Right Where You Stand

[Guest guest]

Right Where You Stand

by Alan Cohen

I saw an inspiring video about a young man with Downs Syndrome who

worked as a bagger in a supermarket. In addition to enjoying

connecting with customers, wanted to contribute to their day.

So he wrote down his favorite inspiring quotations, had them

photocopied and each day he slipped a different quote in each

customer's bag as they were checking out.

After a while the supermarket manager noticed that the line for

checkout at 's station was three times the length of the other

lines. The manager dispatched more clerks to equalize the lines, but

the customers in 's line refused to move. They wanted their

daily quote. (Some of them came into the store daily just to get it.)

In a world that is become increasingly dehumanized, people are craving

connection. As technology has reduced most business interactions to

digital blips, the human contact element is becoming more crucial. I

predict that the businesses that offer humanity as well as technology

will be on the leading edge of service and success. For example, I

recently phoned a computer business to order a part. I was greeted by

a typical " all of our agents are busy " message, but then this message

took a (welcome) left turn. A pleasant voice added, " So why not take a

deep breath and relax and we'll be with you shortly. " I was delighted

to hear this human note in a highly technical arena. I, for one, will

phone that company again.

The most powerful spirituality is to bring light to the world right

where you stand. My friends Sylvan and Suzie Schwab direct the East

Maui Animal Refuge, a sanctuary for injured and unwanted animals. The

refuge houses about 600 critters, cats, dogs, deer, geese, pigs,

birds, you name it. The Schwabs and their volunteer staff are up

before dawn and work until dusk feeding, medicating, bandaging and

loving their honored animal guests. When a local magazine interviewed

Sylvan, the reporter concluded that Sylvan was something of a saint

and told him that he would surely go to heaven when he dies. Sylvan's

response: " I don't need to wait until I die to go to heaven. I am

already there. "

I used to venerate yogis and saints who sat on mountaintops and

meditated for world peace. I still do. But now I also venerate those

who transform the world from within it. If you are searching for the

pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, look again – you may be sitting

in it.

I have been doing a new and deeper work with my coaching clients,

based on looking within for the stuff that you are chasing without.

For example, I was working with a woman who requested guidance to help

her manifest her dream home. When I invited her to tell me about it,

she drew this picture: " It's on a high hill surrounded by tall trees,

with a broad ocean view. "

" Great, " I affirmed. " Now please tell me what is the primary feeling

that the house gives you? "

" Security, " she answered. " Having that house would help me feel secure. "

" And the trees? "

" Trees represent growth and expansion to me. "

" What is the feeling of being on a hill? "

" Perspective "

" And what does seeing the ocean tap you into? "

" Depth, " she answered resolutely.

" So it's not the house on the hill you are seeking, but security,

growth, perspective and depth.

" Maybe so. "

" And if you could feel all those good things without having the house,

would you still need the house? "

" Maybe not. "

I was not trying to talk my client out of her dream house; indeed I

would be thrilled to know that she manifested it. I just wanted to

point out to her that while she seems to be on an outer journey to

collect these goodies, she is really on an inner journey. I told her

that if she could get the feelings of security, growth, perspective

and depth right where she stands, two things would likely happen: (1)

she would feel fabulous; and (2) the house on the hill would likely

come quickly and effortlessly. That's the power of claiming your good

rather than struggling for it.

You cannot personally transform the entire world. But you can

transform your portion of it. Connect with yourself, spirit and others

right where you stand and the rest will take care of itself. Then

people will be lined up for your station and the quotes you drop into

their bags will be made not of paper, but gold.

Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books,

including " The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore " and " Relax into

Wealth. " Join Alan next March 9-15 in Maui for a life-changing Mastery

Training. For information on this program or others or to receive

Alan's free daily inspirational quote and monthly newsletter,

visitwww.alancohen.com, email info@... or phone (800) 568-3079.

Much love to you,

http://www.myspace.com/rarebreeze

http://www.myspace.com/asundayinjune

http://www.myspace.com/dnjazz

http://www.intentionalone.com

http://intentionalone.com/yabb/YaBB.pl

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" Breathe deep, walk slow, hold tight to those you love, for the sun is

setting and it will be over so fast. "

-- Ken Pierpont