I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor. – Henry David Thoreau
What does it take to be happy and to achieve what we desire?
‘Conscious endeavor’
Consciousness of what will be good for us, consciousness of who we are, what we truly want and then conscious effort towards the goals of being and doing.
Recommendation: Awakening of Intelligence – J Krishnamurti
No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear;
But, grateful, take the good I find,
The best of now and here. – John Greenleaf Whittier
There’s a lot of good and goodness around us, if we just pay attention. To a large measure our thoughts, our current thoughts, will create the future that is yet to be.
If we notice and appreciate all that’s great around us and in us, then we truly live today; and we create an amazing tomorrow because our thoughts today are made up of all that’s beautiful!
What can you use to remind yourself to do that? Daily?
Recommendation: Choose Them Wisely: Thoughts Become Things! by Mike Dooley
In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. – Mahatma Gandhi
Imagine entering your bedroom, shutting the door behind you to the day’s worries, the hustle and the noise. You are now feeling very calm and settled. Next you sit (or lie) down and settle into a quiet repose. You now experience a peace and joy that’s impossible to describe to anyone else!
This is a good description of what Meditation/Stillness feels like. It’s something you can practice even beyond the confines of your private retreat.
Meditation Tips: Below is a first step towards learning how to practice stillness. About once a week I’ll be sharing a new tip, the series will guide you into meditating like a pro!
Meditation Tip #1: Try this. Notice the palm of your hand. Just experience it for what it is, don’t create a thought about it. Now put your attention on your breath and just experience it. Breathe in/out normally.
Most of us are lost in the inner chatter of our mind making up thoughts about everyone and everything. As you notice your body you enter the present moment and it stays that way until your mind manufactures a thought about the experience.
Now all day try to recreate moments like these, become present by noticing your body/breath and don’t think about it, just experience it.
This is the first step (and actually the last….tell you more later) towards stillness, peace and calm!!
Recommendation: Gateways to Now by Eckhart Tolle