An exhalation, slow and disappointed, comes from behind. I don’t have to turn around to see who it is. I know it’s my long dead grandmother, Reta, watching me beating a pie crust into submission with her ancient wooden rolling pin. Why did she have to show up right when I’m obviously failing pie crust, her specialty?

“And you claim to be my granddaughter,” she says, looking out at the muddy creek below the kitchen window, bloated from snow melting in the mountains.

Like so many times before, my imagination has her dropping by to revisit her favorite place in the cabin that she and my grandfather, Malcolm, built in the late 1950’s. A spotless apron, freshly ironed, covers her good Sunday dress because my mother’s family, her daughter, was considered company. Silver hair waves past her ears but doesn’t make it to her shoulders. She stands as if her back is held upright by a wooden spoon.

She glares at the mess being made in her dream kitchen, a domain that was once hers alone before it passed to my mother and then onto me. She tries to cross her arms over her massive bosom but they settle instead somewhere underneath, close to her small waist. I’m a child again, underfoot and failing to live up to her expectations.

“But I can explain,” I say. “I don’t want to make a heart attack disguised as a pie so I didn’t use lard and white flour like you used to do. I’m trying to make it out of whole wheat pastry flour and olive oil instead.”

She looks at the hard-packed glob smashed like a cow pie over the worn spot on the counter.

“It’s suppose to be healthy.”

Her eyebrow raises in a doubtful curve. “Healthy doesn’t necessarily mean edible,” she says. “But, I’m sure the squirrel will like it.”

I follow her gaze to the platform nailed to the side of the pine made especially for him. It still holds the soggy remains of last week’s fermented muffins. Even the magpies are giving it a wide berth.

“Actually, he’s getting tired of my cooking too.”

She leans on the scratched and pitted porcelain sink that holds the last of the apples picked last fall from the tree that my grandfather planted over 60 years ago.

“Maybe the squirrel yearns for the good ol’ days when I was the one cooking in this house,” she says. Softly, she adds, “Just like me.”

In her day she was considered one of the best cooks in this Wyoming mountain community. She was a master at pies and a champion with flowers. And yet here I am in her kitchen, acting as if I have the right to be here.

“You can’t tell it by this piecrust, but actually Grandma, I’m a pretty good cook. I just cook entirely different than you.”

I haven’t the guts to tell her I’m a vegetarian and that I won’t be trying my hand at a mince meat pie, roast beef or corned beef hash, some of my favorites when I was a child sitting at her table. I say instead, “You’d be proud, I think, if you gave me half a chance.” I’m sounding braver than I am. I’ve never talked to my grandmother this way. In a rush not daring to look at her, I continue, “For instance, I don’t cook with white sugar. Not even for a pie.”

I’m still holding onto the hope that the piecrust will fulfill its destiny, in spite of my grandma’s doubts. “I’m going to use agave nectar.”

I brave a look in her direction. Confusion furrows her brows. I burst out laughing and a rare smile blushes her lips.

“Weird, I know, but look.”

I reach down to open the two built-in drawers my grandfather made to her specifications. Long ago, the top one was filled with white flour poured directly from the sack she bought from the Best Out West mill in town. The bottom was filled to the brim with white sugar. A battered tin cup was half buried in the middle of the white mound. These two drawers, when she dictated what was put where, were uncluttered and pure.

Now that I’ve moved into her kitchen, I was careful not to break the tradition of flour in the top and sugar in the bottom, but with major variations. In the top, no white flour. Instead tins of whole-wheat pastry flour, brown rice flour, spelt, rye, buckwheat, quinoa and a bag of kamut elbow for room in the deep drawer.

In the bottom drawer, there’s no white sugar. Containers of raw sugar and date sugar fit securely in the corners while jars of rice syrup, unfiltered, locally grown honey, and agave nectar from the tequila plant leave sticky rings on shelf paper since the 60’s.

“Well, good luck with that,” she says, turning to go.

“Wait, Grandma,” I say, reaching out and touching her muscular forearm. The sensation surprises us both. My mother’s family was not demonstrative. I don’t recall my grandmother ever touching or hugging me, but surely she did, didn’t she?

The other day I came across a photo of the two of us. I’m standing in eight-year-old awkwardness in front of her, my hands placed stiffly on my thighs. The difference in how tall the spruce trees behind us have grown marks the years between. Our hair is almost the same, aged silver and innocent blond, falling to our shoulders in soft curls.

I’ve looked at this photo many times, but what I never noticed until now is that my grandmother isn’t touching me. It would have been so natural for her to rest her hands on my shoulders since I was standing so close. Instead, her arms are clamped resolutely to her sides.

“And I’m good at gardening and growing flowers too, just like you,” I say, looking for approval 42 years after she can no longer give it.

She looks toward the table where her old glass flower vase can barely hold the vibrant colors of spring tulips and yellow daffodils. Her gaze continues around the knotty pine walls, noticing what changes I’ve made to make it my own.

My collection of blue antique jars filled with grains, seeds and beans are stacked in righteous rows on a shelving unit I found in the garage. I’m curious if she notices which jar is hers – the one I found discarded in the basement as if worthless.

She lingers longer on the photo of an 18-year-old Reta, newly married to Malcolm, framed in ornate chrome salvaged from an antique cook stove.

“Was I ever that young?” she says so quietly I barely hear her over the raging of the creek – a creek raging against growing old in this house, and for the growing seed of dementia that tangled her thoughts the last years of her life.

I make myself recall her in better times. “I remember watching your hands work as if on automatic pilot making the cinnamon rolls I had requested and looking out at that creek.” We both look out the kitchen window at the only thing that has not changed drastically in the intervening fifty years.

“And the smells coming from this kitchen– oh my, Grandma, it was the smell of my personal heaven.”

“Mine too,” she confides. “This is where I was happiest.” She pats the worn Formica counter. “This is where my heart still lives.”

“And I honor that every time I step into this spot.” I don’t tell her what an honor it is for me to stand here, or how it has grown to become a sacred spot in the old house. My grandmother wouldn’t cotton to sentimentality, but I gather the courage to add, “I intend to do it justice for the rest of my life.”

“I know you will, Janey,” she says quietly. I smile. Calling me by my middle name instead of my first was her term of endearment for me even though I didn’t realize it until years later. It is as personal as my grandmother ever got with me, this secret between us, until I took it for my real name in the 6th grade.

She looks down at the forgotten piecrust.

“Start over.” A firm demand but the right choice.

She won’t let me subject my husband to this glop even though he bravely eats whatever I cook and doesn’t complain. I scrape it up with effort and plop it into the compost can. I doubt if the deer will even eat it.

I start over, but lard is out of the question and I can’t bring myself to use shortening, but maybe I can splurge this once and use butter.

“How about butter?” I ask, turning around.

But she is gone.

I set to work. As if Grandma is guiding my hands, they move swiftly and with confidence measuring the flour and salt, using the pastry blender to mix the butter, and dribbling in the ice water. In no time, the dough is not too wet, not too dry, but just right. A miracle. I pick up her wooden rolling pin.

“I think I can do this,” I whisper.

I feel a soft touch on my shoulder, reassuring. I smile and the creek laughs.

I go turn up the stereo until the harmony of the Eagles rocks the walls, breaking old traditions and setting a new precedence. I dance my way across the small kitchen floor where my grandparents once waltzed and my parents sashayed a two-step. I feel the aging floor creak and shift as the old gives way to the new. I step into the treasured spot, claiming my rightful place with no apologies, but with great reverence and gratitude.

I. Am. Home.

(Article and Photos by Janey Wing Kenyon)

I’m a big fan of Oprah. She has a tremendous influence on people around the world, and I admire how she wields her power in a positive way. She is honest, insightful and human, and I like that in a person.

I don’t watch TV, so I’ve only seen a handful of her shows, but I’ve subscribed to her O magazine for years. I flip past all the glitz and glamour, $500 shoes and perfume to get to the bones. I laugh with Lisa Kogan, enjoy Martha Beck, and agree with Dr. Katz (most of the time.)

On the very last page is Oprah herself, writing her monthly insight for us. It’s called “What I know for sure.” She’s a great writer and it’s always fascinating to read what her life is like and how she rides the tidal wave of fame to stay sane. It makes me like her even more.

I thought it would be fun to do this myself; sit down and write out my long list of “what I know for sure.” I got out a pen and big piece of paper. But I sat there for a long time. Every thought I “thought” I knew for sure, I immediately countered with “but what if–?”

For example, I know for sure the law of attraction works. It has happened time and time and time again. If our thoughts create the life we are living then I have had some great thoughts — full of joy and gratitude and love. When it comes to the best my life has to offer me, then, yes, I will gladly take credit and say yeah! for the law of attraction.

And then I got breast cancer. To say it came out of the blue is not quite right. It came out of the black. To my conscious mind, I never once put those two words together where it concerned me. The doctors shook their head and called my case “so unusual.” I didn’t fit the profile in any way shape or form. My friends got worried, “If you can get it, then anyone can get it.”

How could I have possibly brought this on? The physical experience is behind me now, and to be honest, the experience impacted my life in a very positive way. But, once was enough, thank you very much. I will live with the residue the rest of my life. Those two words, “breast cancer” and “me” are definitely residing together in my ethers. How will the law of attraction play out now? I’m hoping I have the ability to turn it off and on at will. Bring me what will do me the most good, but keep the rest at bay, if you please.

Back to my list. The same goes for believing in karma and reincarnation. I believed strongly in them at one time and felt these concepts answered quite a few questions when I was younger. But for many years now, I have given them little thought. They are barely hanging on the sidelines of what I know for sure. I have moved beyond the fascination of past lives and the role they play in this one. That goes for karma too. They are the glitz and glamour I skip over to get to the bones of who I really am.

The writing exercise that didn’t happen brought me to this conclusion: We don’t have to believe in any one thing forever. Spiritual concepts, life experiences, and our own evolution morphs as we travel through life. What we know for sure should morph too.

What I know for sure is that I don’t know anything for sure. And that’s okay.

(Article and photos by Janey Wing Kenyon)

I meditate. Of course I do. Everyone searching for a bit of
enlightenment does. I’ve heard myself say, I meditate every morning
in my garden when I can. But if the truth be known, I find it hard
to meditate. Maybe you’re like me too. But we would never admit it,
would we? It’s like the basic lesson in Self Realization 101.

It’s difficult for me to shut down the monkey mind and settle into the
silence. When I settle, there’s always a party going on.

I don’t even have the excuse that there’s no place quiet enough.
I’ve got plenty to choose from.

Sitting down by the creek, in my garden, in the living room, or the comfy couch in the recording studio, are all excellent choices. I don’t have kids or grandkids or a business that invades my mornings either. No, I have no excuses.

I don’t give up, however. During the summer, the obvious choice is
my garden. I close my eyes. I feel the gentle Wyoming sun on my
body. I hear the hummingbirds soaring about the blooms. The day is
revving itself up to be glorious.

Then the neighbor two acres away decides to mow. I wonder if I remembered to put softener into this last wash. An ant crawls up my leg. The mower hits a rock.

Like I said, I find it hard to meditate. But I’ve developed a
system that works for me. Every morning and before I go to bed, I
do this:

I take deep breaths, calming myself down, and then I open the
valve of gratitude. I don’t think of specific things or my mind
will take over. I immerse myself in an immense feeling of gratitude
for my life (and all that it entails — even the fact that it’s
difficult to keep thoughts at bay for one lousy minute). I let
gratitude overwhelm and overflow, up and out into the universe.

After releasing gratitude for all that is, I reverse the flow. Joy
floods back in and becomes a torrent. I feel it hitting my heart,
my mind, my body, washing me clean. It fills me to a point where
the dam breaks, letting gratitude flow once more, and the cycle
begins again.

What a way to start my day. Breathing in joy, breathing out gratitude.

I feel I am Super Woman!

Try it sometime. I think you’ll get hooked too. Hooked up to the universe, that is.

(And it don’t get much better than this.)

(Article and photos by Janey Wing Kenyon)

Before our main winter tour begins at the end of November, Tupelo and I have made a tradition the last four years of stopping by the Grand Canyon on our way south.

We have visited the Grand Canyon many times, and each time has been a unique experience. One Thanksgiving, it snowed. The beauty was astounding.

Layers of white drifted down, settling in waves along the red and blonde cliffs. The primordial and bent cedars stood black against the fog lifting up from the depths below. Ancient voices could be heard in the silence. Magical.

One evening, after a fabulous afternoon of hiking the rim trail, Tupelo and I were heading back to catch our musical friend’s show at the Bright Angel Lodge. The shuttle was packed with the sunset crowd and now it was growing dark and chilly. Like us, everyone was tired and hungry.

The shuttle stopped to let on more people. Everyone gave way to a man with a white cane, and a young man graciously gave up his seat. As the shuttle continued down the darkened road, I couldn’t help but think of what it would be like to be at the Grand Canyon but couldn’t see it. What kind of an experience was this man having? We had just witnessed a spectacular sunset. I hoped I appreciated it enough. I hope I didn’t take it for granted. Then I felt guilty, because until that moment, I had. I was fascinated thinking about the sightless man and what being here was like for him.

At the next stop, more people crammed on. Kids got up and gave a couple the seat behind us.

When we were underway, the man said to his wife, “I don’t know– I guess I was expecting more.”

She didn’t comment. Perhaps she was as astounded as I. Expecting more? The Grand Canyon wasn’t enough for him? I immediately looked at the blind man across the way. He was smiling. Was the Grand Canyon enough for him? I ventured it was. But the guy behind me, with good eyesight and in full capacity of his mind and limbs was disappointed.

This blew me away.

And then I thought of how the natives of the Pacific islands did not see the tall ships on the horizon as they sailed in with Captain Cook at the helm. The image was so foreign to them, their brains could not comprehend what their eyes beheld. The synapses didn’t connect, therefore, the ships were invisible. Only when the shaman saw them and described the image could they finally see the ships. They did not understand what they saw, but they could at last see them.

I’m thinking now that this man could not see the Grand Canyon because his TV-trained brain didn’t comprehend what was there at his feet. He was blind to the fact that it was so magnificent. He expected more, because he was unable to grasp the magnificence.

This made me feel better and I immediately gave him some slack.

I turned my thoughts inward. I wondered what I was missing because my eyes, unable to send the right messages to my brain, skewed my perceptions and gave false images. I wondered, what is right here now, a mere breath width away, but invisible to me? Hashing this over kept me occupied for the rest of the bumpy ride to the station.

I came to this conclusion: In life, if we use all the senses we are given and throw them wide open, perhaps we may see some astonishing, unexplained things along the way. If this happens, surely, life will never disappoint.

(Article and photos by Janey Wing Kenyon)

My garden is a treasure that waits for me to come home at the end of our 6-month long tour.

Arriving in the mountains of Wyoming in the middle of May, it is still sleepy and dormant from its long winter’s nap, but it manages to nod and smile with a bloom here and there to welcome me home.

This year, for the first time ever, we got back in time to see the tulips bloom. I have never seen them bloom.

I planted them in the fall years ago, and had forgotten what color they were. Since we live back off the road, no one told me about the party they’ve been throwing every spring while I’m away. I was blown away by their stunning beauty.

As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, I go to my garden and sit in a turquiose, antique glider to do my morning meditations. With the gentle sun and the soft breeze, it is so glorious. So beautiful. I feel like I’m sitting in the palm of God.

Once, while sitting with my eyes closed, I heard a tiny sound right behind my head. I looked. It was a hummingbird perched on the wire fence. He just sneezed. I tried not to laugh, but it couldn’t be helped. Joy with a capital “J” resides in my garden.

Spiritual lessons do too. Last spring, I bought my closest girlfriends a rose to plant in their garden. It was a florabunda called “Sisters at Heart.” Two of them didn’t have a garden, so I planted one in mine for us to share. Like my deep friendship with these women, I cared for this rose bush all summer long. I loved it, watered it, fed it, talked to it, and showered it with gratitude.

I was thrilled when eleven tiny buds appeared. To me, it symbolized my sister’s shared spiritual connection and personal growth. One morning in my journal, I wrote about the eleven, glorious roses blooming near my feet. Eleven blessings. Right here. Right now. I wrote about my eleven closest friends and what each one means to me and what each one teachs me.

I couldn’t stop writing. I took it in another direction and wrote about the top eleven blessings in my life. No surprise, Tupelo was right up there at the top of the list. I followed through with ten more, writing as fast as I could. Gratitude flowed with each one, just like the words on paper.

It was a wonderful experience. I took a nice long look at my life and realized what is so damn good about it. I laughed. I shed a tear. I loved every moment.

Blessings and flowers… we just can’t get enough of them.

(Article and photos by Janey Wing Kenyon)

Occasionally an original thinker comes along, and everyone benefits. Steve Pavlina is such a person and his new book is destined to become a classic. It’s called “Personal Development for Smart People: The Conscious Pursuit of Personal Growth.”

What I appreciate most about Steve’s style is that he has a fresh perspective. He’s obviously very intelligent (he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 3 semesters), but beyond his keen intellect is a well-balanced student of expanding consciousness. Yes he has a big brain, but his heart is equally well developed. Most personal growth experts are either brainiacs or love gurus. Steve has pioneered a refreshing blend of head and heart based on common sense and direct experience. This is a rare quality.

“My greatest breakthroughs usually come from personal experimentation…” — Steve Pavlina

His refreshing approach is obvious at the beginning of the book where he outlines how the book was born and how it is organized. (And yes, it is very organized!)

“It took me almost two and a half years, but I eventually found the solution I was looking for. It consists of just three core principles: truth, love and power. Four secondary principles are directly derived from the first three: oneness, authority, courage and intelligence. Oneness is truth plus love. Authority is truth plus power. Courage is love plus power. And intelligence is the total combination of truth, love and power . . . these principles are universal; they cannot be successfully compartmentalized without sacrificing something far more important — our true nature as conscious beings.” — Steve Pavlina

The book is organized around these fundamental principles. Personal anecdotes from Steve’s life illustrate his points and keep the material easy to grasp. The principles are sometimes obvious and sometimes deep. I found myself occasionally thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” (Many times, I did think of that, but had never articulated it so succinctly.) I appreciate his honest communication style and his gift of making deep concepts easy to catch.

“Genuine personal growth is honest growth. You can’t take short-cuts through the land of make-believe.” — Steve Pavlina

Truth

I resonated deeply with Steve’s recommendation for the importance of discovering your own truth and then learning how to live it on a moment-to-moment basis. We have all grown up in an era where we are brainwashed by the media. I know that’s a harsh assessment, but my own personal experience convinces me that it’s true. It’s a matter of degrees — some of us are mildly brainwashed and know it, while others are thoroughly brainwashed and clueless. (I explored this idea in depth in previous articles, “The Trouble with TV” and “Trade TV Time for Habits of Personal Development and Success.”)

“The cumulative effect of mass-media exposure is to condition you to adopt a false view of reality — one that upholds pro-advertiser values. The more you expose yourself to mainstream media such as television, the more skewed your mental model of reality becomes . . . this is a path of long-term laziness, apathy, and decay, not intelligent self-actualization.” — Steve Pavlina

Love

Here’s another topic that I have also explored in depth — connecting with other people. Steve explains how his wife, Erin helped him to open up to the fact that deep inside, we are really all one. Once that is experienced, relationships are forever changed. Close relationships become deeper, and new relationships begin to take on new dimensions. (I enjoyed exploring these important ideas in a previous article, “Meaningful Spiritual Relationships — Namaste Matters.” )

“There are few greater joys in life than the experience of conscious communication with another person. No ego games, false fronts, or manipulative tactics are employed. Both individuals simply want to connect with each other for the purpose of learning and growing. Once you’ve experienced such open, loving communication with another human being, it’s hard to settle for anything less.” — Steve Pavlina

Steve explains how Erin is a master of quick connections. She does this easily because she believes, rather she knows in her heart that we are all deeply connected, like individual cells forming one body. It’s not necessary for her to labor over creating new connections with people. Instead she just taps into the underlying connection she knows is already there. I’ve known a few people who can do this – my wife, Janey, for one, and it is a wonder to behold. It feels great, but I must admit, I’m still learning. I believe it, I love the idea of it . . . it’s just that I am still breaking through years of social conditioning and erroneous preconceived notions about our separateness.

“Instead of having to break the ice with someone, assume that there is no ice.” — Steve Pavlina

Power

The idea of exercising your own personal power and deliberately creating your best life is a theme that has run through many of my articles. I have known the value of this for a long time and continually explore new ways to do it better and better. It feels right to take the reins of life firmly in hand and deliberately steer it toward your deepest desires. What could be more important or more satisfying than to manifest the best version of yourself and the best life possible? (See “Your Passion as Your Compass,” and “Integrity Through Self-Reliance” and “Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God.”)

“When you set a goal that improves your present reality, what does it matter how long it takes to achieve the final outcome? Whether it takes one week or five years is irrelevant. The whole path is fun and enjoyable. More important, you feel happy and fulfilled this very moment. This drives you to take action from a state of joy, so you’re productive too. Instead of going after goals you think will make you happy in the distant future, focus on goals that make you happy right now.” — Steve Pavlina

Self-Discipline

Successful people usually have it. Unsuccessful people usually don’t. That’s a good clue about the importance of self-discipline in a successful and fulfilling life. To me, the idea of self-discipline is simply a promise I make to myself based on my current understanding on what’s best. It has to be best for me, as well as the good of the whole, for me to be able to get behind it and push when necessary.

“It’s your fail-safe, your motivational backup system . . . motivation starts the race, but self-discipline ultimately crosses the finish line.” — Steve Pavlina

Besides the satisfaction of completing self-appointed tasks as a result of well-functioning personal self-discipline, it feels good while the task is in progress too. It helps you feel good about yourself when you know you are capable of making an important promise to yourself . . . and then keeping it. (See previous article, “Self-Discipline in 3 Easy Steps.”)

Authority

Socrates said, “Know thyself.” That’s a good first step to being authentic. You can’t be yourself until you know yourself. Social conditioning has a way of turning us into homogenous drones . . . cogs in the wheel of industry and consumerism. There’s more to life that that. Much more. It all begins with our personal authority. Unless you assumne your own authority, don’t expect anyone else to simply grant it to you by default. (See previous article, “Know Thyself — Ignore Comparisons and Be Yourself.”)

“When you live without authority, your default behavior is to squander your time. You may acquire some knowledge, but you won’t apply it well. You may take some action, but your movements will be chaotic and unfocused. You have the potential to live a powerful, self-directed life of your choosing, but until you step into your true authority, this potential remains a fantasy.” — Steve Pavlina

Each of us have the responsibility and the profound privilege to take the raw materials of our life and turn it into the life of our dreams. It’s satisfying beyond measure — easily worth whatever it takes to learn how to do it well. This habit of mental discipline is not done in broad strokes but in the small details of life. It’s the little things over a period of time that add up to making a big difference. What are you doing today that has the potential of making a lasting difference in the quality of your life and your personal satisfaction?

“People of authority focus on what really matters to them. They don’t waste time on trivialities . . . What’s important to you in life? What’s a relative waste of your time? . . . If you can’t honestly predict a positive long-term impact from your actions, admit that you’re wasting your time, and set some goals that really matter to you. There’s no substitute for investing your life in something that has the potential to make a real difference.” — Steve Pavlina

Persistence

It’s easy to give up. Anyone can do that. And most people do. Succesful people, in all areas of life, are simply people who have tried and failed enough times to have gained a good education. They fall down, get up and keep going. They recognize it as part of the journey. The failures are opportunities to learn, so they don’t shrink from them. Instead they embrace the new lesson learned and press on. Persistent people are inspired people, and they are inspiring. (See previous article, “Persistence and Perseverance for Winners — Losers Just Quit“)

“I don’t get inspired by people who have all the external trappings of success like money and fame. I’m moved by those who I can see are destined for greatness, but no one else knows it yet. The telltale sign is always the same — persistence.” — Steve Pavlina

Courage

One of my favorite authors in Carlos Castaneda and the way he described his tutelage by the Yaqui Indian shaman, Don Juan. I’ve read all his books, some of them several times, so I wasn’t surprised when Steve Pavlina quoted Don Juan . . .

“Before you embark on [any path] ask the question: Does this path have a heart? If the answer is no, you will know it, and then you must choose another path . . . When a man finally realizes that he has taken a path without a heart, the path is ready to kill him.” — Carlos Castaneda

Does this idea hold any special meaning to you? The idea of a path with heart is a very personal idea, and only you can recognize the truth of your answer. It reminds me of the lyrics to one of my songs:

“And no one but you can find the answer to your quest
Your answer’s for you and not all the rest
(You know your answer’s the best, it’s not a contest)
The question is easy enough, and any honest answer is good enough
You really gotta know . . . . . what do you love?”
- From the song, “Do What You Love” by Tupelo Kenyon

When you are in alignment with what you love, your path has heart. You find it easy, even joyful, to take action. You’re commited, and you like it that way. It’s not a chore but a thrill to do things when you are on your path with heart. (To honestly explore your personal path with heart, see this previous article, “10 Steps to Discovering Your Life’s Purpose.”)

“It’s a great idea to consciously intent what you want, and I highly recommend you do that, but if you don’t want something badly enough to take direct action, then what does that say about your intention? Doesn’t that suggest you aren’t really commited to it? When you’re really hungry, will you wait patiently for food to arrive, or will you get up and make something to eat? When your intentions are important to you, direct action becomes part of the manifestation process. The best instruments of the Law of Attraction are your own hands and feet.” — Steve Pavlina

Intelligence

There’s something deeply satisfying about reading what an intelligent person has to say about intelligence. That’s one of the reasons why I have enjoyed reading Einstein’s words, who said, “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.”

Steve is a very imaginative person, plus he has learned how to apply the knowledge he has gained. It takes intelligence to do that. His book allows him to take the next step which is to share what he has learned. He has worked hard on his communication skills because he recognizes the importance of sharing the wealth of his intelligence with others. I love being inspired by articulate, intelligent, big-hearted people . . .

“Intelligence is the highest form of human expression. Our intelligence is what defines us as human beings. It is our greatest strength, our staunchest ally, and our most noble pursuit. Without it, we are nothingness; we are form without substance and existence without purpose. It is only through the deliberate exercise of intelligence that we give our lives meaning, a meaning that is consciously chosen . . . the most intelligent thing you can possibly do with your life is to grow.” — Steve Pavlina

Habits

Personally chosen, deliberately cultivated habits help keep us on track. They are tools that allow us to translate our resolve into our daily lives. They simplify the day-to-day activities that help us get from where we are to where we want to be. Good habits are our friends, and I really appreciated the following jewels of insight Steve offered on the subject of habits . . .

“How do you know if a habit is positive or negative? Use your mind’s predictive powers to imagine what long-term, cumulative effect each one will have if you maintain it for the rest of your life . . .

“Since habits wield power over your results, you must wield power over your habits . . .

“Take a moment to consider the social consequences of your actions. Do your habits help others align themselves with truth, love and power, or does your behavior lead people astray? . . . Which habits put you on a path with a heart? . . . When your habits are aligned with truth, love and power, the guy in the glass is your friend.” — Steve Pavlina

Career

It’s inspiring to learn from someone who has figured out a way to harness his greatest gifts to experience abundance while helping others at the same time. This paradigm is still rarely manifested in our current society, but examples like Steve can inspire us to our own greatest potential of contribution.

“. . . the best way to optimize your income is to find a career medium that allows you to share your most important message. By sharing your message with others, you provide exactly the kind of value that can generate abundant income.” — Steve Pavlina

I appreciate Steve’s take on contribution vs. mooching. Many of us are taught to get as much as we can for as little as possible. That is, maximize the return while minimizing the input. The natural extension of this mindset is a nation (or a world) of people expecting a handout. It’s entitlement mentality run a muck.

Instead, Steve does a fine job of extolling the virtues (personally and globally) of a mindset based on contribution. When you provide value, it is inevitable that you receive value in return. It’s a wonderful idea and a tad sad that such a common sense approach has fallen out of favor in modern society. Imagine what it would be like if everyone dealt with one another with this dedication to contribution, rather than focusing on, “What can I get?”

“To build an authentic career, you need to find the path that keeps you aligned with truth, love and power. This requires paying attention to the following four questions:

1. Body (needs): What must I do?
2. Mind (abilities): What can I do?
3. Heart (desire): What do I want to do?
4. Spirit (contribution): What should I do?

“An authentic career is found in the place where all four of these questions produce the same answer . . . When you have all four areas working synergistically together, the combined effect is truly amazing. Instead of meeting your needs, you experience true abundance. Instead of applying your knowledge to your tasks, you unlock your true genius. Instead of tolerating your daily routine, you work in a state of joy. And instead of just putting in your time, you fill your days with a sense of purpose.” — Steve Pavlina

Money

It’s best to learn from those who know. I once had a college instructor who never once demonstrated what he taught. He taught a swimming class, and he never got wet. It was difficult to believe the teacher was much of an authority on the subject when he shouted his instructions from the sidelines. It would have been easier to learn from him if he would have joined us in the game.

StevePavlina.com is one of the world’s most popular personal development blogs (if not the most popular). With over two million visitors per month, he knows what he is talking about, whether he is speaking about personal development or financial development.

“. . . money is a human invention to facilitate the exchange of value. To shun money as something evil or unnecessary is a huge mistake. When properly aligned with truth, love and power, it becomes a valuable tool of conscious living — one that’s too important to ignore. If you want to live consciously, you must learn to use money intelligently . . . work within the area of overlap between your personal values and social values. This will enable you to do what you love while creating something that others treasure as well. Don’t force yourself to focus between your integrity and your income — demand that both be satisfied.” — Steve Pavlina

The section on money in Steve’s book is thorough and thought-provoking. It will challenge you to rethink your assumptions about money and how to get more of it. I feel confident almost everyone will benefit from this enlightened look at money.

“Do your best to create and share your value with others, and you’ll help create a richer and more abundant world for all of us.” — Steve Pavlina

Health

True to his commitment to personal experimentation, many of Steve’s major health improvements have been a result of his 30-day trial technique. This is how he proved to himself that his body responded best to vegetarianism. More energy, clearer focus, less sleep required, and other benefits convinced him to adopt it as a lifestyle choice after the 30-day trial period was over.

I am also interested in diet, nutrition and health and have devoured many books on the subject. I wrote a thorough review on one of my favorites. (See previous article, “Finally the Truth About Diet — The China Study Review.“)

The ideas in Steve’s section on health and in “The China Study” are not mainstream. In fact, they are controversial, not because they are so outrageous but because we have drifted so far away from common sense in our dietary choices. Yes, we are the product of insidious social conditioning and are trained to eat, not what is good for us, but what is most profitable for the advertisers to sell. Recognizing this fact is the first step to assuming responsibility for our own health and deliberately choosing what we put in our mouth.

“In order to be healthy today, you must exercise your self-discipline to overcome the drag of social conditioning. Summon the maturity to make intelligent choices for yourself, regardless of what throngs of sick people encourage you to do . . . the truth is that if the average person wouldn’t consider your current health practices extreme, you probably aren’t very healthy.” — Steve Pavlina

Diet and nutrition is a science in its infancy. It’s easy to find conflicting advice from different experts. (That’s one reason why I appreciated “The China Study” so much. It’s not based on any fad diet or conjecture or marketing hype. In fact, it’s based in emperical scientific evidence gathered during the largest nutritional study ever done on planet earth!)

Ultimately, each one of us makes the decision of what we eat. That one seemingly simple decision has a major impact on the level of health and vitality we experience throughout our lifetimes.

“You can delegate control, but never responsibility . . . If I give you any particular advice in this area that doesn’t resonate with you, you should reject it and trust your own judgement instead.” — Steve Pavlina

Relationships

We are all in this together and we are all in this alone. It’s an interesting paradox. Our lives are defined and given shape by the other people in our lives. The people we choose to spend time with influence us in many seen and unseen ways. Especially for those of us interested in personal development, we need to pick our companions carefully and deliberately in order to support our chosen direction of personal growth. (These ideas were explored in previous articles, “Choose the Companionship of Positive People Who Inspire You” and “Life Drama as Blockage to Personal Development.”)

“I’ve learned to place a great deal of trust in my feelings when it comes to relationships. When something feels wrong to me, I know the best thing I can do is to go to the other person and explain that something doesn’t seem right so that we can work together to sort it out. When you bring truth to your relationships, you build closeness and trust.” — Steve Pavlina

Some of our most important life lessons and aha moments come as a result of our relationships, so it makes sense to do our best to communicate well and be considerate of others. A little kindness goes a long way . . .

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting battles too,
Cruel wars within themselves, just like it is with you.
Be kind, because you’ll never know just how much good you’ll do,
A heartfelt word or two can soothe a hidden wound.

“Sometimes the ripples from our deed’s a gentle touch, doesn’t seem to matter much,
It’s like dropping flowers in the Grand Canyon.
And though we’ll never know just what becomes of them, it’s all the same to them,
So drop them anyway, because you can.”
- from the song, “Be Kind” by Tupelo Kenyon

One of the things I appreciate most about Steve’s book is the way he threads the themes of truth, love and power through all the aspects of personal development, including his very insightful look at relationships.

“Exchanges that are lacking in truth, love, or power eventually grow stale, but when all three elements are present, the blocks to deeper levels of connection and closeness are removed . . . What mix of truth, love, and power do you use to connect with others? Realize that your weakest channel will be the source of many of your communication problems . . . When you know your dominant connection strategy, you can use it deliberately to regain your closeness whenever you start feeling a little distant from one another.” — Steve Pavlina

Building close relationships involves an element of risk, but a little courage can make a big difference in the quality of your life. You can’t always expect other people to initiate the contact. Sometimes it’s up to you to extend your hand (and your heart) and invite people in. Imagine what you could miss out on, if you don’t.

“The biggest risks are missing out on laughs you never shared, people you never helped, and the potential partner you sentenced to solitude . . .

“Since all human relationships are impermanent, live with the awareness that every one of your current connections will eventually end. Take the time to appreciate them while they last, and don’t take them for granted. Even when a relationship ends in death, it can still continue in your thoughts. The memories of loving relationships can become your most sacred treasures.” — Steve Pavlina

One of our most popular songs explores this idea. Like love itself, it’s a timeless idea. Those we love go right on living in our hearts, long after they’ve left this world.

“And even though you’re hurting now, the hurting will not last,
The strength you gain from such a pain remains when it’s all past.
And even this will pass away, like this life itself someday,
And all that we take with us is the love we gave away.”
- from the song, “All That We Take with Us” by Tupelo Kenyon

Spirituality

In this section of the book, Steve challenges us to look at our idea of spirituality through the lenses of truth, love and power, rather than the conditioned habits of custom, peer pressure, and heredity. It’s an enlightened approach to spirituality, stripped clean of outdated dogma and exclusive ideas designed to keep us loyal to one particular brand. What passes for spirituality has a history of tearing us apart rather than bringing us together.

I love the way Steve encourages us to consider all things spiritual and take the best of what each has to offer. It assumes the ancient words of Shakespeare were actually true and that we actually care enough to keep an open mind rather than blindly clinging to any one viewpoint . . .”There are more things in heaven and earth than ever dreamed of by your philosophies.”

“Just as your physical senses act as a lens through which you perceive different subsets of reality, your spiritual senses also act as cognitive filtering mechanisms. These filters allow you to focus on bits and pieces of preprocessed information which may or may not be useful to you. The more spiritual sensory data you can access and comprehend, the richer your spiritual life will be, and the more accurately it will model truth . . .

“When we confront the key spiritual question of our lives, such as Who am I? And What is my purpose in life? . . . we can limit our input to a small subset of these channels. In general, when we limit our input too severely, we end up making things harder than necessary, much like trying to prepare a meal while wearing a blindfold and earplugs. This is what happens when we say, ‘I’m only going to consider this single spiritual point of view because it’s the one and only truth’ . . .

“Even though each channel of input has limited expressiveness, if you can access a diverse enough set of channels, each one compressed and filtered in different ways, you can develop a more accurate and complete picture of reality. Each belief system you consider provides another way of viewing the same underlying data, thus helping you develop a better understanding of the whole . . .

“By examining your problems from different philosophical viewpoints, you empower yourself. Holistic solutions finally start to emerge. You gain the ability to solve problems you were previously unable to solve . . . most of us are socially conditioned to overlook the simplicity of across-the-board, high-level solutions because we cling to fixed belief systems that prevent us from seeing the big picture.” — Steve Pavlina

These ideas are close to my heart as I look around the planet and see the result of so many people stubornly clinging to some particular brand of spirituality and refusing to see any merit in any other viewpoint. That’s got to be the manifestation of ultimate insecurity to not even be able to consider the validity of a different idea. (I explored this idea in previous articles, “Beyond the Brands of Truth” and “Beyond Science, Philosophy and Religion.”)

Clear thinking and honest exploration of truth is a refreshing approach to spirituality, and that’s why I appreciate Steve’s style of saying what he thinks and feels, even though it’s not the mainstream viewpoint. Far from it. But, I recognize that the tide is turning as more and more people worldwide are beginning to take responsibility for their own spirituality and making their own choices, rather than settling for being spoon fed by tradition.

“A multispectral philosophy of life — that is, one that combines input from multiple perspectives — aligns closely with what’s considered common sense . . .

“The point of spiritual exploration is to help you make conscious, empowering choices . . .

“Many serious conflicts in the world result from the decision to pass on beliefs that label other human beings as unworthy, damaged, or evil . . .

“Your beliefs are not merely observations of reality; they also shape and define your experience of reality. Many of the thoughts you hold most sacred may reveal hidden falsehoods once you take the opportunity to consider the alternatives.” —Steve Pavlina

Celebrating an Expansive Viewpoint

This empowering book, like all great books, performs magic. It allows us to take a peek inside one of the great minds of our time. As a result, it makes the inside of my head (and heart) feel bigger. What more could you ask for in a book?

These last Steve Pavlina quotes do a fine job of tying it all together . . .

“The ultimate goal of any sound spiritual path is to be infinitely truthful, infinitely loving, and infinitely powerful. By extension, this also requires infinite oneness, infinite authority, and infinite courage . . .

“If it were somehow possible for everyone on earth to come together and agree on a single spiritual philosophy, it would be one that incorporates the universal principles of truth, love, and power. These are the ideals that guide us not only as human beings, but also as spiritual beings . . .

“Invest in creative self-expression, service and contribution, and you will suffer no scarcity. Your greatest gift to the world is to share who you really are . . . No one is served by your refusal to shine.” — Steve Pavlina

Personal Appreciation

Although I don’t personally know Steve and his wife, Erin, they both feel like old friends that Janey and I haven’t yet met. Steve’s writings have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to me for a couple of years. I first went to his website as a result of a link in an email from Derek Sivers, founder of CDbaby.com. Derek was impressed that anyone could graduate from college after only three (very busy) semesters, and recommended an article Steve wrote on how he accomplished that.

I began exploring his other articles and it soon became clear I had found a kindred spirit. His example inspired me to begin writing again, and TupeloKenyon.com was born shortly thereafter. The blog spawned the “Inspired on Purpose” newsletter which provides satisfaction and inspiration for myself as well as others. I have Steve Pavlina to thank for all this.

Thanks Steve, for all you do . . . and all you are.

Sincerely,
Tupelo Kenyon

P.S. Get this book, while it’s in first edition. It’s a classic, and I could only hint at it’s empowering breadth and depth in this (rather long) gushing review.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Do What You Love Discovering what we have a true passion for, and then figuring out a way to build a life around that passion is one of life’s greatest feelings of accomplishment. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor10 Be Kind Your example and the kindness shown to others can have a rippling affect that goes on and on. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor9 All That We Take With Us Even sorrow brings us gifts of deeper understanding and a clearer perspective of what is really important. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor3 Endless Journey Traveling has so many gifts to give! Spectacular scenery, interesting cultural differences, and the inspiring people you’ll meet. What a well-rounded education is provided by getting away and looking around . . . and, it’s an inspiring education that never has to end. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor8 Songs by Tupelo
The Trouble with TV Does TV enhance our life experience or get in the way of living our lives? Celebrate life with this refreshing perspective on the boob tube. Trade TV Time for Habits of Personal Development You” be glad you did, and once you go through the withdrawal stage, you’ll never look back. Your Passion as Your Compass Allow your passions to stretch their wings and the direction of your life could surprise you – in a good way. Celebrate life with passion! Integrity Through Self-Reliance When you live your life as if the whisperings from your soul really matter, you are living life in your own way, on your own terms, based on your own realizations on what is right . . . what is good . . . and what is true for you. You are tuned into your own station. The signal you are receiving and the message you are broadcasting with the story of your life are both on the same frequency. You are joyfully and gratefully choosing your favorites from the buffet of life. Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God There are two approaches people use to manifest their desires. Some set goals. Others surrender and presume the universe is conspiring to deliver to them their every desire without strain, in its own way and in its own time. Which way is better? Can these two methods be used together? Self-Discipline in 3 Easy Steps Why is it so difficult to follow through and accomplish what you set out to do? Usually, there is one important missing ingredient: personal discipline. For most of us, the idea of discipline is an external force – it’s something that comes from the outside. For instance, we discipline our children. Most of us are familiar with discipline as a verb (something we do to someone else), but we’re not so familiar with the concept as a noun – something we cultivate from within and apply to ourselves. Know Thyself – Ignore Comparisons and Be Yourself The average person is content to base self-knowledge on comparisons to other people. If this is the measure of self-knowledge, it is based on someone else’s standards. This practice misses the point of “Know Thyself.” Instead, it’s all about how to fit in. We are all unique individuals with our own strengths, talents and nudges leading us to embrace our own best life. True knowledge of self is attained from personal insights of looking inwardly rather than outwardly towards others. Persistence and Perseverance for Winners – Losers Just Quit Giving up is easy. Most people make a habit of giving up. In fact, they make a life of it Persistence through a solution-oriented attitude is for visionaries, dreamers and other winners who refuse to take “no” for a final answer. 10 Steps to Discovering Your Life’s Purpose Of all the self-help ideas I’ve come across through the years, this one has been the most helpful. For me, it’s been the Rosetta Stone of personal development techniques. After getting a handle on the idea of “purpose”, other areas of my life fell into place more easily. Finally the Truth About Diet – The China Study Review Finally, here’s an authoritative diet and nutrition book based on hard science and exhaustive research. This revealing book is written by one of the world’s most respected authorities in the field of nutrition. In his own words, he has been “in the system for almost fifty years, at the very highest levels, designing and directing large research projects, deciding which research gets funded and translating massive amounts of scientific data into national expert panel reports.” There is so much useful information in this book, I consider it one of the most important books I have ever read and give it my highest recommendation. Change your diet and change the quality of your life. Choose the Companionship of Positive People Who Inspire You If the people you spend the most time with are inspiring, supportive, encouraging, and they demonstrate qualities you want to emulate – great, you are on the right track. If not, it’s up to you to do something about it. Life is too short to put up with other people’s pity parties, bitch-and-moan marathons, and oh-woe-is-me clubs. Life Drama as Blockage to Personal Development Some people seem to relish drama in their lives. They go from one catastrophe to another. They thrive on it as if drama is what makes them feel alive. You may be able to see that they are attracting these experiences by their daily thoughts and feelings. But, they don’t recognize it from within the narrow confines of their personal drama. To someone immersed in drama, the idea that they are creating it is completely foreign. With intent, practice and mindfulness, what was once considered drama that snowballed out of control becomes simply examples of the contrasts of life to help you sharpen your preferences and shape your desires. Beyond the Brands of Truth Truth depends upon your belief. If you believe something is true, that makes it true . . . true for you. Of course, if you don’t believe that statement, never mind, because your belief defines your truth in another direction. But, we can commit to finding our own personal truth. We can hope our example will inspire others to look inside for their own truth rather than looking outside at the tumultuous world of competing brands of “truth.” Beyond Science, Philosophy and Religion Is truth absolute or relative? Is there anything beyond science, philosophy and religion? Many of the world’s top quantum physicists think there is. Celebrate life by stretching you imagination. Articles by Tupelo

You’ve heard about the “right brain” and the “left brain,” right? The left brain is all about logic and sequential thinking and the right brain is all about the abstract flow of consciousness and how it relates to “the big picture.”

Even though I’ve been aware of these concepts for thirty years or so, they were always a little fuzzy. Interesting, but I never totally grasped the implications until I saw an amazing video.

The video is one of the TED talks. If you haven’t heard of that yet, these are some of the most amazing, interesting and inspiring videos on the internet. They are ideas worth spreading . . . “inspired talks by some of the world’s greatest thinkers and doers.

Sometimes It’s Better to Learn from the Experience of Another

The talk I’m recommending now is from Jill Bolte Taylor, who is a neuroanatomist — a brain scientist. The video is about a rare opportunity few scientists would wish for:

One morning, a blood vessel in Jill Bolte Taylor’s brain exploded. As a brain scientist, she realized she had a ringside seat to her own stroke. She watched as her brain functions shut down one by one: motion, speech, memory, self-awareness . . .

Amazed to find herself alive, Taylor spent eight years recovering her ability to think, walk and talk. She has become a spokesperson for stroke recovery and for the possibility of coming back from brain injury stronger than before. In her case, although the stroke damaged the left side of her brain, her recovery unleashed a torrent of creative energy from her right. From her home base in Indiana, she now travels the country on behalf of the Harvard Brain Bank as the “Singin’ Scientist.”

“How many brain scientists have been able to study the brain from the inside out? I’ve gotten as much out of this experience of losing my left mind as I have in my entire academic career.” – Jill Bolte Taylor

See It . . . Hear It . . . Feel It!

This video will makes a powerful impression. Have you ever seen an actual brain with the two hemispheres clearly separate from one another? On this video, you will.

Have you ever heard a description about watching from a peaceful, detached viewpoint as the cognitive brain functions slowly quit functioning? Have you ever heard anyone talk about what it feels like when the inner chatter finally quits and all that’s left is awareness? On this video, you will.

Prepare to be amazed, moved, inspired and thrilled with this intelligent look at something that is rarely seen . . . and the fact that you’re hearing about all this from a brain scientist makes it even more fascinating.

Tissues Optional

Oh yeah, the end may tug at your heart strings a bit. Some of us may want to have a box of Kleenex handy.

This will probably be the most inspiring 12 minutes of your day. (It could easily be the most inspiring 12 minutes of your year!)

Here’s the link . . .

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the songs below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Miracle in Disguise Synchronicity is such a positive and hopeful idea, it begs the question, "Why not actively look for it and even expect it, as long as it feels good?" http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor11 Who is the Watcher Explores the silent witness within and the idea that life occurs in this present moment. Always. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor-14 Songs by Tupelo
Beyond Science, Philosophy and Religion Is truth absolute or relative? Is there anything beyond science, philosophy and religion? Many of the world’s top quantum physicists think there is. Celebrate life by stretching you imagination. Ego or Soul? Who’s Driving Even though I identify my sense of self with soul, there seems to be another “something” inside forever jockeying for position and making its presence known. This is the ego. What’s the difference? How can you know which one is in charge? What are their characteristics? Since I prefer peace to mayhem and contentment to perpetual, blind striving, my goal is to keep soul in the driver’s seat as often as possible. Instead of an either/or situation, I like the idea of soul and ego peacefully coexisting in a manner that best serves the greater good. Appreciate Here and Now No matter what’s going on in your life right now, there’s something to appreciate about it. The act of appreciation rivets our consciousness to this present moment. With our attention focused on the here and now, we are living life fully, since right now is the only time there ever is. Get a Broader Perspective – Do It Different and Work Smarter When I think of the view from our broader perspective, to me, it means the viewpoint of our inner self . . . who we really are. Without the filters of our ego, the world looks quite different. The problem is . . . this lofty viewpoint seems illusive. People occasionally identify with broader perspective with no apparent effort or intent, but it’s rare to arrive at such a viewpoint accidentally. More commonly, brief glimpses are caught deliberately by intent, and repeated by personal discipline and the use of clever techniques. Articles by Tupelo

]]> http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/05/16/inspiration-from-a-stroke-of-insight-by-jill-bolte-taylor/feed/ 1 http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/02/29/relax-and-rejuvenate-for-balance-and-productivity/ http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/02/29/relax-and-rejuvenate-for-balance-and-productivity/#comments Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:00:48 +0000 Tupelo http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/02/29/relax-and-rejuvenate-for-balance-and-increased-productivity/ For instrumental music while reading, choose: hi-fi (broadband) or low-fi.

As this article is being written, my wife, Janey, and I are at the National Seashore Park on Padre Island, down the road from Corpus Christi, Texas. I am sitting in a folding chair a few feet from the breaking surf.

There is a warm breeze keeping me comfortable as I soak up the sun. I am dressed for the occasion in my shorts, t-shirt and sandals.

I watch the shore birds as they run along the surf, looking for food as I delight in the amazing diversity of nature. Then I fix my gaze on the horizon and just take it all in: the curling waves — near and far, the calls of the various species of birds, the moist, salty air and the soothing sound of the waves breaking on the beach. Ah yes, life is good.

Rejuvenation is Good Medicine

This high-quality R&R is much more than idle loafing . . . it’s an important ingredient that allows us to do what we do. Whatever you do, taking time to relax and regenerate helps you to do it better. If you don’t pause occasionally, shift your mind into neutral and recharge your batteries, your productivity plummets and you may not even realize it.

“If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.” – Heroditus (5th century BC)

If you find yourself struggling to get going and stare into the distance a lot with nothing in particular on your mind, chances are, you are overdue for some concentrated, quality rest and relaxation.

Here’s how it works for us. Janey and I are a music and comedy duo known as “Laughing Bird.” We are in the middle of a concert tour and our schedule is full. For the last couple of months, every day we are doing a concert or driving to the next one. We love it and wouldn’t trade our lifestyle for anything else we’ve seen, but we have learned the importance of pacing ourselves. Whenever there’s a break in the schedule, we make it a point to regroup, recharge and revitalize our energies.

From the outside looking in, it may appear that our “work” isn’t work at all since we make our living playing music. Our career reminds me of a duck floating along serenely, making it look easy. What the casual observer doesn’t see is the constant, energetic paddling going on just below the surface.

It’s the same for most of us. The easier it looks, the more behind-the-scenes activities are required to keep it afloat.

In our case, the audience sees a two hour show — a pretty easy schedule, right? On the days we have concerts, our “official” work day begins with driving to the venue. We try to keep our drive time under two hours on concert days, but it’s often more. We arrive at 2:00 P.M., meet the hosts, and begin setting up our sound system, stage lights and CD table. Then we do a sound check. All this usually takes about two hours. Then we grab a quick lunch and try to rest a little before it’s time to shower and get dressed for the show. We return to the stage area 30 or 45 minutes before show time to tune our instruments and schmooze a little with the concert presenters and the audience members who arrive early.

The show itself is usually a little over 2 hours with a short intermission. After it’s over, we linger to visit and autograph CDs for thirty minutes or so. By about 9:30, we are ready to retire our stage clothes and get back into our roadie clothes. Next we pack it all up and stow it in our tour bus motorhome. This process usually takes about an hour and a half, depending on whether or not we have help. (It just takes a little longer if someone tries to help . . . we have a well refined system that is effectively quick, if left to our own devices.)

By about 11:00 P.M., we are ready to sit down for the first time since about 5:30 or 6:00 . . . that’s over 5 hours on our feet non-stop. When we get back to the motorhome, sometimes we try to catch up on emails and take care of any pressing business before bed.

The next morning, there are business calls to make, letters to write, contracts to send, promo to mail, ads to create and submit, rehearsals and all the other little details necessary to keep an independent show on the road. There is always one more thing pressing for our attention. Usually, we do it gladly, gratefully and enthusiastically . . . unless we haven’t taken a break for a while, in which case we find ourselves bogging down and staring at the horizon a lot.

We both wear a lot of hats in this micro version of show business — booking agent, publicist, graphic artist, marketer, driver, mechanic, cook, wardrobe mistress, songwriter, arranger, recording engineer, producer, inventory control manager, PR agent, etc. Oh yes, and we also get to pause occasionally and play music and sing and laugh for a couple of hours.

“It’s great to be self-employed because you only have to work half-days . . . and you get to choose which 12 hours that is.” — Jim Guhlke

We love our life together and the freedom of being modern-day traveling troubadours. It’s an unusual lifestyle that may be interesting to you or boring, but the point is that whatever you do in life, there is always more going on behind the scenes. The easier it looks to a casual observer, the more effort, energy and careful planning is likely involved. Whatever you do to make ends meet, for most of us, it takes a lot of time, energy and dedication to make it happen.

It’s All Too Much

Is your energy and productivity increasing or do you feel like you get bogged down easily in the endless details? Perhaps you feel like your enthusiasm is evaporating, and you are just going through the motions with your mind numb.

We have been conditioned in Western society to maintain our frantic pace throughout our working lives, at all costs. (And it does cost us — all too often, it costs us our health, our relationships and our very lives. Many of us work ourselves to death.) We continue doing more and more until we work ourselves into a frenzy. Why? Because that’s what everyone else seems to be doing. We have come to believe it’s necessary to maintain this insane pace to keep up or just to get by.

Productivity Suffers

It’s unreasonable to expect our productivity to increase while maintaining such a relentless schedule. All the countless details going on behind the scenes require your energy and attention too — it’s not just the time you are “at work.” (Our situation of a 12 hour work day necessary to provide a two hour show may seem more exaggerated than most, but most of us are paddling like hell just beneath the surface to keep afloat, all while making it look easy.)

“The time to relax is — when you don’t have time for it.” – Sidney J. Harris

“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 (1928 – )

Let More Life into Your Life

You already know you need to schedule regular breaks into your routine. Why? You need time to let your mind wander — time to imagine new possibilities — time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life — time to nurture soul. Life is more than an endless to-do list, and many of its most important gifts come when you allow yourself to put the daily details on pause and just experience the simplicity of life in the moment with nothing in particular on your mind that needs to be done.

“During [these] periods of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and can produce the sudden clarifying insights which give so much joy and delight.” – Fritjof Capra, physicist

Schedule Breaks

If you don’t schedule breaks to allow for this life recharging, spiritual nourishment, you are scheduling more and more of the same. These valuable rejuvenating sessions rarely happen accidentally — you must plan for them and work them into your busy schedule, just like all the other important things in your life. Mark it on your calendar and realize how important it is to follow through and do it. It’s a priority — perhaps one of life’s biggest priorities to help enhance the quality of your life.

“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

Find Whatever Works Best for You

There are many ways to cut yourself some slack, so choose whatever feels good. Janey and I enjoy walking along the beach and feeling the warm, moist air on our skin while hearing the bird calls and the sound of the surf. We also enjoy hiking in the mountains. The point is to do something different from your usual routine to give your mind and imagination free reign to go to new places. What would feel good to you?

· Take a long, hot bath in candlelight.
· Curl up with a good book.
· Spend the day at the park — take a blanket and a picnic. (Take snacks too in case you decide to stay all day.)
· Take in a double feature. Then take a walk to let the images and ideas stimulate your thinking.
· Go on a vacation — now, while you can. Don’t put it off . . . again.
· Find more time for your favorite hobbies, or take up a new hobby.
· Invite a few friends over for a simple dinner — or a pot-luck. (Or go out to eat so you don’t have to cook and do dishes.) Encourage stimulating conversation.
· Find time to feed your heart and soul — allow your inner batteries to recharge and rejuvenate your enthusiasm. (How? The next point is one of my personal favorites.)
· Turn off the TV — you will be amazed at all the time you will free up for more important activities. (See previous article: “The Trouble with TV.”)

For more ideas to re-inspire and re-energize yourself, see previous article: “Take Time for You.”

“Have a variety of interests … These interests relax the mind and lessen tension on the nervous system. People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest.” – George Mathew Allen

Not only will your inner being soar with a dance of celebration for the spiritual nourishment, but you will be able to refocus on your work with renewed enthusiasm and increased productivity. Stale attention and boredom will be replaced by quick thinking and being interested in whatever you need to do. When you are not tired, everything looks better and you function better. All areas of your life benefit when you take some time for you.

“Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good plays, good company, good conversation — what are they? They are the happiest people in the world.” – William Lyon Phelps

So ignore the lame excuses you have been telling yourself, and just do something fun for you. Then pay attention to how you feel. When you feel good, all areas of your life are on an upswing, and everyone in your life also benefits.

Have a great time on your day(s) off. You deserve it (and you probably need it too!)

Sorry this article isn’t longer, but it’s time to get up and go for a walk on the beach.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the song samples below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Trash Our Treasures People seem to have a history of awarding seemingly insignificant details with places of prominence in our lives, while ignoring or even destroying the most important aspects. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor2 Flying in the Sea Born at Coco View Scuba Diving Resort in Roatan Honduras, this song celebrates the wonders of the sea. Imagine the joy and freedom felt by dolphins and whales frolicking in the waves. We caught a glimpse of that feeling while scuba diving . . . and love it! http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor5 I’m Goin’ Fishin‘ The zen of fly-fishing has always worked wonders for me to recharge and regenerate. This is a tribute to my grand-fater, who gave me a wonderful gift that has kept on giving for a lifetime. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor13 Seriously A reminder of the importance of making it a point to deliberately live life in joy, reverance, and with a light-hearted spirit. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor15 Hand in Hand and Heart to Heart "You and I drew a good lot in life." We never take it for granted, but continually re-create it on a daily basis looking forward with imagination and gratitude. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor16 A Heartbeat in Eternity’s Highway In the grand scheme of things, what’s the difference between a single moment and all of eternity? What’s the point of reference? http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor17 The Road Even the closest of friends often find themselves on totally opposite life paths, but that’s O.K. Regardless of the outer experience, the inner connection between special friends remains strong through the years. This song is a tribute to that special bond. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor1 Time of Our Lives Time is so fleeting, so elusive, it’s good to remember the importance and power of living right now. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor7 Takin’ My Time It’s easy to simply give away so much of your time that there’s none left for you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor15 Celebrate Life Create your own personal celebration of life by your choices, rather than allowing life to be something that merely happens to you, or around you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor2 Lovin’ Gold Having someone to share the details of your life with is bound to be one of the very best definitions of living a wealthy life. Someone to love, dream and grow with through the years is a wonderful way to feel rich, complete with the potential for compounding interest over a lifetime. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor5 Do What You Love Discovering what we have a true passion for, and then figuring out a way to build a life around that passion is one of life’s greatest feelings of accomplishment. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor10 Go Slow Experiencing the pace of life in a different culture helps to illustrate just how frantic the western pace really is. Faster doesn’t necessarily mean more or better. What’s the big hurry? Go slow. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor3 You Gotta Have Fun Our moments are fleeting . . . and finite. Too few to squander on "bad news". We must steer our attention deliberately in order to attract the kind of life we were born to live. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescAnth.html#Anchor20 Songs by Tupelo
	Take Time for You Don’t put yourself at the end of the list. You deserve to be first, at least some of the time. Don’t let your entire life slip by with everything else (and everyone else) getting preferential treatment over your most important priorities. Their needs are important, but yours are important too. Celebrate life by taking time for YOU! The Trouble with TV Does TV enhance our life experience or get in the way of living our lives? Celebrate life with this refreshing perspective on the boob tube. Being Present through Sensuality The idea is to occasionally turn off the senses in order to better tune into the aliveness that lies beyond them. The realization that there is something beyond the world of the five senses can provide an “aha” experience, especially at first. With the senses turned off (or even turned down), there remains a vibrant sense of aliveness – the world of feeling and the realm of being. The Dilemma of Desire What is desire? Where does it come from? Why do we have it? Does it serve us in a positive way, or does it distract us and keep us perpetually in discontent? This article sheds some light on these important questions so that each of us can find our own answers. Balancing Desire with Contentment It’s a fine line we walk between wanting more and feeling satisfied with what we have. Desire is unavoidable – it comes with the territory. So, the trick is to find the balance. There’s a middle ground to be found where deep feelings of contentment and satisfaction are spiced with the delicious excitement of something more on the horizon. Action and Satisfaction A satisfying life includes time for doing balanced by time for being , embracing and celebrating all aspects of life. Being, doing, having . . . all these things are important ingredients of our package of life experience. Denying any aspect of it only serves to diminish our joy of living a full, inspired, and satisfying life. Goal Setting or Let Go and Let God There are two approaches people use to manifest their desires. Some set goals. Others surrender and presume the universe is conspiring to deliver to them their every desire without strain, in its own way and in its own time. Which way is better? Can these two methods be used together? Articles by Tupelo

]]> http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/02/29/relax-and-rejuvenate-for-balance-and-productivity/feed/ 2 http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/02/15/superfood-energy-drink-%e2%80%93-quick-and-easy-and-delicious/ http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/02/15/superfood-energy-drink-%e2%80%93-quick-and-easy-and-delicious/#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Tupelo http://www.tupelokenyon.com/2008/02/15/superfood-energy-drink-%e2%80%93-quick-and-easy-and-delicious/ For instrumental music while reading, choose: hi-fi (broadband) or low-fi.

Since the mid 70’s, this delicious and nutritious drink has been our breakfast almost every morning. The recipe has evolved and morphed over the years, but the basic idea has remained the same.

The idea is to start the day with excellent fuel for the body — something that kick-starts the metabolism and provides a steady supply of energy throughout the day.

It’s easy to make, it’s quick and the variations are endless. After over 30 years of almost daily consumption, we still love it. We still say “Mmm” and “Yumm” a lot, as if it was the first time.

Basic Recipe

We prepare enough for two of us, so that equals a full blender. (We use a Vita-Mix, but any blender works fine.) We drink enough to get full — about 3 glasses — it’s a full meal. That’s probably about 30 to 36 ounces each. It goes down easy and lasts for several hours. There is no energy crash after an energy spike like what occurs with sugary foods. The energy provided by this superfood smoothie is noticeable and steady.

· Basic Ingredient #1: The liquid base is Rice Dream, which is made out of brown rice. It’s available at health food stores, and now many grocery stores too. We get it at Wal-Mart when we can find it. It comes in a blue and white carton. We like to use the vanilla enriched variety for this smoothie drink. Use enough to fill about 1/3 of the blender.

· Basic Ingredient #2: Bananas — 3 large or 4 small. (This gives it the smooth texture and natural sweetness. Tip: Buy ripe ones at a discount, peel them and freeze them — frozen bananas work great in smoothies, and you’ll always have some on hand when you run out of fresh ones.)

· Basic Ingredient #3: Apples — 2 large or 4 small. (Adds to the thickness and provides good dietary fiber.) You’ve heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away — this is a good way to do it.

· Basic Ingredient #4: Green Superfood Nurtitional Product — 2 scoops. (This provides the ultra-nutrition and steady energy.) There are many brands on the market, and we like to use a particular brand for a month or two and then use a different brand for the sake of variety. Each brand has a different combination of nutrients and this “diversity” approach gives us as many different nutrients as possible. We do have a favorite that we keep coming back to — “Green Vibrance,” distributed by Vibrant Health in Canaan, CT 06018. Phone 1-800-242-1835. (Our local health food store was able to order it for us. Our friends buy it online at a discount. They found it with a google search.) Here’s some of the blurb from the label:

“25 Billion Probiotics Per Dose from 12 Strains. Certified Organic Greens, Wild Crafted Herbs, Restorative, Concentrated Superfood . . . Supporting the 4 Foundations of Health: Nutrition, Digestion, Circulation and Immunity with Additional Benefit to All Body Systems.”

There are far too many ingredients to list, but here a few to give you an idea of what’s in the fine, green powder:

Spirulina, (certified organic)
Alfalfa grass juice powder, (certified organic)
Barley grass juice powder, (certified organic)
Wheat grass juice powder, (certified organic)
Chorella, pharmaceutical grade, soft cell
Royal jelly (6% 10 HAD)
Bee pollen
Carrot juice powder
Spinach powder, freeze dried (certified organic)
Silymarin milk thistle extract, 80 % silybin
Ginko bilboa extract
Green tea standardized extract
Grape seed standardized extract
Sea Vegetable Complex (providing 231 mcg. Iodine and trace minerals)

The ingredients go on and on, in these categories:
Nutrient Dense, Healing & Support Foods
Cell Membrane and Nerve Support
High Fiber Foods & Prebiotics
Antioxidants & Circulatory Support
Adaptogens
Immune Support
Probiotic Blend
Enzyme Complex
Phyto-Minerals
Tonics
Palatability Factor (Mango powder, freeze dried — YUM)

The label says a serving size is 11.47g, and there are 60 servings per canister.
Calories: 44
Calories from fat: 7
Calories from saturated fat: 0

It comes with a small scoop.

· Basic Ingredient #5: Oil. (We use flax seed oil as a fall-back option, but our preference is “Udo’s Oil 3·6·9 Blend”). It comes in a bottle, inside a box. From the box: “The ideal 2:1:1 ratio of unrefined omega fatty acids . . . made with organic flax, sesame and sunflower seed oils. Plant-based, fish-free, omega-3. This oil contains the ideal balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids (2:1) for people who want one product that gives them all of the good fats they need, without any of the bad fats they should avoid. Every cell, tissue, gland and organ is dependent upon the presence of essential fatty acids. They are the main structural component of cell membranes and are necessary for cell growth and division . . . Udo’s oil blend is fresh-pressed in a state-of-the-art low heat, light and oxygen-free environment. It has a pleasant, nutty, buttry taste and can be added unheated to foods . . .”

· Basic Ingredient #6: Ice. (We like our smoothie cold, and a few hand-fulls of ice does the trick.)

Recipe Variations

One reason why we love this superfood smoothie so much is because it is so versatile. We enjoy making it different each time just for the sake of variety. Here are some of the variations we enjoy:

Instead of apples, try pears.
Add ¼ cantaloupe.
Try blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. (Fresh is best but frozen works.)
Grapes are good. (Tip: buy loose ones at a discount and freeze them.)
Mangos and papayas make it a tropical delight.

Improvise

There are no rules. Experiment with the recipe until you find your own favorites. We have lots and we keep finding new combinations that are scrumptious — even after 30 years of variations.

Not Just for Breakfast

When we are performing, after the gig, we are often hungry. Before bed is not a good time for a regular meal, although many musicians eat late. Sometimes, we have a small smoothie after the show. It’s satisfying and not heavy on the stomach.

How about lunch in a thermos? Make the smoothie the night before and put it in a portable container. Enjoy it at lunchtime in the middle of your workday. This superfood smoothie is convenient, fast, and will provide you with steady energy throughout the day without the mid-afternoon slump.

How it Looks

If you are new to green superfood, this may take a while to get used to. (Or it may not.) The color is . . . well, it’s green. No matter what you add to the basic recipe, the smoothie comes out green. (The superfood — ingredient #4 is a fine, dense, green powder.) If you use blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or other berries, the green turns into an ugly brownish green — but it still tastes amazing!)

How it Tastes

Great! If you mix it like I recommend with the rice milk, bananas, apples, your other favorite fruits, and the oil, you’re bound to find some fabulous combinations.

How it Feels

Fantastic! Especially when I’m really hungry in the morning, it’s fun to take the first sip, close my eyes, and monitor what’s going on deep inside. It’s almost like I can hear the actual cells of my body celebrating the excellence. They are throwing a party because the nutrition is so complete and so readily available. Sometimes, I can actually feel the energy cruising through my veins. To say you feel your tummy smiling is an understatement. It goes down easy and is very satisfying.

Pass It On

Through the years, we have introduced our suprfood smoothie to dozens of people, but this is the first time I’ve ever written it down.

Whenever we introduce it to someone new, the routine is always the same. Visiting guests will eye our mysterious mugs full of green smoothie with suspicion. The adventurous ones will agree to try a sip. They usually say something like, “That’s GOOD,” as if they expected it to taste like pond scum just because that’s what it looks like. Another sip and they usually ask for their own glass. Then, I’m off to the kitchen to make another blender full.

Once you get past the color, there is no looking back — you will likely enjoy it for years to come, just as we have . . . and your body will thank you for treating it to such exceptional nutrition. Bon apetit.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the song samples below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

Miracle in Disguise Synchronicity is such a positive and hopeful idea, it begs the question, "Why not actively look for it and even expect it, as long as it feels good?" http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor11 Take the Plunge Their advice is "for your own good", but the last thing you need to hear is their worst-case scenario. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor11 Fill o’ the Fair This carnival of life is so rich and diverse, let’s squeeze every bit of happiness, joy, and delight as possible out of every single day. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor14 Celebrate Life Create your own personal celebration of life by your choices, rather than allowing life to be something that merely happens to you, or around you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor2 Songs by Tupelo
Is Food Your Medicine or Poison? Food is not what it used to be. In the relatively recent past, food was universally recognized as the fruits and nuts that grow on trees, the vegetables that grow out of the soil, plus some fish and game. If you were to take a ride in a time machine and show our ancestors what we eat today, they would recognize very little of it. For the most part, it’s over-packaged, over-processed, over-rated and under-nourishing. Every day, we choose our future health and vitality by what we choose to put in our mouths. Three times a day we have the opportunity to act upon our resolve to experience optimum health and vitality . . . at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bon appetit. Finally the Truth About Diet – The China Study Review Finally, here’s an authoritative diet and nutrition book based on hard science and exhaustive research. This revealing book is written by one of the world’s most respected authorities in the field of nutrition. In his own words, he has been “in the system for almost fifty years, at the very highest levels, designing and directing large research projects, deciding which research gets funded and translating massive amounts of scientific data into national expert panel reports.” There is so much useful information in this book, I consider it one of the most important books I have ever read and give it my highest recommendation. Change your diet and change the quality of your life. Take Time for You Don’t put yourself at the end of the list. You deserve to be first, at least some of the time. Don’t let your entire life slip by with everything else (and everyone else) getting preferential treatment over your most important priorities. Their needs are important, but yours are important too. Celebrate life by taking time for YOU! Articles by Tupelo

Do your intentions fall short? Do your new year’s resolutions fizzle out year after year?

Do your plans for weight loss and fitness crash and burn in a pile of potato chip crumbs?

Why is it so difficult to follow through and accomplish what you set out to do? Usually, there is one important missing ingredient: personal discipline.

For most of us, the idea of discipline is an external force — it’s something that comes from the outside. For instance, we discipline our children. Most of us are familiar with discipline as a verb (something we do to someone else), but we’re not so familiar with the concept as a noun (something we cultivate from within and apply to ourselves).

“Nothing of importance is ever achieved without discipline. I feel myself sometimes not wholly in sympathy with some modern educational theorists, because I think that they underestimate the part that discipline plays. But the discipline you have in your life should be one determined by your own desires and your own needs, not put upon you by society or authority.” – Bertrand Russel (1872-1970)

Personal discipline is not a common attribute these days, especially in the west. For many, any remnants of personal discipline have been smothered by arrogance, a false sense of invincibility, and the attitude of entitlement. This short-sighted, bloated approach is the expectation that all things should come to you from the outside. Personal discipline is a balanced approach that recognizes that all things come from deep inside. Discipline works from the inside out.

What is Discipline?

Although rare, it’s not a complicated idea. Here’s a simplified look at the concept of personal discipline:

Discipline is a decision made for yourself, based upon the best information available at the time. The information is compelling enough so you recognize that a change in your behavior will enhance the quality of your life. The facts and the prospect of a better life are sufficient to inspire you to make a promise to yourself. Then, personal discipline is simply your moment-to-moment choices that allow you to keep your promise to yourself.

“Your mental attitude is something you can control outright and you must use self-discipline until you create a Positive Mental Attitude — your mental attitude attracts to you everything that makes you what you are.” – Napolean Hill

Weight Loss and Fitness

Here’s an example almost everyone can relate to: Most all of us have fantasized about being slimmer, more fit and healthier. For many, that’s as far as it goes. (But it’s a good start because fantasy is where all fantastic stuff comes from.) Most of us really don’t have the facts or the know-how to follow up on such a vague mental image as “being slimmer, more fit and healthier.” The reason these things rarely materialize for most of us that we are missing one or more key ingredient of personal discipline. Let’s take it step by step.

1. Get the facts. Motivate yourself by saturating yourself with pertinent information. This step provides you with compelling reasons WHY. As an example, thirty years ago when I quit smoking, I went to the library and spent a few hours with medical journals looking at pictures of terminal patients with lung cancer. I left there with very graphic, very compelling reasons WHY to quit smoking. I was motivated. I didn’t wait for those reasons to come to me. I knew how powerful they would be, so I went out and found them. This is the proactive approach to jump-starting motivation and personal discipline. (Back to the example of weight loss and fitness, see previous article, “Finally the Truth About Diet and Nutrition — The China Study Review.” This book will help provide you with compelling reasons WHY.)

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn

2. Once you know why, it’s easier to make a good decision. In this example, the decision is to lose weight and be more fit. The reason why is because it will enhance the quality of your life. Spell it out to yourself in specifics, like this:

Being trim and fit will give me more energy. It will make me healthier, and my immune system will be stronger, so I am not susceptible to diseases. The quality of my life will be enhanced, as well as the quantity. Fact: healthy, fit people live longer than unhealthy fat ones. If these reasons are not compelling enough to inspire you, dig a little deeper. Try these:

I choose to be thinner so I look and feel sexier. If you are male, an improved diet can help with virility (or lack thereof) and put the problem of erectile dysfunction to bed without drugs. Get the facts — not the pharmaceutical industry’s propaganda, but study the hard science until you get a clear understanding of how nutrition affects bodily functions. (Again, refer to the previous article, “Finally the Truth About Diet — The China Study Review.” Read the review, and then read the book.)

Whatever motivates you, learn as much as you can to provide yourself with compelling reasons to follow through on your resolve.

If this still isn’t enough, maybe you have some personal image issues that are getting in the way of getting fit, just for yourself. If you can’t seem to do it for yourself, do it for those who love you. These are the same people who will be taking care of you if you don’t do it. Can you do it for them? Does that motivate you?

For example, the protein casein found in dairy foods has been scientifically linked to prostate cancer, as well as other cancers and other nasty diseases. Especially if you have a history or genetic links to any of these conditions, can you motivate yourself to quit putting that stuff in your mouth, for the sake of friends and family? Can you do it for your spouse?

If you get the facts and understand that something is literally killing you prematurely and that ignoring it can make your spouse an early widow or widower, can you squeeze a little personal motivation from that?

If you can’t motivate yourself for you, try this: Do it for those who love you. Your lack of discipline could result in you early demise . . . how long do you want to make them miss you?

3. With these first two steps in place, now you can make a promise to yourself. The objective is to saturate yourself with enough facts and resulting motivation so that you can keep your promise to yourself.

It Gets Easier

Before we actually get around to taking action, our imaginations run wild with terrifying scenarios about how difficult it will be to give up things in our diet. Instead, play the substitution game. Don’t allow yourself to feel deprived. This is all about enhancing your life — not about deprivation. Look for healthy and exciting alternatives. Broaden your horizons to include new things in your diet that you may have never tried otherwise.

Rejoice in the diversity. Feel gratitude for the information that allows you to enhance the quality of your life. And enjoy your new-found dedication to personal discipline and the enhanced self-image and vitality that comes with it. It’s worth the effort.

If you feel yourself beginning to slip by dwelling on a fleeting desire for something you know is not in alignment with the promise you made to yourself, stop. Give it a moment. See that it’s just a mental habit or possibly a physical addiction. It’s not supporting your new image of yourself.

Trust Your Feelings

If you give in to it, how will that make you feel? Is that how you want to feel? Your feelings will give you fool-proof feedback about whether or not any urge is in alignment with your deepest desires. (See previous article, “How Do You Feel — About Inner Guidance.”)

Does your target mental image look fit, slim and energetic? Any craving that flits across your mind that is not in alignment with your target mental image will pass, if you will just give it a little time. Train yourself to wait. When you get a craving, don’t act upon it immediately. Give yourself the benefit of the buffer of time. Every time you demonstrate the upper hand on cravings, it becomes easier the next time.

If you took the time to do step 2 thoroughly, your desire for fitness will be stronger than any fleeting urge to put something undesirable in your mouth. Just because it may be tasty or because you are used to it will no longer be good enough.

Ladies, is a moment on your lips worth a lifetime on your hips? Gentlemen, is a moment in your mutt worth a lifetime on your gut?

You’ve got to want your target more than you want any momentary indulgence. You do that by dwelling on step 2 — why.

If all the usual reasons are not compelling enough to inspire you to take action in sync with your desired objective, play your trump card: If you’re having trouble doing it for yourself, can you do it for those who love you? They will be the ones taking care of you if you break your promise to yourself. They will be your survivors. Can you follow the tips in this article and brush up on your self-discipline skills for their sake?

They’re counting on you. Now, count on yourself!

“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves…self-discipline with all of them came first.” – Harry S. Truman (1884-1972)

The example in this article is primarily weight loss and fitness, but these three steps of discipline can be applied to all areas of your life. You can cultivate personal discipline to:

· Stop talking too much and listen more.
· Quit lashing out at your kids or spouse.
· Be kind and courteous — even to jerks.
· Be cheerful.
· Turn off the news and allow yourself to gravitate to a better attitude.
· Quit being judgmental.
· Take 3 deep breaths before you respond to a potentially volatile situation.

“Without discipline, there’s no life at all.” – Katharine Houghton Hepburn (b. 1909)

Self Discipline in 3 Steps Review:

1. Saturate yourself with the facts — lots of facts.
2. Make the decision of what you want — spell it out clearly in great detail.
3. Make a promise to yourself, and keep it.

While reading, did you choose to hear the relaxing instrumental music linked at the beginning of this article? To learn more about it, click here.

Listen FREE to the song samples below . . . chosen to enhance the ideas in this article.

	Trash Our Treasures People seem to have a history of awarding seemingly insignificant details with places of prominence in our lives, while ignoring or even destroying the most important aspects. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescX.html#Anchor2 Time of Our Lives Time is so fleeting, so elusive, it’s good to remember the importance and power of living right now. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor7 Take the Plunge Their advice is "for your own good", but the last thing you need to hear is their worst-case scenario. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHere.html#Anchor11 Celebrate Life Create your own personal celebration of life by your choices, rather than allowing life to be something that merely happens to you, or around you. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor2 Bubba on the Barbie This is a tongue-in-cheek look at the popular American tradition of the backyard barbeque. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHTu.html#Anchor11 Clean Plate Yodel A vivid childhood memory of the first time I saw people singing and playing music and making people laugh from the stage. At the time, I didn’t know any better and thought, "Hey, that looks like a good job. I wanna do that when I grow up." Well, I never did grow up, just older, and I still don’t know any better. And yes, it is a great job! http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHTu.html#Anchor7 Fill o’ the Fair This carnival of life is so rich and diverse, let’s squeeze every bit of happiness, joy, and delight as possible out of every single day. http://www.somemusicmatters.com/DescHB.html#Anchor14 Songs by Tupelo
Finally the Truth About Diet – The China Study Review Finally, here’s an authoritative diet and nutrition book based on hard science and exhaustive research. This revealing book is written by one of the world’s most respected authorities in the field of nutrition. In his own words, he has been “in the system for almost fifty years, at the very highest levels, designing and directing large research projects, deciding which research gets funded and translating massive amounts of scientific data into national expert panel reports.” There is so much useful information in this book, I consider it one of the most important books I have ever read and give it my highest recommendation. Change your diet and change the quality of your life. Is Food Your Medicine or Poison? Food is not what it used to be. In the relatively recent past, food was universally recognized as the fruits and nuts that grow on trees, the vegetables that grow out of the soil, plus some fish and game. If you were to take a ride in a time machine and show our ancestors what we eat today, they would recognize very little of it. For the most part, it’s over-packaged, over-processed, over-rated and under-nourishing. Every day, we choose our future health and vitality by what we choose to put in our mouths. Three times a day we have the opportunity to act upon our resolve to experience optimum health and vitality . . . at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bon appetit. How Do You Feel – About Inner Guidance? Is it a hunch? Is it a voice in your head? Is it something you feel? Don’t confuse what you feel with who you are. Once you are able to access this awareness of pure being and identify yourself with it, you won’t get carried away by whatever emotional cloud happens to be passing by. Celebrate life through one of the more subtle forms of communication available to us – inner guidance. Enhance Your Self-Image on Purpose Here are twelve common sense reminders on how to inspire yourself. The word “inspire” derives from root words that mean “in spirit” or “spirit within.” Although there’s always another step to take, these points are a natural result of recognizing and identifying with this realization of who we really are. Persistence and Perseverance for Winners – Losers Just Quit Giving up is easy. Most people make a habit of giving up. In fact, they make a life of it Persistence through a solution-oriented attitude is for visionaries, dreamers and other winners who refuse to take “no” for a final answer. Integrity Through Self-Reliance When you live your life as if the whisperings from your soul really matter, you are living life in your own way, on your own terms, based on your own realizations on what is right . . . what is good . . . and what is true for you. You are tuned into your own station. The signal you are receiving and the message you are broadcasting with the story of your life are both on the same frequency. You are joyfully and gratefully choosing your favorites from the buffet of life. How to Keep Your Word This article is a poignant reminder of the power of your word. Celebrate life by honoring your word . . . and therefore the people with whom you interact. Being Present through Sensuality The idea is to occasionally turn off the senses in order to better tune into the aliveness that lies beyond them. The realization that there is something beyond the world of the five senses can provide an “aha” experience, especially at first. With the senses turned off (or even turned down), there remains a vibrant sense of aliveness – the world of feeling and the realm of being. The Trouble with TV Does TV enhance our life experience or get in the way of living our lives? Celebrate life with this refreshing perspective on the boob tube. Articles by Tupelo