" Attached ... "

“ ... I've tried and tried again to let you go

Even though you're the only have I have in this world

If you leave, what do I do?

Now what do I do? ... 

Heaven, will you let it rain?

I want to hid my tears in the rain

Because I was attached, I was foolishly attached

And even to this day, I love you ... “

*** Brown Eyed Girl ~ Attached ~ 

***

Practicing non-attachment can be liberating but it is yet another practice.  A practice when you learn to relate to your emotions differently ... understanding their impermanence.

Practicing non-attachment allows you to have the ability detangle from emotional states of aversion for the negative or wanting to extend the positive.  The emotions rise and dissolve.  There is perspective.

When you understand the true meaning of non-attachment expectations no longer rule your life ... and the emotions that arise, you have space for.  You relate to the world as it is rather than to your concepts about it.  And you are able to allow life to unfold without needing to control everything.  The sense of spaciousness and freedom felt brings a genuine contentment that starves in temporary experiences.  

And it is good to remember that non-attachment differs from detachment.  Detachment is unresponsive and removed from emotions.  Non-attachment allows us to feel the emotions but not become trapped by them.  Hence when we are non-attached, we still care but we no longer discriminate, feeling love for this person and aversion for another.  

“ ... Neither do we "detach from the body." 

We wisely realize it is not permanent 

and that it is not our true self. 

It is a temporary dwelling for this lifetime. 

But we still need to take care of it 

and treat it with respect as we try to find the balance 

between hedonism and asceticism ... “

So it really isn’t about just “letting go”, the usual cliche used in meditation and yoga classes.  Because detachment and non-attachment differ ... and when we think of letting go, we are programmed to believe that it is something to get rid of or throw out.  Rather than get rid of attachment, we can experience the non- attachment ... simply not holding on, not grasping ... ultimately, we experience PEACE.

www.walkstrong.ca

" Respond/React … "

Bring it back to Respond/React

Then bring it back to Respond/React to this

Bustin thoughts that pierce your mental

The fierce rippin your sacks and

Simple as addition and subtraction ...

Bring the international charm, see a squad I harass

REACT, you best adapt when I sling this rap ...

~ The Roots ~ Respond/React ~

***

When something happens in our life, it is hard not to act in a conditioned way.  A way in which we react out of habit.  A way in which we give up our freedom because we are not making a conscious decision.  And just how do we do this ... by reacting rather than responding.

Now there may be a slight difference between the words yet in practice there is a massive difference.  Reactions are defensive in nature ... uncomfortable, emotional, and out of control.  And these very emotions without reason drive us forward unproductively.  Responding is full of thoughtfulness and reasoning.  Responding is guided less by emotion and more by logic.

So where is the difference ... mindfulness

The easiest way to be mindful is to focus on your breath.  Maintaining balanced breathing rhythm is essential as this allows us to regain our concentration.  This breath brings awareness of our body, how we feel, where we hold pain, discomfort, tension.  With focus on our breathing, we also bring our body into a steady state which calms our systems down.  With each breathe and raised awareness, we bring ourselves into control and release tensions. We let go and become more centered in who we really are and want to be. Releasing tension returns us to our principles and calmer ways of interacting.   

With self-awareness training, we can become aware of these automatic reactions that rule our lives and earn to put conscious effort into deciding for ourselves before we act.

Our goal is to take the time to think, make a rational decision, and respond with a purpose.  Personally, meditation has given me the ability to stop reacting automatically to things in my life.  To think things through.  To give the space I need.  By giving conscious awareness of this process, I can choose my response to situations as they arise … conscious awareness ~ conscious effort ~ conscious decision ...

Between stimulus and response there is a space.  

In that space is our power to choose our response.  

In our response lies our growth and our freedom 

~ Viktor E. Frankl

" Salvation ... "

To all those people doin' lines, 

Don't do it, don't do it. 

Inject your soul with liberty, 

It's free, it's free ...

Salvation, salvation, salvation is free. 

Salvation, salvation, salvation is free. 

Ah, ah, ah, ah ...

Salvation, salvation, salvation is free. 

Salvation, salvation, salvation is free. 

Ah, ah, ah, ah ...

~ The Cranberries ~ Salvation ~

***

According to a generic definition, salvation is being saved or protected from harm or being saved or delivered from some dire situation.  In religion, it is the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences.  

What if salvation was considered as a continual process ... when one stage is complete, another is entered ... where one welcomes the Divine to teach her/him.  Teachings of love and compassion, inspiring and empower new patterns of reaction and interaction.  Teachings that involve breaking old habits of ego protection and negative behaviours.  Teachings of forgiveness.

You see most people think that “when this happens, my life will be complete, fulfilled and purposeful”.  They wait for something external to make them happy or free them from feeling fear or lack.  And this search for salvation from a state of dissatisfaction or insufficiency is perceived as a heightened sense of aliveness and psychological gratification.  The problem is that this type of satisfaction is short lived so the sense of fulfillment will once again be projected on an imaginary point away from the here and now.  An illusion of salvation in the future.

Some feel that true salvation mean life in all it fullness.  As Eckhart Tolle explains “It is to be who you are, to feel within you the good that has no opposite, the joy of Being that depends on nothing outside itself. It is felt not as a passing experience but as an abiding presence. In theistic language, it is to "know God" ― not as something outside you but as your own innermost essence. “

Salvation is not a doing but an undoing ...

Instead of looking towards a “time” where salvation will occur, living in the present is where we hold our power.  I believe to be saved is to stop supporting our illusions and to cease the fire within us of anger, attack, and guilt that has consumed our minds.  I believe salvation means we stop inventing excuses of why we are not worthy.  I believe salvation is freedom to express pure love ... freedom from suffering, freedom from fear, freedom from attachment, and freedom from lack ...

" Intentions ... "

The intent. I intend. The intentions of one will guide.

I strive to speak what I have learned 

and learn from those I see.

To step out of this life is my ambition.

To speak out and show you what I have seen ...

Stand with me and see what my eyes have seen.

Take my hand and let me show you what it is to love.

The intent. I intend. The intentions of one will guide ...

For you cannot love one until you have learned to love all.

~ We Came As Romans ~ Intentions ~

***

We get a vibe or a feeling ... we question if it is curiosity or care ... we don’t know if we should have faith or if we are being played.  True colours always prevail in the end.  As the best of intentions can just get in the way.

How so?   Just take a look at self-proclaimed motivational speakers, fitness “professionals” and religious leaders who strive to “inspire” you.  Yet their behaviour dictates otherwise and they don't practice what they preach.  Thankfully you can choose to release and move on into a more authentic environment.

So it begs to differ ... do you know what YOUR intentions are?  You see there are personal intentions and also intentions with regards to others.  I think it is best to consider your own intentions because the rest will fall into place.  Clear intentions have a way of assisting you to take greater control of your life ... and all the forces of the universe can align to have a miracle happen ... IF your intentions are pure.

Hope >>>> Possibility >>>> Actions >>>> Results

Some feel that intentions are too dream like and it is important to be realistic.  Because dreaming clouds our present reality, where we are at this moment, Here & Now.  But if you combine them ~ where we are (reality) and where we want to be (dreams and intentions) ~ we can make it happen.  And the beauty is, you don’t have to get anyone’s permission, you just have to allow yourself to receive.

Setting intentions every day is a great exercise ... as when you focus less on the unknowns and more on what you want to manifest.  An example for me is last year when I was faced with my disability claim ending, a job I didn’t want to go back to and the financial impact ... with clear and pure intentions, I put forth what I wanted, I set my intentions and made it happen.  

Freedom >>>> Flexibility >>>> Happiness

You see we are never too old to make a dream come true because when you set an intention and then act on it to demonstrate your commitment, AMAZING things occur ... Personally intention has helped me maintain composure & sanity, provided me fortitude ... and most importantly, a sense of humour.  Because sometimes you just got to have a good belly laugh and know all is well & life has, does and will go on.

You don’t need a major life goal to set intentions.  Intentions can be set on a daily basis.  I set mine in the morning when I wake up ... like to have a fun day, spend quality time with my loved ones, have a safe journey, learn something new, excel at a new song with the band, make a great presentation, be grounded .... it really can be as monumental or as simple as you want.

And I follow up with action ... demonstrating my commitment to my intention.  I acknowledge I did what I said I would ... making it clear to me and others just what I plan to do.  That not only can they can count on me but I can count on me.  So next time you set an intention, redefine what it means to be serious about your dreams ... don’t just act the part, be it.

"mean what you do, do what you say"

" Judge Not ... "

Don't you look at me so smug

And say I'm going bad

Who are you to judge me

And the life that I live?

I know that I'm not perfect

And that I don't claim to be

So before you point your fingers

Be sure your hands are clean

Judge not

Before you judge yourself

Judge not

If you're not ready for judgement-Whoa oh oh!

~ Bob Marley ~ Judge Not ~ 

***

We all do it.  Every one of us.  We tell ourselves that we don’t want to and maybe we don’t really mean to.  But we do.  We judge people ... especially when someone keeps on doing the same annoying thing day after day.  We point out their faults and therefore judge.

To promise we won’t, In practice, it is easier said than done, yet if we honestly monitor our minds, we realize how difficult or even impossible it may be to judge nothing that occurs.  

So what is it about judging that makes it so hard to let go of?

Considering that to judge, drains our energy, is debilitating and makes us tired ... why do we feel compelled to pronounce our judgement and correct the errors of the world around us?  

Perhaps conflict and judgement are connected, and our conflict with authority is the source of all our judgements.  First, consider the authority figures in our lives ... boss, parents, teachers, etc ... then determine how we feel about them.  If they express an opinion that affects us and carries some weight with us, they can be considered an authority figure.  And depending on if we respect, fear, admire, resist or resent them, directly affects how much we value their opinion.

Oh and of course, we inadvertently learn from them too.  If their opinion matters, when they judge us, we judge us.  Then we issue our proclamation, and determine the true nature of reality ... 

but is reality truly up to us?  

So we continue the cycle and ultimately we judge others because we want to.  It establishes us as superior and validates our independent authority.  Just as previously done to us.  Basically, it builds up our ego by allowing us to perceive differences.  Allowing us to maintain our place as the ultimate authority.  We evaluate to justify our own autonomy and feel we must judge against all competitors.  We play the judgement game ... but how is our rule better than others? 

Instead, prior to judging, maybe we could ask ourselves  “Am I choosing not to know him?”.  Maybe we can chose to know the true worth of others instead of perceiving wrong in them.  

Isn’t it our choice of judgement that causes our perception? 

Realize that when you judge you are trying to be the author of reality.  Judgement imprisons you by making you into something you are not.  Striving for a peaceful existence, you can live this simply by knowing who you are ... the freedom of total acceptance just as you are, as you are in reality.

" Naturally ... "

How you choose to express yourself

Its all your own and I can tell

It comes naturally, 

it comes naturally

You follow what you feel inside,

It's intuitive, you don't have to try,

It comes naturally,

It comes naturally

~ Selena Gomez ~ Naturally ~ 

***

13 months of natural living ... I have had no salt, no spices, no meat, no fish, no dairy.  I have used no hair colour, no makeup, no perfume, no nail polish, no metal jewellery.  I have had Hippocrates soup twice a day, baked potatoes twice a day, vegan meals, oodles of daily natural supplements, coffee enemas (3 to 5 times a day).  13 months of a very clean, natural, holistic lifestyle to rid the cancer and heal my body.  And, this may seem extreme and intense, and it is ... but it has to be as cancer is a serious dis-ease requiring serious treatment.  

To think everyone is going to be inspired to do the same is naive ... and the thought may be, “why should I?  I don’t have cancer?” ... But what if you lived your life in a manner that ensures you don’t have to take extreme measures one day?  What if you tried to live a clean lifestyle now?  It is possible because we don’t like dirt in our lives on all levels ... physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  

Since I have been asked several times about how to, I thought I would blog about shifting into a cleaner, natural lifestyle ....

Begin with cleaning up your addictions.  Addictions to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or gambling are the obvious ones when taken to an extreme and abused.  But what about the Internet, food, TV, work, shopping ... you will be able to identify what is your vice as addictions tend to suck up your time and resources.  They deplete of energy and make you feel unsatisfied.  Be honest with yourself and and make an effort to get rid of them.

Next try cleaning up your priorities.  These can be great but you can have too many ... we are not superheros so to feel balanced you need to make choices.  Some things have to be at the top of your list while others can be left behind for a while.  When you choose the right priorities, everything will fall in place and you will feel satisfied with the choices you make in life.

Now try cleaning up your diet.  I find a clean diet so beneficial as it brings my mind in balance with my body and soul.  Eliminate fast foods, highly processed foods, go organic!, add fresh produce (as much as possible), make your own food so you know what’s truly in it, eliminate added sugar and salt from your meals.  From experience, what I eat affects how I feel, how much energy I have and the obvious, how healthy I am. 

Next step is cleaning up your goals.  These are similar to priorities.  Manage goals in different areas of your life without sacrificing your sanity.  When your lifestyle turns into a lengthy to-do list, you will feel out of control and balance.  Right here right now ... focus on what matters most.  Set up a goal and break it down into bite-size pieces to tackle.  Re-evaluate them and make sure they are aligned with your priorities.

Remember the basic premise of a natural lifestyle is one that makes you feel like a whole person.  This includes any way of living of being that allows you to feel as if you are being nurtured and are given the freedom to grow.  Start paying attention as you know what makes you happy and feel complete within your physical body, emotional mind and sacred spirit.  The key to personal well-being lies within each of us individually ... the question is not whether we can, but how committed we are.