Why Fear?

Fear has existed in the world for the beginning of time and still humans cannot eliminate its existence. Certainly fear can be a positive force in certain situations, but generally it can be a very detrimental energy force. It can steer someone in the opposite direction of opportunity or safety. When viewed in a positive light, it can stop a person from doing something that can harm them emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically. With unhealthy fear comes anxiety, hesitation, resistance to change and progression. So why is it tolerated? Why does it continue to drive humanity to be destructive and non-productive? Because, it has not been put in its place. Its lifeline, the past, is constantly fueled by imagination, lies bought into and delusion. The more one feeds off of what has happened to them in the past, the more fear grows in strength. And then there are the "ifs." “What if this happens, or that person reacts in this way or that or...”

The truth of the matter is that fear is not real. It is fabricated and is a self-sabotaging excuse to keep a person down-and-out. But, it is a choice for each person to decide to throw out this self-defeating defense mechanism, which is completely broken, inept and again not real and choose to live life through the power of love. Love casts out all fear. The two cannot co-exist in a single thought or action. It sounds easier than it is, especially when the world is volatile and is the home to all us for however long we live. I personally struggle with fear and every day I have to reject its pathetic attempts to derail me by replacing whatever garbage it tries to drop on my head with positive, self-affirming and courageous thoughts. Also, acknowledging that the past is gone, it’s finished and it is history also gives me leverage against unfounded fear. Therefore, basing today, which is all that DOES exist, on truth, the now, living in the moment and allowing the possibility of greatness, beauty and life to occur is how we can eject fear. The mind, which is nothing but a computer full of data, which is a compilation of truths, fabrications, fairy tales, nightmares among other things, unfortunately malfunctions. As it malfunctions, other parts of ones being also malfunction. When the mind sends out a false alarm, which it does countless times throughout the day, emotional and physical responses occur if we don’t throw out is messaging. Emotionally one may feel anxious, scared, worried, confused, terrorized and isolated. Physically one may feel sick to their stomach, acquire a headache, throw up, experience panic attacks or have a complete meltdown. All because the mind decided to send out a fear alert when the present situation didn’t call for it.

It goes back to living with the Spirit leading the Mind as the Body follows. The Spirit never loses it cool. It is not influenced by the mind or the body. It is taking orders from God and when it is given top billing instead of being ignored, it can eliminate ALL things and thoughts that are causing fear to erupt in irrelevant circumstances. So, how can the Spirit lead the way without the mind jumping and giving its two cents worth or even a bucket worth? By tuning in within and not allowing the world and life and other people to externally regulate your life. Being a hermit is not the answer for most of us. But you can "live" in a way where regardless of the storm; you can remain in the eye and be still and at peace while the winds, rain and thunder attempt to drown you. It starts with accepting that a Higher Power is in charge of the whole thing. That's right. Every situation, every person, every challenge, a Power greater than anyone of us can fathom, is working behind the scenes and some cases just comes out of the shadows and steps in and takes charge…if we let Him. Our humanness though loves to be in control. In fact, some of us are so used to waking up with fear that we have just accepted it as part of the package. Again, we buy into the daily lies that are dished out and instead of telling our minds to get the heck out of our way, we cash in our chips and live from a place of falsehood and dismay.

It is hard to believe that with all that is happening in the world, that one can find peace within rather than in a whiskey bottle, a pill, toxic relationships or broken dreams. The Spirit within knows the deal. Give it a chance to speak, get quiet and listen. Meditate, pray, read positive literature, study spiritual writings and just let go of the control. Can’t you tell that the control is not for any of us to have no matter what title, financial status, gender, personal and professional clout has or how “popular” we are. In the end, what comes around goes around and how someone attempts to enforce their so-called power on others, the Universe keeps score and eventually what comes around goes around. The world will never stop turning, people will never stop making mistakes and change will continue to be the only constant. But, that is the joke. If we really see how ridiculous the things we “think” (oops there goes the Mind again) are important, they simply are not. While life in general runs around with its head cut off and offers us the hatchet we can laugh knowing that we are internally regulated and in the big picture man has turned Mother Earth into a spectacle and each other into punching bags for selfish gain. In end, what anyone reaps, they will sow. Being at peace with not having to always react, always get involved, always be overwhelmed, always overbook our calendars, always saying yes to everything can stop the madness and we will look forward to our reaping.

So many Spiritual leaders spoke and speak about being still and quiet and turning within to find the true answers to questions that leave one in a state of fear. Look past the fear and surprisingly there is no substance, no legitimate reason for its existence. Choose to not believe in fear and choose the existence of just love. Love is stronger than any political leader, CEO, manager, parents, spouse, creditor, disease and financial hardship. Regardless of the outcomes, fear doesn’t belong in ones life. Love is the key master that opens the door to positive possibility. Just ask for the key from your Spirit and watch the doors open. Don't peer inside, just jump in. It’s called taking a risk on your own behalf. Throw all the fear-based tapes that are piled up in the archives in your head and start creating new tapes for your mind to run, even it is a phrase or a single works. For example, "all things are possible and all things are created in love. There is no room for fear in my realm of being because I’m in the business of living in a state of peace, joy, health and prosperity!"

In Love & Faith,




Athena Kapantas
President
SELF, INC. Life Program
http://www.selfinclifeprogram.com/
athena@selfinclifeprogram.com

Walking in Your Own Shoes

Lately I have found myself wondering what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes. The thoughts I pondered didn't last because I can only walk a million miles in my own shoes but as I pass by other wanderers I realize I am not alone in this journey. Most of us are just trying to find our way to that place that is meant just for us. Others have become numb and disenchanted because of what life has thrown at them. Living life from a spiritual level can be hard but it is really the only true way. As I wrote in the SELF, INC, Life Program Handbook, the Mind and Body are so easily misguided. We are not our minds and our bodies just encase our beings so that we can survive on this Earth. This truth may seem profound at first but it is what it is. Our Spirits are well protected within us and hold the compass that can lead us out of any storm or tribulation. Yes, I can only wear my own shoes, who has time to try on somebody else's? But I see myself in everybody around me. We are all interconnected Spiritually. Sometimes enlightenment comes upon a group of people, a community, an organization suddenly. It is become more and more rare, but it does occur. When it happens everyone just "gets it." It can be a revelation about a company you work for. You may go to your job one day and realize you have been working for thieves. You may be part of an organization that is supposed to be helping your community but instead is a front for money laundering. I am not suggesting that every awakening reveals negative circumstances but the reality is that our world has lost touch with the essence of why we are here to begin with.

We were designed to be Lovers. Lovers of Mankind and the Earth we live in. When I practice active listening to my Spirit's voice I gain the guidance, knowledge and power to change the course I am on. If I ignore it and let my Mind, which is just a computer regurgitating data regardless if it true, ethical or morally sound. If you allow it, the Mind will rationalize a situation to the point of utter disgust, and you will be left with a complete sense of confusion and your personal power will have been diffused.

As human beings we cannot waste even a second on something or someone that is only out to steal and destroy us. When it comes to our Mind, it is not it's fault. It is just doing it job whether it is corrupt or not. We are the gatekeepers. If we don't dump the all the crap we have collected in the form of judgements, assumptions, accusations and countless other forms of trash, our Minds will just keep using what it has and throw out conclusions that we assume are true and are based on actual facts. So many of our fellow human beings may think they are "aware" of what they are doing and that they are in control, but the reality is that they have bought into a lie. No spirit-led person would ever do anything that opposes the Law of Love. If and when they do, they are acting according to what their Minds and Bodies are telling them to do. They are behaving no differently than a typical animal. Even though we can "think out" and rationalize our decisions and actions, in the end we will always resort to doing whatever it takes to survive.

Self-preservation is not the problem, it is how we go about it. If we allow God to speak to our Spirits and actually take the time to listen, we are guaranteed 100% that the guidance we receive will only promote love and prosperity for ourselves and our fellow beings. Regardless of the sacrifice we may have to make, ultimately it is about being able to wake up every day and say YES to life and no to death. You can be breathing, talking, walking, going to the PTA meetings, playing with your kids but still be "dead."

We were designed for such greatness but the world is what it is and how we respond to it will control the destiny of our lives. The choice is always ours. Free will is a God-given gift, but very few of us know how to control it and use it to our advantage so we can further the progress of our lives and humanity. We are being called on a universal level to STOP and ask ourselves, "when will I stop making it about just me?" Will you not join me in the movement that we deeply need in order to continue to move forward and generate progress on all levels of life?

In Love & Faith,




Athena Kapantas
President
SELF, INC. Life Program
http://www.selfinclifeprogram.com/
athena@selfinclifeprogram.com

The Power Within You

I am on a spiritual sabbatical in the Gulf of Mexico and today the sun has decided to hide behind the shady clouds above. I know it is still there even though I can't see it or feel its warm rays. The same goes with our Spirits. Like the sun, it is hidden, unseen, but that does not mean it is not thriving and actively guiding us every day. As we grow older and lose touch with the power within us, we allow our senses to guide us, many times in the wrong direction. When we realize that we allowed ourselves to be guided carnally, we may find ourselves lost, or confused or in quite a pickle if you know what I mean. Sometimes, the predicaments we step into unknowingly, are so complex that the only thing we can do is accept the fact that we misguided ourselves by allowing our Minds and Bodies to make decisions for us instead allowing our Spirits, which are unbiased, unjudging, coming from love and truth to lead the way. I spent a lot of energy and time trying to backtrack myself out of situations that were to my detriment. Healing from some of those situations have cost me things that are far more precious than a relationship that was never meant to develop, a job I wasn't supposed to take or a decision I wasn't suppose to make.

When I was taking a walk by the ocean yesterday afternoon, I found myself at one point speechless. I just stared and the massiveness, the power and the intensity of the water. The waves tirelessly bashed onto the shore, pushing past anything that got in the way. I was seduced by the sounds I heard and the awe of the mystery of it all. Even though the water was quite chilly even for Florida, I couldn't resist. It had been too long for me to be away from one of the most magnificent evidences we have that a God does exist. So I stepped into His creation. I walked in as if I was numb and had no nerve endings that could feel the chill of the water. I had my trusty raft and I just plunged in. Was it my Mind telling to do it? Certainly it wasn't my Body. My Spirit wanted me to be reminded of my the power I had within. It is the same power that moves the ocean waves. It is the same power the colors the sky blue. It is the same power that had created me. Back home in Colorado, inspite of the magnificance of the Rocky Mountains, it is the ocean that calms my soul and calls me to myself. I made it past the sand bar where the water was breaking and jumped onto my raft. Immediately I submitted to the water. It felt so familiar. It felt like home. For a brief moment I realized how easy it would be to just let go and let the ocean set me free from the physical world and leave everything behind. For just a brief moment I wanted to just be one with God forever and leave my troubles behind. I layed my head down and closed my eyes. I must of been still for just a moment when my instinct for survival kicked in. I looked up to see where I was and realized the ocean was pulling me in so I stepped down to touch the ocean floor but I found no sand just more salty water.

At first, I wasn't afraid but I did become alert. I did not choose that consciously it just happened. We are naturally designed to fight for survival if need be. So, I looked within and my Spirit made it clear that it wasn't my time to leave Earth and that I had to get back to shore so I began to kick. Instead of getting closer I found that the ocean wanted to make sure that I had learned my lesson about not testing God or Power. I kept getting drawn deeper and deeper. That is when my whole being came alive. I felt like an animal that sensed a predator had entered my lair. I furiously began to kick and paddle and with my Spirit leading my mind as my body followed, all three parts of me worked as one to thrust us onto the edge of a oncoming wave and I was literally carried all the way to shore where I was spit out onto the sand face first. I didn't know if should have laughed or cried or both. But, the message was clear. God was saying to me that it was not my time and I belonged right here.

The Power within us is really outside of us as well. We are connected to everything that surrounds our being. If you ever feel like you have lost touch with your spiritual guide, your inner voice, your true self, your Spirit, start by lookin around you. If mountains are your gig then go there. Drive into the valleys, park your car and walk into the woods, in the forest, touch the ground and ask God to touch you back. Nature is God's one of God's most magnificant masterpieces and proof of His existence. The elements that came together to create you can be found in sand, water, air, flowers, trees, soil. The key to staying in touch with your true self is to be "aware" of your surroundings and there you will find yourself. No matter what life brings even if it is death, your true self, the power within, your Spirit is eternal. It lives on inspite of everything. Live from the and you will find that you are less likely to lose touch with who you are, what you stand for and why you were put in this Earth. Learn to love that part of yourself even when it tells you to go in a direction you "think" or "feel" you shouldn't go. Only your Spirit is untouchable and untainted. Our minds are impressionable and like computers can catch viruses, spit out useless jargon and lead astray. Our Bodies are the same. When someone says trust your instinct they really should be saying trust your Spirit.

I thought I had to come to the ocean, to leave my home and my family and friends to reconnect my Spirit with the Creator. Now I know that I can go home and find that same connection there. I have no regrects mind for "running away" for 10 days or so to a ocean. What I have found here in the majesty and beauty of the Florida seaside was me! And boy I was so happy to see me again! With many tears of gratitude I have sat by the ocean these thanking God that He had given me this chance to be reminded what lives within me. I can hear Him sending loving thank you back that I decided to listen and allowed the power within to be my guide to bring me back home to me.

In Love & Faith,




Athena Kapantas
President
SELF, INC. Life Program
http://www.selfinclifeprogram.com/
athena@selfinclifeprogram.com

No One Said It Was Going To Be Easy

It amazes me time and time again how life insists on throwing curve ball after curve at us. Life is truly a series of lessons. It is up to us if we decided to learn the lesson or take the class over. The SELF, INC. Life Program states that you can be internally regulated. That means that your Spirit can truly be the leader and decision-maker in your life. It is what will keep you steady when you fall down, or fail or something doesn't go your way, or someone breaks your heart. Our minds our full of excuses and reasons to blame the world, others, circumstances or God when we find ourselves faced with a challenge. It takes discipline and commitment to ourselves to hold our ground and stay true to ourselves, our morals and standards. We are the ones who decide how to respond to this or that. Not the other way around.

I am not saying that it is easy. in fact there are some extraordinary cases where we are forced to bend to the forces outside of ourselves. If your employer decides to lay you off there is little you can do except move on. If your partner decides to leave for someone else without looking back at you, you have to find the strength to ride the storm and get through the pain without losing yourself. If we let our Minds choose how we act or react, 9 out of 10 times it will be the wrong way to go. We will only find ourselves in a worse state. Our Spirits though are our higher state of being. Spirits are made of pure love and love conquers all things no matter what the outcome. The SELF, INC. Life Program Handbook explains how you can live your life with your Spirit leading your Mind as your Body follows. It offers a self-help life management program that is easy-to-apply. The Program itself is dedicated to personal growth and success in all areas of your life. Again. No one said it was going to be easy, but you have a choice when we fall. We can either draw from the power within our own Spirit and stand up for our right to love and life or be a victim.

As a fellow human being I am committed to sharing whatever insight I gain from my own travel throughout my life in hopes of given others inspiration to never quit on even when it seems like everyone and everything and quit on you. Always ask yourself with every challenge you face, "what is the lesson I can learn from this?"

In Love & Faith,




Athena Kapantas

President
SELF, INC. Life Program
http://www.selfinclifeprogram.com/
athena@selfinclifeprogram.com

Life and Time Continued

Boy, I am definitely guilty of wasting my time on things that are not suppose to be on my plate in the first plate. The funny thing is that I am usually the one who puts things on my plate that were intended for someone elses. When you find yourself looking at your TO DO list and you start sweating, you know it is time to get back to the basics. Even though I wrote a book on life management doesn't mean I don't struggle along with our clients. We are human and sometimes life forces it's will on us. That is when you have to remind yourself that it is YOUR life and you can choose which way to turn the sails of your ship so that you can take advantage of the wind instead of ending up winded and shipwrecked. Just remember to look for the "lighthouse", your Spirit, to beam clarity for you to follow. All it takes is some introspection, taking a step or two back and taking a deep breathe as you wait to for the insight or the revelation you need to manifest.

In Love & Faith,




Athena Kapantas
President
SELF, INC. Life Program
http://www.selfinclifeprogram.com/
athena@selfinclifeprogram.com

Life and Time

Today I realized that life lives within time and so we have to treat time with respect and not squander it. I was reflecting on the fact that we all have a
battery" so to speak with a certain amount of energy. If we are not careful we can waste most of it on unnecessary, irrelevant and insignificant things. We all have a final destiny that we have in common; death. So, we know that we will one day, all of us in our own time, move on to the next dimension of life whatever that might be to each of us. When I realized this Truth about life, I reflected on how I was utilizing my "battery" and discovered I was not as balanced mentally, physically and spiritually as I should be. So I took the personal assessment that is on my site so I can see where I stood regarding how I was managing my life. Gosh...well...I have some "house cleaning" to do in all three departments. I try to maintain a certain balance so that I can ride the tide of life rather than drown in it. So at the moment I am treading water but now I know where the adjustments need to be made. I don't want to run out juice you know before my mission on earth is complete. Do you?

In Love & Faith,




Athena Kapantas
President
SELF, INC. Life Program
http://www.selfinclifeprogram.com/
athena@selfinclifeprogram.com