being – Spark The Flame

What is the Answer?

I don’t even know the question.

I know I’m constantly looking for something.

Whatever it is, it’s not going to be found outside.

Even if I’m looking for human interaction / connection, the answer undoubtedly lies in me, or should I say ‘truths’ in me.

In a way, that’s a good thing.

It’s always there. Even if lost, it’s still with me.

Part of it has to do with needing. Needing / feeding from someone…it’s ultimately the direction or path, is through yourself. But, not the ego / character, more so, that door is found inside.

Maybe the reflections on the outside, which is all reflection, helps point us to that door, that way. And by ‘way,’ I mean honor, focus, source.

I don’t think you, nor I, are exclusively the source, but if you are unsatisfied with the outside, consider looking inside.

I am honored to have been asked to give a presentation to a class of working professional master’s students. The theme is: being healthy. These are the general notes I put together for the presentation.

What are your values?

In other words, what are your priorities?
- We can only maintain a few priorities at the very top
- Find your values, and stick to that
  - You are being who you want to be
Self-discovery takes a lifetime

What happens when you live your values?

You feel good about yourself
You feel more meaning and fulfillment
You forgive yourself and others more
You are more willing to do the hard work
You channel more positive energy
You help the world

A more healthier you is a more healthier world

We are all connected; we are all One; we are all part of the same whole
When you hurt yourself you hurt others, and vice versa
When you are doing the best for yourself, you are doing the best for others
Your state of being impacts everyone, everywhere, every single moment, near and far

Stay Present

The Present is a gift, that’s why they call it the Present
Honor your gift of being here
How do you honor it?
- By living fully. Live the moment as deeply as possible
- The moment is a miracle

Mindfulness

You have to be aware of yourself, of your mind, of your emotions
- Emotion regulation; equanimity – healthily manage your emotions
- Being aware of your thoughts allows you to stop negative thinking in the moment
Positive thinking leads to healthy life and positive results
How do we increase mindfulness?
- One way is meditation….

Meditation and breathing

It’s all about the breath
- Always focus on your breath
- Slow breath in
- Just as slow, breathe out
- Breathe into the bottom of your stomach (the diaphragm)
  - Diaphragm breathing is calming
  - Chest breathing is for fight-or-flight
Feel the breath fill every part of your body. Be physically present
Do not judge your thoughts, let them go
Always come back to the breath
There are many types of meditation. This is based on the zen way (zazen)

Benefits of meditation

Eventually adds pauses between thoughts
More present
More centered. Accessing answers that are inside of you
Observing the thoughts, instead of identifying with them
You are not your mind
When you can “catch” yourself thinking, you can better direct your thoughts

The practice of meditation

Meditation is a practice, not a perfect
Commit to 2 minutes every single day!
- Practicing every day creates geometric growth like compounding interest in a retirement savings
Good talk therapy is a fantastic compliment to meditation
- Meditation and therapy will illuminate each other

General wellness tips

Keep your connections with loved ones strong.
- This helps to give you meaning
Meditate every day, for at least 2 minutes. Every single day
If there is something in your life that you know needs a change, make the change.
This has a ripple effect on other parts of your life
Show Life that you have the courage and commitment for growth and Life will respond to you with rewards and more opportunities
Turn off all screens at least 1 hour before going to bed
Do NOT look at your cell phone in the middle of the night
Do not look at the cell phone when first waking up
Use blue-light blocking lenses
- Reduces eye strain
Detach from social media
Give yourself breaks from external stimuli
- Your subconscious needs space and time to process things
Balance mind, body and spirit
- They each affect the other
Get out into nature
- Nature is a fantastic teacher of wisdom
Consider allowing things to happen, instead of forcing them happen
Don’t burn out! You are no good to anyone if you burn out.
Burnout often is permanent. Once you burn out you may be completely done with this industry
Maintain health and balance. You cannot continue a sprint indefinitely. You must go at a pace you can keep.
Have compassion for yourself and others. This reduces the chance of burnout
Sleep
- Learn your sleep cycles
Start the day in calmness
Start and end the day by thinking about what you are grateful for.
Keep a journal and / or a dream journal
- Journaling helps you understand your subconscious
Replace whatever you are drinking with water
Don’t skip meals
Eat your last meal early, so there is time to digest before going to bed
- You will feel lighter in the morning
Chew completely. Your stomach doesn’t have teeth
- Eat in peace. Eating is a spiritual practice.
Treat people like humans.