Help For A Challenging 2020

Help - For A Challenging 2020 Thus Far

For many people, I know, 2020 is already presenting challenges.

Some friends of mine have shared that they feel fatigued by world events thus far. Things like the interference in Ukraine, the impeachment trial, concerns for the mobs of protesters in Hong Kong, trade tensions with China. 

The escalating tensions with Iran and the Middle East following the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani are not helping matters any.

Perhaps the most critical questions we could ask ourselves would be, "How will I act in response to these events?" and "What values and capacities will I draw upon?" 

Many politicians and others are saying that this is the time to "fight," to stand up for what we believe in by fighting back in a caustic, intolerant, and aggressive manner. 

I feel this is precisely the wrong thing to do. 

As a conscious leader, I suggest rephrasing this anger by being the best human being example you can be. Do your best to be the change you wish to see in the world. 

Some may feel that the peaceful solution is soft and weak, but I believe this is the furthest thing from the truth. 

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Peace is the most powerful weapon of mankind," and he demonstrated this with his life lived. His way of being helped India become an independent nation during the process.

So, perhaps, rather than showing up in fight-mode, we could wisely instead, practice taking deep breaths. Then connect with the enduring wisdom of our heart. Reopen your compassion, which can ignite your connective and creative expressions of your human-ness. 

This practice can calm your nervous system, and then help you more fully grasp the possibilities of what you are inspired to do to be of assistance to our world.

You might find this could be as simple as continuing to live your life as is - being the best human being you can be. Or you may be activated to create processes to help the lives of others.

Meditation is one of the most effective ways of tuning-in to the wisdom of the universe and transmuting the way we see, interpret, and react to the world around us. 

Don't let yourself get caught up in the destructive and adverse elements in the world, which can lead to a downward spiral. Instead, participate as a positive expression, uplifting your heart as you move

in your daily life. As I like to say, "Turn that frown upsidedown." 

Blessings to you and yours in 2020!

Lisa

 www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Year of the Earth Pig 2019!

Another chance for a New Year is here! 

Gung Hay Faht Choy!

The Year of the (Yin) Earth Pig begins on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, and ends on Saturday, January 25, 2020.  

The Pig is a lucky sign and a symbol of wealth.  Pigs are private individuals but they do love to talk.  People born in the Year of the Pig are friendly folks who enjoy the company of a group of good friends.  They like to learn, are excellent teachers, counselors, and communicators, but also need their own private time or space. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8.

According to Chinese tradition, the Earth Pig brings a year in which you can find your passions, eat good food, and develop strong friendships. Do try to moderate your temper with humor and go easy on the spending. Set your goals high and make a step by step plan to accomplish them. Perhaps make a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle and environment. This will help you be able to deal with any problem that may arise calmly.

The nature of the Earth Pig is, “River flows over farmland.” This could be a year for floods. When is the last time you checked your emergency routine?

This will be a good year to find balance along your way. Add meditation to balance nervousness, stress or insomnia. Practice your favorite sport or physical activity, but also include time for breaks or leisure. Find joy in living life to the fullest!

This is a good time to re-set your 2019 goals!

Please join me with my group meditation class on Wednesday evenings - 7:30 - 8:00. See Calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Year of the Dog 2018

Happy Chinese New Year!

2018 Year of the Dog

Happy Chinese New Year! February 16, 2018 is the 4,715th Chinese Year.

This year will be Male (Yang) Earth Dog. Often characterized by two mountains close to
each other. This 11th sign in the Chinese Astrology is a symbol of intelligence and
protection.

People will focus on real estate, agriculture, fashion, art, entertainment, environment
and integrity. There will be people coming together to help the less fortunate.
Perhaps we will see changes to make a better balance between the rich and the poor.

As one makes their plans, be sure to think through possible obstacles and clear any
foreseen blockages with ‘dogged’ perseverance before proceeding.
There is a ancient Chinese saying, “A happy event can counteract three disasters.”
Be sure to plan some happy events for yourself.
It is a good year to change the way you think and actively seek new ways to
launch or share your ideas among friends or the marketplace.

Political note: The year of the Dog could be a turning point in human history.

President Trump is born in the Year of the Fire Dog, and while a dog is usually
‘man’s best friend’, it can also have a dark side. Perhaps the dog is quick to anger,
critical of others, stubbornly will not take advice, hypersensitive to criticism and
deeply emotional.

The energy of the dog will be emphasized – both the positive traits (friendliness, loyalty,
caring of others) and the negative (could bite or attack if mistreated or given a command.)

Dog folks may find themselves challenged emotionally. Remind yourself to not quarrel
over simple matters with loved ones or colleagues.
Get good sleep. Number 9 will be lucky.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

New Year Beginnings

New Year - New Beginnings

Happy New Year!

As the New Year begins we often have some resolutions or habits we want to implement. Let’s breathe deeply and take a moment to remember that creating new ways of being can temporarily cause confusion or other discomforts in our life or routines. But hey, in the long run, it will be worth it, right?

Exercise and meditation are examples of ‘keystone’ habits (habits that create a ‘virtuous circle’. i.e. have a beneficial domino effect or feedback loop.) Keystone habits are intentional repetitive activities, which at first require effort and discipline, but are done because they are good in nature and build solid foundations for your future endeavors. 

‘Bad habits’, on the other hand, result from avoiding effort, discipline and intention. These habits feel like they are going towards comfort, rest, pleasure, but they actually slowly make us less capable, less healthy, and happy and often lead us toward pain cycles. Did you know that sustaining a bad habit often takes just as much effort as implementing or working on one that is better for you?

Unfortunately there is no “one step to heaven” secret to instant success for new habits, but I have learned some tricks which have helped me with creating new good habits.

1.     I schedule into my calendar when I will be doing the  new activity.

      2.     I make it as fun as possible.

      3.     If appropriate, I engage a friend to help be my 'conscience’. Usually this person is interested in creating a similar new habit.

      4.     As I decide to do the new habit I take a moment to write down all the benefits and reasons I have    to make the change (including the cons for not doing it). When the going gets tough I review my reasons. Laugh at myself for trying to take a shortcut. Realize how little time it will take me and  then I go for it!

      5.     At the end of the day I take a moment to be grateful for what I have done or assure myself that            tomorrow I have another chance if I happened to have skipped it today.

     Let’s make 2017 the best year ever! Use your wisdom from the past to help create a better you for the future. Good luck implementing some keystone habits.   

   

I hope that meditation is one of them!

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates.www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year! - Year of the Fire Monkey

Chinese New Year falls on February 8, 2016. This begins year 4713 - the Year of the Fire Monkey (or Red Monkey). During Monkey years creativity and innovation are rewarded.  Is it time for a quantum leap in your life? This is the time! An excellent year to open your mind with classes or self-study, see the world or hang out with friends. It's time to take bold actions to create the life you want. What better time to revisit or set New Year's resolutions? Shake things up. Have new experiences. Create positive change. Walk on the wild side. As I like to say, "Dance, monkey, dance!"

Those born in Monkey years (1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) are clever, sharp, mercurial, and entertaining. They are wonderful to be around because they are fun, creative, and bring a sparkling energy that only Monkey can provide. Monkeys embody strong leadership potential. The uninhibited Monkey rarely gets embarrassed by anything, and is free to express his/herself fearlessly in all walks of life.

In addition to acute mental alertness, Monkey also possesses physical stamina. Monkey is good with his/her hands, has skills and dexterity with machines, technological talents, and can easily master new concepts. Monkey can do anything he/she puts her mind to!

There are five Taoist elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. This is the year of the red Fire Monkey. Red means go! Fire brings passion, creativity, and joy. Fire types are strong, dynamic, and can overcome illness and obstacles. Just be aware to not jump ahead of yourself this year, especially during the heat of summer. Use meditation to try to calm what is called ‘Monkey mind’. This will help you increase your ability to focus on one thing at a time.

To truly understand Monkey, I recommend the story of Monkey’s transformation as explained in the Chinese classic novel, Journey To the West.

Monkey years are very fortunate for all Monkeys, and for Monkey’s friends the Rat, Dragon, and Snake.

 People will be interested in what is innovative and cutting-edge this year. Take care to communicate well with others; good connections will add to your success.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights for my meditation classes. See the Calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com

Ease in Changing Habits for the New Year

Happy New year 2015!

This is the time of year for reflection and changes.

When are you going to change that old habit?

Someday?

Someday is today!

Our spiritual journey is to let go of pressure, not to add more. If you battle with yourself a wall goes up. But if we focus instead on deep change from within then our behavior modifies naturally.

What Gets in the Way?

None of these are insurmountable, but they can often cause us to put off major changes. So be aware of them: 

·  Fear of change

·  Not wanting to be uncomfortable

·  Fear of uncertainty

·  Being tired

·  Fear of failure

·  Fear of not being good enough/Perfectionism

·  Not having the time/Being busy

·  Waiting for something to happen

·  Being overwhelmed with all that you have to do

·  Not knowing how

We all have these fears and reasons for not taking action.

These are only excuses.

Yes, the fear of failure and change and discomfort and uncertainty are real … but they’re not good enough reasons for inaction. They can all be overcome.

Human Beings everywhere have overcome their ‘small’ selves to create positive changes by facing their fears. I occasionally have. You can too.

5 Actions to Make it Happen:

   1.  Find a purpose. You might already know what your purpose is, but it’s good to review it and keep it at the forefront of your thoughts. If you don’t have a purpose, start here: what will you want to look back on at the end of your life? What will be your legacy? What fulfills you? What will make your life feel significant? What will give your life some meaning? If you don’t have an answer to these questions, it’s worth spending a little time here. Go for a walk and think about it.

2.  Embrace your desire. Do you have a desire to do something positive in your life? Embrace that. Isn’t it wonderful that you have this desire? See this as the first positive step, one you’ve already taken. Now use that as your impetus to take action.

3.  Create the space. You won’t make any changes if you don’t create a small space for the change. When is best for you? In the morning, in the evening, during your lunch break? Don’t wait for the change to happen — make it happen. Don’t get stuck wishing for the magic wand or miracle to occur. Block off some time on your calendar each day, even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes. If you don’t have the time, think about how long you spend each day on Facebook, TV, games, or doing smaller tasks that aren’t as important. Push those back for just a bit, and do what’s most important to you first.

4.  Surround yourself and have accountability. The best way to make change happen is to surround yourself with others making a similar change themselves, others who will support your change. Find at least one person who will hold you accountable for making this change… a coach, or an accountability partner. Tell them not to let you off the hook. You could start by meditating with me in group or private sessions.

5.  Take a small action. If you’re overwhelmed by a large change, or a bunch of large changes, just focus on one small step. What small action can you take today that will move you forward? It might be something as simple as, “do an Internet search about selling my artwork online”, or “call Susie to ask her to hold me accountable”. Take a small step, and get moving. Movement begets movement. Now take another small step. This is how making change for yourself is created. 

Small actions make big effect

Change is a constant. In some cases, if your life needs a ‘course correction’ then life will throw you a curve-ball. Which may not feel like the most friendly or desirable way to create change in your life. Be your own master. Face what needs changing and do it as a willing participant.

Please join me Monday mornings and Wednesday nights. See calendar page for the dates. www.MeditationFromTheHeart.com