Master these tricks of the trade and you can skip taking ayahuasca before your next business meeting.
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Like me, I’m guessing that your Spiritual resume is quite rich. I’ve trained with teachers both well-known and otherwise, understudied Medicine Men, traveled to India — because that’s what one is supposed to do — and lived under the tutelage of Buddhist and Taoist Masters for a year.
I’ve omed and chanted Sanskrit mantras until my throat vibrated in Universal harmony, journeyed beyond space and time, danced in ecstatic praise, and entered the world of sacred geometry.
I’ve wept from the release of forgiveness, laughed in awareness of the cosmic joke and watched hundreds of clients revel in the insights that their own consciousness revealed while in the presence of clear and loving guidance.
You know what happens when you want to say no but you don’t, so stop it. Start saying what you mean and meaning what you say.
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What I want to do now is offer you the creme de la crème of what I’ve learned, and teach, in a précis version of course, so that you can get on with your day from a consciously loving, playful and peaceful space without having to learn Sanskrit, travel to Asia, or take ayahuasca before your next business meeting.
Here goes:
Breathe. Breathe consciously, deeply, and into your belly. Count to five as you inhale, and as you exhale. If you have an extra few seconds you can afford to allot to you, hold your breath after your inhale for five seconds before exhaling and repeat for five rounds. As you practice conscious breathing be adventurous and increase the length of time to seven, ten, or twenty seconds. This should be comfortable, so holding your breath until you turn blue defeats the relaxation and oxygenation benefits.
Smile. Smile a lot. Do this randomly, genuinely, and share it with strangers as you sit in your car waiting for that light to turn green, at the grocery store or while you’re taking the garbage out. Give it a try, soon you’ll be beaming like a Christmas tree and you’ll feel like one too.
Support Another. This can be as easy as cheering on a contact on face book, offering up an authentic compliment, or making a donation to a cause that touches your heart. If you make this a practice it will change your life for the better in ways only you’ll be able to understand.
Take Hot Salt Baths. Do this at least once a week. Add Epsom salts and essential oils scents that you enjoy. Add bubbles too if you like – whatever makes you happy. I like to have a glass of water beside the tub and a small dish of chocolate covered almonds to snack on as I soak, breathe, and let my body and mind wander with no agenda. I know some say they’re not bath type people but I’ve yet to see anyone continue to believe that after a few tubs like the ones I’ve just described. Add music and candles if you like and keep it private and personal. Give it a try and enjoy the results.
Say No. You know what happens when you want to say no but you don’t, so stop it. Start saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Yes, someone may get his or her nose bent out of shape but that’s got nothing to do with you. Besides, if they would rather you sacrifice your personal happiness for theirs I’d say its time to reassess that relationship.
Drink Water. I know I’m preaching to the choir but I had to add this one. It’s important to stay hydrated for lots of reasons including your body’s ability to move energy, flush, and have that neuro network stay lively.
The truth is nothing is ever really about you. Others may want you to carry the weight of the world or their emotional well being, and your mind may believe that you should, but as you look at things clearly you’ll see that none of it has anything to do with you.
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Move. The caveat here is to start moving in ways that are non-competitive. We’ve all seen Yogis who are trying to out pose the teacher and we do it to ourselves too. We push for more muscle, faster speeds and personal bests. Beginning to move with the body vs. against it will bring gains in ways that are in alignment with your spirit and breath. This change in the basis for your movement will highlight any ego drivers that have been hiding out in your gym bag or underneath that mat so go easy on yourself when they start throwing tantrums and remember to breathe.
Pay Attention to Your Emotions. Beyond just noticing them, which is a grand beginning and will place you well on your way to waking up to your own magnificence, let yourself feel them. Emotions can be likened to small children that need your attention because they have something to tell you. If you’ve ever decided to ignore a child you know that the more you try, the louder they become. Your emotions are the GPS to your soul and learning to interpret them is paramount to navigating to that sweet, peaceful, life that is calling your name.
Laugh. Laugh frequently, loudly, deeply, honestly, and daily.
Stop Taking Anything Personally. If everyone did this, the world would be a happier and more peaceful place. Since we’re no longer responsible for anyone else, let’s practice this mantra for our own joy, “It has nothing to do with me.” This speaks to the broader issues like news from another country or your best friend’s relationship crisis. My other favorite, “It’s not about me.” This comes in to play when someone wants you to take responsibility for their problems or when they blame you for something, like when you say, “No” to their request to borrow enough money to buy a small country or help them move, again.
The truth is nothing is ever really about you. Others may want you to carry the weight of the world or their emotional well being, and your mind may believe that you should, but as you look at things clearly you’ll see that none of it has anything to do with you.
Be Honest. Be honest with you. We’ve all turned our backs on our own inner guidance because we think it will be difficult to end that relationship, say “no”, or let go of that habit, but what if it wasn’t? What if the only reason it feels that way is because we’re denying the biggest helper we have – our hearts and souls? When you listen to your inner knowing, and follow its loving guidance, your best and highest will be revealed and served in ways beyond your mind’s ability to think.
When the mind is lovingly guided and positively regarded for the powerful tool that it is, it will be the friend you’ve always wanted: encouraging, supportive, loving, and smart. But when left unchecked it is the biggest and arguably the only problem maker on the planet.
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Nature to Nurture. Think of nature like a giant vacuum cleaner that when regularly used keeps your mind, body and spirit clean of muddy thoughts and cloudy considerations. Nature is also easy to use. Simply pick your body up and go for a walk. Notice the trees and plants. Stop and smell the roses. Listen to the birds. If you’re feeling adventurous, go to a park, sit by some water or try camping in a tent or rent a cabin in the woods.
Mind Your Mind. When the mind is lovingly guided and positively regarded for the powerful tool that it is, it will be the friend you’ve always wanted: encouraging, supportive, loving, and smart. But when left unchecked it is the biggest and arguably the only problem maker on the planet. To walk on the light side of the mind notice it’s limiting self talk and question it. The easiest way to tune in to this is via the emotional GPS. If you’re feeling angry, jealous, and fearful or any other uncomfortable emotions, the mind has you entranced in a story that is not in alignment with your heart and soul. To loosen those mind ties, begin playing with the opposite of the story it’s telling you and find ways to substantiate that through your own experiences or that of others.
Invest in You. Beyond new technology, workout equipment and marketing seminars, invest in your inner self. Hire a coach, attend a workshop and read some books. Investing in your clarity of thought, the opening of your heart and the connection to your soul, spirit and Divinity will yield dividends that will positively influence and expand every area of your life and I mean every area, wink-wink-nudge-nudge.
Source: 30dB.com – Meditation vs Yoga
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Photo:Flikr/Robert Nunnally