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| beauty |
Someone recently asked me: what is your secret
to being so positive? Simply put, it is one word. Meditation. Meditation has
provided me with many benefits. If I ever have difficulty falling asleep, in my
mind I do a body scan starting from the top of my head working my way down to
my toes. I relax each muscle, and by the time I get to my toes I am in
dreamland.
Don't you agree that joy is a
state of mind which is completely in our power to achieve? We all want that,
don’t we? And it is entirely possible to attain. It costs nothing and the
rewards are great. I believe that. I
also believe that happiness and contentment come from within us. And that it
matters very little what our external circumstances are.
Most people view me as a positive
person, a resilient person and, on the whole I am. Having said that, it is not always
easy for me. Regardless, I make a
concerted effort to be positive and cheerful. We frequently don't see the challenges that
other people are dealing with. We only see things on the surface and we make
judgments on what little we know. I prefer not to reveal my inner struggles
because I really don't see them as overcoming anything big. I recognise that we
all have struggles and some of us deal with them differently. At the same time, I don't hide my true
feelings. It is a balance of treading carefully between maintaining my privacy
and revealing too much information. The
truth is that my fierce independence is what sometimes gets me into trouble at
the end of the day. And it is also the very same trait that make me who I
am.
My intention is to inspire
others, and if my story helps, I will reveal enough to help. I have read
numerous stories of people's challenges that have inspired me lately. I am
especially drawn to those people who defy odds by improving some challenge in their
situation through innovation and experimentation -- people who see challenges as
something to defy. People relate to you
more deeply when you are authentic. Indeed, I am a person that sees the glass
half-full. I avoid complaining about anything I can't do anything about. My
belief is that everything has a positive and negative and we choose how we see
it. Although, I must admit it is easier when you have unconditional support of
your hubby and son who have ensured I have had what I needed within reach. I also acknowledge it can be frustrating for
those who help because I keep doing things on my own which could result in a
setback if I harmed myself. The balance I have to take is to be mindful of my
strengths and weakness and to only do things for myself when it is safe.
Still, l am sometimes reluctant to
take advantage of their kindness and help.
Being raised in a large family with
ten brothers taught me there are things that girls are not as good at as boys. That
said I didn't let that belief limit me. However, this does not mean that I don’t
acknowledge there are things I am unable to do. But I still push myself to do the
things that I fear. Fear has never held me back. Instead, it motivates me.
I recently had a physical setback,
injuring my knee, and I have some fear still about weight bearing on my injured
leg, which I am working on. But I am cognizant that in order for it to heal I
must put weight on it, to build up the muscles, but only when it is safe. I had no choice but to depend on others for
help after my injury. However, asking for help is something that does not come naturally
to me. It would have been ideal if I had family nearby, but I don't. My
injury left me housebound, during the coldest part of winter. Unable to drive,
I had to stay put. Fortunately, for me I have books, and my meditation to keep
me sane. (Not to mention CNN and the
endless saga of Trump world!)
Years ago, while at University I
discovered meditation. After a few months, I realized the practice actually energized
me. But it also gave me something more valuable
than that. It gave me an understanding
of myself. For the most part it had to do with conditioning. It is a balance
between every action and reaction. I delved deeper into meditation theory. And
by doing to discovered more of myself.
Once, when my heart was beating
too fast the examining doctor said: “Do you know how to mediate?” “Yes, I do” I
responded. I was surprised to be asked that question by an MD. OK do it for 10 to 20 minutes. I
did and it slowed down my heart. it was those very words that resonated
with me, and I knew I was being treated by the right physician, one who aligned
with my philosophy.
I began to notice that regular meditation
helped me to get control of my emotions years ago. And I attained
contentment and a level of happiness through meditation. I developed a morning
ritual early on in my practice. Today
was no different. When I wake I listen
to something uplifting and innovative for inspiration. Today’s subject was the brain, an area of very
great interest to me in the past year. The podcast was an interview with
neuroscientists Dr. James R. Doty MD. On his new book Into The Magic Shop, about his quest to uncover the mysteries of the
brain and the secrets of the heart, the pathway he took is through meditation.
His book takes the reader into the practical application of harnessing the
heart through cultivating compassion and love through meditation.
Today, I had a massage scheduled,
so I did my meditation half an hour before my massage therapist arrived. When she arrived, I was already in a
completely relaxed state. I got onto the
massage table and positioned myself before she entered the room. I never know
if I should completely disrobe, today I decided I would. I remembered my first
massage at a sports club at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. My masseur
handed me a small towel and told me to completely disrobe, I said “completely?”
He said, “yes of course, you came for massage, didn't you?” He explained that it
is better that way. If I kept my
underclothes on, he said it would be awkward and the massage would not go
smoothly, as he had to massage around my clothing. It
made sense to me. So, I took off everything, and it was the best deep sports massage
I ever had. However, having a massage in privacy of my home, and in the
intimacy of my bedroom is different than in the public place. I am
never certain of the etiquette or protocol. Lyne is a professional and
easy-going, so I asked her at our first session what she preferred. She said, I
should be comfortable, and relaxed, so it was up to me. It is essential that both she and I be
comfortable for the massage.
Today's massage was different
than our previous sessions, because she had to be cautious around my injured
knee. The music she picked was a slow methodical beat, and her hands kept to the
slow rhythm. This suited me fine since I was still in the zone after my
meditation and it kept me present.
I was mindful of her touch, as
her hands glided over my skin, slowly. I realized that she was being mindful as
well to avoid my injury and the music helped her remain in the present. When
your mind is clear, and your body is relaxed, and you are mindful of the
sensation you relax even deeper.
I was like a wet noodle.
Completely relaxed, as she repositioned my limbs, to access specific muscles, And
I totally surrendered to her and allowed her to move them. There is a trust
that is developed between the massage therapists and client.
Having regular massages is a gift
I give myself, not only because of the physical benefits but it also has
emotional and psychological benefits.
We should not shy away from gifting
ourselves these indulgences if they make us happy. Achieving happiness and joy
in your life requires dedication and ritual. There are tons of studies
attesting to the benefits of meditation. If you don't have time for a complete
massage, give your feet a relaxing soaking bath in lavender or herbs and rub oil
on them, while doing some deep breathing exercises. Pamper yourself.
Create your own happiness. Surround
yourself with like-minded people, be positive, know that no matter how cloudy
it is the sun is always shining above the clouds. And, know too that everything
changes the bad will not last. People are at their core really goodhearted. I
meditate because it helps me respond to my environment rather than react to it.
I highly recommend Into the Magic Shop
by Dr. James Doty. It is worth the read. Meditation can help you change your
story.
Change your story, and you can change
your life in a good way.
