Many times we wonder why things happen the way they do. Specially when people find themselves in very tight situation. I like to take this opportunity and share with you one of many events in my life that serve as proof of the fact that the Universe orchestrates events and circumstances far much more perfectly than we can think of. And if we learn to trust this Divine process, our lives can be filled with peace as the process of divine creation takes place.
Around mid July 2003 I was facing major financial challenges and didn't know what was in store for me since my calendar for future dates as a stand up comedian was pretty much empty. Although I could have filled my life with lots of stress, I decided to do what I usually do when finding myself in times of uncertainty. And that is, to go within, remind myself of the fact that the Presence and Power of the Creator lies within, and therefore I can manifest whatever I need.
If however, whatever I desire is not in my best interest, or I find myself finding some resistance, then I trust the process like I have done in the past, and things will take care of themselves because although we live in a world where it seems like what we can perceive with our physical senses is ultimate reality, there is a Power within that can manifest whatever we need and more, if we simply let it express Itself through us by not getting in Her/His way.
So my finances at the time were getting low, and I didn't know if I could have made it another week when all of the sudden, a call out of the blue comes to me by the Comedy Zone letting me know that there was a fall out in Charleston, SC. That was my first blessing. With what I made there, I was able to cover rent, few expenses, and have some extra cash to eat. But after that, then what? August was empty. I continued trusting and few calls came again from fall outs which took care of that months. By the way, what I mean by fall outs, is that, that same week, or the week before, the comedian booked on that week could not make it. And keep in mind that clubs book almost 6 to 8 months, even a year in advance. So if there is nothing in my calendar within that range of time, it is very difficult to find work.
Anyway, here is when it gets better. September rolls in, and I get a call from TSM booking me for three full weeks in Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky. Then I get a call from another club booking me the last week of September in Clearwater, FL. So I am on the roll! Guess what. I get a call from the club in FL letting me know that they have to move my date further because they have a special engagement coming up. Well, the truth is, it wasn't that much money, but still, it is money I could use to cover some expenses and still get a little ahead. So instead of getting upset, I figured, the Universe must have a plan which I can't see. So I need to trust!
Well, let me backtrack a little before continuing with the story. Aside from doing stand up comedy for a living, I am also a musician/producer/singer/songwriter and took some of the time off to finish my music CD to be released by mid 2004, which by the way, you can listen to audio clips on my music website: CheckMyMusic.com. So while this FL booking falls out, I get an email from Armand and Angelina who are recording artists who tour nationwide letting me know that a dear friend told them about my studio and they would like to put a project together. So I replied back and said that my fees were 25/hr since my music studio is mostly for personal use. I never though of myself as an independent engineer. Ready for this? He replies back saying, we have decided to upgrade your fees to $50/hr because we are very successful musicians and we haven't paid any studio 25/hr. What can I say. I agreed and we decided to meet on the week that the FL cancellation took place which by the way, was the only week they had open before heading for the road again.
At this point you may be saying to yourself, "Oh well, I guess you wont have any more challenges here and that takes care of it!" WRONG! Take a look at what happened next. As I am driving from Louisville, KY through Lexington on my way to Greensboro, SC, the main radiator hose from my car brakes loose and since I was doing 65mpr on the interstate and not knowing what was going on, I ended up blowing the engine. My AAA membership was expired and the towing expense plus hotel, plus the fact that I need a car or I will be loosing the money for the dates I have book the following week which amounted to around $910 + whatever comedy CD's I sell would have been lost.
Aside from all that, the fact is, I still need mobility. All this seeming challenges would have brought my finances back down to "zero" or more. Did I worry? Believe it or not, I just felt a sense of calmness as I was sitting at the edge of the HWY reminding myself to focus on peace and that everything will work itself out. Oh, by the way. This happened on September 16. One day after my birthday!
So what is the first thing I did? I renewed my AAA membership over the phone using my credit card. Now, pay attention to this. When you become a member or renew your membership, it takes 48 hours for membership activation. In my case, the system registered the membership as if it was active so I was able to use the service. Otherwise, I would have had to pay for towing and you know how expensive that can turn out to be, specially if you are not close to wherever you need to go in order to get the car fix. Is there's more? Oh yes! Since it was pretty late, all the shops approved by AAA were closed, "AND", since I was in an unfamiliar town, I didn't know where to take it.
The truck driver told me about this friend of his who owns a little mechanic shop and maybe he could help me out. Now, keep in mind that I didn't know I blew the engine. I thought that all I needed to do was to replace the hose and that's all. This little old man was gracious enough to work on the car and put the hose. Me being a type "A" personality, thought that it was done, and is was time for me to move on. I just wanted to get on the car and hit the road. But this little old man was very patience and continue testing the car after the work was done. It seems like he was taking forever. Meanwhile I was also thinking, if this guy is charging me by the hour, this is going to be ridiculous. I was getting very impatient.
Sure enough, even when it seems like everything was fine, heavy smoke started to come out out of the engine. That's when we realized that the engine has been heavily affected by the incident and the only thing we could think of was to put another engine. A used one off course. That is a $850 job in itself if he would do it. How much did he charged me after having the car in his shop and test the radiator thinking that that was the problem and putting a new hose, and trying to glue areas that were cracked etc? Only the parts which was about $15 and $25 for labor. He even took me to the airport to get a rental car. What a wonderful angel I encountered. Imagine what would have happened if I would have taken the car to any other shop? Either I would have to pay a big chunk out of my pocket, and if I would have driven away, I would have found myself stranded in the middle of nowhere at night in KY.
OK, now I am going to share something with you that is a little embarrassing, but I have to be honest. I have manifest many things in my file but for some reason I never manage to manifest a car I liked because my thinking was, "why spent 10K on a car or putting myself through car payments when I can use the money and invest it in my music studio and career? So when we had the choice fix the car by putting a new engine, something in my stomach was telling me not to do it. So we decided to wait till the next day to see if he can find the engine and we can go from there. In the meantime like I said, I rented a car and something happened within me. I felt GREAT! Driving that rental car I felt like I was in heaven! I was listening to CD's about empowerment and some services and I knew deep in my soul that I needed to upgrade my car. I needed to really pay attention to that aspect of my life which I have been ignoring for such a long time. Not only so, I needed to proof to the Universe that I can manifest whatever I want if I truly believe in myself!
So here is what happened next. The next day I called him up and he said that he found the engine so he asked me what do I wanted to do. Fear began to creep in again. Although my intuition was telling me NO, my mind was trying to justify it again. Saying things like; "Well, if you fix the car, you'll still have mobility, or you can return this rental one and save some money since you need it, or why be concerned about looking for a car right now since you are facing financial challenges, and on and on and on... The mechanic said to me, I think you are better of getting rid of the car, and me without thinking twice I said, OK! I felt a sense of peace and liberation because although I didn't know what would happen next, I knew it was the right thing for me to do. It is time for me to continue growing and proving to myself that I can make things happen if I truly trust and surrender to Divinity that resides within.
So I returned home with around $500 less than what I could have if I didn't have the car challenge. So on that week I meet with Armand and Angelina and within that week most of the recording was done and I made around $3,000. Do you remember when I said that that week I could have played the club in FL? Guess how much I would have made if I had done that gig instead of the recording session? $400. See how the universe have always a better way to make things happen? Well, let's continue with the story because it gets better!
So here I am looking for a car and not knowing which car to have. The truth is, $3000 may not be much for the kind of car I was looking for. I can find all kinds of deals but this time, I didn't want to settle. As I tested cars, I was drawn to this Camaro. I felt in love with the car. I loved the shape, the feel, everything about it. I didn't care much for the color, but at least I knew that that was the vehicle I wanted.
Even though I had made around $3,000, I had expenses to take care of, and since I didn't have a car, my finances would fluctuate. So at this point, financially I was going down and it was getting to the point where I need a car but I didn't want to settle. And I still remember what I wrote back on September 27, 2003.
* My Car is:
* Chevrolet Camaro Black or White
* 5-speeds
* Model and shape I like.
* Simple
* Perfect mechanical conditions
* Great Air Conditioning
* Cassette and CD player (Nice Stereo System)
* Body is in perfect conditions and beautiful
* At a price which I can easily afford
As I was doing some research online, a friend of mine sent to me a link about one particular black Camaro. The only thing was, the price was above what I could afford and as time keep going by, my finances continue to decline so I needed to act fast. I continue my prayers of "gratitude." Please pay close attention because this is important. I was not praying to the Creator saying I want that car. I was "GRATEFUL" for the fact that I already had the car, even when I didn't know how I was going to afford it!
Here is how a transformation took place. As I was going through some of these challenges and frustrations, to the point that I was ready to give in and maybe get an different car, I started to walk on my living room floor and visualizing myself speaking at congregations and spiritual centers which is something I have been wanting to do. That is something that kept coming to me very naturally in most of my meditations. Besides, I have been a stand up comedian for over 10 years so it was like that was the natural step for me to take. It is almost as if the Universe was preparing me for my ultimate, or just the next step in my career path without letting me know about it. Also if you take a look at my work in the past and the writings such as this one and the ones on my spiritual site FulfillYourDreams.com, it is pretty obvious that for years I have been ignoring one of my callings.
So as I was talking to myself imagining as if I am speaking, something within me awakened and I looked up to the ceiling and with honesty and sincerity said; "OK God, if you want me to speak, if this is what I am supposed to do, then, that's what I will do." At that moment, I went to my computer and started to create a bio so that I can present it to Unity Churches, Science of Mind Churches and any spiritual venue that would allow me to speak and share the principles of truth which I have seen manifesting in my life as my spiritual journey continues to unfold.
Within 5 minutes I get a call from Armand, the one I recorded his CD in my studio wanting to say hi and getting ready to set up more studio time. He asked me how I was doing. I said everything was fine. Then he asked; "How is your car situation?" I said to him that I haven't found one yet and since I had to rent another one to get to another gig, my finances started to drop. But I guess things will work out." He then said to me; "Well Nick. You need a car! So here is what I would like to do, I'll give you $1,000 for studio time in advance, that way you can bring your finances up so you can get the car you want."
Remember the car I told you earlier that my friend sent me the link? Apparently it was sitting there waiting for me to take a look at it because it has been on sale for over three weeks an those cars, specially with low mileage and that kind of condition are sold within days!. Well, I bought it for a price less than what I had intended. Would you like to take a look at it? Then click here. If you have any difficulties with the link, then visit the following link: http://www.TheRadicalKid.com/articles/Camaro.html. So what am I doing now? You guessed it! Aside from my comedy and music, I am also speaking.
As you can see, notice how everything worked out for the best and in such divine precision, without me having to make a single phone call! It goes to show you that living the present moment is all you need to do. The past is gone and the future takes care of itself if you learn to listen to the voice within and trust the process of life itself. That is not to say that you do nothing at all. It means, that you do what you are guided to. So move in the direction of your dreams always remembering that the present moment is all we have, and the future will take care of itself!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Do You Think Like Hitler? by TheRadicalKid.com
Hitler was an individual who had a very distorted view of reality. However, in his mind, he though that he was doing the right thing. Today many people and religions observe the same distorted view, except that they wont take actions to the extreme that he did.
Here is what I mean. He thought that he was creating a perfect raze. The mistake he was making was in thinking that some people were perfect because of either the way they look, their believe, their heritage, etc. Yet, isn't that what most religions do today? Thinking that they are better than others, or the chosen ones?
Now some may say, "but the scriptures say so." Well, I would challenge that statement by saying that religion's "interpretation" of the scriptures may lead people to justify their behaviors which is pretty much what a hitler or a saddam hussein would do.
If you look at all the great teachers such as, Jesus, Sai Baba, Mohammed, Buddha, and the like, they all have the same message. To love one another. That we are all one. That we are all children of the same Creator.
Any scripture or religion claiming that they are better, superior, or chosen than any another human being just because of skin color, beliefs, sexual orientation, demographic area, etc., is pretty much operating from the same hitler mentality.
Here is what I mean. He thought that he was creating a perfect raze. The mistake he was making was in thinking that some people were perfect because of either the way they look, their believe, their heritage, etc. Yet, isn't that what most religions do today? Thinking that they are better than others, or the chosen ones?
Now some may say, "but the scriptures say so." Well, I would challenge that statement by saying that religion's "interpretation" of the scriptures may lead people to justify their behaviors which is pretty much what a hitler or a saddam hussein would do.
If you look at all the great teachers such as, Jesus, Sai Baba, Mohammed, Buddha, and the like, they all have the same message. To love one another. That we are all one. That we are all children of the same Creator.
Any scripture or religion claiming that they are better, superior, or chosen than any another human being just because of skin color, beliefs, sexual orientation, demographic area, etc., is pretty much operating from the same hitler mentality.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Religion Kills, Spirituality Heals by TheRadicalKid.com
If you look at religion for example, religion serves a divine purpose in the right context. It is intended to helps us establish a closer relationship with our Creator. All the great masters who have walked among us carried the same message. Love one another, serve one another, respect one another. It is all about bringing love, peace and harmony.
Yet, more acts of violence have been committed in the name of god than anything else in this world. People kill each other, hate one another, separate themselves from the rest, countries fighting against each other for the sake of justifying some religious beliefs.
An Episcopalian new thought minister once said; "religion separates people by labeling us as Catholic, Jews, Episcopalians, Christians, etc., while spirituality tries to bring us all together."
So why is it that people feel the way they do regarding their particular doctrines, therefore allowing violent and unloving acts to take place? Because people are afraid to question things. To question dogma. Let's face it. If ultimate truth is what has been written from the very beginning, then, ultimate truth would prevail today without question. Yet, have you seen how many changes have taken place with the Catholic church throughout the years?
Why do you think all kinds of rules are constantly being questioned to the point where new religions and new rules are being created? Because humanity is always searching for answers. Answers that cannot be found in books. Answers that can only be found within! Where the real truth lies. It is being said: "and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." -John 7:32
The bible for example was written by humans who never even met Jesus the Christ! These are stories that have been passed on for centuries, and for the most part, "organized religion" definitely revised the document in order to make sure that they have control over their followers, otherwise they would lose their power.
That does not mean that because a document was written long ago there is no truth in it. The truth will always remain the same. However the "interpretation" of the teachings is what gets us in trouble. Because, believe it or not, the same spiritual book that is being used by well meaning spiritual leaders to bring us closer to one another, is the same one that organizations who promote prejudice and racism are using to justify their ungodly behavior.
Religions who have invested time and money in making people believe that they have to go through them in order to reach God -- what do you think would happen if they were forced to recognized that the power of God lies within each one of us? They would lose control, they would lose their power. And in this day and age, their business!
Yet, what all masters have taught us, including Jesus the Christ, when he said things like; "This is the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you , and he will be in you." -John 14:17, is that the power of God lies within you!" So because religion has not been questioned, what we are trying to do here, is to run a brand new computer using an outdated software.
The truth is, people fear questioning their so called "holy texts" because by doing so they think they are questioning God. I don't know about you but as far as I am concerned, I would never question God!" However, I do question the things written by human beings that have been passed on from generation to generation for the sake of either maintaining a religion, or a philosophy.
Look at sex for example. How many people are dealing with psychological issues around a simple act of communion with someone else, just because of the rules created around it? And what are the consequences? More sexual addicts, rapists, etc. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons why programs such as AA and NA and the like exist, is because of the void that needs to be filled by human beings who are disconnected from their true source, their Higher power. And why is it that many people feel that sense of void, a disconnection from their source? Because organized religions have invested time and energy to keep people in fear.
Before going any further, I do want you to understand what I am saying. Jesus the Christ as well as many great master teachers, all of them have spoken ultimate truth. So I am not questioning any of their teachings. Once again, what I am questioning however, is the human interpretation of those teachings. See the difference? Someone once said, "I practice the teaching of Jesus the Christ, not necessarily Christianity as it is taught."
Yet, more acts of violence have been committed in the name of god than anything else in this world. People kill each other, hate one another, separate themselves from the rest, countries fighting against each other for the sake of justifying some religious beliefs.
An Episcopalian new thought minister once said; "religion separates people by labeling us as Catholic, Jews, Episcopalians, Christians, etc., while spirituality tries to bring us all together."
So why is it that people feel the way they do regarding their particular doctrines, therefore allowing violent and unloving acts to take place? Because people are afraid to question things. To question dogma. Let's face it. If ultimate truth is what has been written from the very beginning, then, ultimate truth would prevail today without question. Yet, have you seen how many changes have taken place with the Catholic church throughout the years?
Why do you think all kinds of rules are constantly being questioned to the point where new religions and new rules are being created? Because humanity is always searching for answers. Answers that cannot be found in books. Answers that can only be found within! Where the real truth lies. It is being said: "and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." -John 7:32
The bible for example was written by humans who never even met Jesus the Christ! These are stories that have been passed on for centuries, and for the most part, "organized religion" definitely revised the document in order to make sure that they have control over their followers, otherwise they would lose their power.
That does not mean that because a document was written long ago there is no truth in it. The truth will always remain the same. However the "interpretation" of the teachings is what gets us in trouble. Because, believe it or not, the same spiritual book that is being used by well meaning spiritual leaders to bring us closer to one another, is the same one that organizations who promote prejudice and racism are using to justify their ungodly behavior.
Religions who have invested time and money in making people believe that they have to go through them in order to reach God -- what do you think would happen if they were forced to recognized that the power of God lies within each one of us? They would lose control, they would lose their power. And in this day and age, their business!
Yet, what all masters have taught us, including Jesus the Christ, when he said things like; "This is the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you , and he will be in you." -John 14:17, is that the power of God lies within you!" So because religion has not been questioned, what we are trying to do here, is to run a brand new computer using an outdated software.
The truth is, people fear questioning their so called "holy texts" because by doing so they think they are questioning God. I don't know about you but as far as I am concerned, I would never question God!" However, I do question the things written by human beings that have been passed on from generation to generation for the sake of either maintaining a religion, or a philosophy.
Look at sex for example. How many people are dealing with psychological issues around a simple act of communion with someone else, just because of the rules created around it? And what are the consequences? More sexual addicts, rapists, etc. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons why programs such as AA and NA and the like exist, is because of the void that needs to be filled by human beings who are disconnected from their true source, their Higher power. And why is it that many people feel that sense of void, a disconnection from their source? Because organized religions have invested time and energy to keep people in fear.
Before going any further, I do want you to understand what I am saying. Jesus the Christ as well as many great master teachers, all of them have spoken ultimate truth. So I am not questioning any of their teachings. Once again, what I am questioning however, is the human interpretation of those teachings. See the difference? Someone once said, "I practice the teaching of Jesus the Christ, not necessarily Christianity as it is taught."
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