Hear Kris interviewed by Steve
Maraboli, Empowered Living Radio [click
here]
A Note from Kris
Dear Friends,
The other day someone asked me: "What do you feel is the most important
single contribution a person can make?" My answer to this
question is that it’s easy to get caught up in thinking of all the
great ways we can leave our mark on the world but it’s the small ways
we show up every day that really leave lasting impressions.
I feel the single most important contribution any one of us can make is
to live life from a space of authenticity and in our genuine true
nature moment to unyielding moment no matter how we spend our
time.
You might be asking: How do I know I am being genuinely
authentic? Well, my own experience is that it is a space
inside you that cannot be defined by who you think you are. It is
presence. It is a feeling. Sometimes the easiest way for me to
access this space is to breathe and quiet my mind so there is space
between my thoughts; it feels light and airy not cluttered with white
noise or static. It is where and I can feel my life energy.
One of the greatest gifts of grief was that it shattered my identity so
dramatically that I found survival in my true nature and essence.
As my life changed, and I spent more time in stillness and grief, my
true essence expanded with my broken heart. I dove into my
feelings and sorrow and in time as my heart mended, it healed and
expanded with even more love. There are many ways to access our
authenticity and we don’t need to wait for tragedy or illness or
something dramatic to show us the way. Understanding and
awareness of how our ego shows up is one of the greatest reflections of
when we are in or out of our true nature. Eckhart Tolle teaches
best about the ego in his books: "The New Earth and The Power of Now."
Our family has always loved watching American Idol together. When
Kris Allen recently won, his reaction was genuinely authentic as he
practically gave his title right over to Adam. The space in him
was one of genuine humility and surprise and a great example of how
authenticity served him well in life and on this show.
America fell in love with both of these men because they were talented
and also very genuine. When we are authentic, it is our
most creative and intelligent state of mind. Coming from this
place, we can manifest our dreams and also heal and transform affecting
those around us in a positive way. When alert, present, and in
tuned to life, sometimes, we can best know who we are by realizing who
we are not. And, we are not as our ego defines us but rather much
bigger out of any box that the ego creates. Our true essence
knows no boundaries of definition.
It is one of the most challenging things an Author in the Self-help
world faces is “walking the talk.” In fact, it is a true
spiritual test to be unaffected by success in life and to remain true
to who you are. This does not mean we should not celebrate our
accomplishments nor does it mean we don’t do our part to get things
done and complete tasks and see our ambitions and goals in life to
fruition. True authenticity happens in detaching from the outcome
of either success or failure especially if we put our best foot forward
to deliver our best work because it is in our heart we are called to
action. Then, surrendering the outcome to the universe, we can be
in a space of authentic joy no matter what the outcome. As we
practice this, we are better able to be present to the next moment we
have to serve. And, no matter what you do or where you are,
‘wherever you go, there you are’ life is a richer experience.
Richard had the reputation of being one of the most authentic authors
in the self-help field, and he truly was everything you thought and
more.
He was unaffected by his success and knew that being ‘ordinary’ was
extraordinary. One of my favorite strategies of all time in
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” is ‘see the extraordinary in the
ordinary.’ This is a principle that grounds everything in
authenticity.
If you are interested in diving into your authenticity further, Mike
Robbin’s book: “Be Yourself: Everyone else is already taken” will give
you some good tips on discovering the power of authenticity.
Join the Live and Love in the Moment Challenge!
If you have been inspired by
the message that you
received from a friend, based on our new book "An Hour to Live, An Hour
to Love" please consider joining our "live and love in the moment"
challenge. At the heart of personal growth is intention. We issue the
"live and love in the moment" challenge to help inspire your commitment
to yourself to treasure the gifts of life and love. [click here]
