#Inner Potential

[conscious-pisces]

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

—Anais Nin

[raffaellopalandri]

Book of the Day – Science of Yoga

Today’s Book of the Day is Science of Yoga, written by Ann Swanson in 2019 and published by DK. Ann Swanson is a yoga therapist, teacher trainer, and expert in self-care. She has always written and taught about science, anatomy, and physiology.  I have chosen this book because I suggested it to a friend who asked for a book about Yoga physiology. From this perspective, the book Science of…

[garydouglas]

Discover Your Inner Strength

Empower yourself through 'Unlocking Your Inner Potential,' a guide to self-awareness and personal growth. Navigate the realms of self-discovery, harness your strengths, and embrace a more authentic life. Ready to transform? Click the link and start your journey today.

[blueheartbookclub]

"Unlocking Your Inner Potential: A Dive into 'Your Mind and How to Use It'"

In "Your Mind and How to Use It: A Manual of Practical Psychology," William Walker Atkinson serves as a guiding beacon through the intricate labyrinth of the human mind. Aptly subtitled, this book is indeed a practical manual that offers profound insights into understanding and harnessing the immense power residing within our minds.

Atkinson's writing is both accessible and enlightening, making complex psychological concepts digestible for readers from all walks of life. The book serves as a roadmap for self-discovery, empowering individuals to navigate the realms of their consciousness with purpose.

The author delves into various facets of psychology, ranging from the power of thought to the influence of habits on our daily lives. Atkinson seamlessly weaves together theory and practical application, providing readers with actionable steps to tap into the latent potential of their minds.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world implementation. Atkinson introduces readers to the transformative power of positive thinking, affirmations, and the cultivation of a success-oriented mindset. The manual is not merely a collection of abstract ideas but a toolkit for personal development and growth.

Moreover, Atkinson explores the connection between mind and body, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy mental and emotional state. He advocates for the significance of maintaining harmony within ourselves to manifest positive outcomes in our external realities.

"Your Mind and How to Use It" is a timeless piece that resonates with readers across generations. Atkinson's teachings continue to inspire those seeking to unravel the mysteries of their own minds and unlock their true potential. This manual is not just a book; it's a companion on the journey of self-discovery, offering profound wisdom for those ready to embark on the path to personal transformation.

"Your Mind and How to Use It: A Manual of Practical Psychology," by William Walker Atkinson is available in Amazon in paperback 13.99$ and hardcover 20.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 258

Language: English

Rating: 7/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[leonbloder]

The Voice Within

One of the difficult things that most of us struggle with is finding our true purpose in life.  

I can say this confidently because, as I do, I am drawing on my experience as a pastor for over two decades and the numerous conversations I've had with people who admit this struggle dominates their thoughts and intentions. 

Every one of us wants to believe that we have a purpose for being on this earth, but what I've come to understand is that most of us walk around feeling like we either have none or we've missed out on finding it somehow. 

I can't even begin to tell you how many people have told me over the years how they believe the past mistakes, the problems of their present, and their dread of the future have all kept them believing they will never find their true purpose. 

I've sat next to the deathbeds of scores of people, and I can say that roughly half of the people I've talked to in their last days or moments have regrets and feel as though they accomplished none of the things they'd hoped to in life. 

Most of those people had accomplished many wonderful things in their lives, as witnessed by their friends and loved ones. They didn't believe they did, however.  

So many of us feel we will shuffle off this mortal coil with our music still in us, yet we don't seem to act on that feeling all that often, and we refuse to sing. 

I read this quote the other day from William James, the father of modern psychology, and it resonated with me deeply: 

Remember that this quote is from the late 19th century, hence the non-gender-inclusive language.  Still, there is so much truth in this, isn't there? 

James firmly believed in the power of hope and a connection to the spiritual world, even if he wasn't certain about his religious beliefs.  

His work was the foundation for Bill W's formation of Alcoholics Anonymous and the creation of the Clinical Pastoral Education system (I had to have one unit of CPE to become ordained), among other things.  

James believed the power to transform the world lay within the human soul.  

In other words, by tapping into the hope that comes from believing in a "higher power," people could move past many challenges that keep them from living their best lives.  

I love the way he posits it in the above quote.  When we feel most "deeply and intensely alive," a voice from within tells us who we really are.  

I have long remembered a wonderful line from the movie Chariots of Fire that has spoken to me repeatedly as a pastor.  

Eric Lidell, the main character in the film adaptation of his true story, was a devout Christian and a British Olympic track team member who refused to race in the Olympics on Sunday.  Lidell would go on to be a missionary who lost his life during the revolutions in China that ushered in the communist regime. 

The line I recall comes after his friends and family have tried to dissuade him from running, encouraging him to enter the ministry instead.  

"When I run," Lidell said, "I feel the Lord's pleasure." 

That feeling we find when doing what we are meant to do, living the life we were meant to live, is exactly that.  We feel the Lord's pleasure.  We know something about ourselves, but also something about the God who created us to feel that way. 

The voice that speaks to us from within is the voice that speaks "Beloved."  

So pay attention to the feeling you have when you are doing whatever it is that makes you feel the Lord's pleasure.  Let that voice from within guide you and speak the truth about who you are. 

And may you find glorious purpose in the midst of it.  

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever.  Amen.  

[spookedbees]

Sorry Rick, these two are my ocs now. I grabbed em. They're mine.

[historiareiss80]

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo

[readychilledwine]

hello!! please could i request one where the reader is an OG member of the IC and very close to azriel (she knows that he’s her mate, he doesn’t) and sister-like to the rest of the IC. once feyre and her sisters come about, she often confides with feyre so they’re also close.

anyway, there’s an important event for the reader on day and she expected the rest of the IC would join her (she invited them?) but no one turned up and she’s absolutely exhausted, emotionally and physically, by the end of the day.

when she’s back, everyone is together at the house having fun and one of them notices she so dressed up but looked exhausted. maybe someone says something snarky and there’s an argument. azriel defends the snarky person so reader and azriel have an argument (hurtful words towards the reader) and that’s when the mating bond snaps for az and he’s regretful. things happen but happy ending for the reader, az and the IC. thank you 🫶🏼💗

Odd One Out

Summary - After 500 years of friendship, the last thing you ever expected was the Inner circle to miss one of your symphonies. But you know what they say, time changes people.

Warnings - I warned you all to watch out for angst, right? Elain being catty, reader feeling lonely, Azriel being an idiot

A/N - I promise Bound by Fate is still coming. I'm just constantly rereading it and not happy with where it's at. It's probably because I needed this out of my system. I hope this is close enough to what you were looking for! It wrote itself, so I'm worried it may stray too far from the ask! Please let me know if it did.

✨️ Azriel Masterlist✨️

Odd One Out pt 2

Maybe you had asked too much again. You looked to where the empty seats for the Inner Circle and Archeron sisters sat one last time before moving forward. You had worked too hard on this symphony to let this stop you. You were the last to go on stage, the conductor in her gorgeous sparkling gown and heels. You were the picture perfect face of composure as you bowed before turning and raising your hands.

You were introduced to Rhysand at a young age, and the two of you were quickly friends, so when he became High Lord, a place at his side was handed to you without question. You were eloquent, elegant, and kind. You were perfect for the position of emissary, and you single handedly won him friendships and alliances among every court aside from Spring.

He had never stopped you from pursuing passion, though. Your father had forced you into harp lessons from the tender age of 4 until his untimely death. He sat by your side for hours, teaching you to speak through letters written on a sheet that so fee could truly understand. It was an escape that turned into a career. One Rhysand specifically built the amphitheater you currently stood on for. The music you wrote woke emotion on the High Lord and all of Velaris, quickly making you one of the most popular females in the City of Starlight.

No one enjoyed your music more than Azriel's shadows, though. Nor did anyone enjoy you the way they did. How they knew you two were mates while he sat clueless and doting on Elain would never make sense to you, but the shadow turning your sheet music for you tonight was at least a small comfort, even if your family, mainly his master, was not here in their resevered High box seats.

You were exhausted when your arms lowered for the close of the show. You stood to the side, plastering a small faked smile on your graceful features as you held your arm to the orchestra, signaling for their bows before taking your own and leaving. You were the last one there, sharing thank yous and goodbyes as you musicians left. You chose to be alone for a while on the harp that sat in your sound room at the theater. You had a song in your mind, and you needed to let it speak before it left. Even if it was created from a place of raw emotion. It was near midnight when you finished, leaving the new composition to sit until you returned tomorrow.

You could hear the drunken laughter the second you walked into the old Riverhouse, the one you and Azriel made home as the mates of the Inner Circle began occupying the other houses, and signed as you removed your heels and picked them up into white tipped manicured nails. "Y/n!" Cassian's booming drunk voice slammed into you as he did. "Where have you been, baby?"

It was Nesta who gasped, looking at the clock on the wall before whispering a soft oh no as she saw your dress. Nesta who covered her mouth, eyes beginning to water as she shook her head and stared. Nesta who glared to Feyre.

"Why do you look so dolled up?" Rhys had a slight flush to his face, a wide smile as he took you in. "Hot date?"

You couldn't help but stare, shaking your head as your throat tightened. "You all seriously don't remember." Rhys knitted his brow thinking, and his face slowly fell.

"Y/n Darling, I am-"

You put your hand up to him before he could finish, shaking your head as the tears actually fell. "Save it. Spare me your lies and excuses." Cassian looked to Nesta and then Rhys, his own face falling next as he remembered.

"The symphony."

"Was beautiful, regardless of my support system deciding wine and board games were more important than the first live art performance in Velaris since our high lord was captured." Your voice was shaking as you looked up, avoiding Hazel eyes that were wide in shock as every single ounce of heart ache you felt hit him.

The bond finally snaps, his shadows hissed. We've been reminding you all day. And now you've hurt our mate. Ours. We went. Where were you?

"Maybe if you were actually good at writing music, we would have remembered." Mor's glass of wine hit the floor as your breath stilled. Rhys felt his hands fall from Feyre's lap as she audibly said Elain's name in an insulted tone. Amren was immediately held back by Varian. "Obviously, if the people who you claim you're so important to did not see making time to go a priority, we did not miss much."

Cassian heard your breath shutter. You stared to Azriel, waiting for him to come to your defense and not realizing his silence was due to shock from the bond and Elain's sudden cattiness. "Very well. I see I am no longer wanted, and I will not stay where I am not wanted," the whisper was all anyone could hear as you turned and walked away. The door shut behind you, and as if the Mother truly hated you, rain began falling softly, and you made your way back to the amphitheater.

Azriel had never shoved someone off his lap as quickly as he did Elain in that moment. But it was Rhysand who spoke, "How. Dare. You." The High lord went to stand, grabbing his jacket. "When your sister was dying, I sent her y/n's music. The mobile you play for our son every night, is y/n's music. The music that plays in Hewn City is y/n's music. She is an essential part of my circle, my family. How dare you tell her that her passion, her joy, and her career mean nothing to us."

Azriel backed away from Elain. "Your true colors disgust me, Elain Archeron." He studied her, truly studied her for the first time as the door slammed shut following Rhysand's exit. "That is my friend, my closest friend. You just hurt her like it was nothing. Cut her so deeply you will never be able to repair it."

"Well, if she mattered so much you all would have remembered."

Feyre spoke then, between heavy sobs, "I wrote down the wrong date. I wrong down tomorrow night for opening night. We were going to take her to dinner. It was supposed to be Nyx's first concert. This is my fault."

"Again, proof it didn't matter." Elain sipped her white wine as if Feyre had all but solidified her opinion.

"Get out," the growl from Azriel took everyone by surprise. "Get out of my home. You are no longer welcome here."

He was out the door, running to catch up to Rhysand in the rain, but missing the High Lord. He entered the amphitheater drenched and in silence, sitting next to where Rhysand was in the dark.

You were on stage playing violin as you always did when your heart was breaking. Every stroke of the strings had the bond growing tight before you dimmed it on your end, as if each movement of the bow, each note, was you whispering goodbye. "She told me she is leaving," Rhysand rubbed his face next to Azriel. It was then he saw the tears staining the perfect features of the High Lord. "She said this is my last performance before she leaves for Dawn."

"There's nothing we can do then?" Rhysand shook his head at the question before his head fell into his hands and his shoulders wrecked into sobs. "She's my mate."

"I know," Rhysand looked to the stars. "I've known for years. She never said anything, and now she never will. What little piece we had left is gone. Her light had been blown out by Elain's statements."

"Let me-"

"Just please stop talking and let me enjoy this."

It was the song he had sent Feyre under the mountain. A score that read of hope through pain.

And hope was all Azriel could hold on to as you stood and bowed, winnowing away as soon as you were finished.

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanagers @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho @mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr @eternallyelvish @azrielsmate3 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @meritxellao @aria-chikage @hungryforbatboys @lilah-asteria @fandomrejects

[justaz]

arthur (prince of camelot) still has to study under a tutor bc yknow uther wants him to be very intelligent before becoming king or something bc its super important idk idc anyways merlin is doing chores in his chambers while arthur is squinting at a book and merlin eventually caves and asks him what he’s reading and arthur gruffly explains that its a collection of stories from greece that make absolutely no sense so merlin asks him to read them outloud to him. arthur of course teases him and calls him an idiot and asks how he could possibly help but does as he’s asked and reads the stories to merlin as he does his chores. merlin (being crushed under the weight of destiny and tormented by the prophecies that kilgharrah spews) understands the stories almost immediately and gets all excited and starts rambling about them with arthur. arthur is glad to have someone who understands so he can give something that reflects a hint of understanding to his tutor who accepts it and moves onto the next unit of education.

the thing is, arthur finds more stories in camelot’s library and brings them up to his room to read them aloud to merlin under the guise of completing his studies but really he just wants to watch as merlin’s eyes gleam when he understands whats happening and listen to him ramble on and on about them bc he’s gay. the stories stick with merlin though and he realizes that they’re cautionary tales, that the heroes who were told too much of their future doomed themself to fulfill them - that them fighting the prophecies led to their completion. merlin takes it to heart and gives a big “fuck you” to kilgharrah before forging his own fate and helping morgana with her magic and handing out an olive branch to mordred and now everyone can live happily and peacefully in an albion teeming with magic.

[conscious-pisces]

“Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential.”

—Bruce Lee

[revelisms]

Lil' comic of a scene from a fic I haven't gotten around to writing.

(basically Vi and Jinx have reconciled, Silco is alive, and Vi is begrudingly finding herself beginning to look up Silco as a mentor/father figure. She accompanies him on an errand run, one of which winds them up at the old cannery, and emotions bubble up biiig time 🥲)

[xynczachrome]

Cole : Dahlia

[chaellooo]

Lloyd have come so far he's embracing the babygirl heritage from Garmadon

[noirrelite]

*casually drops mawframe cringe and skitters into the sunset*

mesa rouge (wip) and sierra (kinda wip?) mawfreems

[guujikaroko]

I went to read Ratio's messages again and:

He encourages Stelle to enroll on Veritas Prime, a.k.a his very own alma mater, for REALSIES. Not only that, but:

He's willing to personally recommend her. P e r s o n a l l y.

And that's kinda surprising, in a good way. Like, I know Ratio isn't a condescending prick that thinks himself above others (or, well... There's a lot more to him than the condescension, is what I mean to say), but he looked at Stelle and saw potential in her. Veritas Ratio, the man who'd rather wear a fucking plaster head in front of his students because he's allergic to dumbassery, looked at Stelle, our resident unhinged raccoon, and saw enough potential to personally encourage and oversee her pursuit of knowledge.

Look at this! He's genuinely interested in her worldview and her opinions! He doesn't consider a waste of time to discuss topics with her! He spent the entirety of this message batch simulating a debate with her and sharing knowledge on the subject!

Again, it's not like I thought Ratio was incapable of any of this, but I never imagined that he'd be like that with the Trailblazer either. It's surprising, but in a very pleasant way? Like, "wow, I wasn't expecting this dynamic to be so genuine but it is and I like it". Honestly, I'll never not be impressed by Ratio and his particular ways of showcasing kindness to others/seeking companionship. He's such a compelling character.

Oh, and this is my favorite message batch of his. He feels tired by the monotony of his projects and he decides to relax by... Humoring Stelle? He goes and says "Hey, think of something you want and I'll make up a project" and Stelle, huge dork that she is, goes "Make me a cool weapon!" and "Make the Express move forever!" and he just... Does it? Sends a project of transforming the Express into a mecha?? Says he wants to disassemble the Express to figure it out???

It feels like I'm rambling for nothing but this is truly disarming to me. It's easy to dismiss Stelle as a goofball (and she very much IS a goofball) but Ratio actually takes her seriously and seeks to nurture her progress. Beyond that, he honestly likes to entertain her ideas and thinks that hearing her out is a positive thing.

If I had to describe their relationship, I'd say it's all very cute, in a pure and wholesome way, and I cannot believe I'm using these words to describe Veritas freaking Ratio out of all characters. This gotta be a new kind of brainworm.