PEACE!

When thinking about what to write about today, one thing kept popping up, PEACE! So, as I usually do, I go with my intuition.

"There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find PEACE. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub." - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

But why is PEACE so important? Because PEACE is a necessary and vital ingredient to our ability to live our life to the fullest. PEACE brings clarity to our minds, vitality to our bodies and calmness to our spirit. PEACE ushers in balance and harmony and removes doubt, fear, anxiety and stress.

"Let tears flow of their own accord; their flowing is not inconsistent with inward PEACE and harmony" - Seneca

In the interest of spreading PEACE, the first thing I want to offer is this poem/mantra by my friend Isabella:

I am peace
surrounded by peace
secure in peace.
peace protects me
peace supports me
peace is mine

All is well.
peace to all beings
peace among all beings
I am steeped in peace
Absorbed in peace
In the streets, at our work,
having peaceful thoughts,
peaceful words, peaceful acts.
sending light and love to end your day!

When I first read this I could feel my body relax, my heartbeat slow down and my mind become silent and clear. In essence peace had found it's way into every cell of my being. What a joyous feeling. Try it, I guarantee you will love it.

"First keep the PEACE within yourself and then you can also bring PEACE to others." - Thomas A. Kempis

Then I came across this breathing exercise:

Slowly, deeply inhale, quietly chanting the word: Peace,
Then, slowly,deeply exhale, quietly chanting the word: Love.

And of course I had to try it and once again I was filled with the overwhelming feeling of peace and love. So, if you are having a rough day and you want to bring peace into your life, you know have two wonderful ways to do it.

"Nothing can bring you PEACE but yourself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I welcome any comments you may have about this post and any techniques you would like to share for finding peace in your life.

That's all for today.

PEACE!

Harry

11 Things to Help You On Your Life Path

Yes, 11 things, not 10, not 9, but 11. I could have easily made it 10 but 11 just feels right and it is a power number for all you numerologists out there. OK, here goes.

1. Find your passion: What gives you the warm and fuzzies? What do you love to do? Several recent studies have said that upwards of 80% of people do not like what they do for a living. I would say that they either do not know what their passions is or they have not been able to find a way to turn it into a career.

Since, there are 20% of the people who are happy with their jobs more than likely they are passionate about what they do. So, if they can do it, why not you? I suggest two things, get the book "The Passion Test" by Janet and Chris Attwood and step through your fears.

2. Get healthy: Whatever you need to do or can do to be healthier, do it! Today, not tomorrow, today. You know what it is you need to do, so start doing it. No more excuses! Do it now.

3. Serve others: If you are currently doing something to be of service to others, skip to #4. If not, make the time and find a way to serve. You will get more out of it than you give, trust me I know!

4. Try something new: Get out of your boring day to day routine and try something new. It can be new food, new clothes, new hair style, anything. One way you know that you are living life to the fullest is in your experiences. When was the last time you tried something, anything new? If it took you more than 2 seconds to answer that question then it has been too long! Do you know how many different cuisines there are in the world. Tonight, get on the Internet and try a new recipe or restaurant. You'll be glad you did!

5. Get your financial house in order: This one does not require a long explanation why this is important. Finances are the one area in life that causes the most stress, fear, anxiety and relationship issues. So, do something about it and do it now.

6. Learn new stuff: You could say that this goes along with "try something new" but it is actually different. What I mean here is read some books on your career field, watch some interesting shows on the such channels as Discovery, History and National Geographic or take a continuing education course on a subject you know nothing about. It will expand your horizons, your brain cells and possibly your ability to be promoted at work.

7. Get away: Go somewhere, anywhere where you can just get away. Take some time to unwind and recharge. If money is an issue, take a day trip to a State Park or a ride through the country. Go to a festival or visit a themed area, like Amish country, here in Ohio. Whatever you do, just make time to get away! This will definitely help with #2.

8. Get your sleep: You would have to be living under a rock to not of heard about all the studies concerning lack of sleep. It is one of the biggest health issues facing us today. This negatively effects your immune system, your energy level and your ability to focus. Sleep allows you body to regenerate, heal itself and reduces stress. So make sure you are getting enough sleep.

9. Drink your milk: Milk is one of the wonders of nature. 8 ounces of skim milk provides 8 grams of protein for building lean muscle, has only 90 calories and provides many other nutrients and vitamins vital to a healthy body. It has even been shown to help with weight loss by providing everything body needs to help recover from exercise. In fact, there is a weight loss campaign called 24 in 24, 24 ounces of milk in 24 hours. Now, if you do not like skim milk, my wife calls it scared water, then 1% only has 10 calories more and all the same benefits. For those who are lactose intolerant, there are lactose free products, such as Lactaid. For you soy milk drinkers, you may find there are more calories but they also offer skim or fat free varieties.

10. Find a hobby: Doing something simply for the fun of it helps make our lives full. Whether it is scrap booking, photography, puzzles, you name it, having something that interests you and occupies your mind is a great way to spend time. This allows you to focus on other things, which provides time for your body to decompress from the day to day things. It also allows you the opportunity to go into solitude, which is highly important to your physical, mental and spiritual well being.

11. Keep a journal: Keeping a journal is a great way to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper, or perhaps typing into a computer. It allows you the opportunity to review the day and just check in with your inner self to see how things are going. In this hectic world, we often times neglect what going on inside of us, since we are so preoccupied with everything outside of us. Now, this can be a regular journal, where you put down everything and anything or more specific like a Daily Gratitude Journal. Many people I connect with say that they find it works best for them to journal at night just before they go to bed. I happen to journal throughout the day through my blog, other writing, Twitter and in a discussion group where we list at least three things we are grateful for each day. No matter how or when it is very helpful and enlightening.

I realize that I gave you things but not the how or where to look for information. Well, that's because I presume you know where to look. If you are reading this blog then you are on the Internet, start there! I am sure you will have no trouble finding things for each category.

OK, that's all for today. Once again, I know that if you start adding some of these things in your life, you will find it more balanced and fulfilling!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry

http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/

Solitude

How often do you get to just be by yourself? No kids, spouses, significant others, work, anything.

How often do you go into silence? With no music, tv, Internet or other distractions of life.

When was the last time you took a trip by yourself?

When was the last time you took a walk in nature, alone?

When was the last time you went to the movies, out to dinner or to any event alone?

The answers to the questions is not often enough and it has been too long to be able to remember. By nature you are not solitary animals, unless you are totally introverted and that is not many of you. No a majority of you cherish contact with others.

You tolerate the hustle and bustle of life because you think that is how it should be. You must be busy, busy, busy. Otherwise, how is anything ever going to get done? You are forever trying to cram 30 hours of stuff into a 24 day and wonder why you are stressed out, anxious and tired. Mostly tired!

It is because you do not take time to just be in solitude. For some of you solitude is scary. What will you do with yourself? What might you find out about you that you do not like? For others you think it is a waste of time. There is stuff to be done you know? Can you say stroke or heart attack walking?

Of course you can be in solitude and still be doing things, just do them alone. You can garden, work on a project, listen to music, watch a movie or ride your bike. The key here is doing it alone, with no distractions from anything else. And that's the tough part. Now, if you are so inclined, being in solitude, like on a hike, where you are alone in nature can be even more relaxing but the idea here is to mentally remove yourself from the rest of the world.

"The great omission in American life is solitude...that zone of time and space, free from the outside pressures, which is the incinerator of spirit." - Marya Mannes

Here are five reasons for the importance of going into solitude. It allows you:

1. to relax and just be.

2. to take time off from the rigors of everyday life.

3. to recharge your batteries.

4. to get in touch with you.

5. to take an internal inventory.

"One hour of thoughtful solitude may nerve the heart for days of conflict - girding up its armour to meet the most insidious foe." - Percival

So, don't look at solitude as something to avoid or put off when you have time for it. It is something you need to do to maintain your physical, mental and spiritual health.

That's all for today.

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry

10 Things to Help You Relax

In this day and age of too much work, too much stress and not enough time for you, I offer these 10 things you can start today that will help you relax!

The picture to the right is our cat, Mickey. He obviously has no problem relaxing!

“The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.” - Sydney Harris

1. Cut out the caffeine: You have probably already heard this before but it bears repeating. Caffeine is in a fact a drug, a stimulant, and it is really not good for you. And like some other drugs, it is addicting. Yes, I know like other addictive drugs you will have to wean yourself off it and usually that is not a lot of fun. So, I suggest that you do it slowly by cutting out one coffee or caffeinated drink each day or slowly switching to decaf products. Americans are addicted to caffeine, that is a well known fact, which is one of the major reasons why we cannot relax.

2. Schedule a regular massage: Oh, yeah, if you have ever gotten a relaxing massage, you know how good it feels. I would not suggest a deep tissue, shiatsu style massage, those can hurt a little. And how are you going to pay for that regular massage. Start with the money you are saving by cutting caffeine out of your life. If you still do not have enough money, check to see if there is a massage school near you. Their prices are low and the students are going for a grade, the best of both worlds.

3. Expand your musical tastes: There is a lot of music out there that is designed to help you relax. Try some Native American Flute music or other "new age" instrumental music. It is good for the body and the soul.

4. Take a bubble bath: Oh, yeah, you guys too. The combination of the nice hot water and the soaps designed specifically for relaxing are a great combination. Throw in some nice smelly candles and you will be in heaven. There are even some cool fizzy balls also designed to relax those tense muscles.

5. Take up a hobby: There are a myriad of hobbies that can be truly relaxing. Hiking, bird watching, cooking, gardening, painting, sculpting, nature photography and napping come to mind. I am am told that napping can be a hobby.

"No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you'd be more productive." - Dr. Joyce Brothers

6. Take naps: There are numerous studies that say that, especially as we get older, napping has rejuvenating effects. I say don't wait until you get older, when you may actually need them, start now. Of course, it should be 30 minutes or less, so as not to get into that whole REM thing and ruin your normal sleep pattern. I will say that for me naps work too well. If I take a nap anytime during the day, it really effects my normal sleep and I am a night owl as it is. But it may work for you, so give it a try.

7. Get a cat or dog: If you living situation allows it, get a furry ball of love. Once again, study after study have shown that having a pet reduces your stress level and your blood pressure, while releasing those fun hormones that make you feel good. The purr of a cat can just lift your mood and taking the dog for walk has the dual benefit of getting exercise. Plus, when you return home at the end of the day, you always have those furry fuzzies there to greet you. It's is therapy in a natural fur coat.

8. Try hypnotism: There are literally thousands of trained hypnotists available to help you relax using this ancient method. Hypnotists have been known to be able to treat and perhaps even cure all kind of conditions and the ability to relax is one of them. In fact, you can even have the hypnotist at your beck and call thru the use of audio cds. That way you can have a session when and where it is convenient for you and costs a lot less than going to their office. Your eyes are getting heavy.....

9. Try a nice herbal tea: You may be surprised at all the herbal teas on the market today that are designed to help people relax. Ok, maybe not, given the fact that is such a huge market for people who really need to relax. The only caveat I have here is stick with decaf teas, you know so you can do what I talked about in #1. If you do not recall, then refer back to #1.

10. Tap into your spirit: So many of us are trying to find out who we are and why we are here. There are numerous ways to go within and find peace. Books, drum circles, retreats, classes, seminars, TV shows, Internet social networking sites, and the list goes on. Not to mention the traditional religious study groups. If you can find what works for you to be at peace spiritually, you will find it much easier to relax.

"There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub." - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I could go on and on but I wanted to keep this short. I am sure you can come up with other things that can help you relax. I just wanted to give you a start.

That's all for now!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry

It's a Matter of Perspective

Today I was driving out of the parking lot of my local library when a lady pulled out in front of me and then gave me an indignant look like I was the one doing something wrong. I simply smiled because you see I have found out that it is in fact a matter of perspective.
In that moment it did not matter who was right or wrong, well maybe not to me, but it certainly did to her. Now, I could have laid on the horn, gave a gesture and yelled but what would that have accomplished really? Some of you will say it would have made me feel better! But would it have, really? When we allow someone to get us so upset that we feel that we have to retaliate it really does us way more harm than good.

Physically it raises our blood pressure, stress level and brain activity by releasing the hormones that cause our flight or fight syndrome, none of which are good for us. Emotionally it causes all kinds of possibly harmful feelings, like hate and anger, which in the long run does not make us, feel very good and can cause us to not think clearly and possibly cause an accident ourselves.
No, I choose to smile and move on and not just for the reasons I stated above. I try to live my life in such a way that 1.) I only concern myself with things that I can directly control and 2.) I try to look at things from the other persons’ perspective.

1.I only concern myself with things that I can directly control!

With that in mind since I do not control 90% of what happens to me I do not worry about most things, in fact, I do not worry anyway. I definitely give that 10% my attention but in a positive, what can I do to affect this manner, mostly with a clear head and thoughts so that I can come up with a rational solution.

Now, the only thing I control about the other 90% is how am I going to react to what just happened. Of course I have two choices; I can react either positively or negatively. I choose positively as often as I can because I like peace and harmony. Don’t you? Mentally, emotionally and physically those are the better places to be and spiritually it lifts me up! I like that!

2.I try to look at things from the other persons’ perspective.

Even though I really may not know exactly what’s going on in that persons’ life at that particular moment, I try to at least say to myself, hey, they may be having a bad day, got some bad news, are late for an appointment, etc. And even if they just are the type of person who is ticked off most of the time that can only have an effect on me if I allow it too. In fact in most situations where someone else is being what I might consider rude or inconsiderate, I just try and smile for two reasons.

First of all, I feel better (You can call that selfish, I call it maintaining my health!) and secondly, maybe just maybe I may help them to relax and brighten their day. You see if I give into their negativity, it will certainly grow because I am feeding it. But, if I throw something positive at that negativity, I may just diffuse it or at least lessen it some.

I can really sum this up by repeating a wonderfu saying I saw on a t-shirt today, “I am too blessed to be stressed!”