3 Secrets for Setting Goals and Reaching Them

"This Lifetime will never come again; 
it is precious and irreplaceable. 
To live without regret, 
it is crucial for us to have a concrete purpose 
and continually set goals and challenges for ourselves. 
It is equally important 
that we keep moving toward specific targets 
steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time." 
Daisaku Ikeda, For Today and Tomorrow, page 55. 

We all know we need to make lists and write down our targets and goals, don't we? We've seen the studies that report that college graduates with clear goals achieve more success than others who don't have written goals. But still, somehow it is difficult to write them out and make them. 

Why is Setting Goals difficult? 
1. Many of us have set goals and failed to reach them. Raise your hands if you've ever done the same. And we've seen those targets breeze by...losing faith in ourselves. These failures mean nothing. We should make goals anyway. Read on. 
2. Sometimes it's hard for us to decide what our goals are. 
I chant for clarification and wisdom... 
3. We're afraid we won't reach our goals. That's a version of number 1 above. Or...maybe we're afraid we WILL reach them, and regret the outcome. 

So as I am making my list of goals I am remembering what some of my favorite mentors have to say about goal setting. 

3 Secrets For Setting Goals 
and Reaching Them! 
By Jamie Lee Silver from Chantforhappiness.com, based on the teachings of Tony Robbins. 

1. For every goal you have be clear on WHY you want to achieve that goal. Write your goal...and write WHY you want to achieve it. As a Votary of the Lotus Sutra, all of my goals include the vow to show actual proof through my own life that the impossible is possible. 

2. Make yourself an inspiring name for this goal. I have a  friend who just embarked upon a fitness regime with a trainer. After a few days she was feeling discouraged, and I suggested she come up with a name for herself for this endeavor. She exclaimed "Fitgirl!" and has told me over and over how calling herself "Fitgirl" gets her out of bed and to her workout every day. What name can you come up with for yourself to invigorate (great word - meaning "give life to") your goals?

3. Schedule it.  

So here we are. Be bold. Be Brave. Make your list. If I can do it...so can you! Go Buddha Go!  

Celebration Ceremony for a Milestone Reached

Some of my best friends in Chicago, Lashell, Gaye, me, Mary, Laurie, Kindred and Sarah

Last night I had a party celebrating my reaching a new milestone in life, and some of my best girlfriends were able to come. If only all of you, all over the world could have been there. What a great party that would have been...!

You know, I have the belief that major transitions in life should be honored with a ceremony of some type. That's why I became a certified celebrant ~ so I could perform weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies.  

Last night we had a candle ceremony. I gave everyone a lit votive candle in glass, and as we held them, we went around the room. Each person gave a blessing of words to honor my new life and bright future, and a blessing for all of us, and the world. When everyone had said their blessing, we each made our own private wish and blew out our candles. Beautiful. 

Thank you for being with me and for being my friend. I am chanting to be able to visit you all over the world, and for us to meet one day. Maybe I'll be in a lovely place and you can visit me! 

PowerPrayer to Help a Friend or Family Member

How do we help someone who is suffering? Of course, the first thing we think of is to help them learn to chant...but what if they can't chant for some reason? 
We still have the power to help them. 
As votaries of the Lotus Sutra, we have the power. Daisaku Ikeda always says if one person chants in a family - it is enough! 
Last week I had to help someone stop suffering. 
And I had to do it with faith alone. 
AND IT WORKED. I can't give you the details now...but this prayer led me to find a solution to the problem to relieve the person's suffering. This PowerPrayer worked. Within a few days I found a professional who had the answer and we put it into action.

FAITH
It all begins with faith. 
We know this. 
We've heard it a million times. 
What does it mean to us?
How can we REALLY ACCESS OUR FAITH?
What does faith in action mean? 

Last week,  when it became clear that someone in my life was still really suffering I took it to the Gohonzon. OK...what does that mean? 

I sat in front of my Gohonzon and I chanted...and as I chanted I just have to say I shouted in my mind: 

PowerPrayer to Help a Friend or Family Member:
While chanting, let these feelings and thoughts flow through your mind: 
By Jamie Lee Silver from Chantforhappiness.com

Gohonzon!
My LIFE!
My Infinite life force! 
Through my life alone, 
as a votary of the Lotus Sutra 
I am roaring like a lion
Right here
right now
that I will find a solution to this problem. 
I will find a way to stop this person from suffering. 
With every Daimoku I am chanting - right here - right now 
I KNOW the solution is at hand 
through my Daimoku alone. 
Gohonzon! 
My Life! 
SOME KIND OF WAY! 
I now draw my immeasurable power...
the power that is vested in me 
as a votary of the Lotus Sutra....
I now draw on that power to solve this problem. 
I am solving this problem now 
through every Nam-myoho-renge-kyo I chant. 
The answer is coming NOW! 
I have everything I need, right here at this moment
while chanting these daimoku 
to solve this problem. 
________________
(you state the problem and the solution you seek)
Some kind of way
I accomplish this right now! 

3 Point Vow for Kosen Rufu - World Peace through Each of Us!

This year once again I feel such gratitude to be able to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo along with my mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, and along with all of you, my friends all over the world. I have been hearing from so many of you...all my courageous friends. 

We all live noble lives as Votaries of the Lotus Sutra. Our great vow in life is to usher in the new age of light, of happiness, of respect and love. We call it kosen rufu, and I believe every person longs for this new world. Everyone longs for a world of peace, a world of no violence, a world of love. How do we do this? We do it through our own Human Revolution - our own inner change that ignites our lives, and ignites all of life.

We do our Human Revolution by making our great vow for kosen-rufu and chanting to see and make the changes we need to make within our own lives. 

What does this mean for each of us? Here is my interpretation. As always these are my views only. I speak to you from my experience and don't officially represent the Soka Gakkai. 

As you know, in 2013, the Soka Gakkai opened the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen Rufu in Tokyo. We can now travel to the hall to renew our vow for Kosen Rufu. (There are specifications for entry. Please check with your local SGI center) 

3 Point Vow for Kosen 

By Jamie Lee Silver, from the blog Chantforhappiness.com: 

If you want to share this with people, please include my name and chantforhappiness.com. You can also share this link instead: http://chantforhappiness.blogspot.com/2014/01/3-point-vow-for-world-peace-kosen-rufu.html

1. I vow to use my life for Kosen Rufu. I vow to use every thought, every action, every word and every prayer to transform my life, to discard the transient and reveal the true, and to change the world through tapping into the power my life inherently possesses through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, studying Buddhism, doing shakubuku and deepening my connection with my mentor-in-life Daisaku Ikeda.  

2. I vow to live my life as an example that happiness, absolute happiness, is possible. I vow to use my life as an inspiration for people to learn about chanting, and tap into their own limitless potential. 

3. I vow to win in all areas of my life, health, love, happiness, friendships, family, (both my real family and my Gakkai family) work, writings and wealth for the sake of Kosen Rufu. 

Centering our lives on Kosen Rufu, and contributing to the Happiness of our own lives, and to the lives of others is crucial. How do we affect change? I've recently shared that I am noticing what I do not like in others and chanting to change those things is myself (even if I believe I do not share those traits). Last weekend I had actual proof of the power of this prayer. Try it. You may be surprised how quickly you can uproot patterns of frustration. I'll write more on this later. I've got to run! 

PowerPrayer for Moving from Victim to Victor!

According to Daisaku Ikeda, we summon the exact set of obstacles we need to springboard our lives to the next level of practice and happiness. 
We will be better off for them!  
We summoned these storms. 
Realizing this takes our lives from Victim to Victory! This simple change in perspective brings incredible power to our Daimoku. When we are chanting we can address our lives and roar like the lions (Buddhas!) we are. What follows is a PowerPrayer I offer you to reclaim your life and move from Victim to Victor. As always, I offer you my writings from my heart, not as an official SGI representative, although I love the organization and encourage everyone to participate - if you are not yet a member please use this link to connect: sgi-usa.org 

PowerPrayer 

For Reclaiming My Own Life 

and Moving 

From Victim to VICTOR 

Read this before you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
and hold its spirit in your heart and mind - that's what a PowerPrayer - A Fresh Determination is...

by Jamie Lee Silver from Chantforhappiness.com. 

LIFE !! 
I get it! 
I SUMMONED THIS STORM and I can VANQUISH IT! 
I summoned this storm and I will WIN over it !
Shoten Zenjin (protective forces of the universe within all life) 
I now command you to fulfill these prayers!__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am a precious Votary of the Lotus Sutra 
and I vow to PROVE the POWER of the MYSTIC LAW 
through my own victories - 
so I can encourage everyone that 
the IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE!
I will NOW raise my life condition to a level I have never before experienced. 
I see through the eyes of the Buddha, 
I feel with the heart of the Buddha
I AM the Buddha! 
The universe exists within ME! 
I am CLAIMING power over my own life. 
No more complaining for me! 
No More "Woe is me!" 
NO! 
Starting today ~ with this Daimoku ~ 
I bring forth all the wisdom I need
                             to know what I need to do - 
All the courage I need ~ 
                             to take the right action 
All the perfect timing I need ~ 
                             to accomplish what I want
And the People and Resources I need ~ 
                             ALL appear right now! 
I am a powerful being waging a powerful war against the fundamental darkness inherent in all of life and I will WIN. 
Starting today 
I will win in:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This PowerPrayer has been inspired by the Gosho Study from the August of 2013 Living Buddhism "The Three Obstacles and Four Devils" written in November 1277 to the youngest Ikegami brother, Munenega, after his brother had been disowned by his father for his faith in Nichiren Buddhism. 

President Ikeda's lecture from the August Living Buddhism on this Gosho includes these words: 

"Though we speak of the "three obstacles and four devils" appearing, no one wishes to have to face adversity. 
That is surely a natural human reaction. 
But Nichiren says that 
the appearance of the three obstacles and four devils 
is a source of JOY. 
How could that be? 
It doesn't seem possible. 
But it is, in fact, 
by overcoming the steep hills and inclines of obstacles 
we can forge our lives 
and ascend the summit of Buddhahood, 
where we can savor the sublime vista of 
eternity, happiness, true self and purity."

He goes on to say:

"We need to "own" them (our obstacles) as something we ourselves have summoned up...we are in charge, we are the protagonists...the struggle against the three obstacles and four devils is indeed a great joy."

President Ikeda goes on to say:
"As Nichiren Daishonin writes: "When a tiger roars, gales blow; when a dragon intones, clouds gather" (The Workings of Brahma and Shakra," WND-1, 799) When we adopt this attitude ~ "I summoned this storm!" ~ our hearts will be filled with the bright sense of hope and purpose." (All quotes from the 2013 August Living Buddhism, pages 21, 22) 
By Jamie Lee Silver from Chantforhappiness.com

Write me your victories at Chantforhappiness@gmail.com! 

Win Win Win Win Win !!!

What does is mean to win? 
We talk about winning a lot in this practice:

"Win in the morning and you win in Life!"

That's a motto I carry from my mentor Daisaku Ikeda. And I do win every morning. I chant a full hour of Daimoku and give it my most focused concentration

What does it mean to win in life? For me, it means a win- win for everyone. That's what I was chanting for in my divorce - a win-win for both me and the man I now call my "wusband." (I don't like the term "ex", and we'll always be friends.) I wasn't out to ruin him or defeat him. I chanted for a win-win. And that's what we got. Last night we went out to dinner and toasted to our accomplishment. 

And challenges, obstacles, (benefits in disguise) lead us to chant. Yesterday I talked with my son Ben and realized I have to draw the strength of my entire immeasurable life force through for him in Daimoku...and continue to do this over and over until he is free from the torment in his head. 

If any of you know of any doctors or alternative health practitioners who are having success with the disease of schizophrenia please contact me at chantforhappinedd@gmail.com. At least he is safe and happy in the wonderful community we found for him! 

Every day I chant to Master my Mind, Master my Mind, Master my Mind! I chant to draw the immeasurable power of my life through my prayer and focus it in many directions, including my family. My sister is getting married in April and we have a great relationships, and I am chanting to change myself to make it even greater and revolutionalize our family patterns. 
Chanting to master my mind is powerful! 

Inspiring and Happy Divorce Experience

I begin this day as a single woman for the first time since December 20th, 1987. Yesterday Paul and I finalized our divorce...and the whole process was Daimoku powered in every way. 

 

All I can feel is gratitude for my life..gratitude to my now ex-husband Paul for being such a great human being...gratitude for the two of us coming to terms with this process, and the division of property...and gratitude to myself for making the rock-solid determination that this divorce would be an inspiring one to all who were a part of it, and all who witnessed it, our family, children, and friends. 

That was my constant prayer...that neither of us would sink into the tornado of "painful divorce" and intend to hurt each other in the process. I'm a Buddha! The Buddha does not have to follow society's norms! I embrace the mystic law! Right after I made this determination a friend of 20 years started practicing Buddhism after seeing Paul and I traveling together amicably - even though separated. 

We didn't go the usual route. I found out about collaborative divorce - and found a collaborative attorney. Paul researched on-line options and began using an on-line tool to create a proposal according to our state's laws for the division of property. 

Once he had the proposal, I presented it to my attorney, and we went back and forth for a very short time until we'd created an equitable agreement. Yesterday we stood in front of a judge who dissolved our marriage. It took about 5 minutes. Then we hung out in the courthouse for two hours while we waited for the paperwork. We laughed. We talked. Our total legal fees were nominal compared to what most people go through. And, once we got rolling - when we were truly ready, it took less than a month. 

But the most important part is that we remained friends through everything, and we will be friends forever, and I know my daimoku fueled that. My constant prayer to change myself...to see myself...and to make a win-win situation was key. 

Today I begin a new chapter of my life...with solid footing and great expectation, happiness and gratitude. 

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day and focusing on changing ourselves first is the key to creating absolute happiness from within our lives. 

Being a Buddhist means BLAMING NO ONE and creating our own happiness! We keep looking into the mirror of our inner lives...with courage...with constant guidance from our SGI mentors...and with everlasting enthusiasm and courage. 

7 Steps to Changing Your Karma

Welcome to Chantforhappiness.com. Check out some of the previous posts while you're here!

I've heard from many of you lately who are very sad and suffering, disappointed and losing hope. You are not alone. And you can rise above this and change your karma - right here and right now. 
Many of us practitioners of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism have changed various aspects of our karma. It starts with each one of us...how courageous can we be to change ourselves? 

As Daisaku Ikeda writes:
The course of our lives is determined by how we react  - what we decide and what we do - at the darkest of times. The nature of that response determines a person's true worth and greatness. 

I was in an extreme place of sadness when I started this blog, and there is one important thing I realized that I really want you to understand too. 
It is true, that my suffering was triggered by an event in my life. This can't be denied. But somewhere in the depths of my life I knew that the tears I was shedding were WITHIN my life, and had always been within my life. These were not new feelings of despair. Yes, they were intensified by my recent event, but I realized that I had carried these feelings INTO this life, and that my Mom, my sweet Mommy, had also experienced a lot of these feelings. 

I realized that this sadness was my karma. But in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism that doesn't mean what it means in other forms of Buddhism. 
Karma in some sects means something you have to ENDURE, in others, it's something you have to LEARN FROM. and In Nichiren Buddhism, also known as SGI Buddhism, also known as Practical Buddhism ~  where we chant the name of the Mystic Law - Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Karma is something that we can change, in fact, it is our MISSION to change our karma. 

7 Steps to Changing Our Karma

by Jamie Lee Silver of Chantforhappiness.com. 
Please do not cut and paste. Please do share the post using the links at the bottom.  

1. Recognize karma for what it is. 
Whatever we are suffering about...we have to own it. To "own it" means to embrace it as our own and realize that yes, this is my karma, and therefore mine to change. There is no one to blame, not even ourselves. If it is causing us suffering, it is ours. Years ago I had a boss that caused me great suffering. I took it on and embraced it. I followed the steps outlined below and permanently changed that karma by changing something in myself. Read on...

2. Make a fierce determination to change your karma, and take the actions to change it. 
Chant to root the cause of your suffering FOREVER OUT OF YOUR LIFE. 
CHANT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AS THE BUDDHA YOU ARE! CHANT TO USE YOUR VICTORY TO INSPIRE OTHERS! 
Many of you have written that you just can't chant, you can't go to meetings, you're too depressed and too busy. Somehow, you just have to overcome this through sheer determination. That's why we have our wonderful organization, the Soka Gakkai. It is entirely up to you! Your friends in faith are waiting to hear from you, chant with you, win with you. Connect to the SGI (use the link sgi-usa.org). And call your SGI friends. I have always chanted to make strong friends in faith who inspire me. You can do this too, and go to them for guidance. (Sometimes, when I am facing an obstacle, I ask for guidance on the most effective way to chant to achieve victory)

3. Take action. 
In my case, five years ago, I formed a connection with a strong and inspiring member and we determined to chant two hours a day "together" to change our karma. Sometimes we chanted in the same room, sometimes by phone or text. We didn't always chant at the exact same time, but somehow, knowing we had the shared commitment was very important. Also, take concrete action. You may want to write your goals on paper. Chant for wisdom, and take the actions that arise from your prayers. 

4. Be consistent. Practice correctly. 
I know, I know, I say this all the time because it is really important. Go to meetings, study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and Daisaku Ikeda, and introduce others to the practice to the best of your ability. No seed planted is ever wasted. If they don't start practicing today they may down the line. The seed is within their life. 

5. Realize that obstacles will arise. 
Don't let them stop you. 
Chant through your tears. Chant through your tears. A leader once told me that Every tear cried in front of the Gohonzon is a diamond in your life. Keep Chanting through your tears. Don't stop! Embrace it. Get out the tissues and get that karma out of your life, not just for you, but for the generations ahead of you! 

6. Don't give up. 
Whatever you do, don't give up. 
Do whatever you have to do to keep going. Karma changing doesn't usually happen overnight. Call on your friends. Start a journal. Realize that what you are doing is REALLY important.

7. WIN and share your Victory with others! 
Document your experience. Write down the challenges you faced and how you overcame them through chanting. Write down the quotes and guidance that inspired you. 

We would all love to hear your victories. You can share them on Chantforhappiness.com. Just send a picture, a little about yourself - where you live, how long you've been practicing, and your experience to chantforhappiness@gmail.com. 

Mastering our Mind Brings Results

Loving ourselves into perfect happiness...the key to life I think. 

I have two benefits...breakthroughs I created...

I have been chanting steadily to Master my Mind and I am about to do two things I have been putting off for a long time...One of them is a major life-changing incident, that will officially make me a single woman...and the other is a medical test that I just have never wanted to do, but somehow now have the courage. Many people have done this before with no incident. I have just been to scared to do it. 

For both of these I had to master my mind, and in my case, overcome the fear of facing regret.  Now that the medical procedure is going to happen this morning it feels almost like a piece of cake. I am just going to sail on through. 

And as far as the divorce goes, please don't let it discourage you that this is the choice I have taken in my life. It does not mean that you cannot work it out with your spouse or get the man that you want. I will attain happiness in love. I am sure of this. 
My circumstances are unique to me. I was fortunate to marry a very good man and good father to our children. We have chosen to go our own ways for some time and finally have agreed, and consulted with professionals and are carrying out our desires amicably, and as friends.   

From the very beginning when I knew we were going to divorce I chanted to have the kind of divorce that people would never believe...friendly, amicable and inspiring...where all of our lives would improve. One of my friends joined the SGI watching me in this process...watching us. 

The main point is, I was finally able to come to a solid decision and take appropriate action. Step by step, overcoming my fears. 
Now, as all of you know, some things are easier for us, some are harder. We all have our difficulties and our gifts. What we, as Buddhists do, is continually challenge our weaknesses, having the courage to look our inner selves in the mirror and forging on, no matter whether we like the reflection or not. This week, at the District meeting,  I presented on the mirror guidance...all IS a reflection of our lives. All real change occurs when we can really look at ourselves. 

My apologies to the many who have written this week. I'll have some time to reply this weekend. When you write me, please remember that the first thing I will probably do is suggest you connect with your local leaders. But I know some of you have unique circumstances...

I'd like to write more but I have to chant before the Doctor's office. 

From Suffering to Dynamic Progress

Last night we had a district meeting and I brought a wonderful guest who has already experienced benefit from chanting. There were two other new members who just received their Gohonzons at the meeting, too. And it dawned on me that my primary chanting partner over the last year, my friend Deborah, and I, had brought the guests. 
What a wonderful practice this is...where we can walk through the fires of suffering, and emerge with fresh determination, action and results that inspire others to become happy. Poison into medicine indeed! 

4 keys to Finding and Clearing our Own Obstacles to Happiness!

Happy Nichiren Daishonin's Birthday! 

It is another beautiful day to renew our powerful vow for kosen-rufu and for our own happiness. 

In For Today and Tomorrow, on February 16th, 
Daisaku Ikeda states:

"I hope you will always live in unity 
with Nichiren Daishonin, 
pursuing faith as disciples who are 
"of the same mind as Nichiren."
Unfazed by the petty jealousies of others, 
please move forward boldly with joy and laughter." 

Well, I like that idea...of the same mind as Nichiren (determined, resolute, certain!) moving forward boldly with joy and laughter. I know I strive to do that every day. 

As I chant this morning I continue to focus on mastering my mind...and on changing the things in myself that I don't like in others. 

Have you ever had a friend or a family member that you just want to say "why can't you SEE this about yourself? It is so clear to others!" 

We all have blind spots don't we? I've been chanting to see my blind spots...the tendencies I have that hold me back...the patterns I live out that no longer serve me or make me happy. What are three keys to dong this? 

Three Keys to Finding and 
Clearing our own Obstacles to Happiness 

1. Identify character traits you dislike in others. (Such as, quick to anger and yell, continual martyrdom, etc)

2. Even if you don't believe you share those traits chant with an open mind to change them in yourself. 

3. Notice what happens. Notice your own reactions. See if suddenly you can SEE yourself with those traits. 

4. Chant to change these traits in yourself and replace them with traits you would rather have. 


Ever since the guidance I got last week, I am chanting to change the things in myself that I see and dislike in others. (Even if I don't believe I share those traits) And I'll tell you, I have revealed some personal tendencies that I'm not happy about! That's why the Gohonzon is a mirror for our inner life, and why we have to be so courageous. 

I may not LIKE what I'm seeing, but if I never saw it, I could never change it. AND the obstacles to chanting about this are so strong! I just have to laugh. But this is what Human Revolution IS, isn't it? The willingness to SEE what we need to change and the courage to change it. What if I changed these tendencies? I can't say for sure, but I am willing to try...willing to chant...willing to look in that mirror.  

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo takes courage, and the results are worth it. As I dig deep into challenging my life, and doing tons of shakubuku, I wish you all the best. 

Be courageous! 

As Louise Hay says: "How can you clean house if you don't see the dirt!" 

PowerPrayer to Rise Above Our Sadness

I read some guidance that said 

"When you chant you should 

take a vacation from your troubles." 

Great idea

And today while I was chanting that's exactly what I did. I chanted to lift my life condition so I could see over and above my troubles...and to experience this day in a state of elevation through Daimoku. 

I chanted to release all feelings of having to be in control at every single moment, because, as we all know, control at every moment is impossible anyway! 

Sometimes we think "I'm a Buddha so I should be able to command every single moment of every single day. I'm a Buddha, right?" But I don't think that's exactly how it works, 

The only things we can really be in control of are our reactions to what's going on. That's not to say that we can't change our lives through chanting. WE CAN. But the process of doing so doesn't always go as quickly as we'd want it to. We are not like Samantha on the TV show Bewitched. We can't just wiggle our noses and make everything change. 

PowerPrayer 

for Rising Above Our Troubles 

and Having Joy - No Matter What!

by Jamie Lee Silver of Chantforhappiness.com

Life! 

Gohonzon! 

Today while chanting 

I am seeing my life and my spirits 

rising above my worries. 

As I am chanting I am seeing my life rise above. 

I am focusing on joining the ceremony in the air. 

I am joining with all the Buddhas on the Gohonzon, 

and knowing that 

YES! 

This is the life I chose for Kosen-rufu, 

and I will keep my life condition HIGH no matter what. 

I see through the eyes of the Buddha. 

I shine for all those around me as a beacon of hope. 

I am the Buddha at every moment today...

fully aware and focusing on all that is right in my world! 

I am going to float above my worries and chant in the world of gratitude and appreciation. 

I am so grateful for:__________________________

And I release this day to my prayers! 

Mindblowing PowerPrayer to Master Your Mind in the Past and the Present

WOW, chanting to Master my Mind is having a profound affect on my life. 

I feel like I'm starting my practice anew...as I chant my mind is being flooded with ideas, inspiration and PowerPrayers...as I pray even more deeply. 

When I start chanting I don't even look at the clock until at least 15 minutes has passed, but it feels like about three minutes. I see and feel the effects of the prayer every day. All day I am in the right place at the right time. I am calm. I am thinking before I speak (gasp) most of the time. And I am unafraid...even as I walk into new territory.

Here is my latest

PowerPrayer for Mastering Your Mind
by Jamie Lee Silver of Chantforhappiness.com

As I am chanting I am mastering my mind! 

As I master my mind I show even more proof of the power of the law and do shakubuku! 


As I am chanting, 
I am going back through 30 years of Daimoku
(you fill in number of years of your practice here____) 
and infusing every single Nam-myoho-renge-kyo 
with the prayer to master my mind. 

With every Daimoku 
I feel my prayer and my muscle of faith strengthening! 

As I master my mind
I see the power of the this prayer
reflected in my environment

I infuse my life with wisdom, courage, and certainty.

I am level headed. 
I think before I speak. 
I am able to check my emotions whenever I desire. 
I gain the strength of memory!

I express myself efficiently, accurately and expediently. 

As I am mastering my mind I feel the currents of my immeasurable power flowing through me like never before! 

3 Ways to Make This Your Best Valentine's Day Ever!

Valentine's Day is February 14th in America. Many people have a love/hate relationship with this holiday because it's traditionally when you receive a token of love from someone who loves you...
But what if you're not in a relationship? Or, worse yet, what if you have a significant other who doesn't "believe" in Valentine's day, calls it a "Hallmark Holiday" and refuses to participate. There are many ways to be disappointed or sad when Valentine's Day comes along. 

Not for me. Not anymore! 

Several years ago I embarked on the greatest love of all...cultivating my love for myself from within my own life.

I truly believe as Louise Hay states, that loving ourselves is the greatest journey we can take, and all love that surrounds us stems from love of ourselves. 

So now, when Valentine's Day comes around I follow my own traditions: 

3 Ways 

to Have a 

Fabulous Valentine's Day!

1. Spread the love! 
Make Valentine's Day about SHOWING your love...not about waiting for someone to give it to you. I've already spent a few hours writing and addressing cards to those I love..girlfriends...family members...even new business friends. Every day this week I've given gifts and surprises to people...bringing them joy, and ME joy! If you don't have a lot of friends, this is the perfect time to reach out to new potential friends. Be bold! 

2. Reach Out!
Call some friends you haven't talked to in a while. I set a dinner date with a dear friend, and I've called some friends I haven't spoken to recently. 

3. Love YourSelf!
Show YourSelf some love! You are special! Express your love to yourself. Recently I bought myself a token to commemorate the day that Ben was accepted into his new community. Every time I look at it I feel new appreciation for the fortune within my own life. 
And this week I plan on buying myself some flowers, and continuing to express my love to myself and others. I started walking regularly, as I mentioned, and it feels great! I'll treat myself to yoga. 
On Valentine's Day I have a new friend coming over to chant, and I'll think up some surprises for other friends. 

Make it fun. Valentine's Day is about love. It's up to all of us to bring love, to feel love, to build love. 
I'm sending love to YOU right now ~* 

3 Benefits of Chanting to Master Your Mind

As some of you know, I have chosen the month of February 2015 to chant to master my mind. I am using the PowerPrayer from the post of February 4th every time I chant. And I can really see the results. 

So far I see 3 Major Benefits of Chanting to Master My Mind: 

1. Clarity of purpose. 
2. Better Organizational Skills.
3. Increased Energy and Vibrancy. 

How does this show up in my life? 
In my 30 years of practice,  I've heard about mastering the mind, but I've never really chanted about it. For one thing, I thought if I mastered my mind I would lose my spontaneity, my spark, my Jamie-ness. I thought I would become, well, boring. Impossible! Right? 
Occasionally I'd get guidance that stressed NOT to follow what my mind dictates, and I struggled to understand what that meant. If I master my mind, who AM I? 
Now I'm seeing the answers. 

This week was a spectacular one from a business standpoint. Lately, I am doing public speaking almost every week. I present a speech I created called: 
Growing Bolder. 
Tools and Techniques for Thriving at Every Age. 
I present the latest research 
that shows that life GETS BETTER as we age...
and the more aware we are of this, 
the better we usher in 
our own happiness and fulfillment at ANY age. 
I talk about the value of using our words not just to describe our lives, but to PREDICT our course in life. 
Our words determine our experience. Think of the difference between using the word "Overwhelmed" in which we are victims, and the phrase "In Demand" which portrays us an anything BUT victims. 
When we are in demand we are important, and we have choices on where we will put our energy. I ask my audiences "Which would you rather be, a victim, or important?" I give examples of people who made this switch of language, and catapulted themselves to increased success and happiness, both in their personal lives and in their careers. 

Originally, I gained passion and confidence in public speaking by emceeing SGI meetings when I was a youthful Buddha. As I prepared for each and every meeting I chanted that each person who attended would leave the meeting incredibly inspired. I chanted that their cells would rearrange and they would NEVER be the same. 
Just from this one meeting. 
As a district leader, I continued to chant this way. For years. And I chant this way before every speech. No wonder I am "in demand" as a speaker! 

And, yesterday, owing to the prayer to master my mind, I made huge inroads. I chanted an hour and a half with a member. I finalized the terms of a legal matter. I worked out for the first time in a while (I've been sick this winter) and rediscovered how much my body loves to dance on the treadmill to my favorite tunes. And I started exercising my upper body as well. It's been a while. I feel great. Then I deep cleaned my refrigerator and cleared out a cluttered area in my apartment. Boy does that feel great. Then I spent the evening sharing poetry and song with a friend in faith. Great day!

Today I've already chanted an hour to master my mind. I worked out again. Now I am writing you, and I will spend the afternoon researching and preparing new material for some speeches I've been asked to give on topics I love: How to Make Friends, How to Really Love Ourselves. Looks like another great day! 

PowerPrayer for Mastering Your Mind

A PowerPrayer is a fresh determination. We use PowerPrayer to face the Gohonzon (our lives) and chant with focus. You can use this PowerPrayer anyway you wish. You can change it, reword, or embed it in your heart. Some readers print them out. Others read them just before starting to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. 

PowerPrayer for Mastering Your Mind
by Jamie Lee Silver of Chantforhappiness.com

Life!
With the immeasurable power of my life
I am chanting to master my mind. 
I am mastering my mind as I chant right now... 
In this moment. 

I will master my mind for the sake of the law. 
I WILL master my mind 
to show actual proof of this practice. 
I don't care how many times I have to remake this determination...I will keep chanting to master my mind! 
All day I will see the benefits of this exact prayer. 
As I master my mind I master my life. 
As I master my mind I master my emotions. 
As I master my mind I strengthen my life. 
As I master my mind I build fortune of the heart. 
As I master my mind I gain the courage and wisdom to take the right action, right now, to reveal and attain my goals. 
Mastering my mind makes me even more useful 
as a Votary of the Lotus Sutra. 
Mastering my mind gives me more power to encourage and help others!