Make Change Work for You

 Transformation is a universal constant that affects our lives from the moment we are born until we leave our earthly existence behind. At the root of all growth, we find change. Occasionally, change and the circumstances leading up to it are a source of extraordinary joy, but more often than not, they provoke feelings of discomfort, fear, or pain. Though many changes are unavoidable, we should not believe that we are subject to the whims of an unpredictable universe. It is our response to those circumstances that will dictate the nature of our experiences. At the heart of every transformation, no matter how chaotic, there is substance. When we no longer resist change and instead regard it as an opportunity to grow, we find that we are far from helpless in the face of it.

Our role as masters of our own destinies is cemented when we choose to make change work in our favor. Yet, before we can truly internalize this power, we must accept that we cannot hide from the changes taking place all around us. Existence as we know it will come to an end at one or more points in our lives, making way for some new and perhaps unexpected mode of being. This transformation will take place whether or not we want it to, and so it is up to us to decide whether we will open our eyes to the blessings hidden amidst disorder or close ourselves off from opportunities hiding behind obstacles.

To make change work for you, look constructively at your situation and ask yourself how you can benefit from the transformation that has taken place. As threatening as change can seem, it is often a sign that a new era of your life has begun. If you reevaluate your plans and goals in the days or weeks following a major change, you will discover that you can adapt your ambition to the circumstances before you and even capitalize on these changes. Optimism, enthusiasm, and flexibility will aid you greatly here, as there is nothing to be gained by dwelling on what might have been. Change can hurt in the short term but, if you are willing to embrace it proactively, its lasting impact will nearly always be physically, spiritually, and intellectually transformative. (Daily OM)

Memory Lane - "Grey Heron"

ASTLEY PARK LANCASHIRE UK

 

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Being Your Own Voice of Meaning

 The meaning we assign to our experiences — whether pleasant or distressing — is a very powerful factor in determining the quality of our lives. What we imagine events to mean will color the way we feel about ourselves, about the people in our lives, and about the world at large. If we want to encourage a positive outlook, well-being, and a sense of self-confidence and even trust in the universe, we can begin by assigning more peaceful, loving meanings to what we experience.

Imagine, for example, that a friend fails to show up to a lunch date. You have choices as to what you will make this experience mean for you. You could allow being “stood up” to reinforce your feelings of unworthiness. You could begin to mentally attack your friend’s character, or you could assume that something big must have happened to cause them to miss the date. Then, you might open yourself up to enjoying some relaxing time alone. If you were recently laid off and are having difficulty finding a new job, consider that you might have hidden gifts or passions that were untapped in your regular career that you are now available to explore. The universe might simply be moving you in a more fulfilling direction. If you have recently lost a loved one, gained weight, lost money, or gotten in a fight with your partner, see if you can infuse the experience with meaning that feels loving and empowering and opens a door for you to embrace life and the world a bit more.

When we begin to bring consciousness to what we are making things mean, we may be shocked at the messages we have been feeding ourselves all these years. Try taking the reins and begin assigning a kinder meaning to the events in your life, and you will likely find yourself on a much more pleasant ride....<<<Read More>>>...

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Memory Lane - "Black Shouldered Hawk"

JERRABOMBERRA WETLANDS CANBERRA

 

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Glimmers of Calm

 Stress touches all of us — it’s part of being human in an imperfect world. It might appear as an unexpected deadline, a difficult conversation, or even the quiet reminder of ongoing to-do lists that live in the back of our minds. But our bodies are wise; they hold a remarkable capacity for resilience and remind us of the strength each of us carry within.

One way the body supports us is through cortisol, or what’s known as the stress hormone. In short bursts, it helps us wake each morning, navigate challenges, and focus deeply when life calls for our attention. But when stress becomes constant, cortisol stays high — and over time, that can start to impact our entire well-being — including our faces. Puffiness, fine lines, dull skin, and even a tired, sagging appearance can all be linked to what experts call “cortisol face.” And while the mirror may reflect the toll, the good news is: Renewal is always possible.

We can join in that renewal with the simplest of gestures. A slow exhale. Nourishing self-care. A gentle, restorative face yoga practice. These simple shifts tell the nervous system it’s safe to let go. And in that safety, we begin to release tension stored in our face and body, and cultivate a new sense of presence, peace, and beauty. We begin to look and feel our best again. (Daily OM)

Image of the Day - "Uisce, uisce i ngach áit ... i ngrian"

HIGH FORCE TEESDALE

 

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Memory Lane - "Noisy Friarbird"

URAMBI HILLS CANBERRA 

 

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Glimmers of Calm

 Stress touches all of us — it’s part of being human in an imperfect world. It might appear as an unexpected deadline, a difficult conversation, or even the quiet reminder of ongoing to-do lists that live in the back of our minds. But our bodies are wise; they hold a remarkable capacity for resilience and remind us of the strength each of us carry within.

One way the body supports us is through cortisol, or what’s known as the stress hormone. In short bursts, it helps us wake each morning, navigate challenges, and focus deeply when life calls for our attention. But when stress becomes constant, cortisol stays high — and over time, that can start to impact our entire well-being — including our faces. Puffiness, fine lines, dull skin, and even a tired, sagging appearance can all be linked to what experts call “cortisol face.” And while the mirror may reflect the toll, the good news is: Renewal is always possible.

We can join in that renewal with the simplest of gestures. A slow exhale. Nourishing self-care. A gentle, restorative face yoga practice. These simple shifts tell the nervous system it’s safe to let go. And in that safety, we begin to release tension stored in our face and body, and cultivate a new sense of presence, peace, and beauty. We begin to look and feel our best again. (Daily OM)

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The Upside of Irritation

 There are many stories of spiritual masters embracing the presence of an annoying student in their community. There is even one story that documents a teacher paying an irritating person to live among his students. From an everyday perspective, this is difficult to comprehend. We generally work hard to avoid people and things that we find annoying, so they don’t bother us.

From a deeper spiritual perspective, however, irritation can be an important teacher and indicator that we are making progress on our path. Being able to remain centered and awake even when we feel uncomfortable is much more impressive than doing so in an environment where everything is to our liking. 

No matter how good we are at controlling our circumstances, there will always be factors and people that we cannot control. How we respond to these experiences determines the quality of our lives. The goal of spiritual development is not to learn to control our environment — which is more of an ego-driven desire. And while having some measure of control over our external reality is important, it is when we are confronted with a person or situation that irritates us, and we choose not to react that we know have made progress spiritually. When we master our internal reality, we will become the masters of our lives.

The more we try to eliminate annoyances, instead of learning to handle them gracefully, the further we get from developing the qualities that come with spiritual growth, such as patience, tolerance, and acceptance. It is often in the presence of people and experiences we find annoying that we have an opportunity to develop these qualities. Fortunately for most of us, our lives offer an abundance of opportunities to practice and cultivate these traits. (Daily OM)

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LONG MEG CUMBRIA

 

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