I could go on and on about other elements contributing to my happiness (but this series is getting a bit long!). When you’re profoundly happy, it seems that EVERYTHING is adding to it. Some of the other biggies include laughter, living squarely in the present moment, aligning with reality (however it unfolds), being silly, snuggling on the couch, watching sunsets, daily walks, reading inspiring books, staying at choice and being surrounded by people you love.
One of the biggest bonuses of being profoundly happy is seeing the look on my husband’s face as he witnesses my happiness. I’m not faking it. Nor am I “trying” to be happy to please him. It’s the natural result of intention + responding to spirit + grounding in stillness + focusing on strengths + gratitude + weekly check-ins. It’s the natural result of dropping all resistance to life.
Maybe next month will be different. But, for now I wouldn’t trade any of these elements from my life. Maybe they’ll work for you too. Enjoy!
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Want to Read Part 1 First? What is Conscious Living?
How conscious are you?
If you’re reading a newsletter named Soulfully Living, you’re probably more conscious than the average human being. There are likely aspects of your life where you are VERY conscious. Maybe it’s your health, and you’re keenly aware of what and how much you eat, and how frequently you work out. Maybe it’s your finances, and you work with a financial planner, consciously save, invest for retirement, and spend within your budget. Maybe it’s your relationship, and you’ve attended workshops, read books and consciously make a point to remind your partner of how much you appreciate them each day. Maybe you’re conscious about the environment and have made choices to recycle, drive a Hybrid and not litter. And, likely you are conscious of your authentic SELF -your likes, dislikes, desires, fears and wounds?
Since there are so many aspects of life to be conscious of, there are probably a few areas that you’ve simply not paid attention to, or activities where you habitually go on auto-pilot. That’s okay. I’m not suggesting we’re 100% conscious of everything, 100% of the time. However, where we want to attract more power, greater self-expression and deeper fulfillment – consciousness is a fabulous tool.
Where do you go unconscious?
I notice when I’m bored with a situation or when I think I already know the answer, I tend to go unconscious. Historically, I’ve gone in and out of consciousness around money and finances. Gulp. Interestingly, when I focus on money, this area thrives. When I neglect it, it’s less fruitful. Hmmm. When I’m caught up in my mind, fixated on less than empowering thoughts, I’m less conscious.
Until I met my husband John, admittedly, I was pretty unconscious about politics. It was too confusing to me, so I simply avoided it altogether. In the last few years, I decided to bring consciousness to the subject matter and, with John’s assistance, really learn about governmental issues so that I am capable of making more conscious choices at voting time.
Is there a particular area of your life where you go unconscious? Health issues, finances, relationships, organization, or spending time with friends. Where are you ready to expand your consciousness?
Consciousness – The Never Ending Journey. Waking up to life is a constantly evolving process. We don’t just decide to “live consciously” and we’re set. In fact, the more one investigates consciousness and lack there of, the more one may realize just how many areas aren’t fully conscious. Take it one moment at a time.
Expanding Consciousness. Where do we begin if we want to continually expand our consciousness? There are numerous ways. Here are five simple things you can do right away.
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What is Conscious Living?
Conscious Living. These two words have infiltrated the world in recent years. What does it really mean to live consciously? For many, “conscious living” brings up a sense of community, like-minded individuals, or perhaps a feeling of peace and power. For others, “conscious living” is about “tree-huggers”, chanting and Whole Foods.
Although I consider myself a fan of “conscious living,” I never stopped to define it “consciously.” The dictionary defines “conscious” as:
1. Having an awareness of one’s environment and one’s own existence, sensations, and thoughts. See Synonyms at aware.
2. Mentally perceptive or alert; awake: The patient remained fully conscious after the local anesthetic was administered.
3. Capable of thought, will, or perception: the development of conscious life on the planet.
4. Subjectively known or felt: conscious remorse.
5. Intentionally conceived or done; deliberate: a conscious insult; made a conscious effort to speak more clearly.
6. Inwardly attentive or sensible; mindful: was increasingly conscious of being watched.
7. Especially aware of or preoccupied with. Often used in combination: a cost-conscious approach to further development; a health-conscious diet.
Consciousness is defined as “a sense of one’s personal or collective identity, including the attitudes, beliefs, and sensitivities held by or considered characteristic of an individual or group.”
What is it to be conscious? Essentially, being “conscious” is about bringing AWARENESS to every aspect of your life — inside and out. Think about it. How many opportunities are there to bring “consciousness” to? There are literally thousands of big and little things to bring our full attention to, or not.
* We can consciously evaluate each area of life, such as our health, finances, relationships, fun, our environment and our spirituality.
* We can be conscious of our thoughts and beliefs that are shaping our lives. Beliefs about ourselves, others, politics, the media and the world. Beliefs about what is good and what is bad. Thoughts that are true or untrue in reality.
* We can be conscious of our choices. What do you say “yes” to? What do you say “no” to? Will you work out today? Eat healthfully? Break the law or follow the law? Be considerate or rude? What will you focus on today? Is the glass half full or half empty?
Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Culprits, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)People and customers will be unreasonable some of the time. It’s unreasonable to think people and customers shouldn’t be unreasonable – at least some of the time. Have you ever had an unreasonable moment? I sure have. Typically, my unreasonable moments happen when I get attached to an idea or thought, that isn’t happening in reality – and I’m mentally and emotionally fighting the reality. As I’ve learned to have more compassion for my own “unreasonable” moments, I find it easier to have compassion for others when they lapse into this semi-unconscious state.
So, when facing a real-life unreasonable customer, here’s what I suggest:
First, recognize what is really happening. Your customer is attached to an idea or thought that is NOT happening in reality. Perhaps, they didn’t meet some qualification or deadline, and are upset. Perhaps, they had an expectation of you or your business or program, yet it wasn’t part of the offering. Perhaps, their “unreasonableness” is about something else going on in their life, which has nothing to do with you. In any case, they are attached to an idea or thought, not happening in reality. By seeing things objectively, and not thinking it should be another way – it’s easier to stay in your peace.
Second, really, really, really acknowledge that this is just one “moment in time.” It’s not permanent. Unreasonable customers can transform into reasonable ones in minutes.
Third, stay focused on the “issue” being resolved peacefully. Just your calm, soothing presence can be enough to re-ground your customer. As you maintain your sanity, it helps them regain theirs.
Remember, every situation is going to be resolved one of two ways. Either your customer begins to accept the reality of the situation (even if they aren’t jumping for joy). Or they remain upset forever. I know, that one isn’t my favorite. However, if inner peace is a priority, it means accepting that some customers could remain unreasonable for life. Funny thing is … when you can authentically accept someone’s unreasonableness, you won’t need them to change.
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First off, before I move…I set an intention of having “the most effortless, flowing, stress-free move I’ve ever experienced”. I imagine everything coming together neatly into boxes, things moving quickly, nothing getting damaged…..and most importantly ME EXPERIENCING PEACE throughout the day.
There are ALWAYS THINGS WE CANNOT PREDICT OR CONTROL in the outside world — however, we CAN INFLUENCE our INNER BEING. And, when we do, we always ultimately access peace and joy. There are several
overriding beliefs that I believe allow me to have the experiences that I do during a move. Also, they are very useful beliefs to live life by.
So, what’s it REALLY like to be “present with” a MOVE?
Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Culprits, Inner Peace Strategies, Inner Peace Videos | Comment (0)Who me? Living unconsciously? Yep. You. Me. We’re all doing it from time to time. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I know, I know, NONE of us really want to admit to this human tendency. Why would we want to be missing our amazing lives?
Yet, we can all relate to that “trance-like” state where we’re going through the motions, not 100% there. We all have our favorite or habitual places to “check-out” and go unconscious. And, here’s what I’ve found fascinating. When we bring our full-on, conscious attention to ANY aspect of our lives …it naturally falls into greater alignment with our highest ideals and dreams. Our lives WORK, and are more fulfilling when we’re fully conscious. It’s our lack of attention, our “unconsciousness” that is at the root of nearly every one of our problems.
Think about it. It’s easiest to see in others. A spouse leaves their socks on the floor, doesn’t take out the trash, leaves the toilet seat up or forgets to call. Or how about someone who reacts out of an unconscious pattern in the past? Or who habitually criticizes, whines or gets moody? Aren’t they all little UNCONSCIOUS moments?
UNCONSCIOUS LISTENING. One of my favorite unconscious practices – in the past – has been “listening.” Yikes!! I think this started when I was a little girl …
The quickest way to find inner peace when your mind is flooding with ideas is to write them down. Pull out a sheet of paper and start writing, or if you prefer high-tech, open your computer and get all those ideas out of your head and into form. Anytime we put our thoughts onto paper, the mind slows down, we’re able to evaluate ideas objectively and there is an immediate release.
As we write, we may notice… what felt like thousands or millions of ideas is really only a dozen or two. It just felt like millions because so many of the ideas were repeating again and again because your mind didn’t want you to forget them! (This recently happened to me at 5am 
)
Once on paper, we can prioritize and organize them. Which ones are you most passionate about? Which ones will serve you and your business most? Which ones make most sense to act upon?
Break down ideas into simple tasks. Then, choose to do them – one at a time.
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I have tremendous compassion and empathy for anyone having to face a terminal disease or who has a loved one facing this diagnosis. First and foremost, it’s important to understand how anything but inner peace can exasperate and even accelerate disease. If you’re supporting a loved one, your added stress can be contagious too.
Instead, this is the single most important time to surrender into inner peace. Focus and align squarely on the present moment without resistance. Expand your feelings of gratitude for every aspect of your life. If you’re not already a meditator, this is a great time to begin.
Scientific research shows how “meditation” directly correlates with a myriad of physiological benefits including improved immune function; reducing activity of viruses and emotional distress; increases blood flow; improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing; harmonizes endocrine system; relaxes nervous system; and prevents, slows or controls pain of chronic diseases.
Keep bringing yourself back to this moment, enjoying it fully, while making choices supporting your highest well-being. I know of a young gal who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, and wholly stepped into the present moment – becoming completely ONE with “what is.” Something miraculous happens when we do this. The doctors were amazed when her disease began reversing to Stage 2, then Stage 1. A few months later, she was entirely healed and went off and joined the Peace Corp.
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No one “likes” to be reprimanded or criticized. But, it’s not the reprimand or criticism that interferes with inner peace; it is the resistance to the criticism that is painful! So, instead of “resisting,” consider any reprimand or criticism as “feedback.”
Find the 1% (or more) of truth in the words being shared with you. Then, simply “thank” the person for sharing with you. Assure them you sincerely heard them and appreciate them for bringing this to your attention. And, since you found the 1% (or more) of truth in their words; you may even say, “You know, you’re absolutely right. I see exactly what you mean.”
Remember, inner peace disappears with “resistance” not reprimands or criticism.
Filed under Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Culprits, Inner Peace Practices | Comment (1)Your inner peace is a function of what is going on inside of you and is independent of others behaviors, words or emotional reactions. If I’m clear that I’m whole, complete and grounded in my body, then how can someone truly interfere with my inner peace?
Remember three things: In any situation, you can always make a “request,” leave the situation or embrace “what is.”
Let’s say I want to peacefully read my book at the pool and there is one very loud child screaming and splashing in the water. If I’m committed to my inner peace I can:
1. Make a request by asking the child to lower his voice or play at the other end of the pool.
2. Leave the pool and find a quiet room in my home (maybe even with noise-canceling
headphones).
3. Or accept the “sounds of summer” and allow the noises to melt into the overall experience. I recognize inner peace through my breath and simply delight in all that is.
Remember, inner peace disappears with “resistance” not reprimands or criticism.
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Everyday Inner Peace is about maximizing YOUR inner peace. Whatever is interfering with your inner peace is temporary, unnecessary suffering. Here you’ll find tips, strategies and inspiration to return to relaxed bliss … in minutes. Everything is better in life with an abundance of "inner peace."