"Free Yourself," artwork by Rita Lloyd (c) 2008

Dear Pinkies, please welcome back to the mainstage Brother Michael Mackintosh, here with more wisdom about how we can touch into our most authentic selves - and untying ourselves from all that doubt that we're not enough, just as we are. Ahhh, don't you feel freer already? Deep bows of gratitude, Brother Michael. Enjoy, Pinksters!

*****

Aloha, wonderful Pinkies ...

Have you ever had the thought, "I am not good enough" or something similar?

Our natural state of wonder is submerged beneath countless layers of programming, so it’s not surprising how many people constantly feel that they are unworthy and not good enough in some area of their life. If there is one illness of our time, it is this: believing we are not ‘good enough’, ‘beautiful enough’ or ‘worthy enough’.

What is enough?

What is ‘enough’? Who wrote the rulebook? And where did these ideas of being worthy or unworthy come from? Did you decide what was enough on your own?

Not likely. Most of these notions of what is ‘enough’ come from the impossible standards of beauty and success that have been set by the media and our social conditioning since birth. If you don’t live up to them, you are apparently ‘not enough’ – no matter what.

Many of us often don't realize the power of these influences. In fact, studies on this subject show that most people deny the effects of the media upon their choices – but act in alignment with their influence.

To not know we don’t know is very dangerous. To not know we don’t know - and think we d0 - is a guaranteed way to stay stuck for a long time and not live YOUR life the way YOU choose.

Unreasonable expectations and social pressures tend to create a sense of chronic low self-esteem and lack of self-love (even if it’s just a slight niggling feeling) that is so constant it is only noticed when the shift is made and that feeling dissolves, leaving a sense of profound inner peace and contentment that is unparalleled by any other experience.

When under the pressure of ‘I am not enough, I need to fit in’, we often cover up these painful feelings in various ways: buying products, being distracted by the insentient and constant entertainment industry, doing this, doing that, doing the other. We have so many millions of potential distractions to choose from these days. However, they never last - and the sense of un-ease and discontentment deep in the soul remains.

A new perspective

Here’s a thought: NO ONE CAN LIVE UP TO THESE IDEAS ANYWAY! And we don’t even need to try!

Let me say that again: NO ONE CAN LIVE UP TO THESE IDEAS ANYWAY! And we don’t even need to try!

You are totally wonderful and lovable just as you are. We are all good enough, worthy and lovable NOW!

Being your own guru

My mission is to provide guidance and love for anyone who wants to tap into their own higher self, their own real reason and purpose in life, and to have the Best Day Ever. Here in Hawaii, I used to live in the house of David Wolfe, live food public speaker, where the term ‘Have The Best Day Ever’ was something that echoed around the house on a regular basis.

However, how does your Best Day Ever look, sound and feel? What is your best life ever? What does ‘best ever’ even mean for you personally? From my years of experience teaching and serving others to live their highest destiny, my feeling is that each one of us has our own unique potential, specialties, gifts and creative expressions to share with the world.

No two beings are the same. As I write this now I just noticed a beautiful bright red bird sitting a few feet away on a tree. Life would not be beautiful if it were not for the variety that we experience around us.

There are many ways to get in touch with our higher self, our spiritual essence, our meaning, and dharmic, purposeful living. I do my best to share the most simple, powerful methods that I am aware of to empower others to live their highest potential because I know that ultimately - you know the answers to all questions.

In fact, if you can ask the question – you know the answer.

Many people are looking for gurus and teachers to tell them what to do. However, ultimately each of us is our own teacher, and guru. A guru means guide. I feel the responsibility of teachers is to lead by example and to point us back towards ourselves and give the encouragement and empowerment to others to say, 'yes, I do have it in me to take my own life to the next level. I do have the power to grow and express my unique gifts.'

My aim for being here with you wonderful Pinkies is to inspire you to answer your own questions so your box of joy can be opened wide.

I look forward to sharing more with you soon. Love to all you beautiful, wonderful pinkies who are ALL perfect just as you are!

Much love from Hawaii,

Your brother Michael