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Sometimes we want something so badly — we wish for it, we pray for it, we call upon the Law of Attraction. We focus all our energy on it, impatiently waiting for it to manifest. And sometimes it does happen right away, almost magically.
Yet other times, it remains just beyond our grasp. We can clearly picture it in our mind’s eye. After all, doesn’t the Law of Attraction tell us to vividly imagine it, to basically pretend to feel and act like we already have it?
We need to trust that the infinite wisdom and intelligence of the Universe (call it Source or God if you prefer) knows what’s in our best interest. And yes, we believe that the Universe is filled with abundance, light and positivity — enough for everyone. If that’s true, then you may ask: why am I not getting what I’m focusing my attention upon, and how can I remedy that?
First of all, your own “vibration” — part of your quantum energetic field of body, mind and spirit — may not truly be in that empowering alignment with what you are seeking. So you have to do the inner work on fine tuning your emotions — the feelings and desires in the core of your heart.
Secondly, consider this: “is the timing right?” The wise and powerful Universe may know that you are dreaming of such and such, but maybe — just maybe — if you received or achieved this goal, it would not really be beneficial for you AT THIS PARTICULAR MOMENT in time. Just maybe the Universe knows something that you don’t know.
Most of us are familiar with that old saying “Be careful what you wish for — you just might get it.” Sometimes our plans, when they come to fruition, are a bit disappointing. Sometimes the attainment or obtainment of whatever we are pursuing is not always what we expect.
However, assuming that what you are trying to draw in to your reality is truly a good and positive aspect for you, it still may be challenging to attract. So, when you know you have done all you can do to set the emotional and “vibratory” groundwork to achieve your plan, you may have to take the next step. That is simply to “surrender.” And that doesn’t mean give up and hang out the white flag, that you’re finished and a failure with this particular objective. It just means releasing all worry out to the Universe. Maybe you have been trying too hard. Maybe you need to relax into the gentle understanding of that well-known saying “Let Go and let God.”
Be open to the concept of “Divine Timing” — releasing the outcome and knowing that if it is for your highest good, it will happen. Of course, it is essential to continue to have positive vibrations about it because any negativity, frustration, or stress will only serve to hamper its achievement. Hold the radiant glow of your goal powerfully within you. But don’t get too caught up in it. Do your best, but release the rest… And trust that when the timing is right, you WILL receive!
Affirmations:
- I trust that everything in my life is happening at the right time.
- The wisdom of the Universe provides abundance, harmony and joy for me.
- I release all worries, making way for positive aspects to flow into my life.
As the flow of life carries us along on our journey, sometimes we discover that those that we started the journey with are no longer in sync with us. In fact, sometimes they are quite out of rhythm with our own goals, beliefs and plans. How do we recognize this — and what should we do?
Here are five questions to ask yourself to see if a friendship is waning. (I am going to use the pronoun “her”, but take it to mean either him or her):
1. Do I really relate to him/her, genuinely? Do I look at her and feel a real heartfelt bond, or do I think “Why am I still friends with this person” or “why am I still trying to spend time with this person?”
2. Do we respect each other, encourage each other, support each others’ dreams and goals? Are we there for each other in an equitable way — or is there much more give on your side and take on hers?
3. Do we have real fun together — do we regularly laugh, share jokes and smiles? Do we make time in our busy schedules for our friendship, nurture it with joyful (and sometimes even gossipy) phone conversations? Do we get together often enough to keep us strong as a duo?
4. Do we communicate well, meaning are the lines of communication open and a two-way street? Or is it all one-sided and she goes on and on about her favorite topic — herself!
5. Am I free to be my real, true authentic self with her, or do I find myself too often having to hide who I really am, my core personality and beliefs? Have I changed over time in a positive way — and maybe she is still hanging on to the old, negative belief and behavior patterns?
I am struggling with a few old, fading friendships in my own life — ones that are just not what they used to — or should be. Intellectually, I recognize this, but emotionally I hold on because of that pull of the long-term friendship ideal. Recently there was one defining moment which truly made my heart sink. We were out for dinner, and after her lengthy update about all that is going on with her career/business, I began to talk a little about my own life path. Well, I could see immediately that her eyes just sort of glazed over, looking off into the distance. Her attention was clearly elsewhere. So this very obvious sign was more telling than anything she might have actually said to me. That distracted gaze told me in no uncertain terms that I am not of any great importance to her, not worth listening to. This caused much sadness and soul-searching on my own part but I realize that this long-term friendship has worn very thin.
So what do we do if we should encounter the friendship that has faded? Do we let our roads fork in different directions? Do we still hang on to the fragile thread that holds us together?
There is no one, clear answer for this. The decision is so very personal. But there are many different options to think about.
• First of all, try one more time to work on the friendship — infuse it with life, joy and comraderie! If this doesn’t work, then you will have to move along to one of the other suggestions.
• Accept the current friendship for what it is. Resign yourself to this — but let this friendship remain on the “periphery” of your life. Remain thick-skinned and non-reactive.
• Have phone contact that’s comfortable for you. Curtail phone conversations that are either distressing or disparaging. Make a diplomatic excuse to get off the call.
• Limit in-person get togethers if they only serve to bring you down. Maybe that once or twice a year face-to-face moment is fine. Tactfully turn down invites that you know will get you caught up in her loop of negativity or self-centeredness, or that really conflict with more positive, upbeat or important events in your own schedule. Don’t be afraid to say “no.”
• Move forward in your life and expand your circle of friends to include new people who resonate with who you are right now. No excuses – you are never too old to make new friends. So look for those who will accept the authentic you and whose general ideas about life are not so different from your own.
• End the friendship. This is the most severe decision, but sometimes it is the only way. I had to do this once way back. This friend had let her life fall into total disarray, and her chaos was overflowing constantly into surrounding relationships (including me.) In addition, any time we would try to get together, she would either cancel last minute or arrive an hour late. After one “last straw” of when she completely forgot about our plans and just never showed up, I told her farewell in a very clear way. And I haven’t looked back.
The bottom line is that you must follow your own heart. Use your intuition — your inner guidance — tap into it and really see what your feelings and wishes are regarding the best way to work through and improve (or end) the friendship.
Affirmations:
- I treat my friends with kindness, encouragement and respect.
- The affection and understanding I show my friends is joyfully mirrored back to me.
- I am open to new positive relationships in my life.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
“Our human perfection is actually defined by our imperfections.” ~Sheryl Schlameuss Berger
You may likely be familiar with the first quote (the second is pure “moi.”) Perhaps you believe that we are highly spiritual and have active and multiple karmic lives — or maybe that the hereafter is one expansive, peaceful heaven. Maybe you don’t believe in any of that — but the reality of the now is that we are all here having a very grand, panoramic human experience!
Our lives are filled with complexity and a broad spectrum of emotions, challenges and accomplishments. For some people, you may feel that you are constantly striving (or perhaps struggling) to be in a state as near as possible to what you might perceive as spiritual wholeness. Yes, we are having a human experience, but can’t I/we be a more perfect reflection of the Creator, an extension of Source?
Some of this can trickle down to developing a balance in one’s sense of perfectionism in everyday life (the very mundane, “earthly” kind of perfectionistic thinking.) It means letting go of some of the control over every aspect of one’s surroundings. Of course, I believe in the concept of accepting responsibility for one’s life, but it is impossible to have responsibility over everyone else’s life — specifically those in the circle of close family relationships.
When my children were younger, I chose to look away from lots of mess and clutter and just shut the doors to their rooms and let them be. My inner self happens to prefer a relatively clear and organized environment, so looking the other way was not always easy to do. But having a perfectly clean house was no where near as important as having a perfectly joyful, loving home. I am still doing the inner work of letting go of that overly-perfectionistic attitude in my life (my husband will likely tell you that I still am a bit demanding regarding getting tasks done in the house!)
On a different note: are you able to accept your human imperfections including your physical imperfections? Are you comfortable with your body image? Can you easily accept that as a part of the physical realm you are not necessarily going to be as glamorous as the models that grace the magazine covers? Abraham (of Abraham-Hicks) often describes our physicality as “magnificent physical bodies” — referring to all of us — not just the ones who look like those models! It’s essential to be kind to yourself and feel joyful about your physical appearance — or at least accepting.
What I’m trying to say is “Be more than okay with yourself. Love yourself!” Respect who you are, both in your humanness and your spirituality. And don’t expect perfection from those around you either — love them for their own uniqueness.
So we have to relax in our ideas about perfection, yet be open to positive changes. Don’t sit back, procrastinating about life, letting your reality be chock-full of unmanageable chaos. And don’t be doing the woe-is-me thing. Strive to move forward to be your best future self.
I believe that we are all happiest when we achieve that harmonious, good-feeling balance between our humanness and the perfection that we all reach for. Our humanness defines us — those jovial, less-than-perfect, but oh-so-fascinating, lovable beings that we are at the core.
Affirmations:
- I am calm, relaxed and at peace with the world and myself.
- I accept my imperfections and I am supremely happy with who I am.
- My body is a reflection of my thoughts, and I think about my body in a loving way.
As Practitioners, we are advised early on to let our egos move out of the way. What does that mean exactly and are you personally able do this?
The Dictionary has many definitions for the “ego” including: the “I” or self of any person; a person as thinking, feeling, and willing, and distinguishing itself from the selves of others and from objects of its thought.
Many people, when they think of ego, think of someone who has a “big ego” meaning an exaggerated sense of self-importance, or conceited attitude. The ego is a reflection of one’s self image or self-esteem. And it is our egos that make us who we are, and define us as individuals.
As physical beings, our egos assist us in effectively navigating through this magnificent, but often complicated physical realm. They are a necessity. However, in terms of Reiki, the flow of the Universal Life Force Energy through us is most effective when we are pure, clear channels or vessels.
This means:
- Letting go of expectations of outcome
- Not making a personal decision of exactly where and how the energy should be directed
- Trusting in the wisdom of the Universal/God-Consciousness/Divine
- Releasing feelings of responsibility regarding the healing
- Being open to the healing unfolding in the perfect way that is uniquely beneficial for the recipient
- Recognizing that Reiki always provides a benefit, even if it is not immediately apparent
As an example, perhaps someone is having a digestive problem which is actually resulting from the stress of communication issues, or lack of clear communication in a close relationship in that person’s life. You have no knowledge of this deeper-seated cause — nor does the client. So you might automatically decide to focus in on the stomach area where the condition is manifesting. But in reality, maybe it is the throat area (the chakra of communication) that will draw and absorb the most healing energy. Of course, YOU don’t necessarily know this — but the Universe DOES!
So what does this all mean on a practical level? It means developing a very flexible attitude toward healing sessions. It means always asking that the healing manifest for the “highest good” of the recipient. It means that as you are engaged in a Reiki treatment session, that you are aware and receptive of the higher consciousness/intuitive part of yourself. It means being really immersed in the present moment — basically holding the space as a vessel of light — a conduit for the gentle, yet powerful energy.
Also, as healings occur, remain humble. You personally did not DO the healing — so gratefully acknowledge the Universe or Higher Power for all healing that happens — both the mundane and the miraculous. Embrace your role more as a “healing facilitator” and be open to the myriad blessings that can come through a loving, supportive and wise Universe.
 It was somewhere in the late 1970s when I cut open the grapefruit, looking forward to enjoying one of my favorite fruits. There, nestled within, much to my surprise, was a large seed that had already sprouted. I pondered it curiously, wondering how a seed could survive the trip from Florida and then several days in the refrigerator, still showing promise of growth!
“Should we plant it?” I asked the man who would eventually become my first husband. “I mean, it has to be very hearty to have survived this far…” So we planted it. And I didn’t give it much thought, figuring now in actual dirt, the seedling might not even make it. And in that moment, I didn’t even think about the big picture of the future — how would a grapefruit tree ever grow in the harsh, cold climate of New York?
But grow it it did! The little seedling sprung up joyfully, and thrilled with this (and also still very young and imaginative) I decided to give it a name. So I called it Grindel the Grapefruit.
At that time, I thought of this little seed as a metaphor for my relationship with this man, one that was blossoming and showing promise for the future. Grindel continued to grow, as we entered into marriage and began our lives together. I remember that Grindel’s first beautiful green grapefruit-y leaves had a lovely sheen to them and when you would touch one and rub it gently in your hand, the sweet, pungent fragrance of citrus would fill the air.
For climactic reasons, Grindel needed to be an indoor tree so “she” was shuttled around a bit to accommodate her burgeoning size. When she outgrew the house my husband took her to his office, a space which had plenty of room and a ceiling that was tall enough.
I wish I could say that all went well and that my husband and I lived happily ever after — but such was not the case. We had two wonderful children, but as a couple, we were seriously mismatched. Our marriage ended when the children were young. They came with me, and my husband got custody of Grindel.
We ended up moving away from our original home and my ex was remarried very quickly — to his divorce attorney, oddly enough. They moved quite a distance away, and I had no clue if they had taken the tree.
Over the years of difficult divorce issues, lengthy and turbulent custody battles, I lost track of Grindel and figured at some point she had gone to that great, radiant orchard in the sky. After the bitter legal battles had finally ended, my ex and I completely lost contact for many years. So you can imagine my utter surprise…
Now move ahead to this past Thanksgiving Day, about thirty-odd years after I first discovered the emerging seed. We were just sitting down to our bountiful feast, when my son arrived to join the rest of us, after having spent the earlier part of the day with his father. He had something wrapped in a white paper towel and I couldn’t imagine what he had brought to our dinner table. After he carefully unwrapped it, I realized it was a somewhat egg-shaped grapefruit — quite yellow, with a tinge of greenish hue at the bottom, perhaps needing a bit more ripening.
“Mom, this is from Dad’s grapefruit tree and he wanted me to bring it to you.” My eyes opened wide and I think my mouth must have nearly dropped open, incredulous. “You mean the same tree I planted from a seed a very long time ago?” “Yes,” he replied. Dad has had the tree all these years and during the winter months he keeps it in his garage so it will stay warm. But it grows fruit, so I have one grapefruit for myself, and one for you!”
This amazing little Thanksgiving surprise had caught me off guard and I was actually a little thoughtful, realizing that though the marriage didn’t last, the real seeds that had been planted — the children — had actually grown, blossomed and matured into well-rounded, wonderful adults, despite all the emotional challenges they had endured through the years.
So don’t be afraid to plant those seeds — especially if there is already some promise in the sprouting. You never know how life may surprise and amaze you, even in the smallest of ways…
Affirmations:
- I plant the seeds of inspiration, nurture them and watch them grow.
- I encourage myself to be curious and childlike, and delight in the positive surprises that unfold in my life.
- I have the courage and motivation to welcome each day with open arms and a sense of wonder.
Thanksgiving in the United States is the traditional time for focusing on all that is good in our lives and for which we are grateful. Let’s reflect back a moment on the history, and try to imagine what it would have been like as a Pilgrim. This brave group left England to escape religious persecution and made the difficult trip here in the Mayflower, which took about 65 cold, damp, challenging days.
The following year and a half, they worked to grow a settlement and make a life for themselves in Plymouth. They had to learn to plant, farm and survive through much hardship and to live off this new land. After an October harvest, they fortunately had enough food to put away for winter — corn, fruits, vegetables, fish (to be packed in salt) and meat to be cured.
They had succeeded in building homes and raising crops, and they even were at peace with their Indian neighbors. They had overcome great odds and so there was reason to celebrate! The Pilgrim governor proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving — and that, in a nutshell, is a little history lesson.
Now, try to vividly imagine the Pilgrims being joyful and grateful for the basics — a sparse shelter, some food, and a peaceful relationship with the nearby Indians. One can only imagine a real sense of relief on their part, as well as appreciation for what they had accomplished. Picture the scene: hearty laughter and much celebration, perhaps punctuated by a gobble of a nearby turkey who had not yet been slated for the dinner table, or perhaps the distant, but friendly sound of an Indian drum?
What would the Pilgrims think if they could have ever envisioned a futuristic Thanksgiving? Many of the “Pilgrims” of today are gathered around the table, surrounded by huge quantities of food and often such a wide variety of culinary delights! Picture the scene: hearty laughter and much celebration, perhaps punctuated by the sound of a ringing smartphone, the beeping of a voicemail message, music from an iPod dock or someone’s nearby computer, or the bong of an email landing into someone’s in-box. How times have changed!
But let’s look at the emotions behind this holiday — those underlying feelings of gratitude and appreciation around which this holiday is based. These feelings are timeless, and getting in the flow of these sweet emotions is beautiful and fulfilling. By focusing on all these wonderful aspects, we draw more of these into our life experience. So take stock of those positive aspects that surround you — all the amazing and loving people in your life, your home-sweet-home, the bounty that you enjoy (all the fabulous food), the “stuff” (yes, even your iPhone) that brings you pleasure. Let a sense of gratitude pervade your being and fill your senses. Feel the joy of it — and don’t hesitate to be verbal and vocal about it. Let people know of your appreciation!
As for me personally, I am profoundly thankful for my family and friends, because with them, life is a loving adventure!
Affirmations for gratitude:
- Expressing gratitude is easy and fulfilling for me.
- The more appreciation I feel and acknowledge, the more joy and abundance flow into my life!
- I give thanks for all the amazing blessings that fill my life.
“And now here you are, an extension of Source Energy — focused in the environment of perfect contrast and balance, just as you have intended — exploring, deciding, preferring, creating, and becoming.” — Abraham-Hicks
Contrast and change are the stuff of which life is made. It’s that way from the day we are born all the way until the day we die.
Those with a strong spiritual connection embrace the belief that we have chosen our lives, that we have entered into these glorious physical bodies for the purpose of a variety of things: creating, learning, loving, experiencing. Though many these days feel that our mission is to ultimately seek joy — the reality is that we are also faced with a multitude of challenges. Turbulence and obstacles — whatever you wish to call the curves that life throws at us — are all part of the contrast of our human experience.
Even if you are not particularly spiritual, and take a more practical viewpoint — most would not choose to seek difficulties. Though there are always those few — and we all know one or two of these — who seem to like suffering and adversity, and by such intense focus, always bring more of it into their lives in a never-ending cycle.
However, some adversity is a given in everyone’s life. It helps us grow, expand and develop as both human and spiritual beings.
We have to remember to hold in our heart the light that will always lead us from darkness. That old teaching of “how would we appreciate the light, if we haven’t experienced the dark” is relevant here. We learn from contrast — sometimes quite quickly and powerfully.
When we feel such contrast, it is a means to measure where we are as compared to where we want to be. It helps us evaluate and one can observe that: “this is where I am; this is something I do not want — it is not pleasing to me.” So then we can ask ourselves, “What exactly is it that I DO want?” This helps crystallize our emotions and thoughts into a specific vision toward something better.
So when you are in the throes of contrast, let your imagination begin creating a better-feeling reality. Focus on the desired outcome, imagine it as real and true. As you give mental energy to it, the shift begins to move you toward it. Of course, Law of Attraction thinkers are familiar with this and are nodding their heads in agreement. But these gentle reminders serve to keep us steady on the good-feeling path.
For me, sustained severe contrast came in the form of years of legal and custody battles with my ex-husband. This was during my pre-“Law of Attraction” days. And I kept wondering at the time why the ordeal felt never-ending. In hindsight, it is clear that I gave way too much attention to the “fight.” Such focus kept me (and my children) wrapped up in emotional, negative turmoil for an extremely long time. Life lesson learned.
Marci Shimoff, inspirational teacher and author of “Happy For No Reason” advises us to ask ourselves the question about really adverse times: If this were happening for a reason (or higher purpose) what would that be? So what was the higher purpose of all those years for me? I learned through the ultimate negativity to feel the contrast, and then steer a better course toward positivity. I learned to leave despair, stress, dis-ease (that developed during this) and embrace healing and a peaceful path of light. Had those years not unfolded the way they did, I might have remained wandering along aimlessly, ignorant of finding and aligning with a more resonant life purpose. I eventually emerged from all those years of darkness to transform into a newer, more light-filled version of myself.
So be open to the lessons of contrast — let them guide you to the greater path of what you DO want, toward radiance and a good-feeling life experience…
Affirmations:
- Contrast in my life helps shift me in the direction of what I DO want.
- I understand that challenges can serve to guide me toward a better-feeling reality.
- I tap into my inner wisdom to view contrast as a stepping stone toward a more joyful life experience.
Ask yourself this question: am I consciously able to really be here and be present? Can I live, breathe and touch this particular moment in time? Do I seek to inhale the exquisiteness of this moment — and truly find joy and peace in this gentle segment of time?
If you answered a truthful yes, then you are likely happier, calmer and feeling quite good about yourself and your life! Of course, it’s not possible to be in the flow of the now all the time, but making this a goal can truly empower you, rejuvenate you — and shift the current of your life.
Being in a constant state of worry and anxiety about what you did — or didn’t do — in the past is negative and harmful to your well-being. Conversely, worrying about what may or may not happen in the future also tends to suck any uplifting energy from your ability to focus on the present moment. So if this little description resonates with you and you can acknowledge that you are spending too much disjointed and fragmented time in either/or the past and the future, then start the inner work now.
You have the “power” to find beauty and exhilaration right in the now!
In general, you need to begin to bring your frame of reference right back to the present. This concept is sometimes called mindfulness. But the key here is to bring yourself to the present in a non-judgmental way — as kind of a pleasant, upbeat observer. Then reach for all that is happiness-inducing, serene and comforting in your now-moment. Appreciate these aspects. Let yourself feel truly alive. That is the simplicity of it.
So look around you — what is pleasant and good-feeling to you right now? This little exercise of examining the moment with a joyful microscope is something you should make part of your everyday experience. Right now, as I write this, the window is open and though it’s a brisk day here where I live — the fresh air feels great and rejuvenating! My sweet kitties are nestled nearby, snoozing in their little catnaps. I wrap myself in this simple pleasure of this moment, and feel completely immersed.
By empowering yourself with this in-the-moment thinking, you may find that you develop a greater sense of harmony, joy, and overall positivity. I believe it also better prepares you for meeting any challenges that do arise. When you connect in with who you are, reaching deep into your heart and focusing your thoughts and emotions on the present, you will truly reap the benefits of living in the now.
Affirmations for focusing on the now:
- I live, breathe and touch this moment with a sense of being truly alive.
- It is easy for me to find joy and appreciation in each moment.
- I focus my attention on being fully present and immersed in the now.
I spent a recent weekend in Chicago, studying Reconnective Healing with Dr. Eric Pearl, a well-known healer and teacher who travels all over the world. It was an amazing, thought-provoking and enlightening weekend and I gained much knowledge. However, what I wish to share is not about the mechanics of this modality. It is about the attitude of healing — the choice and willingness to accept well being.
This concept of being receptive and open to becoming fully healed is essential for anyone seeking real healing. So if you are in need of a shift in your life, you have to ask yourself: am I ready to let go of my condition? You need to be ready to detach yourself from your blockage. Many people use an illness or condition to define who they are. (And this can be an emotional condition, not just a physical one.) They use it as an excuse why they can’t do this or that or accomplish this or that. Or maybe it gives them the attention they so desperately crave. Do you know anyone like this — I suspect you do!
Dr. Pearl is known for many phenomenal and well-documented healings. He has a fantastic “track record.” But of course, it is not 100 per cent. Some of the amazing healings concern people who were born with clear physical defects or problems, and they were cured. Those are truly miraculous.
Sometimes people develop illness during the course of their lifetime — and yes, many of these have experienced a return to health after a healing with Dr. Pearl. And these healings have lasted, with no return to sickness.
However, there are also people who were promptly healed of their issue, only to soon fall back into the throes of their sickness. After some research, it was determined that for some of these individuals, their entwinement with their disease created a comfortable symbiotic relationship — not a healthy one, but one they were used to. Not everyone is ready to embrace true wellness.
I have met my share of those who, on the surface, claim they would welcome well-being, yet seem to be almost happy to focus on all that is wrong with them. I believe that the body is a remarkable system that always strives toward the greatest balance. The creation of a healing environment in the physical body and its surrounding energetic field is facilitated by a holistic modality such as Reiki or Reconnective Healing. But I suspect that much of the healing comes from within.
So if this strikes a cord of resonance, then maybe it’s time to really look into your heart and connect with your inner knowing that you CAN heal. Healing begins within you.
If you abound with joy and well-being, continue to stay that way by focusing on the radiance of good health, and appreciate all that is exhilarating, good-feeling and whole in your life. If you seek better health, then START focusing on the radiant good health you envision for yourself, and begin to appreciate all that is exhilarating, good-feeling and whole in your life!
Affirmations for well being:
- I love my life, who I am and where I am headed!
- I let myself flow with the radiant stream of well-being.
- I choose healing, balance and serenity as the essence of my life.
Could we speak less about stress and more about balance? Why do we almost eagerly embrace the concept of stress? Many people confide in me and just about everyone is stressed out.
Of course there are a million reasons for it. Globally, you can blame the economy, misuse of the environment, the government, etc. You can say it results from the fast-paced, over-full technologically-oriented lives we lead. Personally, you can attribute it to your spouse, your boss, your schedule and so on.
So it comes down to: we are a world that is embracing stress. And if you are one of those Law of Attraction thinkers, then you might figure out that the more you focus on stress, the more stress you will feel and attract into your day-to-day reality. Some people get so extremely caught up in the negativity of stress that their lives are affected in an unhealthy way. For there is much medical and scientific proof that stress (especially prolonged) causes physical and health issues. And who would knowingly want their life to disintegrate into these kind problems?
So what do you do to lift yourself up from that mode of chaos, overwhelm and tension? Of course you may be thinking: exercise, meditation, massage, whirlpool baths, holistic relaxation (Reiki, tai chi, et al.), just going out and having fun. All these are terrific stress-busters so use them to help you. But what about your mindset, the way you perceive stress? Can you de-stress by just changing your attitude? I believe it is certainly possible — that one can reduce the level of stress in your life by shifting the way you think.
Here are some ideas of coping in terms of your mindset and the way you perceive stress:
- Choose your state of mind. Do the inner work of engaging a more joyful frame of mind. Decide that you want to think more positively. Believe it or not, that is a major step, just setting this as a goal.
- Take responsibility. Really take responsibility for creating your reality. If you can’t do this on a grand scale, then at least do it in a partial way.
- Curb your reactions to external events. Begin to gain a sense of control of your reactions to potential and perceived stressors in your own environment. You can’t control everything that happens, but you CAN control the way you personally react to it. Do not be overwhelmed by the small stuff — try to either address or dismiss it quickly and effectively, knowing that you can move through it to a better-feeling moment. The large stuff will present more of a challenge, but you can learn to deal with obstacles.
- Be a “Can-Do” individual. Or at least start PERCEIVING yourself as such. Begin thinking of yourself as someone who can accomplish, persevere, stay the course. Believe you CAN get it done. Adapt a mentality of confidence!
- Shift focus, even temporarily. If you are stuck in some negative thinking or dramatic overwhelm, take a deep cleansing breath. Inhale through the nose, air down to the belly, with a slow focused exhale, releasing the tension from your body. Take several of these just to start a small shift toward calmness.
- Cultivate an outlook of being present. Be truly and keenly aware of living in the now. Understand and practice mindfulness. Pay attention to where you are and do what you need to carve out a moment of peacefulness. Learn to tune out some of the “disharmony” that may be surrounding you. Find something positive to appreciate in the moment (even if this is a challenge), and be grateful.
So take the the road less traveled — the one that is less stressful! Make balance and serenity your mantra and invite harmony into your life.
Affirmations for harmony and balance:
- I release all stress from my body and embrace a clear sense of harmony.
- I am capable, and I have the perseverance and strength to overcome challenges.
- My life is balanced and peaceful, and I carry that serene feeling with me wherever I go.
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