Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery’s penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. TED-talker. no-bullsh**er.

Sophie Chiche, founder of lifebyme.com, is the single mom of an amazing 16-year-old, Leah, and wicked step-mom of 22-year-old, Sarah. They all live in LA. You can find them boxing, cooking, collaging, hosting brunches, laughing their head off or bickering over who’s washing and who’s drying the dishes.

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He’s a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He’s a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

meaning

Craig Marshall Craig Marshall clarity inspirer. core explorer. fear-facing dude.

Craig Marshall was a yoga monk for 35 years. His visionary work has awakened thousands worldwide, teaching them how to face fears and draw on intuition to realize their full identity and deepest dreams. [www.gapzip.com]

craig_marshall_feature

As a kid, I was always searching for meaning. I was suspicious about the norms of society because I saw people who didn’t inspire me, whose lives I wouldn’t be satisfied living. I wanted something juicier and more meaningful on a deeper level. That’s why I became a monk.

The day I graduated from university, I went to work for Self-Realization Fellowship in Hollywood. I was trying to figure out how meditation, yoga, and a life of more discipline, structure, and consciousness might help me go deeper into the subject of meaning.

I was a monk for 35 years. I had it in my head that the purpose of my life was to find and be in tune with God. I look back now and see that as an externally-referenced search. As I matured, slowly and painfully, I became more intuitively convinced that I had to figure out something more meaningful to me personally than just being in tune with this God thing.

I went through a process of looking back though my whole life at the experiences that had made me blissful and put me in touch with my core. Then I looked at the experiences that had really bugged me, and I found the flip side of the same issues. One set of experiences fulfilled meaning and the other violated that same meaning.

I concluded that my life is all about encouraging myself and anyone who’s receptive to get clear on what means the most to them, and to manifest it. Anything but that is secondary.

Because we live in this realm of duality, each of us has a positive and a negative pole. The positive pole is our potential for unique contribution. The world is waiting for us to stand up and manifest that. On the flip side are our blind spots, the places we can’t see into. Therefore, we need to be receptive to other people’s visions and life purposes, to learn from them and be healed by them. People are becoming clearer about their potential, and yet open to collaboration. That’s what’s going to heal the world.

When I’m angry, I don’t ask myself what I’m angry about, because anger is a phase of fear. I ask myself, What are you afraid of, dude? I can always answer that question. When I start down that path of inquiry, I always go deeper, and when I’m deep, I’m okay. Then I start laughing.

- Craig Marshall

Every answer. Every day. Yep, it's free.
everyday meaning sample
 

Comments

Every answer. Every day. Yep, it's free.
everyday meaning sample
 

Explore More Meaning

  • Marcia Alesan Dawkins
    Marcia Alesan Dawkins Marcia Alesan Dawkins professor. empowerer. encouragement entrepreneur.

    Marcia Alesan Dawkins is an intellectual entrepreneur from New York City. She has written two books, including Eminem: The Real Slim Shady, as well as articles for Huffington Post and Truthdig. [www.marciadawkins.com]

     
  • Rasanath Dasa
    Rasanath Dasa Rasanath Dasa full-time monk. compassionate mentor. instrument of growth.

    Rasanath Dasa went from being an investment banker on Wall Street to being a monk of the Bhakti tradition. He draws his spiritual wisdom from a wide range of personal experiences. [www.gitanyc.com]

     
  • Jacqui Lalita
    Jacqui Lalita Jacqui Lalita belly dancer. nature lover. authenticity excavator.

    Author Jacqui Lalita travels the world teaching and performing the ancient art of belly dancing. The moon, plants, and furry creatures of our world have been her greatest teachers. [www.danceofthedivine.org]

     
  • Nancy Sherr
    Nancy Sherr Nancy Sherr reinvention catalyst. white canvas embracer. believer.

    Nancy Sherr is the creator of A Zestful Life, coaching brave hearted women through Big. Life. Change. She is an inspiring reinvention catalyst, supports graceful navigation of life transitions, exuberant living, fully expressed. [www.nancysherr.com]

     
  • Marianne Williamson
    Marianne Williamson Marianne Williamson author. philosopher. connector.

    Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed best-selling author and lecturer. She founded Project Angel Food, a meals-on-wheels program that serves homebound people with AIDS in the Los Angeles area. [www.marianne.com]

     
  • Kevin Bales
    Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

    By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery’s penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

     
  • Joan Barnes
    Joan Barnes Joan Barnes creator. truth seeker. jourrneyer.

    Joan Barnes was the principal owner of YOGASTUDIO. She also founded and was CEO of Gymboree. She continues to be involved in creative recreation for all age groups.

     
  • Steve Connell
    Steve Connell Steve Connell word wizard. stage illuminator. self truster.

    By fusing acting, writing, comedy, and poetry, Steve Connell has become a transformative and sought-after speaker, performing privately for such luminaries as President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Norman Lear. [www.stevenconnell.com]

     
  • More

Today's Poll

What’s your idea of a journal?

I make a daily gratitude list. I reflect on my goals weekly. I write when I'm frustrated. I express myself on twitter. Diaries are for tween girls.
Shape House The Daily Dot Tiny Buddha Conscious Blogging True North Adventures

Contributors

  • Stan Deland
    Stan Deland Stan Deland platoon commander. flower essencer. unraveler.

    After returning home from being an Infantry Platoon Commander in the Marine Corps in Iraq, Stan Deland and Geoffrey Greenspahn launched the flower essence company Siddatech. [www.siddatech.com]

     
  • Samantha Reynolds
    Samantha Reynolds Samantha Reynolds poet. entrepreneur. relentless life-observer.

    Samantha Reynolds is the founder of a popular blog that has sparked a growing movement of people around the world to write a poem a day as a way to slow down and savor their lives. [www.bentlily.com]

     
  • Kenneth Vogt
    Kenneth Vogt Kenneth Vogt mindful entrepreneur. present appreciator. business transformer.

    Kenneth champions life-sustaining entrepreneurism. As The Clarity Guy he brings focus and simplicity to the grand notion that businesses big and small can and must transform the world. [www.veraclaritas.com]

     
  • Bekah Eden
    Bekah Eden Bekah Eden hope vocalizer. musician with a cause. purpose liver.

    Bekah Eden is a singer, songwriter, musician and Cause Artist based out of Virginia Beach. In the fall she took home the Upcoming Female Artist Award at the Malibu Music Awards. [www.bekaheden.com]

     
  • Jack Bower
    Jack Bower Jack Bower wanderer. goofball. inflexible yogi.

    Jack Bower is a nurse, salesman, veteran, father, yogi, and searcher. If he finds what he’s looking for, he’ll let you know. [www.facebook.com/jack.e.bower]

     
  • Marci Shimoff
    Marci Shimoff Marci Shimoff author. consultant. no-reason lover.

    Marci Shimoff is the best-selling author of six Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She’s one of the nation's leading experts on happiness, success, and the Law of Attraction. [www.happyfornoreason.com]

     
  • Miki Devivo
    Miki Devivo Miki Devivo life author. real mother. unique sparkler.

    Miki DeVivo is a mom, story wrangler, still space finder, and bridge builder. She’s passionate about building a community of moms who give voice to what’s in their hearts. [www.thestillspace.com]

     
  • John Morton
    John Morton John Morton counselor. spiritual director. do-gooder.

    John Morton is a minister, author, counselor, coach, and the Spiritual Director of several non-profit organizations, including the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. [www.theblessings.org]

     
  • Anna Krajec
    Anna Krajec Anna Krajec educator. youth leadership developer. playshopper.

    Anna Krajec is the visionary behind IWE and the Green Valentines Festivals, which raise awareness about sustainable living and creating a bright future for our children. [www.ImagineWisdomEducation-IWE.org]

     
  • Nick Bassill
    Nick Bassill Nick Bassill self acknowledger. dream reviver. bakery investor.

    Nick Bassill is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Launch America!, a social networking, coaching, and advocacy site for start-ups and small businesses. Nick’s passion is helping men and women fulfill their American Dream. [www.LaunchAmerica.org]

     
  • Agapi Stassinopoulos
    Agapi Stassinopoulos Agapi Stassinopoulos unbinder. love giver. greek goddess.

    Inspiring teacher and published author Agapi Stassinpoulos conducts seminars worldwide for men and women, empowering them to recognize their individual gifts and create the lives they want. [www.unbindingtheheart.com]

     
  • Jon Rose
    Jon Rose Jon Rose clean water champion. pro surfer. global changer.

    Jon Rose founded the non-profit organization Waves for Water, which works with world leaders and strategic partners to provide clean water to communities in need around the world. [www.wavesforwater.org]

     
  • Aaron Ableman
    Aaron Ableman Aaron Ableman edutainer. musician. balancer.

    Aaron Ableman is an acclaimed “edutainer.” He grew up under the mentorship of Hopi elders and children’s musician Raffi, and has shared stages with K’NAAN and Joan Baez, among others. [www.balanceedutainment.com]

     
  • Kimberly Brooks
    Kimberly Brooks Kimberly Brooks color mixer. mother. naked explorer.

    Kimberly Brooks is a contemporary American painter who exhibits internationally. Her studio is in Venice, California. [www.kimberlybrooks.com]

     
  • Jesse Gros
    Jesse Gros Jesse Gros coach. inner travel adventurer. tribal truster.

    Jesse Gros, a unique outdoor adventure guide, is just as passionate about the inner journey as he is about the outer adventure. [www.insightadventures.com]

     
  • Cynthia Litman
    Cynthia Litman Cynthia Litman spiritual parent. entertainment lawyer. kin connector.

    Cynthia Litman is an entertainment lawyer. She founded the spiritual parenting brand Momma’s Pearls, providing depth and support to busy families via blog, talk radio show, newsletter, and coaching. [www.mommaspearls.com]

     
  • Simon Sinek
    Simon Sinek Simon Sinek teacher. golden circle creator. why advisor.

    Simon Sinek teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people. He created a simple model, The Golden Circle, that codifies what makes the most inspiring people and organizations so successful. [www.startwithwhy.com]

     
  • Alexis Wolfer
    Alexis Wolfer Alexis Wolfer magazine founder. conversation sparker. inner beauty queen.

    Concerned with the media focus on unrealistic body ideals, Alexis Wolfer founded the glamorous site The Beauty Bean, a free online magazine and newsletter focused on health and inner beauty. [www.thebeautybean.com]

     
  • Barbara Patterson
    Barbara Patterson Barbara Patterson innate wisdom follower. yes welcomer. aperture opener.

    Barbara Patterson has a passion for accessing potential and understanding the drivers of transformation. She meets people every day who underestimate their power and potential. [barbarapatterson.com]

     
  • Mark Simmons
    Mark Simmons Mark Simmons author. entrepreneur. playful brit.

    Mark Simmons is an author, branding expert, and entrepreneur who believes in the power of ideas to change the world. He founded the social enterprise useless.org. [www.useless.org]

     
  • Peggy Drexler
    Peggy Drexler Peggy Drexler mother. author. dog lover.

    Peggy Drexler, Ph.D., is a research psychologist, assistant professor of psychology at Cornell, and author of two books about gender and family. She’s currently working on a book about the impact of wealth on childrearing. [www.peggydrexler.com]

     
  • Michael Bailey
    Michael Bailey Michael Bailey apparel supplier. postive impactor. goal acheiver.

    Michael Bailey is the founder of One Stone Apparel, a clothing company that uses clothing as a means to accomplish greater objectives. [www.onestoneapparel.com]

     
  • Jenna Avery
    Jenna Avery Jenna Avery writing soul. creative mama. nudge listener.

    Jenna Avery is a sci-fi screenwriter, writing mentor, big dream coach, and life purpose hand analyst who inspires people to take action to make their dreams real. [www.jennaavery.com]

     
  • Jeff Semigran
    Jeff Semigran Jeff Semigran appreciative son. moment cogitator. lesson learner.

    Jeff Semigran is a senior at UC Berkeley studying environmental and civil engineering. He is an alumnus of the Teen Insight Seminars and Leadership series. This piece is part of the Insight University and Life By Me week of giving back. www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university

     
  • Mark Harradine
    Mark Harradine Mark Harradine gifts identifier. inner wizard finder. spiritual sunbather.

    Mark Harradine is a strategist who creates flourishing commercial value for entrepreneurs by identifying their natural gifts, promoting clarity of purpose, and encouraging inner and professional development to expand and sustain business. [www.markharradine.com]

     
  • Tracey Trottenberg
    Tracey Trottenberg Tracey Trottenberg strategist. speaker. catalyst for change.

    Tracey Trottenberg is a business and leadership coach and an international speaker. She founded Amazing Women International, which connects and educates women leaders throughout the world. [www.traceytrottenberg.net]

     
  • Mike Dooley
    Mike Dooley Mike Dooley entrepreneur. author. philosophical adventurer.

    Mike Dooley, a former PriceWaterhouseCoopers international tax consultant, is an entrepreneur, inspirational author, and founder of a philosophical Internet Adventurer’s Club with more than 350,000 members. [www.tut.com]

     
  • Abby Seixas
    Abby Seixas Abby Seixas psychotherapist. author. life balancer.

    Abby Seixas is a psychotherapist, author, speaker, mother, calligrapher, gardener, life-long spiritual seeker, and work-in-progress. [www.deepriverwithin.com]

     
  • John Hittler
    John Hittler John Hittler seemingly impossible creator. game changer. transformation coach.

    John Hittler coaches teams and individuals to transform their lives by design and choice, partnering with them to create significance in their lives. [www.evokinggenius.com]

     
  • More

Connection

Every answer. Every day. Yep, it's free.
everyday meaning sample
 

© 2010-2013 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)