Thursday, September 28, 2006

SEEKING VALUE IN LIFE

What have you decided about yourself?

Where did you get the self-concept that you currently have?

Who did you listen to growing up?

Who do you listen to now?

These are all critical questions - your self image is the key to everything that you experience about life. It is the collection of ideas that you have come to accept about who you are - about your self worth - about your value as a person.

The set of beliefs that forms self image - the collection of ideas that you have accepted whether true or not - becomes the filter through which all perception and thought must pass. You literally view the world through the lens of self image, coloring perception with who you think yourself to be, even altering perception to fit your beliefs.

For example, you cannot accept a compliment that you do not agree with. If someone says, "You are really intelligent," you will reject the compliment unless you agree.

At the same time, you cannot be criticized unless you agree. If someone says, "You are really dumb," you will accept the criticism to the degree that you already believe it to be true.

Add to this the fact that you will tend to seek out experiences and people that produce the affirmation of your self image - low self image people surround themselves with people and events that tend to confirm their image of self. High self image people do the same thing. Hence the "rich get richer and the poor get poorer."

You begin to build a better self image in the following way:

1. Become aware of how self image works - you build it yourself.
2. Decide to build a positive self image.
3. Continually affirm your qualities; refuse to focus on negatives.
4. Seek to learn new things - expand your horizons in areas that interest you.
5. Make it clear to your friends, family and associates that you will not engage in negative talk, belittling others, or gossip.
6. Begin each day with quiet time - meditation, journaling, prayer.
7. Identify positive people in your life and cultivate connection with them.
8. Read inspirational books, listen to beautiful music, fill your life with beauty.
9. Do something positive and nurturing for yourself on a regular basis.

When you begin to nurture a positive relationship with yourself, then your relationships with others will flourish. Some relationships may fall away, because people in your life may not be willing or able to accept you with a positive self image, but others will bloom and new people will show up who connect at a more positive level.

So assess your self image level, find where it can be raised, and decide to do what it takes to elevate your inner self. You will never regret it.

Love and Light,
Rev. Lockard

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

NEW THINGS HAPENING

Hello,

I've been away and doing the usual busy stuff when at home, getting ready for fall classes and upcoming events - plus having the kitchen remodeled at home. I thought I'd take a minute to talk about some new things that are going on.

Here at Westlake Church, we are sponsoring an appearance by Jack Canfield on Nov 3rd at the Westlake Hyatt. This is an exciting opportunity to see a leading author speak on success that blends personal growth with spirituality. For more, go to our website - the Westside link is on the right.

My dear friend Barbara Marx Hubbard is premiering her new film, HUMANITY ASCENDING, on September 28th in Santa Barbara. For more info, go to Barbara's website - the link is on the right; or go to www.humanityascending.com.

The Visioning Bridge Committee of Religious Science International & the United Centers for Spiritual Living met last week in San Juan Capistrano. Out of that meeting came a powerful new outreach program -- a corporation will be formed by both organizations to create a website that will highlight empowering outreach programs that our churches, centers, and others can access and support. Then, in November 2008, there will be a gala celebration in Los Angeles to honor those who have received support and those who have given support. This is a powerful new way for the two Religious Science organizations to be together in the world. There will be much more news forthcoming soon. Dr. Jim Turrell, of the Costa Mesa Center and Rev. Norvana Gayle of the Guidance Church in Los Angeles will coordinate the project.

The next Visioning Bridge meeting will be held on January 11th at the Westlake Church. A Rally and Ministers' Reception will be held on January 10th at Westlake. The rally will feature speakers from RSI and UCSL and wonderful music.

Robert Hitz will visit Westlake in October. The musician and composer is a favorite at Asilomar and is music director of Religious Science Baltimore. On October 15, a concert will be held at Westlake to benefit the church and the Ventura Wellness Community.

So, lots going on -- later in the week I'll have a new message. In the meantime, mark your calendars!

Love and Light,
RevLockard