what’s making your life better right now? wade in!
Posted on August 24th, 2011
I’m going to put it out there. What technique or course or mantra or philosophy or book or practice or sport or “thing” are you engaging in that’s taking you closer to you, making life richer and deeper, facilitating a deeper connection to what matters?
Photo via Urban Outfitters
For, to my mind, that’s what making life better is about: bringing us closer to…us, each other, the source.
And that’s what life is about. We have this human experience so that we can grow through betterment. Life is the playing field.
Let’s get a list, a compendium, going! I’d love to see what we all come up with.
‘Born to be free’ by jac o’keefe
My brother who is Buddhist, introduced me to this because it had a great impact on him. It too has done the same for me
http://www.jackieokeeffe.com/index.html
“In understanding that healing leads only to temporary wholeness, O’Keeffe sought that which was never broken, never hurt or damaged. Beyond memories, beyond thoughts and feelings, then what are we and what does it mean to be human ? O’Keeffe realized the Self on succumbing to the natural state which is within us all, and IS us all. Joy and happiness are ever present and are awaiting your attention once distractions of the mind are set aside.
Born to be Free skillfully leads the reader to the state of stillness, harmony and peace. That which is absolute and accessible to all – the truth – is clearly explained. The reader is invited to that which is beyond concepts, which can be intuitively understood to be the truth that underpins all. Learn to unravel the mystery of who you are and, in doing so, a surrendering to the true nature of total happiness, freedom and uninterrupted peace will take place.”
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August 24th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Sian……this is wonderful….. remember, the people around you are an image of you, you see them as you are & really that’s not that scary after all, keep it up. Love Mathew
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1. The internet – wealth of information at my fingertips on every subject that tickles my fancy. Currently I am learning all about natural therapy and healthy eating to prevent disease. Previously I was learning about Permaculture.
2. My boyfriend – we have the same goal, to live simply off the land so we bounce off each other with ideas and links online.
3. Books about the subjects that interest me most. I need to get paid to read!
4. Marijuana. When I feel anxious, I smoke a little bit and things make sense again. Natural therapy, no Valium!
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August 24th, 2011 at 10:05 am
Ha! You should go to Byron. More weed than Willie Nelson’s garage. And with lips like that, you could suck back a few cones I reckon.
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August 24th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Hey, you know I think it is wholly un-necessary to bring this sort of thing as well as unsavoury suggestive comments onto this blog. That’s great if you want to smoke dope and be “cool” in ‘Byron’ but its a bit off. I think Byron Bay has a bit more to offer than that. Can you save it for face book or something, please
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Do you know Sarah? It’s your blog! You are inspiring me to live a much more wholesome and meaningful life!
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August 24th, 2011 at 10:06 am
And buy ridiculous glasses! Nice!
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August 24th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Hey Tim, how about we see your photo so we can pick it to bits!
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August 24th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Mia, lighten up. It’s fairly obvious I was joking. For a start, those glasses don’t actually have any glass, so that makes them pretty ridiculous right? And you may of noticed the Nice! comment. The glasses are cool. I have green ones.
August 24th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
And your comment to the other person about her lips?
August 24th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
What?? Is there something wrong with big lips? You’re a muppet.
After seven months of working at home by myself, having a desk again and being surrounded by people who are interested in what I’m doing. Even though it’s the same stuff I’m working on as before. It’s the being around people that makes it so much better.
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The practices that I use almost daily are:
Gratitude – just focusing on what I am thankful for in life
Brainwave stimulation audios – I like the Equisync ones because they’re only 20 mins long so easy to fit into busy days (http://www.eocinstitute.org/?Click=32926)
Mind Movies/Affirmation Audios – esp those by Wendy Speigner (http://youtu.be/EHCBzTyJ5go)
Mike Dooley’s Notes From the Universe (http://www.tut.com/theclub/)
And whenever possible, lying on the grass in the sunshine, smiling
Great idea by the way, good to read what others find helpful. Thank you.
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Metta meditation (loving kindness )
- I like the Buddhist approach of self acceptance and love and then extending it out to those we love, those we are neutral towards and even those we find difficult. The positive wishes are then sent out to all living things.
Can’t get more inclusive or closer to the source than that!
I wrote about it here -
http://sweetlittlealicebluegown.blogspot.com/2011/08/meditation-moment.html
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August 24th, 2011 at 10:48 am
I’ll second the Metta meditation. Daily practice for me cultivates happiness and balance in my life and I am a better person for it.
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Surfing means a great deal to me on so many levels, particularly spiritually. It keeps me grounded and in touch with something far greater than the puny-ness of our physical existence. It feels even more valuable now that I am a Mother of two. It’s my saviour.
I also swear by MamaBake, it gives me online and in real life community and connection to others by sharing a chore shoulder to shoulder with my MamaSisters, during a time which would otherwise be socially isolating. It’s also leaving an incredible legacy to our children by demonstrating the power of community in action, and for me there’s nothing more meaningful than that.
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Hi Sarah
Exploring ways to live in harmony with our earth. I’m looking into how to live more sustainably, at home and out and about. I’ve committed to eating real food only (slow food), consuming less, and doing the stuff i love to do without hurting our beautiful planet. I’m writing it all down with plenty of tips for those also interested at my blog site http://econest.blogspot.com. It’s making me more aware of my surroundings. Making me more in touch with the planet.
And I’m loving reading your blog!
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August 24th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
And it’s making you more intouch with other people, I love it!!
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Hi Sarah!
What’s working for me is a combination of the following:
1) Allowing myself to get creative and sink my teeth into some hands-on projects. I’ve recently become inspired by a lot of DIY blogs, so I’ve been scouting op shops for some cheap finds, renovating them and turning them into something unique! I’m a “scanner” so I started an idea book to record all my thoughts and inspirations, and a project book to chronicle the process and record the finished product! I feel fresh, inspired, and it helps to have something constructive and interesting to keep my mind occupied.
2) Cutting down my sugar intake. I have gone from inhaling a block of chocolate a day plus a sweet morning tea and dessert to having a glass of wine with my evening meal and that’s it! I have so much more clarity and am far less moody and irritable.
3) Affirmations. Whenever I feel upset, insecure, jealous, anxious or nervous I find the nearest mirror and say “I love you. You are beautiful, and you are enough as you are.” The first time I tried I couldn’t get the words out and burst into tears, but now I feel like I am acceptable and I am much happier with myself, my face, my body and mind.
4) Weekly sessions with my N.E.T. chirpractor to clear all the negative emotions stored in my body.
After 6 months of a pretty deep, depressive melancholy I am now feeling better than i have in ten years!
It’s all about finding who you are and what works for you and being ok with that.
Thanks for helping through your blog. I love the way you take so many different solutions and inspirations from so many different places and theories and amalgamate them all to make them work for you. That is also how I operate and it makes me feel much more normal and much less like I have to stick to “one thing”.
You’re a gem.
xoxo
xx
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August 24th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
How awesome is N.E.T????????
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August 25th, 2011 at 11:28 am
Seriously. Phenomenal. I try and explain it to people but they think it sounds too “voodoo”. It blows my mind every time because it all just makes so much sense!
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August 25th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
I know I find it so hard to explain and I feel like such a fool!
Are you in Syd? If so where do you go?
Trying to find a good one is Byron- I wonder if Sarah knows?
August 25th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
I know, seriously! But all I care about is that it works =)
Nope I’m in Melbourne.
My practitioner is very well connected though, he’s constantly off at seminars overseas and such. I can ask him if he knows of anyone good in your are when I see him next week if you like?
August 29th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
O it’s OK, it was for my sister but she has found a great guy in QLD so she will just trek it to him!
August 27th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Stellaaaaar, I’d love some SYdney recommendations please!
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August 29th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Matt Bourke in Mona Vale is absolutely amazing!
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August 29th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Did you come across a Byron one, Erin?
Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way – her Morning Pages transform and Marianne Williamson. Reading blogs like yours helps too.
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We re-joined the rock climbing gym last week. My husband and I met there 6 years ago, and then when we got married and my kids got busier, we stopped going and let our membership lapse. We are really loving the time together and I am reminded of why I loved rock climbing from the first time – it makes you be in the present moment to solve a problem, focus on technique, push yourself past the limits you think you have. It’s physical and spiritual at the same time for me, a lot like yoga.
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I swear by watching the sun as it is setting… (when I get the chance) I walk up to the highest point, or up to the beach front and catch the last 15 minutes before the sun sets.. staring directly at the sun as it is setting it meant to clear you pineal gland and really just maks you feel great! The best way to finish your day & a really relaxing practice
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I broke my neck and back in a car accident nearly three years ago, and within the first week of lying in bed unable to move I realized unless I took control of my mind, my injuries and long recovery would get me down, so I started without fail every single evening when I turned out my light to count on my fingers 10 things in my life I was grateful for…. they could be absolutely anything… watching a butterfly in flight… my dog… anything…. 3 years later I still do this every single evening, it keeps me in a place of being truly grateful for the little things in life rather than getting bogged down emotionally by the small insignificant things. My life is good… I am happy and healthy, and I’ve just started my own business. I’ve recently included a range of stunning wooden bangles that remind us of this simplicity. I sell a 4 pack of small wooden bangles which are hand carved and say: ‘Be Grateful, Be You, Be True, Republic of You’… my others say ‘Life is Short. Be Bold’ and ‘Go Against the Grain. Be You’. Good can come out of everything in life if your mind is in the right place. BLESS. Nicoletta
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August 24th, 2011 at 11:31 am
Nicoletta, I’m so sorry about your accident but your story is truly inspiring. I’m so happy that things turned out well for you and that you are happy and in a good place. I love the “10 things” idea xx
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August 24th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
I agree with Ananda. I’m in awe. Thank for the inspiration!
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August 28th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Blessings Nicoletta, you spirit is beautiful.
I totally agree with the power of gratitude. I also fall asleep thinking of things I am grateful for. The other time I focus on thinking of things I am grateful for is whenever I start to feel stressed or overwhelmed with things to do. I find it very effective for helping me to relax and feel positive and joyful. Life is all about the perspective we choose.
daily meditation and having spent a whole weekend in Melbourne recently at the I can do it conference hearing Louise Hay and her authors talk about how you think and what you say influences everything. Thoughts become action. I am noticing how much better I feel – it does take effort but i know its worth it. I also bought her Louise Hay’s new book where she talks about how she lives her life with affirmations – she is a living example of how they can work – 85 years old with the energy of a 20 year old.
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Sarah, thanks to you, I completed the transcendental meditation course with Tim in Paddington a month ago and it is hands down the best thing I have ever done for myself. It really is a gift that keeps on giving – allowing you to connect with ‘the source’ and with a deeper part of your consiousness (where all the good stuff is hiding!) twice a day. My days just keep getting better. Sincerest thanks to you for so generously sharing your discoveries with us. xx
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As a busy mum of 3 teenagers i have rediscovered the bliss of being ALONE. I make time every day just to be alone. Having some alone time gives me a chance to reconnect with myself. I often hear of friends/people wanting to reconnect or catch up with each other so it got me thinking that maybe i need to reconnect or catch up with myself.
Loving your blog Sarah and already series linked “eat yourself sexy”, can’t wait to watch it.
xx
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Just curious, did you find it difficult to cut down your sugar intake? I’m a complete addict, i feel like a sweet fix after every meal. However, I exercise a lot and eat so well with all other meals so I’m starting to think I should stop inhaling the white stuff.
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August 24th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Zoe it’s not that bad. I was the same. I even needed a Milo after my eggs in the morning! I’ve been 7 weeks off sugar (even fruit, just to start with) and I feel incredible. I’m a young, healthy person – I gave up sugar for health reasons, not to lose weight or anything like that. It’s life changing! I absolutely urge you to do it. The cravings are nothing compared to how great you’ll feel. Don’t spend any more time wondering – you will experience a better version of yourself within a couple of weeks!! It’s easy – it just needs planning. Support helps too. And Stevia! Good luck.
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August 28th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
I’ve always eaten a low-sugar diet but when I got pregnant I had problems with Candida and had to go virtually sugar-free (ie fruit-free, grain-free, milk-free – was obviously already alcohol-free) for my pregnancy (bubs is due any day now – yay). So agree, it is amazing how great I’ve felt, how much I’ve observed about my body. And my skin has been completely clear for the whole time (I have struggled with acne for over 20 years!). You’re right though, it does take a bit more planning and working out what to eat instead. I found stevia helpful too, and I also found that for me eating plenty of natural, unprocessed fats kept me completely satisfied and generally free of sugar cravings. The hardest part I found was family shared meals, but I dealt with it by taking something to share that I really liked and could safely eat. Oh, and here in NZ Red Seal make a naturally sweet licorice tea called Black Adder which I have whenever I feel like a sweet taste.
I’m going to continue with the same extremely low-sugar diet permanently now because I feel (and look) so good on it. Vibrant
The recipes I use are all on http://www.vanillasoul.co.nz
Best wishes
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The Louise Hay book! I bought if after reading your blog and it’s really inspiring and challenging me.
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My art classes – it’s nourishes me in several ways. I am able to immerse myself in one of my passions, learning through dedication and experience. Also meeting likeminded people who are both on my wavelength and different enough to expand my mind, and to help each other grow.
Mindfulness of everything I consume – whether it is media, movies, conversations, thoughts, food, personal products, these are all going into my mind, body, and spirit. I try to be more aware if something has a false message, negativity, greed, anger, ignorance, poison, chemicals, preservatives, and how this will affect me as a whole. Everything I take in affects me personally and then it affects what I say and do and contribute back to the world. I try to think about how I can be mindful of sifting through the noise of the world and only choosing to have positive relationships, productive thoughts and actions, whole foods, honesty and truth (whether happy or sad – no glossing over for convenience), humility, respect, justice, simplicity.
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I count my blessings…
but God never gave me enough fingers!
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August 24th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Awww…
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Spring cleaning – nothing like standing back and basking in freshness.
Starting piano lessons after 10 years – music is a beautiful friend I had forgotten.
Taking long walks in winter and letting the cold wind seep into my skin.
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Simplicity, running, my gorgeous friends.
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Hi Sarah, I just read another full page interview about your new show in the Herald-Sun tv section today. Must say, I do love how polite you are with your ‘oh my’ or ‘gosh no’ replies. I can imagine the whole Wilson clan sitting around a table chatting this way! Very cute
And will you watch the show tonight? If so, by yourself or with friends?
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I just started a Qi Gong class and it’s doing amazing things for my energy. I feel ‘realigned’ somehow and like my centre is solid again. Also, it forces me to meditate. Qi Gong is full-body meditation! Highly recommend it. xx
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At the moment I am researching into understanding ourselves & our environment by opening up my mind to possibilities beyond our reasoning process, in our current state of mind, we can only believe in possibilities to the extent of our reasoning process, if we can’t find reason it seems it can’t exist even after scientific proof……this of course is foopa!!
I have found a site that’s given this to me to some extent; http://s8int.com/index.html.
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1. Living wholeheartedly… Brene Brown’s mantra. I love it. I think she really gets to the crux of why we are disconnected and unhappy. It all makes sense!
2. Writing everyday. And publishing a blog post everyday. You have written about the power of everyday Sarah and while I always believed you, I never really experienced it for myself until now. It’s more purposeful living.
Actually writing this list made me realise that some of the things I am “getting into” are not enriching or meaningful or uplifting at all. That has to change…
Thank you Sarah. xx
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Hey Sarah,
I have been following your blog for a while and it’s been a source of inspiration for me. Lately, I have been reading about Buddhism and I can say that it has really changed my perspective in life. I am more content, at peace with myself and can genuinely connect with others. I also practise Bikram yoga. So to sum it up, Buddhism, Bikram yoga and your blog has made my better and sweeter
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August 24th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
You’re not half on the right path are you Sara, as long as your open minded to other people’s views & understanding you can’t go wrong, can you?
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At the moment I am feeling my way around solitude… learning how to love myself again after a big relationship ending, which also meant the loss of most of my friends and family and the place I lived, in addition to loss of partner. Which has been quite a shock! Realising how much I compromised myself to keep it all (not just the person, but the family and community) has made me determined to learn how to be alone again. Figure out who I am. Learn to love myself and my own company again. It’s one of the hardest things I have ever done, and also the most rewarding.
Courses, I have taken up pole dancing, purely because it is silly and frivolous and funny! I was doing Bikram (which IS amazing) but I found all that seriousness weighed me down.
Philosophy, would be that its ok to take your time – which I stole off one of your post titles Sarah! I wrote it on a pink Post-It note and stuck it in the front of my Filofax to remind me.
Practise – Walking at dawn and then home for loungeroom yoga and meditation.
Sport – Scuba diving!! Last weekend I got to sit on teh sea bed at the back of a shipwreck and watch as hundreds of fish (at least 10 different species) swam in and out, chased each other, fed on things, hid and played. It was magic. Seahorses were the best bit.
I am loving some of the other answers here.
For the most part (bar a few tiffs) you have a very enlightened audience Sarah!
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August 24th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Although I’m sure you go back and forth (or up and down…) sounds like youre in a really good place – good on you. x
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Oh – juicy question!
– Life coaching with Tara Sophia Mohr (http://www.taramohr.com/) earlier this year
– Started a yoga practice recently – so much fun – I had no idea!
– I meditate at least 20 minutes every day.
– I started a ritual every night, where I light half a stick of incense and honor the day that just passed (whether it was “good” or “bad”), this moment, myself and all life. I felt a little silly doing this at first, but it has really woken me up – forcing me to realize that there are only so many days. Sobering.
<3
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August 24th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Every day on earth is a blessing Robin, good or bad, life’s what YOU & I make of it!!
Love Mathew
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1. Yoga – getting on the mat never fails to enrich every single part of my life,
2. Brene Brown’s awesome book The Gift of Imperfections (thank you Sarah for sharing this),
3. Cutting back -on the wrong food choices, sugar, wine, spending, wanting,
4. Having more – green food, time for my husband and kids and compassion.
Thanks as always for sharing. Ax
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1. A playlist of peppy music. Who can’t feel great after dancing around the house for an hour.
2. Brene Brown’s ecourse “Ordinary Courage”. Brilliant and thanks so much, Sarah, as I would never have found her without your blog
3. Visual diary of pictures, quotes, doodles…anything that makes me smile.
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Blogs like yours definitely! I always have to make sure I keep on reading, exploring and learning to keep improving my life and being grateful for what I have. I also use:
• meditations – Louise Hay’s “Love your Body” is one of my fave’s to listen to any time and also her Morning and Evening Guided meditation. I also love kirtan meditation with a group of people and chanting yoga mantras.
• yoga – I’ve only just started but I can feel a huge difference. I feel grounded and more in tune with my body. I love watching Tara Stiles dvds and youtube videos, she’s really funny and easy to watch. Also learning about yoga philosophy and asking my teacher questions about it keeps its importance in the front of my mind.
• affirmations – I wake up and say “Hello beautiful, I love you just as you are. There are new and exciting adventures coming our way today
” and when I start doubting myself I say “I am a beautiful, confident woman and people love me for who I am and how I look”
• reading books and mags – I always keep a stash by my bedside including…Miranda Kerr’s ‘Treasure Yourself’ is really beautiful and sweet. I also love reading through the Bhagavad Gita, The Secret/The Power, The Art of Happiness (by Dalai Lama), You can Heal your Life by Louise Hay, Well-being Australia magazine, Natural Health magazine.
• events/conferences – I always try to go along to healthy body image events and conferences on self growth and other motivational speakers. Webinars are great when you cant make it to the real thing.
• watching inspiring films and biographies – The Secret – Rhonda Byrne, You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay.. and biographies on people who have lead inspiring lives always uplifts me and makes me grateful for my own life and to see struggles as a way to grow.
• blogs – Miranda Kerr’s KORA Organics is full of everything I want to read – (http://www.koraorganics.com/blog/), Tiny Buddha, Abundance Tapestry, Zen Habits, Yoga Journal, Dream Builders Australia and of course Sarah Wilson’s
• audios and podcasts – Whenever I’m walking or driving to work or need to fill in time at an appointment, I listen to audiobooks and podcasts by Abraham Hicks, Louise Hay, Yoga Journal, The Secret, Tara Stiles or anything else I stumble up on to do with meditation, philosophy, yoga, spirituality and self growth.
xxx can’t wait for your show to start!
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Reiki and attunements, changed my life forever.
Abraham Hicks
Meditation
Yoga
Taking myself on a date every now and then
Journalling
Baths!
Learning to become my own best friend.
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August 24th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Where do you take yourself on dates? That sounds fantastic! Like artist dates?
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August 25th, 2011 at 9:10 am
Hi MIa, I usually go to movies. I love going to films with others but there’s also something really soothing about going alone and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone to do it! I also go to exhibitions. Again, love going with a friend to dissect the art but when you go alone, its a whole new experience, no need to keep up with or slow down for them, you go at your own pace. I guess it becomes meditative. Sometimes I take myself out for lunch or even just make myself a really nice meal at home and make a night of it, this is usually when my flatmate goes out so I can enjoy the house to myself! But yes, the idea came from the “artist’s date”, in Julia Cameron’s book.
HI Mat, on the contrary, for me there is nothing less lonely than to feel you are your own besty and can be content with or without people around. I adore a good dinner party or going to a bar with some girlfriends but if I am not feeling good in my own company, I tend to feel alone…esp when other people are around. It’s not for everyone, spending time alone, just depends on the person. I have a nice small circle of friends and there’s always room for more but I have always felt at ease going solo. I just ended a relationship too and feeling a bit lost so that’s where the impetus comes in to start feeling good on my own again! And those solo dates, as well as dates with mates, helps!
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August 24th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Becoming your best friend sounds lonely but you are so right in this, how could you truly be someone else’s best friend before being your own; it’s like learning to love yourself first to be able to love others, it really doesn’t work the opposite way!!! Love Mat
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Reading the posts and blog on this site every day is something I always look forward to. It does make my life better connecting with something that is so positive. I don’t do facebook, twitter or an social networking thing. I have an email but thats it. I like this as it makes my life instantly simple. Every post you write, Sarah like so many other people I can relate to either fully or in some degree. You really are a beacon for me.
Writing to my friends, family and loved ones. I write at least five letters a week. It makes me feel close to people and I do it without expecting anything in return. People LOVE letters or any kind of mail that isnt bills or something that makes them feel bad.
Reading about the Spiritual Path. I have recently purchased books about the past Saints and Seers of India. Makes me feel more connected than anything, pretty much.
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August 24th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Well Miss Jodi, I think you’re on the right path, personally….. It really doesn’t matter what you do as long as it gives you a good feeling about yourself & it’s not at someone else’s expense……life can be a bitch if YOU allow it to be but we won’t let that happen, will we!!!!! Lots of love from Mathew
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I have just completed a course in transcendental meditation… and it has changed everything. Everything…
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Prayer. I feel off and not myself if I miss it for a few days. I’m praying a novena at the moment about a family member I’m really worried about and it has given me such peace.
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August 24th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
I agree a saying a Novena really does give hope and that gives some peace.
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1) My mantra: “Act despite the fear.” I think I wake-up every day feeling terrified in some way but then I feel totally exhilirated when facing things I’ve always been scared to do. I’ve faced a lot of things lately that I’ve been wanting to do for some time and I couldn’t be prouder of myself.
2) Positive Affirmations about Myself. Reminding myself what good I bring to the world, why I’m here and how lucky I am for all the amazing goodness the world brings me.
3) Riding the wave. You can’t predict the future and I’ve learnt to embrace the unknown. The anticipation excites me.
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August 24th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
No one’s ever alone in whatever t journey they take, it only seems like that sometimes, whatever you’re going through it’s happened before……. life’s really what you make of it, truly.
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Oh! I just thought of something else I do to get connected with me. Playing Eddie Vedder and Bruce Springsteen songs on my mandolin : D love it
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Sarah, just looking at your EYS promo/photos. How airbrushed are they? I have seen you IRL and know you have lots of freckles & a few wrinkles around the eyes, yet you look perfect.
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Many concepts that have been mentioned (meditation, Buddhist philosophies) also help me to grow and evolve. And like many others, being grateful has become a big part of my life. In regards to the biggest thing that assists me on my journey is being grateful for the seemingly negative things that happen in life. When I am having a crisis, feeling flat, anxious or feel I have been treated unfairly, I try to give thanks.
I didn’t understand this until I experienced a really rough patch in my life (of which I could see no good would come from). This situation and circumstance lead me directly to some of the most amazing opportunities and encounters. I am now so grateful for what I went through because if I had not, those opportunities would not have presented. I also know that when I am uncomfortable- I have an opportunity to grow- so I am grateful. I guess to some it up is this quote I read once (in relation to prayer)
“I used to say please. Now i say thank you”
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August 25th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Hmmm .. very nice !
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love! and, quite simply, putting it out there. not being afraid to. it’s exhilarating.
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August 25th, 2011 at 8:12 am
Real love makes life a pleasurable experience!!!
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“Happiness Project” Gretchen Rubin – working through the book at the moment. Funny and thought provoking!!
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PURE LOVE: Try meditating on pure love, it freaks you out or try to feel that you’re in a glowing bubble of pure love & slowly relax with that feeling.
If you still can’t feel the love pulsating through you, you are letting too many negative vibrations into your life, try doing the bubble exercise for 10min a day you will eventually get there. Rid yourself of negative vibrations!!!
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What turned my life around initially was NLP. It totally switched my mindset and got me started on a wonderful life-long journey of personal development and learning many amazing tools and techniques which I now use to help others with.
Love: releasing emotions, icky beliefs and trauma from the past through whatever means works for you, yoga, affirmations, journalling, artist dates, gratitude, forgiving yourself, meditation, sending love out into the world with every breath. Being authentically, congruently and un-apologetically yourself in every moment.
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Whilst I engage in a myriad of things, the things that are making a huge impact in my life at the moment are my yoga teacher training, juice fasting and aiming to be a vegan. Two techniques which I find INCREDIBLY powerful (and I’ve tried a lot of stuff!) are The Work by Byron Katie (man – that’s mind blowing) and The Sedona Method. Very, very powerful modalities to change your life and thinking.
Bless. x
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Mirror work, it may sound strange, however it works wonders. Looking right into my eyes in the mirror, while saying positive affirmations, forgiving people, saying things I want to say to others. It seems to connect me what what is real and what’s important for my highest good.
I ran a 10 week workshop a while back and recommended doing mirror work daily. Only a few of the participant’s took up the challenge. It was really interesting to see the difference between those who practiced it daily and those who resisted. Many who used it, said it made a huge positive effect on their self-confidence and the way they felt about themselves.
It’s also a brilliant way to notice negative messages or beliefs that we weren’t aware of, because while we are in the moment we notice, ego or that skeptical voice that is afraid of change.
This is a daily practice for me and it makes me feel fantastic.
If you decide to try it, it might feel weird at first, don’t be tempted to pick out your flaws, go straight to your eyes and look for your reflection in your pupil, connect and then say a positive comment.
I’ve been told lots that I have amazing eyes, that they seem to shine, I put it down to using a mirror in a positive way
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Playing with a child, any child will do. Even getting one on the train to catch my eye and then play a slient game of peek-a-boo with them. Their outlook on the world is so impartial and inspiring.
Have a 30 minute conversation with a talkative 4 year old. That’s when I learn the most, the questions they ask, why, well why indead?? and of course….why not!!
So much is put into perspective when you look at the world from their point of view. Who cares if you don’t have a promotion, travel plans are cancelled or things aren’t going right.
Their world is as simple as the day that they are living in right now and the best thing about their day might just be playing with YOU.
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LOVE!! Change, releasing the past, bouncing with energy in the morning because after a long healing journey I know who I am and I am visible
raptitude.com – David’s post on fear turns the concept upside down and as a result has changed every choice I make in my life for the better. Absolutely beautiful.
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I have a little “I love…” book in which I write simple things I love in life – “an avenue of trees”; “picnics”; “Just enough red wine”; “the smell of a bakery early in the morning”, just to name a few. I add to it whenever I think of something that makes me feel good. And re-reading through it from time to time helps to make me feel good too. It really makes me appreciate life.
I had a bit of epiphany thanks to my little “I love…” book some time ago. I had struggled with becoming a mother for the first time and had been feeling empty because so much of my life had changed. I eventually (probably months too late!) looked in my book and realised that the things that I truly love in my life weren’t too out of grasp at all. The things that really make me happy were almost all still achievable.
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Kundalini yoga – hands down the best thing. They call it the yoga of awareness. I started it a year ago and now i do a daily practice. It is mind, body, spirit yoga. love it and i even do it on the beach some days which makes it extra special. It is gentle but dynamic, each class is different, there are mantras, mediations and sets of exercises. It is the most supportive community I have encountered. I have never followed a daily discipline and I am following this one. The guy who brought it to the west Yogi Bhajan says give one tenth of your day to your practice and it gives back to you for the rest of the day. I have never felt more centred and happy no matter how good or bad the day is.
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- books. glorious books. wonderful stories. challenging ideas. different ways of seeing…
- people. meaningful, passionate, silly conversations with friends – old and new. surrounding myself with people who enrich my experience of life.
- culture. art. theatre. music. witnessing others express themselves – hearing, seeing, feeling how they see the world.
- laughter. lots of laughter.
- being open to experience (esp the ‘new friends’ bit above can be challenging after years of hibernation)
- being kind to my body – whether through heart-racing activity or quiet time for myself.
- and every now and then … stopping, breathing and connecting with my body, my thoughts, my little speck of life in the universe.
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The work of Brene Brown. Light bulb moment! Thank you SO much Sarah for introducing me to her. I went from your blog to TED talk to her blog to the Ordinary Courage course to her books and it has been a revelation. Such heartfelt, compassionate and soulful stuff, it’s really changing the way I see….so again, Thank-you!
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Mindfulness – it has changed my life!
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I’ve just moved to Dublin! My life feels like a movie right now!
I’m also doing lots of writing and meditating, which helps me be mindful and grateful for how far I’ve come.
I’m doing the long distance thing with my partner, who I miss dearly, so speaking to him and sending emails also makes me happy right now.
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Kinesiology! It taught me that every reaction is just that… a reaction! I no longer judge myself for being angry, sad, feeling a victim… instead I look at those emotions and can know WHY I feel that way.. therefore I can work through them. It connects me back to me.
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I do something called Sukyo Mahikari which helps me feel more positive,calm and energised. It has a healing aspect,promotes organic living and helps one understand the universal principles which govern our lives. It has certainly helped my life,
Cheers to All,
Trevor
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My daily yoga and meditation practice has helped me in so many amazing ways. I have found a sense of inner peace and happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances. I have cultivated and nurtured my body/mind connection and my connection with spirit. Also, buddhist and taoist philosophy, especially Wayne Dyers’ “Change your thoughts, change your life.” AMAZING book. Please check it out. I am also loving green smoothies and a vegan diet.
Light and love to you!
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August 27th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
I related to your above email in every way Laura. Yoga and meditation performed on a daily basis has such profound benefits it literally can change your life as does Wayne Dyers book as well. Coming from a business corporate background, i struggled with a number of the verses that he interepeted in relating it to the modern world. However i have perservered with reading and reflecting on what he says and it is finally starting to resonate with me. The verses on Ego, attachment, striving, obscurity and accumulating particularly good…..Amazing!!!
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How about being a part of a community? I really love that I live somewhere where I know my neighbours, my local shopkeepers, and send my kids to the local school. It’s great to be able to walk everywhere and know I will pass many people I know on the way.
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I made a contract with myself to break out of all the bad habits I’ve formed that always set me up to be hurt. I talk to myself, dance around my room, write in my journal, sit by the harbour and let all the worries in my head get washed out to sea.
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For me it’s Anusara Yoga. Anusara Yoga philosophy talks about opening to grace … it’s really true that once you open to something bigger than yourself and step into the flow of nature, life is sweeter. While the ups and downs of life still happen, I find myself far less reactive.
My tiny little veranda vegetable garden is also bringing me closer to me. By tending to it each morning before I go to work, I’ve created some space in my life. It’s also taught me to experiment without being afraid of failure, to get my hands dirty and to have patience.
And … your blog!
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1. Practising a martial art called aikido
2. Studying & practising shiatsu
3. Working on being more mindful every day
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