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Abundance: The Fear of Abundance
Is it possible for someone to fear abundance? Who would not want to live the abundant life? Polarity is a universal law. The law of polarity contends that everything has its polar opposite. The scales of life assures the existence of polar opposites. In ...
Eating Disorders And The Use Of Yoga In Prevention And Treatment
It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such as bolimia and anorexia, were thought to be purely the result of mental conditions. More recently, though, some physical factors have been attributed to these conditions. It is now thought that eating ...
Let it Go...Meditation for Cutting Energy Cords
Do you often find yourself feeling drained or lacking in energy? Is there someone that you just can't seem to get over or stop thinking about no matter how much you try to let them go? Or how about those folks at work who just seem to drain the life out ...
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1. STOP -- In a recent interview with small business guru Michael Gerber, author of "The E-Myth Revisited," I asked him what one key step or strategy would it give to listeners that they could put into place in their businesses that would make the biggest difference. He summarized it in one word -- stop! Stop and take the time to really think through what you're doing.
The advice is just as sound in our personal lives. Most of our lives are simply running out of control. It's like we have our 'pedal to the metal' and we don't know how to take our foot off, or perhaps we're afraid of what will happen if we do. I'm more concerned about what will happen if we don't.
2. WHAT IS INNER HAPPINESS? -- One of the most important reasons to stop the frenetic pace of your life for a while is so you can begin to answer the question, "What is inner happiness?" Once you've spent a bit of time on that one, go on to these:
~ What will bring me inner happiness?
~ How will I know when I've experienced a new level of inner happiness?
~ What will it look like, feel like, what will be happening or not happening in my life?
~ Where would I want to experience more inner happiness?
At work? At home? With my family and friends?
3. SHIFT YOUR ATTITUDE TO ONE OF 'DESERVABILITY' -- This is a new word that a participant in one of my workshops recently coined. I like what happens from combining 'deserve' with 'ability.' We are all able to shift our attitude to one of deserving happiness. And if you aren't then there may be some deep seated emotional blocks that need to be addressed through counseling or some other channels. This step is summarized in one of my favorite sayings, "Suffering is optional." You deserve to be happy.
4. HANDLE LIFE'S DETAILS ONCE AND FOR ALL -- The details I'm referring to are those basic needs that we all have -- food, clothing, shelter, love, and so on. Is it possible to have inner peace while your outer life is in turmoil? Yes, actually I believe that it is possible, but I also believe it's a lot more challenging and so unnecessary. It's difficult to take the time to contemplate what will bring you true inner happiness when your stomach keeps growling from lack of food. Go take care of your stomach first.
5. ELIMINATE WHAT DETRACTS FROM HAPPINESS -- These next two steps are so simple in nature that their power can easily be missed. If you want inner happiness (or pretty much anything else), eliminate from your life that which detracts from it. This includes those emotional blocks I spoke about earlier. It may also include the elimination of 'toxic relationships,' clutter around your home, unsatisfying work, excess weight, and other negative 'stuff'.
6. ADD IN MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY -- Once you've eliminated 'stuff' that makes you unhappy or detracts from your happiness, you've made room for adding what will contribute to your happiness. This can work on many different levels. For example, once I
cleaned and organized my office, and eliminated many of the file folders that surrounded my desk, there was room to add some beauty to my office decor. I now have a small fountain on top of my oak filing cabinet, a decorative aquarium on the library table and several plants. But when I was surrounded by clutter, there was no room for these beautiful additions. My surroundings now contribute to my happiness.
7. FIND YOUR BALANCE BETWEEN INNER WORK AND OUTER EXPRESSION -- I'm recently read a wonderful book by Wayne Muller, "Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest." (Bantam Books, April 1999) The following passage points to this important step to happiness:
"The noise of our lives made us deaf, unable to hear when we are called, or from which direction. Henri (a friend of Muller's and a priest) said our lives have become absurd -- because in the word absurd we find the Latin word absurdus, which means 'deaf.' In our spiritual life we need to listen to God who constantly speaks but whom we seldom hear in our hurried defense.
On the other hand, Henri was fond of reminding me that the word obedient comes from the Latin word audire, which means 'to listen.' Henri believed that a spiritual life was a pilgrimage from absurdity to obedience -- from deafness to listening."
If you're living a loud life of absurdity, it's important to add in moments of peaceful rest and solitude so you can listen and hear life call to you.
8. KEEP WATERING THE ROOTS OF YOUR HAPPINESS TREE -- As you identify what provides you with inner happiness it's important to keep doing them. While this may sound so obvious as to be not worth mentioning, it's surprising how often people stop doing what they know works. If watering the roots produces luscious fruit then keep watering the roots. If devoting the first hour of each day in quiet meditation and reflection helps you stay centered and present throughout your day and that makes you happy, then don't drop that special time out of your routine.
9. SPREAD IT AROUND -- Happiness doesn't have to be a one-person show. While it may begin with you and end with you, in between are plenty of opportunities to spread it around to others. You will probably find that spreading it around simply adds to your own experience of joy and satisfaction, so don't be stingy with it.
10. ACKNOWLEDGE THE 'SHADOW' AND MOVE ON -- And from time to time even the happiest among us will have occasion for sadness. If we didn't, we wouldn't be able to fully appreciate our happiness. So, when those days come along, embrace them. Allow yourself to be present to whatever there's just know that you don't need to stay stuck in the shadows. Acknowledge them and then, when you're ready, move on.
2005 Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Swift founded Life On Purpose Institute in 1996 with the vision of creating a World On Purpose by assisting people like yourself to clarify their life purpose & live true to it. Determine how on or off purpose your life is with the fun & insightful Self Test at: http://lifeonpurpose.com/_forms/self-test.php?source=ezart Inspire yourself with a fr.ee subscription to Purposeful Pondering Ezine: http://lifeonpurpose.com/
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One-day meditation workshop by Jeff OliverThe Borneo PostKUCHING: The Kuching Buddhist Society is organising a one-day meditation workshop today at its premises in Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho here. The workshop will impart techniques in countering stress and dealing with the various vicissitudes in daily living ... |
Globe and Mail |
Meditate? Only when I'm divingGlobe and MailI have never been able to meditate, although I'd be enjoying my retirement in Bali if I had a dime for every friend who has encouraged me to learn. I've tried, believe me, I've tried. Sit comfortably, cross-legged on the wooden floor, one well-meaning ...and more » |
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