How Your Life’s Biggest TRIALS are All BLESSINGS in Disguise..!

 

When the first trailers for the film ‘Miracles from Heaven’ began hitting the tv airwaves and multiplexes several years ago, I had mixed feelings about seeing the film.  While I always support spiritual based films, and absolutely ADORE its leading lady Jennifer Garner, the main narrative triggered some panful parts of my past.  Without giving any true spoilers, I will simply say the film is about a seemingly healthy young girl named Anna, from Ft. Worth, Texas who suddenly develops a life threatening and very rare intestinal disorder that send both her and her extended family on a challenging, painful, and FAITH testing journey.   

While it has been nearly 25 years since I had my own several year long experience battling severe Crohn's disease, many of the horrific memories still hang heavy on my heart and  I wasn't sure if this film would offer me an experience I was ready to engage.  But signs from Spirit kept appearing from, well, everywhere that recently prompted me to plop down my Regal Cinema card and see what “mythological magic” might be imbued within it's ‘based on a true story’ narrative.

What I found most profound is that while the film obviously focuses on the nightmarish journey a family of deep FAITH must face, the basic beats of the film are fairly universal and is a wonderful example of the Hero's Journey.  I could completely relate to being faced with an unthinkable challenge, not knowing exactly how to face it, and then “accepting the call”.  And then, baring witness to the MIRACLES that suddenly appear when we most need them to.  Sometimes they can be as simple as an unexpected phone call, or as grand as an accident(as in the film) that causes massive and completely unexpected results.  But, these Heaven sent events often DO NOT appear before we our brought to our knees with despair and our FAITH is shattered nearly to the point of no return.  

In fact, one late night when I was in the hospital for the third straight month with major complications from my Crohn's surgery, a priest walked by my darkened room and I turned my head to glaze into his eyes.  He had been making rounds into my room for weeks and so we had built up a mutual bond of confidence and safety.  He asked me if it was ok if he came in to the room to have a chat with me.  I softly shook my head yes and he slowly walked toward my bed.  He brought out his bible and laid it out near me.  He asked me if it was ok for him to have a serious talk.  In too much pain to worry about what he may say, I said, “Of course, Father.”

He sat pensive for a moment as though he was asking Spirit for the words to share with me.  He then grabbed my right hand and lightly squeezed it.  What he said next still informs my PURPOSE and paradigm for many of life's challenges to this day.  Leaning in close he softly said, “Jeff, I don't know why certain people are meant to suffer.  And I have seen you suffer more than most.  What I can tell you, is that God is testing you my son.”  

While I certainly appreciated his attempt to offer me his love, support, and kindness, his words just DID NOT ring true for me.  After he read some passages from the bible and blessed me, Father left for the night.  And I spent the next few hours prior to the sun's rising pondering what he had told me.  I knew that if I had a child, there is NO conceivable way I would put them through the many years of torturous suffering I had endured as a way of “testing” them.  In fact, it almost made me angry.  

The next few days were some of the more challenging and frustrating I faced during my many months laying in that hospital bed.  Mostly pondering that night's engagement with Father.  I knew that his intention was absolutely of pure intent, but facing the endurance test of a several year battle for your own life causes one to go deeper.  There is NO meaning left in simply “punching in and punching out” with life's daily time card.  

About a week later, after my mid afternoon meal (though an IV bag of course), a young boy about 8 years old passed by my room with his parents close by.  They peered in, and and the young lad asked me if I would like to challenge him to a race.  He was fraught, skinnier than a fritter on a frying pan, pale as Casper the ghost and completely bald.  He was hooked up to an IV, but he carried it with a grace as if it was a powerful staff.  

I felt like HELL and was in an enormous amount of pain, but the courage and strength that this young HERO radiated gave me the instant gumption to hop out of bed and walk toward him.  His parents profusely apologized for their son having interrupted me.  I assured them it was my pleasure to meet them all.  I slowly bent down and asked him his name.  “Peter,” he said.  “And I know I can beat you in a race down the hallway!”  Never one to back down from a challenge, even from an 8 tear old, I said,  “ You bet!  We are both going to need to get our strength back up for when we get out of the hospital. ”  

At which point, his mother touched me on the shoulder, and slowly shook her head NO as a small tear strolled down her face.  I knew exactly what she meant.  Peter was not going to be going home.  He was obviously dying from cancer.  It took every ounce of conviction I had to keep from breaking down right then and there.  I took a few deep breaths and addressed Peter again.

“Ok, Peter, you're on.  Let's race down to the edge of the nurse's check in office.  Whoever gets there first shall forever be known as the Race Champion King of George Washington Hospital!”  Peter's parents began a countdown and then we were off.  I started off fast, and then slowed down to let Peter catch up to me, and eventually let him beat me by a a couple of  feet!”  I have witnessed kids on Christmas morning who were not nearly as thrilled as Peter was in that moment.   He began spinning and dancing, and waking his arms in the air.   And then,  Spirit created an opening of KNOWINGNESS that stays with me to this day.  

We aren't made to suffer and be utterly challenged because God is trying to TEST us.  It suddenly came to me that these experiences, albeit hard as hell at times, give us the ultimate experience of having OPPORTUNITIES.  As Napoleon Hill said, ”Your biggest opportunity stands exactly where you stand right NOW.”  For instance, the greatest thrill of my life was in the OPPORTUNITY of letting little Peter experience the feeling of wining our race that day nearly 20 years ago.   Without our pain, suffering, and challenges, we would not have so many of the opportunities that carry with them the majestical miracles that life has to offer.  As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “ Never lose the opportunity of seeing something beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.”

Please do not misunderstand me, I am not trying to condone or make light of the plethora of tragedy, loss, pain, and suffering we all endure at some point in life.  Nobody s exactly sure of their full purpose.  Life can be BRUTAL.  Even soul crushing at times.  We often lose our faith and belief in any form of a higher power.   But rather than looking at them as TESTS, what would it look like for us  to embrace them for what they truly represent.    Opportunities for MIRACLES to surround and support us.  And for US to BE THOSE MIRACLES for others. In the form of love, compassion, kindness, generosity of spirit, and understanding.  THAT is why we are here and without these OPPORTUNITIES  we would not be able to experience the glorious feelings they can bring.  

Towards the end of the film,  Anna's mother gives a speech to her church's congregation:

“When Anna got sick, I couldn't understand. Why?.....I felt helpless, alone..Angry that our prayers weren't being answered. I lost my faith.  Albert Einstein said there are only two ways to look at life.  One is that everything is a miracle.  The other is that nothing is a miracle.  Miracles are goodness....from strangers...to dear friends who are there for us no matter what...Miracles are LOVE...Miracles are GOD and GOD's forgiveness.  Why was Anna healed when there are so many other children around the world suffering?   I don't know.  But, I do know that I am not alone. And neither are you........Because miracles surround us, and miracles are God's way of letting you know you are not alone”

And if you find yourself in a point in life where there seems to be no MIRACLE in sight.....

GO BE ONE FOR SOMEONE ELSE........

BE SUPER HEROIC!

Nerdmaste,

Jeffrey Louis Martinez

Learn To Make The BEST Of Whatever CARDS Life Has Dealt You

  

I have never been the best player of card games.  I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve, which means my ‘Poker Face’ is less mercurial and more merciful.  Thankfully, through tons of missteps and rebirths, I have learned to be a much better player with the cards I am dealt by life! THANK  YOU SPIRIT!

However, not everyone wakes up on a daily basis and looks at the cards that were dealt into their experience and thinks, “Heck yeah!  I can win with this hand!  Damn straight!”  More often their inner monologue sounds more like, “Oh boy!  Why me?  What the heck am I supposed to do with this pile of crap I've been dealt?!” Sound familiar? I know I've felt that way more than a few times.

I believe one of the biggest differences between success and failure within this realm is how you choose to play the hand of cards you have been dealt. It's important to understand during our own Superhero's Journey that we succeed because of our challenges NOT despite them.  As Napoleon Hill famously stated, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache brings with it an equal seed of benefit and opportunity.”

In fact, Joseph Campbell shared in his infinite wisdom, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”  He taught the importance of seeing your EXACT set of circumstances as being the most precious gift ever given to each and every one of us. Because in the history of this world, NOBODY has been besought with the same set of challenges as you have been given.  And guess what, your exact set of challenges will never be the same for ANYONE else ever again. That is how absolutely and completely UNIQUE you were created to be. Kinda helps shift your perspective and life's circumstances from your life's symphony back towards ‘opportunities for growth,’ doesn't it!  

In fact, Joseph Campbell shared in his infinite wisdom, “(Frederick) Nietzsche was the one who did the job for me.  At a certain moment in his life, the idea came to him of what he called "the love of your fate."  Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, "This is what I need." It may look like a wreck, but go at it as through it were an opportunity, a challenge.  If you bring love to that moment-not discouragement-you will find the strength is there.  Any disaster you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life.  What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow."   

One of my favorite stories from Mr. Campbell has to do with the Knights of the Round Table. Before this group of Medieval Superheroes awaited their next quest, they would surround a table full of food and drink and wait for a sign of where they were to go next. One particular such evening, the Holy Grail appeared above the table before them, burning with its light of majestic glory. And then, without warning, its image vanquished back into the ether.  Each Knight stood up, ready to search for this relic of such magic and grandeur! They grabbed their shields and swords and headed outside the castle and ran toward the massive forest surrounding them. The most fascinating aspect of their quest was they each tried to enter the forest at its most DENSE space. In fact, the competition to find that space was filled with a fierce and combative fervor.  For these Knights knew that every great quest begins with the greatest of difficulty.  They actually chose to take on the toughest hand of cards that could be dealt to them.  For they were aware of the great wisdom that comes from pain and strife.  That's why my definition of 'to SUFFER' is :

Summoning our
Ultimate
Fears &
Frailty
Encouraging
Rebirth

I was watching a story about the Saint Benedict's Preparatory School for boys last week in Newark, NJ.  The school has recently become a sanctuary for the lost and wayward.  The area surrounding this citadel has a high school graduation rate of less than 30%.  Yet the graduation rate at St. Benedict's is 98%.  Even though the majority of the students are underprivileged, the tuition rate is $10K a year.  Most of the attendees do not have the funds to cover their schooling costs, yet this spiritual institution somehow covers every students tuition in someway. Where there is a will there is truly a way!

There was a portion of the story that touched me so deeply that I have to share it.  It surmised the telling of a 16 year old young man whose parents were both drug addicts and horribly abusive to him in their household.  It was tumultuous enough that he decided to leave his house and live on the street. A tough hand of cards for most of us to even fathom.  Yet this purposeful young man had BIG plans for his life.  Despite his numerous challenges, he decided he was going to play the cards he was dealt with a passion for success and a fervor for service and potential.  So he started sneaking into the pool which housed the school's water polo team after practices. For several weeks, nobody noticed that he wasn't a member of this prestigious academy.  

However, one day, a coach approached him and asked him why he was sneaking into the school's sporting water polo facilities.  The young man said his parents were drug addicts and he had been living on the street for over three months.  He knew he didn't have the tuition money to attend the school, so he decided the best he could do was take advantage of the extracurricular activities.  When the young man asked the coach if he should leave, do you know what his response was to this brave individual.  “BE HERE MONDAY!”  And I thought, what a perfect mantra for our lives.  No matter what challenges we face, or what fear and pain stand in our way, the most courageous way to turn our pain into PURPOSE, is simply by committing to BE HERE MONDAY.  A wonderfully colorful metaphor for simply showing up each day to face your life's challenges!

What are the ways you can reframe the cards you have currently been dealt in life and turn them into a winning hand?  Because, you were dealt these cards for a reason.  And it is your job to figure out where there are opportunities for a deeper wisdom through facing your challenges head on!  All to assist you on your Superhero's Journey!  And in turn, eventually sharing this bevy of knowledge so that we may all eventually sip from this chalice of hard fought love!  Because that's a hand worth playing on anyone's poker table!!

BE SUPER HEROIC!

BE LOVE - SERVE - LAUGH-INSPIRE

Nerdmaste,

Jeffrey Louis Martinez

HARNESS The Transcendental Power Of THE DO OVER…!

 

Growing up in the 80's, Bill Murray was one of my comic superheroes.  As I am quite sure he still is for many fans of comedy.  But there is one particular film of his that is much more profound for its inherent nature of sharing many truths about the path to self improvement. The film is called ‘Groundhog Day’ and if you have yet to see it, I highly suggest carving out some time in the near future to do so!  

The film is also a wonderful representation of one of life's greatest gifts, that being the delectable DO OVER.  And for those of us who use this magnificent opportunity whenever it presents itself in our lives, it's perhaps the most effective manner in which to be RE-BIRTHED into a 'Greater Version of The Greatest Vision' of yourself!  

In the film, Bill Murray's character gets caught up in a ‘time loop’ that has him reliving the exact same day, Groundhog Day in fact, over and over.....and OVER again!  Each morning as he awakes, the day starts EXACTLY as it did the day before.  As he progresses through each day, he is confronted at the same time by the exact set of individuals and circumstances from the day before. A virtual life glitch that has no ON/OFF button he can find.  

Murray plays an obviously discontented meteorologist who believes the menial task of traveling to Punxsutawney, PA to cover this annual event is way beneath his talent and good sensibilities.  Like most films transcendent in nature, there are many lenses through which the manner in which the story unfolds can be interpreted.  For me, it is a superb metaphor for the way that the Universe, sensing a need, will essentially RECREATE a very similar set of circumstances in our lives from the past, giving us the opportunity to engage them (hopefully) with a new earned sense of understanding and change in perspective;  basically we are given the gift of a DO OVER!  And very often, if the prerequisite lessons are not learned, the Universe has absolutely NO problem setting up the circumstances once again, until we finally grasp the knowledge and wisdom these events were provided for.  Some of us are perhaps slower learners than others, and that is OK! Just don't make a Broadway show out of it. Cause nobody wants to buy a ticket to that show! Just sayin' and prayin! lol

The movie plays out such an example on DAY 3 of this perpetual GROUNDHOG DAY. Murray's character once again steps in the middle of a large muddy puddle, ruining his shoes and pants, still not having learned his lesson from the previous two days. Sound familiar?! Filled with self judgement, he begins to fail into a deep sense of despair about his actions and choices in life; invariably repeating themselves over and over again.  Again, does that resonate with you?!  It sure does with me!  LOL  That night in a local bar, he decides to drown his sorrows with booze and says, “I was in the Virgin Islands once.  I met a girl.  We ate lobster and drank pina coladas.  At sunset we made love like sea otters. THAT was a pretty good day.  Why couldn't I get that day over and over again?”  Ah, but what lessons could be drawn from reliving a magnificent day such as that?  No, we receive far more wisdom and knowingness from reliving situations that caused us despair, pain, and suffering. For in this dimension, pain is always the perfect professor! At at its core, that is exactly what a DO OVER is all about!

In fact, I am currently in the middle of a DO OVER myself. And I couldn't be more THRILLED!  I mean how often have you ardently prayed for a chance to go back in time and relive a set of experiences, already knowing how you would engage them with a higher sense of care, consideration, and intent?  Well guess what, the Universe has this paradigm built into its programming.  And when there are certain lessons and wisdom that are needed to complete your Superhero's Journey, the Universe, like a genie in a ‘life circumstantial’ bottle, will offer you the opportunity that you seek.  You will inevitably receive a DO OVER that mimics many of the same set of circumstances as something that has transpired before.  Just like MAGIC!  All in the hopes that this time, you will grasp the gift and opportunity at hand, and receive this gift with reverence and awareness!  

Murray's character Phil, after sensing there is nothing he can do but ACCEPT his situation of reliving each day over and over again, finally succumbs to his reticence about the situation and begins an arc of self improvement.  He begins practicing generosity, reading books, taking piano lessons, and even learning French!  Admittedly, many of his actions are at first all in an attempt to impress his crush and TV producer Rita.  It isn't until Phil (Murray) begins to 'Let Go and Let God' and allow the changes he has made in himself to be experienced and noticed by those around him in a truly authentic manner, that he wakes up and it is FINALLY February 3rd, the day AFTER Groundhog Day. His lessons learned, his purpose now clear, he is allowed to continue on with his life!  

What I find quite fascinating, is that the film's late director and comic genius in his own right, the late, great Harold Ramis has been quoted as saying Phil (Murray) needed close to 30-40 years of reliving the same day to have the lessons he needed for his Superhero's Journey to be fully engrained in his sense of BEING.  And as harsh as that may sound, I know  it has taken me many hard fought years in finally coming to the understanding and full comprehension of many of my own life lessons!  There are many more I am still working on!   And, if you are truly honest with yourself, I am quite sure the same rings true for you! Capiche?!

Life is a constant Superhero's Journey, that allows us many opportunities to learn from our past missteps and is more than gracious in sending us as many DO OVERS we may need, until we receive with deep reverence the knowledge and understanding they were born to deliver. However, it is up to us to stay AWARE.  We are often so consumed with LIFE, that we are not present enough to recognize that circumstances are lining up in such a transformative and magical manner to allow us to relive our own version of Groundhog Day for the wisdom it can bring.  And when we are fortunate enough to have the Universe bless us with such a gift, enter into it with verve, gusto, and no fear!  Become a SOUL'dier of Love, and a 'Steward of Remembrance' to extract every juicy amount of wisdom the opportunity was brought to unfold into your experience! 

But buyer BE AWARE, if you chose NOT to learn from these blessed gifts of DO OVERS, they WILL RETURN.  So it's your call!  Do the work NOW, or later. Either way, eventually it must be done!   

And take it from me, the longer you wait, the harder it is and the more it hurts!  


BE SUPER HEROIC!

LOVE-SERVE-INSPIRE

Nerdmaste,

Jeffrey Louis Martinez

Why The WORLD Desperately NEEDS The Real YOU..!!

 

I believe with all my heart and Soul that we were each born with a Heart Song.  A certain vibration of energy that is uniquely ours. Nobody has ever carried this exact frequency and nobody  ever will.  For it is absolutely PERFECT!  It is 100% yours and yours alone to do with as you please.  

Think about how amazing that is to ponder.  Out of the billions and billions of people who have manifested on this planet, NOBODY has carried the melody, tempo, and harmonious magnificence that your precious HEART emits at all times!  

Just as penguins emit a unique sound that can ONLY be heard by their life partner, we too emit a level of energy that is meant to imprint and have affect on the perfect people, places and things that were meant to be brought into our experience at any given moment in time.  So what do you  think happens when we ‘play small’ or even worse, change our  Heart Song to please others or fit in with the masses.  I can come up with a few answers!  Chaos, discord, frustration, wrong partners, dysfunctional friends, bad clients to name just a few!  I'm sure you can come up with many more!

I am asked all the time how the power of manifestation works.  There are so many people who appear to be ‘doing the work’ of a spiritual practice, yet what continues to show up in their life never truly changes and utter frustration ensues. Sound familiar? I know I've been there...Lord have I been there....   :0)

One of the biggest questions for us all to ponder is exactly what is it that we are truly seeking in our lives.  And YES, I understand we all need basic human needs like clothes, food, shelter, and water. And it is our God given right to never be in lack of these essentials to life.  However, I am talking about what is your purpose?  Why are you here?  What is it that you are looking to manifest into your experience?  If the answer is anything less that to be of service to others in some way shape or form, through Love and Light, compassion, and the sharing of your super powers, than I suggest you take a serious look at a re-alignment of your priorities. And PLEASE do not misconstrue my words.  That DOES NOT MEAN that having material abundance in any form is a lower vibrational thought. For it is NOT.  But it is when those DESIRES come from a byproduct of service and assistance toward others that material abundance not only flows more freely into your experience, but does so with grace and beauty. Your thinking changes from “I Need” to “I Have.”  And the struggles of life cease to exist. That doesn't meant that life becomes easy, but your daily work morphs into daily play because your DOINGNESS comes from a SOURCE of your own individual HEART SONG.  

We are currently caught in a world of conformity.  And the hate and fear is consuming our collective consciousness because we are starting to lose identification with our own heart song.  And pain and suffering sets in as a 'Dark Night of the Soul.'  When this starts to happen, I suggest you take heed from the words of Agape founder Michael Beckwith who espouses, “If you knew this experience of life was to last forever, what quality would have to emerge to have peace of mind?”  This is when it is oh so crucial to turn the radio dial back to your unique channel and listen to the Number One hits of your own Soul!  And I bet some of your own top ten hits include LOVE, Peace, Joy, Compassion, and Wisdom!  Just sayin....    ;0)

And if we get caught up in the Soul Songs of the masses, we become misguided, like zombies from the Walking Dead, toward the illusions of fear that are threatening to morph our society into one of dissonance and decay.  And unless you know of a real life Darrel Dixon and Rick Grimes, I suggest you re-member how important it is to BE YOU!  ALWAYS!!

So much of what happens in our life comes from simply BEING YOU.  The authentic you.  The one who came here to bring wondrous miracles and amazing assistance to the world.  We are not so much attracting things into our life so much as we are radiating out who we really are deep within our core.  If we are radiating LOVE and compassion, then loving and compassionate people, places and things appear on our path. That's why it is so very important to be in alignment and acknowledgment of our own Yellow Brick Road and what we are spreading along its winding way!  

It takes a gi-normous amount of courage and strength to be our authentic selves. We all want to ‘fit in’ and feel as though we matter to our particular tribes.  Well guess what? It is that type of acceptance which will become a wonderful byproduct of remembering the truth that we all matter; greatly, MAGNIFICENTLY.  The Infinite Source that created each and every one of us touched you with an undeniable force of Love and Light that shines through you and for you. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO!  And the most powerful and transformational thing we can do in every given moment of our lives is to be IN ALLOWANCE of the heart station that God knows so Divinely. So that Spirit can work its unfoldment of the unique wisdom, talents, and Inner Joy and Peace for both you and the world to share!  If you are internally tuned into a different channel or vibration with your Heart Song, than the Universe has its hands locked.  For it can ONLY work its MAGIC through YOUR INDIVIDUAL EMANATION of the delicious Heart Song that was placed within your Soul.

So now more than ever, it is very important to swing your Freak Flag, dance in the streets, sing without the music on. Anything and everything that is a part of that absolutely delightful authentic YOU! Because to THE ONE GOD MIND, that is the only music he wishes to hear............


BE SUPER HEROIC!

LOVE-Laugh-SERVE-INSPIRE

Nerdmaste,

Jeffrey Louis Martinez

Interested In Living The Life of A SUPERHERO.. Here’s How..!!!

 

My childhood was fraught with feelings of utter disillusionment.  And pangs of painful events that imprinted on my spiritual psyche a blueprint filled with the deep held belief that LOVE had to be earned. And perhaps even worse, the idea that CARE and COMPASSION were available only through chaos and struggle. My birth father abandoned our family when I was a toddler and I always felt it was all my fault! Quite a load for such tiny shoulders to bare. It's no wonder that I developed a horrendous case of abandonment issues.  It got so bad, that as a first grader, I would take the bus to our elementary school about a mile from our home. While the other kids on the bus were keen on a full day of fun, first grade activities, I had a COMPLETELY different agenda! As the bus pulled up to the entrance to the 1st through 3rd grade wing of the school, I was in full spy mode. Surveying the area for any administrators in the vicinity who could possibly thwart my well devised plans!  

As the bus doors opened, we all got up, one row at a time, and exited the vehicle to make the preverbal 'straight line' that marks the tenets of first grade Superheroes in Training. As soon as the bus had emptied, our 'line leader' would start us walking toward the door adjacent to our classroom just inside the building. I made sure to keep a low profile, all the while still scouting the area for potential school personnel. There was a ginormous bush just to the left of the entrance of the building.  And just as I approached this leafy refuge, with a spry agility, I would jump right into the back of the bush with nothing less than a whisk of air left in my wake!  

I would watch all the other kids as they dutifully entered the school door for the day. My wrist watch was synchronized-mission impossible style-with the school bell that rang promptly at 8:15. Still in complete stealth mode, I peered through the small openings in between this oversized bushy plant until I saw the very last of the school's attendants leave their assigned posts to go back into the school to teach their students. For safe measures, I waited an extra two minutes and then walked out from behind my hidden haven as though it was my god given right and preceded to walk the mile back to my house!  Back pack in tow, my steps were filled with a steely sense of confidence that usurped any feelings of guilt or wrongdoing. Until I reached my final destination, in which I knew my tiny tush was in danger, in the form of my mother who stayed at home during the days!  To be fair, although she was obviously beyond frustrated with me, her care and deep concern far outweighed her wrath.  

She knew my real intention for this ritual (I did this on 27 different occasions) was rooted in a deep trauma filled fear of being abandoned; once again. I had been extremely close to my father as a toddler and his leaving the family had affected me on every level.  Mind, body, and spirit.  Not to mention the crippling guilt that I carried surrounding the 'Story' I had cemented into my mind-set. That being 'Not Good Enough', nor worthy of anyone's LOVE.  To compound things, we were actually living with my mom's sister and there were many Shakespearean worthy dynamics that were played out in sometimes horrific detail on a daily basis. Without going into great detail (that's for another time), the entirety of the situation made for a perfect storm of strife and struggle that left me deeply scarred with wounds of the wicked kind!  

Fortunately, together with the school's psychology expert, we were able to find a solution to my daily jaunts back to 'Home Base'. During the first half of each school day, I was actually put to work in the school's front office. Doing everything from mail sorting, to filing paper work. Yes, as a first grader, I was blessed with skill sets FAR beyond my biological age! This helped keep my mind off of any dysfunctional thoughts and onto the tasks at hand!  (looking back, I should have asked for a raise dang it!!)    

Unfortunately, the residual imprinting from my childhood experiences followed me like a thief for the next 25 years of my life. Robbing me of healthy relationships, and causing me to repeat past patterns that kept me taking two steps forward, one step back in most of my chosen endeavors. Deep in my SOUL, I know that while I don't feel responsible for any of the various physical manifestations or dis-eases I developed, (four in total)  I understand it didn't help my body to be out of spiritual alignment for so long. How could it?  

After having the horrific experience of having my colon removed, I felt a deep yearning to leave the Washington, D.C. area and head back to my birthplace of Los Angeles! And so that is exactly what I did. And looking back, what a magical blessing that decision turned out to be. For it was there I started on a spiritual path of healing my body, mind, and SPIRIT!  Back then, the West Coast was a much more open minded space of all things metaphysical.  And I basked in its energy!  I started devouring books that had anything to do with spiritual growth, personal mind-sets, and metaphysical laws of the Universe. I literally could not get enough. My treasured bevy of books grew to over 300!  Many I re-read several times over to gain as much knowledge and wisdom from the Spiritual Masters that had gone before me. I was mentored by many of the leading spiritual community’s luminaries! Got certified in many coaching/energy/healing modalities. I even enrolled in the Master's in Spiritual Psychology program at the University of Santa Monica.  

Slowly, I began to heal from my childhood traumas.  But holy moley, did it take a lot of commitment, dedication, and hard fought perseverance. Bottom line, IT WAS NOT EASY! There were some days in which I felt I had left my demons in the dust. Only to be triggered the next day and being flooded once again with feelings of 'Less Than' and 'Not Lovable'. I learned that like anything else worth doing in life, the healing process takes time. But it is OH SO WORTH IT!  If anyone requires a testimonial, give them my number. (Actually, email will do just fine!)  

After a decade on the Left Coast, I retuned to my childhood home of Washington, D.C.  I felt a disturbance in the Force. Like Luke Skywalker leaving his home planet of Tatooine, I felt like my time in LA had served its purpose and I was needed elsewhere.  And boy did Spirit send me in the right direction. For during the next five years, my sister's son was diagnosed with Autism, and my step father developed a deadly form of brain cancer. And my being back at home allowed me to Be of Loving Service for both of them!  Not to mention the rest of our family. What a blessing that was bestowed upon me and my family!  There was NO other place I would have chosen to be. I was able to assist in the development of my Godson who has since been able to overcome many  life challenges that come as a result of autism and is now a bright shining Super Hero of his 11th grade class!  And I was able to care for my father (step dad but he is just POP to me) as he fought his cancer valiantly for well over a year. 

I was able to hold his hand and look him square in his beautiful blue eyes as he took his very last breathe.  I even felt his soul entering back into the space of heavenly energy that  accompanies each of our eventual transition from our physical state.  

It was after his passing, that I committed myself to being a Spiritual Teacher and a Transcendental Self Empowerment Coach for the masses.  I had known for over 15 years that my true CALLING was to be of service by assisting others in awakening into their true POWER.  And the remembrance that they have a Super Heroic Higher Self that is nothing less than a 'Miracle Making Machine!'  Because if there is one thing this World needs right now, IT IS MORE SUPERHEROES! Wouldn't you agree with me? I had resisted the COSMIC CALL long enough. So this time, I picked up the soulful ringtone that I had put on hold time and time again!

But the Spiritual Secret Sauce to my own transformation toward awakening my Super Heroic Higher Self was in creating a NEW ORIGIN story. Through my dedication to self growth, I began to look at my entire life through a different filter. A brand new, more empowering perspective. Rather than feelings of abandonment, I shifted my mind-set toward one that allowed me to see my father's abandonment as a gift. Because I never would have met my new father had he stayed. And Roger Lee Poston was the closest thing to a Superhero that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! He taught me how to live life from the perspective of Love and Service. Always and in all ways!  He showered me with heavy helpings of true non-judgement and compassion. Not to mention introducing me to everything Nerd Culture (movies, comic books, videos games, pinball etc.) and sports! I miss you dearly POPS!

I have been able to transcend any limiting beliefs or feelings of ‘NOT ENOUGH’ into complete GRATITUDE for all my life's challenges. For each of them taught me how to be a Wounded Healer.  And a Spiritual Teacher and coach.  I have learned how to transform my pain and fears into my ultimate POWER.  For both myself and others!!  As Carl Jung said, "The doctor is effective only when he himself is affected. Only the wounded physician heals."   

Jung believed that a malady of the soul could be the best possible form of training for a Healer. The pains and burdens one bears and eventually overcomes is the source of great wisdom and healing power for others.  And from my experience, I could not agree more!  

I like to say I have gone down the 'Buffet Line of Life.'  I have been able to taste a bevy of pretty much everything life has to offer in the form of challenges, trials, and tribulations. And I feel like the luckiest man in the world to have had every one of these experiences. Because they have made me both the man and teacher/coach that I have come to be! 

SUPERHEROES TRAINING TIPS:

1.  CREATE A NEW ORIGIN STORY

All Superheroes have an origin story. From Superman losing his entire planet and having to face the fear of starting life over on foreign ground with out any of his family. To Batman watching as his mother and father were brutally murdered right before his eyes. They were able to turn their tragedy into their greatest triumphs! Well guess what, YOU have an Origin Story too! And chances are it is NOT serving you in any way! Unfortunately, most of us Superheroes see our past as a curse rather than a blessing.  We carry our childhood traumas with us into our adult lives. And usually from an energetic state of Victim Consciousness!  Reliving the same dysfunctional patterns time and time again. With declarations such as ‘Poor Me,’ ‘Why Me,’ or ‘If Only.’ To ‘I'm not good enough,’ (Lord have I been THERE!), Self Loathing and Self Doubt, not to mention feelings of never deserving love and abundance in all its forms! Sound like you?! If not, fanfrickintastic! Your Hero pin and t-shirt is in the mail! For the rest of you, there is work to be done! 

2.  START BY WRITING DOWN YOUR PERSONAL 'STORY' BUT FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE. 

Start this process by FORGIVING YOURSELF for having these Past Thoughts Until You can Move Into a Space of Self Love!

Literally start from your earliest memories and begin to write down the 'New Story of Your Life.'  But refrain from seeing these events from your past perspective. The stories we tell ourselves about our past become the coming attractions of what is still to come. And I really don't think you want THAT!

While writing, concentrate on how the past painful experiences of your life have actually proven to be Blessings rather Curses. Start learning to ACCEPT them rather than reliving them in your mind. Acceptance frees you to transcend these story based thoughts and start to see them in a state of GRATITUDE! (Just like the Gift and Miraculous Blessing of my father's abandonment)  In your writing, it is vital to transcend such limiting beliefs in a manner you can actually now see your past challenges as nothing less than gifts of service to yourself and others.  Start 'connecting the dots' of your life.  Look for the patterns and pain points that keep showing up. This will shine a light on the areas of trauma that still need healing!   If looked at through the lens of OPPORTUNITY, the things you once thought as misfortune, were perfectly placed in you path to ‘Propel You Forward!’ If you are having great challenges doing this, stop and pray. Ask Spirit for guidance and Wisdom to see the Truth behind your pain! Then quiet your mind and listen. You will be shown the answers. PROMISE!  

You've suffered enough!  It's time for transcendence and TRANSFORMATION!  By creating a New Origin Story, you can start living from a state of Christ Consciousness and NOT Victim Consciousness. Because the past stories you have been programming your mind to believe, are powerful forms of RESISTANCE!  Resistance is the arch enemy of the Subconscious Mind; the powerhouse of our Abundance Making Machine! Is it any wonder that the exact same things keep popping up in your life year after year! Well, it's almost a brand new year, and 'Times, They Are a Changin!'

Commit to using the remainder of this year to both create and live from your new state of Power! Because if you knew how POWERFUL you truly are, there is absolutely NOTHING you would be afraid of!! And dreaming BIG would be your new mantra.........  And So It Is!

BE SUPER HEROIC!
LOVE-LAUGH-SERVE-INSPIRE

Nerdmaste,

Jeffrey Louis Martinez

TIPS For FORGING Thru A Spiritual Awakening ..!

 

We are in the midst of one of the greatest spiritual opportunities/awakenings within the entire history of this planet. Our moral integrity and character are being shown that the ‘system’ we have created the past few thousand  years no longer serves us. The brick wall we have been heading towards for centuries is now upon us. And we now have a God given choice to make a change that has the ability to completely eradicate the hate, narcissism, greed, apathy, disrespect, fear, and selfishness that has been built into the very fabric of our society. Just as the Blizzard of 2016 caused us to forge together as one and ‘DIG ’ ourselves out of the snow and ice that pelted half of our country, immobilizing millions of us for days if not weeks, it is now time for us to use that same gusto and fortitude to dig out the empty and shallow energy from the fabric of our INNER BEING. But here is the catch;  IT WON'T BE EASY! Change never is. And that is why most of us would rather live the same day 10,000 times in a row than face the unknown of what a new day of truth in perception and action may bring. It can be frightening stuff indeed. BUT WE CAN DO IT! We have too! The cost of being complacent is just to great. 

WE HAVE CREATED A PLANET THAT IS ACTUALLY DYING FROM CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR LACK OF COMPASSION FOR OUR FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IS SLOWLY ERADICATING ANY SENSE OF PURE LOVE FROM OUR COLLECTIVE LIVES....... ESPECIALLY WITH MORE REQUIRED GENUINE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS....

How many daily storms consisting of war, mass shootings, torrential weather wiping entire cities off the map, family and friends creating walls of separation against one another, and collective 'blind eyes' towards our fellow brothers and sisters who are in obvious emotional strife and mental pain must we endure? All before we finally turn our fear and frustration into ACTION! And have the courage and fortitude towards a rebirthing process of our body, mind, and spirit. For the highest good of all concerned. 

And ironically enough, our programmed biologic center actually transforms and rebirths our cells on a molecular level every seven years. In effect, you are NOT the same person on a cellular level that you were five to ten years ago. Old cells that no longer served you were let go so that a new version, filled with the new information to create an anabolic energy within your system would be kept in tact.  It is time for us to take a page from our biological programming and start to strip away the old patterns, thoughts, beliefs, and actions that no longer serve us.  Racism, lack, fear, complacency, disrespect, and shallowness must become relics of the past.  Replaced with the LOVE, compassion, joy, wisdom, and kindness that was built into our true spiritual DNA!!  We must be brave and courageous enough to be REBIRTHED into the Greatest Version of the Grandest Vision ever held of ourselves. And there is NO TIME TO WAIT!

But be forewarned. The birthing process is an arduous one! We must be willing to let go of who we thought we were, so that we can become all that we were meant to BE.  And that means there will be a period of time during the transition in which our new identity will feel new and awkward. You may feel depressed or filled with anxiety as the old you(ego) is shed. This process will no doubt be uncomfortable and even painful at times. Excruciatingly so for some!  During this birthing process, we must be squeezed through pressure to get to the other side of our salvation. And many will want to turn around and go back. The devil we know is often more comforting than the devil we don't.  But the time for excuses died long ago my New Age Nerds! 

For those of you currently completely disillusioned with your life, I want you to understand and know that you are NOT A MISTAKE!  This is not the 'Truman Show' and your life is not for the folly of the rest of us world wide viewers. You are an integral and important part of the process of soulful unfoldment on this planet. You matter.  MORE THAN YOU COULD POSSIBLE FATHOM!! 

Despite the social imprinting that has clouded and covered up the magnificent wings that you carry at your side, whether it be from abuse, poverty, shaming, or any other form of pain and suffering, this does not eradicate the fact that you are one of Spirit’s most precious angels! And the unique emination you came here to be is still awaiting the moment in which you put on your earthly wings and fly!  To shed the dirt and grime from a lifetime of illusion so that you can remember who you truly are and share that KNOWINGNESS with the world.

So I invite you to be brave enough to stand right where you are and shout to the world that you are a miracle makin' machine! And that you came here to spread your GLORY in all its forms; always and in all ways and will not stand for anything less than pure glory! As the luminary spiritual philosopher Victor Frankel said, "There are two times we are born in this life.  And the second time is the moment we understand the meaning of our suffering and the purpose it brings to complete our mission here on earth."

And for any of you New Age Nerds who find great inner discord within this grand growth process of the soul, remember, you are never alone! In fact, if you could allow yourself to reconnect (through meditation, prayer, communion with your tribe members, self growth media) with all the angels and your own spirit guides that are always at your side, you may never feel alone ever again! 

SUPERHEROES IN TRAINING TAKEAWAYS:

We are currently living in very precarious times. People are living in FEAR, unsure of what their future may hold.  Our TV screens filled daily with images of senseless violence, separation, vitriol, and anger. A cacophony of never-ending  'Cosmic Chaos'.  Yet, in many ways, I am more hopeful than ever before! Why, you ask? Because I am experiencing an enormous amount of individuals who are beyond sick and tired of 'being sick and tired.' And are choosing to use this time to try and learn, grow, and change - despite the plethora of pain from nearly every corner of our collective lives. I get SO many personal messages from readers of The New Age Nerd sharing their personal stories of struggle and survival with me.   And I feel incredibly honored and privileged they entrust me with their deep, heartfelt longing and pain. Not to mention their sincere desire to experience a more spiritually awakened life. One that encompasses the reason why we are ALL here. A extraordinary life filled with purpose and deeper meaning that juxtaposes materialistic binges filled with 'quick hits' of happiness for more long lasting inner BLISS! And that is simply to give and receive MORE LOVE......... 

And for the majority of us, this shift in perspective and clarity occurs through spiritual awakenings.

Typically, the first sign of a Spiritual Awakening is having what I call a ‘BREAK OPEN.’ This occurs when we are at our own razor's edge. And life seems to be slowly breaking us down in every way imaginable. Many people call it hitting ‘rock bottom.’  And it's more than just emotionally painful. It causes us to question the very fabric of our foundational beliefs. And for those of you currently reading this who are in such a state, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS! Because this is a sign you may be at the precipice of having your first or one of many Spiritual Awakenings. You are being broken down so that you can ‘Break Open.’ And in doing so, unleash the gifts and talents you were blessed with for the purpose of sharing them with the world!

I am NOT implying that this stage is easy. FOR IT IS NOT! I know from a cacophony of my own spiritual awakenings (most of us will have several versions of spiritual awakenings within our lifetime) experience how scary, painful, and absolutely terrifying it can be. This stage often includes the letting go of things that no longer serve us; lovers, friends, jobs, even family members. As Marianne Williamson calls it ‘The Day of The Wrecking Ball.’  Because our very foundation must be pulled up and out to allow the space for the new one to be built in its place. And that my friends, is NO FUN!  Yet it is also a crucial part of the process. Just like any building, it is ONLY as strong as its foundation, right? Many of the elements born from our past foundations were manifested into our experience when we were not yet ready to Break Open. And match an antiquated energetic essence that no longer serves us! And now that we more of a match with that which we desire, some things are going to have to change. And for a while all the loss, change, and pain may cause us the desire to run back to our old, past surroundings and emotional programming. As the old saying goes, 'Better the Devil you know than the Devil you don't."

SUPERHERO'S TRAINING TIP:  Please do not do that.....You are preparing to soar with the Eagles rather than continue to cuss out life with the Crows....    ;0)

One of my own personal heroes, the late Wayne Dyer, explained this crucial life stage, “The experience of a crisis immobilizes us for a long period of time. Our mind is focused on the disaster aspects of the situation, and we are unable to function effectively. We are unable to sleep or eat, and do not know how we are going to get past the terrible set of circumstances. We use our minds to focus on what is wrong, how painful it is, and how terrible it is going to be in the future. Advice from friends and relatives seems unrelated to our problem and usually results in anger and frustration. We cannot see any way out of our misery.

This is a typical response for all of us who are traveling our life paths in the belief that the external signposts are all there is to our reality. We cannot imagine that there is a valuable lesson in the trauma. We reject any suggestions that someday we will recall this experience as a necessary step in our development. We simply want to wallow in our hurt, believing that someone or something outside of us is creating this pain, and wishing that those externals would change.”

This stage often includes a short period of malaise and anxiety, or both. Please know that you are NOT broken- even though it will often feel that way! What you are doing is getting prepared to birth miracles. And the birthing process (as you ladies know) is an arduous one. Not for the faint of heart. Part of the sadness/anxiety stems from the longing of the things we are letting go of.  Some of it stems from the experience of having a keen awareness that we are not currently following our Superhero's Journey, the very purpose of our life  And leaving our old life behind so that we can accept the life that has been patiently awaiting us can be one of the most daunting endeavors we will ever undertake!  

Stage TWO of a Spiritual Awakening is where we begin the slow process of having complete gratitude for our sufferings. Because we start feeling that our pain and suffering is not in vein. We begin to have connection with and for our pain because we sense there is an important reason behind it. Things that once seemed chaotic start making sense. Wayne Dyer explains it like this, “This is an important step in the enlightenment process, and helps us to see how synchronized the one song really is. Certainly we still experience the pain and suffering, but we simultaneously know that there is something magnificent in this as well. We are able to be gentle and accepting with ourselves, and to honor and love even the part that is creating the crisis. We probably will not cognitively understand why this pain is occurring right now, but we will have an underlying knowingness and belief in the value of it.”

Stage THREE of this awakening is ALL ABOUT SYNCHRONICITY.  There comes a moment in which the pain of NOT committing to our awakening and purpose becomes more painful that the thought of taking that leap of faith.  So through pure force of will, we 'TAKE THE JUMP.' Having faith that Spirit will provide and protect us on this Journey. And guess what, Spirit  does.  Always and in all ways. It is a Universal Law  (A promise from SOURCE-THE ONE GOD MIND if you will) that once you truly commit to this Divine Awakening, Spirit will flood your experience with everything you need to fulfill your destiny. It may not happen all at once. So please, be patient during this stage. 

Miracles often take time in this dimension. But by staying in this new state of allowance, you will begin to experience synchronicity almost daily. People start showing up out of the blue to offer guidance. Financial opportunities present themselves to help support your vision. You begin to attract a new TRIBE of like minded friends and a support team. And let me tell you, it's when many first start experiencing the sensation of creating Heaven on Earth! And it is blissful, and magical.  You cannot imagine living in any other way, ever again!  

For those of you who may be skeptical of this process, I can understand.  ESPECIALLY if you are currently in the middle of Stage ONE.  I know, because I've been there.  BOY have I been there! There were many days in which after making it from my bed to the downstairs sofa I would softly declare, "Watch out world, there is NO stopping me now!!"  LOL

Even if it doesn't feel like it right now, LIFE IS A BLESSING! And please do not beat yourself up for whatever state you currently find yourself in.  You are EXACTLY where you need to be on your Superhero's Journey. Nothing you have experienced will be wasted. For the Universe wastes absolutely nothing!  And once you reach the place where you are in complete alignment of allowance, and living your PURPOSE, fully awakened to your calling, LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!

And to assist every New Age Nerd in creating an ever growing sense of internal INSPIRATION, I'd like to leave you with the following transcendent musical lyrics:

                                                      

ONE by India Arie...........

Billions live their lives
Now Muhammad, Krisha, or the Buddha are the way.
Still some believe it's right to say
In the name of Jesus when you pray.

[Chorus:]
We are a human kind of 7 billion
So many different races and religions
And it all comes down to one

Some say God's a him
Still many believe that He is a Her
Does God Live in our hearts?
Or is She somewhere out there in the universe.

[Chorus]

How far will have to go before we learn the lesson?
Gandhi, was a Hindu
Martin Luther King, a Christian
Regardless of religion, they knew love was the mission
And it all comes down to one.

Is there no God at all?
Or a pantheon of gods up in the sky
We can heal our broken hearts
If we give up the desire to be right.

We are a human kind of seven billion
So many different races and religions
And we all want the same things
Health, Love, Prosperity and Peace
Tolerance is the seed
And the gift of pure acceptance is the tree

[Chorus]

Whether you are red, brown, yellow, black, or white
Man with a husband, or a woman with a wife
We can debate until the end of time who is wrong or right
Or we can see ourselves as one
Cause it all comes down to love.

BE SUPER HEROIC!

LOVE - SERVE - INSPIRE

STAY SO STRONG, THEY HAVE TO WONDER HOW YOU'RE STILL SMILING!

NERDMASTE,

Jeffrey Louis Martinez