"I like to think of myself as an artist, and my life is my greatest work of art. Every moment is a moment of creation, and each moment of creation contains infinite possibilities. I can do things the way I've always done them, or I can look at all the different alternatives, and try something new and different and potentially more rewarding. Every moment presents a new opportunity and a new decision."
--From Creative Visualization, by Shakti Gawain
The Holidays are filled with key moments -- and Ki Moments. Are you ready for them? Gift decisions, company parties, Holiday dinners with friends and family -- they're loaded with opportunities, aren't they? Will the pressure of the moment help you reach peak performance or will you look back later wondering why you did what you did -- again!
When your sibling does something that pushes your buttons, your children are over the top with excitement, your partner forgets the wine, and your associate forgets the most important action item, whatever you do, say, and receive back will be contingent upon what self you choose in that moment.
Give yourself and those you love and work with some unexpected gifts this season:
--The gift of your best self. When the pressure is on, breathe and come back to what you really want -- for this moment, and this relationship.
--The gift of empathy. Give up the fight and acknowledge the pressure that you and they are under.
--The gift of perspective. Laugh, love, let go, and learn.
--The gift of peace. Don't talk about peace, BE peace, in your family, your workplace, your community, and your nation. As Ghandi said, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
Ki (from Ai-KI-do) is the Japanese for life energy. Aikido means "the way of blending with energy." How will you extend your life energy this season? How will you receive theirs? It's your choice. Your life depends on it.
Tampilkan postingan dengan label centering. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label centering. Tampilkan semua postingan
Selasa, 28 Desember 2010
Sabtu, 18 Desember 2010
The Greatest Gift
"Go ahead, Judy, talk to your father. What do you want to say?" With these words offered by my favorite Aunt Mimi, I was given the greatest gift—the gift of myself.
Mimi and I had gone on an aunt-niece shopping adventure, and at age 15, I became the proud owner of my first mini-skirt. Upon seeing it, my dad hit the roof, and as usual, I was angry, scared, and tongue-tied. Years of admonitions to not "talk back," had my voice stopped in my throat.
Before that moment, I believe I didn't know that I could have wishes of my own, schooled as I was in pleasing others. How could I speak my thoughts if I didn't know I had them? But with Mimi at my side, I was emboldened. I had an ally. And I found words.
I opened my mouth and talked to my father. I don't remember exactly what I said - it's not important anyway. What's important is that I talked to him. I found my self - my sense of authority over what I wanted to wear and why, my feelings in that moment, and the quiet power that comes with the acknowledgment of these things.
Every time words get stuck in my throat, that moment comes to me, and I think: "Judy, what do you want to say?" And I find my self, and the words come.
This was the greatest gift I ever received from another human being. And it was a gift I could share with my father. As I found the weight of my own convictions, I was able to communicate with him in a new way - not to hurt, retaliate, prove a point, or to show him how wrong he was, but to remove a barrier and let him see a part of me I'd not ventured to show before. It was a gift to both of us.
In the spirit of giving, what will you give yourself and your relationships? Is there a "stuckness" somewhere that could be freed up by finding your center and communicating in a new way with someone you love? Are you hiding? Or are you expecting someone to guess your feelings? Give them and yourself the greatest gift.
Mimi and I had gone on an aunt-niece shopping adventure, and at age 15, I became the proud owner of my first mini-skirt. Upon seeing it, my dad hit the roof, and as usual, I was angry, scared, and tongue-tied. Years of admonitions to not "talk back," had my voice stopped in my throat.
Before that moment, I believe I didn't know that I could have wishes of my own, schooled as I was in pleasing others. How could I speak my thoughts if I didn't know I had them? But with Mimi at my side, I was emboldened. I had an ally. And I found words.
I opened my mouth and talked to my father. I don't remember exactly what I said - it's not important anyway. What's important is that I talked to him. I found my self - my sense of authority over what I wanted to wear and why, my feelings in that moment, and the quiet power that comes with the acknowledgment of these things.
Every time words get stuck in my throat, that moment comes to me, and I think: "Judy, what do you want to say?" And I find my self, and the words come.
This was the greatest gift I ever received from another human being. And it was a gift I could share with my father. As I found the weight of my own convictions, I was able to communicate with him in a new way - not to hurt, retaliate, prove a point, or to show him how wrong he was, but to remove a barrier and let him see a part of me I'd not ventured to show before. It was a gift to both of us.
In the spirit of giving, what will you give yourself and your relationships? Is there a "stuckness" somewhere that could be freed up by finding your center and communicating in a new way with someone you love? Are you hiding? Or are you expecting someone to guess your feelings? Give them and yourself the greatest gift.
Kamis, 09 Desember 2010
Thank You Very Much – Turning Problems Into Gifts
I am a martial artist and black belt in aikido, a practice that continues to teach me about life, both on and off the mat. For example, at the end of each aikido practice, I express gratitude to my partners by bowing and saying: "Thank you very much." I've found over the years that sometimes I have obvious reasons to say thank you - working with that person was exhilarating and fun. However, sometimes the reasons are not so obvious - my partner was stiff, rough, unconscious, or generally difficult to work with.
Still, I say thank you, because we're supposed to. Over the years, because I like to be congruent, I have learned to look for something to be grateful for. With my stiff partner, I find I have learned to be more flexible. With the rough opponent, I learned to take care of myself by speaking up or falling more carefully. In each case, I look for the gift. It's become fun to do this, and fun to apply this learning off the mat as well.
How might you incorporate this simple but effective practice in your daily life? Who are your attackers, and where are the unexpected gifts? After an encounter with the pokey driver ahead, if you had to say, "Thank you very much," what would you see as the gift? With a dismissive coworker or boss, if you had to look for the gift, what would it be? In each "difficult" relationship, where's the gift?
There are certain times of the year when we are more aware of being grateful for all of our blessings. My hope is that you might be grateful all year round, and not only for the obvious gifts but for the unexpected ones as well. Wishing you many of both kinds . . .
Still, I say thank you, because we're supposed to. Over the years, because I like to be congruent, I have learned to look for something to be grateful for. With my stiff partner, I find I have learned to be more flexible. With the rough opponent, I learned to take care of myself by speaking up or falling more carefully. In each case, I look for the gift. It's become fun to do this, and fun to apply this learning off the mat as well.
How might you incorporate this simple but effective practice in your daily life? Who are your attackers, and where are the unexpected gifts? After an encounter with the pokey driver ahead, if you had to say, "Thank you very much," what would you see as the gift? With a dismissive coworker or boss, if you had to look for the gift, what would it be? In each "difficult" relationship, where's the gift?
There are certain times of the year when we are more aware of being grateful for all of our blessings. My hope is that you might be grateful all year round, and not only for the obvious gifts but for the unexpected ones as well. Wishing you many of both kinds . . .
Rabu, 07 Juli 2010
Conflict and Change: Managing Emotional Energy
The beginning of a new year, like the beginning of anything, brings with it thoughts of change, rejuvenation, new life, and resolutions about how to accomplish these changes. Life offers possibilities of a fresh start for our relationships. But we don't always carry through on our resolutions.
There's a great difference between wanting to change and actually doing it. It's one thing to know how we want to be, quite another to be that person. An example most of us can relate to is the way we react to stress and conflict. In spite of our intentions to do otherwise, we often react to conflict in the same habitual ways. How many times have you walked away from a conflict saying: "I can't believe it. I did it again. That's not how I wanted to handle that!"? These habits seem hard-wired.
Can we change our patterning? I think so. With an awareness of the desire to change, we are already beginning the process. We can learn new skills. And then it's a matter of time and practice, until the new skills become new habits. Not until our body responds automatically will the new behavior really be ours. Until then, we choose it with awareness – the beginning of change.
An important capacity in emotional intelligence is the ability to bring awareness to our emotional energy. With awareness comes an ability to manage that energy. A mind-body skill that is critical to increasing our awareness and choice in the moment is the skill of centering. Most of us talk about being centered (and uncentered), but what is it really?
Scientists say that any object has a center of gravity--a very small point upon which that object can be balanced. Our bodies have a center of gravity, too, and it's approximately two inches below our navel. Because we are not just physical objects, our center is a point of emotional balance as well. By breathing deeply into this spot and directing our weight toward the center point, we become more calm, focused and able to handle whatever may come. We reconnect with intuition, purpose, and power, and we feel more confident and in control.
If practiced consistently, the art and skill of centering can change the way we respond to any conflict. Instead of reacting from old patterns of behavior, we can choose a response based on who we are now. Conflict becomes an opportunity practice, change, learn, and evolve.
Tried and true ways to begin your practice of centering include:
• Center now. You can train yourself to center by standing in a relaxed posture and directing the weight of your body toward your physical center. Breathe into this center point of your body. Breathe out from this same point. You will begin to feel more composed, confident, and in charge of yourself, both physically and emotionally.
• Start your day centered. Physical exercise, deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection are all ways to become more centered. You may have your own way to do it. By starting your day with a centering activity, you will return to the centered state more easily as the day’s events unfold.
• Create triggers. Triggers are objects, behaviors, people, or events that remind you to re-center periodically. Place posters or quotations on the wall that reinforce your vision. Keep a book of affirmations close at hand, or a picture of a loved one to help you remember what is really important. Listen to one of your favorite centering tapes as you drive to and from work. When you push open the door to your office, let it be a trigger to center yourself
Remember that our awareness is always in training. We can learn and practice new skills that can change the way we handle conflict and the way we live. Good luck, and good practice!
© 2005 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training
There's a great difference between wanting to change and actually doing it. It's one thing to know how we want to be, quite another to be that person. An example most of us can relate to is the way we react to stress and conflict. In spite of our intentions to do otherwise, we often react to conflict in the same habitual ways. How many times have you walked away from a conflict saying: "I can't believe it. I did it again. That's not how I wanted to handle that!"? These habits seem hard-wired.
Can we change our patterning? I think so. With an awareness of the desire to change, we are already beginning the process. We can learn new skills. And then it's a matter of time and practice, until the new skills become new habits. Not until our body responds automatically will the new behavior really be ours. Until then, we choose it with awareness – the beginning of change.
An important capacity in emotional intelligence is the ability to bring awareness to our emotional energy. With awareness comes an ability to manage that energy. A mind-body skill that is critical to increasing our awareness and choice in the moment is the skill of centering. Most of us talk about being centered (and uncentered), but what is it really?
Scientists say that any object has a center of gravity--a very small point upon which that object can be balanced. Our bodies have a center of gravity, too, and it's approximately two inches below our navel. Because we are not just physical objects, our center is a point of emotional balance as well. By breathing deeply into this spot and directing our weight toward the center point, we become more calm, focused and able to handle whatever may come. We reconnect with intuition, purpose, and power, and we feel more confident and in control.
If practiced consistently, the art and skill of centering can change the way we respond to any conflict. Instead of reacting from old patterns of behavior, we can choose a response based on who we are now. Conflict becomes an opportunity practice, change, learn, and evolve.
Tried and true ways to begin your practice of centering include:
• Center now. You can train yourself to center by standing in a relaxed posture and directing the weight of your body toward your physical center. Breathe into this center point of your body. Breathe out from this same point. You will begin to feel more composed, confident, and in charge of yourself, both physically and emotionally.
• Start your day centered. Physical exercise, deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection are all ways to become more centered. You may have your own way to do it. By starting your day with a centering activity, you will return to the centered state more easily as the day’s events unfold.
• Create triggers. Triggers are objects, behaviors, people, or events that remind you to re-center periodically. Place posters or quotations on the wall that reinforce your vision. Keep a book of affirmations close at hand, or a picture of a loved one to help you remember what is really important. Listen to one of your favorite centering tapes as you drive to and from work. When you push open the door to your office, let it be a trigger to center yourself
Remember that our awareness is always in training. We can learn and practice new skills that can change the way we handle conflict and the way we live. Good luck, and good practice!
© 2005 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training
Minggu, 23 Mei 2010
Brief Grounding of an Idea: A Guided Meditation for You
Copyright 2006 Marshall House
Purpose of this Meditation
The purpose of this guided meditation is to help you to ground an idea. That is, to help an idea of your choosing to manifest. In my view, it is easy to have an idea, even a brilliant idea; it is not so easy to manifest it if our contradictory thoughts get in the way.
Instructions
Find a comfortable place, sitting or lying down, where you can be fully relaxed and open to the ideas and energy of this guided meditation. After settling down and before reading, take three long, deep breaths to calm and empty yourself.
Reading this Meditation
This guided meditation is designed for you to read aloud to yourself or to someone else. For yourself, you may find that creating an audio tape recording is particularly effective. Speed reading this meditation will not accelerate spiritual progress! In fact, speaking slowly in a monotone is beneficial when guiding this meditation, even though such an approach is generally frowned upon in public speaking.
The designation "......" indicates a pause, during which you may choose to be quiet or close your eyes and experience whatever comes to you. The ...... may look awkward as you glance at the page. However, when you are reading the meditation, it serves as a reminder to slow down generally and pause at that place.
During the meditation, you will be instructed to identify an idea you want to manifest, which will then be referred to as (your idea). In place of (your idea), read or think the idea you have identified or read "your idea" if you are reading this to someone else.
The Meditation: Brief Grounding of an Idea
Breathe in your essence. Your essence is who you are. Your essence is pure and clear. ...... Receive it. ...... Let it flow downward through your body, through the various layers and levels of who you are. ......
Let energy flow from the spiritual layer downward through the mental layer, into the emotional layer and then into the physical layer. This is the direction for manifestation. Experience energy as it flows from the top down. ......
Anchor the energy by moving it down through the body, through these layers and levels, down to the feet. ...... Linger at the feet so this magnificent energy from above becomes so familiar to the feet that you know easily when to step forward, move back, or stand still. ...... Let your feet continue to vibrate so they place you exactly where you need to be, when you need to be there. ......
From your feet, follow the energy further down, into the earth, and then down into the center of the earth. ...... Anchor the energy at the center. You may find it helpful to envision tying a knot in the center of the earth with a cord that flows downward with the energy. ......
Once again, open at the top to allow vibrant energy to flow into the energy field and flow downward. ......
Now, shift your attention to the bottom of your energy field and change the direction of the flow of energy. By opening at the soles of your feet and the base of your spine, you welcome up the earth�s vibration. ...... Rich, thick, beautiful energy from Mother Earth flows upward. ...... It flows up to support you, ...... to bring the essence of the ground up to you, ...... to help you know, without a doubt, that you are in the right place at the right time. ......
Align now with your life mission and higher purpose. ...... Also align with your intention for the idea that you wish to manifest. ...... Take all the time you need to identify the mission, purpose, and intention. ...... Relax. ......
Now, name an idea that you want to manifest. ...... Notice if it is solid enough to be brought into manifestation. ...... Make it more solid and dense, if needed, by drawing more Mother Earth energy into it. ...... As soon as you have named this idea, relax into the energy that flows from the top down. ...... Relax and open. ......
Focus your attention at the top of your head. ...... Envision (your idea) at the top of your head. ...... Slowly, allow (your idea) to move downward, down through the layers and levels, down to the feet, and down into the center of the earth. ...... Notice any resistance or heaviness or discomfort. ...... Ask (your idea) if it wants to manifest in your life. Listen to the answer. ......
Rather than trying to force (your idea) to manifest, observe if (your idea) flows into the earth, easily and effortlessly. You will not benefit by trying to manipulate (your idea); instead, be in the flow. Notice and appreciate. ......
Notice if you remain grounded in this process. Notice if (your idea) is grounded, joyous, ready. If not, let it go! If so, let it go! If it wants to change, let it change.
When both you and (your idea) are joyous, (your idea) manifests in your life!
Purpose of this Meditation
The purpose of this guided meditation is to help you to ground an idea. That is, to help an idea of your choosing to manifest. In my view, it is easy to have an idea, even a brilliant idea; it is not so easy to manifest it if our contradictory thoughts get in the way.
Instructions
Find a comfortable place, sitting or lying down, where you can be fully relaxed and open to the ideas and energy of this guided meditation. After settling down and before reading, take three long, deep breaths to calm and empty yourself.
Reading this Meditation
This guided meditation is designed for you to read aloud to yourself or to someone else. For yourself, you may find that creating an audio tape recording is particularly effective. Speed reading this meditation will not accelerate spiritual progress! In fact, speaking slowly in a monotone is beneficial when guiding this meditation, even though such an approach is generally frowned upon in public speaking.
The designation "......" indicates a pause, during which you may choose to be quiet or close your eyes and experience whatever comes to you. The ...... may look awkward as you glance at the page. However, when you are reading the meditation, it serves as a reminder to slow down generally and pause at that place.
During the meditation, you will be instructed to identify an idea you want to manifest, which will then be referred to as (your idea). In place of (your idea), read or think the idea you have identified or read "your idea" if you are reading this to someone else.
The Meditation: Brief Grounding of an Idea
Breathe in your essence. Your essence is who you are. Your essence is pure and clear. ...... Receive it. ...... Let it flow downward through your body, through the various layers and levels of who you are. ......
Let energy flow from the spiritual layer downward through the mental layer, into the emotional layer and then into the physical layer. This is the direction for manifestation. Experience energy as it flows from the top down. ......
Anchor the energy by moving it down through the body, through these layers and levels, down to the feet. ...... Linger at the feet so this magnificent energy from above becomes so familiar to the feet that you know easily when to step forward, move back, or stand still. ...... Let your feet continue to vibrate so they place you exactly where you need to be, when you need to be there. ......
From your feet, follow the energy further down, into the earth, and then down into the center of the earth. ...... Anchor the energy at the center. You may find it helpful to envision tying a knot in the center of the earth with a cord that flows downward with the energy. ......
Once again, open at the top to allow vibrant energy to flow into the energy field and flow downward. ......
Now, shift your attention to the bottom of your energy field and change the direction of the flow of energy. By opening at the soles of your feet and the base of your spine, you welcome up the earth�s vibration. ...... Rich, thick, beautiful energy from Mother Earth flows upward. ...... It flows up to support you, ...... to bring the essence of the ground up to you, ...... to help you know, without a doubt, that you are in the right place at the right time. ......
Align now with your life mission and higher purpose. ...... Also align with your intention for the idea that you wish to manifest. ...... Take all the time you need to identify the mission, purpose, and intention. ...... Relax. ......
Now, name an idea that you want to manifest. ...... Notice if it is solid enough to be brought into manifestation. ...... Make it more solid and dense, if needed, by drawing more Mother Earth energy into it. ...... As soon as you have named this idea, relax into the energy that flows from the top down. ...... Relax and open. ......
Focus your attention at the top of your head. ...... Envision (your idea) at the top of your head. ...... Slowly, allow (your idea) to move downward, down through the layers and levels, down to the feet, and down into the center of the earth. ...... Notice any resistance or heaviness or discomfort. ...... Ask (your idea) if it wants to manifest in your life. Listen to the answer. ......
Rather than trying to force (your idea) to manifest, observe if (your idea) flows into the earth, easily and effortlessly. You will not benefit by trying to manipulate (your idea); instead, be in the flow. Notice and appreciate. ......
Notice if you remain grounded in this process. Notice if (your idea) is grounded, joyous, ready. If not, let it go! If so, let it go! If it wants to change, let it change.
When both you and (your idea) are joyous, (your idea) manifests in your life!
Minggu, 02 Mei 2010
Being the Mountain
As I hiked up the path to the Peaceful Valley Chapel, I relished the quiet of my early morning solitude. After many years as a participant and assistant instructor at Thomas Crum's Journey To Center Program, this beautiful and energizing ten-minute hike had become a personal ritual. Each morning of each Journey to Center week, before our breathing and meditation session at 7, I always hike to the top of this small mountain to be inspired by the view of a much higher mountain range in the distance.
I stare at the 14,000-foot peaks, open my arms and breathe, inviting their energy, power, beauty and peace into my being. I contrast their stability and their "just there-ness" with my own approval-seeking energy, their effortless poise with my striving to do the right thing, and their natural and graceful essence with my desire to appear knowledgeable and beautiful and centered.
Could I possibly just BE? Like the mountain? There.
That turned out to be my practice this year - and I let the mountain be my teacher. Each time (well, most times) that I found myself in striving or approval-seeking mode, I stopped, breathed, and thought about the mountain. Thought about just BEING - like the mountain.
Each time I practiced, I felt my body come back to a relaxed stance, mind clear, my being at rest. It was as if I had been leaning forward - out of myself - looking for something, someone, to be okay. As I thought of the mountain, I came back to center.
Is there a place that helps you return to your own powerful presence? Your needs are met, you are okay just the way you are. Find it now - in your office, your home, your cubicle. Bring your mountain back into view. And have a great journey to center.
I stare at the 14,000-foot peaks, open my arms and breathe, inviting their energy, power, beauty and peace into my being. I contrast their stability and their "just there-ness" with my own approval-seeking energy, their effortless poise with my striving to do the right thing, and their natural and graceful essence with my desire to appear knowledgeable and beautiful and centered.
Could I possibly just BE? Like the mountain? There.
That turned out to be my practice this year - and I let the mountain be my teacher. Each time (well, most times) that I found myself in striving or approval-seeking mode, I stopped, breathed, and thought about the mountain. Thought about just BEING - like the mountain.
Each time I practiced, I felt my body come back to a relaxed stance, mind clear, my being at rest. It was as if I had been leaning forward - out of myself - looking for something, someone, to be okay. As I thought of the mountain, I came back to center.
Is there a place that helps you return to your own powerful presence? Your needs are met, you are okay just the way you are. Find it now - in your office, your home, your cubicle. Bring your mountain back into view. And have a great journey to center.
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