Direct Life Coaching

"The time for thinkers has come. Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity. Contentment with the past and the cold conventionality of materialism are crumbling away." (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures)

Mary Baker Eddy inked this phrase over 130 years ago, yet the power of the passage seems pretty darn relevant today. There is so much going on in those three sentences that demand a closer look.

Let's go!

(BTW...these are all my interpretations - so take them with a grain of salt ;)

First, let's look at the second sentence, "Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity." Mary Baker Eddy used "Truth" as a synonym for God, and here I see her stating that the knowledge and understanding of God (Spirit, Love, or Being), minus the attachments and separate of tradition or institution, is becoming clearer and resonating with people in a very practical way. A way not dependent on the authority found within four walls, but a way seen in how a life is lived.

Do we see this today? Have you been to a bookstore? Have you seen the best-selling titles? Sure, there are denominational books doing very well, but the big surge in spirituality seems to be happening more in coffee shops and book clubs, chat rooms and meetup groups. Yes, on one side of the spectrum mega churches are thriving, but I seem to see more and more conversations happening outside of the church and in all facets of society. Plus, how many of you had heard of Eckhart Tolle a year ago? Today, if you haven't read one of his books, one of your friends have.

In the third sentence Eddy writes, "Contentment with the past and the cold conventionality of materialism are crumbling away." Could any word describe the current economic breakdown of our major institutions better than "crumbling"? And what is it that has really been crumbling at the core of all this downfall...perhaps greed, irresponsibility, dishonesty? Have any of us in western society not felt the cold conventionality of materialism? I know I have.

Last, but not least, "The time for thinkers has come." I have read this statement hundreds of times over the years, but today it has new meaning. In the past I always interpreted her use of "thinkers" to mean "those committed to thinking spiritually." So, now is the time for spiritual thinkers. Yes, that is true, but now I see there is more to it than that. When I see the use of the word "thinkers" today, it says to me that this is a time of higher consciousness. Not thinking in the traditional term, but thinking from a very "conscious" state of being.

Most of us interpret our lives through what we feel. Good events make us "feel" good, while bad events make us "feel" bad. We tend to be very emotionally driven, and the quality of our day often depends on how we "feel." Stay with me here a second, and now look at your life as a "thinker" or "observer." Instead of being stimulated by the good or bad around you - you notice it and observe it. Or to quote a wise man, "Nothing is either good or bad but thinking makes it so."

To apply this idea to where we are today, it is easy to look at our culture and see how we are stimulated by the "cold conventionality of materialism." Our house, car, looks, bank accounts, etc. all make us "feelers" of the world around us, thus making us slaves to these "time-honored systems" as our source of happiness (and sadness).

When we are driven by our emotions life becomes all about what we can "get." Happiness means getting more, and the more we get, the more we need. This is nothing new to you I know, but it goes back to my point that the act of "getting" is what feeds our need of "feeling."

A friend of mine told me about how he and his son were going to go running. His son was committed to being a runner, yet on this day, when his dad asked him if he wanted to go, the son responded, "I don't feel like it." So the dad replied, "What does 'feeling' have to do with it?"

Are you still with me?

What makes you who you are? Are you happy because you have things that make you "feel" good - or are you good because that is "who" you are? Is your happiness dependent on everything outside of you (feelings driven) - or are you happy because you make a conscious choice to be that way?

The past few years have been challenging for me, but they have been the most growing and rewarding years in my life. I can honestly say that I have a much clearer sense of "who" I am that has nothing to do with houses, bank accounts, or friends. Each day I make different conscious decisions - and for the past few weeks that decision has been "to give" - and not worry about "getting." Life has a different dimension when you are not working an angle with an end result in your favor, but rather genuinely looking to see what you can give.

Give it a try.

The time for thinkers has come! Joy, peace, harmony, compassion, kindness, empathy, tenderness are all feelings - but they are feelings that we can consciously choose no matter what is going on outside of us. We are at such a crucial and precious moment in our human history - we need people standing up and taking a conscious stand for what is good and right - instead of just responding to every stimulus that comes our way.

Do you have your thinking cap on?

Much love!

Travis
561.676.4583

PS - this is not the blog I sat down to write, but this is what came out :)

Labels: economy, life coaching, mary baker eddy, Science and Health

I was talking to a friend of mine recently about buying quality items instead of always buying the cheapest option. I am big fan of "a good deal," but I have also been burned when trying to cut corners too closely. My friend shared with me some advice a mentor shared with him, "Buy cheap. Buy twice." (Thanks Dave J.)

I like that. It is resonating with me on lots of different levels right now.

For the past few months I have been the assistant basketball coach for a boys high school team. I use the word "coach" loosely due to my lack of basketball knowledge. It has been a humbling opportunity for me to take on a new challenge that I have very little expertise in - so I guess I needed a dose of more humility ;)

It's a great bunch of kids. My relationship with them isn't so much the basketball side of things as much as it is noticing their mental approach and overall attitude to their performance. I admit, it has been frustrating at times. I wish I could be contributing more, but I have tried to pick and choose my spots when I can talk with the kids more 1 on 1.

Our record right now is 5-4, and there have been a couple games that could of gone either way. In thinking of the outcomes of these games, I thought of my friends quote, "Buy cheap. Buy twice." For my purposes, I have adjusted the quote to read,

"Start wrong. Start twice."

There have been a few games that we have started awfully. Games we had no reason winning, yet we would find a way to battle back. Just when we get back into the game, we would find away to give away. On the flip-side, their have been games that we have started well, suffered a let-down along the way, yet still managed to pull out the victory in the end.

So, the way we start the game has been important. If we can start the game on a good foot, doing things the right way, and laying a solid foundation for our play - it seems easier to get back to that play when things go bad. Conversely, when we crawl out of the gate with a bad start, no matter how hard we battle - closing the deal is a lot tougher.

So, it seems to be a case of in order to be successful - make sure you have a good start.

To expand this analogy a little larger, I think this approach holds true to most things in life. A relationship that begins with a solid foundation has a much better chance of surviving when things get tough, compared to a relationship that begins under questionable circumstances.

Being it's the new year, many of us commit to things we want to improve in our lives, yet the success of these changes often goes back to how closely these changes really connect to our core. For me, whether talking about basketball, relationships, career, or hobbies - the most important aspect of its success is based on our motives.

A mentor of mine, Mary Baker Eddy writes, "To begin rightly is to end rightly."

If your motives for doing something are pure, inspired, and connected to your highest sense of right - the end result will reflect these qualities. It doesn't mean the end result will always manifest what we want to happen, but it will definitely represent growth and progress that we can build from. Growth in the right direction.

If you find yourself taking something on that really doesn't have the best motives - be prepared to start twice. Man oh man - could I write a book on these lessons!!! For now I will keep it to a blog ;)

I hear people all of the time (sometimes myself included) talk about how they just keep trying and trying to make things better - yet the end result is always the same. Some people might call that effort perseverance, yet Einstein called it insanity. He writes,

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

I can relate to that. If you were a golfer and you were working on your swing, improvement is more than repetition. You want to introduce repetition once you start doing something right, yet how many of us think that if we just keep knocking on the same doors, practicing the same routine, or believing the same beliefs - that eventually all will work out? Well, that's kind of insane.

Start wrong - start twice...three times...four times...five...six...seven...eight...

It doesn't matter. As long as our motives and foundation are off center - we will be doing a lot of restarting. For me, I am sure I have been pretty insane over the past few years. When it comes to some things, I have definitely caught myself thinking that if I just keep doing what I am doing - the same way - it will eventually work out. As for my motives, those haven't changed - I am sticking with them - but a whole lot of humility and self-reflection has given me the ability to be open to new approaches and solutions. I am still a work in progress.

What about you? Are you feeling insane? Do you feel like you are banging your head against the wall - or feeling like the results always come out the same?

If so, be real honest with yourself and think about how you are starting. What are your motives? Are they connected to your center - your highest sense of right? If you are a real honest with yourself - you might only have to start twice. If you're not honest - people might start to think you're crazy.

And, if you are just not sure - give me a call - and I will help you make sure you are beginning rightly.

The end result is worth it.

Much love!

Travis
561.676.4583

Labels: Albert Einstein, direct life coaching, life coaching Travis Thomas, mary baker eddy, Science and Health, self-help

The summer movie season is upon us - and no - "Gone in 90 Seconds" is not a Nicholas Cage sequel to "Gone in 60 Seconds." The theaters definitely aren't short on sequels right now.

If anyone has been listening to any of the Oprah "Soul Series" interviews, you may have come across a woman named Jill Bolte Taylor. Her video from the TED Conference has been sent all over the Web, and she is the author of a book based on her experience titled, "My Stroke of Insight."

Jill is a brain scientist, who ironically, woke up one morning in 1996 to discover that she was having a massive stroke. And, since she was a brain scientist, she was able to experience and understand firsthand what exactly was going on. Now, I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but when you hear her tell the story of what she was experiencing as this took place, as well as what she experienced through the recovery process of 8+ years - it will change how you think about your life, body, and thoughts.

One cool factoid that I took from her interview with Oprah (and there are many) - is when she describes that from a physiological standpoint - when we feel ourselves getting angry - from start to finish the physical effect that takes place in our body lasts about 90 seconds. We all know what that feels like - increased heartbeat, tension, warmth, etc. She is talking about all of the cells in the body that kick into action whenever we have an angry thought.

Gone in 90 seconds.

So I was thinking to myself - why does it feel like some of my anger experiences last a lot longer than 90 seconds?

I guess that is a common question, because Jill read my mind. Her answer was that we choose to repeat this thought, and by doing so, we keep having our body repeat the physical defense to it. So, what should only last 90 seconds...might sometimes last 10 minutes, 3 hours, a few months - and maybe even years.

Yeah...I know...you are trying to think of things that continually make you angry - and you are wondering why you can't let them go.

As you can imagine - this perpetuating process is not great for the body either.

90 seconds - that's it.

I have been thinking about those 90 seconds - and what it takes to let an angry thought come and go in that time frame. I believe that the key in allowing for this quick recovery is in not identifying these angry thoughts as "our thoughts." Meaning, just because we think them - doesn't mean we need to own them and hold on to them.

As my friend QL would suggest, when these thoughts come into our head, you observe and notice them and then think to yourself, "That's interesting." There is no need to personalize these thoughts as part of our identity, or to feel like we have to carry them around, we can simply observe them and then choose whether they are serving us or not - and whether we want to keep them.

As Jill mentions, we extend the 90 seconds because WE CHOOSE to replay these thoughts in our head. No one else is doing the choosing for us. She adds, "Pay attention to what you are thinking, and then decide if those are thoughts that are creating the kind of life you want created. And if it's not, then change your thoughts."

If you have been reading Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, and now Jill Bolte Taylor - they all agree that "we are not our thoughts." Just because you think it - doesn't mean you own it.

About 130 years ago, Mary Baker Eddy had this to say about thoughts, "A mortal man possesses this body, and he makes it harmonious or discordant according to the images of thought impressed upon it. You embrace your body in your thought, and you should delineate upon it thoughts of health, not of sickness. You should banish all thoughts of disease and sin and of other beliefs included in matter."

It sounds to be that Eddy would also agree that we all have a choice as to what thoughts we choose to play out. So, what body and life are you embracing in your thought?

The 90 Second Challenge!

So, this week, I challenge everyone to take the 90 Second Challenge. When you feel yourself entertaining an angry thought - how long does it take you to let it go? Can you let it go in 90 seconds?

If not, why? What is preventing you from doing that?

One saying that Jill loves to share is this, "Peace is just a thought away."

Simple but powerful. No matter what you are feeling right here and right now - peace is just a thought away.

So, what is your next thought going to be?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Travis
561.676.4583

Labels: Eckhart Tolle, Jill Bolte Taylor, mary baker eddy, My stroke of insight, Oprah, Science and Health, Soul Series, TED Conference, Wayne Dyer

I can't help but be impressed with Intel's slogan, "What's inside you?" It's a great question, isn't it?

This past weekend, for any sports fans out there, you got to see one of those special sports moments that will be talked about for generations to come - Tiger Woods winning the US Open on one leg. Now, not to be too dramatic, he had a second leg, it just wasn't much use. People questioned how bad the knee was really injured, but they are not questioning today with Tiger's announcement that he will have season ending knee surgery, as well as rehabilitation for a double stress fracture on his tibia.

The story is also being told today of how Tiger's doctor told him to not play in the US Open, but Tiger told him, "I'm playing in the U.S. Open and I'm going to win."

What's inside you?

Wayne Dyer is a favorite author of mine, and he uses this analogy of an orange. (I will paraphrase) Dyer says that when you squeeze an orange - orange juice comes out - because that is what is inside an orange. Now, when it comes to us, whatever we are keeping inside of us (i.e. negative or positive feelings and emotions) - that is what will come out when we get squeezed too.

This has been extremely helpful to me over the years, and it was one of the first pieces I included in my anger management workshop. I was thinking about this more today - and I started to extend this analogy of the orange a little further.

So, we take the orange - it's a simple orange. If we take the orange and put it in a traffic jam - it's still an orange. If we take the orange and we deplete its bank account - it's still an orange. If we insult the orange, ignore the orange, or try to change the orange into something else (maybe a candy bar) - it's still an orange. Orange juice comes out!

No matter what circumstances you place that orange in - you cannot change its essence. It is what it is!

Now, let's take out the orange - and put you in its place. You are in the traffic jam - you have a depleted bank account - you are insulted - ignored - and instead of changing you into a candy bar, someone wants you to think more like them. So, you are not an orange - but you are squeezed - so what comes out?

Whatever is inside of you - that is what is going to come out.

Most of us get it wrong. We still think it is the experiences that dictate who we are - and whether we are happy or not. So, if things are "good" based on what we think is "good" - we are happy, and vice versa. We let "what happens to us" determine our sense of peace.

Not the orange. No matter how you squeeze it - you still get orange juice!

So I challenge you for a moment. Take "who you are," and strip away the job title, your education, background, your bank account, size of your house or type of car you drive, and the number of friends you have. Take all of that exterior stuff away - and what are you left with?

Whatever it is - that is a closer representation of who you are!

What's inside you?

I catch myself all of the time noticing "what's inside of me." It happens when I am running late for something, trying to put something together, or listening to something on the news. All of these events create a stimulus that causes certain thoughts or feelings to rise to the surface - and they might show up as anxiety, stress, frustration, doubt, etc.

Now, the tendency would be to focus on the actual events - instead of the feelings these events reveal. For instance, since I don't enjoy nor seem to do well with "assembly required," I should probably avoid those opportunities like the plague. But, what is more important than the actual stimulus - is the response.

What's inside you?

For me, I have tried to embrace the idea of "being squeezed." If I were an orange, everyone would be well quenched :) I have come to realize more and more - that the squeezing is really just an opportunity to learn and grow. If we are feeling "squeezed" - it means some feelings are coming to the surface that might need to be addressed. Behind these feelings are often hidden some accepted beliefs causing us to feel squeezed. So, instead of getting mad at the events - dig deeper to the beliefs beneath the feelings. That is where you will find what is really inside you.

The event causing the squeeze is only "bad" because it is drawing out feelings and beliefs that we have not resolved. In reality, it's not "bad" at all, because without it, we would never grow. As Eddy says in Science and Health, "Through great tribulation we enter the kingdom. Trials are proofs of God's care."

Now, as I mentioned, we will not always like what we see when we get squeezed. That's okay - the important part is that we are seeing it and recognizing it. Embrace the opportunity to grow - and realize that it has nothing to do with the event - and all to do with you. If you don't like what you are seeing - it is probably time to look at some of those beliefs and decide how well they are serving you. If they are not serving you in beneficial way - maybe you're ready for a new perspective.

Nike brilliantly debuted a new Tiger Woods commercial on the same weekend of the US Open. It is the voice of Earl Woods (now deceased) talking about how he raised Tiger and instilled him with mental toughness like no other.

It couldn't of been timed more perfectly as Tiger demonstrated the depth of his mental toughness. Whether it was dealing with the pressure of needing to make birdie putts on the 18th hole on back-to-back days, or enduring the pain of his knee - Tiger's mental toughness was unbeatable. I actually heard him respond to a question about his hurt knee after his Saturday round where he said, (paraphrase) "Yeah, it hurts, but it's just pain."

The man was squeezed for five grueling, pain-enduring days - and look what came out.

What's inside you?

You are the one constant in your life - because wherever you go - you will be there :) Your happiness, success, and peace is determined by how you choose to show up and respond to all of life's experiences. You need you at your best - as does everyone around you!

If you are looking at yourself and need help with some of the things that are coming to the surface - I am just a call or e-mail away. I would love to assist you in bringing out your best and playing a bigger game.

The reality is, greatness and perfection is what is really inside all of us - even if our name is not Tiger.

Have a great week!

Much love,

Travis
561.676.4583

Disclaimer: I have a brother named Tiger - and he's pretty impressive as well ;)

Labels: christian science, life coaching Travis Thomas, mary baker eddy, Nike, Science and Health, Tiger Woods, Wayne Dyer

For awhile I have yearned to write a book that revolves around coaching - and if so, I think this would be the title:

All In: How a silly poker term transformed my life!


Now let me be clear. I have played poker maybe three times in my life - and let's just say I am not a card shark. For me, it was an accomplishment to know what cards beat what - and beyond that - I had no idea what I was doing. I know I am in the minority, considering the number of poker Web sites, weekly tournaments at sports bars, and television networks that have their own show - may favorite one being "The Poker Tour: Festa al Lago" on the Travel Channel.

Nothing says travel like poker!

All of that said, the one term and idea I do understand is when a player goes "All in!"

Essentially, going "All In" means a player is betting all of his chips on that one hand. If he wins, he wins big (usually) - but if he loses - his chips are gone - and he is done! At some point in most poker games - for a player to win he/she needs to go "all in."

High risk for high reward.

So as I was on my run today, I was praying and listening for inspiration and guidance. As many of you know, I am a life coach and an actor. I love both - but together - they don't make ends meet. That is just the reality right now. Doesn't mean it will always be the case, but right now it is. My wife and I have been grateful for over the past 3 years plus that we have been able to live and provide for our family, make radical life choices, without having what one would describe as a constant stream of income.

Contrary to popular belief, I am not a trust fund child ;)

So we are at a point in our life where things might seem to be a little "anxious." We are not panicking or getting desperate, but we have had to expand our openness to where we should be and what we should be doing. Those who know me know this is nothing new, but right now we are being more proactive.

Everyday I pray and listen for the right steps for our family. I pray to be led to do the right thing - and I try to get as much of my ego out of it as possible. This can be tough. On the surface, I have battled thoughts of frustration that things haven't always "taken off" like I would of hoped - or different opportunities didn't blossom better. Most of these lead back to the question of, "Am I doing the right thing?"

After much silence and prayer, the answer always comes back, "Yes, you are doing the right thing!"

All In!

So here I am on my run today, feeling a bit nervous and uncertain about the future, and this idea comes to me that "You need to be All In!"

"But haven't I?"

And as I listened to that question - the answer became, "No."

I haven't been "all in" - and I could clearly see how. For as much as I have claimed to be open to new opportunities and getting myself completely out of the way, I have been secretly creating parameters to what that must look like. I have been willing to be open, as long as it meant not having to get rid of "x." It also meant that my source of comfort and peace has been determined by things other than my true Source.

You are either all in - or you are not!

In poker, you don't say, "I am all in - except for these three chips I am going to keep under my palm - just in case it doesn't work out." It doesn't work that way. Yet, that is what I have been doing - and it was obvious!

A friend of mine sent me this quote from "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle, "Being one with life, is being one with Now. You then realize that you don't live your life, but life lives you. Life is the dancer, and you are the dance."

I am the dance - not the dancer! Bingo.

All this time I have seen myself as the dancer creating the dance - therefore making the decisions and outlining how the dance is going to look.

Not so. I am the dance. My opinion really doesn't matter - so my only job is to be the dance...the expression of the dancer!

Being "all in" means allowing the dancer (God, Love, the Universe, whatever you see as bigger than you) to call the shots - and all I need to do is follow - and dance!

So, for me, the big "aha" is seeing that I have still been holding on to things that have prevented me from actually being "all in." I haven't been "all in," but maybe 75%...or 90%...or 99.9% - none of which = "all in!"

In Science and Health, Eddy writes, "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony."

Isn't that what I am looking for - ultimate harmony? So all of these attachments I am not releasing are the "old" preventing me from being receptive to the "new."

Not anymore - All in!

The point hit home even stronger today as I was reading for the first time "The Prayer of Jabez" shared to me by another friend (I have good friends). The author, Bruce Wilkinson, breaks down the short and often overlooked prayer of Jabez from I Chronicles. Wilkinson writes, "No matter how many sermons we've heard about God's power to work through us, we simply gloss over the meaning of that one little word through. Sure, we say we want God to work through us, but what we really mean is by or in association with."

Guilty.

So here I sit today - All In! For me right now, it means that I am asking for bigger blessings and opportunity to live the biggest life I can live, but more than anything, it means getting rid of any human attachment to any person, place, or thing that will prevent me and my family from experiencing "ultimate harmony." No more parameters or obstacles getting in the way.

I have no idea what is going to take shape or how it will happen - but that is really the point, isn't it! As the dance, it is not mine to figure out.

Do I feel like this has made a major transition in my life?

You betcha!

Much love,

Travis
561.676.4583

PS - If you need help getting "all in" - then give me a call!

Labels: A New Earth, life coaching, mary baker eddy, poker, Science and Health, The Prayer of Jabez, travis thomas

Despite living in Florida and going to the beach - I have never been caught in a rip current (commonly misnamed a "riptide"). I live in an area where these are pretty prevalent - and know plenty of people who have experienced its surprising presence.

Unfortunately, rip currents claim a number of lives each year from swimmers who get caught in the current, panic, and then drown in the process. Given the intense circumstances, it's understanding how this happens. One minute you are in knee deep water - and moments later you are being pulled out deep to sea. Not a pleasant experience.

In reality, surviving a rip current is quite easy when you know how to deal with it. Here is a diagram of what to do:



But, this blog isn't so much about surviving an actual rip current - but it had me thinking - how is this any different than life? What kind of "life" rip currents have you gotten caught in and almost drown as a result?

Think about it. You're doing your own thing, enjoying the surf, thinking you have things figured out - and the next thing you know you are getting pulled in a different direction against your will.

What do you do?

Well, most of us, myself included, often fight this change. We push back! We fight harder against the resistance knowing "we know the right way!" "I won't accept this because it's not fair!" "If I only push harder I can will my plan to work!" "I refuse to accept this change!" "This can't being happening to me!" "Not now!"

Sound familiar?

But sometimes, no matter how hard you push - it's not enough. It's a battle you cannot win - and in the process - it might even wear you down.

What would happen if you didn't resist and actually allowed the flow to carry you to this new place? Instead of getting pulled out to "sea" - what might you be able to "see" from this new perspective?

The goal or destination has not changed - but the path to get there might need a new strategy or approach. As with a rip current, the solution is not to be pulled out to sea and then stop and give up. The solution comes from recognizing that once we accept "what is," we can now see there are other options that provide much less resistance - and in this case - no resistance at all.

It's time to swim parallel.

Albert Einstein once said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

Resistance, or change in life, forces us to be open to new solutions in order to progress. This is not a bad thing - but actually an opportunity to discover and grow in a new way. If we always try to stay where we are - how can we ever go anywhere new - or better - more exciting - and more fulfilling?

In her spiritual guidebook Science and Health, Eddy writes, "Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution."

There is always a solution to each problem we are faced with - but it might require being open to a new perspective to see it. As I write this blog, I can admit that I feel I have been pulled out to sea in my own life rip current - yet here I am - looking at the shore and starting to swim parallel for a new perspective. I know the path is there - so I am going to keep swimming.

If you feel yourself dealing with your own rip current - I would love to help you swim with some coaching.

You know how to find me :)

Much love!

Travis
561.676.4583

Labels: Albert Einstein, life coaching, mary baker eddy, rip current, Science and Health

I am getting ready to head to the airport for a weekend trip - and I came across a blog I wrote about 4 years ago (not published on my site).

It is fun to look back and see what I was thinking about then - and to see not much has changed :) The experiences may be different - but the focus remains the same...

Get a better understanding of my purpose - and live it as big as I can!

So...I thought I would post that blog here for you all to enjoy - it's called...

"Groovy Spirituality!"

I just recently moved to a new office setting - home - and besides all of the wonderful people I don't get to see anymore, there is another object I really miss.

My disco ball.

Say what?

Yeah, my disco ball. I moved, it stayed behind.

Depending on your generation it may symbolize different memories. It may make you think of John Travolta and bellbottom pants, but for me, it has become my spiritual mantra.

Ain't it funky?

So, how does a disco ball become a spiritual mantra?

Well, if you are like me - you often think to yourself, "What is my purpose?" I mean really, what has God put me on this earth to do?

Don't get me wrong, I don't have too many regrets in life, and I really do have an abundantly blessed life, but I still often catch myself thinking, "What makes me special? What are my talents? What I am really supposed to do with my life?"

These kinds of questions have led to many places for inspiration. Most recently those have included Mark Albion's “Making a Life, Making a Living,” Dan Pink's “Free Agent Nation,” and Mary Baker Eddy's “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.”

These books have helped me understand my uniqueness in the world, the talents that only I possess, and the opportunity for me to impact the world by expressing what only I have to offer. (I don't want to sound too special, this applies for you too.)

For example, "Making a Life, Making a Living" showed me real life examples of how people, when putting meaningful priorities in front of them, can achieve unimaginable success. Success not solely based on the bottom line, but success that touches the world in a positive way.

Similarly, "Free Agent Nation" defines a work lifestyle that really resonates with me. A lifestyle that incorporates all aspects of my life, from my personal life to my spirituality. It showed me that I don't need to compartmentalize who I am, but rather, work should be part of the expression of our individuality.

All of these books, in very different, yet similar ways have caused me to look up to a purer and more divine perception of myself.

Looking up also helped me see the disco ball hanging over my head. The disco ball - a collection of hundreds of tiny mirrors fastened together to make one ball. But, if you take one single stream of light - and project it at the ball - the light is reflected in hundreds of different ways. All different, all unique, but all coming from the same source.

Are you seeing where I am going with this?

Do you see why I want to be the disco ball?

If God is that source of light. When I say God, I am envisioning God as a constant source of goodness and love. God as Father and Mother. An ever present supply and creator of inspiration. So, if God is that source - and I am the recipient of that light, it is my opportunity, rather, my responsibility to reflect as much light as possible.

Like a disco ball, if I only express this light in a few different ways - it is not going to have much impact. Basically, there aren't going to be too many people wanting to dance around me.

Can you dig it?

But, if I live a life that tries to express this light and love in as many ways as possible, a life that is a celebration of God's glory, that is a life with impact. A life that touches other people. A life that leaves a mark on the world. A life that represents the allness of God.

Papa's got a brand new bag!

I don't use many big words, but in Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy has a quote that is just downright groovy. She writes, "The universe of Spirit reflects the creative power of the divine Principle, or Life, which reproduces the multitudinous forms of Mind and governs the multiplication of the compound idea man."

Multitudinous - I probably can't pronounce it, but I know I am trying to live it. I know a disco ball reflects multitudinous light - and I know that I do the same.

I try to do this everyday. I try to do it with the people I come in contact with in the store, my neighbors, my wife. I try to express the multitudinous forms in the number of interests that I have, the kinds of hobbies I explore, and the new ventures I keep an open mind to.

And, I also try to bring this to my career pursuits. Looking back on my work experience to date, I have done so many different kinds of work, yet in each one, it was the opportunity to express my unique individuality that made each one rewarding. Whether it has been teaching, coaching, being on the stage and radio, as well as working in a cubicle farm - each job brought me another opportunity to be that disco ball!

To me, that is a life of purpose and meaning. That is a life that feels like I may have an impact. For me, that is living a life as a disco ball. And I know that there are so many experiences I haven't been exposed to yet, but I will.

So, I know you feel it baby! You can hear the music, you can smell the polyester, and it's time to dance. It's not Saturday Night - but I got the fever! Do you?


Have a great weekend everyone!

Travis
561.676.4583

Labels: dan pink, disco, groovy, mark albion, mary baker eddy, self-help, spirituality

That's right - you heard me - I have a new BFF...a new Best Friend Forever.

His name is Leo.

You may have seen Leo and I hanging out at the mall drinking our Orange Julius, or cruising the strip at night - hanging out in the Taco Bell parking lot after hours.

Did you see us?

No...maybe not? Yeah, that's kind of weird.

Actually, my new best friend is imaginary.

Wait a minute - that's even more weird.

Okay, let me explain. I have been dealing with a lot of ego recently. And by a lot of ego, I mean my own. It has been showing up in lots of ways - in different areas - and I don't like it. It has effected the way I have thought about relationships - and at different times it has kept me in a funk.

For me, ego is my worst enemy. When I think of ego, I am basically meaning anything in my life that I have attached to my identity based on past experiences (including accomplishments or failures), possessions, and physical appearance.

You may be thinking to yourself - isn't that everything?

Without our possessions, past experiences, or physical identity...who are we?

Man I ask great questions ;)

Well, for different people the answer is going to be different. Based on spiritual or religious preference alone - that will greatly effect "who" you are without your ego.

For me, when my ego is out of the way - I am fully present as an expression of Love's qualities. Now, Love to me is my concept of God, but not in an anthropomorphic sense. No big guy in the sky - but rather a Divine Presence, the One intelligence - the one and only Truth.

So what am I?

I am the expression of this one Truth, this One Love. So, that has nothing to do with my appearance, body, ideas, car, bank account, trophies, accolades, or failures. It has nothing to do with how my parents treated me (good or bad), what school I went to, or what other people think about me. It doesn't even have anything to do with my emotions.

As an expression, I know that my only job is to "be." To be present in every moment. Not sweating over the past or fearing the future, but just knowing that who I am is changeless and constant as the expression of Perfection.

Mary Baker Eddy describes it better in Science and Health when she says, "Man is the expression of God's being. If there ever was a moment when man did not express the divine perfection, then there was a moment when man did not express God, and consequently a time when Deity was unexpressed--that is, without entity."

In this consciousness, "my" feelings can't be hurt by others, because my connection is straight to Love who gives me all the value I need. "My" work is not attached to me - but rather something I bring my expression to. Whether my ideas or value is recognized and celebrated does not change the fact that my true worth with Love is complete.

Anything that tries to tell us otherwise - is just ego.

In his new book "A New Earth," Eckhart Tolle breaks ego down and gives it a slap in the face, and he reminds us all not to be to intimidated by it. He writes:

The ego isn't wrong, it's just unconscious. When you observe the ego in yourself, you are beginning to go beyond it. Don't take ego too seriously. When you detect egoic behavior in yourself, smile. At times you may even laugh. How could humanity have been taken in by this for so long? Above all, know that the ego isn't personal. It isn't who you are. If you consider the ego to be your personal problem, that's just more ego.

BAM! That was a smack in the face I needed this week. That's why I got Leo as my new friend. So, let me introduce you to LEO - Leave Ego Out.

Whenever my feelings are getting hurt - I turn to Leo. He's always there. The good news is - he can be your friend too ;)

Have a great week!

Travis

PS - Love yourself this Valentine's Day. I am offering 3 one-hour coaching sessions for just $125. So, if you have been wanting to test the waters - this is the perfect time.

PSS - I have been unable to send out the newsletter e-mail to all of you who signed up for it. So, I should have that resolved soon.

Labels: A New Earth, christian science, Eckhart Tolle, ego, life coaching, mary baker eddy, Science and Health, travis thomas

A few months ago I replaced my cellphone because I had dropped it one too many times. Not to take all of the blame - I have a couple of younger accomplices who contributed to the damage.

This afternoon, while trying to get the three kids into the mini-van - I dropped my current cellphone on the pavement and the back cover for the battery went flying.

Did it break?

Nope...it survives another day. Phew!

The lesson learned here for me is pretty simple.

Carry less.

Pretty easy right? I mean, I was holding one kid in his baby carrier, another kid in my arms, while trying to get the keys for the car...yadda, yadda, yadda - the cellphone took a dive!

As instantly as I picked up the phone - the thought came to me, "Carry less. Huh...there is your next blog."

And here it is.

It takes very little common sense to notice that I was carrying too much in my hands to still maintain effectiveness. You can only carry so much before something has to give - in this case - the phone.

It made me think about this past week for me. For some reason, I have been uncharacteristically carrying around a lot of unproductive baggage in my head. Thoughts of fear, uncertainty, discouragement, insecurity, jealousy, and a pinch of ego (just for flavor).

Carrying these thoughts around for too long becomes very draining - as well as influencing my overall state of happiness.

Not good.

Plus, the longer I carry these around - at some point - something is going to fall - and most likely it will be much worse than a cell phone.

So, enough is enough. It ends today.

Here is the deal. We all have a limited amount that we can carry around (either physically or mentally). And to be real clear here - WE CHOOSE EXACTLY WHAT IT IS WE CARRY AROUND. No one else chooses it for us. Sure, people may try to pack our bag for us - but we ultimately choose whether we are going to pick it up and carry it around. It's only on us.

We all carry around negative emotions and feelings from time to time - the problem is - as long as we carry them around, the heavier they get. Want me to further this point?

Try this - put your hands above your head and hold up your arms. Keep them up - start now! (I'll come back to you - so keep reading).

As we continue to carry around this baggage - we get to a point where it is hard to distinguish our back from the backpack. Know what I mean? Instead of seeing it as baggage - we get to the point where we see it as our identity - as who we are.

Is that really what we want to do?

We can only carry around so much - so we need to get real selective about what we are choosing to carry around. I have probably used this quote in the past by Mary Baker Eddy, but it is relevant here again. She says, "Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously."

Are you standing porter for your thoughts? What are you putting in your backpack and carrying around?

Okay - how are your arms doing? Kind of feeling it - aren't you? Okay - you can put them down.

Sure, a negative, cynical, or apathetic thought here and there may not seem that detrimental - but when you keep it in your bag - and then let it grow - it can and will snowball into something ugly.

What ugly thoughts are you carrying around...about your boss...co-worker...spouse...government, etc.?

What does your bag look like? Do you like what you see - or is it time to empty out your bag and take stock of what you have been carrying around?

Odds are - some of that baggage has passed its expiration date - so it might look foul.

With the holidays approaching and everything that goes along with that - now is the perfect time to clean out your backpack and make sure you are happy with what you are choosing to carry around.

Just make sure you pack light...or is it lite? They both work :)

If anyone wants some help figuring out how to pack your bag - just give me a call!

Much love!

Travis

PS - A friend sent me a link to this video called "Shift Happens." I think you will enjoy it. (Thanks James)
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/video/shifthappens

Labels: happiness, life coaching Travis Thomas, mary baker eddy

Today I was having a frustrating day. It wasn't directed at any particular person or event - but was more an accumulation of events that aggravate my patience. Now, I have blogged about my patience in the past - and when it comes to the really important things in life, I feel I have excellent patience. People are often surprised when I tell them that I often struggle with patience, but when it comes to some of the day-to-day things that really shouldn't push my buttons - it happens.

Back to today. It started with two of my kids waking up REALLY EARLY and than feeling less than terrific. Once everyone seemed back to form we piled into the car for a trip to the bank and then Home Depot. When we got to Home Depot - my wife and I both realized neither of us brought our wallet (how does that happen) - so we needed to go back home to get it. We did. Once back at the Depot - service wasn't at its height (I am being nice). Our 20 minute trip turned into an hour. Kids got restless - dad got restless - you get the point. We then had to take the paint we purchased to finish our errands at another stop - at which point the kids were cranky, hungry, and tired (or maybe it was just me). At that point, I was definitely in a funk (not to be mistaken for feeling funky!).

I was taking a lot of deep breaths because I really needed to shake my mental funk. Hearing my 10 week old son screaming for what felt like hours (probably minutes) made it hard - so I tried to take my thoughts back to peaceful prayers and a smidgen of perspective.

Bottom line - I needed a new residence for my thoughts. I needed to move.

So I did.

Where I was living mentally didn't feel too good - and it was beginning to poison everything and everyone around me. That is pretty much what our thoughts do.

Coaching has reinforced for me that it really doesn't matter who you are, where you "physically" live, or how much money you make that brings happiness and peace - but rather it is the foundation of your beliefs that determine how you see the world.

Your beliefs create your perception - and then your perception creates your reality.

It is yours - no one else's!

So...where do you live?

What are your beliefs about work, career, happiness, success, and relationships based on? Is it a positive and good foundation of beliefs - or is it fearful, skeptical, and daunting? Do you think there might be a correlation between your beliefs on these topics - to you current reality?

I am guessing yes!

In Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" he talks a great deal about the paradigms we live by as individuals. He writes, "To try to change outward attitudes and behaviors does very little good in the long run if we fail to examine the basic paradigms from which those attitudes and behaviors flow."

i.e. - you can't fake authenticity, sincerity, and truth - if it isn't part of your core.

He also adds, "Each of us tends to think we see things as they are, that we are objective. But this is not the case. We see the world, not as it is, but as we are -- or, as we are conditioned to see it. When we open our mouths to describe what we see, we in effect describe ourselves, our perceptions, our paradigms." Then lastly, "Where we stand depends on where we sit."

Where do you live?

How do you describe yourself...friends...work..etc.?

Abraham Lincoln (a pretty decent President) may have been on to something when he said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Mary Baker Eddy also writes, "Our false views of life hide eternal harmony, and produce the ills of which we complain."

Where do you live?

Do you like your neighbors? Do you like your boss and co-workers? Do you like yourself?

To get out of my funk - I needed to recognize where I was living - and remember this was "my perception" and no one else's. It was no one's fault but my own.

I took responsibility - and realized this was an inside job - instead of waiting for the world to change for me. That sounds kind of silly - doesn't it?

Guess what! I am not going to disown my kids after all (at least for one more day). Phew!

If you need some help sprucing up your mental property - I am always happy to talk!

Much love!

Travis

Labels: Abraham Lincoln, direct life coaching, mary baker eddy, Seven Habits of Highly effective people, Stephen Covey

I have been stressing about getting a new blog out - because it has been nearly two weeks since my last post. Now, I have been out of town on back to back weekends, so that has thrown me off schedule some - and I haven't had a problem with Traci's "Blu Who" blog staying featured for two weeks. But alas...here I am.

I have been fighting a little bit of resistance getting to a new blog because no specific inspiration has been bouncing around the old noodle. As you hopefully have noticed...I try to have a theme to each blog - but nothing has been coming to me this week. So, instead of delaying another week - the thought came to me, "Just write..."

Just write, besides, it's a blog - not a thesis paper (I hated those).

So here I am. My wife and I were in Boston last weekend for a friend's wedding. We took our youngest child (6 weeks old) with us, and it sure is funny how perspective changes. Man, only traveling with a newborn - one child...heck, this was a vacation for us. We got to see friends we hadn't seen in awhile, as well as visiting some of our old haunts.

Taking a trip always forces me to do some extra planning. I have been a part of a fitness challenge for just over a year now. A friend runs it from Amsterdam, and everyone puts in a few dollars - and the last one left gets the money and gives it to a charity of their choice. Each week you have to do a certain amount of push-ups and sit-ups everyday, as well as a number of cardio work-outs each week. The longer you stay in - the more increases you get. I think there are like 5-7 of us left at this point - and I think about 75 were in from the beginning.

So, the push-ups and sit-ups are no problem, I can do that anywhere. But, being on the road can be hard getting a run in - so I always plan ahead and try to get the cardio done before I take the trip. So far - so good!!!

In addition to the fitness challenge - you may have remembered that I also do a certain number of "commitments" each day. All-in-all, they range from prayer to reading, and other activities - and equal about 60-80 minutes of time each day. So, these also become a challenge when I am traveling.

But - they get done. Everyday - no matter what.

In thinking of my past two weeks - I am most happy that I have stayed on top of my commitments. They have become such an important part of my day and life - and I continue to grow each day from what they teach me - but more importantly - I am growing from the dedication of doing them, and what I often have to overcome in order to get them done each day. That is where the real effort and commitment takes place.

Over the last couple of weeks I have also been reading two really interesting books. "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman, and "Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment" by Tal Ben-Shahar. The World is Flat looks at how technology and the internet has "flattened" the global playing field for how we work, collaborate, and live. Reading this book reminds me of one of Mary Baker Eddy's quotes, "The time for thinkers has come..." Mainly, the walls of business and how we do things are changing right in front of our eyes, and it is going to take intelligent, creative, and courageous individuals to evolve to the next era. I hope I am one of them.

For the "Happier" book, I am really just starting, but I like where he is going. He brings up the fact that people in western society are wealthier now than they ever have been, yet the level of happiness is on a declining scale. Why?

That's one of the main reasons I like life coaching - to help people answer that very question.

If you need some help yourself - give me a call!

Much love!

Travis
561.676.4583

Labels: Happier, life coaching Travis Thomas, mary baker eddy, Tal Ben-Shahar, The World is Flat, Thomas Friedman

Anyone who has a child, or has had to ride in the car with a child 3 years of age or older, knows that it takes less than 10 minutes into the trip before the child will ask,

"Are we there yet?"

I have never traveled with kids from another culture, but I am pretty sure no matter what language they speak - they know how to say, "Are we there yet?"

As a parent myself, this has been very frustrating.

"Why can't you just be patient?"

What is it about kids that need to know what is next? What are we going to do now? What are we doing in the morning?

And, can they not trust their mom and I have their best interests in mind - and that we will actually take care of their needs?

"Daaaaaaaad...are we there yet?"

And even more, what is the actual age when they quit asking?

Well, a little thought dawned on me the other day. I was running around or doing some errands...and here are some of the thoughts that were bouncing around in my head...

* When will I feel secure about my career?
* Where is my next client going to come from?
* How much money do I need to make to feel comfortable?

Then it hit me! Here I am, chastising my own kids and telling them to trust me, yet these are the same questions in my head.

"Are we there yet?"

That is essentially what my fears are asking me?

The idea here is that there is a future destination that makes our fears go away - and once we get there (or achieve a goal), the fear disappears.

Has this ever been the case for you? Does the fear go away?

I doubt it.

Chances are, by the time we get to the destination we are seeking - we have long since projected out our comfort zone to a more distant destination.

When it comes to deferred happiness, or letting our fears dictate our benchmarks - it is a sliding scale.

And guess what, we will never catch up to it.

Instead, maybe we should take our own advice to our kids - and trust that our future, finances, and happiness are actually being taken care of. If we can accept that as truth - than we can also accept that our personal sense of peace and happiness is attainable right now - right here.

Happiness is a choice - not a destination.

You better start practicing your happiness now - or else you won't know what it looks like when you finally reach that goal.

So, how do you practice happiness?

For me, it starts with gratitude. Acknowledging the good already in my life - and letting my actions express this gratitude. If I am truly living gratitude - it means I am showing up happy, compassionate, forgiving, energetic, peaceful, harmonious, etc. And if that is how I am showing up - ta da - it probably means that I am happy.

Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health captures it a little better when she writes, "In order to apprehend more, we must put into practice what we already know."

Makes sense. If I want to be happy - I need to put happiness into practice and action.

Now, I can easily recognize that the times that I am not feeling this joy - it is because I am being controlled by my fears resulting in asking questions of, "Are we there yet?"

As I have said in my other blogs - this is all pretty simple stuff - just not always easy!

So, the next time you feel yourself asking the question, "Are we there yet?" - remind yourself that the "there" is already "here."

Now live it!

Much love,

Travis

Labels: christian science, inspiration, life coaching, mary baker eddy, self-help, travis thomas

"The ref blew the call!"

"Politicians lied!"

"My parents never helped out."

"That guy totally cut me off."

Odds are, if you have ever uttered one of those phrases - or any other type of "justification," it is because you are explaining why things didn't work out.

We LOVE justification for our failures - and I am just as guilty as anyone. A few weeks ago I talked about how your ego is a dream killer. Well, your ego loves justification - they are best friends.

Ego & Justification = BFF (Okay, only the teens got that one - OMG)

Here's the thing about justification, and why it is so dangerous - it's because you might actually be RIGHT! We really may have gotten rooked on that bad call. Our parents really may have held us back (not you mom and dad), politicians have been known to lie, and that guy really is a clueless driver.

See - you have every reason to be upset - and you will probably find others to support you and throw fuel on the fire.

But, when it is all said and done...

WHO CARES?

Are you really looking to have a reason for NOT being happy or successful - or would you rather dust yourself off and get back at it? Because, if you need an excuse - you will always find something. It is a lot harder to keep taking punches and continue to keep coming back.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

You either live an unfulfilled life surrounded by the justification of why you couldn't do or be the person you wanted to be. Or, you keep plugging away, you keep scrapping and adapting - not taking failure or unfairness as a cop-out - but just another hurdle to get around.

Don't tell me why it didn't work out. Tell me what you learned from it and are now doing better!

I can run down a list of ego driven justifications of why I haven't achieved certain goals - but none of them make me feel good when I go to sleep at night. As Jack Canfield of the Chicken Soul for the Soul series explains it, "They all amount to a bunch of 'So what!"

So what are you doing about the obstacles preventing you from being and doing the things you want to do?

In my favorite "spiritual slap in the face book," Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy says it this way, "The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible. Exceptions only confirm this rule, proving that failure is occasioned by a too feeble faith."

"Too feeble faith." Ouch. Not me.

If you have been wronged, I really am sorry - but now what? Or, like Jack Canfield would say, "So what?" Join the club!

If justification is your worst friend - then let's hope we can all work on seeing that we are NEVER justified for giving in on our purpose and passions.

If you are needing your own "spiritual slap in the face" - give me a call :)

Much love!

Travis

Labels: Chicken Soup for the Soul, christian science, direct life coaching, Jack Canfield, mary baker eddy, Science and Health, travis thomas

Wouldn't it be great if we were all on the same page?

I am not a singer, but wouldn't it be great if we were all singing the same song - or telling the same story?

Maybe it's your spouse, boss, kids, or our world leaders - it would just be great if we were all governed by the same set of laws and motives.

You look at the world conflicts taking place, and not only are we not literally talking the same language - it seems we have strikingly different views of right and wrong - good and bad.

You look and what is happening in your own backyard - and you think - did he really just say that?

I think to myself - we all inhabit the same earth, we breathe the same air, and we all seem to want health and happiness - why can't we all sing the same song?

As a spiritual practice, I pray daily for this idea that all of us are indeed governed by one set of laws and motives - to me I think of it as one Mind. To me, my spiritual practice thinks of this one Mind as God - but you might translate that to Being, or just a power bigger than yourself.

So, I pray each day to try to see the good in everyone and everything - to (try) getting past my opinions and judgments of others (friends, family, strangers, politics, etc.) and instead see that the same Mind that I connect to for inspiration, creativity, and ideas is the same Mind that everyone else has access to as well.

Not always easy to do ;)

This past weekend my wife and I attended a yearly spiritual association that she and I belong to. It's a great opportunity to spend the day getting a spiritual boost and rejuvenation. Our speaker this year was a fabulous woman who has been a military chaplain for the past 30 years - and she broke down a word in a way that I have never viewed it before.

Back to my prayers - each day I pray to see that everyone and everything in this universe is governed by the same rules and laws.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to show people that we really all are on the same page - instead of separate disconnected strangers?

What would that one word be? Well, as our speaker revealed to us - the word already exists...

Universe!

Uni = One
Verse = song/prose, etc.

Smack! Can't believe the word "universe" has been sitting there the whole time - yet the simple and powerful significance of the word never smacked me in the face - until now!

Everyday in my prayers I have included the universe - never acknowledging that the universe had already included me.

We are not separate and disconnected. We are all on the same page, singing the same song, telling the same story.

Sure, my voice is awful, but it fits in there somewhere. Yes, other people may have horrendous punctuation and grammar - but they are still telling the same story. Regardless of our differences and hang-ups - the bottom line is that we are all in the same universe - and hidden within the complex symphonic schemes is a thread of harmony that connect us all.

(Wow, can you believe I just wrote "symphonic schemes"...isn't that even grammatically correct?)

How would your day be different if you approached it from the standpoint that you and your coworkers are inherently on the same page? Or, that you and your spouse are singing the same song - and even (big gulp here) that you feel our world leaders are on the same page - WITH GOOD INTENTIONS!

It might seem too big to ponder - so let's start small. Let's take this concept into our daily interactions. Let's expect more harmonious relationships in our day to day lives - and instead of looking for differences - let's embrace the diversity all of our "song singers" bring to the chorus.

Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health, "The universe is filled with spiritual ideas, which He [Mind] evolves, and they are obedient to the Mind that makes them." (I added the word in brackets)

That my friend is harmony - not chaos. Cooperation - not conflict. Brotherhood - not strangers.

This might be a big pill to swallow - so if you need a cup of water to wash it down - give me a call ;)

Much love,

Travis

Labels: christian science, direct life coaching, mary baker eddy, spirituality, travis thomas

Have you ever stopped to think about the things you might try if it wasn't for your ego?

They might include:

* Taking a dance class
* Volunteering
* Writing a poem
* Being honest with a friend
* Asking someone out on a date
* Pursuing your dream job
* Trying an art class
* Smiling more
* Give a compliment
* Laughing more
* Learning a new language
* Giving a stranger a hug
* Joining a gym
* Exploring a spiritual practice or faith
* Wearing a bathing suit
* Take up an instrument
* Sing louder
* Criticizing and judging less

Okay - I need to cut the list somewhere - but it could go on and on! Do any of those activities resonate with you?

Odds are, if any of those activities look desirable to you, and you are not pursuing it - it is because your ego has jumped in the way. Yes - the ego! The voice inside your head that sounds just like you - but in reality - is not you at all. Actually, it is the voice inside your head that prevents you from being YOU!

The ego is so clever and deceptive because it shows up in what appears to be our own thoughts - cloaked in fear, doubt, cynicism, and apathy. The ego takes all of those things that would actually make you a better person - and tricks you into thinking, "I would never be good at that," "What a waste of time!" "I'll look like a fool!" "People would think I am silly." "I don't have enough time or money." "I wasn't born with those talents." "I'll try that one day - once I do the important stuff!"

The ego is a purpose killer! If you are able to articulate your life purpose and passion - the ego will be right there standing in your way!

So, what's the answer? DO IT ANYWAY!!!

Fall flat on your face. Look like a fool. Be judged. Realize your poems aren't that good. Spend too much on your trip. Get rejected. Be laughed at. Feel uncomfortable.

Yup - all of those could happen - but with no ego to stand in the way - does it really matter?

BRUISE THAT EGO!

Bruise it good! In the process, you might just find, that as unpleasant as it is to get your ego stepped on - it doesn't even come close to trying and pursuing the things you love.

Is your ego getting in the way of your true happiness?

Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Unselfish ambition, noble life-motives, and purity,-- these constituents of thought, mingling, constitute individually and collectively true happiness, strength, and permanence."

How important is your ego to you?

So, your goal today is to take a chance, get out of your comfort zone, follow an impulse - basically anything that might BRUISE THAT EGO!

Let me know how it goes :)

Much love,

Travis

Labels: christian science, direct life coaching, ego, mary baker eddy, passion, purpose

I just finished reading Gordon MacKenzie's humorous and thought-stretching book "Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace." Gordon is a free-spirit who worked for the Hallmark Corporation for over 30 years - and his book is a collection of anecdotal stories and advice of what it took to survive the corporate culture.

The "Giant Hairball" Gordon refers to is the suffocating and paralyzing corporate environment that exists in most older successful businesses (not to say they aren't there in young corps too). What starts off as a recipe for success - slowly evolves into a traditional and inflexible structure that crushes newness and creativity in response to protecting the status quo. Individuality and innovation are swallowed whole by the massive bureaucratic "hairball" the grows stronger and stronger as time goes on.

So, how do you survive the hairball?

Do you jump in feet first and try to defeat the hairball from the inside out? Or, do you stay as far away from the hairball as possible never taking the chance of getting sucked in?

Actually, neither.

The solution Gordan figured out for 30 years was to orbit the hairball. He was a part of the Hallmark team, their policies and culture - yet he never sacrificed his unique and individual identity that made him who he was. He never lost touch with his own passions, goals, and principles - even if it meant going against the status quo.

To Gordon, this is what it means to "orbit the giant hairball."

I began to think - what else could be hairballs?

What are your hairballs? Yeah, I wrote "hairballs," not "hairball," because let's be honest - we all have more than one.

Is it the corporate culture you currently work in? Is it the relationship you have with family members? Is it the view you have of politics or the world? More importantly, is your own hairball the view you have of yourself?

Let's say a friend comes to you and dumps a problem on you he/she is having with a mutual friend. Your friend is emotionally charged, and it is obvious they are looking for your reassurance in supporting their feelings.

What do you?

Well, if you agree with them and allow their emotional perspective to suck you into the hairball - you now become a helpless part of the problem. Because, when you are in the hairball - it is impossible to respond rationally and responsibly.

Or, do you turn your back on your friend and ignore their situation? If so, you are avoiding their plight by turning the other way as if it never happened, and at the same time, leaving your friend feeling ignored and slighted.

What do you do?

You orbit the hairball!

In order to orbit the hairball, you need to detach your own ego and accept that "your" own opinions really don't matter. As soon as you think they do - you are sucked into the hairball. But, if you can listen with supportive, non-judgemental, compassionate ears - you are able to get your own agenda out of the way in order to see an unbiased perspective. The result is that you have all the information on how the hairball operates - but you are removed to a safe distance where you can stay clear and composed.

"He couldn't see the forest from the trees."

Kind of brings that expression into focus a little bit. Hairball!

Or, how about, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans

Wow, kind of brings that one into clearer light as well. Hairball!

The truth is, any hairball can be scary, messy, and seemingly impossible when you're in it, but when you become an observer, instead of a participant - it loses its power. It is a spiritual lesson I have known for awhile, yet continue to work on everyday.

Raising your thought (by removing it from the muck) pulls us out of the hairball where we can clearly see where the real problems lay - and then choose the correct (and opinionless) action. Or, as Mary Baker Eddy eloquently wrote, "Progress takes off human shackles. The finite must yield to the infinite. Advancing to a higher plane of action, thought rises from the material sense to the spiritual, from the scholastic to the inspirational, and from the mortal to the immortal."

That is where I want to be :)

I would challenge all of you right now to take a look at the hairball you have you created for yourself based on passed experiences and perceptions. Does failing math in 10th grade still make you stupid? Does treating a boyfriend poorly 3 years ago still make you uncaring? Does remembering how your parents treated you as a child still make you unworthy of love?

I don't know what your hairball is for yourself - but we all have them. And, as long as we accept that as truth and operate within them - they will always hold us back.

In my mental house right now hairballs are being yakked up continually (thank God this is metaphorical). Like a hairball, the result can look messy, but it feels a whole lot better to have the hairball on the outside.

As a life-coach, it is my job to support you in coughing up your own suffocating hairballs - so give me a call.

Much love (meow),

Travis
561.676.4583
travislthomas@mac.com

PS - My friend Traci Fenton from WorldBlu has done it again! She continues orbiting the largest of hairballs - and her work has once again been recognized - this time by the Wall Street Journal! Check it out!

Labels: christian science, coaching, life coaching, mary baker eddy, spirituality, travis thomas, WorldBlu

If you hear a story long enough told in the same way, you just start to generally assume it's true. After awhile, as more and more people go along with the general belief, less people question the story, and it becomes accepted as a fact.

Those who do question are often called rebel rousers, trouble makers, or just flat out crazy.

Are you crazy?

I hope so! It is these same "trouble makers" that enact change. It is these same mavericks that look at "the way it has always been," and question whether or not that is the way it still should be.

Put plainly, true leaders question the status quo. They look at the ordinary and discover the extraordinary. They look at the same story that has been told for years, and they ask, "Is that really the whole story?"

Are you questioning the ordinary?

Many of us feel stuck in our own lives due to our circumstances. Maybe it's your finances, job, health, or relationships, but the more time goes on - we just start to accept that the way things are can't change.

Are you seeing the whole story? Are you questioning your current situation?

Maybe you just need to make a shift. Maybe you need to look at your life from a different perspective.

Same story - but a different perspective.

Recently my wife talked me into going to see the musical "Wicked." If you don't know about the story, it focuses on Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. The story follows the two witches in their younger years and you learn why they end up being the way they are.

What I love about Wicked is that it takes one of the most classic stories of all time - "The Wizard of Oz," and it totally shifts your perspective. They don't change any of the facts - but they provide you with background and context you never knew before. The end result - things aren't always what they seem.

I don't want to give away any of the details - but the story blew me away. It is brilliant. I can't wait to see it again.

As I thought more and more about the story - I started to think about "stories" in my own life I have always accepted as fact. Is it possible I just need to change my perspective, get more information, and take a different view?

If I want to be extraordinary (I really do) - I can't really settle for ordinary (sometimes I feel I do).

So now, whenever I come up against something in my life, either about me, or someone else - I am challenging my perspective and asking questions? "Is that the whole story?" "Is it possible there is a better way?" "Do I really know all the facts?"

Lastly, there is also a song from Wicked that has been an energizer for me recently. Now, I must say, I never thought a song from a musical would become my theme song, but it has. This from a guy who recently picked Run DMC's "King of Rock" as my entrance song for our improv show.

Anyway, the end of the first act of Wicked ends with Elphaba (Wicked Witch of West) finally realizing that she needs to be her own person, instead of being held back by what other people think about her. The song is rousing and it gives me the chills. Combined with the singing and a series of notes few people can reach, the lyrics are inspiring and moving. The song is called, "Defying Gravity."

Here is an excerpt of some of the lyrics:

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

I'm through accepting limits
'Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down:

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!


--------------------------------------

Don't we all want to defy gravity in our own way?

The question is, what are you doing to challenge the stories and paradigms you've accepted as truth?

Maybe it's time to look at those paradigms from a different perspective. The Law of Attraction has recently turned on millions to the power our thoughts have on our reality. In "The Power of Intention," Wayne Dyer outlines what it means to be more intentional in creating the life we want to live. For over 130 years, Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health has provided spiritual law for challenging false paradigms - and giving all of us the ability to defy gravity. She writes, "Life is eternal. We should find this out, and begin the demonstration thereof. Life and goodness are immortal. Let us then shape our views of existence into loveliness, freshness, and continuity, rather than into age and blight."

How are you "shaping your view of existence?" I would love to hear your stories!

Much love!

Travis
travislthomas@mac.com
561.676.4583

Remember, feel free to contact me for a free one-on-one consultation if you need help defying gravity ;) I can't wait to hear from you!

Labels: christian science, mary baker eddy, spirituality, The Secret, Wicked

I am centered in Love!

Right now I am on a personal "Vision Day." This is a day where I take at least 8 uninterrupted hours to study, pray, ponder, and think about my life and the world and "see" it in its spiritual perfection. I am not alone, there were 50+ more people who signed up to do this once a month as well - and at the end of the day you share your inspiration with everyone. I am in the middle of my second day (one a month) as I write this - and I just needed to share this inspiration.

I am centered in Love!

This idea came to me as I was writing "vision statements" for myself. A vision statement involves taking a relationship, job, goal, etc. in your life - and articulating how it would look if you were bringing your true purpose to the table in relation to that idea (relationship, career, etc.).

As I was finishing my last vision statement, this idea popped in my head, "I am centered in Love." So I decided to think about that idea and expand on it.

If I am centered in Love (God, Spirit, etc.) then there is never a moment where I am outside of Love, nor is there ever a time when I am even on the fringe of God's protection and guidance. Yes, I just used the word "nor." To be honest, I have gotten pretty good and seeing my life and existence as always being inside God's love - but there are plenty of times when I don't feel like I am in the center of that love. But on the fringe, I tend to feel like I am dancing there quite a bit.

On the fringe gives me cop-out to know that God is protecting me, but just enough to get by. On the fringe I don't expect abundance - but just enough to get by. On the fringe I don't expect perfect health - but just enough to avoid "the big" problems. Life on the fringe is pretty good - but life in the center is GREAT - PERFECT - ALWAYS PERFECT!!

Then, I thought, expand this idea of "center" for everyone! If everyone (meaning you) are in the center as well - then what does God's kingdom (presence) look like?

Can we all be in the center?

Darn straight!!! But, if you think of the center from a limited material perspective - there is not enough room. But, seeing everyone in the center blows the doors off our perception of abundance and the size of God's reach. Basically, if we are all in the center, yet still individual, then everything outside of our center is still the center - so there must not be an end to the boundaries - just more center. Therefore, God's love and abundance is infinite, never-ending, for me and you and EVERYONE EVERYWHERE!

So, we all have enough money. The world has enough resources. There is no limit to success, health, and perfection - and there is no competition to who can have it - BECAUSE WE ARE ALL IN THE CENTER!!!

Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health knew about living in the center, she writes, "We cannot fathom the nature and quality of God's creation by diving into the shallows of mortal belief. We must reverse our feeble flutterings--our efforts to find life and truth in matter--and rise above the testimony of the material senses, above the mortal to the immortal idea of God. These clearer, higher views inspire the God-like man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being."

A friend of mine shared this quote from Paul Zeiter, "There is a natural law of abundance which pervades the entire universe, but it will not flow through a doorway of belief in lack and limitation."

What does your doorway look like? What feeble flutterings or mortal beliefs are keeping you on the fringe?

Like it or not - you're in the center - so why not live a life that expresses that!

Much love everyone!

Travis

PS - I am always available to help you "see" the center in your life. Write me at travislthomas@mac.com or call 561.676.4583

Labels: christian science, inspiration, life coaching, love, mary baker eddy, spirituality, travis thomas