often it’s when you stop thinking about a problem that a solution appears
http://simplelifestrategies.com/sls1-overanalysis/
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Deep, Cleansing Breaths: Managing Stress Effectively
Anxiety triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which is the “fight-or-flight” system of our body that tells us to be on high alert so we can face a threat in our environment. This system is highly adaptive when you have a time-limited, acute stressor, like encountering a bear in the jungle. Since few of our TFA placements are in regions where bears are prevalent, this fight-or-flight response is rarely adaptive in our modern world, but our bodies haven’t caught up to the reality of the new types of stresses that we face (deadlines, pressure, classroom management woes, worry, etc.). So when our anxiety becomes chronic and this “fight-or-flight” system is constantly in the “on” position, it can wreak havoc on your body, like raising your blood pressure, lowering your immune system response and making you more susceptible to illness. This system was not designed to stay “on” all the time.
To counteract this effect, you want to try to trigger the relaxation response (aka, the parasympathetic nervous system). Using these techniques will lower your heart rate, decrease your blood pressure, and bring your stressed body back to equilibrium. Here are a few ways you can do this:
1. Deep breathing—this technique is best done sitting in a quiet place for a few minutes breathing deeply with your diaphragm, the muscle that sits beneath your lungs. You activate the diaphragm by feeling your belly expand when you inhale, and then contract when you exhale. You can inhale to a slow count of three or four, and then exhale the same number of seconds. Check out thisvideo to learn how to do this technique.
2. Meditation—this is an ancient technique that originated in the East thousands of years ago. Find a quiet spot, either sitting in a chair or cross-legged on the ground. Close your eyes and do a quick body scan, noticing the physical sensations of your body making contact with the chair or floor. Then direct your attention to your breath, noticing where the air passes over your nostrils as you inhale and exhale. Soon enough, a thought will arise and your mind will wander. This is OK, as this is just what the mind does. Just notice that your attention wandered and gently bring your focus back to the breath. Do this again and again, as often as needed. You can start with meditating 5 minutes, and then slowly work your way up to 30 minutes or more. Check out mypost from last year to learn more about mindfulness and meditation.
3. Imagery—this is the equivalent of finding your “happy place.” Just visualize a place or a person or an imaginary world that makes you happy and calm. The trick with this technique is that you want to visualize as much detail as you can, trying to conjure up the experience of all 5 senses.
4. Self-soothing activities—this can be any activity that chills you out and can be highly individualized. For some taking a long, hot bath is soothing. Calm music can trigger a relaxation response. Some people like the repetitive motion of knitting. The list here is endless, so just experiment with whatever is calming for you.
5. Distraction—finding activities to take your mind off of stress for a little while can be very useful. Catching up on your favorite show on Netflix is a favorite for many. Going to the gym to exercise for a bit can help too (exercise provides a ton of benefit for managing stress). Immerse yourself in the latest vampire novel. You don’t want to use distraction so much that you avoid confronting your stress entirely. But on occasion, distraction can take the edge off a stressful experience, providing some temporary relief.
6. Social support—think back to a time you took a load off by venting to a friend about a stressful experience, and how good you felt afterward. Just talking about your stress can counteract the effect of it. So next time you’re feeling your anxiety on the rise, call up a friend and invite them to coffee (decaf, of course).
Use these techniques whenever you feel the toll of stress and anxiety on your body. Use these techniques before bed if you’re having difficulty initiating sleep. Heck, use these techniques on a daily basis, fitting them into your routine, and you may find that your overall stress levels go down, making you more effective while at work.
To counteract this effect, you want to try to trigger the relaxation response (aka, the parasympathetic nervous system). Using these techniques will lower your heart rate, decrease your blood pressure, and bring your stressed body back to equilibrium. Here are a few ways you can do this:
1. Deep breathing—this technique is best done sitting in a quiet place for a few minutes breathing deeply with your diaphragm, the muscle that sits beneath your lungs. You activate the diaphragm by feeling your belly expand when you inhale, and then contract when you exhale. You can inhale to a slow count of three or four, and then exhale the same number of seconds. Check out thisvideo to learn how to do this technique.
2. Meditation—this is an ancient technique that originated in the East thousands of years ago. Find a quiet spot, either sitting in a chair or cross-legged on the ground. Close your eyes and do a quick body scan, noticing the physical sensations of your body making contact with the chair or floor. Then direct your attention to your breath, noticing where the air passes over your nostrils as you inhale and exhale. Soon enough, a thought will arise and your mind will wander. This is OK, as this is just what the mind does. Just notice that your attention wandered and gently bring your focus back to the breath. Do this again and again, as often as needed. You can start with meditating 5 minutes, and then slowly work your way up to 30 minutes or more. Check out mypost from last year to learn more about mindfulness and meditation.
3. Imagery—this is the equivalent of finding your “happy place.” Just visualize a place or a person or an imaginary world that makes you happy and calm. The trick with this technique is that you want to visualize as much detail as you can, trying to conjure up the experience of all 5 senses.
4. Self-soothing activities—this can be any activity that chills you out and can be highly individualized. For some taking a long, hot bath is soothing. Calm music can trigger a relaxation response. Some people like the repetitive motion of knitting. The list here is endless, so just experiment with whatever is calming for you.
5. Distraction—finding activities to take your mind off of stress for a little while can be very useful. Catching up on your favorite show on Netflix is a favorite for many. Going to the gym to exercise for a bit can help too (exercise provides a ton of benefit for managing stress). Immerse yourself in the latest vampire novel. You don’t want to use distraction so much that you avoid confronting your stress entirely. But on occasion, distraction can take the edge off a stressful experience, providing some temporary relief.
6. Social support—think back to a time you took a load off by venting to a friend about a stressful experience, and how good you felt afterward. Just talking about your stress can counteract the effect of it. So next time you’re feeling your anxiety on the rise, call up a friend and invite them to coffee (decaf, of course).
Use these techniques whenever you feel the toll of stress and anxiety on your body. Use these techniques before bed if you’re having difficulty initiating sleep. Heck, use these techniques on a daily basis, fitting them into your routine, and you may find that your overall stress levels go down, making you more effective while at work.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.” ~Bernice Johnson Reagon
Heart-broken OPEN
3 Reasons to Bring Joy Back into Your Life
Reason #1: Joy is your nature.
Joy flows from the same source as love and peace; it flows from your heart.
Would you want to deny your loved ones your love and your peace? Of course not. Then please, don’t deny yourself your joy either.
Don’t push it either. When sadness comes, allow your tears to flow. When joy comes, allow your smile to shine. That’s how it is supposed to be. It’s your nature; it’s who you are.
Reason #2: Joy is your light.
Joy is the light within.
Would you want to deny your loved ones that light? Of course not. Then please, accept it for yourself as well. When it shines, you can see the path in front of you, even if just one step ahead.
One step at a time, toward light—isn’t that a fine way to respond to tragedy?
Reason #3: Joy is your power.
The deep joy flowing within you is a healing force. Its warmth has the power to melt the inner paralysis. Its energy has the power to fuel your journey toward a life in alignment with your heart’s desire.
Would you want to deny your loved ones that? Of course not. Then don’t deny yourself the power of your joy either. Because your heart’s true desire is to live, and to feel joy.
But how? After tragedy, how do you even open your heart and mind to joy?
It depends on who you are. In other words, discovering who you really are also means finding your way back to joy.
In that spirit let me present to you 21 of the infinite numbers of ways in which you could bring joy back into life. Perhaps even more ideas will show up in the comments section.
In any case, I invite you to look at all these ways as possibilities, nothing more. Ponder them for a while, and then find out which one you feel most drawn to.
Pick that one, and then start practicing joy in this way, daily. Here they come, in no particular order:
21 Ways to Bring Joy into Your Life
1. Spend time with children (there are children everywhere).
2. Discover something refreshing (or surprising).
3. Feel your body (you are a miracle of life).
4. Read a novel (fiction, stories, not the usual self-improvement stuff).
5. Travel (any distance).
6. Look for smiles in people’s faces (on the street and on TV).
7. Write thank you notes (to yourself too).
8. Create a rhythm for your daily life (simple things will do).
9. Exercise (in a way that makes you smile).
10. Help someone (with something you enjoy doing).
11. Find a color that makes you feel good (and wear it).
12. Enjoy your spiritual practice. (Enjoy!)
13. Spend time with nature (plants and pets are nature, too).
14. Do something creative (just for yourself).
15. Accept help from people (strangers, too).
16. Learn something new. (What have you always wanted to learn?)
17. Listen to music (and let your body move along).
18. Walk barefoot (slowly).
19. Savor simple pleasures. (What’s that?)
20. Give yourself a break (in every sense of the word).
21. When you have a choice, choose joy.
Heart-broken OPEN
3 Reasons to Bring Joy Back into Your Life
Reason #1: Joy is your nature.
Joy flows from the same source as love and peace; it flows from your heart.
Would you want to deny your loved ones your love and your peace? Of course not. Then please, don’t deny yourself your joy either.
Don’t push it either. When sadness comes, allow your tears to flow. When joy comes, allow your smile to shine. That’s how it is supposed to be. It’s your nature; it’s who you are.
Reason #2: Joy is your light.
Joy is the light within.
Would you want to deny your loved ones that light? Of course not. Then please, accept it for yourself as well. When it shines, you can see the path in front of you, even if just one step ahead.
One step at a time, toward light—isn’t that a fine way to respond to tragedy?
Reason #3: Joy is your power.
The deep joy flowing within you is a healing force. Its warmth has the power to melt the inner paralysis. Its energy has the power to fuel your journey toward a life in alignment with your heart’s desire.
Would you want to deny your loved ones that? Of course not. Then don’t deny yourself the power of your joy either. Because your heart’s true desire is to live, and to feel joy.
But how? After tragedy, how do you even open your heart and mind to joy?
It depends on who you are. In other words, discovering who you really are also means finding your way back to joy.
In that spirit let me present to you 21 of the infinite numbers of ways in which you could bring joy back into life. Perhaps even more ideas will show up in the comments section.
In any case, I invite you to look at all these ways as possibilities, nothing more. Ponder them for a while, and then find out which one you feel most drawn to.
Pick that one, and then start practicing joy in this way, daily. Here they come, in no particular order:
21 Ways to Bring Joy into Your Life
1. Spend time with children (there are children everywhere).
2. Discover something refreshing (or surprising).
3. Feel your body (you are a miracle of life).
4. Read a novel (fiction, stories, not the usual self-improvement stuff).
5. Travel (any distance).
6. Look for smiles in people’s faces (on the street and on TV).
7. Write thank you notes (to yourself too).
8. Create a rhythm for your daily life (simple things will do).
9. Exercise (in a way that makes you smile).
10. Help someone (with something you enjoy doing).
11. Find a color that makes you feel good (and wear it).
12. Enjoy your spiritual practice. (Enjoy!)
13. Spend time with nature (plants and pets are nature, too).
14. Do something creative (just for yourself).
15. Accept help from people (strangers, too).
16. Learn something new. (What have you always wanted to learn?)
17. Listen to music (and let your body move along).
18. Walk barefoot (slowly).
19. Savor simple pleasures. (What’s that?)
20. Give yourself a break (in every sense of the word).
21. When you have a choice, choose joy.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Don’t Let Anyone or Anything Dim Your Inner Light
“The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be.”
I had allowed people and situations that hurt me to burn out my inner light. No one turned off my light; I did. Knowing this gave me the freedom to find it again.
Everyone is born with an inner light. Some of us can hold on to it and others lose it and have to work extremely hard to get it back. My road back to my light has been painful, scary, exciting and fulfilling. I would not change any of it. I am a stronger woman because of it and for that I am eternally grateful.
I had allowed people and situations that hurt me to burn out my inner light. No one turned off my light; I did. Knowing this gave me the freedom to find it again.
Everyone is born with an inner light. Some of us can hold on to it and others lose it and have to work extremely hard to get it back. My road back to my light has been painful, scary, exciting and fulfilling. I would not change any of it. I am a stronger woman because of it and for that I am eternally grateful.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Make Up Your Mind to Go with the Flow
“If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.” ~Lao Tzu
Of course we all know the power of positive thought, the law of attraction, and manifesting.
But for many of us, our thoughts often don’t serve us, yet we still think them. Better not to think at all!
When we think negatively about our circumstances or ourselves—when we dwell on our past or create angst trying to control our future—when we simply over-think our lives, we effectively stop the universal flow (or stop it from moving freely through our lives and thoughts).
And going with the universal flow is the key to your life falling into place.
Thinking “correctly” means aligning our thoughts with the universe—actually using our smarts to go with the flow, rather than being swept along in a flood stream of thoughts, in the maelstrom of our minds.
“Stop thinking and end your problems.”
Correcting our minds means stopping them from trying to control our lives, because they never will. They’ll only control the misery we manufacture for ourselves out of the pain we’ll inevitably experience.
Much of the suffering is all in our heads.
We need to “correct” our minds so that we can use them for thoughtful reflection rather than anxious rumination, so that we can plan and then act without seeking to control everything; so that we can find clarity rather than stress in whatever situation we find ourselves in; and so we can let the perfect wisdom of the universe in.
Perhaps no one’s life is perfect, but I can now feel sure that mine has fallen into place, without even thinking about it.
Of course we all know the power of positive thought, the law of attraction, and manifesting.
But for many of us, our thoughts often don’t serve us, yet we still think them. Better not to think at all!
When we think negatively about our circumstances or ourselves—when we dwell on our past or create angst trying to control our future—when we simply over-think our lives, we effectively stop the universal flow (or stop it from moving freely through our lives and thoughts).
And going with the universal flow is the key to your life falling into place.
Thinking “correctly” means aligning our thoughts with the universe—actually using our smarts to go with the flow, rather than being swept along in a flood stream of thoughts, in the maelstrom of our minds.
“Stop thinking and end your problems.”
Correcting our minds means stopping them from trying to control our lives, because they never will. They’ll only control the misery we manufacture for ourselves out of the pain we’ll inevitably experience.
Much of the suffering is all in our heads.
We need to “correct” our minds so that we can use them for thoughtful reflection rather than anxious rumination, so that we can plan and then act without seeking to control everything; so that we can find clarity rather than stress in whatever situation we find ourselves in; and so we can let the perfect wisdom of the universe in.
Perhaps no one’s life is perfect, but I can now feel sure that mine has fallen into place, without even thinking about it.
Saying Goodbye To Your “I” and Hello To Your Freedom
You’re free to see a seemingly difficult situation as a challenge instead—an opportunity to transform it into something positive.
An audience is building. A tiny voice says, “Keep going.” It’s the voice of a different self. One who knows it’s all going to work out.
There’s another premise in Buddhism called patient acceptance. You can’t force life to change. You create the conditions for change to come about. Then you accept that it will come when its time has ripened. Not before.
Maybe you can’t always change a situation by just snapping your fingers and making it go away. But you can change your perception of it.
Change your perception and you change the world.
Literally.
If you’re free to realize that this self is just an idea, then you’re also free to let go of those selves that don’t serve you because they don’t produce a positive perception of events.
You can learn to recognize them when they crop up. You can even have some fun and give them names. When they show up you can just say, “Take a hike, Larry (or Mary)!”
An audience is building. A tiny voice says, “Keep going.” It’s the voice of a different self. One who knows it’s all going to work out.
There’s another premise in Buddhism called patient acceptance. You can’t force life to change. You create the conditions for change to come about. Then you accept that it will come when its time has ripened. Not before.
Maybe you can’t always change a situation by just snapping your fingers and making it go away. But you can change your perception of it.
Change your perception and you change the world.
Literally.
If you’re free to realize that this self is just an idea, then you’re also free to let go of those selves that don’t serve you because they don’t produce a positive perception of events.
You can learn to recognize them when they crop up. You can even have some fun and give them names. When they show up you can just say, “Take a hike, Larry (or Mary)!”
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Simple Life Strategy: 5 Life Lessons from the Dalai Lama | Sydney 2013 Event
1. Be compassionate. Remember that compassion is good for your health and stress, fear and anger will literally eat up your immune system. Choose compassion over negative feelings.
2. Find your own inner peace. As his holiness said: “Global change must come from individuals and world peace must come from inner peace”. Realise that you can make a difference by starting with yourself.
3. Be happy. Instead of grappling with complex Questions like “Why am I here?” simply focus on being happy and the rest will fall into place.
4. Be a good human being. Avoid feelings of regret when you reach the end of your life by being a good human being. Sounds obvious – but you’d be surprised how easy it can be to get caught up in other unimportant things.
5. Practice forgiveness. Know that forgiveness does not mean accepting the other person’s wrongdoing – it is simply a way of respecting your own physical health enough to not allow negative feelings to cause you harm.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Freedom
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out for another is to risk involvement
To expose feelings is to risk rejection
To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure
But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave. He has forfeited his freedom. Only a person who takes a risk is free.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out for another is to risk involvement
To expose feelings is to risk rejection
To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure
But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave. He has forfeited his freedom. Only a person who takes a risk is free.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Life must be lived in moments that we attempt to bring some balance to—a series of moments in which fear and hope, sorrow and happiness (happily) co-exist and we are content to allow them to, without always seeking more, without running away, without judging ourselves.
In the end it is about the attitude we bring to the words we read, the situations we find ourselves in, in any given moment.
Good enough is about recognizing that life is practiced rather than perfected.
Balance is good enough because to experience sheer exhilaration, we must know the depths of despair. Balance is good enough because life naturally waxes and wanes and we can but choose to enjoy the ride.
All balance requires wobbling. So let yourself wobble through life.
In the end it is about the attitude we bring to the words we read, the situations we find ourselves in, in any given moment.
Good enough is about recognizing that life is practiced rather than perfected.
Balance is good enough because to experience sheer exhilaration, we must know the depths of despair. Balance is good enough because life naturally waxes and wanes and we can but choose to enjoy the ride.
All balance requires wobbling. So let yourself wobble through life.
7 Pieces Of Advice I Wish I'd Known When I Was Younger
Along the way, I discovered the source of my unhappiness. It was the fact that I was ignoring my inner voice and refusing to ask myself, “What do I really want?” If I could have seen my future-self back then, well, I can’t help but wonder if things would have been different.
Here's what I wish I would have known.
1. Every ending is the beginning of something much better.
Let go of the situation, the pain and your expectations. That person who broke your heart is a blessing, as well as a lesson. You've grown, and this ending is preparing you for something much grander. Be open to the unknown; it's filled with magic and miracles. Everything is in its right order, and something much better is on its way to you.
2. You can love what you do for a living.
You don't ever have to stay in a situation that hurts your spirit. If you don't like your job, you CAN walk away. As soon as you do, the universe will swoop in and show you a new opportunity. Trust the unknown. Allow yourself to dream and to imagine a life beyond even your wildest dreams. You can love what you do for a living!
3. The journey is the reward — there is no destination.
Let go of the “there.” Your focus on the future is keeping you out of the moment, and you're not really living your life. The journey is where the magic happens. The destination is right here, right now.
4. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Stop being a victim, and thinking that life happens to you. You have the power to change anything in your life. If you don't like something, then get up your courage and change it. You're more powerful than you ever give yourself credit for. You, my younger self, can move mountains and change your fate when you're truly ready and willing.
5. You are beautiful.
My dear one, you spend far too much time thinking about your weight, the number on the scale, and food. The number on the scale does not define who you are.
Food is not the enemy, and your body will one day be your best friend. Don't be so hard on yourself! You’re much more beautiful than you will ever give yourself credit for, and your weight is not who you are, nor will it ever define or limit your greatness.
6. What people say is a reflection of them, not you.
You spend far too much time asking what other people think, and listening to them. You allow their opinions to become your own. Know that what they say and do has nothing to do with you.
7. This too shall pass.
Change is the only constant in life; clinging to anything is what causes suffering and unhappiness. What ails you at the moment does not need to define you. You are not your problems. What seems traumatic and life changing today will be a fond memory tomorrow. This too shall pass!
And remember, no matter what you're going through right now, tomorrow is a new day and it always works out in the end.
Here's what I wish I would have known.
1. Every ending is the beginning of something much better.
Let go of the situation, the pain and your expectations. That person who broke your heart is a blessing, as well as a lesson. You've grown, and this ending is preparing you for something much grander. Be open to the unknown; it's filled with magic and miracles. Everything is in its right order, and something much better is on its way to you.
2. You can love what you do for a living.
You don't ever have to stay in a situation that hurts your spirit. If you don't like your job, you CAN walk away. As soon as you do, the universe will swoop in and show you a new opportunity. Trust the unknown. Allow yourself to dream and to imagine a life beyond even your wildest dreams. You can love what you do for a living!
3. The journey is the reward — there is no destination.
Let go of the “there.” Your focus on the future is keeping you out of the moment, and you're not really living your life. The journey is where the magic happens. The destination is right here, right now.
4. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Stop being a victim, and thinking that life happens to you. You have the power to change anything in your life. If you don't like something, then get up your courage and change it. You're more powerful than you ever give yourself credit for. You, my younger self, can move mountains and change your fate when you're truly ready and willing.
5. You are beautiful.
My dear one, you spend far too much time thinking about your weight, the number on the scale, and food. The number on the scale does not define who you are.
Food is not the enemy, and your body will one day be your best friend. Don't be so hard on yourself! You’re much more beautiful than you will ever give yourself credit for, and your weight is not who you are, nor will it ever define or limit your greatness.
6. What people say is a reflection of them, not you.
You spend far too much time asking what other people think, and listening to them. You allow their opinions to become your own. Know that what they say and do has nothing to do with you.
7. This too shall pass.
Change is the only constant in life; clinging to anything is what causes suffering and unhappiness. What ails you at the moment does not need to define you. You are not your problems. What seems traumatic and life changing today will be a fond memory tomorrow. This too shall pass!
And remember, no matter what you're going through right now, tomorrow is a new day and it always works out in the end.
Friday, June 14, 2013
HIGH 6/14/13
Off life. Love. The people in my life. How beautiful is recovery. How quick it can come.
Love - you are my healer. Thankful for all the amazing people in my life.
JESSICA IS BACK!!! WATCH OUT!
Proud.
Love - you are my healer. Thankful for all the amazing people in my life.
JESSICA IS BACK!!! WATCH OUT!
Proud.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Confidence
THOUGHTS -> Feelings -> ACTIONS
Can't feel good about yourself if you're thinking negative thoughts.
~Whatever you want more of in life, you have to give it out first!
~Appreciate what you get in your life and you'll get more!
Direct our thoughts. Focus on what we want to focus on.
Feel good about the actions.
# 1 Practice good posture
# 2 Pay attention to your internal dialogue. Talk to yourself like someone # 3 you really love and care about.
# 4 Put your best self forward. Dress for success
# 5 Boost someone else's self-esteem
Don't dream it, be it. Fake it til you make it!
1. Clean your space.
Energetic cleaning can leave a space more balanced and open. When meditating, it's important to pay attention to you surroundings. Always meditate in a clean room and one in which you feel relaxed and comfortable. I like candles and incense to calm a space.
2. Get comfortable.
I don’t like being uncomfortable. I don’t think anyone does. And sitting cross-legged in lotus with a straight back and poised yogi fingers doesn’t spell comfortable to me. Sore butt, achy back, and pins and needles will most likely be the outcome.
3. Body check.
Take a few moments to settle in to your body. Observe your posture, and notice the sensations where your body touches the chair and feet meet the ground. Feel the weight of your arms resting on your legs.
4. Use the alarm clock meditation.
If the recommended 20 minutes seems a bit full on to start, set a timer for five minutes. Then meditate until the timer goes off. This way, you don’t have to wonder about how long it’s been, or how much longer you should meditate for.
5. Observe the breath.
In the first stage you use counting to stay focused on the breath. After the out-breath you count one, then you breathe in and out and count two, and so on up to ten, and then you start again at one.
6. Hold your attention.
While doing this, it's completely normal for thoughts to bubble up. What are we having for dinner, I need to call so and so, can I return that gift? You don't need to do anything- just guide your attention back to the breath. If you can remember the number you'd counted up to, start again from there, or simply start from one again. Continue until the timer chimes.
7. Wish yourself well.
A common technique in Buddhist practice is to practice loving kindness meditation. Sounds a bit airy fairy but this really works. Practice it on yourself, someone you can't stand, or a neutral person you pass daily. Turn your attention to yourself and say words like May I be well and happy. May I be peaceful and calm. May my mind be free from hatred. May I be free from suffering. Repeat as desired.
8. Let it be.
Spend 30 seconds to a minute just sitting and thinking about nothing. Let those thoughts come in, and watch them go out. Don't rush back into whatever it is you need to do. Just take your time, slow your pace, and let it be. Remember, you're the expert on you. Find the things that work for you, and ignore the rest.
20 Signs You're A Wellness Junkie (Hilarious)
1. You could hypothetically eat all your beauty products.
Your kitchen and bathroom contain all the same ingredients. In fact, if it weren’t for the shower, you couldn’t tell them apart.
2. You don't set goals, only intentions.
And then you manifest them.
3. You forget, in casual conversation, that not everyone knows what a Vitamix is.
It’s soooo much more than "an expensive blender," but you haven't found a succinct way to say that convincingly.
4. There are no plastic containers in your kitchen—only mason jars.
If we can all agree on one thing, it's that BPA is the worst. Besides, how else would you transport your organic juice?
5. You know at least one person who goes by his spiritual name.
You can’t pronounce it, and he'll always be Dave to you.
6. You know acai is a 3-syllable word.
Much like OM (A-U-M).
7. You've taken a side in the juicing-versus-blending debate.
Right now you’re Team Smoothie, mostly because you love your Vitamix.
8. You have a researched, reasoned opinion on why you hate agave.
It’s evolved over time. You forget why, exactly, you're currently using honey. But really, sugar addiction by any name—fructose, glucose, whatever—hardly smells sweet. You try to pass.
9. You regularly sign professional emails with “Gratitude” or “Blessings.”
And so does everyone in your world. “Best” gives you shivers.
10. You've had an intuitive massage.
The only disturbing moment was hearing about your past life as a Civil War wife. Who knew? And while we’re on the topic, it’s called bodywork.
11. You can't look at a croissant without seeing inflammation.
Which is too bad, because you used to really enjoy gluten.
12. You have a favorite MC Yogi song.
It’s the one about Gandhi.
13. You own nutritional yeast AND you know what to do with it.
Popcorn and avocado toast are naked without it.
14. Frankly, you’re a little stressed out by corn.
It’s the next gluten …. But…. It’s a gluten-free grain. (AAAAAAAAH!)
15. Before you order in a restaurant, you ask yourself, What would Dr. Frank Lipman say?
And you know the answer: when in doubt, just eat the kale!
16. You’ve had at least one episode in which you walked into a grocery store and had no idea what to buy, because all you saw was a death trap of processed food, pesticides, hormones, sugar, and GMOs.
Gratitude for almond butter.
17. You’ve made peace with the fact that you smell like coconut oil.
What else would you use to cook, moisturize, remove makeup, floss, and fuel your car?
18. You know that six hours of sleep is a FAIL.
That’s why you have a sleep routine, followed with a glass of warm water and lemon in the morning.
19. Off the top of your head, you can name at least six uses for apple cider vinegar.
You call it “ACV.” And you can’t remember much about your toxic life before it.
20. The question you hate most is when someone asks how much you paid for your Vitamix.
It’s just worth it, OK?
Your kitchen and bathroom contain all the same ingredients. In fact, if it weren’t for the shower, you couldn’t tell them apart.
2. You don't set goals, only intentions.
And then you manifest them.
3. You forget, in casual conversation, that not everyone knows what a Vitamix is.
It’s soooo much more than "an expensive blender," but you haven't found a succinct way to say that convincingly.
4. There are no plastic containers in your kitchen—only mason jars.
If we can all agree on one thing, it's that BPA is the worst. Besides, how else would you transport your organic juice?
5. You know at least one person who goes by his spiritual name.
You can’t pronounce it, and he'll always be Dave to you.
6. You know acai is a 3-syllable word.
Much like OM (A-U-M).
7. You've taken a side in the juicing-versus-blending debate.
Right now you’re Team Smoothie, mostly because you love your Vitamix.
8. You have a researched, reasoned opinion on why you hate agave.
It’s evolved over time. You forget why, exactly, you're currently using honey. But really, sugar addiction by any name—fructose, glucose, whatever—hardly smells sweet. You try to pass.
9. You regularly sign professional emails with “Gratitude” or “Blessings.”
And so does everyone in your world. “Best” gives you shivers.
10. You've had an intuitive massage.
The only disturbing moment was hearing about your past life as a Civil War wife. Who knew? And while we’re on the topic, it’s called bodywork.
11. You can't look at a croissant without seeing inflammation.
Which is too bad, because you used to really enjoy gluten.
12. You have a favorite MC Yogi song.
It’s the one about Gandhi.
13. You own nutritional yeast AND you know what to do with it.
Popcorn and avocado toast are naked without it.
14. Frankly, you’re a little stressed out by corn.
It’s the next gluten …. But…. It’s a gluten-free grain. (AAAAAAAAH!)
15. Before you order in a restaurant, you ask yourself, What would Dr. Frank Lipman say?
And you know the answer: when in doubt, just eat the kale!
16. You’ve had at least one episode in which you walked into a grocery store and had no idea what to buy, because all you saw was a death trap of processed food, pesticides, hormones, sugar, and GMOs.
Gratitude for almond butter.
17. You’ve made peace with the fact that you smell like coconut oil.
What else would you use to cook, moisturize, remove makeup, floss, and fuel your car?
18. You know that six hours of sleep is a FAIL.
That’s why you have a sleep routine, followed with a glass of warm water and lemon in the morning.
19. Off the top of your head, you can name at least six uses for apple cider vinegar.
You call it “ACV.” And you can’t remember much about your toxic life before it.
20. The question you hate most is when someone asks how much you paid for your Vitamix.
It’s just worth it, OK?
6/11/13
RESILIENCE. STRENGTH. FOCUS. GUARDED HEART. HEALING. MOVING FORWARD . . .
thank you so much M.N.
-such a beautiful person w/ a beautiful soul
-you're almost going to make me cry, you are such a beautiful person
-know your triggers and avoid what sets you off
-you are wise for your age and mature!
-send out arrow prayers
-everyone is different and it's natural to compare, but we shouldn't let that lead to judgment. The only person G-d says we can judge is ourselves, don't even LOOK at your neighbor
-women can be very nurturing
-there is much more good you can do being alive so be safe
thank you so much M.N.
-such a beautiful person w/ a beautiful soul
-you're almost going to make me cry, you are such a beautiful person
-know your triggers and avoid what sets you off
-you are wise for your age and mature!
-send out arrow prayers
-everyone is different and it's natural to compare, but we shouldn't let that lead to judgment. The only person G-d says we can judge is ourselves, don't even LOOK at your neighbor
-women can be very nurturing
-there is much more good you can do being alive so be safe
Those self-help email subscriptions? There when I need em!
Thankful.
Socrates believed that human choice was motivated by the desire for happiness, ultimate wisdom comes from knowing oneself and the more a person knows, the greater his or her ability to reason and make choices that will bring true happiness.
Read each quote slowly and soak up the learnings from a man with a truly great mind.
Socrates believed that human choice was motivated by the desire for happiness, ultimate wisdom comes from knowing oneself and the more a person knows, the greater his or her ability to reason and make choices that will bring true happiness.
Read each quote slowly and soak up the learnings from a man with a truly great mind.
Friend's healing...
I love you J.R. there when I need you!
“What are you going to do with your life?" In one way or another it seemed that people had been asking her this forever; teachers, her parents, friends at three in the morning, but the question had never seemed this pressing and still she was no nearer an answer... "Live each day as if it's your last', that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that? What if it rained or you felt a bit glandy? It just wasn't practical. Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.”
your love heals me. So grateful.
All we need sometimes is a little love and motivation from a friend.
“What are you going to do with your life?" In one way or another it seemed that people had been asking her this forever; teachers, her parents, friends at three in the morning, but the question had never seemed this pressing and still she was no nearer an answer... "Live each day as if it's your last', that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that? What if it rained or you felt a bit glandy? It just wasn't practical. Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.”
your love heals me. So grateful.
All we need sometimes is a little love and motivation from a friend.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Love.
"When we love, we are automatically placing ourselves within an attitudinal and behavioral context that leads to an unfoldment of events at the highest level of good for everyone involved." Marianne Williamson
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
I LOVE THIS
Lightbulb Moment.
"I failed my way to success."
~Thomas Edison
Now there's a perspective. From the outside looking in, we assume that those who are "successful" somehow attained that success with little to no hardship. Like it was just magical and easy for them. Most great, successful people have failed over and over again and what made them successful was their diligence. Their perseverance. Falling. Getting back up. Falling. Getting back up. Pushing on. All that to say, whatever "success" is to you, it is absolutely, totally and complete possible to attain... as long as you can fail, learn, and get back up again. To failing, my friend!
"I failed my way to success."
~Thomas Edison
Now there's a perspective. From the outside looking in, we assume that those who are "successful" somehow attained that success with little to no hardship. Like it was just magical and easy for them. Most great, successful people have failed over and over again and what made them successful was their diligence. Their perseverance. Falling. Getting back up. Falling. Getting back up. Pushing on. All that to say, whatever "success" is to you, it is absolutely, totally and complete possible to attain... as long as you can fail, learn, and get back up again. To failing, my friend!
So proud...
Nov, 2009, the journey to create UCSD's first residential garden began. Almost 8 months later, it was physically born after a lot of struggle.
Now, three years and 7 months later, the garden is out of my hands and in the hands of an incredible organization... UCSD's own Food Co-op. How quickly they have already began to make changes is impressive and tear-jerking for me to see. To see the evidence of many hands not my own is amazing, healing, and relieving.
I am so happy for the new relationship... so much love to you, Food Co-op folks. And forever in my heart, love you Earl's Garden. My happy place for three years.
To feel others love this place.. fills me up.
http://www.ucsd.coop/earls-garden.html">FOOD CO-OP
Now, three years and 7 months later, the garden is out of my hands and in the hands of an incredible organization... UCSD's own Food Co-op. How quickly they have already began to make changes is impressive and tear-jerking for me to see. To see the evidence of many hands not my own is amazing, healing, and relieving.
I am so happy for the new relationship... so much love to you, Food Co-op folks. And forever in my heart, love you Earl's Garden. My happy place for three years.
To feel others love this place.. fills me up.
http://www.ucsd.coop/earls-garden.html">FOOD CO-OP
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)