John St. Augustine

Called the New Voice of America, author of the new book Every Moment Matters, John St. Augustine, takes us on a journey of self examination, but more importantly a journey of self re-examination.  How often have we gone through the process of evaluating our position and making our course corrections, only to fail to take in the moments that lead up to and from that position?  St. Augustine’s new book is the perfect wake up call stop and remember that every moment matters and to savor the stuff of life.

From the publisher:

While running in the rat race, we all have the tendency to keep running, moving forward, go go going without any thought toward the moments wedged between.  We focus our energy on how society measures our accomplishments with the acquisition of things, lots and lots of things all the while diverting our attention from what truly matters.

John offers Every Moment Matters as the antidote for a way out of the maze of materialism, media influence, and monetary madness by teaching us to notice ordinary moments, to remember them, to relive them, and to live in the present while creating future moments that have depth, meaning, and purpose.

Join me for this very special program where I have the special opportunity to meet and talk to John St. Augustine about his new book Every Moment Matters and his “relentless quest to squeeze as much out of being alive as possible.”(Dr. Mehmet Oz)

St. Augustine will be live on the Gregoire Today program this Thursday, January 13, 2009 at 1:30 pm EST (10:30 am PST).  For questions during the program, the dial in number is 646-378-0660, or listen live to our broadcast on Blog Talk Radio!

What are you thankful for?  Are we thankful enough? Does the nature of the holiday transcend our thoughts and bring us together into a unity consciousness? Join me on this special holiday program to explore these thoughts and much much more.

I hope you can join our live program and interactive chat!  We record live at 10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST TODAY. If you have questions you would like to ask on the air, or ideas that you would like to add into our conversation, you can phone in at 646-378-0660! Or listen live from the widget below.

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Music inspires me.  It literally fills me with the Spirit of God.  Musical harmony sends chills up my spine and goose bumps to my skin.  Musical harmony always makes me think of human harmony. Voices of different ranges, volumes and tonal quality coming together to create a sound that is so much better together than separate.

While my son James was singing in his high school choir, he’d be up on stage with about 100 other 14-18 year old boys all dressed in white shirts, blue blazers, khaki pants and red ties.  The mostly geeky high school boys of different heights, weights and dispositions would sing beautifully together. At a few points in the performance one of the boys would step to the front and sing a solo.  The soloist usually had a voice that was mediocre at best when singing by himself. When he was singing with the rest of the mediocre voices they somehow sounded magical together.

Why are we better together than when we’re by ourselves?

I’ve been playing the piano since I was five. I sang in the choir and acted in musicals throughout high school.  In college, I played keyboards and sang in a general business band.  Music is present in every cell of my body.

Music has always had an uplifting and spiritual effect on me.  Certain songs make me just want to dance and stand-up straight and feel and act larger than my body. (John Mayer – “Because I’m bigger than my body gives me credit for”).

Music – the sound that resonates up my spine, into my ears and into my brain – allows me to feel the presence of God.  I know that musicians are artists who allow us to experience God through other vehicles – rhythm, sound, words and the feeling of the vibrating vocal chords or instruments.

Certain music causes me to work out harder.  Other music causes me to cry at weddings or funerals. Other songs combine words and music that inspire me to become a better person.  I frequently use music to set the proper tone and environment for activities – exercise, driving, relaxation, meditation or background music for a party.

Music for many of us has very deep, strong emotional bonds to memories in our minds that will last forever. Here are some of mine:

• The song that was on the radio when my first girlfriend broke up with me – Colour My World – Chicago.
• A song that was played at my Dad’s funeral – I will raise you up “On Eagle’s Wings”
• First musical gift given to me by my daughter for Christmas 2008 – The Script CD.
• I think of my parents and their happy marriage whenever I hear a Frank Sinatra song.
• When I was in my band, two of the signature songs that I sang back in the early 80‘s were Easy by The Commodores and Ladies Night by Kool & The Gang.
• Any James Bond theme song makes me think of my son James – He’s a 007 FANATIC!
• Any Michael Buble song reminds me of a wonderful family vacation in Newport, RI where every restaurant or store that we walked into seemed to have him playing in the background.
• The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra will be the song that I dance to with my daughter at her wedding.

Here is a small set of some of the uplifting songs that I’m always eager to listen to whenever my iPod decides that “now is the time” to listen:

Questions 67 and 68 - Chicago – It’s just that the thought of us so happy – appears in my mind as a beautiful, mysterious thing.

Here to Love You - The Doobie Brothers – For you and I make life worth living right here in each other’s arms – I’m here to love you!

You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra – And even when I’m old and grey, I’m going to feel the way I do today because you make me feel so young.

Takin’ It To The Streets – The Doobie Brothers – Take this message to my brother. You will find him everywhere. Wherever people live together tied in poverty’s despair.

Call on me – Chicago – Please remember I’ll never lose the thought of you. Call on Me ‘cause I love you. You know I do. You love me too.

Secret O’ Life – James Taylor – The secret of love is in opening of your heart. It’s okay to feel afraid but, don’t let it stand in your way. Everyone knows that love is the only road.

Make It Happen - Mariah Carey – If you believe in yourself and know what you want, you’re gonna make it happen. And if you get down on your knees at night and pray to the Lord, He’s gonna make it happen – make it happen.

Get The World Started – Michael McDonald – If we don’t believe, that we have half a chance. Then our hopes and dreams are gonna slip through our hands.

You’re My Best Friend – Queen – Whenever this world gets cruel to me I’ve got you to help me forgive.

Before The Worst - The Script – If the clouds don’t clear then we’ll rise above it. Heaven’s gate is so near come walk with me through. Just like we used to.

Let’s create a shuffle list together: send me a note with what songs really inspire you!

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Our thoughts lead us to the type of life that we deserve.  Our thoughts are the result of every experience that we’ve had since birth. Our self-esteem is created by the thoughts that we think and by assimilating the words that are spoken to us by others.  When we allow the words of others to negatively influence our self-esteem, we’re giving away the power and control that lies inside of us.

Always assume complete responsibility for your thoughts.  Be certain to reject the negative thoughts or comments that are coming your way on a daily basis.

If you were brought up in a negative, demeaning environment or have allowed the words of others to have you feeling lonely, forgotten or unworthy, you can change all of that in an instant.

You are blessed and your life is blessed.  You are nature’s greatest miracle.  Like all of God’s creatures, there is and can only be one you.  Just as each zebra is uniquely striped, there is only one person on the whole planet with your mind, with your smile, with your eyes and with your soul, who has lived through all of the wonderful and not-so-wonderful experiences that have made you uniquely you!

The beautiful thing about thought is that it’s instantaneous.  Thought is creation. We’re actively involved in the process of creation every instant when we accept responsibility for each and every thought. When I tell you that you’re handsome or beautiful and you believe me, you start thinking and acting handsomely or beautifully.  When I tell you that you’re smart and you give sanction to my words and think to yourself “Yes, I am smart!”, you will start reading and learning and assimilating information because you know how smart and capable you are.

The key here is not to wait for me or anyone else on the planet to be responsible for building up your self-esteem and blessed life.  Ideally, you will surround yourself with positive people who are more likely to build you up than belittle you.  It’s your responsibility to create the ideal life for yourself by changing your thoughts about yourself and the world.

Even if you aren’t in the ideal situation where most of the people around you are speaking constructively, you CAN begin the habit today of speaking positively to yourself.  This habit will transform your life!

Your life is blessed.  I know that it may not always seem that way. I think that it’s because many of us tend to focus on what’s going wrong and ignore all the things around us that are going right.

Whenever you have a moment of doubt in God’s plan for us all, remember you are blessed because:

You have the gift of life. When there is life, there is always hope.

You woke up this morning to see the gift of sunlight. With the light of the new day, we are renewed and invigorated.

You will see the world get darker tonight and know that it’s time to rest. You are blessed with the gift of sleep and a place to do so.

You can lay your head on your pillow tonight and thank God for all of the wonderful things that you’re grateful for today: food, music, smiles received, people you visited, health, sunlight, water to drink, a warm bath or shower – the list could go on and on.

You can tell God tonight all of the fantastic plans that you have for tomorrow. You have the gift of forethought and you use it daily with positive expectancy about tomorrow and your future.

You have the ability to smile at other people today and watch them smile back. You bring the gifts of love, compassion and kindness to others.

You have the ability to feel good every single day. You know that giving makes you feel as good as receiving does and you know that you have the ability to share your many gifts with people on a daily basis. You have the ability to visit people who are lonely or sick or in prison. You have the gift of listening. You have the gift of compassion.

You have the gift of Hope.  With each new day, you have great confidence in your ability to make the changes in your life that you are so passionate about bringing about.

You can take in the gift of God’s creation that is all around you – no matter where you live.  Sun, stars, moon, trees, birds, rain – it’s all truly miraculous!

You are surrounded by many people who are eager and willing to help you with anything that you desire.

Your world is a kind place with assistance in all forms – people, money, programs, food, healthcare, housing and services – to give you whatever you need to create your ideal existence.

You know deep down inside that God exists and that He loves you very much and is looking out for you every day.

You know that the power, love, strength, compassion and courage are inside you already and you’re ready to share them with the world in new levels starting today.

You are connected to and have a strong relationship with God. It’s that connection that you seek each day in the silence of your mind and heart that gives you the strength to endure life’s trials.

You have the gift of today to utilize all of the potential that is inside of you just waiting to burst!

Never forget that you have God to thank for all of life’s blessings.  When we’re focused on our blessings, we can become blind to any misfortune that may be a part of our lives.

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I was working in London last week and returned to Massachusetts just in time to learn that President Barack Obama had won the Nobel Peace Prize.

My initial thoughts were “Wow, isn’t that fantastic! He’s only 48 years old, he’s the first African American U.S. President and now he’s won the Nobel Peace Price within his first year in office!  How inspiring is that.  Isn’t it incredible the impact one person can have on the planet.”

Whenever I see people doing great things in the world, I try to imagine myself doing similar things.  Do I have the potential to do what he or she doing?  What traits or qualities or characteristics would I need to develop in myself if I chose to accomplish similar achievements? If I were in her shoes would I have done as well?

Soon after I heard what I thought was good news, I jumped on a conference call and I realized from a friend that the news wasn’t being received as positively by everyone.

This made me think: what were some of the reasons given by selection committee for selecting President Obama?

• For his vision of a world without nuclear weapons.
• For creating a new climate in international politics.
• For his effort at multilateral diplomacy.
• For dialogue and negotiations.
• They recognized major changes in how the United States was working internationally.

President Obama was recognized because he’s creating an environment in the world where it’s no longer an “us” versus “them” mentality.  Part of what we’re seeing from our new President is that there is no “them” anymore.  We are one small world.

Our world is made up of many faiths – not just one faith.  We’re a world that is made up of drastically different socioeconomic regions. We’re seeing the United States take a position of real leadership that shows respect for diversity.  We’re seeing a desire for intelligent conversation and communication that will lead to a broader respect and mutual understanding of all people. We’re looking out for the welfare of all people – not just U.S. citizens. We’ve been way too selfish and way too U.S. centric.

One of the things that I know for certain about leadership is that great leaders create a strong and clear vision that people can buy into. They create a vision in which people know that it’s their responsibility to contribute toward solving the problems.

Not only has President Obama created a strong vision for the people of the United States to buy into, he has created a vision that people around the entire world have bought into.  That’s why he’s being acknowledged.  Yes it’s for his intention.  I will acknowledge you for your good intentions too.

It’s our thoughts (intentions) that will trigger the future thoughts and creativity and energy and actions that will lead to the results that we can envision. Without the vision and intent, nothing changes. That’s why thought leaders are so valuable. The get an idea and then get the masses to buy into the concept. That’s when things begin to happen.

Like it or not, the United States plays the part of an older brother that we love and respect for almost every country in the world. The world looks up to us for many reasons and most of the world didn’t like the behavior that they’ve been seeing from their big brother for a very long time.

As one who travels outside the U.S. several times per year, I’ve noticed a dramatic change in the way I and other Americans have been treated since President Obama was elected. I can remember being in the U.K. last October and November prior to the election and my customers from the U.K., Paris and Germany knew more about the U.S. election than most people I know from the U.S.  People outside of the U.S. know what an important financial, political and ethical position that the United States is capable of taking. It’s a leadership position that is noticed around the world whether our actions are noble and compassionate or selfish and destructive.

One of the words that President Obama has used consistently throughout his campaign and since being elected is change.  When we create a vision (change) for ourselves, for our companies or for our country, we create tremendous amounts of energy.  When we set very lofty goals we create excitement. We wonder can I (we) really bring this about? Energy comes from goals and a vision.  Creativity comes from setting a vision.  It takes zero creativity to continue doing the same things the same way that we’ve always done them.

The other word that he’s used an awful lot is hope.  Let’s face it, if there is one thing we need as Americans at this point in time it’s hope.  We need to believe in someone or something.  At at time when unemployment is at 10% and people are uncertain about their jobs, their net worth and their homes, we need to believe someone out there knows what he’s doing and can lead us to a point of greater certainty.

If the people of the United States need hope, can you imagine how the people from almost every other country in the world is feeling these days? They’re really looking for hope and it’s frequently not from their own governments.

What the President of the United States needs from us now is our support.  He needs us to assist with positive, constructive ideas that will assist with the lofty goals that he has set for our country and our world.

The world outside of the U.S. knows that we’re on the right track.  Let’s all acknowledge the same thing.

Isn’t it incredible the impact that one person can have on the planet?

I love this song.

What comes to mind when I think of Jay Leno and Ellen DeGeneres?

Big, beautiful smiles.  Also a distinctive chin and swiveling hips.  I think of two people that love having fun and making people laugh.

Elizabeth Blair wrote an article on 9/14 on NPR.com “NBC Gambles Big With Jay Leno In Prime Time” about Jay’s return to television in prime time.

Several questions come up in the article such as “Will Leno’s loyal late-night audience tune in earlier?” and  “Because the 10PM drama is a formula so entrenched on the broadcast networks” will a comedian be a shock to the systems of those viewers?

My guess is that it will be a shock to some viewers’ systems – a positive shock.  It will be a welcome change from many of the other options on network television at that time. Jay will attract a large new audience that is hungry for upbeat programming in an earlier time slot. I also feel confident that much of his audience from The Tonight Show will follow him in the new earlier position.

Jay wants us to be happy. He, like his predecessor Johnny Carson, has the gift of self-deprecating humor and the ability to bring out the best in his guests by allowing them to relax, smile, have fun and share their special gifts and talents with us.

In several other articles recently, people are questioning Ellen DeGeneres’ appointment to the panel of American Idol.  “What musical experience does she have?”  “What makes her an authority?”  “Will she try to bring her comedy material to the show?”

Isn’t it the audience and viewers who actually do the voting for American Idol? What right do non-musicians have to vote if we follow the argument that Ellen should not be a judge?

What will Ellen add to an American Idol show that has been losing audience members?

• A huge fan base that will eagerly watch her twice in the same day.
• The ability to laugh at herself and her co-panelists. She’s going to have a great time adding balance to Simon’s hostility and sarcasm and playing off of the “Randyisms” – “Yo Dawg, I don’t know…”
• She understands the talent and skills required for success in the entertainment business. It’s not just about someone’s voice. It’s the whole package that Ellen will be able to identify from her own unique perspective.-personality, voice, stage presence, ability to dance while singing, etc.
• She’ll be a mentor to the contestants because of her success in several entertainment venues: talk-show host, sitcom, award show host, movies.
• I know that she’ll be nurturing and constructive in the feedback that she gives to contestants whom she thinks need more polishing.

I am thankful that Jay is on at 10PM and that Ellen is joining American Idol.  One of the reasons that I typically head to bed at about 9PM is that I have no desire to watch any of the hospital-based sickness and death, doom and gloom programs or the CSI-type of murder-based shows.  By the time 9PM rolls around, I’m tired and in the mood for mindless, uplifting programming.

Do you remember the 60-minute variety shows Flip Wilson, Carol Burnett, The Smothers Brothers and Laugh-in?  Those types of shows consisted of stand-up humor, comedy sketches, comedians doing impressions, audience interaction and music that were all meant to have us laughing and smiling.  I looked up to people like Flip Wilson and Rich Little because of their ability to make millions of people smile.

Would you like to go to bed each night feeling depressed about your fellow community and the state of affairs in the world?  If so,  be sure to watch television for an hour of death, sickness and violence from 10-11PM followed by the news at 11PM.  If you weren’t depressed prior to watching television, you will be after that line-up.

Every expert in the business of inspiration and motivation that I’ve spoken with or listened to in the last year has guided his or her followers to avoid negativity and news.  To a person, each of them has advised us not to listen, watch or read the news. Why?  Most of the news is negative and depressing.

If they’re advising us not to watch the news, what do you think they’d advise regarding a daily dose of 60 minutes of sickness, murder and violence?

When would be the worst time to watch death, violence, negativity and bad news?  Just prior to going to bed. Our brains work 24 hours a day and dwell upon our thoughts.  Instead of having “pleasant dreams”, we’re going to bed with negative thoughts dominating our minds.

The best activities to engage in prior to bed are prayer, meditation and the reading of positive affirmations.

What would make a nice, uplifting warm-up for that routine?  How about some laughs with Ellen and Jay!

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I just read the very brief article in USA Today called “Students sent home for wearing ‘Islam is of the Devil’ shirts.“  In Gainesville, Florida a 10 year old student and 3 high school students were sent home because they were wearing those shirts to school.  The Dove World Outreach Center Church’s Senior Pastor Terry Jones said that “spreading the church’s message is more important than education.”

Those are the kinds of messages that promote hatred and violence instead of love, peace, tolerance and compassion.

One of the reasons that so many people call themselves “spiritual” instead of “religious” is that they’ve become turned-off by the fighting that goes on between people of faith (the religious)!

Eight times in the Bible we are told to love our neighbor — one of the Bible’s most repeated commands.  Are we only supposed to love people who share the same faith?  Are we only supposed to love the people who are easy to love?

I’m pretty sure that calling people whose faith differs from ours “devils” is not God’s intent.

Check-out the next few lines from Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism:

Do not get equal with one who has done you wrong, or keep hard feelings against the children of your people, but have love for your neighbor as for yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus, 19:18)

“God does not forbid you to be kind and equitable to those who have neither fought against your faith nor driven you out of your homes. In fact God loves the equitable.” Qur’an Chapter 60, Verse 8

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.  Without them, humanity cannot survive.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV, John 13:34-35)

“The universe is the outpouring of the majesty of God, the auspicious one, radiant love. Every face you see belongs to Him. He is present in everyone without exception.” Yajur Veda.

The Buddhists are talking about love and compassion.

The Christians are talking about love.

The Muslims say that “God loves the equitable.”

The Jews are talking about “love for your neighbor as for yourself.”

The Hindus are talking about love for “every face.” God is present in everyone without exception!

Once we take off the blinders of our own faith, we’ll realize that the other faiths share many of our core values – peace, love, compassion, understanding, equality, reconciliation, etc.

Why are you and I so vehemently attached to our faith?  For many of us, it’s because it’s the faith that we were raised with.  We become very protective and defensive. It’s almost as if we’re afraid that we might lose it if we’re exposed to other beliefs.

Is it possible that people of all faiths who believe in God are all praying to the same God?  Give yourself a minute to answer that question.

Is it possible that because of our strong connections to our families and faith communities we’ve insulated ourselves from other faith-filled people?

Have we formed safe tribes or comfort zones that keep us safe from people of other faiths?

Are we afraid of people who are different from us?  Yes.

Be not afraid.

We tend to celebrate and defend the things that are part of our background and heritage. We get defensive and emotional over our ethnicity. Why do we defend our ethnicity? We didn’t have any say in the matter.  I’m half French and half Irish by birth. I didn’t have anything to do with it.

Many people spends hours each day rooting for a sports team.  Why that team? Because it’s where they happened to be born or currently live.  Because so many people are so entrenched in their “comfort zones” they would never imagine living anywhere else or rooting for another team.  When people do “have to” move out of state, most tend to continue rooting for the team that they rooted for when growing up.  If you were born in a different state would you be cheering on another team than the one you’re committed to today?  Probably.

I think that many of us treat our faith the same way.  I happen to be a Catholic Christian because I was born into a Catholic family.  I was so naive and sheltered when growing up that I didn’t even know that there were other religions until I got to high school.  Now that I’ve begun to study other faiths, I’ve learned just how much each of the faiths have in common.  If you were born into a different family or country, might you be part of a different faith family? We all know the answer to that question.

I wonder if the people from The Dove World Outreach Center Church know that Muslims see Jesus Christ as a great prophet and messenger of God. The Qur’an describes the life of Jesus, including his miraculous birth and his service in calling people to monotheism. Christians have a lot in common with Muslims.

As the world gets smaller each day because of improved transportation and technology, it will be helpful for us to learn more about each other’s faiths so that we can have peaceful dialogue on our shared values.  Once we get beneath the labels – Christian, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist-our beliefs and values are remarkably similar!

I wonder if it would be a good idea to educate our children in other faiths too. Would they be more tolerant?  Yes. Would they be more compassionate?  Yes.

Here’s the “fear” question.  Would it cause them to lose their current faith?  Probably not .  It just might cause them to deepen their current faith. That’s what happened to me.

Welcome to a new tribe.  Welcome to the Global Tribe!

“The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.”
Thich Nhat Hanh (Buddhism)