Gigi Langer

Worry Less Now!

Ā Love More Now!

CAN A CLOSED HEART CONNECT WITH OTHER HEARTS?

ONE-HEARTEDNESS
by Gigi Langer WorryLessNow

Do you have an open heart or is it closed? How can you open your heart to connecting with others?  

I recorded this 2-minute audio right after an energy-healing Reiki session with Kelly Hine. (That’s why I sound a bit dreamy & dazed at the beginning–that energy stuff is powerful medicine!!)  After listening (or reading), read more about Kelly Hine below.

My 2-Minute Audio about Open-Hearts and Heart-Connections

Listen here (www.lookwide.com/audiopost/n7yN3XOoDL ) to my “Lookwide”  audio; OR, if you prefer, read my words below.

“I just had an ‘ah ha’ about heart-connectedness. For years I’ve been reading about the importance of having an open heart, as opposed to a closed, judging heart.  And I’ve known through A Course in Miracles that it’s important to connect with one another rather than separate. And that joining together brings peace.

“I just did a Reiki session electronically with Kelly Hine, and her main teaching is about connecting with the heart center–‘heart-centered awareness.’

“When she asked us to set an intention, and I set mine that ‘I receive the guidance through my heart connections, the guidance to  know how to reach the people who might benefit from the words I say and write–especially in relation to overcoming negative thinking and worrying less now, as expressed in my book.’

“As I meditated, I had this image of the hearts being separated, and then all our hearts joining into one–combined in one all-encompassing heart of love. And that is what I’m going to put down in a picture . . .”  (Audio stops here: 2 minutes is the limit for “Lookwide.”)

An Open Heart vs. A Closed Heart

After I recorded this, I went to my computer, logged into Canva, and created the graphic. But, looking at it now, I think I might’ve missed something important: Those hearts that appear separated might have rigid isolating borders or permeable, open ones.

A closed heart becomes an open heart as we connect with a source of positive energy that unites us all. And, as we live from that energy, we find ourselves offering love to and receiving love from strangers, friends, and family.  (Of course, I’m referring to healthy loving acts, not those lacking boundaries or with a selfish agenda.)

As our open hearts embrace our power, courage, and kindness, we find ourselves connecting with the loving hearts of others–joined in loving oneness. Through these open-hearted connections, we’re empowered to pursue our dreams and resolve our troubling situations in the most amazing ways.

How Do We Cultivate An Open Heart?

Moving from a closed to an open heart requires desire and commitment. We need to get honest about our state of mind and actions; claim the power of transformation that’s available to each of us; choose to change our lives for the better, and use growth practices such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, healing the past, therapy, and energy work.

It also helps to join with positive growth-oriented people, and to avoid gossip and other negative energy-sapping activities like excessive partying, over eating, too much shopping, or workaholism.

Find out more about these and other ways to overcome negativity in my other blog posts and in my award-winning book, 50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection.

What’s your hunch about this? How do we grow from separation and judgment into loving beings, authentically connected with others?

Kelly Hine’s Soul Space 

Iā€™ve had many helpful teachers and guides over the past 30 years, but I have to say, Kelly Hine is the best. She is natural, calm, clear, loving, eclectic, and a gifted teacher of personal growth. To see her in action, check out her FB group, ā€œSoulful Women with Kelly Hineā€ or her free video series.

But, my favorite way to learn from Kelly is through her Soul Space women’s group where Kelly offers beautiful and inspiring weekly videos with a short talk and a deep guided meditation. Members have access to all of Kellyā€™s prior videos and meditations; and when you ask a question, Kelly often posts a short video-answer.

PS: “Lookwide” is a relatively new app that’s like an audio version of Twitter: the maximum recording is TWO minutes. Clever!

Worry Less Now; Gigi Langer
From me to you!

Gigi Langer is a former ā€œQueen of Worry.ā€ Sheā€™s also an educator, speaker, and author of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now, winner of the 2018 Indie Excellence Award. Learn to defeat negative thinking, find inner peace, attain clarity, and improve relationships–no matter what is going on in your life! (20% discount offer below). Also available through Amazon (5 stars), Barnes and Noble, and e-book sites.

Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education and an MA in Psychology, both from Stanford. As Georgea M. Langer, she’s published several books for teachers and school administrators.

 

 

 

Why “Figuring It Out” Drains Our Energy

Whenever Iā€™ve had a really busy, full day, I find myself without enthusiasm for ā€œgetting things doneā€Ā the next day. Case in point:Ā  last weekend I entertained on Friday, and then rested all day Saturday (I read a novel–lovely!). And even after resting, I have to say, getting back to work was a bit of a struggle. I was baffled.

Trying to Figure It Out
Often my first defense against something I don’t like is to try to figure it out. In this case, I kept wondering why I was feeling this way. Okay, itā€™s true, IĀ amĀ getting older. And marketing a book with FB conversations, weekly blog posts, monthly newsletters, ads, podcast interviews, and workshops makes for a pretty busy life. My husbandā€™s ongoing back pain also weighs on my mind. And, Iā€™m on a new medication. So, thereā€™s that (-:

ā€œWhy?ā€ Is Not A Spiritual Question
Recently I heard someone say that “Why?” is not a spiritual question. That caught my attention: perhaps my “figuring it out” is just “playing God”–trying to control things I have no control over. In a word, it’s worrying–something I know a LOT about!

So, when I notice my disturbed state of mind, I pick myself up like a hurting little child and give myself some loving care. This usually involves more meetings with loving friends, meditation, fun times with my husband, prayer, exercise, and restā€”yes, rest (in spite of the committee in my head telling me I have so much to get done). As I use these tools and wait, often I get just the direction I need.

Meditation to The Rescue!
This summer, I ran into a FB video about overcoming worry by Kelly Hine. I was curious to hear what she said ; I had just written a book about it, after all. So, I did what I rarely do: put in my headphones and clicked on her video.

Kelly is beautiful inside and out; you can just feel it in her presence and words. As an Aussie, her accent is lovely; but itā€™s her talks and meditations on ā€œheart-centered awarenessā€ that have helped me through this challenging summer.

I felt so drawn to Kellyā€™s energy that I immediately subscribed to her Soul Space group (www.bodyandsoulretreats.com/gl2202) for a mere $20 a month. Some of you know how tight I am with money, so I must have had a really strong nudge from my gutā€”yes, my heart-center–to do this. One of the best decisions Iā€™ve made!

I get free access to all of Kellyā€™s prior videos, talks, and meditations along with her weekly videos and monthly Sunday live mini-retreats. Also, I can pitch her a question at any time, and sheā€™ll post a short little video about it. Amazing! Although Iā€™m tempted, I’m not quite ready to pop for one of her Bali retreats– yes, you read that right: on the South Pacific island of Bali!!

Connecting with EnergyĀ 
Today I selected Kelly’s meditation about connecting with an unlimited source of energy. After each 20-30 minute session, Kelly asks us to write in our journal, as at that point weā€™re very receptive to messages from our heart-center. I wrote, ā€œI have sufficient energy to accomplish all that God leads me to do.ā€

Well, that sure takes the pressure off! No more trying to figure out how to get more energy so I can accomplish all those oh-so-important things on my ā€œto-do listā€ (and, yes, itā€™s pretty darn long!).

Suddenly, I could feel myself let go and trust the universe again. I knew that all is well, regardless of how things look on the outside. That everything is in perfect order. That I have access to unerring direction in my mind and actions. And, for the rest of the week that’s been true. Ahhh . . .Relief!

Your Ideas, Please: What are your favorite ways to connect with your own source of power and energy? I’d love to hear them. Please share your ideas in the Comments. Thanks!

Worry Less Now; Gigi Langer
From me to you!

Gigi LangerĀ is a former ā€œQueen of Worry.ā€ Sheā€™s also an educator, speaker, and author ofĀ 50 Ways toĀ Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection,Ā winner of the 2018 Indie Excellence Award. Available throughĀ AmazonĀ (5 stars),Ā Barnes and Noble, and e-book sites.

Langer holds a Ph.D.Ā in Psychological Studies in Education and an MA in Psychology, both from Stanford. As Georgea M. Langer, she has published several books for teachers and school administrators.

Serendipity: A Source of Mysterious Inspiration

angel serendipity Worry Less Now

Do You Believe in Angels? God? Miracles?Ā 

How do you explain serendipity–those amazing coincidences that happen out of the blue; and looking back, you realize it was absolutely perfect? As much as we try to explain such events, logic defies it.

Some say serendipity is a type of coincidence where ā€œGod remains anonymous.ā€ My sister calls it providence. Whether we call it God, true self, higher self, wisdom, spirit, or the universe, itā€™s tough to describe the source of such unerring guidance. (Click here for more aboutĀ sources of positive power.)Ā 

Light of Grace SerendipityAn Angel? Really??

Kasey Claytorā€™s The Light of Grace offers an intriguing portrait of how serendipity might work. A newly minted angel named Grace is given four humans from different historic eras to guide. Throughout their lives, she watches over them lovingly and helps when necessary.

For example, she enters their thoughts when they pray, meditate, or savor a scene of beauty. At such moments, they often receive an uncanny insight leading to greater fulfillment and happiness.

But, Angel Grace offers other help beyond merely influencing thoughts. For example, she comes to Earth temporarily as a priest named Father Timothy (this is very unusual behavior for an angel, but she finds it necessary). Garth, one of the men under Graceā€™s care, is instantly drawn to this priest who inspires him when his path is temporarily blocked. After Father Timothy disappears, Grace continues to guide Garth as he becomes one of the great spiritual teachers of his time.

Jane StallingsA Life-Changing Moment of Serendipity

Perhaps youā€™ve experienced the hand of serendipity as I did when I first saw Jane Stallings. As I listened to her speech at Stanford, her combination of charisma and intellect captivated me. I knew I wanted to work with her, and I soon got the opportunity. For the next years, Janeā€™s influence on my life was angelic.

At that time, I spent every evening at a local bar. This seemed like normal behavior to me; but not to Jane, as she often phoned at night about some work detail, only to find me less than coherent. One day, Jane looked me in the eye and gently suggested that there was something unsettled in me. Underneath those words, I heard, ā€œThereā€™s a part of you thatā€™s broken, and it shows.ā€

Janeā€™s comments pierced my illusion that attracting men, earning good grades, and being well liked were hiding my pain. As I grew under her influence, IĀ was inspired to become an educational researcher, professor, and author. But, Jane’s biggest gift was introducing me to A Course in MiraclesĀ ā€”a spiritual teaching that opened my heart and mind to recover from alcoholism and my past wounds.

Since that time, Iā€™ve received other serendipitous guidance. For example, running into my future husband at a meeting I only rarely attended; friends suggesting just the right editor, typesetter, and proofreader for my book; the perfect therapist at just the right time. Too many to list.

Looking back at my own human journey, l can see the mark of serendipityā€™s perfect order–perhaps lovingly orchestrated by the hand of my own Angel Grace. But, who really knows?

What are some of your most important serendipitous moments? I’d love to read about them!

Worry Less Now; Gigi Langer
From me to you!

Gigi Langer is a former ā€œQueen of Worry.ā€ Sheā€™s also an educator, speaker, and author of 50 Ways toĀ Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection,Ā winner of the 2018 Indie Excellence Award. Available through Amazon (5 stars), Barnes and Noble, and e-book sites.

Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education and an MA in Psychology, both from Stanford. As Georgea M. Langer, she has published several books for teachers and school administrators.

 

 

 

A Stalled Dream: Procrastination Part 2

Have you ever worked to fulfill a dream, only to have it stall? Suddenly, the specter of procrastination sets in. No progress. Just an abandoned to-do list, mocking you from its lonely spot on your desk.

Since releasing 50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection sixĀ months ago, Iā€™ve enjoyed offering talks/workshops, participating in lots of FB groups, and doing some low-key ads in social media.Ā And the results have amazed me. Not only is the book selling really well, but Iā€™ve connected at the heart-level with so many amazing people. Thank you all for that.

Ever since I took a week off,Ā  however, my dream’s been stalled becauseĀ I’ve resisted doing more ā€œmarketingā€ā€”a word I still haven’t embraced. But, as they say, ā€œIf you wrote it, you gotta promote it!ā€

Perhaps I was just tired after all the effort of the past year.Ā So,Ā  I waited, rested,Ā  and practiced self-care by praying, exercising, writing in my journal, meeting with growth partners, and working on some projects with my husband, Peter.

During this time, I discovered a bonus: While procrastinating one one thing, you can get a shitload of other stuff done! Since I didn’t want to do the “big things” on my list, I did the little ones Iā€™d been putting off. For example, that foot doctor appointment (check!) , a call to my neighbor (check!), and the book I’ve been wanting to read (check!).Ā  That all felt pretty good. But I still wasn’t working on marketing.

Here’s the practice that turned things around:Ā the daily use of David-Jiā€™s meditation ā€œManifesting All You Desireā€ (onĀ Insight Timer).Ā As I followed his guiding words, the golden energy of my “agni” chakra dissolved all resistance, and I reclaimed my commitment to my dream: to encourage others’ happiness and growth.

Now I’m ready to go back into action by creating more ads, making a video, recording an audio-book, and scheduling more speaking engagements. Rather than seeing these actions as marketing, I now see them as connecting in care and love with others. Now,Ā that,Ā I can go for!

Even when weā€™re stuck, growth practices like these can help us gain courage and resolve our challenges in perfect order. Isnā€™t that great to know? Rock on!

worry less nowGigi Langer is a former ā€œQueen of Worry.ā€ Sheā€™s also an educator, speaker, and author of 50 Ways toĀ Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection,Ā winner of the 2018 Indie Excellence Award. Available through Amazon (5 stars), Barnes and Noble, and e-book sites.

Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education and an MA in Psychology, both from Stanford. As Georgea M. Langer, she has published several books for teachers and school administrators.