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	<title>Bob Gregoire.com &#187; community</title>
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		<title>Mettle of Medals</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/23/mettle-of-medals/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/23/mettle-of-medals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:51:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Well Being]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knowledge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celebrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olympics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tiger Woods]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=784</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?
Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - within a particular event, within a particular sport. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; within a [...]]]></description>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Being Wholly Holy</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/17/wholly-holy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/17/wholly-holy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:02:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knowledge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Well Being]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=772</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
I was recently asked to be a guest on my childhood friend Rich Hancock’s radio show. During the interview, I was asked a seemingly simple question: Why do you read the Bible and study other faiths?
My seemingly simple answer: I don’t know what I don’t know!  But there&#8217;s so much more to it:
Although I’m reading at least [...]]]></description>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Unity Consciousness is Global</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/03/unity-consciousness-is-global/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/03/unity-consciousness-is-global/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:04:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knowledge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[global]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spirituality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=735</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
There was an article in the January 25th edition of USA Today submitted by the Associated Press, Bin Laden praises attempted Christmas attack. While Bin Laden is praising the heroic warrior Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab who unsuccessfully tried to blow-up a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day, the article quotes him as saying, “If our messages had [...]]]></description>
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			</a>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Unity Consciousness is Willingness</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/02/unity-consciousness-is-willingness/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/02/unity-consciousness-is-willingness/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:10:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Interfaith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spirituality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=724</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Yesterday I spoke of reading comments made by Osama Bin Laden.  Today I issue the following letter, in hopes of furthering the previously stated desire to share my belief that all faiths and religions proclaim love for God and love of others. We cannot be a global community if we are each separated by faith, religion, [...]]]></description>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Unity Consciousness is Love</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/01/unity-consciousness-is-love/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/02/01/unity-consciousness-is-love/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:10:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Interfaith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spirituality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=716</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Osama Bin Laden caught my attention in the newspaper last week. I’m requesting a meeting with him to discuss the following subjects and anything else that may be on his mind.
There is one Creator of the world.  Everything I know about that Creator keeps bringing me back to one word &#8211; Love.
If this Creator is [...]]]></description>
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			</a>
		</div>
<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Radio Respite: David Kundtz</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/28/awakened-mind/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/28/awakened-mind/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:32:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Radio Respite]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[David Kundtz]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=707</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Considered an inspirational nutritionist, David Kundtz provides soulful insights that remind us what matters most.
David has enjoyed several careers, including 18 years in religious ministry and 20 years in the practice of psychotherapy, public speaking on stress and emotional health, and writing.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and schooled in Washington, Baltimore, and Berkeley, David holds graduate [...]]]></description>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Finding Answers in Parental Precedents</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/21/parental-precedents/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/21/parental-precedents/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:10:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[conversation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[intention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new ideas]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Well Being]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=685</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
I make it a goal to learn new things every single day that will help me to improve as a human. I go into each and every conversation eagerly listening to the person to determine what it is that I can learn from this unique person with his or her unique perspectives.
I’m finding it hard [...]]]></description>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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		<title>Radio Respite: John St. Augustine</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/15/radio-respite-jsa/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/15/radio-respite-jsa/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:00:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Radio Respite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knowledge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[every moment matters]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=665</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		

Check out Bob&#8217;s interview with Oprah Network author John St. Augustine on Gregoire Today from January 14, 2010.
Bob&#8217;s Take Away
This book is a great wake-up call if it’s time for you to stop going through the motions of an unexamined life. Each story reminds us that the answers to life’s questions exist inside us and we [...]]]></description>
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			</a>
		</div>
<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Familiar Strangers</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/13/familiar-strangers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2010/01/13/familiar-strangers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:10:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Selflessness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knowledge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compassion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visualization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Well Being]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=644</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Cable Guy. Stickman. Bible Guy.
Those are a few of the names that have been given to me through the years by people who were describing me before I had ever opened my mouth and spoken with them.
Back in the early 1980’s, I learned how to play handball, racquetball and squash during a gym class in [...]]]></description>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Christmas Shows Us It Really Is a Wonderful Life</title>
		<link>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2009/12/25/its-a-wonderful-life/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobgregoire.com/2009/12/25/its-a-wonderful-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:53:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unity consciousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[movies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tradition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=591</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
It used to be a holiday tradition for our family to watch Christmas specials together. On a daily basis, we’d scour the newspaper or TV Guide to find out when Charlie Brown Christmas,  The Grinch, It’s a Wonderful Life and other specials would be on television.
As our children got older, started working, began dating and [...]]]></description>
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			</a>
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<p>Why do we put people on pedestals during the Olympics?</p>
<div id="attachment_785" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 162px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-785     " title="Olympic Gold" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Gold-e1266956870860.jpg" alt="" width="152" height="94" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team USA&#39;s Evan Lysacek (Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Because they’ve placed in the top 3 positions in the world - <em>within a particular event, within a particular sport</em>. Tiger Woods was placed on a pedestal by many of us for the same reason &#8211; because he was the dominant player in the world &#8211; <em>within a particular sport</em>.</p>
<p>For Tiger, and the Olympians, that is the only reason that they’re on the pedestal: dominance within one event or one sport &#8211; they were not put there for any other reason.</p>
<p>They may have other very strong  traits or qualities in addition to their athletic ability but, we usually don’t know much more about the person except for their one, dominant skill. Each person that you and I have placed on a pedestal was put there because they were good at <em>some</em> THING.</p>
<p>What do we do to athletes, musicians, actors and politicians whom we’ve placed upon a pedestal when they show vulnerability in another aspect of their lives?  We crucify them!  We act as if we expect them to be perfect role models in every area of their lives &#8211; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, role-models  &#8211; just because of their proficiency in one particular area.</p>
<p>How long would you and I last if we were one of those placed upon a pedestal by others?</p>
<p>Should we be placing people on pedestals <em>above us</em> in the first place?</p>
<p>Is it fair that we quickly push people off their pedestals and begin belittling them as soon as they reveal that they’re human and imperfect in other areas of their lives?</p>
<p><strong>My name is Bob and I’m not perfect.</strong> <em>Phew!</em> I’m glad that I got that out of the way so that your expectations will be lower.  It’s so easy for me to say that because, despite my daily efforts, I understand that I fall short of what I’m capable of becoming. I’ve been given a tremendous amount of <em>potential</em> and I have NOT utilized all of it &#8211; yet.</p>
<p>Although I wouldn’t mind being put on a pedestal because of my relatively medium height (I’m short!), I don’t belong there.  If each of us were to be put  on the ideal pedestal, it would be one which automatically adjusted so  that each of us would be at identical heights. Can you picture each of us at exactly the same height looking eye-to-eye with Tiger, Gold Medal Olympians, musicians, politicians and other people whose internal value is exactly the same as yours and mine?</p>
<p>You see, although we have different jobs, incomes, faiths, languages and skills, we all have the same <span style="color: #ff0000;">internal spiritual value</span>.  We’re all part of the same universal spirit. Each person’s spirit is valued equally by the only One capable of putting a value on you.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’re <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> part of the same universal spirit. We <span style="color: #0000ff;">all</span> came from the same creator.</p>
<p>We’re all being drawn and called toward our creator and spiritual perfection like a flower is drawn toward the sunlight.  We’re seeking the light. We’re seeking love. We’re seeking a feeling of unity and oneness.</p>
<p>My position in the world is not above you.  It’s not below you.  It’s beside you walking hand-in-hand.</p>
<p>The only person who can see you as less valuable than any other person in the world is YOU. It’s <em>not</em> our financial net worth that matters.  It’s <em>not</em> our intellectual net worth (IQ) that matters. It’s <em>not</em> our physical net worth that matters most either. The only thing that is lasting and permanent that we’ll take with us upon our departure from this earthly realm is our <em>spiritual net worth</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;">How much time are you investing on a daily basis in your spiritual capital?</span></p>
<p>When we accept the idea that our spiritual value is the same as every other person’s, we begin looking at every person in the world as a peer &#8211; as a spiritual brother and sister.  Each of our brothers and sisters has received some sort of spiritual gift but, that gift does not make them any more valuable than any other person.  Your <em>spiritual esteem</em> allows you to see each person as one who complements you.  Our unique gifts and talents complement those of the people around us.</p>
<p>When joined together in one spirit, humanity becomes complete and whole. When we stop fighting each other, this will be the end result.</p>
<p>Why do we resist what we truly desire?</p>
<p>So, although we can recognize that each person has gifts and some people excel in a particular area, no one belongs on a pedestal above you. Each of us is allowed to be an imperfect human who is striving for perfection.  How do we accomplish this quest for spiritual perfection?</p>
<p>It becomes very easy for us to notice, recognize and acknowledge the spiritual beauty that’s in others once we realize it in ourselves. We develop and nourish our souls by feeding them with <em>soul food</em> &#8211; silence, meditation and prayer. We move toward perfection as we move into unity with our souls.  Moving toward unity with our soul is a deliberate move toward oneness with the God within.</p>
<p>Our souls need to be nourished, fed and nurtured much like our bodies and minds. The <em>soul food </em>which is digested on a daily basis, brings our bodies and minds into oneness with our souls and into oneness with our Creator. Once this occurs, we feel a very strong sense of connectedness to ourself, to God and to all other people.  We move from a state of competition into one of cooperation.  We move from states of envy and despair into ones of compassion, love and joy.</p>
<p>Although I exercise on a daily basis, I know that eventually my body is going to die. This is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Although I exercise my mind on a daily basis through recitation of affirmations and through learning, I know that my mind will eventually fade away or die with my physical body. This too is guaranteed.</p>
<p>I feed my soul on a daily basis because this is the piece of <em>my being</em> that is truly me. Our soul is the only part of our <em>being</em> that will be with us <em>forever</em>.  Because of this fact, this is where I spend a disproportionate amount of my time. I’m intentionally investing in that part of me that will never die &#8211; guaranteed.</p>
<p>When my soul is healthy, I feel good about myself, the world, and all of the people in the world. It is a feeling of joy and oneness with God and with all of humanity.</p>
<p>You and I became the recipients of Gold medals at birth &#8211; our souls.  We must become silent and go inside ourselves in order to find, retrieve and nurture this gift. Once this gift is acknowledged, you’ll notice the Gold medal worthiness inside of all people just waiting to be recognized.</p>
<div id="attachment_797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 191px"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-797     " title="Olympic Nordic" src="http://www.bobgregoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Olympic-Nordic-e1266957488100.jpg" alt="" width="181" height="79" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Team Germany&#39;s Eric Frenzel (Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Recognize the vibrant, living soul inside yourself first and then you’ll see it in others quite easily.</p>
<p>No one deserves to be on a pedestal above you and no one deserves to be in a position below you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The goal is to be united in spirit with one another.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Our souls are longing to be acknowledged by us and united with God.  Once this occurs, we’ll then seek unity with all beings.</span></p>
<div id="apf_post_footer">
<h4>Related Articles:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1437">How to Win a War</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1428">Radio Respite: Dr. Alfred Nkut</a></li>
<li class="apf_footer"><a href="http://www.bobgregoire.com/?p=1423">Change the Rut, Change the Results</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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