Sunday, December 6, 2009

Thoughts on Perspective

I've been reflecting lately on what makes us most happy, most fulfilled and most at peace. A friend of mine asked just recently how she lets go of 25 years of conditioning -- the things that keep pulling her back to reacting to people and life in toxic, non-progressive ways.

My advice to her was that she needs to live in the present -- to breathe. I found myself this evening reflecting on the future, wondering how things will come together for those I love, for myself, etc. and I began holding my breath and my stomach began to clench -- my heart skipped a few beats and I had to take myself back to the conversation I had with my friend just yesterday. "Breathe Jen, breathe! For goodness sakes."

We have a full house here tonight, and I'm sleeping back in my childhood house for a night. Before I jumped on the computer, I found myself staring off into space wondering what my dad would do if he were me (or what he'd advise me to do if he were alive). He was never one to sit around and wait for life to pick him up and determine his destiny. He was the one chasing after destiny...and crazily enough he won often.

I've been watching people a lot lately -- in the store, on the street, wherever I go. And I've been noticing that many are like the walking dead these days -- smiles are hard to come by for some -- the pounds get packed on for many -- I saw a few yesterday that were even kind of grayish in skin tone, with zombie-like eyes.

The problem is that we are all to often buying into the philosophy that we are powerless, that it is too late, that it is too hard to let go of the baggage that we are carrying around. My friend asked me the other day how to get out of a rut and my answer as result of my reading and yoga practice was just "be present to the moment" and "make monumental decisions at crucial moments that can help you begin to reshape your life." For instance, instead of sitting down on the couch to watch Kobe get a good workout...and living vicariously through him...choose to go for a walk, a run or hit a yoga class. Or at the moment when we would usually say something hurtful to those we love, STOP. Don't say anything...just let it be. Breaking a pattern leaves room for magic and change.

One of my favorite yoga philosophers, BKS Iyengar says in Light on Life that when we choose to take the right path or right action we are infused with lightness -- our decision to proactively take the reins of our lives makes for simplicity.

Another great man that I know told me the other night that we can't be proactive or reach our goals when our souls are conflicted.

How do we know when we are on the right path? Many say that you can't trust the human mind. But I think that's an excuse. We know what's right and what is wrong more than not. Sometimes the right answer is just too scary for us, and we choose to pretend that we don't know our heads from our toes.

I believe that we as humans have the ability to do amazing things -- we all can choose to eat the right things and amounts, move our bodies, find flexibility, use our minds wisely, love those around us unconditionally, and more. But in order for us to live effectively we must live second to second -- breath to breath -- one moment at a time. Make bold decisions at crucial moments. Choose to be proactive. And above all to remember that we can change our perspective at any given moment.

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Something that I've been doing lately for energy and clarity of mind each and every morning is filling my body with powerful foods. Every morning I juice the following:

- Broccoli - 2 heads
- Kale - 3-4 leaves
- 2 large carrots
- 1 apple
-1 orange
- 1 inch ginger
- Handful of berries (blackberries, blueberries or strawberries)
- One TBS Flax seed oil

It has made a huge difference in my energy levels, focus, and more. I suggest giving it a try!!!

Thanks for reading if you've gotten this far!! :-P

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