Inspiration

It's extremely important for all of us to have a source or sources of inspiration.  It doesn't matter what it is as long as it moves us to create.  I have many sources of inspiration and I've found that I'm most receptive and in tune with those sources when I'm in a peaceful, relaxed state.  If I try to force inspiration it ends up being illusive.  It becomes like the eggshell in the egg.  When you try to fish it out you get so close but right as you think you have it the shell slips out from under you.  If you don't know what your source of inspiration is try taking one day every week to just observe.  Let yourself see with more than your eyes, let yourself hear with more than your ears, let yourself feel and touch with more than your hands.  What do I mean?  Try this.  Go to a park on a day when the sun is shining and take note of everything your senses are registering. There is no need for talking.  Get rid of the noise.  Just be quiet, be still, and let yourself be.  Notice how your skin feels when the warmth of the sun washes over it.  Listen to leaves rustling in the trees.  What does the air smell like? Can you smell the grass?  Feel the grass under your hands, feet, legs.  Listen to the birds or the chipmunks or whatever wildlife is present. Is there water nearby?  Can you hear it or smell it?  Do you smell water in the air?  After you have taken note of your surroundings ask yourself how you feel.  Peaceful surroundings will teach you. When you allow that peace to move inside (into you) you will feel inspired.  Being grateful for your life, your circumstances, your family and friends, whatever you possess, no matter what it is or how much you have or don't have, will allow you to have internal peace.  I've been an observer all of my life.  I learn more. I understand more deeply.  I feel a greater connection to my own life and my purpose.  I have more compassion and less judgment.  When I let go of my ego and all the trivial matters that can so quickly entangle all of my efforts for happiness and success, I actually find happiness and success.  One of the ways I remind myself to let go and be inspired, besides getting outside,  is with a mind movie.

If you'd like to make your own mind movie, you can go to mindmovies.com and follow the instructions.  Or if you're a wizard with computer programs such as PowerPoint or any other editing software, you can make your own.  Enjoy the video and have a great day!

Quietjewel

Mind Over Matter; a Funny Connection

I don't know about the rest of you but I love the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan.  I don't get to watch his show very often but a while back I was able to sit back and enjoy one of them.  This particular episode featured a black lab that was fine walking on any surface except shiny linoleum (or something like that).  For some reason the dog became very timid when he noticed the shiny floor and it took his owner quite a bit of prodding to get him across it and into another area of the home/business.  Cesar came in and started working with the dog and his owner.  He stated that in order for the dog to overcome his hesitations, apprehensions, or fears about this floor his mind (the dog's mind) needed to be kept in motion; moving "forward", so to speak.  This would not allow the dog to over-analyze  the situation and become fearful.  If the dog wasn't allowed to stop, question his surroundings, and doubt his ability to navigate those surroundings, which in turn made him fearful, his brain would learn a new way of thinking; a stronger way of thinking.  And after half a dozen walk-through s across that shiny floor, with Cesar keeping the dog's body in motion, his mind soon followed.  Practice with the owner turned into a triumph easily overcome with the right knowledge and tools.

And I thought to myself..."I do that."  I over think situations which causes me to doubt my ability to navigate my surroundings.  So I asked myself if there was ever a time in my life when I could remember not questioning or being fearful of anything I did.  And the answer to my own question was "yes".  When I had no fear about what others thought of me I never questioned my own abilities.  And I was willing to take on any task you set in front of me; except maybe the dishes.  It didn't matter if I was knowledgeable about that subject or not.  I had an innate sense that I could do whatever was asked of me and whatever I set out to do.  So the next question was, "How do I get back to not caring what people think of me; not caring whether I am judged negatively?"  I wasn't really sure how to answer that one so I decided to go with Cesar's method.  Whenever I started to feel anxious, inadequate, or lacking in some way, or started to worry that others might judge me harshly I kept my body moving and allowed my brain to to think of everything I was good at, everything that brought me joy, everything in my life that I was grateful for.   And I immediately started to see a difference.  I could feel an inner strength returning.  I started to feel like the real 'me' again, the one who could do anything I set my mind to do.  

I have always been amazed by the ways I receive answers to my questions.  As much as I love animals I am never surprised when they have something to teach me.

Have a great day!!
Quietjewel

Workout Fun

I just finished working out with one of my most favorite fitness instructors ever, Gilad Janklowicsz.  His workouts are easy enough for beginners and challenging enough to get immediate results.  Plus he has a sense of humor.  How great is that?  When your muscles are burning, you're tired, and you wanna say "enough" out comes some little humorous quip.  And maybe it's just me but these are the first workouts that have actually given me the results I'm looking for in those darned problem areas. That makes me smile.  So what are some other fun workouts?  Try dancing with Wii or Kinect Games.  Learn to salsa with Jennifer Galardi or jump right in with Patrick Goudeau.  If you have kids you can't miss a good ol' fashion game of tag or hide 'n' seek.  We have so many ways and so many opportunities to get in and stay in shape.  No excuses, right?  When I need weights for strength training I grab cans of soup or water bottles or anything I can fit in my hands that will offer resistance.  The other day my workout consisted of running up and down the stairs for 20 minutes.  When I start a new workout and it is difficult for me I don't get down on myself.  But I do push myself.  And if I can't make it all the way thru no big deal.  The next day I do five minutes more than the last until I've conquered it.  WAHOO!!  And it feels great.

Remember - You have the ability to accomplish any task you set your mind to do with ease and confidence

Quietjewel.