What I'm Reading & Thought for the Week

"... We cannot really honor things if we use them as a means to self-enhancement, that is to say, if we try to find ourselves through them." - Eckhart Tolle

I'm currently retackling A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. I'm not that far in as yet because I'm really taking the time to absorb the material and reflect on how it is relevant to my life.

And as it turns out it's quite relevant. Not that I expected any differently. This is my third time reading this book, and I'm expecting it to actually be the first time I finish it - simply because I need it right now.

Early on in the book Tolle takes a very thorough look at all the ways the ego functions - how it keeps us back, hinders growth, and if not deconstructed keeps us from awareness and reaching our highest self i.e. a self beyond the confines and selfishness of "I". What Tolle has conjured up in my mind is a quasi out-of-body experience i.e. you are able to step into awareness which allows you to be truly present in every moment, yet abandon the need to attach one's  sense of self/being to entities (physical or otherwise) outside of You - even the body.

In a culture invested in and operating by ideals of individual success that are typified by material gains a.k.a the American Dream, how important are the "things" in our lives, really? All the things that we have worked so hard to achieve - houses, cars, degrees, money, hot bod - how do they define us? Without these things who are we?

Asking these questions should not lead us to disdain for the things we have achieved, rather they should lead us to a realization that who we truly are, our true worth and value, does not increase because we have more "things." We simply cannot rely on things to make us feel better nor can we define ourselves by the things we possess because these entities are not permanent. If disaster strikes and the result is the loss of everything outside ourselves that we have come to define ourselves by, with what are we left? Fragile way to live, no?

If we cannot see our worth outside of things- things with the basic purpose of making us feel better... than others - and believe that with out them we are enough, then who are we?

I appreciate how Tolle, so far, has been able to paint the murky picture that is life without awareness of the ego - the endless cycle of unhappiness and fear.

My personal struggle with ego has always been anxiety which is exacerbated by negative self-talk which causes more anxiety etc etc (you see the problem). This almost always comes as a result of comparing myself, life, or a situation to someone else's or to a socially acceptable idea of what these things should be. It's an attachment to an entity (other's opinions about me) outside myself - a thing that serves no purpose except to strengthen my ego. It's a daily process of unlearning and re-education.

If you've read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle share your thoughts by leaving a comment. What are you currently struggling to let go of - unhealthy relationship, unhappy job, unhealthy diet? What is preventing you from being better? Leave a comment below.

Peace,
Nik

Thought for the Day

"We are, to ourselves, the most valuable possession we have. We must value our ideas, our energy, our time and our life to such an infinite degree that we become unwilling to waste who we are."

- Iyanla Vanzant

7 DAY AFFIRMATION CHALLENGE

Hi Lovers,

I hope all is well with you! The last year or two have been difficult for almost everyone I know in one way or another. However, what we all seem to be in general agreement about for this year is that 2012 is the year of betterment, progress, success and accomplishment. This is the year that a positive attitude, stick-to-it-iveness, and hard work join forces and make all your dreams a reality.

So today I want to share with you an affirmation challenge that my bff (entrepreneur at Fierce.12 ) came up with to propel our progress.  It’s simple and easy to begin with – a week only requires 7 days of commitment – so I urge you to tweak it to fit your needs or schedule for the week, as in this case what is most important is that it works for you.

We chose a week to pace ourselves. I am often guilty of overextending myself and jumping in head first and trying to do too much too soon. But what I have learnt is that it is important to be ambitious but also be realistic in an optimistic way. Yes, step out of your comfort zone and push beyond the limit, but in a situation where small victories lead to big success it is important to know how to set yourself up to win. So here goes:

THE 7 DAY AFFIRMATION CHALLENGE

• Write/create 10 positive affirmations about your life –  career, business, relationships, goals, etc.

Positive affirmations are positive present tense statements. A good way to start is to imagine life or a certain aspect of your life the way it would be and how you would feel, once certain goals are reached. Think about things that you wish to improve upon and goals that you are working towards right now. Write a statement that embodies a truth about that future state you wish to be in. e.g. If you are shy or sometimes suffer from social anxiety and would like to be more outgoing, your affirmation may look something like “I am a joy to be around” or “People are drawn to my energy and find me interesting.” If financial success or independence are goals you wish to have in the future (whether through business, or more responsible personal financial behavior) your affirmation may look something like “I am a money magnet!” or “My wealth lasts generations beyond me.” 

• Make your affirmations visible and easily accessible.

It’s the power of paper/hard copy. Print your affirmations and tape ‘em to the wall, next to the bathroom mirror, save ‘em to your smart phone notes app, or email them to yourself.  A good tip is to set an alarm on your phone reminding you to read your affirmations.

• Each day, take the time to recite and visualize/meditate on your affirmations. 

I promise it’s not as hard as it sounds. This doesn’t require an hour, half hour, or even 15 mins of your day. You can take as little as 5 mins and attribute 30 secs to each affirmation (I’ll be doing the 5 min focus). If this is too much for you, feel free to tweak it. However, I highly recommend that you allot at least those 5 mins to visualize, or recite the affirmations. Why? It’s great to recite the affirmations and even commit them to memory, but visualizing is great because it can function as a sensory road map for your goals. When you really get into the process of feeling what it would be like to be where you want to be, to the point where you can almost taste how real it is, it connects the rest of your energy to what is happening in your mind.

Tip 1: My bff recommends twice a day: once first thing in the morning, and again the last thing before bed.

Tip 2: If a number of your affirmations are focused on building self esteem, confidence, or decreasing social anxiety, try reciting your affirmations while looking into the mirror. During the morning grooming process is a really good time – two birds with one stone ;-). 

•  Invite someone to participate in the challenge. 

Share affirmations with each other, and check in once a day, like a buddy, to see how it’s coming along or just to remind them of their commitment to the challenge.

When the week is up you can challenge yourself to continue for another week if you so desire. They say it takes 28-30 days to form a habit, and this is as good a habit as any to form.

My buddies and I are starting the challenge today Monday April 23, 2012. Feel free to start along with us or on any day you choose. If you decide to participate comment below and let us know, and share one of your affirmations if you so desire.

Peace & Love,

Nikita

On Motivation, Dedication & Success

Will SMith shares his recipe for success! I hope this inspires you as much as it has inspired me!

Motivation

I KNOW ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT I'M NOT WHERE I'M GOING TO BE; I'M ALWAYS BECOMING.




-RUBY DEE

Quote of the Day

THE CHALLENGE IS NOT TO BE PERFECT, IT IS TO BE WHOLE. 

-Jane Fonda