Have you heard?!
An incredible time in history is upon us.
As of December 21, 2012, we have experienced a shift from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius. Whether you're a yogi or not, the widespread thoughts and proposed significance pertaining to a shift like this, which occurs only once every 2,150 years, are pretty interesting. The more I've been learning about the shift, the more thrilled and motivated I've become. Finally, we have moved from an age marked by money, power and control to one full of love, unity, brotherhood and integrity. While we should be thankful for the influential events that happened in the Age of Pisces, such as the rise of religion and the Industrial Revolution, we should also look forward to the possibilities and focuses of the Age of Aquarius. This new age is anticipated to bring growth and healing to our increasingly abused and damaged environment, unity and comradery amongst those who have previously found no common ground, and a universal shift of mentality to more open and positive thinking. If you ask me, that's pretty freaking sweet... and it's about damn time!
Since the start of a new year is fast approaching as well, this is an extra special opportunity to reflect, re-balance, and reach for a more prosperous path to move forward. Here are 5 things I'm doing to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity...
1. Journal
Spending time writing down your thoughts and reflections can be very powerful. Whether you write 2 sentences or 200 pages, what matters is getting out what's on your mind and making room for positive new experiences. Think of writing in a journal as an opportunity to say all the things you've needed to say, but just couldn't for whatever reason. Although most of us have friends and family we can vent to, there's always something we haven't been able to say out loud to anyone. Your journal is your most trusted friend and wants nothing more than to be your venting buddy!
2. Meditate & Breathe
Yes, you breathe all day to stay alive, but few of us actually just sit and BREATHE! If you're familiar with meditating, set some time aside to do just that! If you're not familiar with meditating... no, it's not this scary stupid thing that you shouldn't try. It's actually the exact opposite! You'll be shocked by what (even just) 5 minutes of sitting down with your eyes closed and focusing only on your breathing can do. Find a quiet spot (or put in headphones to drown out the kids in the background), close your eyes and breathe...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
If thoughts or to-do list items enter your mind, acknowledge that you're having that thought and allow it to pass - refocus on your breathing...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
3. Set Clear Goals
Make a list of the goals you want to accomplish and make them very clear. This process can be done any way you choose that is most effective for yourself. For me, I start with the general/big picture goals because those are what I instantly think of. Then, I spend time to make them more specific. Sometimes, making my goals clear is easy and I know how to go about doing so. Other times, I have to sit on it a few days.
General Goal: "Take better care of my teeth"
Make It Clear: "Floss once a day (everyday) in addition to brushing morning & night"
4. Discard Excess Baggage
Excess baggage can and probably is an assortment of things, ranging from unhealthy relationships (romantic and otherwise) to disputes and drama. This is the time to clear the air and move forward. If you've had that one friend forever, but they always let you down and don't add anything positive to your life, do yourself a favor and discard it. Be honest too. There's nothing more respectful than saying, "Every time we make plans, you bail, and it makes me upset and hurt. I don't want to feel that way anymore. I love and appreciate the friendship we've had, but it's time for me to move forward." Or, maybe it's the boyfriend or girlfriend you've been putting up with for way too long. Stop settling for anything less than you deserve. Right now.
Yes, cutting ties and discarding excess baggage can be very challenging and painful at times, but it's a necessary step for making yourself a priority and moving in the right direction. During one of my recent encounters with this, I was not surprisingly met with hostility and angry words. I kindly held my position and expressed that my well being, happiness and feelings are my priority. A few weeks later I received an apology that explained the hostility and angry words were simply a product of sadness and disagreement. The feelings I had expressed were not reciprocated, but my needs were understood and my honesty was respected. In the end, the situation was no more dramatic or earth shattering than I originally expressed... my well being, happiness and feelings are my priority... and now, I must move forward.
5. Address Unresolved Issues
More often than not, we have unresolved issues.... mommy issues, daddy issues, sibling issues, general family issues, past relationship/ex issues, weight issues, work issues, substance abuse issues, traumatic experience issues and the list goes on and on. Ever since I acknowledged that I am a product of my past and I must respond accordingly, I've been able to address my unresolved issues in a way like never before. No one is telling you to "be a man" and forget about it - Not at all. What I AM telling you though, is to reflect and address it as best as possible... process what happened, how it made you feel then and now, how you act or behave as a result, how you can work towards overcoming it and growing stronger, why it's important to you and why it has had the impact is has. One of my biggest personal accomplishments has been reflecting about my relationship with my dad and how it's translated into the way I approach men and romance. With these realizations and acceptances at the forefront of my mind, I'm more prepared for future encounters and controlling my personal behaviors that I don't particularly favor. As a result, I feel stronger, more at peace and excited about what my unknown future may bring.
Your time is here.
Your moment is now.
Take it and thrive!
An incredible time in history is upon us.
As of December 21, 2012, we have experienced a shift from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius. Whether you're a yogi or not, the widespread thoughts and proposed significance pertaining to a shift like this, which occurs only once every 2,150 years, are pretty interesting. The more I've been learning about the shift, the more thrilled and motivated I've become. Finally, we have moved from an age marked by money, power and control to one full of love, unity, brotherhood and integrity. While we should be thankful for the influential events that happened in the Age of Pisces, such as the rise of religion and the Industrial Revolution, we should also look forward to the possibilities and focuses of the Age of Aquarius. This new age is anticipated to bring growth and healing to our increasingly abused and damaged environment, unity and comradery amongst those who have previously found no common ground, and a universal shift of mentality to more open and positive thinking. If you ask me, that's pretty freaking sweet... and it's about damn time!
Since the start of a new year is fast approaching as well, this is an extra special opportunity to reflect, re-balance, and reach for a more prosperous path to move forward. Here are 5 things I'm doing to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity...
1. Journal
Spending time writing down your thoughts and reflections can be very powerful. Whether you write 2 sentences or 200 pages, what matters is getting out what's on your mind and making room for positive new experiences. Think of writing in a journal as an opportunity to say all the things you've needed to say, but just couldn't for whatever reason. Although most of us have friends and family we can vent to, there's always something we haven't been able to say out loud to anyone. Your journal is your most trusted friend and wants nothing more than to be your venting buddy!
2. Meditate & Breathe
Yes, you breathe all day to stay alive, but few of us actually just sit and BREATHE! If you're familiar with meditating, set some time aside to do just that! If you're not familiar with meditating... no, it's not this scary stupid thing that you shouldn't try. It's actually the exact opposite! You'll be shocked by what (even just) 5 minutes of sitting down with your eyes closed and focusing only on your breathing can do. Find a quiet spot (or put in headphones to drown out the kids in the background), close your eyes and breathe...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
If thoughts or to-do list items enter your mind, acknowledge that you're having that thought and allow it to pass - refocus on your breathing...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
inhale, 2, 3, 4.... exhale, 2, 3, 4...
3. Set Clear Goals
Make a list of the goals you want to accomplish and make them very clear. This process can be done any way you choose that is most effective for yourself. For me, I start with the general/big picture goals because those are what I instantly think of. Then, I spend time to make them more specific. Sometimes, making my goals clear is easy and I know how to go about doing so. Other times, I have to sit on it a few days.
General Goal: "Take better care of my teeth"
Make It Clear: "Floss once a day (everyday) in addition to brushing morning & night"
4. Discard Excess Baggage
Excess baggage can and probably is an assortment of things, ranging from unhealthy relationships (romantic and otherwise) to disputes and drama. This is the time to clear the air and move forward. If you've had that one friend forever, but they always let you down and don't add anything positive to your life, do yourself a favor and discard it. Be honest too. There's nothing more respectful than saying, "Every time we make plans, you bail, and it makes me upset and hurt. I don't want to feel that way anymore. I love and appreciate the friendship we've had, but it's time for me to move forward." Or, maybe it's the boyfriend or girlfriend you've been putting up with for way too long. Stop settling for anything less than you deserve. Right now.
Yes, cutting ties and discarding excess baggage can be very challenging and painful at times, but it's a necessary step for making yourself a priority and moving in the right direction. During one of my recent encounters with this, I was not surprisingly met with hostility and angry words. I kindly held my position and expressed that my well being, happiness and feelings are my priority. A few weeks later I received an apology that explained the hostility and angry words were simply a product of sadness and disagreement. The feelings I had expressed were not reciprocated, but my needs were understood and my honesty was respected. In the end, the situation was no more dramatic or earth shattering than I originally expressed... my well being, happiness and feelings are my priority... and now, I must move forward.
5. Address Unresolved Issues
More often than not, we have unresolved issues.... mommy issues, daddy issues, sibling issues, general family issues, past relationship/ex issues, weight issues, work issues, substance abuse issues, traumatic experience issues and the list goes on and on. Ever since I acknowledged that I am a product of my past and I must respond accordingly, I've been able to address my unresolved issues in a way like never before. No one is telling you to "be a man" and forget about it - Not at all. What I AM telling you though, is to reflect and address it as best as possible... process what happened, how it made you feel then and now, how you act or behave as a result, how you can work towards overcoming it and growing stronger, why it's important to you and why it has had the impact is has. One of my biggest personal accomplishments has been reflecting about my relationship with my dad and how it's translated into the way I approach men and romance. With these realizations and acceptances at the forefront of my mind, I'm more prepared for future encounters and controlling my personal behaviors that I don't particularly favor. As a result, I feel stronger, more at peace and excited about what my unknown future may bring.
Your time is here.
Your moment is now.
Take it and thrive!
