The beauty of silence

"all of man's misery derives
from not being able to sit
quietly in a room alone"

Blaine Pascal

We live in a noisy world and for most of us, we have been conditioned to accept the constant din. If its not the TV or the radio, its IPODs and people who won't or can't stop talking.

About the only time most people get any quiet is during a holiday that includes being in nature.

So conditioned are we to noise that when we do experience silence, we have the urge to create some noise by turning on the TV or radio. Some people even buy machines that create 'white noise' so that they can sleep at night.

Silence is frightening to people who are constant and compulsive talkers. They have no idea what they are missing or the benefits that come with silence. I'm convinced the reason for this is that when they are silent, they are forced to listen to their own thoughts. Since most people let thoughts enter unfiltered into their heads, they are inundated with negative thoughts and images. Best not to think!

There is in nature, no such thing as empty space or empty time. Whenever silence occurs, thoughts rush in to fill the void. Through meditation you can learn to control the flow of thoughts. But greatness and achievement are lost by rushing to fill the void with noise.

In the stillness you can find serenity and connection with a higher intelligence. It is in the silence that the thoughts that can change a life are born.

It takes practice but if you try being alone with your thoughts and control them by only permitting the positve energy thoughts, you will soon become additcted to the silence.

The ideas and inspirational thoughts that follow will lift your spirit. You then have the opportunity to become what only you can be..

And if what I said doesn't convince you, remember these words from Mark Twain...

"it is better to keep your mouth closed

and be thought a fool, then to open

your mouth and remove all doubt"

Eduardo

The easy path to success and happiness

"Energy flows freely to fun"

It is so ingrained into our culture that many of you will have trouble with this concept. We are bombarded with cliches like;

Keep your nose to the grindstone (ouch, that's gonna hurt)
Put your shoulder to the wheel (why not use the engine)
Work your fingers to the bone (as Randy Travis said...what do your get...bony fingers)

Yes amigos, there is nothing wrong with hard work and long hours. That is, if you are ok with sacrificing your home life and your health long term. Truth is, the immediate return from hard work is fatigue.

So what is the alternative?

The answer is to have fun in everything you do! This is the biggest lesson I have ever learned in my life. Since I have acquired the skill my income has tripled, I work less and enjoy life so much more. I understand this doesn't seem logical but it really is. And do you know why?

"Because.....energy flows freely to fun"

I'm going to keep on saying that until you are convinced of my brillance (ok, maybe just till you open up your mind to the thought). Let me give you some examples that will make my point;

Sexual energy (I knew that would get your attention) also flows freely to fun.

All couples will tell you that they usually have more sex and better sex when they are on holidays. The reason of course is that they are leaving their routines (boredom) behind and having fun on a holiday. You like that don't you?

Creativity flows freely to fun.

I read every book on creativity I can get my hands on. The common thread in all the books is to have fun. Trying too hard brings poor results. It's when we are most relaxed that we are open to new ideas to flow through us. So when we are laughing so hard our bellies ache then we get really creative.

Great effort flows freely to fun.

Those who are lucky (or smart enough) to have a job they love, put out more energy towards their job, than those that hate their job. They concentrate better and produce much better results. They always end up making more money as well. They will tell you that it isn't really work at all.

Maybe this helps explain my two favorite quotes (that I made up)

"Everything is possible, if you can have fun doing it"

"All is not as it seems...it is much better"

Some guy named Plato said....life must be lived as play! Although he lived 2,500 years ago, I'm thinking he was one smart dude. So why not play with everything; play with ideas, play with work, play with your mate, play with losing weight and making money. The more you play the more abundance and happiness you will find.

"Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play" Heraclitus (another Greek Philospher who probably played with Plato)

Parents always say they can never keep up with their young children. And what do kids do 24/7? They play. Just try asking them go out and exercise and they'll look at you like you are from another planet. Let them play and we get tired just watching them. They run just because it's fun.

If you are in your present vocation just to make money, you will probably never make as much as you would doing something you love. Here's a guarantee I can make....no one ever became great doing something he disliked. The spotlight generally finds the person having fun.

"You can only be totally absorbed in what you love doing"

This is because as I keep saying....energy flows freely to fun! You will always know that you are on the right path when you are having fun at it and the energy flows to you freely. You will live longer and happier if you look for the fun in everything. Isn't that profoundly beautiful?

Smile, great things are accomplished when we are having
fun.

Eduardo

I have everything I need

Did you ever have one of those thoughts you just couldn't get out of your head? Me too!

Lately, I keep thinking....I have everything I need.

This is a strange thought for me because I know there is no beer in the fridge and the new BMW convertible (in the picture) that I've been dreaming about is no where to be seen. So amigo, what can this mean?

I have noticed for the past couple of weeks something different is happening in my life. Sometimes I'll be doing something and need a tool or I'll be writing and need an idea; then poof, I get the idea or I'll think of some way of improvising for a tool I don't have. Sometimes I need help and out of the blue, help appears.

So I'm thinking is it because I'm holding this belief that I'm seeing and finding possibilities I just might not have noticed before? Was everything I needed there, but just below my level of awareness?

What if I decide that I need 10 million dollars? Well, I'm pretty darn certain that baring a computer glitch, I can go to the bank and it won't be there.

However, if I assume that I have everything I need, then maybe I already have the ideas to manifest it? This is getting interesting!

For those of us who believe that what we concentrate on becomes real, this might be a really valuable thought. Whatever it is, I'm thinking this is a pretty good belief to have. So I'm keeping it. Anything that makes my life; fun, easy and abundant has to be a good thing.

Eduardo

Are you expanding or shrinking?

"when was the last time you did something for the first time" Miss Susi Q


I'm not talking about your waist size. I'm talking about your life bucko. We've all heard that old cliche that says, in nature eveything is either growing or dying. When it comes to your life you are either expanding or shrinking.

When we are young we are always learning new things and having new experiences (expanding). However, as we age there is a tendency to shrink. Sometimes we think we know everything. We quit seeking new experiences, skills and knowledge and our world starts to shrink. Get old enough and even your friends start die off and you shrink your social life.

As we age we have that tendency to cocoon. To pull back from life, for some their only day planner is the TV Guide. We exercise less, get out in nature less. We fall into the trap of playing it safe. The tried and true, old and comfortable become our new norm....we start to shrink!

So be honest with yourself, are you expanding or shrinking?

Thinking about this got me to evaluate my life. I reached the conclusion that while I was still expanding, I could do much more (and I'm not talking about my hat size). So then the question came to me....

How do we become shrink resistent?

Here 12 fun ways to make you shrink resistent;

1. Learn a new language
2. Learn a new skill
3. Take up a new hobby
4. Read more
5. Write
6. Travel
7. Do cross word puzzles and Sadorka (No sure about the spelling of that)
8. Do charity work
9. Change vocations
10. Commune with nature
11. Seek silence, solitude and stillness (doing nothing works too)
12. This will be a favorite.....try new sex positions.

Of course thinking about this I must practice what I preach so this is what I'm playing with right now;

1. Learning to sail
2. Take a scuba lesson
3. Making 2 new friends
4. Very, very, slowly learning more Spanish
5. Writing more
6. Planning a trip to a new destination
7. Taking an online course
8. Take up kayaking
9. As soon as I find the right partner, I'll work on number 12 above

Phew, makes me tired just looking at that list....I just might have to quit work early, I wouldn't want to risk straining my poor brain...

Smile, the more we expand the more fun life is!

Eduardo

The fine art of doing nothing

I know I make this look easy! However there is a fine art to doing nothing. People who know me, would say I have mastered it. But wait amigos.....did you know that....

"Free time is the mother of inspiration"

So while I may appear in this picture to be doing nothing, behind the scene my brain is open to receive whatever great inspiration the universe wants to send me. Why, I was prepared to sit in that position soaking up nature as long as it took to feel inspired. So in doing nothing I was being highly productive.
This is not as easy as it looks and actually takes a little practice to master. It is imperative that you have peace and quiet. No one is allowed to disturb you in any way while you waiting for inspiration. Sounds good so far, right?
The only part that takes effort is to control your thoughts. No negative thoughts are permitted. You should think of your thoughts as being like water, let them flow away. Don't try to retain or dwell on anything. Yes, it is a form of meditation.

"time is precious, waste it well"

I find it works best in a tropical location unfortunately it works just as well anywhere in nature, while going for a walk, taking a shower or a bath. Just empty your head (some think I do that well too) and let the inspiration in.
Those people that don't know that you can think without talking have no idea what they are missing...

"the time you enjoy wasting
is not wasted time"
Plato

Eduardo

Is God an idiot?

Let's kill the innocents
and do it in his name
Praise be to Allah
we can give them such pain

Jesus, we pray, give us strength
That our team will find success
And when we win, we promise
to your glory, will we attest

So is God an idot?
You'd think so by our actions
I thought we were all his children
and not just some chosen faction

I double dog...no I triple dog dare you!

"miracles are a normal experience, for those that have the courage to believe in them"

See the card shown above, well I dare you to print it off (if you don't know how, scroll down to the bottom of the article, You Might be Shocked and the instructions are at the bottom) and carry it around with you for one week. Put it where you will see it often and contemplate on it, whenever you look at it. Whenever, you get a thought about it, write it down. You are going to be in for the surprise of your life. Bold challenge right? Well, have you got the guts to try it?

It's really simple and fun to do, or I wouldn't suggest it. Remember, to write down your thoughts (right away) when you look at the card. For one week! Come on, what are you afraid of? The truth? Let's be honest here, you've read lots of this self improvement stuff, but how much have you actually followed through with? This is it, here is your opportunity to open up your mind to your possiblilities. Go for it, have some fun.

"I triple dog dare you"

Eduardo

P.S. I decided not to try and explain what you might experience, because I want you to discover the answers by yourself, you deserve to have your own epiphany! I would however, be thrilled to hear about your experience.

Who am I?

Time for a little fun and enlightenment!

I found a website which has some interesting personality tests.  Some of them are free and I like free so I thought I would share it with you. 

The test only takes a few minutes but I found it revealing, fun and easy.  I am willing to share my discovery about myself with you, if you promise to keep it a secret...ok?  

Here is what the testing showed me to be...."I am a benevolent pedagogue of humanity" When I first read that, I thought to myself; it must mean I have a foot fetish or something like that...not so.  I also discovered that only 2 per cent of the population is in my category (I can hear your voices in my head, saying... probably a good thing too) Suffice to say that I am pleased to be a 'benevolent pedagoue of humanity'  and mother would have been proud.

Now do yourself a favor and take 5 minutes out of your precious time and do a little self discovery.  You can find the test here...

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
(copy this to your search bar and let the fun begin)

Or, just Goggle ... Myers Briggs Test-MBTI

Smile, no one needs to know the truth about you, except you!

Eduardo

P.S. Just in case you are interested in a sample of the test results I'm showing a portion of mine. It's highly confidential, so treat it accordingly, thanks.

ENFJs are the benevolent pedagogues of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nuturant and/or grand schemes. Many have great power to manipulate others with their interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it is usually not meant as minipulation. They generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they are.

They are global learners. They see the big picture. Their focus is expansive. Manyh have tremendous entrepeneurial ability.

They know and appreciate people. They are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others.

TRADEMARK; "The first shall be last"

P.P.S If you've read this far you either know more about me (than I did before I took the test) or you have way too much time on yours hands!

Is positive thinking enough?

"emotions are powerful stuff, that bring you to abundance or despair, the choice is yours"

One of the beautiful advantages of writing a blog like this is, that I get explore my own thoughts. I learn as I go and sometimes I realize a better way to get to where I want to go.

I have always believed in the power of positive thinking from the first time I read a self help book. What I didn't know at that time is how much more powerful positive emotions are. You know I like the fun easy way and this is it. This (positive emotions) is powerful stuff that can turn your life around on a dime.

Think of positive thoughts as being like driving a Volvo. Safe and dependable, and sure to get you where you want to go. Now throw in some positive emotions such as love, wonder, bliss, confidence, inspiration, courage and faith and now you're driving a Ferrari. The ride is going to be quicker and much more exhilerating.

Emotions are the fuel that drive your life. Positive emotions propel you forward towards your desires. Mix in more that one positive emotion and its like you just upped the octane level or turbo charged your life.

Fill your tank up on negative emotions such as anger, depression, hate, emptiness, discouragement, loneliness and cowardess, and you are still moving your life...only in reverse. You will be moving away from instead of toward your desires. Mix in more than one of these emotions and you likely are headed for a crash.

Looking for neutral gear in your life? No problem, that's called indifference!

"Positive thinking is good, positive thinking plus positive emotions and you are ripe for a miracle."

One of the reasons you don't reach your desires, is that they may not be worthy of you. They don't really inspire (a positive emotion) you. Small easy achievable goals are like putting a cap full of fuel in your tank, probably not enough juice to start your engine.

It's time to raise the level of your dreams, think really BIG. Put some high octane thoughts into your tank. Ramp up your courage, confidence, love and bliss and really put the petal to the metal. Who gives a damn if your dreams are unrealistic! They are your dreams and only the small minded will be interested in discouraging you. The others, the big dreamers, they are the one's who will change our world for the better. They will admire you and support you because you are one of them now.

There is great power to be found in sharing your big dreams with someone who is supportive. If you don't have it at home, maybe you need to look elesewhere for support. I'm here for you and so are lots of other like minded dreamers.

"Get excited and inspired with the bigness of your dreams and the whole universe, will and must move to make it a reality"

Eduardo

The 7 BIG Secrets

After reading hundreds of books, too many blogs to mention, and even doing some orginal thinking I've learned a few of secrets about living a life; that is fun, easy and over-flowing with abundance. Now, since I know that you like short-cuts, I'm only too happy to spill the beans. So this is just between us, right?

Secret #1 What we give away freely, returns to us multiplied.

The key word here is freely. This secret does not apply when you give begrudgingly, tenatively or with any kind of expectation for return benefit or accolade. This only applies to what you give in a loving, unselfish manner. This is just one of those quirky things, you give not expecting anything and some how you get more than you gave. Another caveat, what you get back may not be exactly what you gave, but it will always be better.

Secret #2 The only limit to your potential for abundance is your imagination.

I know that you've read elsewhere that the universe is limitless. What you may not know is that the abundance you might manifest is limited by what you can imagine is possible for you. I'm no fan of Donald Trump, but I have to admit, that this guy has zero problems imagining 'billions' in his bank account. You simply won't attach any belief to anything that you can't readily imagine as happening to you. Because my imagination just can't seem to get around the thought of having billions of dollars, I'm cursed to be only able to manifest millions. Oh, well!

Secret #3 What gets the most attention is manifested.

Yes, I'm talking about the famous Law of Attraction. However, don't over-look the point of what gets the most attention. You can have wonderful thoughts of love, wealth and spiritual growth, but my friends if you have more thoughts of your limitations....guess which one wins?

Secret #4 Things happen quicker if you have infinite patience.

This one is a bit of mind bender. What do I mean by infinite patience? It means that you have absolute faith that something will manifest and you put your complete trust in whatever higher power you believe in, that it will happen in the perfect amount of time. Whew, that is one big leap of faith. Once the negative low energy thoughts of worry and impatience are gone, things speed up. I have no idea why, it just does.

Secret #5 The answer you seek is always out there.

Once you've accepted this secret it leads you to another. The spin off secret is that this is how you generate persistance. Once you accept that the answer is out there, it is much easier to persist. There is very little that can happen to you that has not happened to someone else at some time in history. Think about that? Somebody has probably solved your question, you just need to track it down.

Secret #6 If you don't like the answer you get, ask a different question

Secret #7 Simplify

"Simplicity is the perfect union of beauty and intelligence" When that line came to me, I just wanted to pat myself on the back, it sounded so good. The best example of how simplicity works is Nature. Nothing is without purpose in nature, no effort wasted (some even go so far as to say Nature is lazy) I've written a ton about the benefits of simplifying our lives, so enough said.

Secret #8 The universe is on our side.

It may not feel like at times, but the more I examine how the universe works, the more I am absolutely convinced that we come into this world programmed to succeed. It's just that other people and ourselves can't quit trying to rewrite the program. Everything we need to know is out there (see secret #5) We just need to get out of our way and accept what was intended for us. Ok, smartypants, I know I said there were 7 Secrets, but you are just so darn nice to be around that I thought you deserved a bonus secret, enjoy.

Smile, you are much smarter than you think!

Eduardo

Is this the answer?

"what lies behind us
and what lies before us,
are tiny matters, compared
with what lies within us" Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've been doing a lot of reading and contemplating on life and it's purpose. The search for lasting happiness, how to make life fun and easy and manifesting abundance. Then a couple of nights ago I kept getting the message you see above, in a dream. I woke up and wrote it down. Of course I immediately turned it into a 'magic card' and have been carrying it around with me.

The more I think on it and let it settle into my subconscious, the more it seems to resonate for me. I'm thinking things like; how is it possible to have a healthy body if I don't love it? If I love my body, then shouldn't it be easy to make healthy choices?

And, isn't love the greatest attractor of all? So if love is a great attractor, does it attract abundance? I think so. There's a thought to consider; if we are more loving to everthing and everyone, do we attract more of what we want, whether it be money, people, ideas, fun or love in return?

"my first impression was to pass her by,
until I saw her with another guy"

What is our purpose for being here on this planet? Is it to learn to love? And what exactly is love? I sort of settled on this....love is unconditional caring and kindness. Hey, I didn't bother looking for a definition in the dictionary, because that is is irrevelent to me, what resonates for me or for you, is what is important.

So I've been mentally going around trying to love (unconditional caring and kind) to everything and everyone I met for the last couple of days. This is not as easy as you might think. Someone annoys the heck out of me and I'm mentally trying to conjure up a love feeling. Try stubbing your toe and thinking love for the danged rock! This takes practice and patience.

My results so far have been very favourable, I feel lighter in my spirit and if it's possible I think I've laughed more often. It seems to me that other people are more receptive to me. Don't get me wrong, I believe I am normally a nice guy so I doubt anyone would notice any great change. The difference I think would be very subtle. A few times I had to laugh to myself, like when I was walking behind this big macho brute and I started thinking to myself...I love you. If he could have read my mind, I think he would have probably thrown me into the dumpster.

"love is fun, the other stuff....not so much"

Lots of questions? I guess I'll just have to contemplate on this a little longer. Maybe you have some thoughts, you would share and help me out.

Thanking you in advance....oh, and I love you!

Eduardo

P.S. Wow, that's not easy to say...I love you, must be my male programming, I'll have to work on that.

Look them in the eye

This morning I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some supplies to fill that huge void my son left in the refrigerator.  When I got to the front of the line the cashier said to me, 'how are you today'.  When my transaction was completed she added, 'have a nice day'.  Sounds fairly normal, right?  

As I was walking back to my car, I thought to myself, her comments were as phoney and insincere as Paris Hiltons declaration that she had found God and was going to do charity work for the rest of her life.I don't know about you but I would rather skip the robotic lines if they are not sincere.  That cashier could not have cared less whether I had a nice day or how I was doing.

A French-Canadian Lady taught me a valuable lesson

After a supper with friends I proposed a toast to this lady who was visiting us.  She thanked me for the toast but then proceeded to tell me that I should do it over again.  I was a little stunned. 

She explained her reason and I will forever be grateful that she did. She explained to me that when you toast someone, you should look them in the eye when you are doing it.  The reason for the eye contact? 

Seven years bad sex if you don't!  WOW, I'm not one who wants to take a chance with that kind of punishment, so I quickly repeated my toast with intense eye contact.  Everyone at the table had a great laugh but no one has forgotten since to look the other person in the eye when making a toast!

Now back to the cashier, had she made eye contact (a smile would have been a bonus too) when she made her comments we both would have gotten something more out of the words.  I know instantly how sincere someone is by the eye contact.   If they can't even lift their head to acknowledge you, then just forget the phoney wishes.

I feel really sorry for that cashier.....imagine 7 years of bad sex!

So I salute you my friends and wish you a wonderful weekend, now if you'll excuse me, I need to close my eyes and imagine I'm looking into yours.  Somethings aren't worth gambling with!

Eduardo

You have problems.....guess who has the solutions?

"you know what to do, you just want me to find a shorcut for you"

I am a strong believer that we all have the answers to our own problems. We may have forgotten the answers or we may just be stuck. All we need are some simple techniques to bust open the dam and let the flood of answers and solutions come pouring out.

When things are going poorly, we sometimes feel overwhelmed and feel that we not capable of solving life's problems. Our mind can play tricks with us, making us feel like giving up. Or, we turn to others to ask for solutions, in the hope that we can dump our problems on them. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't. But then what to do when others are not interested in solving our problems?

"I'm thinking that since our minds play tricks on us, why don't we turn it around and play tricks on our mind"

Problems are stressful and can seize up our creative thoughts and block us from what we are looking for, right? Ok, then here is my little trick, or should I say...carefully researched technique (that sounds more professional). It occurred to me, that a better approach to problem solving is to make it a game!

Games are fun, they are not stress producing. When we are having fun, we relax and even though we are expending a great deal of energy, it doesn't feel like it. Any expert worth his salt, will tell us that creativity is most evidenced when we are having fun. And you know what it says, up there in the banner...."everything is possible if you can have fun doing it"

So lets have some fun and solve your problem! Here is what I ask you to do; print off the card you see above (I'll explain how). On the back of the card, write this..."I ask for guidance", now finish the sentence. For instance you might write something like....I ask for guidance to show me how to find a better job. Or any other problem you are stuck on.

Next, meditate on the words on the card..."Don't give up, play with it" As you think about those words, and get yourself in a playful mindset, ideas will start coming to you. Write them down and take action! If you don't write them down immediately, you may lose them. And if you don't take action on your ideas, then this is all just a big waste of time.

Before you go to bed at night, read the card (both sides) and ask for guidance to solve your problem, before you nod off. Keep a pad of paper and pen by your bedside. Your answer may come in the form of a dream. You have to capture that thought as soon as possible as dreams are extremely elusive.

The most important part of this inspired technique (I dreamt about it) is that you will have fun with it. Get yourself in play mode when you are thinking about it. Now, have fun solving your problems....

Eduardo

P.S. If you want to download the card you see above, here's how to do it;

right click on the card
click on SAVE PICTURE AS
then SAVE TO DESKTOP
then OPEN FILE
then PRINT
then ENJOY!
then BUY ME A BEER

A week of happiness....my gift to you!

Who wouldn't want a gift of happiness? Lucky you, Eduardo is going to give you a full week's worth of happiness. All I need is to get into your head, just for a few short minutes. Deal?

Great, here's how it works. You take a piece of paper and write out 7 actions that will bring you happiness. Make sure they are easily doable. They can range from downright simple to grandiose, the choice is yours. Have fun with this, consider what makes you smile, laugh or giggle. If you like fill up a page and then select your chosen top 7. Ok amigo, your part is done and you can have your head back now.

As for my part, here it is.....DO IT! That's right, every day for one full week, do one of things on your list. How hard can that be? It can't, it can only be fun and easy and that's why you are here, right?

I'll even prime your creative pump for you by sharing a portion of my list;

1. Go to a movie with my son
2. Get a massage
3. Call or visit one friend or family member a day, for 7 days (emails don't count)
4. Buy a new book
5. Give 7 compliments in one day (I give myself permission to exceed this number, should I run into the Swedish Girls Bikini Team.)
6. Take pictures of clouds (I know strange, but I'm like that)
7. Watch every football game I can find on the boob tube, every day for a week.

See how easy and how much fun this can be. A week's full of happiness and it's just for you! I can hardly believe my own generosity. Hey, your amigo Eduardo is here for you.

I'm printing my list off and taping it to the computer to ensure I don't forget any of my 'happy actions' (yea right, like I'm going to forget to make myself happy)

"there is no happiness, except in the realization that we have accomplished something" (Henry Ford)

Did you know that the unhappiest people tend to move the least? (I'm not talking about those with disabilities) As Mother Teresa said...it is impossible to be unhappy when you are walking fast. So what am I trying to tell you?

GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND JUST DO IT! (did I say that with enough authority?)

Eduardo

BONUS THOUGHT; Money is a lot like sex, if you don't have any, it's all you can think of.

The potential is totally mind blowing!

When was your last hug?

I've been doing a little research to test the potential of my HUGS TO GO franchise idea. What I've discovered is a market so huge it is truly mind blowing. In my research I discovered that the experts believe we need a lot of hugs just to survive and a lot more to grow. Check these figures out:

1. We need 4 hugs a day for healthy survival
2. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance
3. And we need 12 hugs a day for growth

Now lets do some simple math to test the market potential;

There are approximately 300 Million people living in the USA.
Lets assume that 10% of them or 30 Million would be in need of our service.
They will need 12 hugs per day, that's 360 Million hugs per day
At just $1.00 per hug that's $360 millions dollars per day
Times this by 365 days per year and my calculator went beserk!

Now consider world wide potential with 6.7 Billion people and the profit is beyond your imagination and would require that Big Blue Computer to calculate my future wealth.
Warren Buffet, I laugh at your pitiful little wealth, I'll buy you out with with my coffee money .


My Dirty Little Secret

I wasn't going to disclose this however in my ongoing desire to be Truthteller, I am by conscience (yes I do have one) forced to share the complete truth about my plan......hugs are addictive! More addictive than cigarettes, cocaine and Paris Hilton stories. So the business will be unstoppable. I suppose some governments will force me to reveal my dirty little secret in my advertising, but I'll just put it in teeny tiny letters hidden in the copy somewhere.

And that's not all!

Remember, I said I'll sell franchises. The cost of my franchise I estimate to be only $19.95 each. I know......amazingly cheap. Still I project revenues from franchise sales to be in the Trillions of Dollars. PLUS, there is the 5% royalty from each sale. By the end of the first year I anticipate I'll buy my son Hawaii for a birthday present.

Stay tuned because we have so much more to discuss. I haven't even touched on all the benefits of hugging.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go look at some yaht's and a private jet!

Adios my lucky amigos and don't forget to email me your franchise applications.

Eduardo

We're all going to be RICH!

"YOU ARE THE LUCKIEST PEOPLE ON THE PLANET....JUST BECAUSE YOU READ TRUTHTELLER|

I like you people soooo much I'm going to let you in on what is soon to be the fastest growing franchise on the planet.  My idea is going to make us all rich (especially me).

The basics of a highly successful franschies are;

1. Low cost of entry
2. Mass appeal
3. Low overhead
4. Great BIG profits

I've got it all figured out and I'm going to let you be the first in your area to buy one of my franchises.  This is so darn good you may want to buy a master franchise and then sell sub franchises off to your friends. 

I came to this idea when I realized that I've been giving away my product for free all of my life.  I've been witness to the smiles and happiness it brings. The cost is nothing and the value is priceless.....

HUGS TO GO

Isn't that a beautiful name for a franchise? The name says it all! And as a friend said when I proposed it....it's beautiful and simple, just like you.

Oh yeah, you laugh at me now, but just you think about all the people on this little round planet who are starved for a good hug? What would they pay for a really good hug from Eduardo or better yet someone really handsome or a beautiful lady. And kids...who doesen't like a hug from a giggly kid? See....I told you...we're going to be rich!

It has even occurred to me that I don't have to sell hugs one at a time. I will make available monthly or yearly contracts at a slight discount. Of course we will set up automatic withdrawals from your banking account.

My days of being a Hugslut, giving away those free hugs to every lady that crosses my path are over. I'm going to be a mega rich entrepeneur. I'll be a celebrity like Donald Trump (only nice). I might even set up a charitable foundation and give away some of my product free to the poor and needy (and really hot girls).

So contact me right away for franchise information and a mailing addresss for your very reasonable deposit before someone else beats you to the gold. Oh yes, of course I provide personal training (for the ladies only) I'll find a beautiful female assistant to conduct the male training.

I'm not sure whether it's the prospect of all the money I'm going to make or the sheer love of providing a service like this, that I'm most excited about. The one thing I am certain about is that I will be doing like all the self help gurus tell us...I'll be following my bliss!

"You laugh at me because I'm different
I laugh at you because you're all the same"
(I can't remember who said that, but she must have been a genius)

Eduardo, President
Hugs To Go

P.S. I trust you took notice that what I'm proposing could be classified as an 'eco business' I stongly encourage that all of hug products be recycled!

Imagination vs Willpower

"a reality never contemplated,
may exisit for others,
but it never will for you"

There is no denying that many people have got to where they are now through sheer willpower. So that's a good thing, right? Well yes, but only if you like to do things the hard way. Here at the Truthteller we always opt for the fun easy way and willpower is not that. So let's consider what willpower is?

"Willpower is the manisfestation of ego"

Willpower is you against the world. Willpower lacks a conscience and invites opportunities to; cheat, steal and decieve in order to reach that which you desire. It is the belief that in order for I to win, others must lose. Willpower is like a bulldozer. There is only one path and that is straight ahead. If others need to be buried in the process and we leave a path of destruction in our wake....so what, that is merely the cost.

And I'm just getting warmed up...

To willpower, kindness, generosity and empathy are puny weaklings. The world has limited resouces and that which is to be gained must be won in battle. Because life is viewed as a solitary battle, there is no need to share with the losers (the rest of mankind). There can be no win/win. Willpower is the way of tyrants, dictators and bullies.

Willpower is hard and difficult. It is comprised of sacrifice which include; morals, kindness, love, generosity and the sacrifice of others to our cause. It is crude, archaic, unsophisticated and amoral. Willpower as a means of achievement is so yesterday!

I want to be clear that I'm not confusing willpower with determination which is firmness of purpose. Determination unlike willpower can be flexible. How the goal is reached is less important than that it be achieved. Determination can work with any chosen path to success and there is no need to sacrifice higher ideals.

Phew...I'll bet you are glad that rant is over?

Today we want; enlightenment, peace, friendship, health and of course wealth as well. And we don't want it to be hard and difficult. We don't want to sacrifice ourselves our family and friends to get it. And the answer is....IMAGINATION!

Imagination requires far less effort and can sometimes be almost effortless. Without the interference of ego, imagination opens the doors to inspiration. Imagination is without limits or options. There no end of opportunities, more than enough for everyone. The world is limitless.

Now this sounds better...

Because there are so many paths available to Imagination, there is no need to forsake morals or ethics. There is always another choice. You are in total control (well, you and the universe). Imagination is limitless and win/win takes no more effort than does a solitary win for yourself.

Willpower has made millionaires...Imagination has made billionaires.

Do want some examples? Look no further than the internet wizards like the founders of You Tube or Google. How about Bill Gates? These people made billions and they did it in a few years and not a lifetime. And they still have wives and kids to spend time with and enjoy. That Gates guy and his wife, now spend their time giving away billions to charity (along with a few extra billion thrown in by Warren Buffett)...nice job!

Maybe your ambition is not to become a billionaire but with imagination you sure as heck can have a life that is fun, easy and over-flowing with abundance.

The real message here is that you can have everything....health, wealth, spiritual satisfaction, love and great friends. Don't be deceived to believe you have to sacrifice anything you value at the alter of success.

Stay tuned because now that I've got myself all hot and bothered about the powers of imagination, I suppose the logical thing to do would be to write it!

Eduardo

Namaste

"when your mind and heart are having fun, beautiful things find you"

I suppose it's probably because I spend so much time looking for things to support my beliefs that I constantly find evidence of it's truth. Mostly it's through reading, researching and daydreaming but sometimes beautiful things just sort of sneak up on me and smack me across the head.

"when you have enough beautiful thoughts, you invariably have a beautiful life"

A month or so ago, I was listening to a tape and heard the phrase ...."standing on the edge of all that is possible" It has stuck in my head since then. I keep thinking what an empowering phrase it is and of course I made it into one my cards as a reminder. Then a few nights ago, I came across that phrase in an article I was reading. I suppose the universe was sending me a reminder because it knows in it's infinite intelligence...that I'm a slow learner!

A short time ago, I opened an email from a Yoga instructor named Adele. She signed off her message with the word...namaste. Being curious I checked with my good friend Mr. Google for the meaning. Literally it means 'bow to you'. Namaste is a term used at the end of a Yoga session. I also found a beautiful intrepetation that I really like and for the price of FREE I will share it with you. I'm betting you like it as much as I do....

"I honor that place in you, where the whole Universe resides. And when I am in that place in me and you are in that place in you, there is only one of us"

Namaste Amigos

Eduardo

You want it? It's yours...

"there is not one good reason to compromise"

Sounds pretty good doesn't it? Having everything we desire. How does that thought resonate with you? Is your first reaction, that's just plain stupid or are you thinking, sounds good to me, bring it on?

We've already established that I'm more than just a little delusional but I've been thinking this is what we are entitled to...having it all! While most of the world and common sense would tell me that life is hard and difficult; I'm carrying on like life is fun, easy and over-flowing with abundance. I have no intention of compromising on my belief. I desire to have it all for me and for you.

So what are your desires? They may not be what you think. We all get fanciful daydreams about all kinds of wonderful things and experiences. I will confess to lusting after a few famous beauties. So is that a real desire of mine?

Here's how I tell if my desires are real for me. If I can hold that desire consistently in my head for a long period of time without effort... it's legit. Real desires don't just fade away nor are they easily replaced with tomorrows desires. The longer I can hold any desire without conscious effort, the greater chance for it to materialize. How easy is that?

Now here's the problem....

It's just so damn easy to give up and dismiss those desires. Giving up without trying is a sin. A really big sin. Doubt always shows it's ugly side and in our weakness it's easy capitulate our dreams. As that tired old cliche says... you can't hit a homerun if you don't get up to bat.

Is your brain on your side?

For most of my life, my brain was working against me. I'd manufacture some really nice desire and then my brain would kick in. Thoughts like, I'm not smart enough or that's not realistic would creep into my consciousness and bingo...I'd give up the dream. Even worse is when I would let others rain on my parade. Amazingly, sometimes it was the very people who I trusted and respected, who stomped on my desires.

"small people always want to knock you down (to their size), great people want to build you up (as big or even bigger than themselves)"

What possible sense can it make to give up on our dreams? I'm firmly of the belief that if we can dream it and hold onto that dream (without effort) then we can manifest it.

Smile, you are standing on the edge of all that it is possible.

Eduardo

The Great Deception

"happiness is not to be found in the purchase of anything"

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus said he believed we need only 3 things to make us happy.  And they are:

1. friends
2. freedom
3. an analized life

By friends old Epicurus included; friends, family and community.  These could be called the heart pleasures such as love, friendship and service to others.  So item number one is FREE.  I don't see how anyone can challenge this one.

By freedom he meant free time or leisure.  We live in a work obsessed society.  The drive to acquire stuff causes many to not even use up their holidays.  How stupid is that?  The very thing that will make you happy and some deny it.  Hard workers are not usually good thinkers.  Creativity is born from having fun and quiet reflection, and you don't get that by working your tail off. 

By an analized life, he meant understanding and evaluating what makes you happy.  And especially what makes you happy in an enduring way.  Another old wise guy from the past named Socrates also said...the unexamined life is not worth living. He doesn't sound like he would be as much fun to have a beer with but he shared the sentiments of Epicurus.

Transitory Happiness

Transitory happiness is the short term happy feelings.  Usually this is the ego satisfactions.  You buy a new car, a big flat screen TV or the latest iphone.  You get a short term spurt of happiness but eventually it fades.  Or it could be that promotion you've been chasing or a pay raise.  Nice high for awhile but again it eventually fades.  So much of our commercialism is based on ego satisfaction.We are not entirely to blame for getting caught up in the great deception (that acquiring things will make us happy).  Billions of dollars have been spent and some great intelligent minds are working against us.  Yes, it is the marketers who are skillfully planning to convince you to buy the newest and greatest products.  Did you know that the studies have proven that the more we watch TV, the more we spend?

Long lasting happiness

I've been writing down for the past week what makes me most happy, especially the long lasting happiness.  And as you might expect the answer comes back as the heart pleasures and free time.  I so enjoy time with friends and family.  I also love time to read, write and think.    Put me by the water and I'm one happy Eduardo.

  Voluntary Simplicity

This is my new philosophy on life...voluntary simplicity.  I intend to do what I can to simplify my life and escape the temptations of consumerism.  I can hear my son now.....'damn no more nice presents'  Lucky for him I don't intend to become cheap just no longer wasteful.  I'll only buy what I need or what will give a really good happy return.

Now if you'll excuse me I'm headed for the lake to meet up with some amigos and analize my life over a cold beverage!

Eduardo

BONUS THOUGHT:  We were all born as originals, so why would we ever want to become copies?

I'm (almost) as good as the real thing

"the quickest path to success is to have a good mentor"


Those crazy researchers at Standford University have come up with another gem. If you are a computer geek, we should get together, we could make a fortune on this one!

Here is what their research revealed; when they studied sedentary people (that's code for couch potato's) they found that an automated, exercise, reminder phone call, had about the same (get up and go) power as calls from human counsellors. Think about that? We are just as motivated by a machine generated message as from some qualified expert.

Just think of the possibilities? We could sell little message machines to mothers that they could have motion actived in little Johnny's room. When Johnny retreats to his room, the machine would nag him to clean his room, just like the real Mom does. I'm sure Mothers around the world would gladly buy our machine to do the nagging for them!

Next thing the woman of the household would want is a programmable, husband nagger machine. 'Take out the garbage, cut the grass and don't be late for supper' are just a few of the pre-programmed messages on our machine (in a very sweet voice of course).

Now before I incur the rath of women all over the planet, let's get serious. What does this latest research really tell us? I'm thinking that whenever we tackle changes in our lives we need support,encouragement and reminders. There are huge opportunities for those with the technical expertise to assist those who want to lose weight, quit smoking or just become more successful.

Encouragement is addictive and pleasing to all of us.

This is something we know so well when we are kids, however as we get older we forget just how important it is. It is so much easier to critize and find fault. I wonder if anyone really ever got nagged to success?

So what should be do with this knowledge? First, let's surround ourselves with positive; images, sayings and people. Let's feed our brains with encouragement, making sure there is more good stuff going in that crap. This is why I always have my little magic cards in my car and on my desk.

Maybe you would like to get a daily, automated phone call from Eduardo, telling you what a wonderful person you are and reminding you to (fill in the blanks)________________. NO? Well, then how about, from someone you deeply admire and respect?

Eduardo

Wisdom quotes

"it doesn't take many words to speak the truth" Chief Joseph

"we had religious differences, he thought he was God and I didn't, so one of us had to leave"

"the true worth of a person can be found in how they treat those who can do nothing for them"

"you can get everything you want if you help enough others get what they want" Zig Ziglar

"what we think we know gets in the way of what we are capable of"

"man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play" Heraclitus

"when science finally discovers the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to find they are not it" Bernard Bailey

"you may not understand me, but I do, and that's the only thing that really matters"

Smile, we are just as responsible for the good we didn't do as the fun we didn't have.

Eduardo

Live lightly

I came across an article about living lightly and wondered what it was about. Turns out it was about living green and leaving the smallest possible carbon print on the planet. That's nice but it got me thinking....

How else can we live lightly?

By my definition of living lightly, I mean living an effortless life. That would involve a lot of things. Not carrying around excess baggage, being happpy and loving etc. Here are a few quick thoughts about how I try to live lightly:

Be Opimistic

I expect things to work out for me. I easily envision that my life will improve. I'm never sure how, other than I anticipate that the universe is on my side.

I decide how to interpret what happens.

Because I've decided that the universe is on my side, when something goes wrong, I assume it is for a good reason. Somehow, I will find a benefit. Sometimes I don't find the answer until years later but it always seems to show up.

Let go

And when things go wrong and misfortune strikes, I try to let go of it, as soon as I can. This is when I say to myself...it is what is! Some things you just can't do much about, it has happened and the only course is to let it go or if possible take some positive action.

Good for you

There was a time (not so long ago) when I would read or hear about some good fortune that came to someone, who I maybe didn't like or admire. This would bring feelings of jealousy. Now, I've trained myself to just say quietly in my head...

good for you!

I decided that if good things can happen to those who I think don't deserve it, then even better can come my way.Be kind to everyone and everything I try to smile and act friendly to everyone I come into contact with. This means the homeless guy begging for change and the ill tempered waitress who is run off her feet. Being kind to people is easy but try being kind to things. I was real kind to my car this morning when I took it to the car wash. The damn thing didn't even say thank you! It did look much better though.

Laugh at everything and as often as I can

Some of my best stories that amuse friends were tales of my misfortunes. It takes the sting out of problems when you can laugh about them. And for some dang reason it pleases the heck out of my amigos when they get a laugh at my expense.

I have a purpose here on this planet.

Even before I figured out what the purpose of my life was, I assumed that I had one. It was only a matter of time before I figured it out. I just never knew it would take so long. Having a purpose gives me meaning beyond just surviving until I die.

Life was meant to be fun, easy and over-flowing with abundance

Sure I made that up myself! Who cares, it's served me better than any other personal thought or philosophy I've ever had. Ever since I adopted that mantra, quess what....my life has become fun, easy and abundant. So who's the fool?

I wrote a poem as a reminder to myself

I usually keep them to myself (for obvious reasons), however I've shared this one before so here goes, it's called

'Go Gently'...

go gently
like the cool summer breeze
that refreshes

be open to inspiration
as the flower is
to the morning sun

make no more effort
than the river
on it's journey to the sea

be not fixated
on the destination
for that is the end

it is the journey
to be enjoyed
and cherished

your destiny
is free will
just say thank you

live without effort
carry no burden
for none is necessary

know that life
is meant to be fun, easy
and over-flowing with abundance

Hey, I'm just getting warmed up, but before I start rambling, I'll give it a rest and ask you....how do you live lightly?

Eduardo

Who do you have influence over?

We all have a 'sphere of influence'

That would be the people in your life that you have some influence over. The people that if you had a good idea, would be receptive enough to listen with a relatively open mind.

"we learn more from what you do than from what you say"

So my question to you is; do you have a responsibility to use your sphere of influence when you know about something (a book, a video or an idea) that you honestly believe could help in some way improve the other persons life? I don't know about you but my answer would have to be 'of course'.

So this is why I am doing this blog. I sincerely intend that what I write about might help someone in some small way. It might just stir the thinking process enough to get someone to make a change or help someone else. And hopefully, it will expand my own personal sphere of influence.

So think about your own sphere of influence and who you might help in whatever way you deem proper and helpful?

Smile, it looks really good on you!

Eduardo