meditation

The thought of a life of ease and grace holds great appeal, especially when stress, conflict and challenges continually surface. New Age and spiritual teachings have certainly taught us that it is possible to live in a state of bliss, and this is certainly worth aspiring to. Yet, given the nature of the reality we have co-created within our communities, nationally and globally how is it really possible to attain even a state of ease, much less inner peace?

A common theme expressed by clients is the desire to live with less stress, more freedom and greater joy. However, when it comes to seriously giving consideration to basic lifestyle needs it becomes challenging to contemplate making changes that will enhance the quality of life.

It seems – from my observations over many years – that countless individuals are now at a ‘crunch’ time in their lives. Employment, finances, relationships, friendships and family issues are in some way impeding free will and also creating significant stress. The desire for change is great though may seem impossible to create, adding further fuel to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction.

The conundrum is self-evident. The yearning for improvement in lifestyle and relationships intensifies while the feeling of being caught up in a never-ending cycle of life circumstances prevents real and positive change from occurring. How is it possible to commence the change process? What is needed to begin the journey into living with greater ease and grace?

There are a number of recommendations I suggest as being worthwhile. They include:

stop the pattern of continual thinking. This, while it sounds impossible, is actually the first step to creating a new, improved reality. While channeling Edgar Cayce he strongly recommended using breath work as a mechanism for bringing attention into the now moment. When doing this the constant mental gymnastics that create inner conflict ceases and brings about a feeling of distance from the challenges, resulting in increased clarity around concerns and issues;
ensure that daily gratitude practice is undertaken. This practice is expressed in the present tense, never as a future outcome. Gratitude practice is a powerful tool for manifesting change;
spend time in nature and sunshine. Taking time out from the demands of life offers an opportunity to shift perspective, clear the mind and refresh the spirit;
let go of the need to be responsible for everyone else. Allow others the opportunity to grow and learn as they take on the reins of responsibility for their life. This allows you to enjoy the beauty that exists in your reality and which you may have lost sight of;
meditate daily. There are many forms of meditation, find one that resonates and use this time to rejuvenate yourself;
believe in your ability to create the desired changes; and
take regular small steps in making change. As you change your thinking everything changes. As you let go of attachments you free yourself to experience greater joy. As you engage in creative pursuits you then find creative solutions to life’s concerns.

There is only the now moment. It is yours to use wisely or to squander. Over time there have been many profound teachings and words of wisdom to provide guidance. I feel this statement, by the famous ‘Unknown’ provides a sound basis for reflection: “If you are depressed you are living in the past; if you are anxious you are living in the future; if you are at peace you are living in the moment.”

Start now and you will find that many small changes add up. Over time you will feel improvement in thinking and feelings, ultimately resulting in a life of greater ease and grace.

Holiday season is a time for spending quality moments with family and friends, and reflecting on the important things in life. It also happens to be one of the most stressful times of the year.

Currently we are experiencing some incredibly intense energies as our planet and solar system are moving further into the photon belt. This phenomenon occurs every twenty-four to twenty-six thousand years (depending on which school of thought you follow). When this happens there is a significant shift in vibration, shifting everything into much higher frequencies.

While this is something that can be discussed academically, and which we may think really doesn’t impact us greatly, the truth is that we have been impacted and affected by these changes for some years. The intensity of these energetic changes, however, has dramatically increased in recent months.

Currently stress, tension and anxiety seem to be highly prevalent in our society. It’s easy to lay the blame for this occurrence on our economic climate, erratic weather conditions, poor crop harvests and on declining employment opportunities. These, however, are merely indicators of the significant shift that is occurring.

As the intensity of the higher energetic frequencies impact our physical bodies we find ourselves in a state of dissatisfaction and flux. Some of the indicators that are evident within society include: relationships ending; family dissension; employment dissatisfaction; friendship dissolution; change of residence/locality; and increasing suicides.

While the above factors may all be viewed as potential disasters they in fact indicate that on a deep level there is significant inner change occurring. Anything and everything that is of a lower vibration cannot – and will not – survive and flourish in the higher frequencies.

This means that lower frequency energies that once held relationships together no longer do so, employment situations that are detrimental to one’s highest good will change, etc.

The process of shifting from the lower frequency into the higher frequency vibrations is not without its challenges. There is often great mental and emotional pain. At times there is physical manifestation, in terms of illness conditions.

So, how can we best ride the waves of change with minimum impact on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing?

There are no hard and fast guidelines. Each person is unique and has a unique biochemistry. What may work beautifully for one individual may have no impact on another’s state of wellbeing.

Some suggestions that may provide assistance in coping with the intense stress and anxiety that is occurring at the moment include:

1. Begin each day with a heartfelt expression of gratitude. This may relate to some particular aspect of your life, or it may be more general.

2. Undertake daily recreation and relaxation activity – this may include walking, gardening, swimming, meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc. Anything and everything that helps lower stress levels. This does not include competitive activities!

3. When a challenging situation arises over which you have absolutely no control, remind yourself gently, “This too shall pass”. A very powerful statement that assists in letting go of attachment and expectation.

4. Deal with issues as they arise, instead of putting them to one side and worrying needlessly.

5. Avoid stimulants and activities that induce a ‘flight or fight’ response in your body. This may mean no longer watching drama or action television last thing at night – but you will sleep so much better!

6. Remove all electrical appliances from your bedroom and sleep in the dark – your body will heal as you sleep without the interference from ‘dirty electricity’ emitted by appliances.

7. When a situation arises ask yourself, “Is this my problem?” If it is then deal with it. If it’s not then allow the person responsible to handle the issue/s.

8. Let go of the need to control and learn to Trust.

9. Worry less and laugh more.

10. Take time daily to be in nature. Smell the roses, hug a tree and allow your body to enjoy and absorb the sun’s healing rays.

I am sure there are many other practical and helpful suggestions to reduce the stress of the changing times. It’s up to you to find the methods of letting go and relaxing that work for you – and when you do, then stick with those methods.

If you have other suggestions I welcome them. Just share your comments for others to read and adopt! We are all in this together, and the more we support one another and develop a sense of community the less stressful the whole process of shifting into the new and higher frequencies will be.

Tag Archives: meditation

Ease and Grace – a Possibility or Illusion?