Can you, right now, feel good without the use of drugs, alcohol, or food? These are the common sources to change our state temporarily, however, there are other more positive ways to do this. Tony Robbins, in Awaken the Giant Within, suggests to write down a list, here's mine:
Read
Zumba
Listen to upbeat music
Talk to a friend
Take a bike ride
Browse the internet
Research next travel destination
I'm guilty of eating when I'm bored or nervous. I am learning that there are other ways to fulfill myself besides self-sabotaging myself. I notice when I am browsing the internet, planning an event or future trip, or focused on work, food doesn't enter my thoughts. Interesting. Plus, it's way more fun and fulfilling to do these activities than to overeat. What things do you enjoy doing? What can you do right now to fulfill your inner cravings?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Fake it! The Power of Movement
Have you ever noticed how you hold yourself when you are tired? Usually, shoulders are shrugged and posture is poor. Our movement and body posture plays an important role in how we feel. Anthony Robbins says in Awaken The Giant Within, that "Emotion is created by motion. Everything that we feel is the result of how we use our bodies." In other words, you can fake it till you make it just by moving your body.
The power to change your mood or emotions is in your hands. I play on a weekly kickball league. Last week I did not feel like playing. I was stressed from work and my body felt sluggish. It dawned on me that it's up to me to have fun or not. I began jumping up and down, warming my body up. Before I knew it, I was cheering my teammates on and having a great time. I changed my body movement to how I usually move when I am having fun and I ended up having fun. It was that easy.
What body movements can you do to change your mood for the better?
1. Erect posture - Feel confidence, strength, and health
2. Smile - Feel joy
3. Breathe deep - Feel peace
4. Physically skip - Feel fun
5. Laugh - Feel good, positive outlook
The power to change your mood or emotions is in your hands. I play on a weekly kickball league. Last week I did not feel like playing. I was stressed from work and my body felt sluggish. It dawned on me that it's up to me to have fun or not. I began jumping up and down, warming my body up. Before I knew it, I was cheering my teammates on and having a great time. I changed my body movement to how I usually move when I am having fun and I ended up having fun. It was that easy.
What body movements can you do to change your mood for the better?
1. Erect posture - Feel confidence, strength, and health
2. Smile - Feel joy
3. Breathe deep - Feel peace
4. Physically skip - Feel fun
5. Laugh - Feel good, positive outlook
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Positive Reinforcement
My boyfriend is notorious for not texting or calling back very quickly. Family members, friends, and myself have all picked on him for this. We just want a text or phone call back, however, this doesn't happen very often. I've nagged him about this many times. With enough nagging he does eventually text or call back for a few weeks, then he drops back into the old pattern. Anthony Robbins, in Awaken The Giant Within, states that positive reinforcement is critical if we want a new pattern to stick.
First of all, I am not giving my boyfriend positive reinforcement. No wonder it never sticks, there is no reward in me nagging him. Secondly, I give negative reinforcement by being upset with him for not getting back to me. Lastly, in order to turn this around, I need to give positive reinforcement right away. (This may sound like training a puppy but it sort of is, but it works, so why not!?!) Anthony Robbins says, "Timing is absolutely critical to effective conditioning." So, give positive comments or a reward as soon as something you like happens. This way pleasure will be associated with the act and the person will be more likely to repeat the behavior. As Robbins points out numerous times in his book, we are constantly looking for pleasure and trying to avoid pain.
What positive reinforcement can you give to yourself or others that would help patterns you desire to repeat? If you workout, reward yourself with a compliment or a pat on the back. If you resist a cookie, again, pat yourself on the back. Give positive reinforcement to every aspect of your life that you want to develop into a pattern. The goal is to have a more joyful and expansive life. We have the power to condition ourselves to the fulfilling life we desire. Give yourself a hug, a compliment, or tell yourself you love you.
First of all, I am not giving my boyfriend positive reinforcement. No wonder it never sticks, there is no reward in me nagging him. Secondly, I give negative reinforcement by being upset with him for not getting back to me. Lastly, in order to turn this around, I need to give positive reinforcement right away. (This may sound like training a puppy but it sort of is, but it works, so why not!?!) Anthony Robbins says, "Timing is absolutely critical to effective conditioning." So, give positive comments or a reward as soon as something you like happens. This way pleasure will be associated with the act and the person will be more likely to repeat the behavior. As Robbins points out numerous times in his book, we are constantly looking for pleasure and trying to avoid pain.
What positive reinforcement can you give to yourself or others that would help patterns you desire to repeat? If you workout, reward yourself with a compliment or a pat on the back. If you resist a cookie, again, pat yourself on the back. Give positive reinforcement to every aspect of your life that you want to develop into a pattern. The goal is to have a more joyful and expansive life. We have the power to condition ourselves to the fulfilling life we desire. Give yourself a hug, a compliment, or tell yourself you love you.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Taking Action
Opinions, beliefs and convictions..oh my! We take action once we become convicted. If you believe you should eat healthy but don't, you do not have a conviction. If you are convicted then you do eat healthy and possibly even work in the nutrition field. You are are convicted that health is a priority and that action needs to be taken to be healthy. What convictions do you have? You can create a conviction for any belief you have. This is a powerful tool.
Have you ever heard a vegetarian say they became one when they watched a video on how animals are treated? This video was a solid reference for action. What about seeing obese people and how it affects their movement, health and life? You can build your references to make any belief into a conviction for the betterment of your life.
What beliefs do you have that you are convicted of? Happy Memorial Day!
Have you ever heard a vegetarian say they became one when they watched a video on how animals are treated? This video was a solid reference for action. What about seeing obese people and how it affects their movement, health and life? You can build your references to make any belief into a conviction for the betterment of your life.
What beliefs do you have that you are convicted of? Happy Memorial Day!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
More Meaning Please!
What meaning do the events in your life mean to you? What beliefs do you have that have shaped how you see and interpret the world around you? Your friend may interpret a job layoff as the worst thing imaginable while another may see it as an opportunity. In Awaken The Giant Within, Anthony Robbins states that, "Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy." We have the awesome capability of seeing the world however we choose to see it.
A belief is a feeling of certainty explains Robbins. If you are certain you are sexy it's because you have backup evidence such as, "I have a great body." or "Men's heads turn to look at me when I walk by." These are how your beliefs are formed. You may have a fear of flying because of a movie you've seen or stories that you have heard, yet, flying is one of the safest ways to travel. We form our beliefs based on certain evidence we've picked up along the way.
I've been trying to reshape my body to be more toned. Except that I was basing this upon my weight on the scale. I was pretty bummed about the stand still my weight was at even though I was exercising every day. Finally, I lost 2 pounds and was so excited. My belief is that 114 pounds was too much for me while 112 made me feel so good about myself. My supporting evidence is that when I was 15 years old I was 114 and my family told me that I needed to lose weight. Therefore, this evidence became a belief based upon this number. As I was working out I was gaining muscle. So, my body was looking better, more toned, but my belief was stuck on the scale weight. How can I destroy this type of belief? What would it take to be happy with exactly where I'm at? Or will I always be looking for something different? The choice is really mine, and yours, to believe whatever the heck you want to believe.
"It's not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean." Anthony Robbins
A belief is a feeling of certainty explains Robbins. If you are certain you are sexy it's because you have backup evidence such as, "I have a great body." or "Men's heads turn to look at me when I walk by." These are how your beliefs are formed. You may have a fear of flying because of a movie you've seen or stories that you have heard, yet, flying is one of the safest ways to travel. We form our beliefs based on certain evidence we've picked up along the way.
I've been trying to reshape my body to be more toned. Except that I was basing this upon my weight on the scale. I was pretty bummed about the stand still my weight was at even though I was exercising every day. Finally, I lost 2 pounds and was so excited. My belief is that 114 pounds was too much for me while 112 made me feel so good about myself. My supporting evidence is that when I was 15 years old I was 114 and my family told me that I needed to lose weight. Therefore, this evidence became a belief based upon this number. As I was working out I was gaining muscle. So, my body was looking better, more toned, but my belief was stuck on the scale weight. How can I destroy this type of belief? What would it take to be happy with exactly where I'm at? Or will I always be looking for something different? The choice is really mine, and yours, to believe whatever the heck you want to believe.
"It's not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean." Anthony Robbins
Monday, May 2, 2011
Short Term Pain for Long Term Gain - Charissa Duskis
Do you want to lose weight or do something great with your life? Most of us do and all of us have great ideas that we haven't yet manifested. You may be driven to act based upon these dreams and goals yet find yourself too afraid or self-sabotaging yourself. In short, your short term vision is clouding your long term vision.
Anthony Robbins in, Awaken the Giant Within, explains that our motivations are directly linked with pain or pleasure. He says, "The problem is that most of us base our decisions about what to do on what's going to create pain or pleasure in the short term instead of the long term." How many times have you overeaten for the pleasure of now, instead of only eating what your body requires for energy and health? Pushing past the short term pain is what's required to reach our long term desires.
What action have you been putting off? I was beginning to gain weight because the pleasure of eating and not exercising outweighed my desire of fitting into my jeans. It wasn't until all my jeans were tight, I felt sluggish and tired did I decide the pain of weight gain was too much! I started counting calories, eating organic, healthy foods and exercising everyday. Now I feel amazing and am glad I pushed through the short term pain of exercise and discipline with my food. What short term pain are you avoiding that would bring about the long term change you desire?
Anthony Robbins in, Awaken the Giant Within, explains that our motivations are directly linked with pain or pleasure. He says, "The problem is that most of us base our decisions about what to do on what's going to create pain or pleasure in the short term instead of the long term." How many times have you overeaten for the pleasure of now, instead of only eating what your body requires for energy and health? Pushing past the short term pain is what's required to reach our long term desires.
What action have you been putting off? I was beginning to gain weight because the pleasure of eating and not exercising outweighed my desire of fitting into my jeans. It wasn't until all my jeans were tight, I felt sluggish and tired did I decide the pain of weight gain was too much! I started counting calories, eating organic, healthy foods and exercising everyday. Now I feel amazing and am glad I pushed through the short term pain of exercise and discipline with my food. What short term pain are you avoiding that would bring about the long term change you desire?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
More Pleasure Please!
"No pain, no gain!" No wonder it can be so hard to motivate ourselves. Living from this belief is only prohibiting us from living our dreams. In Awaken the Giant Within, Anthony Robbins explains that, "Everything you and I do, we do either out of our need to avoid pain or our desire to gain pleasure." Action needs to be taken, however, it is only taken when we decide that putting off whatever we are procrastinating about is too much pain to bear.
"What are some of the experiences of pain and pleasure that have shaped your life?" Anthony asks. The pain and pleasure we associate today is predicted by our past. Growing up I learned that studying hard and getting good grades was a source of pleasure. I would study almost every night for hours knowing that I would have much pleasure by being a good student. There was pain associated with all of that studying but the predicted pleasure outweighed that pain. Some other questions to ask yourself about how you associate pain and pleasure: "If you're single, do you look upon marriage wistfully as a joyous adventure with your life's mate, or do you dread it as a heavy ball and chain? As you sit down to dinner tonight, do you consume food matter-of-factually as an opportunity to refuel your body, or do you devour it as your sole source of pleasure?" questions Anthony.
I've begun to see how I am fueled by my fear of pain and my desire for pleasure. There is a trade-off of how much pain I will allow into my life for how much pleasure the payoff may be. I work out intensely every day for the pleasure of looking and feeling good. I work a 9 to 5, 5 days a week job for the money that I believe brings more pleasure into my life. When the pain of working out or working too many hours becomes too much then I stop because the payoff isn't worth it. I wonder how many other ways I'm influenced by pain and pleasure? I would love to be a motivational speaker but the pain of public speaking is too much. What if this didn't define my life and I had the choice regardless of the amount of pain? How can I reprogram the pain associated with public speaking to pleasure? In regards to food, what if you associated more pleasure by pushing your plate of food away when you know you've had enough to nourish you and associate pain with eating harmful, fattening foods?
What associations do you have with pain and pleasure? How are you motivated? What would you like to change? List a fear of yours and ask yourself how you can turn this into a pleasure. Anthony says that "The truth is that we can learn to condition our minds, bodies, and emotions to link pain or pleasure to whatever we choose. By changing what we link pain and pleasure to, we will instantly change our behaviors." Begin choosing for you!
"What are some of the experiences of pain and pleasure that have shaped your life?" Anthony asks. The pain and pleasure we associate today is predicted by our past. Growing up I learned that studying hard and getting good grades was a source of pleasure. I would study almost every night for hours knowing that I would have much pleasure by being a good student. There was pain associated with all of that studying but the predicted pleasure outweighed that pain. Some other questions to ask yourself about how you associate pain and pleasure: "If you're single, do you look upon marriage wistfully as a joyous adventure with your life's mate, or do you dread it as a heavy ball and chain? As you sit down to dinner tonight, do you consume food matter-of-factually as an opportunity to refuel your body, or do you devour it as your sole source of pleasure?" questions Anthony.
I've begun to see how I am fueled by my fear of pain and my desire for pleasure. There is a trade-off of how much pain I will allow into my life for how much pleasure the payoff may be. I work out intensely every day for the pleasure of looking and feeling good. I work a 9 to 5, 5 days a week job for the money that I believe brings more pleasure into my life. When the pain of working out or working too many hours becomes too much then I stop because the payoff isn't worth it. I wonder how many other ways I'm influenced by pain and pleasure? I would love to be a motivational speaker but the pain of public speaking is too much. What if this didn't define my life and I had the choice regardless of the amount of pain? How can I reprogram the pain associated with public speaking to pleasure? In regards to food, what if you associated more pleasure by pushing your plate of food away when you know you've had enough to nourish you and associate pain with eating harmful, fattening foods?
What associations do you have with pain and pleasure? How are you motivated? What would you like to change? List a fear of yours and ask yourself how you can turn this into a pleasure. Anthony says that "The truth is that we can learn to condition our minds, bodies, and emotions to link pain or pleasure to whatever we choose. By changing what we link pain and pleasure to, we will instantly change our behaviors." Begin choosing for you!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Having your choice
How many choices do you make a day for you? Or does it usually feel like your choice is based upon other people and trying to please them instead of yourself? How many of your choices have been influenced by other people's agendas or because you don't want to piss anyone off? How much more fun would life be, given that choice was yours? Tony Robbins, in Awaken the Giant Within, asks us to ask these questions, "How am I going to live the next ten years of my life? How am I going to live today in order to create the tomorrow I'm committed to? What am I going to stand for from now on?" The choice is ours to create our lives. How much fun can we have doing that?
"Different actions produce different results." states Tony. The actions that you are taking today are shaping your future. What could you do differently that would be expansive for your future? Possibly, there is a habit that you'd like to change. What new experiences could you have without this habit? Maybe you would like to be a pilot, live on an island, or learn how to cook. A lot of us make excuses to limit our lives ie. not enough money or time. However, these are only limiting you from having more of the life you require. What choice can you make now to live your dream life?
As you all know, I want to share Pure Qualities (my self-help program) with others on a massive scale. I took the time today to contact a lady that I believe has the connections I'm looking for. I'm super excited! She wrote me back and has already given me some direction. What's next?
As you all know, I want to share Pure Qualities (my self-help program) with others on a massive scale. I took the time today to contact a lady that I believe has the connections I'm looking for. I'm super excited! She wrote me back and has already given me some direction. What's next?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
What do you want to show up in your life?
“We all have dreams…We all want to believe deep down in our souls that we have a special gift, that we can make a difference, that we can touch others in a special way, and that we can make the world a better place.” emphasizes Tony Robbins in Awaken The Giant Within. His goal is to bring us into awareness of our dreams and how to achieve them. He explains that we need to raise our standards, change our limiting beliefs and our strategy. Then, we need to master different areas of our life.
What are your standards for you? Is it possible to raise them higher and bring about the change you desire? What limiting beliefs do you have about you? If you want to be a famous singer but believe that you are not good enough or that no one wants to hear you, then how will you achieve this? Lastly, if your strategy is not working for you, then how about changing it? These are the questions to begin your journey with success! Tony says, “You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action!”
There are 5 areas of mastery that impact us the most; emotional, physical, relationship, financial, and time mastery. For example, the first mastery, emotional, is the first area Tony points out because it is vital to the other 4 areas of mastery. He asks, “Why do you want to lose weight? Is it just to have less fat on your body? Or is it because of the way you think you’d feel…?” Almost everything we do is to change the way we feel. Mastering these areas of our life will give us the space and energy to live our dream lives. How awesome is that?
As I begin to answer these questions for myself I realize that I am not living my dream life. I have limiting beliefs. I believe that I have to have a certain amount of experience before people will hear me. I desire to be a motivational leader through writing books and blogging in lines with Pure Qualities, my company, a tool to bring more love into the lives of others. The truth is that I have a lot of self-help, motivational and inspirational knowledge and experience. I even created a motivational program based on the qualities of love. However, my limiting beliefs stop me from talking about all I’m doing. So, what would it take for my dream life to manifest? What dreams do you want to manifest? Furthermore, are you willing to go on this journey with me to dive into the 5 levels of mastery?
Charissa Duskis
Awaken The Giant Within, Anthony Robbins Chapter 1 recap
Monday, March 28, 2011
Synchronicity
Do you ever get a gut feeling that you should call a friend to find that they were having a hard time and needed you? "Synchronicity alters events to bring in more meaning." It is not a small happening or coincidence. For example, Chopra explains, "Two people meet, and one has the answer to a problem the other hasn't been able to solve, and in the process a tiny seed of an idea is given an enormous opportunity to grow." There is a greater power at work. When miracles occur in your life it is not a coincidence. Chopra says, "If pure chance were at work, the odds would be millions to one." In order to experience more of these synchronizations in your life, go where you are guided.
We all have a knowing and we can magnify our knowing if we want to. It's as easy as becoming conscious and aware of this knowing. Some call it intuition. This morning I got a light feeling to park in one spot than another. I don't know why but I trusted my knowing and parked in the spot that felt right at the time. Other times I have not trusted my knowing and things didn't go so well. It's your choice on whether you want to hear it and follow it. Synchronicity exists and it is powerful life force to bring more of what you want in your life.
Stay tuned for the next book, Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins. This book will teach us, "How to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny." How does it get better than that?
We all have a knowing and we can magnify our knowing if we want to. It's as easy as becoming conscious and aware of this knowing. Some call it intuition. This morning I got a light feeling to park in one spot than another. I don't know why but I trusted my knowing and parked in the spot that felt right at the time. Other times I have not trusted my knowing and things didn't go so well. It's your choice on whether you want to hear it and follow it. Synchronicity exists and it is powerful life force to bring more of what you want in your life.
Stay tuned for the next book, Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins. This book will teach us, "How to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny." How does it get better than that?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Taking Responsibility for Your Feelings
Is it possible to control your emotional outbursts? Do you even want to? Chopra, in The Soul of Leadership says that a great leader is able to control their feelings by being in touch with them. We all have automatic responses; anger to someone telling you 'no'; defiance when someone tells you what to do; frustration when you get cut off in traffic. Your reactions have been trained and there is a way to untrain them. A leader needs to take responsibility for their feelings.
Untraining your feelings means, first of all, noticing patterns. If you automatically respond by doubting for example, or by pushing away new things, if you cringe in the face of change or of new people suddenly appearing in your life, step back and notice your feelings. Then, wait and see, giving way to space. Most often the first response will fade away and your soul will begin to unfold it's feelings, explains Chopra. This gives rise to your natural response instead of your trained response.
I had to put this into practice so I just asked Nate to make me mad. (I know, I'm responsible for my feelings and no one can "make" me mad, but let's just go along with it, please?) He kicked the side of my leg. I was mad and startled for a second so I let that sit for a few seconds to see how I really feel to untrain my natural response of whining. It actually became funny to me! My true feelings were to take the situation light-heartedly. What in your life do you automatically respond to instead of waiting a second to figure out how you really feel?
Untraining your feelings means, first of all, noticing patterns. If you automatically respond by doubting for example, or by pushing away new things, if you cringe in the face of change or of new people suddenly appearing in your life, step back and notice your feelings. Then, wait and see, giving way to space. Most often the first response will fade away and your soul will begin to unfold it's feelings, explains Chopra. This gives rise to your natural response instead of your trained response.
I had to put this into practice so I just asked Nate to make me mad. (I know, I'm responsible for my feelings and no one can "make" me mad, but let's just go along with it, please?) He kicked the side of my leg. I was mad and startled for a second so I let that sit for a few seconds to see how I really feel to untrain my natural response of whining. It actually became funny to me! My true feelings were to take the situation light-heartedly. What in your life do you automatically respond to instead of waiting a second to figure out how you really feel?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Finding Your Strength
The Soul of Leadership, Deepak Chopra
Have you ever noticed how similar we all are? We all are great communicators, presenters, teachers, and healers. Right? Wait a second we are all similar but we are all very different also. This doesn't make one person better than another. We are all equal in regards to the human race. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Not one person has it all and this should be celebrated. Our differences are what make us unique and able to add our personal touch to this world. Be empowered by this and empower others!
Notice others strengths, as a leader, and emphasis those qualities in them such as if they loyal, responsible, task-oriented, a fixer, or persuasive. All of these strengths are important and you can empower that in others by letting them know their strengths. In The Soul of Leadership, Chopra says, "When you understand that everyone is the expression of a soul, you as a leader find joy in helping each individual uncover that truth."
My first job as an engineer my boss recognized that I have great people skills. I was able to gain the trust of my co-workers quickly and be genuine. He particularly liked this strength of mine because there was a lack of team work in the group. My addition helped to strengthen bonds between the group. Isn't that cool! How does it get any better than that?
Have you ever noticed how similar we all are? We all are great communicators, presenters, teachers, and healers. Right? Wait a second we are all similar but we are all very different also. This doesn't make one person better than another. We are all equal in regards to the human race. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Not one person has it all and this should be celebrated. Our differences are what make us unique and able to add our personal touch to this world. Be empowered by this and empower others!
Notice others strengths, as a leader, and emphasis those qualities in them such as if they loyal, responsible, task-oriented, a fixer, or persuasive. All of these strengths are important and you can empower that in others by letting them know their strengths. In The Soul of Leadership, Chopra says, "When you understand that everyone is the expression of a soul, you as a leader find joy in helping each individual uncover that truth."
My first job as an engineer my boss recognized that I have great people skills. I was able to gain the trust of my co-workers quickly and be genuine. He particularly liked this strength of mine because there was a lack of team work in the group. My addition helped to strengthen bonds between the group. Isn't that cool! How does it get any better than that?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Feeling Your Power
The Soul of Leadership, Deepak Chopra
Have you ever been in a place of power? It usually feels good. There is power in empowerment and every leader needs power but it is up to the leader to not misuse their power. Instead of being motivated by the need to be in charge, to control, or to make every decision which will only aid in your eventual downfall, be the first among equals and use your power to inspire others. Chopra states, "You are made first by embodying more of what everyone desires."
A leader needs to be trusted. People want to trust their leaders explains Chopra. A trusted leader will be open, describing situations realistically and will provide evidence that practical steps are being taken to meet any challenge, showing that as a leader you can be trusted with power.
I gave a presentation today to all the managers in my company and other "important" people. I practiced for hours, going over my speech the night before. At the time of my presentation, my heart was pounding fast. Why was I giving all these leaders power over me? Why can't I be someone "important" and a leader also? I knew that I could be and that I am. I realized the power that I have and how to use that. I didn't need to be a bully but a confident presenter with important data to present to them. After this switch in thinking about my power I gave a great presentation. Two co-workers afterward presented more information and questions to aid me in my research. They treated me as an equal which gave me more power to feel like an equal. As, Chopra says, "...empower others by showing them that they are equal." All it took was a switch in my beliefs and Chopra's book, of what a real leader is and how to use your power.
Have you ever been in a place of power? It usually feels good. There is power in empowerment and every leader needs power but it is up to the leader to not misuse their power. Instead of being motivated by the need to be in charge, to control, or to make every decision which will only aid in your eventual downfall, be the first among equals and use your power to inspire others. Chopra states, "You are made first by embodying more of what everyone desires."
A leader needs to be trusted. People want to trust their leaders explains Chopra. A trusted leader will be open, describing situations realistically and will provide evidence that practical steps are being taken to meet any challenge, showing that as a leader you can be trusted with power.
I gave a presentation today to all the managers in my company and other "important" people. I practiced for hours, going over my speech the night before. At the time of my presentation, my heart was pounding fast. Why was I giving all these leaders power over me? Why can't I be someone "important" and a leader also? I knew that I could be and that I am. I realized the power that I have and how to use that. I didn't need to be a bully but a confident presenter with important data to present to them. After this switch in thinking about my power I gave a great presentation. Two co-workers afterward presented more information and questions to aid me in my research. They treated me as an equal which gave me more power to feel like an equal. As, Chopra says, "...empower others by showing them that they are equal." All it took was a switch in my beliefs and Chopra's book, of what a real leader is and how to use your power.
Friday, February 18, 2011
What is non-doing? (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)
Chopra, in The Soul of Leadership, emphasis awareness in your doing. When you are aware and in the present moment, open to hearing and collecting ideas, then you will enter into a state of non-doing. This is what great leaders practice. He says, "Doing is different when you lead from the soul. It turns into non-doing, which is the same as allowing." Instead of controlling the group you are leading, give the space for allowance of who they are and their ideas.
This state of non-doing allows for creativity and a good flow. Chopra compares it to when you try to force yourself to remember a word, it is less likely to appear. He says, "There's a fine balance between letting the body's intelligence operate on its own and taking control." This state of non-doing is your friend. Let go and allow.
At work, my manager requested us to work together on a presentation. I tried to control the situation at first by making sure my ideas were put into the presentation. Then, I realized that I was constricting the flow of creative energy. I let go of the control and the mood became lighter. The state of non-doing and allowance was achieved giving way to the final presentation with new creative ideas and a good flow of information
This state of non-doing allows for creativity and a good flow. Chopra compares it to when you try to force yourself to remember a word, it is less likely to appear. He says, "There's a fine balance between letting the body's intelligence operate on its own and taking control." This state of non-doing is your friend. Let go and allow.
At work, my manager requested us to work together on a presentation. I tried to control the situation at first by making sure my ideas were put into the presentation. Then, I realized that I was constricting the flow of creative energy. I let go of the control and the mood became lighter. The state of non-doing and allowance was achieved giving way to the final presentation with new creative ideas and a good flow of information
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Power of Unawareness (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)
Have you ever been unaware and then someone opens your eyes to something right in front of you? This is a recurring event in my life and why shouldn't it be? Life is about learning and becoming more aware. This is the change that happens in each and everyone of us.
I was unaware that I could be a good engineer. I've always thought that engineering should be hard and therefore it has been for me. Until recently, I became aware of this limiting thought and am now seeing that it's not that hard for me. I have answers just like all of my co-workers. It's pretty exciting. I've been unaware this whole time, holding onto my own limiting thought.
What are you unaware of? Are you unaware of how to cook a good meal? How about picking up a cook book or watching the food network channel? Have you been unaware of how much your mom loves you until you also became a mom? The changeover from unawareness to awareness is exciting! Who in your life, including yourself, will bring awareness into your life that you don't even know you are unaware about? What limitless possibilities are out there just for you?
As Deepak Chopra puts it in The Soul of Leadership, "Awareness is a synonym for consciousness. There is no limit to what you can change, because consciousness brings light to every aspect of life." Your awareness leads to whatever future you desire.
I was unaware that I could be a good engineer. I've always thought that engineering should be hard and therefore it has been for me. Until recently, I became aware of this limiting thought and am now seeing that it's not that hard for me. I have answers just like all of my co-workers. It's pretty exciting. I've been unaware this whole time, holding onto my own limiting thought.
What are you unaware of? Are you unaware of how to cook a good meal? How about picking up a cook book or watching the food network channel? Have you been unaware of how much your mom loves you until you also became a mom? The changeover from unawareness to awareness is exciting! Who in your life, including yourself, will bring awareness into your life that you don't even know you are unaware about? What limitless possibilities are out there just for you?
As Deepak Chopra puts it in The Soul of Leadership, "Awareness is a synonym for consciousness. There is no limit to what you can change, because consciousness brings light to every aspect of life." Your awareness leads to whatever future you desire.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Emotional Bonding (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)
L-E-A-D-E-R
(E = Emotional Bonding)
Emotional bonding is crucial in being a leader. "When people are emotionally bonded to you, they want to have contact with you." says Chopra in The Soul Of Leadership. To create a lasting emotional bond, Chopra says to make a habit of asking the following questions: How do I feel? How do they feel? What are the hidden stumbling blocks between us? By getting in touch with feelings this gives the space for you to lead.
Chopra lays out for us important skills to have as a leader. First, is emotional freedom; be free of guilt, resentment, anger and aggression (Its ok to have these feelings but to be clear about them so you do not have an emotional outburst.) Second, have shared enthusiasm; think "This is great for us!" People are moved to help a leader when they think they are also helping themselves and not just you. Third, genuinely care for others; instead of asking how someone is doing, look them in the eye, forget everything else and respond naturally. Fourth, be willing to build a relationship; our souls are equal so act like it. Fifth, reinforce the strengths of others; encourage each person to develop his or her best qualities and be specific. Lastly, increase the self-esteem of others; let them know they are doing a good job and appreciate them.
Being a leader, doesn't mean you have to have a following of 500 people or be a great speaker. You are most likely already a leader within your family, circle of friends, or at work. The idea of being a leader is filling the need that is there in the world. We all need guidance and it takes a leader to fill that need.
(E = Emotional Bonding)
Emotional bonding is crucial in being a leader. "When people are emotionally bonded to you, they want to have contact with you." says Chopra in The Soul Of Leadership. To create a lasting emotional bond, Chopra says to make a habit of asking the following questions: How do I feel? How do they feel? What are the hidden stumbling blocks between us? By getting in touch with feelings this gives the space for you to lead.
Chopra lays out for us important skills to have as a leader. First, is emotional freedom; be free of guilt, resentment, anger and aggression (Its ok to have these feelings but to be clear about them so you do not have an emotional outburst.) Second, have shared enthusiasm; think "This is great for us!" People are moved to help a leader when they think they are also helping themselves and not just you. Third, genuinely care for others; instead of asking how someone is doing, look them in the eye, forget everything else and respond naturally. Fourth, be willing to build a relationship; our souls are equal so act like it. Fifth, reinforce the strengths of others; encourage each person to develop his or her best qualities and be specific. Lastly, increase the self-esteem of others; let them know they are doing a good job and appreciate them.
Being a leader, doesn't mean you have to have a following of 500 people or be a great speaker. You are most likely already a leader within your family, circle of friends, or at work. The idea of being a leader is filling the need that is there in the world. We all need guidance and it takes a leader to fill that need.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Fill the Basic Need, Be a Leader (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)
There are 7 essential needs that people need filled. In The Soul of Leadership, Chopra, lists these basic needs. Once the first is fulfilled people can move onto the next. In order to be a leader you need to fulfill these needs.
1. Safety, security
2. Achievement, success
3. Cooperation
4. Nurturing, belonging
5. Creativity, progress
6. Moral values
7. Spiritual fulfillment
Which of these human needs does your business fill? How can you fill a need and a be a leader for others? Safety and security is the first basic need and spiritual fulfillment is last. Is there a way to market your business to how it fills the first basic need, safety and security? For me, Pure Qualities, my inspirational card business, fulfills spiritual fulfillment. Could it also, possibly, fill the need for safety and security?
1. Safety, security
2. Achievement, success
3. Cooperation
4. Nurturing, belonging
5. Creativity, progress
6. Moral values
7. Spiritual fulfillment
Which of these human needs does your business fill? How can you fill a need and a be a leader for others? Safety and security is the first basic need and spiritual fulfillment is last. Is there a way to market your business to how it fills the first basic need, safety and security? For me, Pure Qualities, my inspirational card business, fulfills spiritual fulfillment. Could it also, possibly, fill the need for safety and security?
Friday, January 21, 2011
Inspiration (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)
L-E-A-D-E-R-S
L=Look and listen
What inspires you? The most successful leaders are what Chopra, in his book The Soul of Leadership, calls successful visionaries because they all began with passion and a view of the big picture. Visions are usually created from a need, a crisis, management problem, or a social issue that needs a leader to offer guidance.
The first letter in leaders tells us to look and listen. Do this by observing and gathering information around you. Chopra states, "Begin by being as open and impartial as possible." Next, use sound judgement and analysis on what you see and hear; weigh and analyze the need. Then, feel and reflect; what feels light and right for you? Lastly, let go and wait. Allow time for your vision to incubate. How can you make your vision happen?
My vision is to inspire others with daily tools to bring joy into their lives. What is your vision?
L=Look and listen
What inspires you? The most successful leaders are what Chopra, in his book The Soul of Leadership, calls successful visionaries because they all began with passion and a view of the big picture. Visions are usually created from a need, a crisis, management problem, or a social issue that needs a leader to offer guidance.
The first letter in leaders tells us to look and listen. Do this by observing and gathering information around you. Chopra states, "Begin by being as open and impartial as possible." Next, use sound judgement and analysis on what you see and hear; weigh and analyze the need. Then, feel and reflect; what feels light and right for you? Lastly, let go and wait. Allow time for your vision to incubate. How can you make your vision happen?
My vision is to inspire others with daily tools to bring joy into their lives. What is your vision?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Fulfilling Needs, Becoming a Leader (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)
Stepping into your role as a leader is taking responsibility for directing your own life, states Deepak Chopra in his latest book, The Soul of Leadership. Ask yourself, "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" As you begin to question and direct your life, people will be drawn to you. Furthermore, by directing your life and fulfilling your needs, others will be drawn to you to lead them to fulfill their own needs.
We all have the ability to be great leaders by listening to our soul. There are basic needs, survival, safety, and love that need to be fulfilled first. Then, higher needs such as a sense of dignity and spiritual purpose need to be fulfilled. Leaders fulfill others needs. Following your own soul you can be a great leader to people in need while opening your own awareness every step of the way.
We all have the ability to be great leaders by listening to our soul. There are basic needs, survival, safety, and love that need to be fulfilled first. Then, higher needs such as a sense of dignity and spiritual purpose need to be fulfilled. Leaders fulfill others needs. Following your own soul you can be a great leader to people in need while opening your own awareness every step of the way.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
New book! The Soul of Leadership by Deepak Chopra
Deepak Chopra has a new book, The Soul of Leadership, released December 28, 2010 which is my next book to blog about. Chopra, who has been teaching leadership to CEO's for 8 years has outlined the path that can be applied to any business. The review of the book explains that these principles are also relevant to every community and area of life, from family and home to school. Here is Chopra's acronym for L-E-A-D-E-R-S:
L = Look and Listen
E = Emotional Bonding
A = Awareness
D = Doing
E = Empowerment
R = Responsibility
S = Synchronicity
The review further explains that, "Once that connection is made, you have unlimited access to the most vital qualities a leader can possess: creativity, intelligence, organizing power, and love. The Soul of Leadership aims to fill the most critical void in contemporary life, the void of enlightened leaders. “You can be such a leader,” Chopra promises. “The path is open to you. The only requirement is that you learn to listen to your inner guide.” In this unique handbook you are shown how to do just that, in words as practical as they are uplifting. The future is unfolding at this very minute, and the choice to lead it lies with each of us, here and now."
Please join me on this next level of discovery to enlighten and surprise the senses. What more is available to learn from this new book by Deepak Chopra?
L = Look and Listen
E = Emotional Bonding
A = Awareness
D = Doing
E = Empowerment
R = Responsibility
S = Synchronicity
The review further explains that, "Once that connection is made, you have unlimited access to the most vital qualities a leader can possess: creativity, intelligence, organizing power, and love. The Soul of Leadership aims to fill the most critical void in contemporary life, the void of enlightened leaders. “You can be such a leader,” Chopra promises. “The path is open to you. The only requirement is that you learn to listen to your inner guide.” In this unique handbook you are shown how to do just that, in words as practical as they are uplifting. The future is unfolding at this very minute, and the choice to lead it lies with each of us, here and now."
Please join me on this next level of discovery to enlighten and surprise the senses. What more is available to learn from this new book by Deepak Chopra?
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Last Call, Love (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
Of all the ways Chopra, in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind has taught us to be ageless he expresses his last point upon us, love. He says that love isn't a feeling but a state of being. When experienced, "...love feels tremendously real and alive, with no desire to do anything except exist within the fulfillment of love." states Chopra. Just being in love, is a state of non-attachment which allows you the space to be open to all that the universe wants to give you. Being in love lets others be who they are without judgment but with acceptance. This is the gift of love to others and to yourself; the ultimate timeless awareness.
Love can be explained through the eyes of those who are in love. They see no wrong in the other person, they give unconditionally and they are filled with excitement for the other person. Love is a beautiful thing. How much more love can you be for yourself and others?
Love can be explained through the eyes of those who are in love. They see no wrong in the other person, they give unconditionally and they are filled with excitement for the other person. Love is a beautiful thing. How much more love can you be for yourself and others?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Dharma (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
What is your purpose? What does your energy guide you towards? Is it helping poor people, taking care of animals, or designing gadgets? In Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra explains that dharma is a person's work or profession, his higher purpose in life, and the spiritual ideal to which he is committed. The root word of "dharma" means to "up hold" which in the broadest sense, dharma upholds the universe. Therefore, the ultimate way of avoiding aging and death is to live in dharma, explains Chopra because you are upholding the universe, which is timeless.
My dharma is to bring tools to add more joy and love into your life with ease and joy. I believe that certain tools can bring awareness into your life so you can feel more whole. All the self-help books that I blog about have great tools and unique ways of finding your inner peace and strength. Another tool that I created is Pure Qualities. I believe that practicing certain life-giving qualities (love, truth, joy, trust, forgiveness) throughout the day you can add a deeper understanding to life, a greater bond with others, and more love into your life with daily practice. What is your dharma?
My dharma is to bring tools to add more joy and love into your life with ease and joy. I believe that certain tools can bring awareness into your life so you can feel more whole. All the self-help books that I blog about have great tools and unique ways of finding your inner peace and strength. Another tool that I created is Pure Qualities. I believe that practicing certain life-giving qualities (love, truth, joy, trust, forgiveness) throughout the day you can add a deeper understanding to life, a greater bond with others, and more love into your life with daily practice. What is your dharma?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Be as a Child (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
Have you wondered how to live life more authentically and in the moment? Chopra, in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind gives us three exercises to achieve this state of timelessness.
1. Experiencing and trusting emotions: Write down several feelings you have throughout the day, positive or negative. This will bring you in the present moment and allow you to get in touch with your authentic feelings. Chopra states, "Yet nothing is more important than experiencing your feelings. They are the most spontaneous part of your makeup, the most primary expression of your awareness as it relates to the world."
2. Remaining centered amid chaos: Take 5 minutes before the 2 most hectic times for you during the day. Close your eyes, focus on your breath for several minutes. Then, place your awareness on your chest. Stay in this silent moment for a few minutes. This will aid you in finding your center when confusion is around you.
3. Being childlike: Choose 2 activities that you did as a child to do tomorrow. ie. hopscotch, baking muffins, reading a children's book, watching a cartoon...In this place, find the intrinsic aliveness and joy of just being.
When we experience the above exercises they bring us back to our awareness and wholeness. Creating an ageless body and a timeless mind.
1. Experiencing and trusting emotions: Write down several feelings you have throughout the day, positive or negative. This will bring you in the present moment and allow you to get in touch with your authentic feelings. Chopra states, "Yet nothing is more important than experiencing your feelings. They are the most spontaneous part of your makeup, the most primary expression of your awareness as it relates to the world."
2. Remaining centered amid chaos: Take 5 minutes before the 2 most hectic times for you during the day. Close your eyes, focus on your breath for several minutes. Then, place your awareness on your chest. Stay in this silent moment for a few minutes. This will aid you in finding your center when confusion is around you.
3. Being childlike: Choose 2 activities that you did as a child to do tomorrow. ie. hopscotch, baking muffins, reading a children's book, watching a cartoon...In this place, find the intrinsic aliveness and joy of just being.
When we experience the above exercises they bring us back to our awareness and wholeness. Creating an ageless body and a timeless mind.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
How Can We Be Timeless? (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
Why are we alive? Why do we die? Chopra, in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind states, "Death is ultimately just another transformation, from one configuration of matter and energy to another." He explains that death, while a mystery, still tells us that there isn't a time that we remember of ever not existing. Therefore, death, being finite, is only a belief passed down from our parents. He encourages us to see ourselves in terms of timeless, deathless Beings; that true immortality can be experienced here and now, in this living body. The key is how you metabolize your experiences and ultimately your time.
3 key beliefs for being an ageless body, timeless mind:
1. There is plenty of time
2. Your intelligence occupies no physical space
3. Death is a form of change
As the famous guru said, "People have a wrong idea about death. They see it as an end, but it is really a beginning."
3 key beliefs for being an ageless body, timeless mind:
1. There is plenty of time
2. Your intelligence occupies no physical space
3. Death is a form of change
As the famous guru said, "People have a wrong idea about death. They see it as an end, but it is really a beginning."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Breathing (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
Notice your breathing. Is it shallow and short or deep and meaningful? Take a deep breath in and exhale. How do you feel now? "Breath is the junction point between mind, body, and spirit." states Chopra in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. Changes in our feelings are directly correlated with our breathing. Chopra explains that anger produces shallow inhalation while fear creates rapid, shallow breathing. On the other hand, joy induces more regular breathing. In moments of beauty or revelation, it can stop for a moment, such as in a breathtaking moment. The beauty of recognizing our breath is that we can alter our emotions to our advantage. When you are angry, nervous or feeling agitated, take a moment for several deep breaths says Chopra.
When I was younger I would throw temper tantrums. I would be crying hysterically and breathing shallow, short breaths. Someone stopped me one time by asking me to take several deep breaths in and out. Surprisingly, I was calmed by the third inhalation. The link between our breath and emotions exists. The next time you want to calm yourself try taking several deep breaths. I know I will.
When I was younger I would throw temper tantrums. I would be crying hysterically and breathing shallow, short breaths. Someone stopped me one time by asking me to take several deep breaths in and out. Surprisingly, I was calmed by the third inhalation. The link between our breath and emotions exists. The next time you want to calm yourself try taking several deep breaths. I know I will.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Use it or Lose it (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
Studies show that aging is vastly unique for each individual. Chopra, in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, points out that, "If we consider how to improve physical and mental function every day for the rest of our lives, three values emerge that must be part of everyone's intention:
1. Longevity itself, since life is a primary good
2. Creative experience, which keeps life interesting and makes us want more of it
3. Wisdom, which is the collective reward of long life
It's what we do now, routinely, that will have an affect on us in our older age. Chopra explains that it's the "Use it or lose it." philosophy. If you do a lot of problem solving in your daily work then this will be a skill kept throughout into old age. What type of skills and abilities are you doing now that will aid you later?
1. Longevity itself, since life is a primary good
2. Creative experience, which keeps life interesting and makes us want more of it
3. Wisdom, which is the collective reward of long life
It's what we do now, routinely, that will have an affect on us in our older age. Chopra explains that it's the "Use it or lose it." philosophy. If you do a lot of problem solving in your daily work then this will be a skill kept throughout into old age. What type of skills and abilities are you doing now that will aid you later?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Living past 100 (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
It is possible to live past 100 years old. The Abkhasians have been proving this for countless years explains Chopra in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. Most of them work into their late 90's! One man, at the age of 104, attributes his long life and good health to God, the mountains, and a good diet. Most of them eat much less than Americans, ranging from 1500-2000 calories per day. Some other factors they contribute to are; not being rushed; no deadlines; not working to exhaustion. Truly, they feel and live by the rhythm of life.
My dad used to say, "You are what you eat." There are so many chemicals in our food that are having an affect on our health and our longevity. I heard good advice this morning, eat what God has made not what man has made. In what ways could you cut down on your intake of human made food? What would it be like to live past 100 with good health?
My dad used to say, "You are what you eat." There are so many chemicals in our food that are having an affect on our health and our longevity. I heard good advice this morning, eat what God has made not what man has made. In what ways could you cut down on your intake of human made food? What would it be like to live past 100 with good health?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Calorie Restriction and Long Life (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra)
It's been proven that sticking to a 1200-1400 calorie diet can increase the length of life, although proof of why is still unclear, explains Chopra in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. Although, it seems unlikely that many people will undertake this type of restricted diet, occasional fasting also has benefits. Chopra states, "In India, there is a tradition, centuries old, that longevity can result from taking little or no food one day a week (in the form of fruit juice, warm water with honey, or low-fat milk." The idea is that you are allowing your digestive system to rest and flush out accumulated impurities. This is not proven by modern physiology but spiritual tradition boasts longevity to people who adhere to this.
I can see the logic behind this practice of a weekly fast. When I have fasted in the past (for a day) it was tough, yet spiritual and empowering. I haven't fasted in a long time because, frankly, I'm chicken. What would it take for you to cut down on your caloric intake for one day or even a meal?
I can see the logic behind this practice of a weekly fast. When I have fasted in the past (for a day) it was tough, yet spiritual and empowering. I haven't fasted in a long time because, frankly, I'm chicken. What would it take for you to cut down on your caloric intake for one day or even a meal?
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