Simplify Your Life &
Align with Your True North
Your Intuition is Guiding You Right Now
Your intuition is guiding you — always. Think back to all the choices and decisions you made that were guided by intuition — this inner-knowing and sense of direction. And think of the times when you pushed through something even when your heart was guiding you otherwise.
Take a piece of paper and create two columns. In column one, make a list of 2-3 occasions where you listened to your intuition. In column two, make a list of 2-3 occasions where you didn’t listen to your intuition.
Now ask yourself: What is my intuition guiding me to do? What does my heart want to do?
Allow the clarity to flow through you.
What’s the best thing you could be working on?
What's the best thing you could be working on, and why aren't you?- Paul Graham on Richard Hamming
Reflection Quote: Pre-occupation
“The secret of being miserable is to have leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not. The cure for it is occupation, because occupation means pre-occupation; and the pre-occupied person is neither happy nor unhappy, but simply alive and active. That is why it is necessary to happiness that one should be tired."
― George Bernard Shaw, Misalliance
and this is what Dale Carnegie said about that quote:
“George Bernard Shaw was right. He summed it all up when he said: ‘The secret of being miserable is to have the leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not.’ So don’t bother to think about it! Spit on your hands and get busy. Your blood will start circulating; your mind will start ticking — and pretty soon this whole positive upsurge of life in your body will drive worry from your mind. Get busy. Keep busy. It’s the cheapest kind of medicine there is on this earth — and one of the best.”
Dale Carnegie, From How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
Your True North - the secret to your successful business and life
Peace and blessings be bestowed upon all.
Today, know that all is well. In this moment, there is peace. In this moment, there is Stillness.
Know that there are things happening under the surface, below the soil. The seeds that you've planted are growing stronger and many have already burst through the soil–new shoots, new buds, new leaves, new flowers.
Your attention and focus needs to be only on your part: what you can do,
what you can be, what you can think and feel, all of that in alignment with your True North, all of that in alignment with the mission, the goal, the purpose, the meaning that you have determined for your life.
Let nothing come in the way–not distraction, not procrastination, not delusion, not self-sabotage.
They will come up. And your task is like a master ninja: navigate through these obstacles.
There is no obstacle from the outside world. It's all within you. The game is happening within you. The inspiration, the ideas, the creative flow, the channeling, the connection, the deep sense of purpose, all of that is within you.
And all the hurdles mental, emotional physical, they are also within you. The environment does play a role, yes. But it doesn't need to have power over you. You can mold your environment to fit your needs. And even if you feel you can't change your environment completely, that's all right. You can always change something. You can change your mind, your ideas, your imagination and you can actually change something in your physical. You can adjust, organize, tidy up, clean, declutter, streamline, simplify, let go, donate.
So, there is a lot in your hands literally. But a lot more in your mind. The mind is the precursor of all things.
So work with your mind. Work with your ability to transform your thinking. Work with your ability to calm your mind to become still. And make it non-negotiable to do the one thing that you know will bring you forward, will propel you into the version of yourself that you want to be, into the person you want to become.
Repetition is helpful. Remind yourself who it is that you are becoming, who it is you want to become and embody that persona that self now.
This clarity is a work in progress. Let's start with what you've got. Start with what, in this moment, you can determine as–the self, the new being, the new persona, the new identity that you want to embody.
Start with what you've got. You could always develop it, refine it, make it more accurate and more clear. But lack of clarity should not be an obstacle because there's always some clarity. There's always some iInformation, intuition, inner-guidance, some inkling that you have in this moment. Trust that. Build upon that. Perhaps you only need to know what you know. You don't need to know everything. You don't need to know the whole path.
So, do your inner work, work with your mind and bring attention always back to: what is your zone of influence?
When worries come about the world around you, about the economy, politics, society, people, all these things. Those are things that are beyond your circle of influence. Bring attention back into what YOU can influence.
Anytime you allow your mind to wallow in self-pity, in worry, in doubt, in confusion, inaction, procrastination–all of those things are slowing you down from that which you already are, from realizing and becoming aware of this infinite being, multi-dimensional being with infinite potential, infinite power and access to creativity, abundance, information, ideas, resilience, wisdom, compassion, and generosity. You have all of that within reach.
So see how you can help yourself create structures or routines or patterns in your day that can be conducive to this wholesome way of living. It's a constant process of refinement. And with each step, it gets better and better–each conscious step. And then it becomes fun, becomes a game, becomes a very, intriguing process filled with curiosity, with creativity, with fun, with joy and lightness.
And then in the process, on the way, on the path you enjoy the journey. And that is the most valuable gift that you can give yourself is to get to this place where you're enjoying the journey. without the need to get to the destination. There is drive, and there is propulsion towards that goal but there's no need, there's no attachment or desperation around that goal.
And that's hugely important because when you become fixated on the goal, on the future, on acquiring and accomplishing, you divorce yourself from the present moment, you divorce yourself from that which is wonderful right now right here.
And then you are not fully enjoying the process. Things that you're doing become means to the end, and that will slowly deplete your resources. It will deplete your energy, will drain you of this life energy. And sooner or later, you'll start to resent the process. You will start to resent the goal, start to resent yourself, your environment, the people, and all of that starts to fall apart.
So it's immensely important that you keep this awareness of your desire and your goal in mind, embody that persona, that future self right now, right here; visualize and in your mind's eye you've already accomplished all of that. And from that place, you take action, and that action then is in flow, is in alignment is, is without confusion, it just happens. You just take action one after the other. And you enjoy life. You enjoy this journey.
And then along this path, you start to touch, influence, inspire others. Through your true, authentic self you pull in, you attract those that are ready, that are primed for this moment, for this moment of impact and transformation in their lives. The intersection of your authentic self and this person needing, wanting, desiring that transformation–that happens when you have helped yourself to come into alignment with your true north.
And so it's a magical, mystical, beautiful, synchronous dance of the universe, bringing you to those that want and need what you have, your gifts to offer.
And allowing you to attract those people instead of going after them. You just do your thing, right? You do your process. You do your inner work. You do your creative effort. You do your automatic action. And the folks will be drawn to you.
The flower blossoms in its fragrant, colorful form and the bees and the pollinators, the butterflies, the hummingbirds, they are drawn to the flower. Flower has what the hummingbird wants and needs and craves. And it will find the flower.
And so in this equation, you are the flower. The people and the clients and the partners are the hummingbirds of this world. They will find you because they're pulled by your fragrance, your gifts, your skills, your colors, your authentic self. No masks. The flower is not putting up a mask. A sunflower is not putting up the mask of a rose. Neither is the rose trying to be a daffodil or is a daffodil trying to be a daisy or anything else. They are being their authentic self and the right pollinator is matched to that flower. That's the principle of life, of nature.
And your gifts are designed in such a way that this group of people, their potential, their desires, their transformation is unlocked through the key that is your gift.
Therefore, this match is serendipitous. It's without effort, without force, without pushing and going against the flow. It's the opposite of all of that. It's in harmony. It's in balance. It's in beauty. It's in synchronicity. It's alignment.
It's the coming together of all the ingredients that are needed in this recipe–the right components to build this formula of healing, of transformation, of impact of whatever it is, that is your gift and whatever the impact is going to be on the people, the environment, the animals, whoever your target audience is in this in the sense. And again, it doesn't necessarily have to be people. It could be the environment. It could be systems. It could be animals. It could be the land, the water, the air. It could be innovation for certain problems, solutions for certain problems that are larger than just affecting humanity –hoever your audience is, whoever is on the other side of your benevolence. And perhaps your gift is sharing your wealth meaningfully, the right causes that are in alignment with you.
And instead of willy-nilly donating or contributing you find a powerful, impactful way of making your wealth create change, create relief, create space for beautiful growth, for blossoming, heal, transform and innovate. So, it's not necessarily just about your business activities or your personal relationships, but also the impact you can have as an abundant wealthy being.
How your wealth can contribute, how your life can contribute, how your work can contribute. Because in the end, it is about you coming in alignment with your true gifts so that these gifts can then be a source of influence and transformation for others. Whether you're an artist creating beautiful art and having an impact on minds of people and hearts of people. Or you are a spiritual healer having a spiritual, transformative impact on the lives of people. Or you're a scientist or an author impacting people with the power of ideas and research.
Literally any field that you may be in. It is how you can be in complete alignment with your true north so that your authentic self is automatically having an impact on those who are uniquely fit to receive that impact, uniquely fit. Like a puzzle piece. Uniquely fit like a puzzle piece.
And that's why it is so powerful and so important that each one of us gets into alignment, finds the true north, allows themselves the permission to be their authentic self because each one of us is a piece of the puzzle that is so badly needed.
For our physical, emotional, spiritual transformation and ascension.
And it is going to be through the individual that this transformation happens. Each individual then creating a collective of transformative entity.
Without the individual, the collective is nothing.
It falls apart, right? Right away. And sometimes an individual Journey. Sometimes, it's a collective journey. Sometimes, it's one person doing their own thing. Sometimes, it's people coming together to do that thing.
As long as we allow ourselves to get in touch with our iIntuitive, creative, powerhouse that is within us, that is guiding us to come in complete alignment with our true north, then we are on the right path.
And it's surprising sometimes that it takes decades of trial and error, of suffering, of stress, of disconnecting ourselves from our inner channels and our inner flows to come to that point in our lives when we are ready. When we do not care for these made-up societal norms and ideas and expectations, we disconnect from that external pressure cooker that we often find ourselves in and become self-referential. Become self-guided. Become that creative leader of our own lives, breaking inertia, stepping into momentum and driving forward for peace, for our own inner peace, fulfillment and contentment.
And if you are at that point right now, Bravo! You have paid your dues to get to this point. You have suffered enough. You have disconnected yourself enough from yourself, from your true self, from your higher self, from Source, that intuitive guidance that is with you the whole time.
And you're ready! You're ready to step out and step into your most blissful, most euphoric, most creative, powerful self.
And drawing to you with ease, with flow bounty that is yours.
And all of these leads to self-mastery, self-leadership, self-compassion, self-love, becoming self-referential, Intuitive and the most brilliant, radiant being that you already are.
The Art of Developing Your Mind
“The world is not simply there. Everything and everyone we see, we view through the lenses of our thoughts. Your mind is where your thoughts arise and form. It is not simply with your eyes but with your mind that you see the world. So much depends on your mind: How you see yourself, who you think you are, how you see others, what you think the meaning of life is, how you see death, belief, God, darkness and beauty is all determined by the style of mind you have.
Your mind is your greatest treasure. We become so taken up with the world, with having and doing more and more that we come to ignore who we are and forget what we see the world with. The most powerful way to change your life is to change your mind.
When you beautify your mind, you beautify your world. You learn to see differently. In what seemed like dead situations, secret possibilities and invitations begin to open before you. In old suffering that held you long paralysed, you find new keys. When your mind awakens, your life comes alive and the creative adventure of your soul takes off. Passion and compassion become your new companions. As St. Iraneus said in the 2nd Century, “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.”
- John O'Donohue
Source: http://www.johnodonohue.com/words/art
Wealth Building Tip: Care less about what people think
“Wealth has little to do with how much you earn and a lot to do with how you live. One of the simplest ways to grow wealthier is pushing to detach yourself from peer pressure and care less about what people think of how you live.”
How to Manifest Anything You Want in the Physical Realm
Peace and blessings be bestowed upon all.
You are already an amazing Master Manifestor. You have been manifesting this life, whether you know it or not.
The steps are simple. Be grateful for already having that which you asked for because it is already here in the invisible realm. You thought it, dreamed it, and felt the joy of having it. So it's already here. Now that it is already experienced by you in your mind, it doesn't matter whether you have it in the physical realm, does it?
You are already experiencing it in your mind, in your heart. Then by logic, if you want something, simply give it to yourself in your mind, in your heart and in your imagination. Then give thanks for already having it right now. In this way, you can have anything and everything you want.
This is how you shift Quantum Timelines.
So, your task, your job at hand is to clarify for yourself: what is it that you want? Then, visualize it. Feel it as already done and give thanks.
So, let's do this now. There are three steps.
Step 1. Write out all the things you want. Don't be realistic. Let your heart tell you what it wants.
Step 2. Close your eyes and feel the feeling of all of this already accomplished.
Step 3. Give thanks for already receiving the things you asked for.
Those are the three steps.
Do this as often as possible, and then go about doing the things you need to do. Take action on the inner nudges without delay. Do the tasks and projects that you know need doing. Close open loops. Complete unfinished business. And take care of the people and things and projects you already have going on. Do what you know, needs doing. Get those things done. Leave all the open questions to Faith, to the Universe. Let the Universe do all the heavy lifting. All you have to do is to step into your desired results, into your desired world, into the self that you want to step into. Be that now, be your future self right now. Visualize, feel, tap into it.
And then give thanks.
That is all. That is all you need to do. And then go about your life living it, doing what needs to be done and enjoying every moment without attachment, without expectation for things to manifest in the outside world.
Practice detachment. The easiest way to do this is to step into that persona, that being, that has everything, that knows that there is no lack. There is only abundance. There is only this flourishing part of plenty and bounty, of love, forgiveness, of creative ideas, of creativity, of projects and clients, and impact and making a positive difference.
There is a fountain, an infinite source, a fountain, a never-ending source of everything that you've ever wanted right here within you. It is within you. It doesn't come from the outside world. It is not dependent on people, on circumstances, on things, on other people's decisions and desires and mentalities and choices. It does not depend on anything on the outside. It all comes from within you.
So? Get centered. Know that you are the fountain of bounty and abundance. You are the creative force that not only creates it but can tap into it, experience it, and bring it out into physical manifestation to benefit people, animals, environment, and everyone else.
You are the vehicle, the medium, the channel, the source, the path, the conduit for all that is unmanifest, bringing into the manifest.
So, knowing that this is all that you are, that you are all, everything is one, everything is within you, then there is no question of lack. There is no question of waiting. There is no question of not having.
If you are an artist who has been painting flowers, let's say. And you've painted daffodils and sunflowers and roses all your life. In this moment, you're sitting there. Just sitting. Let's say, you're sitting on the couch. Does it mean that this artist, this person that has created all these flowers paintings, because right now they're not creating it, that they are in lack? Just right now they are maybe writing, or maybe they're eating, or they're drinking a cup of tea. In this moment, they're not in lack. Why? Because they have the ability, the skills, the talent within them to create that art, that drawing of a rose or sunflower of a daffodil.
Just like that, even though right now, you haven't produced that art, you haven't produced the thing in the manifest, you still hold the ability, the skills to create that. It's inherent, it's within you, right? So? Step out of this whole waiting game, this whole lack, this whole wanting from the outside. Step out of that. Step out of that. Reject that.
That notion that there is a lack, that here is something in the outside world. That notion is demolished. It's abandoned, it's destroyed.
Instead, you're stepping into this deep inner knowing that everything: love, peace, health, fitness, creative projects, fulfilling work impact, all of that you can create from within you. Millions of dollars, enough funds, more than enough funds, charity, organizations to be assisted with money, with resources with network - any of those things that you feel come from the outside, remember, remind yourself that it's already within you.
So, then what is left to be done? What is left to be done? The only thing that is left to be done is your mental, inner-work. Your inner work. That's the only thing that's left to be done. Of course, you can do things in the outside world, and we need to. We need to do things. We need to do all kinds of things to function in this society.
But if you make your inner work your core work. All of that will fall into place with ease and flow. Everything externally will fall into place for you, if you dive deep and go into inner work.
And inner work consists of:
1. Keeping your vibration high.
Not allowing things in the outside world to get you down too much or to get you high too much. You can enjoy and be happy and have pleasant experiences. But you're not sucked into any of that. You're in this equilibrium, this sense of equanimity. And that is high vibration. Keeping your vibration high, positive, uplifting, beautiful calm, beautiful ease, not reacting, responding with conscious attention, with conscious awareness and intention.
2. Taking time to calm your mind.
Taking a few minutes every now and then to take some deep breaths, to close your eyes, to go deep within. If you have more time to really dive deep within you and touch that reservoir of Stillness. Stay in that state of joy, bliss, peace, equanimity, compassion, selfless joy “mudita”, expanded awareness, place of nothingness, place of deep, deep meditative states. Hang out in that world.
3. Create in your mind's eye.
Create in your mind’s eye with imagination with the feeling of what you want to create in the manifest. In that invisible realm, you're an artist with infinite imagination. Put on that canvas of your imagination, all the things that you want, all the changes that you want to see in this world, in your life, in your environment.
And do that with the sense of detachment, without clinginess, without grasping. Just like a painter celebrating beautiful nature with their art. That’s what you're doing in the canvas of your imagination. Put in all the ingredients that you want in there: health, relationships, career, business, friendship, home, environment, country, world, everything.
4. Write Stream of Consciousness writing
Write without an agenda. Maybe you can ask a question and get answers. But start out with “What message do you have for me?” And just write, write, write. Every. Single. Day.
Tap into this inner world that is bursting with gifts, flourishing with gifts, for you and for your environment, for your world, the people, and animals.
This is your inner work.
And then, in your everyday work, everyday day-to-day life, do the things that you already know that are open-ended. Close the loops. Finish projects, say no to new projects when needed. Say yes to your inner goals, inner projects that you value, that you care for, that are meaningful for you. Say yes to those, say no to everything else that is not in alignment.
Simplify. Simplify. Let go, let go! Lighten the burden. Lighten your physical environment.
Do these things and you have a transformed, transcendent, wholesome, benevolent life.
You are Worthy
Peace and blessings be bestowed upon all.
Take a deep breath. Know that the world belongs to you. There isn't a thing you need to change about yourself to be worthy. You are worthy inherently. You exist, and so you are worthy.
Your worth doesn't come from your skills or looks or what you do for a living. It doesn't come from you being a good kid and following what everyone says. It doesn't come from you, ignoring, silencing, or sacrificing and what's good for you and who you are.
Your worthiness is innate. You were born worthy. You don't have to prove to anyone anything. You don't have to explain yourself or justify your choices.
You can do whatever you like to do for a living. It's your choice. Not your parents. You can live wherever you like to live, even if it's away from your childhood town. You can dress how you like to dress. You can learn any language you like, even if it's not related to your college major or professional goals.
You can play any instrument and learn any instrument you want to learn. You can play any sport, any sport you desire. You can also choose not to play a sport and not to play any instrument or not learn a specific language or not do anything you do not want to do.
You don't have to get a Master's. You don't have to get a PhD. You don't have to change your hair, your clothes, your job, or your boyfriend or your girlfriend to please your parents.
You have the permission to be you; not that you need anyone's permission.
Free yourself from the shackles of others’ ideas about what's good for you. Chart your own course. Be your own guide and cheerleader. This life is for you to explore and express your true, authentic expression of who you are.
Drop the “shoulds” imposed by a false sense of obedience to the norms of society. Do no harm to anyone including yourself and allow your creative gifts to flourish and prosper.
Become the intuitive channel that you already are.
And open up to the gifts that are bursting to flow through you.
Embrace Your Gifts
Peace and blessings be bestowed upon all.
Know that you are an infinite being. Your ability to create, manifest and transform is beyond any limits. Your access to infinite source is right here available to you. You need only open yourself to the possibility of infinite guidance, ideas, and inspiration being yours to access right now.
When you block the flow you are already receiving, the flow turns into a trickle. That's when you feel fearful, scarcity-minded and a bit without hope. You do this every time you say, “I don't know, I can't, Maybe, I'll try, Perhaps, Only if.” The flow slows down when you dam it with thoughts of doubt and worry.
You block it by not acting on the little small nudges.
You block it by slowing down your consistent action. By judging it as too easy. Ease and flow are signs of your abundance. Do not judge it as not good enough.
If it's easy and there's flow, receive it graciously.
When you open up to flow, you take action on your nudges with full faith, full conviction, full confidence. You move forward boldly without worrying about what other people think.
You show doubt and hopelessness, the door. You surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you. You create with love, out of love.
You Embrace Your Gifts. You recognize your talents. You allow yourself to flourish, to receive, and to prosper.
I hope these words help you relax any tension and tightness you may have been feeling in your mind or in your body.
You are in charge of your well-being. You may not have been loved, encouraged, or supported while you were young, but now you are in charge. You can be the cheerleader for yourself and support your own journey.
So, move forward. Take action on your Divine nudges. Keep listening to the sound of flow and the feeling of ease.
You are here to create peace, joy, and abundance.
Simplifying is a bold act
Peace and blessings bestowed upon all.
Simplifying is a bold act.
It's not just about reducing for the sake of it. It is a conscious action in the direction of your goals and your chosen life. It opens up the field of vision so you can lighten the burden and see where you're going.
There is this practice in gardening for propagation that I want to point out:
You take a stem, let's say, of a flourishing salvia plant. For it to grow into a new plant, one removes the bottom leaves - this is where the new Roots will grow out. And one also removes any blooms or big leaves on top so that the energy of the plant goes towards growing roots so that the plant can be established for the long run.
To grow something new in your life and to see it get established with roots, remove the things that are taking up your energy. Remove them so that your energy can go towards the thing you want to grow.
So, ask yourself. What am I trying to grow? What are the things that are pulling my energy? What do you need to let go?
And the things that you need to let go can come in many forms.
It can be things - that which takes up physical space and resources.
It can be projects - that which takes up your time.
It can be activities - that which takes up your time and energy.
It can be relationships - that which takes up your emotional, mental, and physical energy.
It can also be things that are either unfinished, undecided, undedicated, or untimely.
Examples of unfinished can be projects and relationships. Undecided are decisions that are not taken. Undedicated are items whose purpose and use is not yet dedicated for something. Or untimely delays in implementing ideas, promises, decisions, or that which you had planned to do.
Taking action towards your dream life is then like gardening. Remove the excess that's taking your energy. And make space for that which you want newly established.
Step into your inner alignment
Peace and blessings, bestowed upon all.
Worries dissolve.
Flow state reinstated.
Creativity, laughter, and fulfillment are yours to experience.
Today, let go of old patterns of delay and procrastination. Today, do those things you already know need doing. There's a lot that's under your influence. Leave the rest to Faith.
Your path lies before you.
You need only take the first step, and that first step is the action that you take easily.
Step into your natural cadence, pace, and rhythm. Enjoy the creative journey. Do what you need to do out of love out of “this is my natural state, this is my optimal, authentic, creative state”.
Each day, do more and more of that which is in harmony with your true being, and that which brings you in harmony with your inner nature. Align the inner and the outer. Your inner self or higher self wants nothing from the outer world. Instead, it only wants to give to others and wants to give its most authentic self.
It resides in a state of love and abundance and is already flourishing.
When it is flourishing, it needs nothing. All it naturally does is create, bless, heal, and amuse. It's in a state of bliss and joy.
The question I have for you is this: Are you going to open up to the possibility of living a life of flow, peace, authentic creation, and live a life of joy and true freedom? Or will you continue to allow false concepts of how to live hallucinate your senses?
Will you live a path of your inner truth? Or replay the lies and fears over and over in your mind. You can free yourself. It's truly your choice.
How does this play out in your everyday life? It's the little things that's truly big. It shows up in the small, everyday choices. Mainly: what thoughts you think, what ideas you expose yourself to, and what actions you take - what you do from moment to moment.
We, your guides, your helpers are here with you every moment. Call out to us and with any request we will help you.
Drop shoulds. Replace with: I can. I want to. I get to. I choose to. I prefer to.
And drop, saying yes when you actually want to say no.
Step into your inner alignment. Follow your inner flow, go with ease, abundance, peace, and love.
This is all yours right now.
Mechanics of Desire fulfillment
“Inherent in every desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment.” - Deepak Chopra
Ichigo Ichie
This post is not about elaborating on this Japanese concept. Rather, I am posting my notes in public.
Here are a couple of quotes that caught my attention:
” Happiness lies in wanting nothing more outside ourselves, and in appreciating what life has to offer us while it lasts.”
”Simplify as much as possible, eliminating any element that isn’t strictly necessary.”
-Ichigo Ichie book
Letting go of paper clutter
I decided to let go of all paper clutter today. I am so happy and so light.
It is funny how paper starts collecting in my folders and on my desk. It starts then to take up both physical and mental space.
If you are struggling with lack of clarity or sluggishness, try decluttering stacks of paper and see how it feels.
If you find it hard to let go, just collect it all and put it out of sight for one week. if you didn't miss it, then you know it is time to let it go. Try it. You will gain so much flow, space and light at the end of this process of letting go.
#decluttering #clarity #simplicity
Your Magnetic Potential
I’ve been re-reading Ras Omari’s book, “You are a Money Magnet” and came across a couple of quotes that really speak to me.
”When your energy is out of alignment-when you’re not being true to yourself, or when you’re offering something that doesn’t truly resonate with others—your magnetic field weakens. These blocks can take many forms: fear, doubt, limiting beliefs, or a lack of clarity about your purpose. They create resistance in your energetic field, making it harder for you to attract wealth.”
And this one that really hit home:
”To unlock your full magnetic potential, you must address the deeper need for alignment. This means aligning your offerings with your true self—your passions, values, and purpose—and ensuring that they resonate with the needs of those you wish to serve. When you achieve this alignment, you create a powerful magnetic field that draws money to you with ease.
”But alignment is not just about what you do; it’s about who you are. It requires taking off the masks you;ve been wearing—the personas you’ve adopted to fit in, to please others, or to protect yourself. It requires showing up as your authentic self, even if it feels vulnerable or uncomfortable. This authenticity is what makes your value magnetic.”
”…It is a journey that begins with recognizing that money is energy and that your ability to attract it is directly related to the value you offer and the energy you project.”
These snapshots from the book are what I am mulling over. I wanted to share this in a blog post for anyone who comes across this site so that you can munch on these juicy ideas for growth and expansion. May be one day, I will write a “proper” blog article around these ideas. For now, I will continue to post snippets of what I find along my journey of abundance, simplicity and creating a life of creativity and difference.
Love,
Sophia
The Presidential Cycle and Your Investments: What Every Beginner Investor Needs to Know
Photo by Mike Newbry on Unsplash
Navigating Market Seasons Like a Monk
Once upon a time, in a serene monastery nestled in the mountains, a wise monk named Tenzin shared a story with his disciples. “Every year,” he said, “there are four seasons — each with its own unique beauty and challenges. The secret to a flourishing garden is understanding when to plant, when to nurture, when to harvest, and when to rest.”
Investing, much like tending a garden, has its own cycles. One of the most interesting yet lesser-known cycles is the Presidential Cycle — a pattern that shows how stock market performance tends to ebb and flow based on the U.S. presidential term. Today, we’ll explore what this means for you as a beginner investor, and how you can use this knowledge to grow your financial garden, one mindful investment at a time.
Understanding the Presidential Cycle: A Brief Overview
Just as monks (and gardeners!) observe the changing seasons to plan their gardens, savvy investors observe the four-year Presidential Cycle to strategize their portfolios. Here’s the essence of it:
First 2 Years of the Presidential Term: Historically, these years are more volatile and challenging for the stock market. New presidents often introduce policy changes, tax reforms, or regulatory adjustments that can create uncertainty among investors. Think of this phase as winter — when conditions can be harsh, and it’s best to be cautious.
Last 2 Years of the Presidential Term: The markets tend to perform better in the third and fourth years, especially the pre-election year. Why? Presidents, eager to boost voter confidence, often implement economic stimulus, pro-growth policies, or favorable legislation. This is like the arrival of spring, bringing optimism and new opportunities for growth.
Historical Data Speaks Volumes
Let’s look at the numbers. Since 1930, the S&P 500 Index has shown an average return of around 4% during the first two years of a presidential term. In contrast, the last two years often yield stronger results, with returns averaging about 10% to 13% during the pre-election year, according to IG andKiplinger.com.
This pattern isn’t just a coincidence; it reflects how politics can influence economic policies, corporate sentiment, and ultimately, market performance.
And get this: these stats work no matter which party is in the White House over the long term!
Mindful Investment Strategies for Each Phase
Now, how can you, as a beginner investor who enjoys the calm of meditation, leverage the Presidential Cycle to your advantage? Let’s break it down:
Phase 1: The First Two Years (Navigating Winter)
In the initial years of a new president’s term, the market often faces headwinds. Policies are shifting, and the future can feel uncertain — much like navigating through a thick fog. This is a time to be cautious and embrace a defensive strategy:
Focus on Stability: Consider investing in stable, dividend-paying stocks or sectors that are less sensitive to political changes, such as utilities and consumer staples.
Diversification is Key: Just as a monk diversifies his daily practices — balancing meditation, chores, and teachings — diversifying your portfolio across various asset classes, such as with the Serenity Portfolio I have written about on this channel, can mitigate risk.
Meditative Insight: During this volatile period, practice patience. Remember the Zen saying, “Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.” Sometimes, the best action is no action — resist the urge to react impulsively to market noise.
Phase 2: The Last Two Years (Embracing Spring)
As we enter the second half of the presidential term, optimism usually blooms. Economic policies become more favorable, aiming to boost the president’s popularity before the next election. Think of this as spring — a time of renewed growth and opportunity.
Growth Potential: This is the time to consider growth-oriented investments, such as technology stocks or emerging markets, which may benefit from pro-business policies.
Rebalance for Growth: Just like monks adapt their meditation routines and gardeners replant their flower beds as the seasons change, you may want to rebalance your portfolio to capture the upside potential during this favorable market phase.
Meditative Insight: Embrace the flow of abundance. As the Buddha said, “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” Approach this phase with optimism, but remain mindful of your long-term goals.
Current Outlook: Where Are We Now?
As we stand at the beginning of a new presidential term, it’s crucial to understand that the market often experiences a cooling-off period during this phase. The past two years have been above-average years for the stock market, with exceptional growth rates driven by fiscal stimulus and the beginning of a rate-lowering cycle of the Federal Reserve. However, history suggests that the early years of a new presidential cycle can be marked by slower growth and increased volatility.
Expect Slower Growth Ahead: Given the exceptional returns we’ve seen recently, it’s unlikely (though not impossible) that the market will sustain the same level of growth in the next 12–24 months. New administrations often focus on policy changes and fiscal adjustments, which can introduce uncertainty and dampen investor sentiment in the short term.
Why This Matters for Your Portfolio: As we brace for this period of potentially slower growth, now is a good time to revisit your investment strategy. We may want to adopt a more balanced or even defensive approach, focusing on a combining assets in a way that can weather economic fluctuations. A balanced risk profile will be key as we navigate this early phase of the presidential cycle.
Looking Ahead: While the next couple of years might present challenges, remember that the market is cyclical. Historically, the latter half of the presidential term tends to be more favorable for stocks, driven by pro-growth policies aimed at boosting voter confidence ahead of the next election. Our goal is to stay patient, mindful, and strategically positioned so that when the market momentum shifts, we are ready to capitalize on new opportunities.
By understanding the presidential cycle, we can align your portfolio to not only protect your wealth but also position it for growth as the cycle progresses.
The Power of Mindfulness in Investing
While the Presidential Cycle provides valuable insights, remember that no strategy is foolproof. The market, much like life, is full of surprises.
This is where mindfulness and a long-term view come in. Just as monks practice meditation to stay centered amidst chaos, you too can use mindfulness to stay calm and make informed decisions, even during market volatility.
Here’s a simple practice:
Mindful Investment Check-In: Before making any investment decision, take a moment to pause. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and ask yourself: “Does this align with my long-term goals?” This pause can help you avoid impulsive decisions driven by fear or greed.
Conclusion: Tending Your Financial Garden
As the wise monk Tenzin said, “A garden that is well-tended will bear fruit in its season.” By understanding the Presidential Cycle and applying mindful investment strategies, you can navigate the seasons of the market with confidence. Remember, investing is a journey — one that requires patience, wisdom, and a touch of serenity.
I hope you found this exploration of the Presidential Cycle insightful. If you have any questions or want to discuss how to optimize your portfolio for the upcoming market cycle, feel free to reach out here: https://pineridgewealth.com/#ask-a-question. Together, we can navigate these financial seasons and achieve your investment goals.
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The information in this article is not an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell specific securities. Nor is it an endorsement or recommendation of the specific securities mentioned. It does not constitute personalized investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nor should it be misconstrued as a solicitation of investment advisory services. It is for informational and educational purposes only and presents the author’s interpretations and opinions which are subject to change without notice.
Research for this article was done thoroughly from sources the author believes to be reliable and trustworthy, but the author cannot guarantee that the presentation is complete or correct.
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The 6 Meditation-Inspired Investing Principles
Photo by Gautam Ganguly on Unsplash
How training your mind can lead to financial peace and stability.
A young monk approached his teacher with a worried expression. “Master, every time I sit to meditate, my mind races with thoughts. I think about the chores I haven’t done, the conversations I had earlier, even whether I left the monastery gate unlocked. I’m always distracted!”
The master smiled gently and said, “Come with me.” He led the young monk to a bustling market in the nearby village. The noise was overwhelming — vendors shouting, children playing, animals braying. “Now, meditate here,” the master instructed.
The young monk was puzzled but followed the instruction. He closed his eyes amidst the chaos. After a few minutes, the master asked, “How do you feel?”
“Distracted, confused, anxious,” the monk replied.
The master nodded. “This market is like your mind. It will always be noisy. Your task is not to silence it but to find stillness within it. Just as the market will never be completely quiet, neither will your mind. Learn to be still, even when surrounded by noise.”
Have you ever noticed how your mind races when you sit down to meditate? Thoughts swarm like a chaotic market, and your attention bounces between them, trying to keep up. Investing can feel the same way. Many of us are swept away by the noise of financial news, market fluctuations, and the emotional rollercoaster of gains and losses. But just as meditation helps us find peace amidst the chaos, mindful investing can bring clarity and calm to your financial decisions.
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Here are six meditation-inspired principles to transform your investing practice:
1. Emotional Reactions Cost You Returns — Practice Patience
Did you know that the average investor underperforms the market due to emotional decisions? Many investors buy high when euphoric and sell low when panicked, which leads to underperformance.
Think of it like meditation: when thoughts arise, the impulse is to chase after them. In investing, emotions like greed and fear are the thoughts that lead us astray. But a mindful investor, much like a seasoned meditator, learns to observe these emotions without acting on them.
To truly understand why we react emotionally in investing, it helps to look deeper — not just at our thoughts but at our very human nature. Our entire being is wired to chase pleasure and avoid discomfort. Knowing this, we can be compassionate with ourselves, understanding that learning to invest wisely is a gradual process, much like meditation.
Key takeaway: Each time you recognize an emotional reaction in the markets and choose not to act on it, you’re training your mind. Over time, this practice reduces the cost of impulsive decisions.
2. The Market, Like the Mind, Thrives on Stillness
Financial markets often feel like that chaotic village market: unpredictable, noisy, and overwhelming. But here’s the truth: it’s not the external world that’s chaotic, but our reactions to it. Just as meditation helps us observe our thoughts without identifying with them, a mindful approach to investing allows us to see market trends without overreacting.
By applying what we practice on the meditation cushion — cultivating awareness of the present moment — we learn to observe financial news and market fluctuations with detachment. Instead of getting caught up in every rise and fall, we remain grounded, adhering to our long-term strategy.
Key takeaway: Observe the market like you observe your thoughts — without reacting.
3. Focus on the Long-Term
Meditation teaches us the value of focusing on the present moment, but it also instills the wisdom of impermanence: everything changes. Markets rise and fall, but over time, they trend upwards. A mindful investor takes the long view, focusing on years and decades, not days and weeks.
Consider index investing: instead of trying to time the market, mindful investors may choose total market investments or broad indices like the S&P 500. This approach leverages the natural growth of the economy without the stress of constant decision-making. It embodies the concept of “Investing in Absence,” where you set your strategy and step back, letting time and the market do the work.
Key takeaway: Just as discomfort in meditation passes, so do market downturns. Trust the long-term process.
4. Use Mindful Pauses Before Making Financial Decisions
A helpful technique borrowed from meditation is the “pause.” When faced with a financial decision, pause, breathe, and give yourself space to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This practice of intentional pause can transform your investing approach, reducing stress and enhancing clarity.
Key takeaway: Practice mindful pauses. The space between stimulus and response is where wisdom lives.
5. Simplify Your Investments to Reduce Anxiety
Meditation helps declutter the mind, allowing us to focus on what really matters. The same principle applies to investing. The more complex your strategy, the harder it is to maintain peace of mind. Over time, I’ve learned that simplicity in investing — just like in meditation — leads to better outcomes.
I call this the Serenity Portfolio — a simple, well-diversified approach designed to be “set and forget.” By simplifying your investments, you reduce anxiety and free up mental space for what truly matters.
Key takeaway: Keep it simple. Simplified portfolios lead to a simplified mind.
6. Be Kind to Yourself: Investing Is a Gradual Learning Process
Just as you wouldn’t expect to achieve enlightenment after a single meditation session, you can’t expect to master investing overnight. Both are lifelong practices of learning, adjusting, and growing. Be compassionate with yourself and remember that progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Each time you resist the urge to react emotionally to the market, you’re making progress. Embrace the journey of becoming both a mindful meditator and a mindful investor.
Key takeaway: Be kind to yourself. Investing, like meditation, is a journey of gradual growth and self-compassion.
Ready to Transform Your Financial Journey?
By training your mind to steady the market inside of you, you will find not just financial success, but also a deeper sense of inner peace. Start with small steps. If you don’t already meditate, begin with a simple daily practice. If you do, apply those same principles to your financial life.
To dive deeper into how mindfulness can revolutionize your investing approach and bring you closer to financial freedom, order my book Investing in Absence: How to Ignore the Markets, Come Out Ahead, and Have Peace of Mind While Meditating for 3 Months.
Let the journey of mindful investing be your path to both wealth and wisdom.
Balancing Return with Preparedness: Investing in Peace of Mind
🧠 Ever think about how prepared you are for life’s unexpected moments?
Recently, I had to evacuate due to Hurricane Helene, and the experience left me with a profound realization. As I passed by people standing in line at a gas station where cash had now become the only accepted form of payment, it hit me: I had grown so accustomed to the convenience of digital payments — cards, apps, automatic transfers — that I had overlooked a crucial aspect of preparedness.
In that moment, I saw what I had been missing.
Many of us have our investments neatly organized — funds growing steadily through interest, dividends, and compounding over time. But what happens when life throws a curveball? What if the tools we rely on, like cards or online banking, suddenly become inaccessible?
Here’s where the idea of balancing return with preparedness comes in. When we set aside cash for emergencies, we might be giving up the opportunity for financial returns in the short term, but we’re making an important investment elsewhere: in peace of mind.
The Trade-Off: Return vs. Preparedness
Cash that sits in a drawer or a safe isn’t earning interest or compounding like the rest of your investments. It’s easy to see this as a missed opportunity. But in reality, that cash is invested in something equally valuable — your ability to weather a crisis without scrambling.
By keeping a small (or large) cash reserve, you’re essentially investing in preparedness — and that has its own unique return: peace of mind, security, and resilience when faced with the unexpected.
In our fast-paced world, we’re constantly encouraged to maximize returns, take advantage of market growth, and let our money work for us. But true financial wellness isn’t just about chasing returns; it’s also about creating a solid foundation that allows you to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
Safe, Accessible, and Usable: How to Keep Cash for Emergencies
If you decide to keep cash on hand for emergencies, it’s not just about setting it aside. You need to ensure that the cash is safe, accessible, and usable when it’s needed most.
Safe: The first priority is to protect your cash from fire, water, wind, and theft. Consider storing it in a fireproof and waterproof safe. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your emergency reserve won’t be wiped out by the very disaster you’re preparing for.
Accessible: In a crisis, speed matters. Your cash needs to be accessible at a moment’s notice — whether it’s to quickly pay for gas during an evacuation or to cover repairs. Keep it somewhere you can grab it quickly, especially if you might need to evacuate in a hurry. The last thing you want in an emergency is to waste time trying to retrieve funds.
Usable: Here’s a common mistake: people tend to store large bills, thinking it’s easier to carry $100 notes than $20s, $10s, or singles. But in an emergency, those big bills can be hard to use. Think of situations like paying for gas, groceries, or small repairs — vendors may not have change. Keeping a good mix of small denominations — singles, $5s, $10s, and $20s — ensures that you’ll have cash that’s easy to use. Reserve larger bills like $50s and $100s for specific purposes, like buying equipment (a generator, for instance), transportation, or emergency lodging.
A Personal Story: The Power of Being Prepared
During our evacuation from the hurricane, I was fortunate to have a mix of $5 and $20 bills with me. It made a world of difference. Not only was I able to pay for gas along the way, but I also had enough on hand to help my neighbor repair a flat tire.
He had generously volunteered his time and equipment to help us get out of the disaster zone, and being able to give him gas money and cover the repair costs was more than just practical — it was a way to show appreciation and keep things moving smoothly in a chaotic situation.
This experience showed me firsthand how important it is to be prepared — not just for myself, but to help others in a time of need. And that’s one of the biggest returns on your investment in preparedness: the ability to stay calm, focused, and even generous when the unexpected happens.
Balancing Brain Expansion with Grounded Preparedness
It’s easy to focus on expanding our minds, growing our portfolios, and embracing the convenience of technology. But balance is essential. Our brains may be wired for adaptation and growth, but they also need practical tools to stay grounded when life gets chaotic.
Preparedness, in all its forms, is a mental hack. It gives us the clarity and peace of mind to navigate crises without feeling overwhelmed.
In a world that’s constantly pushing us to chase bigger returns, let’s also remember to invest in simple, foundational habits that keep us resilient — like keeping an emergency cash reserve.
Take Action: How Much Cash Will Make You Feel Secure?
Now, it’s time to ask yourself: What would make you feel secure in an emergency? How much cash would give you peace of mind if your digital systems went offline?
Start with a small amount and build from there. Something like $5 in a safe place at home; then add $5 with every paycheck. Whether, after collecting it for a while, it’s enough for a week of essentials or enough to cover unexpected transportation needs, having cash on hand can be the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful scramble.
Your financial wellness isn’t just about growing your wealth — it’s about balancing return with preparedness. And in that balance, you’ll find peace of mind.
Ready to Talk It Through?
If this article has sparked some thoughts about your own financial preparedness and you’d like to dive deeper, I invite you to book a 30-minute Wealth Coaching Session with me. Whether it’s balancing your investments with real-world preparedness or creating a strategy that brings you peace of mind, we can work through it together.
Let’s ensure you’re not just financially secure — but ready for anything.
👉 Book your session here.