Virtual relocation

I've started a new blog in conjunction with my life-coaching practice:

https://theomniapproachblog.wordpress.com/

Anything I might have posted here, will now be posted there.
(Though I may be back someday...)

Thanks for reading!!

Connection

Folks talk.

Some say, about people, things, or ideas.

I find value in the distinction between external vs. internal experiences.

It is in the sharing of our internal experiences that we find meaningful connection.

Pesky procrastination

Do you often put off to tomorrow what could be done today? There just aren’t enough hours in the day, are there?! Do you also have certain standards of quality for your output? Anything worth doing, is worth doing well, right? Would you be surprised to know that procrastination and perfectionism are closely linked? It’s true!

I used to delay action because I didn’t have the time or the energy to give a particular project my usual 110%, and I knew that once I started, I wouldn’t stop until it met my satisfaction, and was complete. It was either 0 or 110, and 0 was frequently more appealing! I would rely on the pressure of the deadline to get things done, rather than work on them in a comfortable and leisurely fashion, which would have allowed more room for creativity and fine tuning.

 

As it turns out, those of us who hold ourselves to excessively high standards are also quite critical of ourselves. In fact, we are even rather judgmental of others, as well. We may not voice our criticisms aloud, but we think them; we spew labels and evaluations all the time. They seem so innocuous; we barely notice that we are doing it. “Stupid driver.” “Rude clerk.” “Hideous outfit.” “I can’t believe he just said that.” “What was she thinking?” “Ugh – I’m such an idiot! How did I miss that?!” 

The truth is, we’re all human. We are all fallible creatures, just trying to do our best with the resources available to us – time, finances, energy, intelligence - as limited and imperfect as they often are. Whenever we are able to muster some sort of acceptance of this fact, and even perhaps an appreciation of the beauty in it, we can harness compassion. Having compassion for ourselves and for others provides us with a certain kind of patience that is very calming

Rather than concerning ourselves with perfecting our performance, we would be much better served to focus our efforts on PROGRESS. Baby steps. That is all that is required to keep us moving forward, and to further us in the achievement of our goals. Mistakes may be made along the way, but they will be smaller, and easier to catch and learn from. In actuality, anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly. Prioritize taking action. Start now!

Habits

I can safely say that one of the key elements to a happy life, has to do with habits.

We all have them - beliefs, thought patterns, emotional responses, thought patterns, thought processes, behaviors, activities... all on auto-pilot. The question is: Are they serving you, or hindering you? To take it a step further: Did you choose any of them, or did any, or all of them, just take root without your consent? Be sure to set yourself up for success by examining all of your automated behaviors, and replacing the unhelpful ones with empowering ones. Here's a great read with some handy tips.

One of my favorite anecdotes about silly traditions and useless habits is a joke that goes something like this:

It's Easter Sunday, and a woman prepares the ham by chopping off the ends and placing it in the pan. Her husband asks, "Honey, why is it that you always cut the ends off the ham?" She wonders for a moment and replies, "You know, I'm not sure; that's just how my mom always did it." Without pause, she hollers over to her mother, who is visiting for the holiday and reclining in the other room, "Mom - how come you always cut the ends off the ham before you cook it?" Mom belts back, "I got that from your grandma - ask her." The woman phones her grandmother: "Grandma, why did you chop off the ends of the Easter ham?" Grandma: "The pan was too small."

Communitas

That deep feeling of social connection with a group of others whom you relate to as Us or We. The intimate knowledge of the lives of others whose endeavors are important to you. That internal sense of concern for others' well-being, and elation for their achievements.

Why don't we have more of this?

Every time I ponder the ails of our modern culture, I come back - time and again - to a lack of community. While most of us may experience this with our families and/or our circle of friends, that tends to be the extent of it.

If we had true community; if we knew our neighbors, even though the inhabitants of the homes near ours are likely to change on occasion; if we related to the people we encounter throughout our days as the fellow human beings they are, with the same experiences of joy and sorrow; if we sought to support all the people around us, even with just an encouraging smile; if we considered the effects of our actions on those around us; we just might find that a great many of our frustrations become resolved.

Too often, too many steps get skipped, from aspects within our own body - our community of cells, so to speak - to aspects within our own selves and lives, to aspects within our family and closest social network, to aspects within our neighborhood, to aspects within our city, state, country, continent, hemisphere, and planet. We ought to bring our focus back to localization. That whole "be the change" is great advice, and reestablishing community is a great start.

It begins with self-sufficiency, and then, when you have a goal you cannot achieve alone, you start with the next closest person or persons; you don't reach out to strangers, hundreds of miles away. And when those around you need help, you give it, so that they will be there for you in your time of need, and so that your heart will grow in its capacity to experience joy. There is such enrichment to be gained through community, and so much benefit to everyone.

Blissipline

Happiness is not meant to be a destination, but our purpose. It is not something that is attained, it is either achieved by grace or by choice. It is a state of being that can be cultivated through practice. This practice is our duty to ourselves. It is being called "Blissipline".

By repeatedly training yourself to be grateful for your circumstances, you strengthen your joy skills. Recalling how far you've come, remaining cognizant of how blessed you are, and maintaining an eager zeal for where you are going, will tap you into a magnitude of power known only to the blissiplined.

Engage in joy regularly. Enhance your experience by inventorying your beliefs, shedding those that limit you, and building on those that empower you. Intensify the effects by establishing routines that connect your spirit with the Spirit of the Universe.

Meditate

After many years of promising to myself that I would take up meditation, I have finally established the practice. The benefits are as vast as the methods are varied, and I highly recommend it for all. The funny thing about it is the paradox between its simplicity to perform, and its complexity to explain. Many newcomers believe it to be much more complicated or difficult than it is. While the ultimate goal may be to clear your mind completely, a very worthy approximation is to focus your attention on just one thing. This approach opens up a plethora of possibilities. It also means that we meditate more often than we realize! Any time you study something, or find yourself in a groove working on something, or put your mind to visualizing a specific scenario - be it recalling past events, making plans for a future endeavor, or imagining a desired outcome - you are effectively meditating.

I find that routine is quite helpful to my practice, and I have incorporated a handful of expert opinions, as well as my own personal flare. The system I have adopted involves a morning set which I do first-thing (I may use the restroom and/or make the bed real quick first, but that's it), often involves some appropriate music, and takes approximately 15 minutes; and an evening set I do just before crawling into bed, which only takes about 7 minutes. I am inspired to share my method with you :)


In the AM:

~ I take my peaceful spot on the floor, and commence with some stretches.

~ Sitting upright, I just breathe few breaths.

~ I then open all my chakras, making the associated hand formations, and stating my related affirmations:
      "I am grounded and connected to the earth.
      I am a sensual being with creative abilities.
      I have great power and an effective will.
      I am loving, open, and empathetic.
      I express myself, and speak the truth.
      I have vision, clarity, insight, and intuition.
      I am one with Source (the Source is One)."
{These are affirmations I put together as statements that ring true for me in relation to my understanding of each of the chakras; feel free to use them, but I encourage you to explore your own.}

~ With this Oneness recognition, I then transition into a recommended series, which begins with envisioning a beam of white or pink light flowing down into me from Source, filling me with love, and then flowing out of me to fill the room, and then the house, and then my neighborhood, my city beyond, my state, the continent, and the world. {At this point, I am usually smiling.}

~ Filled with love, I discharge any negativity held in grudges, by calling to mind one or two people who have gotten under my skin; sometimes I conjure my own self. I picture them facing me, and say to them, "I forgive you. Can you forgive me?" We smile together, and then I pray for them with, "May you be filled with loving-kindness; may you be well; may you be peaceful and at ease; may you be happy. I love you; I bless you; I release you." {The releasing is especially relieving because dispels any judgement, obligation, or expectation tied up in there.}

~ Moving on, I visualize my ideal life 3 years from now {apparently, people tend to overestimate what they can accomplish in 1 year, and underestimate 3 years' time}, focusing on health, relationships, and abundance.

~ Then I take note of 10 things for which I am grateful today, particularly blessings that have occurred recently, including some personal, and some professional.

~ Next I walk through my coming day, setting intentions for each plan to go excellently, making sure to incorporate my evening meditation (as I keep forgetting it!), followed by an intention for restful and regenerative sleep. I also set an overall intention for the day, to guide my spiritual growth, such as "to be present", "to refrain from judgment", or "to incorporate frequent moments of stillness".

~ In the final step of this recommended series, I imagine love and blessings pouring over me from Omni.

~ Taking the yogic "Child's Pose", I recall my gratitude prayer: "O Universal Existence, I am eternally grateful to share in your loving light. To know such joy is a divine gift, extended of your wise and benevolent grace. May your will be manifest in my life. Thank you."

~ Moving into a pre-push-up position, I stretch a little more, take three slow and deep breaths, and state, "With this effort, I strengthen my body." I then perform a brief workout of three short intervals:
     30 mountain climbers,
     20 bicycle crunches, and
     10 forward lunges

~ I bring my palms together and think, "I am here, I am grateful, I am Love." I smile.


In the PM:

~ Seated next to my bed, I breathe a few breaths.

~ In order to better acknowledge my achievements, I then recap my whole day.

~ To get a head-start on tomorrow, the next thing I do is set a general intention for it.

~ Then, as it is the single most highly recommended practice for health and happiness, I do another round of thanksgiving.

~ And finally, "I am here; I am grateful; I am love."

Anti-worry

Worrying is often like a brainstorming session, in which we conjure up 100 ways and reasons that our fears might manifest. This process generates a lot of energy for things we don't want to experience, which makes it a rather ill-advised exercise. However, it does provide a useful method for bringing our DREAMS to life.

Imagine coming up with 100 ways and reasons that our goals might find us with ease and grace. Why, you could attract some pretty marvelous circumstances your way, even just by discovering them and taking action!

Now give it a go - see what good you can reveal ;)

Fulfillment

I find myself in a bit of a rut these days. I work at a job which was meant to be a short term stepping stone toward the achievement of my dream occupation. Unfortunately, the problem which this job was meant to address found renewed sustenance in other matters. Thus my problem remains and has grown to include employment that is not self rendered, as desired. In addition, the work I do is quite rote, and distinctly unsatisfying, in that I feel no sense of progress toward my goal, nor any impression of making a positive contribution to the aspects of the world in which I find value.

Doing work that lacks fulfillment can be quite dispiriting, and should most definitely be avoided as best as possible. Having discovered my dream occupation, and finding myself elsewhere than that path, I have come to greatly appreciate the notion of "do what you love". I have spent many years doing things that merely suited my fancy, but now that I know in what manner I believe my bliss to exist, I find nothing outside of that course even remotely rewarding.

It's good to be driven. I am actually sort of new to being driven to something which I am unable to immediately obtain, or to which I see no clear path to acquisition. Though the light at the end of this meandering tunnel cannot yet be seen, its brilliance is felt in my very soul. I do what I am inspired to do in efforts toward the manifestation of this dream, yet I have a persistent sense that this is largely out of my control; therefore, many of those efforts are centered around openness - being open to ideas, connections, and opportunities. This is proving to be a pointed lesson in patience, but the fantasy I hold in my heart fills me with such joy, that I am frequently rejuvenated and repeatedly hopeful.

As I trudge through this period of murkiness, I take solace in the knowledge that I am working towards the manifestation of ultimate fulfillment. I wish for each person to find their own.

Serendipity

As I step into 2014 armed with intentions to manifest my dreams by tapping into the creative powers of the Universe and relinquishing my desire to control them, 2014 has indicated its own intention to be the year of Serendipity.

Serendipity is the marvelous union of unexpected and fortuitous. Personally, I find each instance to be like an omniscient wink from Omni. It falls in line with Synchronicity, as well, which I take as warm Omni hugs :)

I find this revelation to be remarkably splendid, as I shall now set to occupying my inner busy-body with the task of noting serendipitous occurrences, rather than attempting to micromanage. Although serendipity is said to occur when one is looking the other way, beneficial happenstance is often overlooked, and I believe one can tune his or her awareness to an optimistic frequency. They say people's perceptive filters have a tendency to find what they seek - what a superb way to fulfill one's prophecy!

Looking back

In our excitement to embrace our capacity for renewal with each New Year, it is beneficial to remember all we've accomplished over the past year.

So as you look forward to whatever adventures await you in the coming year, be sure take a moment to recount the events of this year, recalling who you were last New Year's Eve, the growth you've undergone since then, the challenges you've faced, the lessons you've learned, and the goals you've achieved. If you find some memories to be bittersweet, flavor them with gratitude for their occurrence.

While I don't recommend dwelling on the past, it is advisable to carry the highlights with us, so that we can better appreciate where we are with the perspective of where we've been.

New intentions for a New Year

Although we mark the new year by our Gregorian calendar, on January 1st, today is the Winter Solstice, which denotes the end of the lengthening night, and the return of increasing daylight. My spirits are so renewed on this day, that I find it as good as any to get a head start on plans for the New Year.

A few years ago, I was introduced to a new take on New Year's Resolutions, where instead of resolving to do something differently, we set intentions to shoot for our dreams. The idea includes choosing an intention - the biggest, boldest one you're comfortable with - as well as a theme, so you have a sort-of soundtrack to keep you on point, and you also decide on one or a few outmoded thought patterns to shed.

When I went into my file on these to prepare for my 2014 intention, I browsed through past years, and was pleasantly surprised by last year's - I had completely forgotten I'd written this!

I am a bad-ass, and I'm not going to confine my strengths with distress over my flaws, which are the source of my humanity. I am exceedingly responsible; I am not responsible for the feelings or actions of others. I am self-reliant; I don't need the approval of others. I maintain my power by taking responsibility for my self.

How profound! I am so proud of myself for the insights I glean from time to time :)

This year, I have set the following:

In 2014, I will manifest all my dreams.

2014 Intention: Attract the good life
2014 Theme: Power

I am an exceptional being; I deserve to have the things I want - such as a hostel, romantic companionship, and opportunities to travel. I appreciate the things I have - such as my unique self, my family of friends, my dog, home, car, job, and money. I am a powerful being, filled with Omni's divine creativity; I am grateful for what I have, and I can and will expand it as I envision.

In 2014, I release my urge to control the process.

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Good Graciousness,

Thank you for this blessed existence. We are all so grateful to be here. Thank you for this bounty of life, love, and happiness.

On this day of gratitude, we give thanks for the gift of each other, and we are honored to share in this abundance of delectable nourishment.

May we partake of these riches and carry our gratitude with us into every dawning day, so that we never feel want or sorrow, and know only of joy and laughter.

May this warmth light a fire in our hearts that will pervade even our darkest nights, and shine on those around us, so that we stay forever in your loving light.

To Each and All of You: Thank You.

Lyrical affirmation

A few months ago, I was working up the courage to initiate a major life change - which I have, and continue to undergo - and a familiar tune popped into my head, but with a slight modification:

I got skills! They're multiplyin' ...

I grinned :)
And then I ran with it -

And I'm gaining control
'Cause the power I'm supplyin'
It's electrifyin'!

That proved to be a rather handy lyrical affirmation to push me along through the transition.

Today, I received a suggestion to create a mantra for increasing wealth, and I decided to try adapting a song again. I scrolled through my music collection for inspiration, and came up with this:

I come from a land of money,
Where dollars flow
And needs crumble.
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you'd better take cover.

I really enjoy this technique because these tunes are so catchy that it's remarkably easy to keep them on heavy mental rotation! Give it a try - borrow mine, or create your own. What a fun way to manifest our dreams :)

Gratitude prayer

I have often found myself wanting for a sort of go-to prayer, and I have finally come up with one I am quite pleased with :)

O, Universal Existence - 
I am eternally grateful to share in your loving light.
To know such joy is a divine gift, extended of your wise and benevolent grace.
Let your will be manifest in my life.
Thank you.

Whole systems

It seems there is an epidemic affecting the "intelligentsia" by which they increasingly neglect the systemic nature of Life. More and more often, our attention is directed to certain aspects of life - our minds, our bodies, our societies - with utter disregard for the big picture and the complete context in which events occur.

The knee bone's connected to the leg bone, but the whole skeleton is also connected to the musculature, and both are linked by the vascular network, which is integral to the respiratory and digestive system. The interconnectedness goes on - and that's just the body! The body is also intertwined with the mind, and both are influenced by the soul. Beyond one human individual, we are all participants in families, communities, societies, economies, cultures, and nations; our species shares interdependence with all the others; we all affect each other on this rock we cohabitate, and Earth is but one rock in a planetary system surrounding our Sun star, in an even greater arrangement of stellar bodies. Then, don't forget the other direction: those bones are made up of specialized cells which require communication with other cells, and which are all supported by molecular compounds made up of atoms, composed of quarks and whatnot.

When a "doctor" tells you to consume a chemical compound synthesized in a laboratory to "treat" a particular ailment, the chances are pretty high that the larger system in which your affliction is operating is being overlooked. There is good reason why happy people are healthy, and more resilient to infection. People who have strong human networks are also flourishing economically, and those who help others, want for nothing. There is more life in environments where symbiosis is made possible. Health begets health, and every aspect of our nature is networked to every other aspect. So, when you are ailing in one aspect, first see how other aspects can be better supported, before seeking "band-aid" style symptom treatment. Remember that Life is a system, comprised of interconnected systems, and that it is often a disservice to address issues head-on with side-blinders.

If you are feeling down, try getting more exercise. If your neck and shoulders are sore, practice confidence-building affirmation. If your finances are suffering, go volunteer. When we treat ourselves as systems within systems, we are more likely to discover positive results than when we treat symptoms as though they have but one direct cause. "When people go within and connect with themselves, they realize they are connected to the universe and they are connected to all living things." - Armand Dimele

Yay Spring!

Spring is back, and I'm renewing my life all over again!

This time last year, I was planting the seeds that grew into my very own business. Now, it is successful and thriving - as am I! In fact, I have decided that the time has come to go ahead and sell that business, and start a new venture. Next up: a hostel (with an ecotourism/commune/resort appeal) in Austin, Texas. I don't know how to get there, but I know that whatever unfolds along the way will only bring more growth and joy - because I SAY SO! ;)

I can feel the seeds a-germinating...

Saint Valentine

Legend has it that while the Roman Empire was seeking to develop a citizenry of soldiers whose duty was directed solely to the Empire, and not to some other god, nor to family, Saint Valentine continued to perform the then illegal marriage ceremony, and was killed for such treason, on February 14th.

Having been told this story since my youth, I have always considered St. Valentine's Day not just as a Hallmark holiday of lovey-dovey hearts and ooey-gooey romance, but as a day to commemorate the human dedication to interpersonal commitment.

It occurs to me this year, that I would like to celebrate this special day with gratitude for the nature of our present society in which we favor love. We are allowed to marry, or to not marry. We are not subject to arranged marriages for familial economic benefit, nor are we banned from marriage. We have the freedom to chose to whom we wish to commit, or to not commit. (And though the fine print still needs some ironing out, and a few localities remain with their heads in the ground, this is increasingly true for individuals of differing ethnicity, and for those of the same sex.)

I have recently rejoined the community of singles, and although it is a bittersweet position, I can smile on this holiday for the ability to exercise my right to pursue my very own happiness :)

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Winter doldrums

As the grayness lingers on, I find myself moping a bit. Yet, between the rain drops, I am inevitably performing the Winter duties of internal polishing. It's almost as if the sun-less depression acts as a scouring brush to help me clean up the abandoned pieces of myself. I am so grateful for my ability to do this! It may not feel so uplifting as the days drudge on, but I know that once the warm brightness returns to my world, I will be sparkling all throughout.

I've discovered that some of the discarded bits I've found are aspects which I have cast aside on the influence of others. As I regard these battered gems, I am incited to restore my Self and renounce instead those beings who moved me to such self mutilation. It is no easy task, though I am distinctly stronger as whole than fractured. Reclaiming all the pieces of my soul, and embracing my supposed weaknesses as strengths, is my Winter job, and I am fortified by the exercise every time.

Someday, I hope to live someplace with year-round warmth - I wonder what will spur my shadow work then... but I trust that I will always find a way to grow :)

Community

Another paradox that requires a delicate balance exists between individualism and communalism. Oftentimes, people overemphasize one over the other. Some cultures promote a sort of rugged individualism that denies the social nature of humans, while others who champion altruistic community, neglect the fact that if people fail to put themselves first, no member of the community will be strong enough to contribute to it.

Speaking of community, the modern vernacular of this term has morphed into a concept synonymous with a simple group of individuals. Yet, according to its roots (and another book by M. Scott Peck, The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace), it is much more than what we think of it. It is actually a notion that revolves around sharing and involves openness, vulnerability, honesty, trust, acceptance, tolerance, and diversity, as well as - and potentially most importantly - respect. A true community will have respect for all that is shared in common - which is by far more than the ways in which participants differ - and respect for the fact that each participant has a right to their differences.

Communitas supports the individuals in it by respecting their similarities as well as their differences; it supports diversity, appreciates participants for who they are, and helps them be the best that they can be, while not seeking to conform them into some version of what we think they ought to be.

I have experienced this miracle in fleeting moments, and I hope to see more of it more often :)