Three simple, yet powerful words – Health, Wealth and Happiness.
 
I think we can agree that all of us, knowingly or not, strive to be happy. I know I am, even though it can be challenging at times. When things get though, difficult situations arise, and it seems like the world is falling apart, we tend to lose faith; but as my wise therapist said just this morning: “Things are not falling apart – they are falling into place”. Faith is the answer.
 
True happiness doesn’t come from the outside like things or riches, it comes from an inner knowing of self. A fulfilled sense of being. A sense of gratitude and a sense of bliss. Happiness is finding a true companion, good friends and seeing your children succeed. It is the enjoyment of what ‘is’, rather than always wanting more. Let me say, there is nothing wrong with wanting more, but it’s not the key to contentment.
 
My sense of a paragraph from “Quiet Moments with God”, by Dr. Joseph Murphy is this: ‘Having found my true Everlasting Companions within me, (love, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, etc.) I can never lack for wonderful companions in the without. I am loving, I am kind, I am forgiving, I am grateful. I have wonderful spiritual companions now. As within so without. I have found my Divine companions within, and I now recognize them on the without. God is the fullness of all things.’
 
It stands to reason that one cannot be fully happy without health and some degree of comfortable living. With wellness being the most precious of all, I place health on the top of my list. I am certain that our physical health reflects our mental state of mind and therefore the visible body manifests our invisible mental state. Yes, there is a lot more to talk about on this subject!
 
Dr. Joseph Murphy’s meditation on health: ‘I express perfect health. I am full of joy and happiness. I am full of confidence and faith. My faith is my inner feeling and conviction that I am whole and perfect. My faith is in the Law of Good.’
 
In our society health is seen as the proper functioning of the organs, as well as an overall feeling of well-being.
 
Mental health, however, is generally viewed as a positive attitude, a balanced and sound mind, and emotional well-being. It includes the capacity to live a full and creative life, and foremost the flexibility to deal with life's inevitable challenges. Mental health is necessary to reflect physical health onto your body.
 
Last but not least: Wealth has many meanings. We all see wealth with different eyes and have a different sense of what it means to be wealthy. Of course, seeing it from a material stand point it means money to most people. But there is more to that.
 
To me ‘wealth’ means an abundance of goodness flowing into my life because I have given and contributed to the goodness of all. It means a sense of immense love for myself and every living being, which in turn will bring back all the love I’ll ever need. A feeling of wealth engulfs me when I realize that I am part of the Allness of Good, God.
 
Wishing you Health, Wealth and Happiness! 
​ULRIKE 

This little word: “Me”- what impact! “Me,” “I,” “My,” “Mine,” - designates all I ever will be, and all I ever will know. It is my sense of my perception of me and my world. When you say “Me” or “I”, it is your sense of your perception of self and your world.

Ulrike was the name given to me at birth by my parents. I was named after a calf, raised on the farm where my mother grew up; she found it cute. Interestingly enough my nickname “Uschi” (sounded “oo-shee”) means “Cow” in Japanese and it translates into “Happy” in Kundalini. The Cow, in metaphysics, represents “Patience” – a patient and happy cow, I like it!

This name was the first ego ID established for me. It made me someone, in their eyes, a person - it established “who” I was, or better recognized my aliveness.

I am Ulrike.

The important words in this sentence, I am Ulrike, are the words “I Am.” I am alive, I exist, I am spirit, I am conscious, I am aware, and I am Life itself.

Sit still for a minute and think about YOU. Say: “I Am” and feel your aliveness. Feel yourself think. Know that you are conscious. Being - nothing else matters; at least not at this moment. Namaste!
(Excerpt from my book “Forever…and 365 days!” by ULRIKE)
​Painting www.thehappypaintbrush.com

As most of you know, I grew up speaking German and even though I learned snippets of English in Junior Highschool, they were only simple words combined with a little bit of grammar. The question is, how much attention does a 10- to 14-year-old pay to a foreign language when it isn’t practiced at home?

It wasn’t until a few years later, when my curiosity transported me to London on an extended vacation, that my love for the English language awoke.

When I arrived in California in 1981, I still spoke broken English and my vocabulary was limited, but my desire to learn was immense. I watched simple TV shows like the “Love boat” and other uncomplicated sitcoms where the pictures told the story and I read book after book. I looked up words in the dictionary and stopped speaking German all together. The more I learned about English and the wonderful, diverse use of words, the less I liked the harsh and limited German language. I learned that words are important. Yes, words are so very important.

Once I started to dream in English, I knew I had succeeded. I began writing articles for magazines and inspirational books and loved every minute of it. I learned that words can heal, empower, and spread happiness, but they can also sting, hurt, and injure the soul. I realized that words mean different things to different people and that they have an effect not only on others but certainly also on ourselves.

So, I started to observe and watch myself during the day and listened to my inner dialogue. What was my habitual demeanor? Did I wake up smiling, ready to enjoy a day? Was I prepared to love and act kindly? What triggered my mood to change? Did I allow someone close to my heart inflict hurt onto me and make me feel less than? Was I ready to learn from my daily experiences and end the day with a ‘grateful heart’ no matter what?

I know that even while sleeping, my subconscious is working, digesting and systematizing my day’s experiences and impressions. To minimize my stressed, anxious mind before I doze off, I’m in the habit of reading positive prayers and meditations. Going to sleep with a grateful and loving heart lets me rest a lot easier than with a worried and disturbed mind. Saying “thank you” to the Universe or Source of all being before I drift away will ensure that tomorrow will be again blessed and I will be another step closer to my goal of happiness.
​With Love, ULRIKE

With everything that has been going on over the past couple of years, the pandemic to civil unrests, racial disparities and overall worldwide suffering, it’s not surprising that the human race is experiencing more mental health issues, anxiety disorders, depression, cases of suicide and a variety of severe addictions, than ever before. Statistics tell us that no one has escaped this detriment to some degree at one time or another.

Fear, of course being the biggest culprit, feeds our already fragile thought process. We all have experienced that vicious cycle between habitual wrong thoughts, brought on by our daily distress’ and anxiety, and raw emotions – which are feelings exaggerated and in many instances are making a mountain out of a molehill, so to speak. Fear, sheer terror, and anxiety of what’s yet to come feed each other, and the downward spiral begins. I call it the “black hole”. It has been staring at me during the last six month several times to say the least.

“What is going on inside me?” is a good question to ask when feeling depressed, unloved, or lonely, unwell, or just plain miserable. Do we wonder why we feel the way we feel, trying to get to the bottom of things? What triggers this unhealthy mood and is it reversible?

We can sense the “black hole” coming on ever so slightly and then, suddenly, our mood changes. Something triggers us to jump back to memories of an old hurt, disappointment, or resentment. We’re not quite sure what made us think of this occurrence, but suddenly and unwittingly we experience this knot in our stomach, the heart races and we mire in negative emotions. We recall instantaneously the harmful effect this incident had at the time, and we start comparing to other, more current, unpleasant and painful happenings.

Continuously dwelling on the wrong situation or person feeds energy into the emotion, which in turn energizes the wrong thought pattern. As I said, it’s a vicious and unhealthy cycle.

How do we stop these feelings when we feel them coming on? First, we must realize, believe it or not, that these unpleasant experiences, including sickness, are actually good for us. They are lessons. They are what we need to progress at the time; like a swift kick in the butt to move forward. They are blessings.

Secondly, visualizing is a great tool - visualize turning the “black hole” into a radiant circle of light. Visualize yourself happy and healthy.

Thirdly, we must turn the “black hole” upside down by refusing to fall into it. As difficult as it seems to be, we have a choice: we can either continue to dwell on the past, all that negativity and despair, and the thoughts that led up to our destructive mood, or we can say “No, I will not think such wrong harmful thoughts again. I will not allow someone else to hurt me. I want to be healthy and happy. I want to live with love in my heart.”

We can acknowledge the situation, feelings, and emotions for what they are, or we can continue to suffer. It is up to us. Dr. Joseph Murphy, metaphysician, and author of many wonderful, inspirational books, said it so beautifully:
“Fill your mind with the eternal truths of God (Divine Wisdom) by busying your mind with the concepts that God is Love, Peace, Joy, Beauty, Wholeness and Wisdom, and that his River of Peace and Infinite Ocean of Love are flowing through your conscious and subconscious mind.”

Divine Intelligence will work everything out for us perfectly and Divine Guidance will show us the way to a more harmonious life. However, we must allow and not obstruct this miracle. The “black hole” disappears when we allow our radiant circle of light to illuminate our being! 
​With Love, ULRIKE 

Recently I’ve started to read my metaphysical texts again, usually in the early mornings. It has been a long-time habit of mine, but with this year’s unpleasant (to say the least) personal COVID (and now MAC) experience there wasn’t much desire on my part. Waking up every morning in misery and pain didn’t inspire me to grab a book and dig into higher concepts. Trust me, I should have!

The truth always heals, practice is the key. I’ve known for a long time that thinking and feeling is causative, for all of us. Each person creates their own experience, may it be happiness or pain, their immediate world.

So, after months of discomfort, struggling, doctor’s appointments, therapy and soul searching, I reached out to what I know is the real healer: Truth, the Truth of how Mind works. The Truth about Universal Laws. I finally started to study again on a regular basis.

This morning I picked up a skinny booklet by Neville, a writer from the early 50’s. The booklet is called “Feeling is the Secret”. He talks about our feelings and their effects. Here are some excerpts:

“The world, and all within it, is man’s conditioned consciousness objectified. Consciousness is the cause as well as the substance of the entire world.”

“Be careful of your moods and feelings, for there is an unbroken connection between your feelings and your visible world. Your body is an emotional filter and bears the unmistakable marks of your prevalent emotions.”

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and feel as true, the subconscious can and must objectify.”

Think about those 3 simple paragraphs.

What I’ve learned over the years: There is only one Mind. Much has been said about consciousness and the subconscious, one being the 'awaken state' and one being the 'latent state' of Mind. Make no mistake; they are one and the same, with two different functions.

Our awareness takes in all of the outside impressions, the imprints of our five senses. The subconscious, however, takes these imprints and transform them into our experience.

Our minds have the capacity to reason and feel. Both must be in sync in order to produce a positive experience. So, the question “How do I feel today?” should be carefully examined and answered honestly.

However, whatever we think will not have a positive manifestation unless we keep our feelings on the right side. Right feeling gives birth to right ideas and right experiences. Right feeling, or love, is the mother of all creation and appreciation is the treasure chest of the heart!
​
I appreciate you!

The early morning hours are my favorite time of the day. Right before daylight I make a cup of coffee and sit quietly in my bed sipping the hot goodness. I’m not a coffee drinker, but that one mug warming my belly sure makes me happy.
 
My doggy Leila is still laying peacefully next to me and my mind is clear and uncluttered from the imminent day’s events. The perfect time to have my conversation with God and set the right tone for the day. I’m not saying this calm mindset ‘holds up’ all day, but I surely try!
 
The routine starts with giving thanks for the blessings I have received and for the blessings that are coming my way today and every day. I remind myself to pay attention to my immediate thoughts. This shows me what my habitual demeanor is, it exposes my true feelings about any situation I’m dealing with. Lip service can be deceiving, it’s the feelings which will shape my daily experience.
 
It is easy to be thankful for all good things, but what about things and situations that “look” bad? Yes, I also include the physical and mental pains and emotional agonies in my prayers. I know that these distresses and heart aches are presented to me by the Universe as lessons, so I can learn and improve myself, i. e. my thinking and feeling. A seemingly bad situation is only another opportunity for me to make changes in my life. They are lessons, many times very painful lessons, but nevertheless lessons demanding to be learned. Resisting the signs from the Universe (and there are many if one would just listen) and continuing with habits of lesser than good nature will only bring on suffering. I ask myself: “Have I suffered enough?”…Haven’t we all suffered enough?
 
Saying “thank you” to the Universe with sincere appreciation puts me instantly into a positive frame of mind. I am assured that gratefulness will catapult me into a higher frequency and will trigger loving thoughts naturally. Like anything else, it gets easier with practice, and it will keep my focus on what’s right rather than on what’s wrong.
 
I remind myself again that gratitude is a feeling that results from honest appreciation. Appreciation of the life I already have. It is a knowing that I am blessed no matter what the circumstances are in my current life. The surest way to improving my life is through sincere gratitude, forgiveness, kindness, and an appreciation of even the smallest things.
 
No matter what my present situation is, I acknowledge, and I am grateful, that I am not a helpless human being, struggling to survive. I, at this point of my unfoldment, know that I can change my situation according to my sense (knowing and feeling) about the situation. All it takes is lots of earnest practice, abiding to Universal Laws and loving kindness, especially forgiveness for self and all people I encounter.
 
Have a lovely grateful day! 
​ULRIKE

Nearly 40 years ago, my life changed. The 80’s with its awakening and free thinking introduced me to many open-minded people who familiarized me with the study of metaphysics. All aspects of my experiences changed to the better. In return, I wanted to share all this goodness with my friends, family and all people who would listen. Full of enthusiasm, I began to submerge myself into these new concepts, learned, practiced, proved the workings of these theories, and eventually received my teaching certificate and started to write about my findings. 
 
However, as an inspirational writer and teacher, I had to seriously think about my ‘voice’. What did I want to get across to my readers? What was it that needed healing, nurturing, and empowering? What were the most helpful topics? How could my words and thoughts be of benefit?
 
I wanted to talk about stories of real live experiences; mine and others. Not lofty ideas and unreachable goals, but down to earth, authentic encounters that could benefit from sound reasoning and a change of mental attitude.
 
However, I realized early on that I could not change anyone’s experience but my own. All I could do is work on myself daily and use this practical approach by applying my newfound knowledge about Universal Laws, Cause and Effect. It was my persistence of applying the Laws that changed my experience, hence my life.
 
And as I used my outer voice for kindness, encouragement and positive reinforcement, my inner voice was working repeating mantras of truth and good will. What’s so fascinating is, our outer voice can utter many things but it’s our inner voice that reflects what we really think and believe.
 
Please acknowledge, we are all part of the Universal puzzle. We all have a role to play. And since we are part of this grand plan, we must remember that the All-mighty looks at us without judgment or favoritism. It does not punish or reward, there is no personal favoritism. It only acts according to Universal Law because God is not a person. ‘It’ is the substance, or power, called Love, Goodness, Kindness, Intelligence, Wisdom – the All-power. God’s true name is Love.
 
The gist of this is: we must reconnect with the Almighty Source of the Universe and live the best life we can imagine; we need to listen to our own innate Intelligence. Consciousness is the one and only reality. Our individual consciousness is our awareness. The more we focus on being aware, the more we will become aware of the Truth. Our spiritual wellbeing should be our priority. Happiness means many things to many people, but whatever it consists of, it should always be on top of the list.
 
The “Kingdom” is within, not without. Our inner voice is what counts. There is where the truth lies. As I said at the beginning: Our outer voice can utter many things but it’s our inner voice that reflects what we really think and believe.
With Love, ULRIKE

This is an interesting conundrum; the idea of ‘Am I less than, you are less than, he or she is less than’…less than what?

I’m certain we all have compared ourselves to someone else at one point in our lives who seemed to be better looking, smarter, richer, younger, or in some way better, at least in our eyes.

Yes, I admit, just recently I saw myself as less than, because it appeared that the other person was exactly that: younger, prettier, more desirable to someone I love. It stung deeply. But then I asked myself: “Why not embrace who I am and what I stand for? Am I really ‘less than’ just because of appearances?”

Franz Kafka: "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way."

The truth is that I am not this or that, not male or female, not white or black, not Mr. VP or Mrs. Superwoman. The fact is that I, my Soul, simply is the ‘I AM,’ (my awareness that I exist) nothing more, nothing less. ‘I AM’ contains all there is. Think about that one!

In dealing with my mental pain, I remembered that everyone (even the unlovely and unkind) is already perfect and good by nature, because each of us is an individual particle of the God-power. It’s our actions that are sometimes ‘not so good’.

Acknowledging the fact that I am in charge of my own life and knowing that I am the captain of my ship enables me to decide which direction to go. Loving myself and taking command over my own destiny takes courage and willpower. I have the courage to do so. I have the power to create my own perfect and loving world. Much easier said than done, I know, but I realized at that moment that I cannot be ‘less than’ my creator has created me, and therefore ‘I am not less than’.

As I am working on correcting my feelings and dispositions about my self-esteem and self-image, I find implementing the changes more difficult than expected. But I encourage myself to not give up. I accumulated my habits over a long period of time; so it will take time to change my mindsets and unravel the emotions. There are many layers of unresolved thoughts. I must keep digging, peeling off layer after layer, and stick with sound reasoning, and soon I will see the progress of my labor. It only takes 51 percent to tip the scale to a more positive experience. “Keep plowing”, I tell myself, “keep plowing…”
With Love, ULRIKE
​www.thehappypaintbrush.com

“What have you done lately to make yourself happy?” this is how my therapist usually starts the session. I think for a minute and he repeats “Really, not ‘what have you have done to make others happy, or help someone in need, or give support to your husband, but what have you done for yourself?” I think deeper and quietness ensues.
I always have, and still do pride myself in what I’ve accomplished, listed on my life’s goal list. I’m a list maker. I’m a planner, sometimes maybe too much of a planner. I live how I want to live. My desires are not elusive, nor imaginary. They are solid goals, achievable through my yearning, determination, and sincere want. I always make sure, however, that this desire is good not only for me but for all concerned. Selfishness has no place in Goodness.

My daily work is part of my self-expression. I express myself in many ways, and I make sure that I love what I do. When I love what I do, I am certain, I will express my highest self, my true nature, and through this love contribute to the good for all. Well, at least that’s the way I look at it.

But with all these goals and ‘black and white’ approach (another term I learned from my therapist) did I forget something? Did I miss the variance of ‘there is a middle ground’? Did I forget the enjoyment of self-love? Did this regiment of daily strategic planning and analytical reasoning neglect the wellbeing of my soul?  Did this habit of not always doing what’s mentally healthy for me, cause some of the challenges, because I overlooked the fact that I am valuable too? Did I ignore my capacity of self-love, thinking it wasn’t all that important, as long as I did right by others?
I gave deep thought to the statement: ‘Start loving how you want to be loved.’

I cannot give true love (not affection) if I doubt my own self-love. Am I good enough? Am I worthy of love? Are the doubts and fears of negative childhood experiences still influencing my self-worth today? Of course, but this love for self must be felt. I’m not talking about ego or self-aggrandizement. I’m talking about humble, kind, and grateful self-love.

Words are empty if they are not felt in the deepest chambers of your heart and I realize that I am the only one that can root for myself and accept myself as the person I have become. I do like myself, at least that much I can admit.
I appreciate that others are supportive and stand by me in hard times, but my true rooting and cheering comes from an inner sincere desire to be the best I can be. The best, not as a competition, but the best according to the Allness of Good, the factual Law of the Universe.
With Love, ULRIKE