Vulnerability is Strength!

Taken from The Daily Love.com

"When we learn to trust the Universe, we shall be happy, prosperous and well."  - Ernest Holmes


One of the most common patterns I see in people is the fear of rejection and the need for approval of other's.  This is cool and all, but it is not healthy.

Basically people are walking around saying, "How can I change myself so that I can please you." And if they can't change themselves to please other people, they assume that something must be wrong with them.

I'm here to suggest another way.

Instead of trying to change yourself to please others and then taking rejection as a sign that something is wrong with you, let's step into our authentic power and allow ourselves to be ourselves with no apologies.

Instead of seeing rejection as some kind of personal proclamation of our self-worth that is determined from someone else, let's just see rejection as nature's natural sifting device that helps us stay away from people we do not vibrate with and attract those that do.

A positively charged magnet is not attracted to another positively charged magnet. It's nothing personal, the energetics just don't match. That doesn't mean that those magnets can't find their match. It would be silly for those magnets to assume that just because they keep meeting other positively charged magnets that there is no match for them.

See your life this way. Rejection does not define you any more than a positively charged magnet repelling another positively charged magnet defines them. It's just an energetic reality, not a definition of who you are.

So in this, vulnerability is strength, because when you are being yourself, a vulnerable and authentic human being, you will attract those you are an energetic match to whom you really are and repel those that aren't. Don't take this process personally - it's just a part of life.

L3 Radio - Playlist - August 29th, 2011

Playlist 53 – L3 Radio hosted by Natasha Von Castle, Dominique Raphael and Frazah C-Lection on 88.1 CKLN

Alton Ellis – Rocksteady

Phyllis Dillon – Perfedia

Dennis Brown – Queen Majesty

Bitty McClean – Make It With You

Lindo P – Loving You Forever

Bigga Boss ft. Lady K – Wire Waist

Courtney John – Love Is

Beres Hammond ft. Daddy URoy – Ain’t That Loving You

Bunny Rugs – Love is Blind

Gyptian – Always Love You (Handle Riddim)

Biggie Irie – Let’s Stay Together

Natasha and Dom chop it up about Montreal International Regga Festival / Reggae Rhythm & Blues in New York / Singing Melody performing live in Toronto / Kafinal / EVER-G

Ammoye – Still In Love

Buju Banton – Destiny

Bushman – Fire Pon A Weak Heart

Sizzla – Be Strong

TOK – When You Cry

Jah Cure – Longing For

Leroy Gibbons – Four Season Lover

Chuck Turner – I Need You

Rhythm & Blues Commercial

Nadine Sutherland ft. Terror Fabulous – Action

General Degree – Mr. Dweet Nice

Nadine Sutherland ft. Buju Banton – Dickie

Terror Fabulous – No Retreat (No Surrender)

Ghost – Wish You Were Here

Louie Culture – Don’t Get Weary

Jack Radics – On Fire

Papa San – Ah Wha

Little Kirk – All I Know

Shabba ft. Crystal – Twice My Age

Chaka Demus & Pliers – Murder She Wrote

Pliers – Bam Bam

Wayne Wonder – Sweet & Sour

Beenie Man – Teenie Weenie

Beenie Man – Blackboard

Galaxy P – Where Yuh Swagga Deh

Agent Sasco – Bad Inna Gang

Agent Sasco – JPS

Twins of Twins – Rich Anno Fih Me

Agent Sasco – Profile Pic

Mr. Vegas – Certain Law

Mr. Lexx – Walk Out

Kartel – Sex in The City

Rhythm & Blues Commercial

Khago – Blood Ah Boil

Popcaan – Hear Dem Ah Talk

IOctane – Nuh Ramp Wid We

Mavado – Final Destination

Chan Dizzy – Mek We Party

Laza Morgan – One By One

Laden – Really Like You

Kartel – British Love

Send your music to L3Radio@hotmail.com!

Focus on The Good!

Taken from The Daily OM.net

"There are many ways to raise your vibration including thinking positive and uplifting thoughts."

Everything in the universe is made of energy. What differentiates one form of energy from another is the speed at which it vibrates. For example, light vibrates at a very high frequency, and something like a rock vibrates at a lower frequency but a frequency nonetheless. Human beings also vibrate at different frequencies. Our thoughts and feelings can determine the frequency at which we vibrate, and our vibration goes out into the world and attracts to us energy moving at a similar frequency. This is one of the ways that we create our own reality, which is why we can cause a positive shift in our lives by raising our vibration.

We all know someone we think of as vibrant. Vibrant literally means “vibrating very rapidly.” The people who strike us as vibrant are vibrating at a high frequency, and they can inspire us as we work to raise our vibration. On the other hand, we all know people that are very negative or cynical. These people are vibrating at a lower frequency. They can also be an inspiration because they can show us where we don’t want to be vibrating and why. To discover where you are in terms of vibrancy, consider where you fall on a scale between the most pessimistic person you know and the most vibrant. This is not in order to pass judgment, but rather it is important to know where you are as you begin working to raise your frequency so that you can notice and appreciate your progress.

There are many ways to raise your vibration, from working with affirmations to visualizing enlightened entities during meditation. One of the most practical ways to raise your vibration is to consciously choose where you focus your attention. To understand how powerful this is, take five minutes to describe something you love unreservedly—a person, a movie, an experience. When your five minutes are up, you will noticeably feel more positive and even lighter. If you want to keep raising your vibration, you might want to commit to spending five minutes every day focusing on the good in your life. As you do this, you will train yourself to be more awake and alive. Over time, you will experience a permanent shift in your vibrancy.

You Complete You!

Taken from The Daily Love.com

"The bad news: there is no key to the universe. The good news: it was never locked."  - Swami Beyondananda

Love is complete. Your soulmate doesn't "complete you" - your soulmate is a reflection of you. Be whole, not a half.

So many people run around looking for someone "to complete them". But the thing is, everyone is a fallible human being, so no one can complete you and ever live up to your expectations.

 

That is why it is so important to keep our eyes on The Uni-verse and Its Love for us. The Love of The Uni-verse never changes. Other people change, other people mess up, but The Uni-verse is constantly on our side, Loving us and showing us how we can grow even closer to happiness and Love.

Our aim should be to not seek and chase for Love, but to BE IT. This means self-love first. True Love isn't setting HUGE expectations on someone else that they always make you happy and fulfilled.

True Love is being so full of self-love and the Love of The Uni-verse that you have more than enough Love to hold your own darkness and light and the darkness and light of the other people. True Love is radical acceptance of yourself and the person you are in a relationship with.

Looking for someone to complete you is to deny your innate potential to be an already full and integrated being. You are giving someone else a power that only you have.

The Jerry McGuire type of Love can happen, but it's a setup for all kinds of dysfunction. We have no idea how they did after the movie ended.

Also, making someone else the source of your fulfillment means that if they are not having a good day, acting in integrity or desiring to grow, then you are stuck. It's a giant anchor holding you down.

In relationship, we either grow together or we grow apart. The Uni-verse is constantly guiding us to greater and greater awareness or ourselves and as a result our Highest Potential. Relationships are containers for growth, not containers for proving how much pain you can endure for someone else.

When we make someone else the only thing that completes us, we can easily blame them, but the blame belongs on us for giving them that power in the first place.

Let's take our power back and take our eyes off of ourselves and our partners and remember the Source from which we came and which we are all apart of right now. We are a drop of water coming home to the beautiful ocean from which we came. In doing do, we can merge into a wave and do far more connected to this Source than we ever could do alone or with another person.

  

Giving The Gift of You!

Taken from The Daily OM.net


Being of service to our community is part of being a good citizen of the planet earth.

To live harmoniously, we need to be supportive and helpful to all people, creatures, and plant life that share this earth with us. While “being of service” is part of being a good citizen of the world, it also feels good to help others. When we do something for others in service, without the expectation of anything in return, we are turning our actions into offerings.

There are many ways to be of service to our community. There are the obvious and much needed volunteer opportunities, such as serving Thanksgiving dinner at a shelter, mentoring our youth, or cleaning up a beach. Then, there is the kind of service that we may not even think of as being acts of service. Learning a new language (perhaps sign language) so that you can talk to more people is a way to reach out to others. Inviting someone who isn’t motivated enough to exercise on their own to join you on your daily walk is a way to give of yourself. Sharing flowers or vegetables from your garden, organizing a poetry reading, offering to babysit for a busy parent, or donating pet food to an animal shelter all are simple ways to offer your services to your community.

There are many ways that you can serve the world. Imagine the impact we would have on the environment if we picked up one piece of trash off the street everyday and chose not to drive our car once a week. Even gardening tactics such as throwing wildflower seeds onto a vacant lot can brighten the lives of others – including the lives of birds and insects. Everyday, you can do something to make this world a better place. During meditation, ask for guidance on what you can do to be of service. This can be a wonderful way to start your day. Smiling at a stranger who looks down in the dumps or teaching your neighborhood kids how to whistle will impact someone’s day or even their life. Giving of yourself is the best gift that you can give.

   

Cen'C Love ft. Capleton - Stand Firm!

Since the introduction of Cen'C Love's music, DJ's, critics and journalists agree that there is no disputing the beauty of her voice, and the depth of her lyrics.

Her unique fuse of Jazz and Reggae was demonstrated in her hit single "Casanova," which put her in an elite class all her own.  DJ's were smitten by this artists voice which led to considerable airplay, as well as numerous performances in the US, Europe and Jamaica.

Today, Cen'C Love releases her newest single, "Stand Firm" which features Capleton.  Produced by Cen'C, Carl 'One Blood' Thomas and Sheldon 'CalliBud' Stewart for Cen'C's label Lyvestone Music, the song acts as a call to all people's who are going through hardships, and the call says 'stand firm.'

Navigating the sometimes rocky road of life, people need encouragement and motivation, as well as need to hear that their fate and destiny rests in their own hands.  That theme is delivered by Cen'C through the following lyrics:

"when it's said and done / you can't put the blame on anyone / it's your chance to take / your memory to make / you never really lose / stand firm through any storm / through any fire ooooh..."

Musically, the composition bears cross over appeal.  Reggae in roots, with a hint of jazz, fans will enjoy horns from the horn King himself, Mr. Dean Fraser.  The song was recorded at the
legendary Tuff Gong studios and features the industries finest musicians!

>>> Click here to preview the song <<<

Learned Self Reliance

Taken from The Daily OM.net

"When children are spoiled we do them a great disservice because they are not being allowed to earn and learn."

Parents are moved by instinct to love, nurture, and provide for their offspring. Because our children are so much a part of us, we want to see them blissfully happy. Also, our own desire to be liked, materialist pressures, and a fervent wish that our children have everything we lacked as youngsters can prompt us to spoil them. However, while it might seem that buying your child expensive gifts will give them fond memories of childhood or that you can heal your emotional wounds by doting on your sons and daughters, you may be unconsciously interfering with your children’s evolutional development. One of the most precious gifts you can grant your children is the true independence they gain when they learn to earn what they covet and become stewards of their own happiness. Try allowing your children to experience life to the fullest. Let them work and earn what they want. When the time comes for them to go to college and enter the workforce, you will have the confidence that yo! u have raised a child that can both enter and contribute to society confidently.

When children are not afforded the opportunity to explore self-reliance, to understand that with possession comes price, and to fulfill their own needs, they develop a sense of entitlement that blinds them to the necessity of hard work and the needs of others. We may spoil children because giving them gifts is pleasurable. Or we may want to avoid conflict out of fear that our children won’t love us. Yet children who are given acceptance, love, and affection in abundance are often kinder, more charitable, and more responsible than those whose parents accede to their every material demand. They develop a strong sense of self that stretches beyond possessions and the approval of their peers, and as adults they understand that each individual is responsible for building the life they desire. If you find yourself giving in to your child’s every whim, ask yourself why. You may discover that you are trying to answer for what you feel is lacking in your own life.

Rearing your children to respect the value of money and self-sufficiency as they grow from infants to young adults is a challenging but rewarding process. It can be difficult to watch a child struggle to meet a personal goal yet wonderful to be by their side as they achieve it. Your choice not to spoil your children will bless you with more opportunities to show them understanding and compassion and to be fully present with them as they journey toward adulthood.

Water the Great Teacher!

Taken from the Daily OM.net

"Water is a great teacher that shows us how to move through the world with grace, ease, determination, and humility."

The journey of water as it flows upon the earth can be a mirror of our own paths through life. Water begins its residence on earth as it falls from the sky or melts from ice and streams down a mountain into a tributary or stream. In the same way, we come into the world and begin our lives on earth. Like a river that flows within the confines of its banks, we are born with certain defining characteristics that govern our identity. We are born in a specific time and place, within a specific family, and with certain gifts and challenges. Within these parameters, we move through life, encountering many twists, turns, and obstacles along the way just as a river flows.

Water is a great teacher that shows us how to move through the world with grace, ease, determination, and humility. When a river  breaks at a waterfall, it gains energy and moves on, as we encounter our own waterfalls, we may fall hard but we always keep moving on.  Water can inspire us to not become rigid with fear or cling to what’s familiar. Water is brave and does not waste time clinging to its past, but flows onward without looking back. At the same time, when there is a hole to be filled, water does not run away from it in fear of the dark; instead, water humbly and bravely fills the empty space. In the same way, we can face the dark moments of our life rather than run away from them. 

Eventually, a river will empty into the sea. Water does not hold back from joining with a larger body, nor does it fear a loss of identity or control. It gracefully and humbly tumbles into the vastness by contributing its energy and merging without resistance. Each time we move beyond our individual egos to become part of something bigger, we can try our best to follow the lead of the river.

Quote for Today!

"When you become certain that nothing is impossible for you, you'll attain everything that you desire."

"The more you see yourself as what you'd like to become, and act as if what you want is already there, the more you'll activate those dormant forces that will collaborate to transform your dream into your reality."

"You're always a valuable, worthwhile human being - not because anybody else says so, not because you're making lots of money - but because you decide to know it." 

- Wayne Dyer

  

Sound Control Playlist

Here's the latest playlist from Sound Control Radio from Germany!


1. Maxi Priest & Tippa Irie  - Like This Like That / Mad Organ Necessary Mayhem
2. Shabba Ranks  - No Disrespect Necessary Mayhem
3. Million Stylez  - Milli Swagga Necessary Mayhem
4. Don Caramelo  - El Celular / Tonight Silly Walks Discotheque
5. Stereo Luchs  - Mini Stadt Silly Walks Discotheque
6. Gappy Ranks  - Peace & Joy (Thanks & Praise) Hot Coffee Music
7. Edge Michael & Macka B  - Stand Alone House Of Riddim
8. Hopeton Lindo  - Hey Girlfriend Sly & Robbie
9. Ce'cile  - Singing This Song (Jamaicanization) Kingstone Rec.
10. Chino  - Badness (Chino) VP Rec.
11. Bruno Mars ft. Damian Marley  - Liquor Store Blues Elektra
12. SuperHeavy  - Miracle Worker -Damian Marley Mix- Universal
13. Tony Rebel  - I Can't Recall (V/A: The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2011) Greensleeves Rec.
14. Alborosie  - La Revolucion (2 Times Revolution) Greensleeves Rec.
15. Dactah Chando  - Musics Fluye (Clara) Echo Beach
16. Diegojah  - Better Than That (Norway Tribute) Sherm
17. Adele  - Rolling In The Deep -Jr. Blenda RMX- Jr. Blenda
18. Jahdan Blakkamoore  - All Comes Back To One -Nate Mars RMX- A Lustre King
19. Mungo's Hi Fi ft. I Bogle  - Bogle / Bogle Scotch Bonnet Rec.
20. Mungo's Hi Fi ft. Kenny Knots  - Gimme Gimme Scotch Bonnet Rec.
21. Mono & Nikitaman  - Unter Freunden (Unter Freunden) Rootdown Rec.
22. Stockholm Highgrades  - Say Hey / Summer Time Adidjahhiem Rec.
23. Vybz Kartel  - Summer Time Adidjahhiem Rec.
24. Marlon  Asher  - Ganja Cowboy / Redemption Central Rec.
25. Jungalist  - Blaze It Central Rec.
26. Boundzound  - Fast Life (Ear) Embasy Of Music
27. Mighty Sparrow  - Jean & Dinah (Doctor Bird) 17 North Parade
28. Mighty Sparrow  - Mr. Walker (Doctor Bird) 17 North Parade
29. Trench City  - Cup Of Cheer (Comin' With Force) Gwynfryn
30. Cashma Hoody  - Weiter (Weiter) Hoodymusic
31. Sebastian Sturm  - Get Going (Get Up & Get Going) Rootdown Rec.
32. Maxim  - Asphalt Rootdown Rec.

The Power Behind Us!

Taken from The Daily Om.net


"Just as there are people that support us, we are a supporter to many people extending the cycle and giving back."

Behind each of us stands at least one supporter. This was once thought to be the spouse who ran the home while leaving the other spouse free to work. While this is still one valid scenario, most of us will find that we have other kinds of supporters in our lives. In some cases, our supporters are the people whose help allows us to do the things we’re best at, see to our obligations, or pursue or dreams. In other cases, our support may come from the people who are there to help us through life’s challenges by offering us their strength and bolstering our spirit.

Our support may come from our families and friends or from the people we hire—nannies, assistants, gardeners, healers, therapists, and advisors.  Our supporters may be the mentors who help us express ourselves by listening to us as we share our thoughts and feelings. Our supporter can be the person sitting next to us at a networking meeting or the teacher from our childhood whose words still resonate in our minds. We have always had supporters around us whether we noticed them or not. No matter where the support comes from, few of us can make it through life without assistance.

As we take the time to acknowledge everyone that has every supported us, we can’t help but feel grateful. Understanding our place in our human support system helps us see that just as there are people that support us, we are a supporter to many people.  By gratefully accepting the expertise and assistance of our supporters, we can consciously and more easily build a life that we love. Thanks to our staff, groups, friends, and loved ones for all their support. We all need each other’s support to thrive this world.

Playlist 52 - L3 Radio - August 15th, 2011

Playlist 52 – L3 Radio hosted by Natasha Von Castle, Dominique Raphael and Frazah C-Lection on 88.1 CKLN via www.ckln.fm

Bigga Boss – Show intro

Kafinal – Man in The Mirror

Iley Dread – Skank

Tasha T – Only A Woman Knows

Cario – Grab A Girl

Terminal DG – Best Friend

Jah Cure – All This Time

Jesse Royal – Butterflies

Patexx ft. Kim Hamilton – This Feeling

Ammoye – Music

Global – Wine Up

Kardinal Offishall – Ole Time Killin Pt. II

Rhythm & Blues Commercial

IOctane – Mama You Alone

Jah Cure – You Don’t Understand

Alaine – Without You

Jah Cure – You’ll Never Find

Mitch – Gimme A Call

Gyptian – I Can Feel Your Pain

Bascom X – Get Busy

Turbulence – You’re The One

Sean Paul ft. Shabba Ranks – I Need You

Marlon Asher – Ganja Farmer

Garnett Silk – Mama Africa

Beres Hammond – Sweetness

Gyptian – Beautiful Lady

Warrior King – Virtuous Woman

Pressure Buss Pipe – Love and Affection

Tarrus Riley – Human Nature

Kafinal – Man In The Mirror

Bob Marley ft. Lauryn Hill – Turn Your Lights Down Low (Remix)

Beres Hammond – Groovy Little Thing

Tarrus Riley – We Got It Going On

Jah Cure – Miles Away

Queen Ifrica – Keep It to Yourself

Saudia Arabia Riddim

Delly Ranx – Toppa Toppa

Taranchyla – Take Over

Gramps Morgan – Almighty

Gappy Ranks – Neatly Attire

Froggy Madd Squad ft. Delly Ranx – Season

Sweet Corn Riddim

Chevaughn – Bubble

Taranchyla – Me Know

Froggy Madd Squad ft. Delly Ranx – High Grade

Island Breeze Riddim

ZJ Liquid – Tightest Meow

Delly Ranx – Buss A Blank

Froggy Madd Squad ft. Delly Ranx – Hey Ooh

Gappy Ranks – Nah Sell Mih Soul

Taranchyla – Tun It Up

ZJ Liquid – I Swear

Jah Vinci – Draw Mih Line

IOctane – My Bed

Rhythm & Blues Commercial

Popcaan – Hear Dem Ah Talk

IOctane – Nuh Ramp Wid Me

Mavado – Do Road

Vybz Kartel – Sex & The City

Gaza Slim – Always

Popcaan – Ravin

Kartel – Summertime

Konshens – Mih Name Stink Ah Road

 

You Deserve to Have Your Dreams Come True!

Taken from The Daily OM

Power is not about exerting our will over others, it is about being in complete truth with yourself.

Many of us have do not understand what personal power means. We have been given the false notion that power is bad—that it is something we use to exert our will upon others. In fact, when our personal power is intact, we are neither overbearing nor meek. We have a clear sense of our strength and the impact we can have on others. This actually enables us to be more sensitive. Personal power is what permits us to work on behalf of our dreams and desires. It allows us to realize that we are worthy and deserve to be heard. In addition, our personal power lets us extend the respect we know that we deserve to the people around us. There is no reason to be afraid or ashamed of fully owning your power.

In the chakra system, the solar plexus is the seat of personal power. One way to evaluate your sense of power is to breathe into this part of the body. If it feels tight or nervous, it is an indication that you may not be fully expressing your power. You can heal this imbalance by expanding the area of the solar plexus with your breath. You can also visualize a bright yellow sun in this part of your body. Allow its heat to melt any tension, and let its light dissolve any darkness or heaviness. Repeating this exercise on a regular basis can restore and rejuvenate your sense of power.

Another way to nurture your personal power is to honor your dreams and desires by making concrete plans to manifest them in the world. Start by making a list of things you want, and let yourself think big. Choose one goal from the list and commit to bringing it to fruition. In addition, break the goal into tasks that you can work on each day. Know that you deserve to have your dreams come true and that you have the power to bring them into being.

 

An Invitation to Abundance

Taken from the Daily Love.com

"Of all the liars in the world sometimes the worst are our own fears." - Rudyard Kipling

Abundance is something that many of us do not have a proper perspective on. We are on The Path; we desire abundance yet it eludes us. Many of you have heard that money is the root of all evil.

The actual translation from the original text is "the worship of money is the root of all evil".

That's a big difference.

Money is just energy in physical form. Energy is what all of creation is made of. To hate money is to hate energy and to hate energy is to hate existence.

We just need to get our priorities straight. Money is not a cause; money is an effect. The cause of money in a spiritual life is The Uni-verse.

A MAJOR shift happens when we take our eyes off of the current situation of "limited finances" and focus on the abundance of the Source. I know that in this moment that doesn't pay your bills.

But, over time, if you keep it up, your life will change.

I went from a guy with a dream to inspire people with NO idea of how or what to do and just took direction from The Uni-verse, one day at a time. Plus, I don't do what I do for the money. Sure, I like making a living, but I have and would do what I do for free. I did TDL for almost 4 years EVERYDAY before making a dime from it.

Now, thankfully, it sustains me and I am beyond grateful. But that wasn't always the case.

But what I can tell you is that from the beginning of this journey I have placed all my problems, desires and needs at the feet of The Uni-verse and turned it all over. It was scary as hell, but I never went without. I had to make some very gnarly sacrifices, like living in an 8x8 room for a year that was only big enough for my bed (lol). But, I had belief and passion and most importantly - TRUST.

I believed and trusted that no problem or bill was too big for The Uni-verse. I also followed my own intuition above what ANYONE else told me. I also still hold the belief that the nature of The Uni-verse is abundance and so that is my natural birthright, I just have to allow it.

Money is not evil, but loving money more than you love The Uni-verse and yourself sets you up for an insane ride. Money comes and goes like the tide, but you will always have you and the Love of the Uni-verse.

When we take our love off of money and place it where it should be, we begin to thrive in ways we never knew possible. It may be scary at first, but over time this will and does work.

The Path is a leap of faith. We must have faith that as we are walking our Path that even our bills will be taken care of, sometimes through effort and hard work and sometimes through Grace.

Let us take our self-worth and feelings of security off of something that always changes (how much money we have at the moment in cash or in stock) and put our faith in something that never changes, the Love of the Living Uni-verse that we came from and live within.

Money is a tool. Money is energy in physical form. The highest form of energy in The Uni-verse is Love; put your faith and eyes towards that, take actions towards that, and money will follow in perfect time.

Your job is to trust and make the first move. 

Set Yourself Free!

Taken from the Daily OM

"Life becomes much more interesting once we let go of our quest for perfection and aspire for imperfection instead."

It is good to remember that one of our goals in life is to not be perfect. We often lose track of this aspiration. When we make mistakes, we think that we are failing or not measuring up. But if life is about experimenting, experiencing, and learning, then to be imperfect is a prerequisite. Life becomes much more interesting once we let go of our quest for perfection and aspire for imperfection instead.

This doesn’t mean that we don’t strive to be our best. We simply accept that there is no such thing as perfection—especially in life. All living things are in a ceaseless state of movement. Even as you read this, your hair is growing, your cells are dying and being reborn, and your blood is moving through your veins. Your life changes more than it stays the same. Perfection may happen in a moment, but it will not last because it is an impermanent state. Trying to hold on to perfection or forcing it to happen causes frustration and unhappiness.

In spite of this, many of us are in the habit of trying to be perfect. One way to nudge ourselves out of this tendency is to look at our lives and notice that no one is judging us to see whether or not we are perfect. Sometimes, perfectionism is a holdover from our childhood—an ideal we inherited from a demanding parent. We are adults now, and we can choose to let go of the need to perform for someone else’s approval. Similarly, we can choose to experience the universe as a loving place where we are free to be imperfect. Once we realize this, we can begin to take ourselves less seriously and have more fun. Imperfection is inherent to being human. By embracing your imperfections, you embrace yourself.

The Virtuous Cycle

Taken from The Daily OM

"The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make affect the whole."

In a world of over six billion people, it’s easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain. Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make can have far-reaching consequences. You can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world.

Should the opportunity arise, the recipient of a good deed will likely feel compelled to do a good deed for someone else. Someone feeling the effects of negative energy will be more likely to pass on that negative energy. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, snowballing until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone’s life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin. You must believe in your ability to be that point of origin if you want to use the ripples you create to spread goodness. Consider the effect of your thoughts and actions, and try to act graciously as much as possible.

A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and associates, out into your community, and finally throughout the world. You have the power to touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with and everyone those people come into contact with. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples moves onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of love and kindness.

Sustenance for the Soul

Taken from The Daily OM

"Making time for the activities that contribute to your spiritual growth has little to do with being selfish."

Modern life compels us to rush. Because we feel pressured to make the most of our time each day, the activities that sustain us, rejuvenate us, and help us evolve are often the first to be sacrificed when we are in a hurry or faced with a new obligation. It is important we remember that there is more to life than achieving success, making money, and even caring for others. Your spiritual needs should occupy an important spot on your list of priorities. Each task you undertake and each relationship you nurture draws from the wellspring of your spiritual vitality. Taking the time to engage in spiritually fulfilling activities replenishes that well and readies you to face another day. Making time for the activities that contribute to your spiritual growth has little to do with being selfish and everything to do with your well-being. Regularly taking the time to focus on your soul’s needs ensures that you are able to nurture yourself, spend time with your thoughts, experience tranquility, and expand your spiritual boundaries.

It is easy to avoid using our free moments for spiritual enrichment. There is always something seemingly more pressing that needs to be done. Many people feel guilty when they use their free time to engage in pursuits where they are focusing on themselves because they feel as if they are neglecting their family or their work. To make time for yourself, it may be necessary to say no to people’s requests or refuse to take on extra responsibilities. Scheduling fifteen or thirty minutes of time each day for your spiritual needs can make you feel tranquil, give you more energy and allows you to feel more in touch with the universe. Writing in a journal, meditating, studying the words of wise women and men, and engaging in other spiritual practices can help you make the most of this time.

Making time to nurture your spirit may require that you sacrifice other, less vital activities. The more time you commit to soul-nurturing activities, the happier and more relaxed you will become. The time you devote to enriching your spirit will rejuvenate you and help you create a more restful life. 

L3 Magazine - August, 2011 Edition

L3 Magazine Dishes Shaggy, Courtney John and Baby Cham!

Canada’s leading Caribbean-Urban online publication, L3 Magazine, has just released their August edition which sees the team connect fans and readers with Shaggy, Courtney John and Baby Cham.

Interviewed in New York City, NY, platinum recording artist and Grammy winner Shaggy shares his views on the Dancehall industry and what needs to be done to attract more support to the often mis-understood genre.  Shaggy is also focused on attracting more visitors to Jamaica, as well as promoting his new album Summer in Kingston.  Readers will also appreciate his candid answer on why he hasn’t changed despite his global success.

Courtney John has a fresh new approach to his music!  Taking a newer uptempo path, the veteran artist, musician and producer introduces his audience to his ‘Hey Jamaica’ sound.  Speaking to the team from his recording studio in Jamaica, Courtney’s answers are phrased in such a way that we see his playful side, analytical side and philosophical side all in one.  Find out what the artist said when we told him ‘you only need one song and one bullet – you always hit your target!’

Dancehall and Reggae veteran Baby Cham has recorded hit records with Alicia Keys, Rihanna, MIMs, Mario and so many more, while consistently topping Dancehall charts around the world. 

His recent trip to Toronto, Canada was not so smooth as he encountered a promoter who was not able to hold up his end of a negotiated contract.  Find out Chams response to that promoter, and what he told his fans to do to the promoter next year.

Additional highlights in the August edition of L3 Magazine include alcohol company Alize and the announcement of their all female mix DJ Squad featuring DJ Dimepiece, Nina Sky, DJ Kiss, DJ Rashida, Jessica Who?, DJ Niena Drake and DJ Eque, Mr. August Luey V Da Man, a look at DJ’s making waves on the international scene, and music reviews.

Make sure you log on for these great articles and more!  www.L3Magazine.com