Appreciate the inner genius

Try saying this: “I appreciate and intend to allow my inner genius to express itself.”

Not arrogance. Rather— appreciation for who and what you are. Try approaching this differently like that above. Say it, say it often, and FEEL it. Allow a confident expression to emmanate outward.

Below is a ten-step program for putting this intention to appreciate and express the genius within you to work. Trust me— you have it in you. You just haven’t been able to tap into it!

Step 1: First—declare and accept yourself to be a genius! This shouldn’t be a public pronouncement, but a statement of intention between you and your Creator. Remind yourself that you’re one of the masterpieces that emanated from the universal field of intention. You don’t have to prove that you’re a genius, nor do you need to compare any of your accomplishments to those of others. You have a unique gift to offer this world, and you are unique in the entire history of creation.

Step 2: Make a decision to listen more carefully to your inner insights, no matter how small or insignificant you may have previously judged them to be. These thoughts, which you may have viewed as silly or unworthy of attention, are your private connection to the field of intention. Thoughts that seem to persist, particularly if they relate to new activities and adventures, aren’t in your mind accidentally. Those tenacious thoughts that don’t go away should be viewed by you as intention talking to you, saying, You signed up to express your unique brilliance, so why do you keep ignoring the genius in favor of settling for less?

Step 3: Take constructive action toward implementing your inner intuitive inclinations. Any step in the direction of expressing your creative impulses is a step in the direction of actualizing the genius that resides within you—for example, writing and submitting a book outline, regardless of how you may have doubted yourself up until now; recording yourself reading poetry or singing the songs you’ve written; purchasing an easel and art paraphernalia and spending an afternoon painting; or visiting an expert in the field that interests you. Start doing things in other words that move you in that direction.

Step 4: Know that any and all thoughts that you have regarding your own skills, interests, and inclinations are valid. To reinforce the validity of your thoughts, keep them private. Tell yourself that they’re between you and God. If you keep them in the spiritual domain, you don’t have to introduce them to your ego or expose them to the egos of those around you. This means that you’ll never have to compromise them by explaining and defending them to others. No exceptions here!

Step 5: Remind yourself that aligning with spiritual energy is how you will find and convey the genius within you. In Power vs. Force (a great book!), David Hawkins concluded: “From our studies it appears that the alignment of one’s goals and values with high energy attractors is more closely associated with genius than anything else.” This is completely in line with understanding and implementing the power of intention. Shift your energy to harmonize vibrationally with the energy of Source. Be an appreciator of life, and refuse to have thoughts of hatred, anxiety, anger, and judgment. Trust yourself as a piece of God and your genius will flourish.

Step 6: Practice radical humility. Take no credit for your talents, intellectual abilities, aptitudes, or proficiencies. Be in a state of awe and bewilderment. Practice radical humility, and give credit everywhere except to your ego. This is very important—and the distinction between egoistical and humbly confident.

Step 7: Remove resistance to actualizing your genius. Resistance always shows up in the form of your thoughts. Watch for thoughts that convey your inability to think of yourself in genius terms . . . thoughts of doubt about your abilities . . . or thoughts that reinforce what you’ve been taught about a lack of talent or lack of aptitude. All of these kinds of thoughts are a misalignment and don’t allow you to be in vibrational harmony with the universal all-creating field of intention. Your Source knows that you’re a genius. Any thought you have that challenges this notion is resistance, which will inhibit you from realizing your intention.

Step 8: Look for the genius in others. Pay attention to the greatness you observe in as many people as possible, and if you don’t see it at first, then spend some mental energy looking for it. The more you’re inclined to think in genius terms, the more natural it becomes for you to apply the same standards to yourself. Tell others about their genius. Be as complimentary and authentic as you can. In doing so, you’ll radiate loving, kind, abundant, creative energy. In a universe that operates on energy and attraction, you’ll find these same qualities returning to you.

Step 9: Simplify your life. Take the complications, rules, shoulds, musts, have tos, and so on out of your life. By uncomplicating your life and removing the trivial pursuits that occupy so much of it, you open a channel for the genius within you to emerge. One of the most effective techniques for simplifying life is to take time each day to spend 20 or so minutes in silence and meditation. The more conscious contact you make with your Source, the more you come to appreciate your own highest self. And it’s from this highest self that your own genius will be manifested.

Step 10: Remain humble while staying in a state of gratitude. This genius that you are has nothing at all to do with your ego-mind. Be ever so grateful to the Source of intention for providing you with the life force to express the genius that resides within you. Those who attribute their inspiration and success to their ego soon lose this capacity, or they allow the approval and attention of others to destroy them. Remain humble and grateful, and more of your genius will surface as you remain in a constant state of expansion. Gratitude is a sacred space where you allow and know that a force greater than your ego is always at work and always available.

Never again lose sight of your inner genius. Remove the doubt and accept it. Embrace it and take massive action. You have nothing to lose!

Be well. Be the real you!

todd@toddszen.com & todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com

https://www.toddszen.com

https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

The Judo Way

This Judo program I developed many years ago is much different than most traditional Judo practice. Having trained in, competed in, championed and practiced Judo for many years at a young age, I was always intrigued by the far deeper aspects of this beautiful art form. Developed by Kano Jigoro Shihan in 1882, based on the ancient art of Jujutsu, there was always a much deeper, underlying psychological and spiritual center to this (and many other) martial arts. In fact, Judo more or less translates to “The Gentle Way.”

One might wonder where that “gentleness” is— with all the very physically demanding movements, throws, chokes, arm and leg bars and holds. These movements were no doubt useful at a time when locals and warriors needed to protect themselves, but the Judo practice was much deeper. The philosophical and psychological trainings happened often at home, or in the Dojo’s in private. The master teachers would teach it regularly, and in fact demanded a very sincere and obligated mind set before, during, and after training. A life long commitment to “the gentle way.” This is the training I would like to share.

I believe that all of the martial arts have a similar if not identical belief system, and that of honor, respect, dignity, character, wisdom, kindness, love, understanding and empathy all play a part of God’s (or Creator, etc…) meaning in all of our lives. This is what I call the Best Self. And that is what I am committed to a life time of striving for and to helping others attain.

Developing a beautiful body, mind and spirit through the deeper, foundational, and fundamental aspects of Judo training. This will include gentle physical exercises for all ages— based on the Way of Judo that will help build appropriate and durable strength, flexibility, and balanced energy. Special breathing techniques and movements to develop concentration, focus, and proper movement energy. Philosophical, spiritual and mental training of the ancient arts of Judo to help develop a strong spirit, mind, soul, and achieving beautiful well-being.  All of this is designed and developed to help attain the Best Self—how we were created, and how we are meant to live.

This program is also designed for all ages, with the idea that whether you are a young child, mid-aged, or in the elder of years, we can all develop all of the same “balanced” body, mind, and spirit. Flexibility, and what I call “appropriate” strength are meant to live a practical life, one filled with joy, adventure and very simple ways to use the physical body we were given. Lifting boxes, throwing occasional balls, doing house work, playing, hiking, etc… are all balanced examples of how to use the body.

Over training, building massive muscles, and developing egotistical “false” selves to please and impress others is not on this path— nor part of what I am teaching. If you seek violent Katas and physically impressive Judo in hopes to compete, or maybe use to hurt others—which I hope yo don’t, you should seek it elsewhere. There’s plenty out there. That is not what I am teaching. I DO however, base many of the training exercises and programs around all of the essential Judo movements and forms. But in a much slower, revised, and very gentle way to help develop a whole other aspect of this beautiful art.

My teachers, Mr. Mackey, Mr. McGloin, Mr. Kish, and Mr. Youngclaus, were inspirational, and foundational in my younger training— which led me to my championship not only of matches and of State, but also of training of the mind— the fundamentals of Judo that we were also trained. Many, many talks and teachings. I am eternally grateful for them, as well as my Dad who was there every step of the way, and my Mother for supporting it, driving me to and from, and supporting every spiritual aspect of my life. It continues long after and to this day. Martial art training has always been something I have been drawn to, and simply passionate about it. That’s what compels me to help others as well. I hope you join me, and allow me to help guide you to your Best Self!

Judo body:

• Bowing

• Stances

• Warmups

• Band work

• Energy and power

• Judo fit

• Street techniques

Judo Spirit:

• Judo philosophy

• Meditation

• Living the Judo Way

• Gentleness toward the Self

• Addressing challenges

• Attitude

• The Way

Diet

• Of the body

• Of the mind

• Of the spirit