We all have daily habits, some out of necessity, others out of old rituals... and some routines so old that we've even forgotten why we do them. If you find that you've fallen into a rut, it's time to re-examine every habit and double-check if they're still useful.
If a routine serves your purpose, then keep it; if it doesn't, look for new ways to fulfill your needs and bring joy back into you rlife.
make small adjustments now... and you'll be into the groove in no time!
Monday, April 05, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Saturday, April 03, 2010
The Pull of Life
Whenever we find ourselves having to PUSH ourselves out of bed in the morning, to PUSH ourselves to work, then PUSH ourselves back home to someone waiting for us, we're living the wrong life.
Even though Life does take effort, PUSHING is not the direction to go. In fact, pushing either send us in a haphazard direction, or no direction at all. Have you ever tried to PUSH a dog leash?
Instead, let Life PULL you towards your dreams...
It's about PASSION
If it seems like the future is calling, that's because it comes from a very deep part of the soul. It's what we care about so much, that other things are paled in comparison. It's what we want our lives to be about; our legacy, if we could make it so.
It's about PURPOSE
By changing our focus from a PUSH to a PULL, each step will be purposely driven closer one-step-at-a-time. We're not distracted like pushing the shopping cart down the candy aisle, we stay focused on what we need and go straight for it.
Hurdles aren't roadblocks
Hurdles are still going to be there. That's just the way Life is. Yet, instead of PUSHING harder to get over them, or through them, it's better to keep our eyes on the goal, put our energy into RISING ABOVE the hurdle and let our dreams PULL us over.
Like a rubber band
Sometimes it's not going to be a constant pull either. In fact, there are times when it's best to stay put and prepare for the flight. Like a rubber band, let the tension build. The stronger the tension, the higher the flight.
Let go and fly
Then stop fighting it. Everything is in place. The pull is strong. The goal is set. Letting go will let it happen.
Even though Life does take effort, PUSHING is not the direction to go. In fact, pushing either send us in a haphazard direction, or no direction at all. Have you ever tried to PUSH a dog leash?
Instead, let Life PULL you towards your dreams...
It's about PASSION
If it seems like the future is calling, that's because it comes from a very deep part of the soul. It's what we care about so much, that other things are paled in comparison. It's what we want our lives to be about; our legacy, if we could make it so.
It's about PURPOSE
By changing our focus from a PUSH to a PULL, each step will be purposely driven closer one-step-at-a-time. We're not distracted like pushing the shopping cart down the candy aisle, we stay focused on what we need and go straight for it.
Hurdles aren't roadblocks
Hurdles are still going to be there. That's just the way Life is. Yet, instead of PUSHING harder to get over them, or through them, it's better to keep our eyes on the goal, put our energy into RISING ABOVE the hurdle and let our dreams PULL us over.
Like a rubber band
Sometimes it's not going to be a constant pull either. In fact, there are times when it's best to stay put and prepare for the flight. Like a rubber band, let the tension build. The stronger the tension, the higher the flight.
Let go and fly
Then stop fighting it. Everything is in place. The pull is strong. The goal is set. Letting go will let it happen.
The greatest gift you can give yourself is permission just to be.
We live in a world where perfection is just a photo touch-up away. Billboards, magazines, TV shows all tell us that there's someone else we're supposed to be. The images are there to sell us something, but all too often we buy into the idea that there's something wrong with the way we are.
Here's a hint: we're fine just the way we are.
We're supposed to be 'imperfect'... it's the perfect design, actually.
Think about it. If we were in perfect balance, we'd just stay put, not going anywhere... but by being just a little 'off-balance' we have a direction to lean into... someplace to grow.
While it's nice to aspire to something 'better' it's important to realize that what we see is not attainable... even the people in the magazines don't look like the people in the magazines. So don't put so much emphasis on becoming THAT.
You are beautiful just the way you are.
That's not to say you can't go out and make 'improvements'... after all, that's the whole point of life... to grow, to try new things... to unfold... to become...
Just understand that the 'imperfections' are there to give you something to go on... and go for... and get.
All you have to do is give yourself permission to let it be.
Here's a hint: we're fine just the way we are.
We're supposed to be 'imperfect'... it's the perfect design, actually.
Think about it. If we were in perfect balance, we'd just stay put, not going anywhere... but by being just a little 'off-balance' we have a direction to lean into... someplace to grow.
While it's nice to aspire to something 'better' it's important to realize that what we see is not attainable... even the people in the magazines don't look like the people in the magazines. So don't put so much emphasis on becoming THAT.
You are beautiful just the way you are.
That's not to say you can't go out and make 'improvements'... after all, that's the whole point of life... to grow, to try new things... to unfold... to become...
Just understand that the 'imperfections' are there to give you something to go on... and go for... and get.
All you have to do is give yourself permission to let it be.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Smaller success is better than bigger failure.
Let me start off by saying that it's great to live large... to have big dreams, and lofty goals... and it's OK to fail in the attempt to achieve them (failure is a great teacher if you're willing to learn)... yet in our pursuit of the big picture, we sometime miss out on all the joy of the finer details... the smaller successes that come along every day.
There'a ll this talk about focusing on the successes so that we get more of them. That's a lovely thought... but it also suggests that those next moments are somehow more important than the ones that just passed.
So just stop for a moment and be grateful for grateful sake. Savor the moments as they are, for what they are... because, in the end, they make the day that much sweeter.
And, really, that's what Life is all about.
There'a ll this talk about focusing on the successes so that we get more of them. That's a lovely thought... but it also suggests that those next moments are somehow more important than the ones that just passed.
So just stop for a moment and be grateful for grateful sake. Savor the moments as they are, for what they are... because, in the end, they make the day that much sweeter.
And, really, that's what Life is all about.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Without a Shell
Life is filled with many shells. Turtles have shells. Acorns have shells. Even people have a soft shell, that we call "skin." It's there for our protection… to protect the more vulnerable insides. However, shells don't let us grow very much (an extra five pounds from Holiday stuffing notwithstanding).
An acorn can only become a mighty oak until after it has let go of its shell. We need to let go in order to become who we truly are meant to be.
There's pain under there
If you've ever cut yourself, you know how painful it is just beneath the surface. That's often why we become afraid to let anything get under our skin.
When we start to care about someone else, we let them in under our skin… that opens us up to be hurt. That's why after a hurt, we often regrow that shell even harder and refuse to let anyone else do that again.
There's pleasure below that
That's why we get into love in the first place, because underneath the layer of pain is great joy. It's closer to our core… and at our core is the purest form of energy…
There's Love below that
Our inner most being, the center that makes us what we are, is Love. A very real Energy=Mega-C2 power that we witness when two people get close enough to send the sparks between them; a light that we see when we're brave enough to go deeper than our fear will let us.
It is dangerous, but...
To let go of the shell can be pretty scary… to live without it might seem absurd… but to truly have Love; to truly BE Love… we must live without it.
We're actually stronger without it
Living with a shell allows us to grow weaker inside. When the weakest part of us is strong enough to withstand anything; we're invincible to take on an endless future.
Just… let… go.
An acorn can only become a mighty oak until after it has let go of its shell. We need to let go in order to become who we truly are meant to be.
There's pain under there
If you've ever cut yourself, you know how painful it is just beneath the surface. That's often why we become afraid to let anything get under our skin.
When we start to care about someone else, we let them in under our skin… that opens us up to be hurt. That's why after a hurt, we often regrow that shell even harder and refuse to let anyone else do that again.
There's pleasure below that
That's why we get into love in the first place, because underneath the layer of pain is great joy. It's closer to our core… and at our core is the purest form of energy…
There's Love below that
Our inner most being, the center that makes us what we are, is Love. A very real Energy=Mega-C2 power that we witness when two people get close enough to send the sparks between them; a light that we see when we're brave enough to go deeper than our fear will let us.
It is dangerous, but...
To let go of the shell can be pretty scary… to live without it might seem absurd… but to truly have Love; to truly BE Love… we must live without it.
We're actually stronger without it
Living with a shell allows us to grow weaker inside. When the weakest part of us is strong enough to withstand anything; we're invincible to take on an endless future.
Just… let… go.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Power of Pause
In this world of go-go-go, we've lost the valuable time between our moments. It's easy to become overloaded, overwhelmed and overworked.
We don't really live in the moments, but rather in between... and if we don't take the time to pause, we'll never really take the time to live.
Catch our breath
Breathing is an essential part of life. It's when we take a moment to let the life force enter into us; giving us the energy to meet the next moment. If we don't take the time to catch our breath, we'll quickly become unable to do anything.
Let the dust settle
Many times we kick up a lot of dirt, figuratively speaking. It gets so chaotic around us, that we just can't see anything clearly. Taking a pause will allow everything to settle into what it is meant to be.
Look back
A pause is an excellent tim eof reflection. There's time between us now and what we did before. Hopefully there's insight in there as well. Since hindsight is 20/20, using the pause to learn more about ourselves is one of the best uses of the moment.
Think ahead
We also have the chance to dream... to take what we've learned and apply it to our plans now. We have a chance to change our lives by looking ahead, seeing where we want to be and making those adjustments in this very moment.
Start anew
A pause also allows us to let go of everything that's weighing us down. After all, the past is the past. Even if we could change it, why bother? It's better to pick it up from here. Make the next moment the one we want to live in; not the last moment that's already gone.
The next moment is right around the corner. When it's time to leave this pause, will you be ready?
We don't really live in the moments, but rather in between... and if we don't take the time to pause, we'll never really take the time to live.
Catch our breath
Breathing is an essential part of life. It's when we take a moment to let the life force enter into us; giving us the energy to meet the next moment. If we don't take the time to catch our breath, we'll quickly become unable to do anything.
Let the dust settle
Many times we kick up a lot of dirt, figuratively speaking. It gets so chaotic around us, that we just can't see anything clearly. Taking a pause will allow everything to settle into what it is meant to be.
Look back
A pause is an excellent tim eof reflection. There's time between us now and what we did before. Hopefully there's insight in there as well. Since hindsight is 20/20, using the pause to learn more about ourselves is one of the best uses of the moment.
Think ahead
We also have the chance to dream... to take what we've learned and apply it to our plans now. We have a chance to change our lives by looking ahead, seeing where we want to be and making those adjustments in this very moment.
Start anew
A pause also allows us to let go of everything that's weighing us down. After all, the past is the past. Even if we could change it, why bother? It's better to pick it up from here. Make the next moment the one we want to live in; not the last moment that's already gone.
The next moment is right around the corner. When it's time to leave this pause, will you be ready?
Monday, March 08, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Do It!
Dreams without action are just words... They are empty words… Words that can't be trusted.
It's only when we take action that we get what we dream of. Things get done when we do them.
Do it when you want to
So often we just put our passions into overdrive, and sit there in neutral. We want it 'til it burns deeper into our souls… yet we do nothing about it. All we're left with are burnt out souls. Doing something when we want it is the only way to even get a chance at having it. Maybe we'll get it; maybe we won't, but going for it will get us closer… and it might even get us things we never even dreamed of.
Do it when you don't want to
Then there are the things that we just HAVE to do, but HATE doing them. They're our responsibility and if we don't do them, then our lives will only get worse. It takes a lot to recognize when we are the only ones to do something, and that something has to be done. It takes even more to be the one who gets it done.
Do it when someone else wants you to
Service to others is divinity in action. It not only helps out someone else, but it makes the entire world a better place. Fulfilling someone else's needs also helps to get ourselves out of our heads, so we don't focus on our own problems so much.
Do it when someone else doesn't want you to
There's also going to be times when we have to choose what is right for us over what someone else thinks is right. It comes down to being true to ourselves, no matter how much resistance, no matter how much pain… the reward on the other side of the pain is worth the effort.
Do it!
Again, it is action that counts; action that changes everything… so it's time to stop thinking about it, talking about it, reading about it. Go out and do it now!
It's only when we take action that we get what we dream of. Things get done when we do them.
Do it when you want to
So often we just put our passions into overdrive, and sit there in neutral. We want it 'til it burns deeper into our souls… yet we do nothing about it. All we're left with are burnt out souls. Doing something when we want it is the only way to even get a chance at having it. Maybe we'll get it; maybe we won't, but going for it will get us closer… and it might even get us things we never even dreamed of.
Do it when you don't want to
Then there are the things that we just HAVE to do, but HATE doing them. They're our responsibility and if we don't do them, then our lives will only get worse. It takes a lot to recognize when we are the only ones to do something, and that something has to be done. It takes even more to be the one who gets it done.
Do it when someone else wants you to
Service to others is divinity in action. It not only helps out someone else, but it makes the entire world a better place. Fulfilling someone else's needs also helps to get ourselves out of our heads, so we don't focus on our own problems so much.
Do it when someone else doesn't want you to
There's also going to be times when we have to choose what is right for us over what someone else thinks is right. It comes down to being true to ourselves, no matter how much resistance, no matter how much pain… the reward on the other side of the pain is worth the effort.
Do it!
Again, it is action that counts; action that changes everything… so it's time to stop thinking about it, talking about it, reading about it. Go out and do it now!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
It's Elementary - Lessons from the Elements (Air)
Life is comprised of four elements – Air, Water, Earth and Fire. They intertwine and compliment one another. Each one has a little something to teach us, if we open ourselves up to lessons it has to offer.Our first Guru is Air.
Be Present
Air is ever present. It surrounds us and moves through us. With every single breath we take, it comes in and travels through our entire being in the tiniest of moments. To be like Air is to be everywhere in this moment. Live in the Total Here-and-Now. Realize that even though we are like a single breath, we are also a part of the Greater Whole.
Be Still
One of Air’s special qualities is its stillness. It doesn’t have to be or do anything in order to be Air. It just is.
In stillness, air carries the sweet sounds of nature. It lets light and all creatures pass through undisturbed. Within its stillness is Peace.
Be Gentle
Air can be gentle. It’s calm and subtle force is what helps move Life from one place to another. It teaches us that we don’t have to be forceful just to get things going.
Within its gentleness, Air calms and soothes our souls. We can be as equally gentle to ourselves as Air.
Be Supportive
Air is also very strong. After all, how can something we can’t see, or which lets us pass through so easily, be able to hold up giant airplanes?
Air teaches us how to be supportive of others, just by being itself.
Be Powerful
When wind picks up, it can level entire landscapes. It becomes a force to be reckoned with; and reminds us of the true power of its strength.
Through its strength, Air teaches us that by unleashing our power within, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
It's the Little Things
Even the mightiest of oaks starts as the tiniest of acorns. Neither one is greater than the other; they’re just merely different forms of the same thing. And yet, we often look around our lives and see things from only today’s perspective. We look up at the oak, but down at the acorn. Sometimes we fail to realize that it’s really the acorn that makes all the difference.
We can control the little things
It’s far easier to take that acorn and do something with it, than it is to conquer the oak. If we look around our lives, we’ll see many, many acorns. Now is the time to grab the ones we want to plant, not later when they grow beyond us.
We can nurture the little things
Bigger trees need more stuff… more sunlight, more water. Little things just need a little bit of nurturing to get them started.
We can dedicate ourselves to the little things
Sometimes dedicating yourself to big things just seems to be overwhelming. Tat alone can stop us from even trying. If what we’re trying to do, or trying to get, seems small; then it makes us “go for it” where other times we wouldn’t even try.
We can change the course of the little things
Pivotal moments are actually tiny moments. They just have a HUGE impact on everything from that moment onward. It’s in those tiny moments that we have the most power; we control the direction of where it’s going. Better to be aware, and to be in control, of those pivotal moments; so that we can adjust as we go.
We can love the little things
Love is big, regardless of size. Love isn’t earned by how much something grows, or how big it is. It simply is; and it’s loved or not loved for what it is. Let’s not wait for something to grow before we decide to love it or not. It needs more love at the beginning anyway… so love freely and often.
We can control the little things
It’s far easier to take that acorn and do something with it, than it is to conquer the oak. If we look around our lives, we’ll see many, many acorns. Now is the time to grab the ones we want to plant, not later when they grow beyond us.
We can nurture the little things
Bigger trees need more stuff… more sunlight, more water. Little things just need a little bit of nurturing to get them started.
We can dedicate ourselves to the little things
Sometimes dedicating yourself to big things just seems to be overwhelming. Tat alone can stop us from even trying. If what we’re trying to do, or trying to get, seems small; then it makes us “go for it” where other times we wouldn’t even try.
We can change the course of the little things
Pivotal moments are actually tiny moments. They just have a HUGE impact on everything from that moment onward. It’s in those tiny moments that we have the most power; we control the direction of where it’s going. Better to be aware, and to be in control, of those pivotal moments; so that we can adjust as we go.
We can love the little things
Love is big, regardless of size. Love isn’t earned by how much something grows, or how big it is. It simply is; and it’s loved or not loved for what it is. Let’s not wait for something to grow before we decide to love it or not. It needs more love at the beginning anyway… so love freely and often.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Body for a Lifetime
The wedding vows say “'Til Death do us part” but we all know that that statement is true only about half the time. The one place where it’s true all the time is between you and your body. For better or worse, you two will be together ‘til death steps in.
The goal is to make sure that relationship stays intact until the end.
Some of it is going to sound like common sense and other parts will sound like sales pitches, but the concepts behind taking care of your body are fundamentally important. You’re in it for life. Hopefully that’s a long term commitment; filled with a lot of happiness and very little pain.
Now this won’t guarantee any of that, but improving your chances is E-Z…
Exercise
I know a number of people who don’t exercise because they’re tired; and a lot of people who exercise who aren’t tired. I know for a fact that the more intense I exercise, the less intense everything else in life becomes. There IS a correlation.
Eat Right
Unfortunately, in today’s society eating wrong is easier. We don’t think we have enough time and then we think that this junk is better than nothing. Our bodies can only keep itself running smoothly with the nutrition we provide. Garbage in, garbage out. Not today, so we won’t notice it… but eventually it’ll become too late. Invest IN yourself.
Easy does it
We also need a break from all the stress we put on ourselves. Rest is really important to regenerate our bodies. A change of scenery is really good to refresh our brains. Constant stress wears us down. “Easy” doesn’t mean slacking; it means releasing tension.
Equalize
Life’s about balance. Work, play, rest. If you find yourself doing too much of one, take some time to do the other stuff.
Energize!
Whether you believe in a Spiritual Being, or a Life Force or a Sub-Atomic Energy Cycle, energy is what keeps us going. What that energy is has been the most misunderstood and misrepresented thing on the planet. What matters though is that we’re connected to it. It is the fuel that is within us as well as around us. It IS us, whatever you call it… so reach out and connect!
The goal is to make sure that relationship stays intact until the end.
Some of it is going to sound like common sense and other parts will sound like sales pitches, but the concepts behind taking care of your body are fundamentally important. You’re in it for life. Hopefully that’s a long term commitment; filled with a lot of happiness and very little pain.
Now this won’t guarantee any of that, but improving your chances is E-Z…
Exercise
I know a number of people who don’t exercise because they’re tired; and a lot of people who exercise who aren’t tired. I know for a fact that the more intense I exercise, the less intense everything else in life becomes. There IS a correlation.
Eat Right
Unfortunately, in today’s society eating wrong is easier. We don’t think we have enough time and then we think that this junk is better than nothing. Our bodies can only keep itself running smoothly with the nutrition we provide. Garbage in, garbage out. Not today, so we won’t notice it… but eventually it’ll become too late. Invest IN yourself.
Easy does it
We also need a break from all the stress we put on ourselves. Rest is really important to regenerate our bodies. A change of scenery is really good to refresh our brains. Constant stress wears us down. “Easy” doesn’t mean slacking; it means releasing tension.
Equalize
Life’s about balance. Work, play, rest. If you find yourself doing too much of one, take some time to do the other stuff.
Energize!
Whether you believe in a Spiritual Being, or a Life Force or a Sub-Atomic Energy Cycle, energy is what keeps us going. What that energy is has been the most misunderstood and misrepresented thing on the planet. What matters though is that we’re connected to it. It is the fuel that is within us as well as around us. It IS us, whatever you call it… so reach out and connect!
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