Flip the switch from WOE to WOW! It is simple but it is not simplistic. Listen to the audio companion of “Are You Giving Yourself Proper Mental Nutrition?” Rob takes the conversation deeeper on WROAR.
NOTE: Starting Thursday Rob will be giving a lesson from his new book chapter by chapter. Look inside! Download a free chapter here.
Do you remember the parable?
Do you remember the parable about the man with a fig tree in his vineyard?
He went to the tree looking for fruit, and there was none. He went back to the tree the next year, and it was still barren. He returned a third year. Nothing!
The man then told his vineyard keeper to cut the tree down. The vineyard keeper said, “Allow me to offer it proper nutrition and come back next year. If it doesn’t bear fruit next year, then I will cut it down.” The following year, it did bear rich fruit.
Certainly something can be done
Is it possible that the fig tree did not bear fruit because it had been neglected? Is it possible that our lives do not bear rich fruit when we neglect our minds?
If something can be done to support a tree that is not bearing fruit, then certainly something can be done to support my mind when I am not bearing rich fruit in my life … certainly something can be done to support your mind when you are not bearing rich fruit in your life … would you agree?
When you believe in you
Our roots are planted deep in the soil of the immense Universal Garden. All of the Universal Laws that create this rich, beautiful planet on which we live, are always there waiting for us to use them effectively.
How is the Law of Attraction, and the Law of Multiple Returns, and the Four Interactive Forces to help us bear rich fruit in our lives if we do not put all of them into action?
Student: What must I do to offer my mind proper nutrition so that it puts these Universal Forces into action and bears rich fruit in my life?
Teacher: You must grant the creative power of your thoughts permission to work for you … you must BELIEVE in you.
When you believe in you … you cause a chemical reaction in your brain that imbues you with incredibly creative mental skills that cause your enterprises to flourish.
When you cause this inspiring chemical reaction in your brain – you are inspired to do what you need to do to make your goals come true. I speak of this as an ‘inspiring addiction’ in my new book – A Second Chance at Success.
If a barren fig tree can produce rich fruit with a little right nutrition, and if my barren mind and your barren mind can become productive with a little right mental nutrition … then the most barren conditions of my life (the most barren conditions of your life), can become a source of remarkably enriching experiences.
That’s worth repeating: If a barren fig tree can produce rich fruit with a little right nutrition, and if my barren mind and your barren mind can become productive with a little right mental nutrition … then the most barren conditions of my life (the most barren conditions of your life), can become a source of remarkably enriching experiences.
Great knowledge brings great results
Great knowledge brings great results. With the knowledge that you are a rich and majestic child of infinite intelligence, you can begin believing that you are not only capable of achieving all that is good and beautiful, but also worthy of receiving all that is good and beautiful. Then, in good time, you will surely bear good fruit in you life.
My new book – A Second Chance at Success – helps me to see the truth about myself so I can bear rich fruit in my life. I believe it can help you do this, too.
If you listen to the weekly WROAR blog talk-radio broadcast, I believe you will find that it helps you give yourself the proper mental nutrition you need to make your rich and glorious dreams come true.
“Do the thing and you shall have the power; but they who do not do the thing have not the power.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Please let me know if the knowledge I offer you here bypasses your usual role, and touches your soul. From this kind of knowledge arises the most perfect satisfaction; I think so … do you? A simple comment will do.
Blessings & thank you
“Best Comment of the Week.” This weeks best comments come from Debbie from Happymakernow.com and Hiten Vyas of hitenvyas.com. Thank you for your heartfelt sharing. See their comments here. Illustrations by nick
Check in every week for a new episode of WROAR: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wroar/
Good show my friend. All around. I don’t know where to begin. I’ve taken in so much. First, I loved the think about “doing the work to do the work” or however you said it. I absolutely related to that professionally. I’ve spent countless hours making mistakes and putting in time on different jobs and putting out fires. So now what used to baffle me and throw me for a loop is handled cooly and calmly. But what I see now is that you never get there unless you lay down a solid base of hard work. When I go on site to a job and somebody needs a floor ripped out, or maybe some new wainscoting or new toilet, I dont think twice. They are totally different jobs but I “did the work to do the work” to take care of either one without blinking an eye. I have incredible inner strength when it comes to being a handyman! Other areas of life I am still putting in lots of work. But I see the light. Family issues that used to send me to moon, now seem manageable. I marvel at how far I’ve come, and at the same time I am scarred about how far I have to go.
Hi Roger. YES, you got it. We must to the work (inner work) to do the work (outer work) successfully. So many people jump into ‘trying’ to succeed without having done the inner work first (and seeing themselves succeeding with incredible clarity). Without that inner work, the outer work is a crap shoot (maybe yes and maybe no). Nice example you gave. Thank you
Thanks, Rob. I just caught up on the last 3 weeks of shows which made the task I was doing while listening fly by. These days the timing of everything seems to be doing a little dance. I want to tell you that you do indeed give back in a most generous way and your efforts surely do touch my soul. In fact I sometimes have this image of all of our souls having a chat about us while some of us are more able to eavesdrop than others
However we will catch up!
Hi Julie. When we foresake our soul, we take on a role to impress others. That is not you. I love your self-integrity. You allow reality to shake up your identity as much as it will, knowing that your soul is always vigilantly whispering what your next move should be. Can you feel that? I know you can. You write like you can. Thank you
AWesome awesome Rob! … winged energy of delight! I love that! I’m all about it. I wrote it down and am carrying with me today. I’m just going to pull that out whenever I get mixed up in all the drama in my life. I am going to soar above that stuff once an for all. I can get so frustrated when I start to feel stuck in the same place with the same patterns. There are lots of people in my life that I have to cut loose once and for all. I’ve been hearing way too much negativity lately. You said “all the little things add up to big things” and its so true. All these little negative minded people around me have really been keeping me down with their stupid little demeaning side comments. All these little negative things I try to ignore add up to big frustration. I’ve been working so hard to stay positive for so long, its like all that work goles out the window with just a little self-doubt. I put on a happy face and stay positive. I know if I keep pecking away at my dreams I’ll get there eventually. I just never thought it would take this long to move ahead, and move on to the next stage of my life and career. I wish I was one of those people who can just make things happen. I’m not one of those but I am persistent. If I have to lower my expectations in the short term so be it. I just got to keep reminding myself of my unlimitedness and eventually I’ll get to where I’m going.
Hi Kara. If anyone is a living example of a ‘winged energy of delight’ … you sare. You are a beautiful note in the Cosmic music, harmonizing with other notes to form beautiful harmony. A little poetry just for you. Thank you for being you.
Hey Brother man. I used to think that good mental nutrition meant getting blazed up! It’s not the worst thing in the world but I try hard to go for the natural highs first. It’s the difference between having a Mocha Latte Grande with Whipped Cream vs. Having a nice Egg white omelet with fruit for breakfast. When it comes to mental nutrition I try to think like a marathoner. I want to set up my mind to be a peaceful loving dude 24/7 until the end of my life. I believe it takes a lifetime of right thinking. There are no shortcuts to bearing the fruits of peace love and understanding. It aint no cash crop baby! Most self-help jargon is just that – a cash crop that cant be sustained. We have to go deep within and do that inner work you talked about. There are no shortcuts to true inner peace is there?
Hi Rus. Good mental nutrition does take a lifetime of right thinking, doesn’t it. This is what habits are for. Make it a habit to think rightly and true guidance comes from deep within, doesn’t it. You experience this often, don’t you. Thank you
This idea of cultivating your own fig tree, I think, is along the lines of the quote from Rumi I’ve been thinking about recently: “Do you pay regular visits to yourself?” Turning my attention toward what I’m feeling, and my own experience, in the situations I face in life, as opposed to being focused on what’s supposedly wrong with others or the world, has been very valuable to me.
Hi Chris. Turning within. That’s a big one. Truth waits patiently for us to learn that it is always available if we turn to the inner teacher within. Something you have learned to do regularly. Do you like it? I think so. Thank you
Marvelously made and destined to win, worthy of all that is good and beautiful,a winged energy of delight… what an amazing legacy I have inherited. What a joy to be a good steward of that gift.
Hi sylvia. You are a good steward of many gifts. And you share those gifts generously. You have saved yourself from a ‘living hell’ when you stopped believing that stubborn self-will is protective self-loyalty. Read that again, slowly. It is a great insight for you. Blessings
Hi Rob. As usual there is lots to think about here. I appreciate the challenge!
Mental nutrition is the most important thing. If I don’t have my mental wheaties in the morning everything else goes to hell in a hand basket! Ha ha. Seriously though, when my head is not right everything just seems harder and more distorted. Not only do I start making poor diet choices, but I am more susceptible to making stupid business decisions and so forth. You always talk about “knowing yourself” in the book and that hits home with me. When I know I’m in a mental slump I’ve learned not to make any big decisions or deal with people that are going to set me over the edge. There was a time I would just push through and try to carry on my day with smile. Becoming aware of when my mental nutrition is depleted helps me see that I’m not being my Authentic Self and would be better off taking a coffee break than meeting a new client.
Hi Carol Anne. When you ‘know thyself’ you know what mental nutrition you need in any moment, don’t you. To qualify for the cosmic college requires knowing that we only need to understand how little we know about ourselves. And with that understanding all good mental nutrition comes easily to us. Thank you
Hi Robert. I’ve learned that there is a big difference between nurturing my mind and nurturing my intellect. When I get stuck in the intellect I tend do over think matters and miss out on life. I love learning and reading, but that is simply not a spiritual endeavor. No, nurturing my mind on the spiritual side is something totally different. It’s hard to explain, but it is like that feeling of “thinking non-thinking” without judgment or perceptions etc.
On the other side I have my intellectual thinking that loves to analyze and think about thinking. All good stuff and stimulating to no end. But I’ve learned that I have to give that side a rest every once in a while and see the big picture. That is, spiritual thinking. Otherwise, I risk missing out on life… you know.. the experience… an innate urge to go with the flow, to making excuses and simply get out into life and see what happens. Thats where adventure of MInd, and adventure of adventure meet. Where the mountains meet the sea if you will (like Camden Harbor, ME). Thinking non-thinking is a nice break because I get to play dumb and see things as they are without attaching labels to anything. It’s like bird watching. It’s a tough game to play. When I look at a warbler in a tree my intellect wants to know what genotype it is. Sometimes the hardest thing is to just see the bird and say nothing… just “ahhhh.”
Hi Salty. Nurturing the mind and nurturing the intellect. WOW, that’s a great distinction. Your comment should be part of the blog. It says so much! When sensing a real source of help coming from within, let nothing stop you from learning from it. That is what you do. Thank you.
Hi Rob. I dig the new saying about doing the work before the work. I totally get that. From a creative standpoint I have to make a lot mistakes and write a lot of bad songs before I can create something that satisfies my soul. It’s not about rehearsal or practice either. It’s about finding a voice inside me that allows me to create the songs I need to create. You just cant find your inner voice unless you are willing to drill down deeper and deeper. My first stages of creative process are always somewhat regurgitated influences or trying to write something I think someone else wants to hear. I have to pass through that until I can hear my own unique voice. The times I am able to persist and get to that point I produce something that simply makes me smile to myself. Granted, my music hasn’t really gone anywhere yet, but when I can listen back to a song and feel like I nailed it and it truly came from within I’m the happiest chap in the world! Forget about applause from an audience or a hit song fantasy – I know when I’ve sung my soul and it doesnt get any better than that!
Hi John. ‘Doing the work before doing the work’ … hearing that unique inner voice that is always speaking silently to you. I love how you bring this up. It adds to the blog wonderfully. Thank you
Hi Rob,
Very inspirational article. Clearly when we believe in ourselves, and visualize our goals materializing, our mind feels supported and nourished. We need to create the habit of reminding ourselves daily that we can accomplish whatever we “set our mind to” and the momentum will begin to build. I like your term ‘inspiring addiction’ – I’ll remember that one. Congrats on your new book. I wish you much success. Take care and have a great week,
Hi Cathy. Addictions and compulsions and obsessions are wonderful psychic forces when used appropriately – become inspiringly addicted … become wonderfull obsessed with winning (W.O.W.) … and become incredibly compelled to challenge your potential by continually setting the bar higher – now that’s living, isn’t it, Cathy. The book is selling well. Thank you
Hi Rob. I have been thinking deeper lately and I really like who I am becoming. It is something new for me. For the first time I am really seeing where I am scared of life and where I take refuge in what is normal. I have been deluding myself. As much as I say i am ready for a new endeavor there is a big part of me that simply does not want to leave the confines of the life that I have worked so hard to build. I think it is what you call a comfort zone in the self-help biz!
. I think big and I pontificate big, but sometimes I am just talk, talking away… like you said on WROAR about… “full of sound and fury…” I realized I have been playing games with myself. When an opportunity arises for me to expand my comfort zone, I inevitably cop out… its true. My brother- in- law invited me to go camping and I convinced myself that my weekend was filled with research and development on a new start up business. It sounded good, but hey, I’ll admit it here… I did what I always do on Saturday and Sunday… I slept late and had bacon and eggs at the diner. By the time I got back home I took a nap and read the paper. It felt right and good at the time, and all of a sudden I realized I am doing what I always do. Habit has the power to waste and destroy if it is a habit for too long. On the other hand, habit can cause me to become incredibly productive. Do we all face that same battle? I’m trying to figure out if the mental nutrition of strict adherence to routine is what it used to be. Or maybe I just need a new routine. That’s the hard part. My mental diet has worked so well for so long, and now all of a sudden it feels deleterious in its effects. Do tell… I’m quite curious.
Hi Georgie. There is nothing your soul loves better than helping you break out of your role so you can discover more of your unlimitedness. Everyone has to go through the same struggle of letting go of the old in order to experience the new. You’re doing fine. Blessings
Hi Rob. I feel like I’m starting to finally see that I am worthy of receiving all that is good and beautiful. There is a big difference lately. I think I used to think too far out there and just sabotage my best efforts. I have a better understanding of what is truly important to me. Before I used to strive for a million dollars and total enlightenment. Now, I see want to be sure that I am doing fulfilling work. I don’t care how much income this new organic farming projects brings me… I see that the real value is just getting my hands dirty! Seriously when I am out there with the sun on my back and my hands in the soil it worth more to me than any dollar amount. It would be impossible to put a dollar figure on having that outlet. It’s funny, I’m more fruit in mind by literally bearing more fruit in the world!
Hi Alicia. I have watched you plant sweet fruit seeds in your mind. I have noticed that you are bearing sweeter fruit in your life. Funny how that works, isn’t it. The only real reward of being a human being is being a full human being. You’re doing real nice. Thank you
Hello Mr Robert. Your book came in today and it is truly a feast fit for Thanksgiving! (as is apropos for my life here in the US
). So much to take in. I feel like I just indulged on a big meal with family and friends. So much to digest. I have to read slowly from back to front. From my cursorary glances I love the witicisms and simple way of saying things that I just cant articulate. In my most heated of impassioned disdain for the struggle of life I just hope I can conjur up the lessons offered within. For sure the book is all the nutrition I need for now! I will continue watering my mind with the drops and drops of wisdom in the malestrom of my daily existence. I will be in touch and let you know how I do! Blessings to you and your family.
Hi Padma. Thank you for the very nice compliment. I love that you are eager to absorb the lessons in the book. Dreamland is screamland, Padma, until we learn how to make our dreams come true. That is what you are beginning to do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Oh yes, it is important to give ourselves the proper mental nutrition. If we do not nourish ourselves, we won’t be able to thrive well. It is easy to see how we must water our plants with love and care. There is just as much need to love and care for ourselves too.
Hi Evelyn. Honesty feels good. Lies feel bad. When you deny the lies that say you are limited, you begin to feel good, don’t you. That’s taking care of yourself, which is what you do. Thank you
www YEAH! SON! My mental nutrtion is a steady diet of pink meat. Ya know. Good raw sushi and oysters keeps it real, keeps it stiFF. KEEPS it realllll STIFF!!! AHAHAHAHAHAH. Whats good for the physio-diet is good for mental health… and anyone who sez good SEE_OX aint good fer their mental health is tortured MOFO poet type or whatever. the problem with this blog is I want to what you eatin for REAL. Yo lets write a diet book together!! That shiz sells like crack on a little debbie cookie! HAHAHAHAH AWW SNAP! I needs to hear more bout what your eatin. Yo… I plan to be dealin until I’m 99 and I gots to eat right and think right to do that. I’m sorry, Its like I heard in my psych1 class in in Bunkie — you cant force yo erection! HA/ Sorry to be REAL… but lest just tell it like it is. SEX sells and sexs moves men to move mad-magic- mountains. YO — sometimes I think that my only motivation to blowin up HUGe as a best selling author like a Neil Strauss, Tim Covey, John Ferris love child is just so I can stay in the PINKKKK til I’m old and musty!! HAHAHAHA. Yo, but for real I tell you what?? the only reason I am where I am is cuz I just keep feedin myself proper inside and out. My MOMS just says EAT EAT you are skin and bones…. so guess what I EATT!! Bein old school ITI its easy to EAT up life. And if you eating up life with fierceness YO Mind stays sharp. When I eat a plate of mOMs homecookn, I’m eatin up a milllion years worth of “MAGIC” knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Why would I mess with my RootS! My Sicilian ghosts had it right ALLLLL along…. EAT UP LIFE!!!!
Hi Magic. When you feed yourself good thoughts inside, you find yourself taking good action outside. It really is that simple, isn’t it. Imagination is a good magician when we use it properly. It is an evil magician when we use it improperly. Right, Magic? Blessings
hi Rob, I’m feeling really down this week. I havent been good to myself on so many different levels. Forget about mental nutrition, I came down with a terrible flu like but which is quite unknown to me. It never happens. I’m a big believer in that if one feels physical ailments then something is not right inside. It’s like everything came crashing down. I lost a lot of momentum just when I thought things were starting to turn a corner. Does that ever happen to you? All of a sudden my feelings of being on the verge of something new and exciting has fallen apart. I feel like I dont have the strength to get out of bed most days. It’s bizarre and I cant see any logical reason why I’m in such a mental and physical funk. I truly thought I was on a roll. Meeting new people, feeling independent, and strong for once. It could be something I ate, quite literally… but what bugs me is that it never ever happens to me. It all comes back to mental nutrition. Maybe I did ate a bit of botulism, but if my mind were not looking for an opportunity to bring me back down to earth I never would have felt it like this. I think there have been so many changes in my life that there is an inner voice telling me to slow down. Maybe I have been distracting myself from myself by filling my life with all these new and exciting stimulus? I kind of think sometimes we just need to rest.
Hi Joan. When your feelings of being on the verge of something new fall apart … remind yourself of this, Joan: My feelings are not necessarily the truth. They are a consequence of my thinking … and if I think falsely, my feelings are false. You are on the verge of something great and new, Joan. Thank you
Continuing the tree theme, I have a young maple tree in the back yard. It was growing fine for several years. Then I had some landscaping done. The tree started shooting out surface roots rather than a deep tap root. The surface roots not only tear up the yard and the patio, but they do not anchor the tree well, so that it is in danger of blowing over. Now I’m going to have to have the tree cut down.
All of this root activity is below the visible surface, so if I wanted to make an analogy, I might say that the root system we have in our own personal lives is what supports the part of our lives that we can see. Surface roots might seem like they are doing the job, but without a deep tap root of faith in ourselves and in the universe, we are not fully grounded and safe from the buffeting winds of life.
I did not know this fig tree story. (There is another fig tree story in the Bible.)
Hi Galen. this is a great ‘root story’ that you share … and it is about your backyard tree! I love it. The great goal of life is to get up in the morning, knowing that you are going to wake up to the truth about life. This seems to be what you are doing very nicely, Galen. It shows in you moral about your backyard tree. Thank you