The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown NY: Doublday, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-385-50422-5
Dan Brown is a master story teller. Initially I had doubts about how he might combine Washington DC & Masonic elements into an intriguing story. Yet he did. Within a few short moments of opening the cover to his book, the Lost Symbol, and beginning my reading of his novel, I was hooked.
He introduces characters gradually with just enough spice to make you want to know them better. He adds puzzles to the plot. To appreciate and enjoy the puzzles that he adds, you don’t have to be a mathematician (i.e. totally abstract, totally a cerebral construct). The puzzles are made up of human elements that don’t seem to add up when your senses first experience them, yet they pull you further into the story line. They draw you into human relationships and behavior with the spice of historical elements. The author works tension into the puzzles by developing contrast not only with character personality development but with the development of their motivation and their goals. The time frame of the story is set by an impending disaster that will happen at a certain proximate time if the lost symbol falls into the wrong hands. The tension between positive outcome and negative outcome builds until the very end of the story.
Once I finished the Lost Symbol, my musings began to imagine the next adventure that Dan Brown might be using his artistic and creative talents to create for us.
A side benefit of reading the Lost Symbol for me was its help in facilitating my healing. My son brought me the book while I was in a cardiac care unit recovering from a major heart attack. The enjoyment of the story of the Lost Symbol helped me to focus my emotional and intellectual energies into a positive framework which I believe was a valuable asset in my recovery.
The Lost Symbol is definitely a must read in my opinion. Enjoy!!!
Copyright 2009 Ralph M Ferraro
Rmf
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Analysis, & Argumentative chatter v. Allowing & Mindfulness
“Analysis, with all of its argumentative chatter, causes resistance to the natural course of information as energy. Just let the energy flow.”
“A feeling of being overwhelmed is your indicator that you are denying yourself access to all manner of cooperation that could assist you if you were not disallowing them.
As you begin to feel freer regarding the expenditure of time and money, doors will open, people will come to assist you, refreshing and productive ideas will occur to you, and circumstances and events will unfold. As you change the way you feel, you access the Energy that creates worlds. It is there for your ready access at all times.
I / V) I was struck by this short sentence connecting analysis, arguments, resistance and flowing energy and the contrast provided by Abraham talking about allowing/disallowing our flow of energy.
II / V) Analysis, Argumentative Chatter, the intellectual construct of resistance ---
Analysis and argumentative chatter seem to be allies in moving a person away from the experience that they are immersed in. Moving away from direct experience adds a layer of a mental construct which moves a person away from what is. This creates fragmentation. Analysis which breaks things from the totality of what they are and arguments that create differences and then try to justify the differences, move people away from their energy source. A person who moves away from his/her energy source creates resistance to what is and impedes the energy flow towards expansion.
III / V) Feeling overwhelmed and fragmentation, loss of energy ---
Feeling overwhelmed jumps from analysis and argumentation to the other extreme of disconnect or fragmentation. Feeling overwhelmed results from a flooding of data that is unmanageable, which removes us from the direct experience of the moment in which we are living. Removal from the direct experience leads to a resistance to the flow of energy, which is vital to life, to expansion, to prosperity.
Removing feelings from the equation, such as in the case of argumentative analysis, or not tuning in to our feelings saps us of energy. Depleted energy creates a resistance to living, to seeking and obtaining our own well being.
IV / V) Allowing, Relaxation, Flowing Energy, Prosperity
Both Adam and Abraham are suggesting that we allow our experience to be, that we allow the energy of our experience to flow. Allowing energy to flow removes the wasted energy of resistance; it permits a person to be relaxed. When we are relaxed energy flows more freely. When we allow our intellectual experiential energy to work with our experiential emotional energy, we increase our awareness not only of our being but we open ourselves to becoming, to increasing. Opening ourselves to becoming allows us to attract, recognize, and activate possibilities for advancement. As Abraham says, “doors will open, people will come to assist you, refreshing and productive ideas will occur to you, and circumstances and events will unfold.”
V / V) No Shortcut to Mindfulness ---
Allowing, relaxing, flowing are our keys to achieving a deeper appreciation for that which we experience. They are also the key to our joy and prosperity in health, finances and relationship.
Tapping into mindfulness which includes intellectual energy and emotional energy requires daily investment. The daily investment is taking a few minutes to meditate, to focus on breathing, to allow the quiet of being with oneself. The quiet of breathing and being with oneself allow a person to connect with two inner voices, the inner voice of self, and the inner voice of Source Energy (God, Yahweh, Allah, higher power …). Meditation allows a blending of that which we are directly aware of about ourselves and that which we are less directly aware of about ourselves. The aforementioned awareness of mindfulness links our creative powers with the creative energies of the experiential flow of energy that we are encountering in the now.
Mindfulness will help us work synergistically with the flowing energy of Source and the resources of the universe.
Rmf
Copyright 2009 Ralph M Ferraro
(i) Adam’s book describes his journey as a healer. His paradigm is that of science. It is an interesting book and a quick read. Available through Barnes & Noble and other book sellers.
(ii) Abraham’s teachings are through workshops, books and DVDs created with Ester & Jerry Hicks. Abraham’s teachings are based on spirit, connection with Source and the Law of Attraction. Available through Barnes & Noble and other book sellers.
--- Adam, The path of the dream healer, Plume/Penguin, ISBN: 978-0-452-28846-1, p.119 (i)
“A feeling of being overwhelmed is your indicator that you are denying yourself access to all manner of cooperation that could assist you if you were not disallowing them.
As you begin to feel freer regarding the expenditure of time and money, doors will open, people will come to assist you, refreshing and productive ideas will occur to you, and circumstances and events will unfold. As you change the way you feel, you access the Energy that creates worlds. It is there for your ready access at all times.
--- Abraham Excerpted from the book "Money & the Law of Attraction:
Learning to Attract Health, Wealth & Happiness" (ii)
I / V) I was struck by this short sentence connecting analysis, arguments, resistance and flowing energy and the contrast provided by Abraham talking about allowing/disallowing our flow of energy.
II / V) Analysis, Argumentative Chatter, the intellectual construct of resistance ---
Analysis and argumentative chatter seem to be allies in moving a person away from the experience that they are immersed in. Moving away from direct experience adds a layer of a mental construct which moves a person away from what is. This creates fragmentation. Analysis which breaks things from the totality of what they are and arguments that create differences and then try to justify the differences, move people away from their energy source. A person who moves away from his/her energy source creates resistance to what is and impedes the energy flow towards expansion.
III / V) Feeling overwhelmed and fragmentation, loss of energy ---
Feeling overwhelmed jumps from analysis and argumentation to the other extreme of disconnect or fragmentation. Feeling overwhelmed results from a flooding of data that is unmanageable, which removes us from the direct experience of the moment in which we are living. Removal from the direct experience leads to a resistance to the flow of energy, which is vital to life, to expansion, to prosperity.
Removing feelings from the equation, such as in the case of argumentative analysis, or not tuning in to our feelings saps us of energy. Depleted energy creates a resistance to living, to seeking and obtaining our own well being.
IV / V) Allowing, Relaxation, Flowing Energy, Prosperity
Both Adam and Abraham are suggesting that we allow our experience to be, that we allow the energy of our experience to flow. Allowing energy to flow removes the wasted energy of resistance; it permits a person to be relaxed. When we are relaxed energy flows more freely. When we allow our intellectual experiential energy to work with our experiential emotional energy, we increase our awareness not only of our being but we open ourselves to becoming, to increasing. Opening ourselves to becoming allows us to attract, recognize, and activate possibilities for advancement. As Abraham says, “doors will open, people will come to assist you, refreshing and productive ideas will occur to you, and circumstances and events will unfold.”
V / V) No Shortcut to Mindfulness ---
Allowing, relaxing, flowing are our keys to achieving a deeper appreciation for that which we experience. They are also the key to our joy and prosperity in health, finances and relationship.
Tapping into mindfulness which includes intellectual energy and emotional energy requires daily investment. The daily investment is taking a few minutes to meditate, to focus on breathing, to allow the quiet of being with oneself. The quiet of breathing and being with oneself allow a person to connect with two inner voices, the inner voice of self, and the inner voice of Source Energy (God, Yahweh, Allah, higher power …). Meditation allows a blending of that which we are directly aware of about ourselves and that which we are less directly aware of about ourselves. The aforementioned awareness of mindfulness links our creative powers with the creative energies of the experiential flow of energy that we are encountering in the now.
Mindfulness will help us work synergistically with the flowing energy of Source and the resources of the universe.
Rmf
Copyright 2009 Ralph M Ferraro
(i) Adam’s book describes his journey as a healer. His paradigm is that of science. It is an interesting book and a quick read. Available through Barnes & Noble and other book sellers.
(ii) Abraham’s teachings are through workshops, books and DVDs created with Ester & Jerry Hicks. Abraham’s teachings are based on spirit, connection with Source and the Law of Attraction. Available through Barnes & Noble and other book sellers.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Modulate Feelings rather than taking score
"Begin modulating thought in terms of the way that it feels
rather than in terms of the results that it will net you.
The tendency is to flow a little Energy and then take score.
Well, the problem is, as you flow the Energy, the Universe responds instantly.
But when you take score, you're right back in that reality again."
--- Abraham Excerpted from the workshop in San Rafael, CA on Wednesday, March 4th, 1998
for more of Abraham Quotations of the Day go to http://www.abraham-hicks.com/ . You can sign up to recieve the daily quotations sent to your email. This service is free.
rather than in terms of the results that it will net you.
The tendency is to flow a little Energy and then take score.
Well, the problem is, as you flow the Energy, the Universe responds instantly.
But when you take score, you're right back in that reality again."
--- Abraham Excerpted from the workshop in San Rafael, CA on Wednesday, March 4th, 1998
for more of Abraham Quotations of the Day go to http://www.abraham-hicks.com/ . You can sign up to recieve the daily quotations sent to your email. This service is free.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sun & Clouds Play over Pacific
Copyright Ralph M. Ferraro 2009
Sun & Clouds Play over mid Pacific Ocean
Taken at about 38,000 ~ 39,000 feet above oceanCamera: Canon G-10 point & Shoot ~ mid-telephoto position (approx 70mm equivalent)
Monday, October 19, 2009
National Speakers Association ~ October meeting
On Friday, October 16th I attended the National Speakers Association October Meeting at the NY Bar Association.
NSA had two special presentations for us:
1) Margaret Marshall who specializes in Nutrition and Weight Loss Coaching, gave us a mini-presentation on "5 Healthy Habits." She covered several points that she linked to our five fingers in order to help us remember or inspire us to eat healthy. Two very important points she highlighted were the need for balance, and the need to remember our goals as a guide to keep us healthy. She did a great presentation.
If you wish more info on Margaret Marshall & her Nutrition & Weight Loss Coaching, please contact me via email ~ RmfTop@gmail.com and I will facilitate a referral.
2) Rande & Robert Gadalia, were the main presenters, and gave us an hour workshop on "Speaking for Results." They presented many interesting facets of speaking that will enable a professional to fully engage their audience. They involed the audience in order to demonstrate some of the techniques that they were presenting. They even got me to speak for a few minutes on my love of photography. They did a great presentation.
If you wish more info on Rande and Robert Gadalia and their speaking for Results, please contact me via email ~ RmfTop@gmail.com and I will facilitate a referral.
I will keep you posted on other events that I attend.
Be prosperous !!!
Ralph
NSA had two special presentations for us:
1) Margaret Marshall who specializes in Nutrition and Weight Loss Coaching, gave us a mini-presentation on "5 Healthy Habits." She covered several points that she linked to our five fingers in order to help us remember or inspire us to eat healthy. Two very important points she highlighted were the need for balance, and the need to remember our goals as a guide to keep us healthy. She did a great presentation.
If you wish more info on Margaret Marshall & her Nutrition & Weight Loss Coaching, please contact me via email ~ RmfTop@gmail.com and I will facilitate a referral.
2) Rande & Robert Gadalia, were the main presenters, and gave us an hour workshop on "Speaking for Results." They presented many interesting facets of speaking that will enable a professional to fully engage their audience. They involed the audience in order to demonstrate some of the techniques that they were presenting. They even got me to speak for a few minutes on my love of photography. They did a great presentation.
If you wish more info on Rande and Robert Gadalia and their speaking for Results, please contact me via email ~ RmfTop@gmail.com and I will facilitate a referral.
I will keep you posted on other events that I attend.
Be prosperous !!!
Ralph
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Through Joy, Good things come !!!
I would like to share with you two powerful quotes that I have uncovered (source is indicated after each quote), and my reflection on them.
"The greatest revolution of our generation is
the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds,
can change the outer aspects of their lives."
Willian James, Psychiatrist (Jack Canfield, The Success Principles, p. 187) (i)
“… You cannot struggle to joy.
Struggle and joy are not on the same channel.
You joy your way to joy.
You laugh your way to success.
It is through your joy that good things come.”
--- Abraham (Excerpted from the workshop in Los Angeles, CA, 08/02/98) (ii)
As I am healing from the major heart attack that I had just over three weeks ago, I began to think of struggles. I began struggling to create my health rather than focus on the negative possibilities of my heart attack. The negative possibilities included permanent heart muscle damage with associated complications, returning to a job with administrative duties, the “justifying paper work,” that does not inspire my passion nor does it help me pursue my bliss. Added to the burden of coping with the death of my wife over one year ago is the care I need to give my paternal aunt in a nursing facility, whose affairs I administer. All this has led to a very chaotic year prior to my encounter with the “Widow Maker.” Many things were left unfinished, many tasks were left unattended.
Given this situation, it would be easy to focus on the negative because a clear alternative was fuzzy and without a clear path. Struggling through the negative, creates no space for joy and no space for creating an alternative. There is also the contrast within me evoked by my doctor and my family and friends who all are saying “relax,” “rest,” “take it easy,” “come back strong,” “bounce back,”. [I] wish for [you] lots of rest, relaxation and all the things you need to make you better :) {J.C.}”. All these good wishes, while they come from genuine concern, create an experience of contrast between what I seek to finish and complete and what I am told to do to heal and recuperate.
Interestingly enough my son, Thomas, is going through a parallel process. He just successfully completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at St Joseph University in Philadelphia. Many of his friends who graduated with him have already gotten their first jobs. He is still exploring and searching for a path which he can pursue with passion. As he once said to his professors “You’re telling me how to be an employee, I want to be a business owner.” Despite the lure of available job possibilities or connections, he is holding to his plan of finding a path that he can develop and expand as an entrepreneur. So he is also facing his own contrast; his path is not fully clear but nonetheless is developing. These contrasts in parallel, happening at the same time between Thomas and myself, makes for an interesting household.
Experiencing contrasts could lead to increased stress, which can be exacerbated when its sources are fed and nourished. So we must actively choose another option by shifting our attitudes toward the goals we seek to realize. For me these goals are writing (blog & web site soon), teaching, presenting workshops on emotional energy and prosperity, writing books, etc.. For both Thomas and myself this is a period of exploring, as well as developing and testing our ideas.
We also choose to open up to joy and laughter as our way of focusing our energies and expanding our positive reality.
William James is not alone in stating that by changing our thoughts and attitudes we can change our physical reality. Quantum Physicists (iii), Psychologists, and Spiritual Writers are all talking about how we as individuals co-create with Source Energy (God) the reality that we experience. This is really mind blowing. It allows changes that “observable facts” seem to deny. It means that we are living in a dynamic universe that is alive, that is not fixed, which we co-create and expand. Obstacles can be overcome when we pursue possibilities for expansion which are endless. As what is often told, mountains can be moved when we have faith. These thoughts empower us to take full responsibility for where we are and more importantly where we want to go. They enable us to be creative and happy. They banish the deficit or the victimization mentality that pervades many news stories.
Abraham~Hicks adds to James’ comment by introducing emotions. Abraham-Hicks talks about allowing ourselves to seek and experience Joy. Once we experience Joy, we can inspire others to go “where no man [or woman] has gone before [according to Star Trek].” We can help others to seek their own joy instead of becoming mired in limiting “facts.” Abraham-Hicks talk about laughter which is an emotional and physical expression of joy, a sense of amusement which resonates throughout our body. Joy and laughter are also relational (as per the smiley face above and the wishes of family & friends & the treatment team).
So how does mind, attitude change, Joy, laughter translate to me and Thomas? For starters we watched the entire 1st two seasons of “Two and ½ Men.” We laughed much. I also enjoyed the relational antics of the rich personalities in the show “NCIS” which has a cast of characters so unique that one could not imagine how they are able to function as a team. Yet these very different characters blend as a team to focus on their mission. In their blending, they are comfortable with their individual uniqueness, as they share a good laugh and care for each other. These shows help me and Thomas to relax and refresh ourselves. Some might say that watching back- to- back episodes of such shows when there are so many things to do is a waste of time. Yet I can assure you that this is the kind of wasting time which creates space for our healing, expansion, and joy.
So at the moment, we are relaxing, healing, exploring and following our bliss and our passion. Stay tuned for more of my exciting adventure with possibly some of Thomas’ adventure also.
Hint:
• Sometime soon, I will be making a switch.
• I have added a photo to my blog in the side bar ~ I will try to reposition it into the main blog space.
• I will be expanding my profile on this blog
• I will by putting up a web site as soon as I can find someone to help me create a friendly website that I can customize without having to be a computer wizard.
Until the next time, be prosperous in all of life’s dimensions.
Ralph Michael
© 2009 Ralph Michael Ferraro
__________________________
i) Jack Canfield’s Book, The Success Principals” is available at Barnes and Nobles. I highly recommend the book.
ii) More sayings from Abraham are available in the Abraham-Hicks series of books dealing with the Law of Attraction at Barnes and Noble. In addition quote of the day is available at www.abraham-hicks.com
iii) See DVD “What the Bleep!#, Down the Rabbit hole,” which will be reviewed on my blog within the next few weeks.
"The greatest revolution of our generation is
the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds,
can change the outer aspects of their lives."
Willian James, Psychiatrist (Jack Canfield, The Success Principles, p. 187) (i)
“… You cannot struggle to joy.
Struggle and joy are not on the same channel.
You joy your way to joy.
You laugh your way to success.
It is through your joy that good things come.”
--- Abraham (Excerpted from the workshop in Los Angeles, CA, 08/02/98) (ii)
As I am healing from the major heart attack that I had just over three weeks ago, I began to think of struggles. I began struggling to create my health rather than focus on the negative possibilities of my heart attack. The negative possibilities included permanent heart muscle damage with associated complications, returning to a job with administrative duties, the “justifying paper work,” that does not inspire my passion nor does it help me pursue my bliss. Added to the burden of coping with the death of my wife over one year ago is the care I need to give my paternal aunt in a nursing facility, whose affairs I administer. All this has led to a very chaotic year prior to my encounter with the “Widow Maker.” Many things were left unfinished, many tasks were left unattended.
Given this situation, it would be easy to focus on the negative because a clear alternative was fuzzy and without a clear path. Struggling through the negative, creates no space for joy and no space for creating an alternative. There is also the contrast within me evoked by my doctor and my family and friends who all are saying “relax,” “rest,” “take it easy,” “come back strong,” “bounce back,”. [I] wish for [you] lots of rest, relaxation and all the things you need to make you better :) {J.C.}”. All these good wishes, while they come from genuine concern, create an experience of contrast between what I seek to finish and complete and what I am told to do to heal and recuperate.
Interestingly enough my son, Thomas, is going through a parallel process. He just successfully completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at St Joseph University in Philadelphia. Many of his friends who graduated with him have already gotten their first jobs. He is still exploring and searching for a path which he can pursue with passion. As he once said to his professors “You’re telling me how to be an employee, I want to be a business owner.” Despite the lure of available job possibilities or connections, he is holding to his plan of finding a path that he can develop and expand as an entrepreneur. So he is also facing his own contrast; his path is not fully clear but nonetheless is developing. These contrasts in parallel, happening at the same time between Thomas and myself, makes for an interesting household.
Experiencing contrasts could lead to increased stress, which can be exacerbated when its sources are fed and nourished. So we must actively choose another option by shifting our attitudes toward the goals we seek to realize. For me these goals are writing (blog & web site soon), teaching, presenting workshops on emotional energy and prosperity, writing books, etc.. For both Thomas and myself this is a period of exploring, as well as developing and testing our ideas.
We also choose to open up to joy and laughter as our way of focusing our energies and expanding our positive reality.
William James is not alone in stating that by changing our thoughts and attitudes we can change our physical reality. Quantum Physicists (iii), Psychologists, and Spiritual Writers are all talking about how we as individuals co-create with Source Energy (God) the reality that we experience. This is really mind blowing. It allows changes that “observable facts” seem to deny. It means that we are living in a dynamic universe that is alive, that is not fixed, which we co-create and expand. Obstacles can be overcome when we pursue possibilities for expansion which are endless. As what is often told, mountains can be moved when we have faith. These thoughts empower us to take full responsibility for where we are and more importantly where we want to go. They enable us to be creative and happy. They banish the deficit or the victimization mentality that pervades many news stories.
Abraham~Hicks adds to James’ comment by introducing emotions. Abraham-Hicks talks about allowing ourselves to seek and experience Joy. Once we experience Joy, we can inspire others to go “where no man [or woman] has gone before [according to Star Trek].” We can help others to seek their own joy instead of becoming mired in limiting “facts.” Abraham-Hicks talk about laughter which is an emotional and physical expression of joy, a sense of amusement which resonates throughout our body. Joy and laughter are also relational (as per the smiley face above and the wishes of family & friends & the treatment team).
So how does mind, attitude change, Joy, laughter translate to me and Thomas? For starters we watched the entire 1st two seasons of “Two and ½ Men.” We laughed much. I also enjoyed the relational antics of the rich personalities in the show “NCIS” which has a cast of characters so unique that one could not imagine how they are able to function as a team. Yet these very different characters blend as a team to focus on their mission. In their blending, they are comfortable with their individual uniqueness, as they share a good laugh and care for each other. These shows help me and Thomas to relax and refresh ourselves. Some might say that watching back- to- back episodes of such shows when there are so many things to do is a waste of time. Yet I can assure you that this is the kind of wasting time which creates space for our healing, expansion, and joy.
So at the moment, we are relaxing, healing, exploring and following our bliss and our passion. Stay tuned for more of my exciting adventure with possibly some of Thomas’ adventure also.
Hint:
• Sometime soon, I will be making a switch.
• I have added a photo to my blog in the side bar ~ I will try to reposition it into the main blog space.
• I will be expanding my profile on this blog
• I will by putting up a web site as soon as I can find someone to help me create a friendly website that I can customize without having to be a computer wizard.
Until the next time, be prosperous in all of life’s dimensions.
Ralph Michael
© 2009 Ralph Michael Ferraro
__________________________
i) Jack Canfield’s Book, The Success Principals” is available at Barnes and Nobles. I highly recommend the book.
ii) More sayings from Abraham are available in the Abraham-Hicks series of books dealing with the Law of Attraction at Barnes and Noble. In addition quote of the day is available at www.abraham-hicks.com
iii) See DVD “What the Bleep!#, Down the Rabbit hole,” which will be reviewed on my blog within the next few weeks.
Photo "Colors 1 ~ NYC"
Colors 1 ~ NYC
Copyright 2009 Ralph M Ferraro
I posted a photo that I took while walking the streets of NYC in the rain.Camera: Canon 40D Lens: Canon EF-S 17~55mm f2.8
Hope you enjoy.
Once my website is up, I will add photos so you can view them in larger size.
Please feel free to comment on the photo at end of this blog post.
If you are interested in obtaining a copy or print of this photo, please email me at RmfTop@gmail.com.
Enjoy
Rmf
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