Here’s a challenge from An Artist Empowered:

You must make it through an entire day, while conversing with others, without using these three common tick words: just, hope, and wish, or uttering a single cliche. I call them tick words because they are merely marking time, nothing more. If you’re unaware of abusing cliches, then your are (let’s use an apt one here) adding insult to injury.

The point of this exercise is this: prove the insidious power of social conditioning to yourself; from this insight, original work can begin.

Leave a comment, and let me know how you made out.

In response to the many questions I’ve received about my publishing experience with Lulu.com, please read The Zen of POD publishing—link in the Inside Preview sidebar section.

With the power to do it yourself as an ‘Indie’ publisher comes great responsibility; it can be done by any self-inspired individual.

One of the essential characteristics of a creator is self-reliance, which is also the mother of invention.

While we live in a culture steeped in greed and conspicuous consumption, it is becoming increasingly clear to larger numbers of people that there is a better world view.

The soul thrives in the bosom of generosity and gratitude, which has nothing to do with how much money you have in the bank. Generosity is liberating, and gratitude is in all humility.

Be grateful for all your teachers—a former girlfriend, a mentor, a man on the street who taught you something with his awareness. Be generous with your talent, and your praise, and good thoughts for the success of others—which the Buddha had taught more than 2,000 years ago.

You think and feel for your own self. You don’t relinquish your perception or power to experts.

You don’t rely on reviews, critics, and other secondhand sources to make up your mind for you. Of course, when you see a sign on a bottle of lye that reads ‘Poison, do not drink’, you accept the warning without having to taste it for yourself.

Independence without discernment is a flaw.

To be aware of a single thing means you have your attention on it, which is the first step toward doing anything.

You also realize attention exists within the larger sphere of awareness. While attention is mandatory for completing tasks, it is more important to remain aware.

You could be engrossed in your favorite piece of music while your house was burning down. It would be smarter to be aware that the house is on fire instead of paying attention to the music.

Where is your attention? Does it involve gossip, opinion polls, banal thoughts, lurid tales haunting high profile folk, or name your distraction? Are you proud of your attention? Answer truthfully, or why bother.