The Test: A Tool of Inquiry by Benjamin Smythe

The Test: A Tool of Inquiry by Benjamin Smythe
Here is something I developed a year ago, inspired by The Work of Byron Katie, that I
use to end stress in my life. I notice there is always a desire running in my experience. I notice I can change it. Wow. While the Work is about investigating what happens when thoughts are believed, the Test is about noticing this constant wishing power, and using it intelligently.
The exercise is based on the following:
1. I am the one wishing. I can change my wish.
2. Desires and emotions are linked. What I am wishing for directly creates my emotional experience.
3. Reality is the measure of what is actually happening, obviously.
All I do is get out a piece of paper and answer the following questions.
1. What is my wish?
Example: I wish my shoulder didn't hurt.
2. What is Reality?
Ex: My shoulder hurts.
3. How do I feel when my wish doesn't match Reality?
Ex: I feel bummed out. I imagine it getting worse. I wonder how it will affect my day.
4. How would I feel if I could wish for what Reality is?
Ex: "I wish my shoulder hurt."
I laugh, because it does. I laugh because I immediately get my wish. I laugh because it is absurd,and yet, in the absurdity of it, there is no stress or or suffering.
In the irony of what appears to be an insane wish, there is a flower that blooms. I have no idea why, and I am in love with the clarity it brings.
Notes:
* I cannot fake a wish. I know when I am lying to myself. For question #4, I have to actually
direct the wishing power at Reality. If I can't, then I get what I already had.
* A friend said, "Yeah...but what if I don't wish my shoulder hurt? Aren't I just lying to myself?" Each wish leads to a particular emotional experience. The only question I find relevant is, "What is this wish getting me?"
* What I continue to learn from The Test is if I don't want the emotional experience I am having I can change my desires and instantly be uplifted. I am still shocked The Test actually works. It is a delight everytime I do it and feel the freedom bubble up from below when I wish for Reality and Wham-O, baby!!! Here it is. Amazing.
* I let the experience of feeling what happens with question #4 be the conclusion. You will notice what you did, and notice you did it, or you won't.


(I just call this 'accepting what is because it is what is ... in another word "reality". It doesn't mean you can't take steps to change it but most often I find that accepting what is doesn't hurt me, change me, or affect me unless "I" let it.)

"Tyrade will be sharing the stage with Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, Pop Evil, God Forbid, Shadows fall n many more .. 18 bands, on three stages, for only $35!

"Tyrade will be sharing the stage with Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, Pop Evil, God Forbid, Shadows fall n many more .. 18 bands, on three stages, for only $35! Get your tickets!

Rensselaer Falls band Tyrade needs support in online contest | NorthCountryNow

Rensselaer Falls band Tyrade needs support in online contest | NorthCountryNow:

'via Blog this'

HolyCrapTheseAreAmazing Cookies

http://stickygooeycreamychewy.com/2008/01/06/holycraptheseareamazing-cookies/

Please VOTE for my son's band, Tyrade!

Please click on the link and go to Rockstar Energy Uproar Tour website and vote for my son's band Tyrade for them to get the chance to play on the Darien Lake stop! 
It is a chance to open with Godsmack, Staind, Shinedown, Papa Roach, and many many more!!
The guy in the front is my boy Ronn the singer. :)
Thanks a bunch,
Susie

http://battle.rockstaruproar.com/u/Tyrade

Our new grandson and his big brother:

Mason looks SO very proud holding his little brother Carter~! 

Cute eh?

Our newest grandson Carter was born today!

We went for a Harley ride today and stopped in to see our son Andy, our daughter in law Melissa and grandson Mason in Constantia, NY! We visited for a while and Melissa was feeling sort of poorly. :) We took off and went to North Syracuse for lunch at Applebee's and Andy called about 12:10 pm and said they were going to the hospital that her contractions were getting close and consistent. We got there about 1:10 pm and he was born at 3:10 pm. Quick eh? He was 7lbs. 1 ounce!

He is such a sweet kid.
Love Carter James Simser so much. :)

Fear VS Peace!

The ego mind is always trying to protect itself.
That mind is always in fear, fear of losing it's position, it's honor, it's place.
That mind is constantly fighting reality.
It never accepts what comes in life as it always wants what IT wants.
The ego mind is not only a self centered life but a life filled with defending what is supposedly theirs.
The higher mind is one of acceptance, one of peace and freedom. All that comes is exactly WHAT IS SUPPOSE to come.
 It is life. The higher mind accepts what is and goes from there doing and being what it thinks best but doesn't have the defenses of fear and anger.

Mother's Day surprise....

My husband took me on a secret Harley ride on Saturday. It was an awesome place to eat a few hours from our house in Remsen, NY. Here is their website: http://www.thesoda-fountain.com/

It was so cool. The atmosphere being "the fifties" was so awesome. The music was neat and so was the food. If you are ever in the area, stop by.

:)
Susie

Cupcake decorating supplies ready...

My daughter in law Erica and grandson Drew are coming over this afternoon to decorate cupcakes and stay for supper.

I thought I would show you the supplies I got ready for them. :)
What fun,

Susie

CLICK to ENLARGE photos:

 All of the supplies.

 Only got 17 cupcakes from the cake mix. I make them BIG. LOL. I use an ice cream scoop full to put the batter in the paper cups.

Sprinkles, colored butter cream (Light blue, medium blue, orange, red, black, gray, brown, white and green. ) 

Fondant to make shapes, decorating tips, book, and icing bags.