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Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives
How does an ordinary person create an extraordinary life? We have a few examples of people who have lived extraordinary lives; those individuals, who, because of their devotion to spreading love and peace,
their willingness to serve and make a difference, their desire to access their inner strength and power, were extraordinary. Their lives have left an indelible and loving mark on this planet. Some have been canonized as "saints," others have never been recognized at all. Many
of them are just like you and me. One that comes to mind is a Hindu enlightened being who lives in India, named "Amma." Amma is known as the "Hugging Guru" and travels the world spreading her love, and raising millions of dollars for the destitute in India. Amma exhibits
profound inner strength and commitment, from sun up until sun down, hugging people and giving love unconditionally to all who come to her.
Being the best that we can be takes courage and inner strength. Most people are more comfortable playing small than playing big. We have countless examples of people who are afraid to be happy, afraid to
promote themselves and their inner gifts, afraid to be wealthy, and afraid of success. Our planet doesn’t need anymore people to play small. What we need are more individuals who are willing to stretch beyond their ego-based comfort zones, people who are willing to rise up
and allow their light to shine.
Research has shown there are certain qualities, that when regularly practiced, cultivate inner strength and power and lead to a life that is rich in spirit:
Helping someone in their time of tragedy or need shows the capacity for human goodness.
Listening closely to another’s words and experiences shows the capacity for soulful communication.
Understanding the pain, sorrow, or loss of another person shows the capacity for empathy.
Believing the best about others, and offering time, support, and friendship shows the capacity for trust.
Apologizing for a past mistake shows the capacity for inner strength and trustworthiness.
Forgiving the errors of a fellow human being shows the capacity to receive forgiveness.
Supporting the truth, even when it is unpopular, shows the capacity for honesty and integrity.
Compromising when it is best for the welfare of others shows the capacity for teamwork.
Giving time and effort to assist others to be successful shows the capacity for sincerity.
Being curious about life, its people and its mysteries, shows the capacity for learning.
Praying for the welfare of family, friends, all of humanity & every living thing, shows the capacity for love.
Accepting the answer to a prayer, whatever it might be, discovering its blessings, and then moving on shows the capacity for gratitude.
Believing in a higher purpose throughout long and difficult seasons of scarcity shows the capacity for determination and hope.
Taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from all experiences show the capacity for being human.
Getting up after having fallen down or suffered failure shows the capacity for resolve and inner power.
Persisting resolutely to navigate life's rapids, scale its mountains, move beyond its perceived limitations, and arrive at its finish line with faith and dignity shows the capacity for achievement.
These are everyday practices that inspire us to access our deepest inner strength. Doing so will assist us in moving us from the ordinary to extraordinary. I believe that each of has the same power, the
same capacity to leave an unforgettable, loving mark on this planet. I invite you to manifest your highest capacity.
© Copyright 2007
Laura Grace. All Rights Reserved.
Laura's Books:
Read Laura's Past Columns:
Summer 2007- "Making Room for Love"
Winter 2006-'07- "Life’s Deepest Meaning: Teach Only Love"
Summer-Autumn 2006- "The Courage to Be Happy"
Jan-Apr 2006- "Turning Mistakes into Lessons"
Oct-Dec 2005- "Be Still"
July-Sept 2005 - "Balancing Your Wheel of Life"
April-June 2005
- "Imaginary Borders"
January-March
2005 - "Witnessing the Truth About Your Life"
October-December
2004 - "Letting Go"
August-September
2004 - "Progressing with Passion"
June-July
2004 - "Deepening Your Spiritual Practice"
April-May
2004 - "Life's Crossroads: Love-vs-Fear"
January-February 2004 - "Faith the Foundation for Every
Dream"
December
2003 Column - "Touching the Heart of Others"
November
2003 Column - "Knowing How to Care for Yourself"
October
2003 Column - "Dreaming a Happy Life"
May
2003 Column - "Living the Authentic Life"
April
2003 Column - "Rising Above the Battleground"
March
2003 Column - "Healing Through Your
Relationships"
February
2003 Column - "Are You Going with the Flow?"
January
2003 Column - "Living the Soulful Life"
December
2002 Column - "The Power to Change"
November
2002 Column - "Peace Begins at Home"
October 2002
Column - "Spiraling to Higher Ground"
September 2002 Column - "Cradled in Nature's
Arms"
August 2002 Column - "Recovering
Your Soul"
Laura Grace is the Spiritual Leader of the Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment in Central Coast California, and a national author and speaker. Laura provides spiritual counseling and offers numerous workshops and retreats for awakening the heart
and spirit. She is also the author of the books Gifts of the Soul and The Intimate Soul and a syndicated columnist for more than twenty publications. Laura is the host of the show "Relationship Wisdom" on Public Access Television. Please visit Laura at:
www.LauraGrace.net.
As a spiritual counselor, Laura provides assistance in person and by phone. You may contact her for a free brochure at:
laura@lauragrace.net.
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