January/February 2003
Feature Articles
Holistic Health Q & A
by Dr. Ruth E. Bradley
Of quantum physics, vibrational energy
and the power of our thoughts.
The Treasures of the Amazon Rainforest
by Lenny Rader
The story of the pioneers who uncovered
the real treasures of the Amazon: healing, life-enhancing plants.
What is... Human Growth Hormone?
by Marjorie Williams
Research proves natural growth hormone
to be powerful anti-aging weapon that helps reduce body fat, increase energy
and much more.
UnCommon Sense!
by David Findlay
The War on Terrorism.
Articles on the theme "Talents & Abilities"
A Misuse of Talents & Abilities
by Lela Lilyquist and John R. Lee MD
How the Medical Establishment has been
corrupted, becoming a pawn of the drug companies.
Every Child Can Sing
by Barbara Bedingfield
An education that brings out the innate
abilities in every child.
Developing Musical Ability
by Bob & Claire Franki
Regardless of natural talent, it is
training that enables musical ability in children to shine.
Your Genius
by Linda Gaylord
Ways to discover and develop your unique
talents and gifts.
From Russia with Passion
by Oksana Kolesnikova
A talented young pianist and composer's
personal story.
Nature versus Nurture
by Charles Larsen
We all have talents and abilities,
but some are less obvious than others.
Your Genius
by Linda Gaylord
Your genius is the unique talents and gifts that you bring to this life experience and to the world. We all have wonderful talents and gifts usually unrealized and untapped, but there nonetheless. Some people are artists and musicians, creative at heart. Others are driven to assure justice and equality, as lawyers, politicians, political activists, police or military officers. And some are nurturers, healers, and spiritual leaders. The list is endless and we need them all.
When you have identified and are living your life purpose, when you are using your genius, life becomes effortless and what you are doing is no longer work. In fact, you can recognize your gift by what you absolutely love to do. What are you drawn to? What do you lose track of time doing? What would you do, even if you weren't paid or if you had so much wealth that you could do whatever you wanted?
For many of us, identifying our genius is not an easy task. We have gone down a path in a business or career that we fell into, was expected of us, was well paying, was a family business or tradition, or was acceptable to our family or society. And the longer we have gone down this path, the harder it is to acknowledge that the opportunity to change, or that something better, exists. But it does.
Try this simple exercise to help you get in touch with your genius. Start a journal, or if you are more verbal, a tape. In your journal, or on your tape, start recording times in your life when you experienced pure joy. Especially look back at incidences from your childhood these are usually more honest, because we have had less external expectations and "shoulds" thrust upon us. Relive and feel those joyous experiences. Ask friends and relatives what they feel you do well. What do they see as your strengths and your unique gifts? Record these as well. Then start to look for patterns. What does this bring to light for you?
If you are more visual, a "passion collage," notebook, or folder may work better. Start identifying and clipping images from catalogs, newspapers, and magazines that are appealing to you. Don't judge why, or whether you should find such a thing attractive, just collect them. Then you can create a collage by pasting the pictures to a piece of poster board, or tape them to the pages of a notebook, or just collect them in a folder. If you can display the collage, make sure it is in a place where you will see it daily. If you have a notebook or folder, pull it out at least once a week to peruse the pictures and images. Ask yourself questions like, "What do I like about this picture? What memories does it evoke? What long-past dream or passion is represented by these pictures?"
Music can be another tool to uncover your genius and passion. What songs, rhythms, melodies and lyrics have you enjoyed over the years? Music can be powerfully evocative. Listening to a song from your past can bring you back to a time and place faster than anything. Go on a treasure hunt to a music store and purchase songs from your past that you loved! Then set aside a special evening once a month to play them and dance, sing, or laugh as you recall what it was you loved when you originally heard these tunes.
Look at your current career, business, hobbies and activities. What talents, strengths, skills, and abilities are you using in each? Start making a list, and go way beyond the obvious. Then divide a piece of paper in half. On one side, write everything you like about each activity. Then on the other, write everything you don't like. Make it a weekly exercise to keep adding to and refining these lists. Over time you will start to see glimpses of your genius until finally it becomes so clear that you will wonder how you never saw it before!
The time spent doing any of these exercises is well worth it even if you can only set aside 15 minutes a week. Your life and your gifts are too precious to let collect dust on a shelf! Give one of these exercises a try!
Linda M. Gaylord is a professional coach, speaker and workshop/seminar
holder living in Lutz FL. (813) 948-2754. www.lifeenrichmentcoaching.com.
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