We are living in a world where we are pressed to deliver value all the time. It doesn’t really makes a difference if you are the CEO of a successful company or if you are the CEO of your household; if your budget involves three or four zeroes or one. We are all in the same boat. Trying to get the most out of this limited years we have to live life, trying to leave a legacy, a positive foot imprint here and now.
Over the years I Â have learned and practiced a few rituals that helped me to achieve my goals. It is still a work in progress; but, I figure it would be fun to share what I do on a daily basis to squeeze the best juice out of my life.
First of all I believe in starting the day strong. The first hour of the day is the most important; it gives direction to what is going to be my attitude towards the rest of day’s unfolding series of events. It is important to create a routine to follow each day so we don’t spend time thinking about what to do.
1- Have a clean whole foods breakfast. Ideally a green smoothie. With lots of water. (I share my green smoothie recipe below)
2- Tame the monkey mind. (The Buddha described the human mind as being filled with drunken monkeys, jumping around, screeching, chattering, carrying on endlessly. We all have monkey minds, Buddha said, with dozens of monkeys all clamoring for attention). Meditation is a wonderful way to quiet the voices of fear, anxiety, worry and other negative emotions. Meditate every day for five minutes if you don’t have more than that amount of time. (Meditation technique at the end of post)
3-Exercise for at least forty minutes at least three times a week. Forty minute is what our heart needs to get pumped up and moving the blood around the whole body. Jog, dance, practice yoga, swim, bike, walk the dog…whatever rocks your boat. Just do it!
I am going to stop here for today. I know these are very simple principles to start your day with; however, it takes a lot of practice to make them a solid, unmoved, must have part of your life. I highly encourage you to give them a fare chance and try them; you will notice the difference in your life right away.
“An ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory!” Swami Sivananda
The only way to live a happy, fulfilled and meaningful life is to practice healthy behaviors, positive life affirming thoughts and challenging ourselves outside our comfort zone. Don’t take yourself too seriously; if you fall off the wagon, just lovingly and gently put yourself back into it. Laugh a lot! Practice until this routine becomes second nature and you cannot start your day without.
Green smoothie recipe:
Blender
plant-based protein 1 scoop
frozen fruits 1 cup
spotty banana 1
dates 3
spirulina powder 1 teaspoon
maca root powder 1 teaspoon
chia seeds 3 teaspoons
kale 3 leaves (dinosaur kind)
water 20 oz
Meditation technique:
In this meditation you will be using the flame of a single candle as the object of your meditation. Before you begin you may want to contemplate what candlelight represents to you. For what the candlelight represents to you will become seed thoughts for your meditation.
For example you may want to contemplate on this:
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the light of the candle with not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared”. — Buddha
Or, if this is too much or too complicated , just try thinking “peace” “love” “health” “compassion” whatever is the idea that you want to focus on.
To start meditating choose a quiet place where you can sit comfortably for 20 – 30 minutes without distractions, then light your candle. I met a very successful business man in the past whom used to lock himself in his closet to meditate. It was the only way he thought he could find quiet time for himself. Hey! Whatever it takes!
As you sit comfortably with an erect spine and eyes focused on the flame, to settle your body start focusing your attention to the flame and your breathing pattern.
You can also try tensing and then releasing the muscles from your toes to your head until they become relaxed and still.
Keep on follow your breath as you gaze into the candle flame. During meditation your business is simple awareness, nothing else. No two experiences will be the same. Distracting thoughts will arise but you will not “hook” to them and follow them. Instead you will gently direct your focus back to the candle flame and following your breath.
When your mediation comes to an end rest for 3 or 4 minutes before rising. This transition time is important so do not return to daily activity suddenly, after meditating.
Note:
Regular practice of meditation will enhance your capacity to limit the production and influence of distracting thoughts. The monkey mind is tamed at last!
Thank you for reading!!!!
Natalia 🙂
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Practice practice practice!