In essence, don’t die with the music still in you! What message gets you to want to keep pursuing your dreams?

Note: The reference to the music within is from Dr. Wayne Dyer’s quote, “Don’t die with the music still in you.”

I was in my “music,” in my flow when I painted “Shine Your Light Within,” the watercolor as seen above. -Mary Gow

You might also like:
Day 31 – The Grateful Heart
Day 16 – Heart Waves
Heart of the Lotus

Filed Under: Inspiration, Productivity Tagged With: Anthony Robbins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, NLP, Shine Your Light

A New Year’s Recipe

January 4, 2021 by Mary Gow

Drawing by Mary Gow

“Celebrate!” a doodle drawing by Mary Gow.

Welcome in a new year! Good bye 2020!

After Christmas the focus shifts to getting organized, getting healthy and – – oh yes, getting ready for the next big holiday.

Sorting papers I found this written on a card and it’s worth sharing:

RECIPE FOR A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE

1. Never get used to anything.
2. Hold onto the child in you.
3. Keep your curiosity alive.
4. Trust your intuition.
5. Delight in simple things.
6. Fall madly in love with the World.
7. Say “yes” to Life with passion.
8. Remember “Today is the Day!”

-Ruth Bernhard, Oct. 14, 1995

Filed Under: Art, Inspiration Tagged With: Mary Gow, Mary Gow art, Recipe for Long and Happy Life, Ruth Bernhard

Heart Imaginings

December 21, 2020 by Mary Gow

Heart Imaginings, Heart 27 by Mary Gow

Heart Imaginings, Heart 27 by Mary Gow

The buzz today is the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn which also is happening on the shortest day of the year. This morning I painted this watercolor that hardly looks like the first day of Winter. For the shortest day to feel like the first day of spring, instead. I feel the shift. Hold the vision of whatever you dream. The energies are potent like supercharged magnets.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau

You might also like:
Heart Glow
Heart for the Holidays
Day 23 – Heart Protected
Cay 22 – Heart Charge
Day 21 – Grateful Heart

Filed Under: Creativity, Painting Tagged With: heart art, heart imaginings, Henry David Thoreau, Mary Gow art

Season of Heartful Hope

December 14, 2020 by Mary Gow

Calligraphy by Elena Caruthers

“Sing Out the Old Year,” calligraphy by Elena Caruthers

During this holiday season, gatherings on Zoom mean no need to get dressed up or feel self-conscious about that dish to prepare and bring to the potluck. From the Friends of Calligraphy’s holiday party my name was drawn for receiving a door prize. When I unpacked it, I found this beautiful card by calligrapher Elena Caruthers. From someone who loves to make cards I equally I love receiving them. Thank you Elena!

Today the first Covid-19 vaccines were administered in the United States. This is a momentous day. However, we must stay vigilant in looking out for each other and wearing masks. We will get through this!

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

You might also like:
Heart Glow
Heart for the Holidays
Day 17 Aeolian Heart

Filed Under: Calligraphy, Inspiration Tagged With: Calligraphy, Elena Caruthers, Helen Keller

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Texas Bar Journal
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