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September 2, 2018September 12, 2018

Serendipity: A Source of Mysterious Inspiration

Do You Believe in Angels? God? Miracles?

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 “God remains anonymous.” My sister calls it providence. Whether we call it God, true self, higher self, wisdom, spirit, or the universe, it’s tough to describe the source of such unerring guidance. (Click here for more about sources of positive power.)

An Angel? Really??

Kasey Claytor’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 Grace’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.

A Life-Changing Moment of Serendipity

Perhaps you’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, Jane’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, “There’s a part of you that’s broken, and it shows.”

Jane’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, I was inspired to become an educational researcher, professor, and author. But, Jane’s biggest gift was introducing me to A Course in Miracles —a spiritual teaching that opened my heart and mind to recover from alcoholism and my past wounds.

Since that time, I’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 serendipity’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!

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.

August 23, 2018September 12, 2018

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 six months ago, I’ve enjoyed offering talks/workshops, participating in lots of FB groups, and doing some low-key ads in social media. And the results have amazed me. Not only is the book selling really well, but I’ve connected at the heart-level with so many amazing people. Thank you all for that.

Ever since I took a week off, however, my dream’s been stalled because I’ve resisted doing more “marketing”—a word I still haven’t embraced. But, as they say, “If you wrote it, you gotta promote it!”

Perhaps I was just tired after all the effort of the past year. So, I waited, rested, 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 I’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!). That all felt pretty good. But I still wasn’t working on marketing.

Here’s the practice that turned things around: the daily use of David-Ji’s meditation “Manifesting All You Desire” (on Insight Timer). 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, that, I can go for!

Even when we’re stuck, growth practices like these can help us gain courage and resolve our challenges in perfect order. Isn’t that great to know? Rock on!

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.

August 20, 2018September 12, 2018

STOP An Anxiety Attack

I recently had an upsetting encounter with a friend when I kept trying to set a boundary that was repeatedly ignored, and then it escalated into a shouting match. Afterward, my body was shaking with anger and anxiety; I was in full-out fight-or-flight mode.

Choosing Self-Care

Although I was tempted to keep the drama going by replaying the incident and defending myself with thoughts of how I had been right, or what I “should” have said or done, I did something different.

I decided to calm myself down and enjoy the rest of the day. So, I went into a bathroom, closed the door, said a prayer, and did some energy tapping with soothing self-talk. Then I used the following technique to dissolve the adrenaline flooding my system. The whole process took about ten minutes, and afterward, I had a wonderful day.

The 5,4,3,2,1 Technique to Manage Anxiety

Take a few slow belly-inflating breathes and remind yourself that your body has just felt threatened and is reacting normally.
Name 5 things you can see around you (Examples: rug, painting)
Name 4 things you can feel (feet on the floor, cool air on the skin)
Name 3 things you can hear right now (a fan running, people’s voices outside)
Name 2 things you can smell right now (perfumed soap)
Name 1 good thing about yourself (“I am strong,” “I can help myself through this.”)

If you simply can’t focus, or if your body and mind haven’t yet settled down, take a few more belly-inflating breaths, and tell yourself that you can calm down. Then do the exercise again. It may take several minutes of repetition before the adrenaline dissipates.

According to independent.co.uk, “the trick, which relies on sensory awareness, is rooted in mindfulness – and apart from anxiety, it can help treat depression, addiction disorders, lower blood pressure, and relieve stress (Harvard University Helpguide.org).”

Whenever you suffer from incessant thinking, worry, tension, anger, or fear, this practice will return you to a more relaxed state. It sure worked for me!

Gigi Langer is a former “Queen of Worry.” She’s also an educator, speaker, and author of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection, 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! Available through Amazon (5 stars), Barnes and Noble, and e-book sites.

Langer holds a Ph.D. 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.

August 10, 2018September 12, 2018

Beat the Procrastination Habit! Part 1

I’ve struggled far too often with procrastination.

Today I’m telling myself I should get this next promotion up on my website. But it involves some new skills– and I find that a little intimidating; besides, look at all the other things begging for my attention! So, there the promotion reminder sits, day after day, becoming more and more drenched in guilt. I’ll get to it; right after I write this blog!

I’ve had a lot of experience with my procrastination habit, and I’ve found a few techniques that help me get even the most unpleasant tasks done. I hope they work for you, too. Read all the way to the bottom for one of the most powerful tips. Good luck!!

Make a list of the things you both want and need to get done in the near future. Breathe and tell yourself that you do Not have to get it all done today.

Identify today’s tasks. Put a star next to the ones that must be done today. For example, “order ___” or “shop for food” or “write ___ report.” Write these items on a new list so it doesn’t look so long and overwhelming. (Place a “?” next to ones you’re not sure about.)

Identify important, but not urgent, items. On the first big list, circle the ones that will ultimately improve your life or work. For example, “exercise” or “meet with ___ (an emotionally healthy friend)” or “write __proposal.” Put those important-but-not-urgent items on a different list and schedule them in your calendar. I sometimes place a “?” next to each one to indicate that if I don’t get to it, I can move it to another day. (But I never delete it!)

Here’s how to get started on today’s list.

1 Pick one easy thing to do first. Do that one thing and pat yourself on the back. Then go get a cup of coffee or tea. Smile!

2 Return to your work space and look at the item you just crossed off. Breathe in and feel good about doing that one thing. Do NOT think about the rest of the list for now.

3 Select another item and proceed as in steps 1 and 2.,

4 If you get tense, worried, or resistant: Go somewhere private. Take a few belly-inflating breaths and loosen your jaw and shoulders. Get quiet. Tell yourself, “I only need to do one more thing on this list. I can come back to it later. It will all get done.” Then return to the list and select another item.

Here’s another powerful tip: Set a timer for 5–15 minutes and tell yourself you can stop working on the list when it rings. If you feel like continuing when it rings, then set it for another 5–15 minutes. This “takes you off the hook” of thinking that the only success is finishing the entire list, and allows you to congratulate yourself for completing the 5–15 minutes instead.

I hope these tips help you beat the procrastination habit. They sure work for me!

Gigi Langer is a former “Queen of Worry.” She’s also an educator, speaker, and author of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now, winner of the 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! 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.

Gigi Langer

Worry Less Now!

Serendipity: A Source of Mysterious Inspiration

A Stalled Dream: Procrastination Part 2

STOP An Anxiety Attack

Choosing Self-Care

The 5,4,3,2,1 Technique to Manage Anxiety

Beat the Procrastination Habit! Part 1

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