Shift Happens
Strategies for Embracing Change
By Thulani DeMarsay
www.thulani.com
Shift happens. Whether it is changing jobs or starting a new career,
moving, sending kids to college, the loss of a loved one or the ending of a
relationship, we are all subject to change. The one thing about change is
that it is constant and often unpredictable, catching many of us off guard.
Other times life changes are conscious and deliberate, yet the outcome
may not be what we anticipated. To the degree that we perceive change as
being positive and beneficial, we may embrace it with open arms; however
if we perceive change to be difficult, negative or downright painful, our
human tendency is to resist.
Over the past several weeks, I have had conversations with a number of
friends and colleagues who are experiencing a myriad of changes in their
personal and professional lives. Some are considering a new vocation and
changing jobs, others are reevaluating their values, their mission and sense
of purpose, and several have experienced the loss of a job and the
ending of a relationship. In the past couple of months, I too have
experienced a shifting with the ending of two long-term friendships.
Despite its discomfort, change offers an opening for insight, reflection
and personal growth. It is an opportunity to clear out and excavate that
which no longer serves us so that we can welcome the new things that
seek to emerge in our lives. Rather than feeling resistant or negative, it
is beneficial to inquire, asking questions such as “what is being presented
to me here” or “what am I supposed to learn from this experience”. It is
in the quietude of your thoughts and the openness of your heart that
answers to these questions emerge and provide insight.
The ending of a business or the loss of a job may be a great opportunity
to embark on another venture that is in alignment with your values, your skills and gifts. Perhaps the ending of a relationship presents an opportunity for soul searching and discovering the qualities that are really important to you in a mate. As we align with our higher purpose and those things that matter to
us, we live with a greater sense of integrity and self worth.
Those who embrace change with enthusiasm and optimism, even in the face of uncertainty and discomfort, are more likely to be resilient; on the other hand, to resist and fight change leads to feelings “As we align with our higher purpose and those things that matter to us, we live with a greater sense of integrity and self worth of disempowerment and eventually causes one to feel like a victim. As we go through our individual shifts it is important to accept the transient nature of life, which means that everything changes. To the degree that we hold on tightly and resist, that is the degree to which we experience suffering and afflictive emotions and miss a profound opportunity to grow, develop and unfold.
May we approach our changes with care, respect and trust. Let’s get out of the way and allow shift to happen.
Questions for Reflection
• Is the change that is being presented to you beneficial and does it support you in achieving your highest potential?
• What are the benefits of making changes and how might these changes improve the quality of your life and/or your relationships with others?
• Have you benefited from a person or a place of employment? Have you reached your capacity to grow in this relationship? Have you given thanks and expressed your gratitude for these experiences and are you ready to let go and experience the next level of your development?
• Are there any consequences of not accepting the shift that is happening in your life? Is your relationship, child, job, or health at risk? If so, perhaps now is the perfect time to make a change.
All the best,
Thulani
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Energy & Media
If everything is energy, including you, then being mindful of the energies you are exposed to and consume can only serve to enhance your experience as an energetic being. When one begins to understand the intricacies of human consciousness, or energy, then it becomes increasingly obvious that living in and consuming large amounts of low consciousness, low energy media is as destructive to our spiritual well being as smoking is to our physical well being. That may seem like a strong claim, but there is substantial information available to back it up.
The field of consciousness research is exploding with information about ascending levels of human consciousness. Writers such as Dr. Bruce Schneider and Dr. David Hawkins have demonstrated that consciousness can be measured, and one can elevate consciousness in order to improve not only the quality of one's own life, but the quality of life on this planet.
The work of Schneider and Hawkins demonstrates that mainstream culture is geared toward lower energies such as violence, greed, competition, fear, worry, and despair. For most of us who are involved in holistic living, this will come as no surprise! According to research done by Dr. Bruce Schneider, founder of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, the Average Resonating Level of consciousness of “mainstream America” at 2.4 of a 7 point scale. This means that energy at these lower is not enhancing or supportive of life. Most of what is available via mainstream media (newspapers, entertainment, television, magazines and internet sites) will not enhance your energy or consciousness. Television or music that is violent in nature, or that speaks of hatred, and anger creates energetic disharmony. There have been numerous social science research studies that indicate that being exposed to violence, violent themes or hate-laden messages correlates with higher degrees of depression, aggression, anxiety and a decrease in overall compassion and empathy across demographic lines (Anderson, Gentile and Buckley, 2007, Bushman and Anderson, 2009, Hawkins, 2006, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009).
There are some practical strategies available for those of us who choose to abstain from the onslaught of mass media in our culture.
1. Practice a regular “media fast” - A regular 24 hour media fast in which one does not engage with television, email, video games, newspapers or even mail gives us the opportunity to balance our energetic consciousness and heighten our awareness to our dependence or even addiction to media. If everyone complains of being too busy, why are there 27.3 million Tweets per day on Twitter? Don't get me wrong, I'm on Twitter and Facebook. I enjoy social media and the ease of using the internet. It is a amazing advancement in our growth as a human species. Yet it is imperative to use the technology, not have your life used by it.
2. Becoming a “no TV” home is one of the best ways to limit your exposure to mass media. When I hear people saying that they cannot imagine living without television, I wonder what they are avoiding about their own lives, or what is it that makes their need to disengage on a regular basis so appealing. The mindless consumption of spoon fed “entertainment” leads such a low level of awareness, self esteem and enjoyment of life. How many people do you know that went to their grave saying they wished they had watched more TV before they made their final farewell? How many people say they wish they were more productive or that they don't have time for doing the things they love, yet spend precious hours mindlessly channel surfing?
3.Choosing media and materials that reflect high consciousness values will serve your growth and overall sense of well being. There are many positive, uplifting, high-energy web based radio stations today such as UnityFM, Wisdom Radio Network and Achieve Radio. There are wonderful movies produced and distributed by Spiritual Cinema Circle. Upbeat magazines such as Ode, Unity, Science of Mind, Shambhala Sun and many more can satisfy our craving for information, while supporting our growth and development.
Our greatest tool is our mind, awareness and consciousness. They make us human and link us to the One Mind and one another. Our mind is the instrument that can lead us to deep joy and fulfillment, or to tremendous despair. Our choices with what we do with our mind have a significant effect on which way this goes. It's your life. Choose wisely.
The field of consciousness research is exploding with information about ascending levels of human consciousness. Writers such as Dr. Bruce Schneider and Dr. David Hawkins have demonstrated that consciousness can be measured, and one can elevate consciousness in order to improve not only the quality of one's own life, but the quality of life on this planet.
The work of Schneider and Hawkins demonstrates that mainstream culture is geared toward lower energies such as violence, greed, competition, fear, worry, and despair. For most of us who are involved in holistic living, this will come as no surprise! According to research done by Dr. Bruce Schneider, founder of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, the Average Resonating Level of consciousness of “mainstream America” at 2.4 of a 7 point scale. This means that energy at these lower is not enhancing or supportive of life. Most of what is available via mainstream media (newspapers, entertainment, television, magazines and internet sites) will not enhance your energy or consciousness. Television or music that is violent in nature, or that speaks of hatred, and anger creates energetic disharmony. There have been numerous social science research studies that indicate that being exposed to violence, violent themes or hate-laden messages correlates with higher degrees of depression, aggression, anxiety and a decrease in overall compassion and empathy across demographic lines (Anderson, Gentile and Buckley, 2007, Bushman and Anderson, 2009, Hawkins, 2006, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009).
There are some practical strategies available for those of us who choose to abstain from the onslaught of mass media in our culture.
1. Practice a regular “media fast” - A regular 24 hour media fast in which one does not engage with television, email, video games, newspapers or even mail gives us the opportunity to balance our energetic consciousness and heighten our awareness to our dependence or even addiction to media. If everyone complains of being too busy, why are there 27.3 million Tweets per day on Twitter? Don't get me wrong, I'm on Twitter and Facebook. I enjoy social media and the ease of using the internet. It is a amazing advancement in our growth as a human species. Yet it is imperative to use the technology, not have your life used by it.
2. Becoming a “no TV” home is one of the best ways to limit your exposure to mass media. When I hear people saying that they cannot imagine living without television, I wonder what they are avoiding about their own lives, or what is it that makes their need to disengage on a regular basis so appealing. The mindless consumption of spoon fed “entertainment” leads such a low level of awareness, self esteem and enjoyment of life. How many people do you know that went to their grave saying they wished they had watched more TV before they made their final farewell? How many people say they wish they were more productive or that they don't have time for doing the things they love, yet spend precious hours mindlessly channel surfing?
3.Choosing media and materials that reflect high consciousness values will serve your growth and overall sense of well being. There are many positive, uplifting, high-energy web based radio stations today such as UnityFM, Wisdom Radio Network and Achieve Radio. There are wonderful movies produced and distributed by Spiritual Cinema Circle. Upbeat magazines such as Ode, Unity, Science of Mind, Shambhala Sun and many more can satisfy our craving for information, while supporting our growth and development.
Our greatest tool is our mind, awareness and consciousness. They make us human and link us to the One Mind and one another. Our mind is the instrument that can lead us to deep joy and fulfillment, or to tremendous despair. Our choices with what we do with our mind have a significant effect on which way this goes. It's your life. Choose wisely.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Creating a Compelling Vision, Part 3
Describe Your Vision in the Present Tense
Describe your vision statement in present tense as if you were reporting what you actually see, hear, think and feel after your ideal outcome was realized. There is a metaphysical belief that “what you think about you bring about.” If this is true, then when you vision things in the future, you are creating a “someday reality.” You want to create your vision as if it is already a part of your life, and create the mental field that you would be experiencing if that were your current reality. Your vision statement should describe how you will feel when the outcome is realized. Including an emotional payoff in your vision statement infuses it with passion and will make it even more compelling, inspiring, and energizing. It is a powerful practice, and may serve to hasten your vision to reality.
Inner vs. Outer Vision
When creating vision statements it is often useful to separate the inner and outer aspects. This is particularly true for vision statements related to your life areas, and less important for project/goal vision statements.
One's vision partially refers to one's doing – such as work, accomplishments, travel, contributions and so on. One's vision should also include elements referring to your internal world of consciousness, thoughts, emotions, clarity, attitudes and beliefs.
Updating Your Vision
My personal preference is to review vision statements at least once a month, but at least once per quarter. You can also review them whenever you need inspiration or an energy recharge. During the monthly review, one will find it beneficial to check one's monthly goals in relation to one's vision. Is your time focused on elements of your vision? Are you behaving in a way that is consistent with the manifestation of your vision for your life?
You will find that your vision can remain consistent with what you want for a long time, and other times you have a rapid phase of growth and development and rewrite your statement from scratch. That is fine. Your vision is an organic document that will grow and change as you do.
Summary
Creating one's personal vision is an empowering element of one's life, and central to the development of your Life Design. Spend time with it, discuss it with your spouse or partner and close friends. You want to incorporate those closest to you as you develop your vision. Have fun with this process and recognize the power you have in creating the life you were born to lead filled with joy, accomplishment, contribution and love.
Describe your vision statement in present tense as if you were reporting what you actually see, hear, think and feel after your ideal outcome was realized. There is a metaphysical belief that “what you think about you bring about.” If this is true, then when you vision things in the future, you are creating a “someday reality.” You want to create your vision as if it is already a part of your life, and create the mental field that you would be experiencing if that were your current reality. Your vision statement should describe how you will feel when the outcome is realized. Including an emotional payoff in your vision statement infuses it with passion and will make it even more compelling, inspiring, and energizing. It is a powerful practice, and may serve to hasten your vision to reality.
Inner vs. Outer Vision
When creating vision statements it is often useful to separate the inner and outer aspects. This is particularly true for vision statements related to your life areas, and less important for project/goal vision statements.
One's vision partially refers to one's doing – such as work, accomplishments, travel, contributions and so on. One's vision should also include elements referring to your internal world of consciousness, thoughts, emotions, clarity, attitudes and beliefs.
Updating Your Vision
My personal preference is to review vision statements at least once a month, but at least once per quarter. You can also review them whenever you need inspiration or an energy recharge. During the monthly review, one will find it beneficial to check one's monthly goals in relation to one's vision. Is your time focused on elements of your vision? Are you behaving in a way that is consistent with the manifestation of your vision for your life?
You will find that your vision can remain consistent with what you want for a long time, and other times you have a rapid phase of growth and development and rewrite your statement from scratch. That is fine. Your vision is an organic document that will grow and change as you do.
Summary
Creating one's personal vision is an empowering element of one's life, and central to the development of your Life Design. Spend time with it, discuss it with your spouse or partner and close friends. You want to incorporate those closest to you as you develop your vision. Have fun with this process and recognize the power you have in creating the life you were born to lead filled with joy, accomplishment, contribution and love.
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