Changing perspectives on who we are

Changing perspectives on who we are - comments on two questions 1. If you’re poor, how hard is it to break through into middle class, then into upperclass? Zachary R Changing perspectives on who we are Oh, why bother with all that “class” stuff. Get out of the envy trap. Be an entrepreneur and move past all of that - life is too short. Even the “upperclass” will pass over in the end. I will say this, decide on what it is you want to do and then get all the education and experience you need to get there. And it is never too late to make that decision - I only came to it in my mid-60s. If you are at the back of the grid you will probably have to work that much harder to achieve your goals. See it as a challenge to test your belief in yourself. And persevere - that is the key to success as I see it. Keep going until all obstacles on your path are no longer. 2. Should we make efforts to create changes in ourselves or the world? Should we allow things to be as they are? Deoanand G. Changing perspectives on who we are In answer to your first question, I believe we do both - which provides an answer to your second question. We cannot change others around us other than by their wanting to change. And in which case we are simply a catalyst for that change in them - it has to come from within. By changing ourselves we can help to influence others and thereby help to change the world. We lead by example… This is not about pulling our punches either. We need to stand for goodness. If we see something that is wrong we must, where we can, challenge it. Likewise if we see something that is right we must be brave enough to endorse it - even when it is unpopular. A lot of the ideas I write about, for example, are unpopular, but, from my perspective, need to be said. What is important is not getting caught up with the negativity that may surround us - remain detached and focused on bringing the best from ourselves into the world. I hope this helps. Associated links: How much does luck decide our lives ? Can worrying kill you ? How do existentialists find meaning in life ? All books on Some Inspiration

6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation

Francis O’Neill

This article is now included, and developed further, in the mind, body & spirit self-help guide Steps to Health, Wealth and Inner Peace. Get a copy here. This book is also available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, iBooks, Nook and Kobo. [ 6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation ]

Meditation is great for quietening the mind, lowering stress levels and bringing peace to one’s life. Follow this 6 steps starter guide to meditation and see how it helps to change your life.

Let’s start this by saying that, during meditation the intention is to clear the mind of all the noisey thoughts, and to achieve an inner stillness of body and mind…

This is so easy a child could do it! Well it might sound easy but perhaps not so when getting down to doing it. One person may indeed find it easy, another find it tougher going. But let me stress that anyone can gain benefit from it with practice.

In Buddhism meditation is treated as more than just a coping mechanism for life. It is used to gain a clearer understanding of consciousness, understanding there are levels of consciousness. It is a means to familiarise oneself with one’s true nature, to communicate with, what we might call, one’s higher self. It is an essential method or way of preparing for life, death and enlightenment. [ 6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation ]

Let’s get to the 6 steps of this starter guide to meditation:

Step 1. Get in the right spot

Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for 20 minutes or so each day. If need be lift the atmosphere of the room or location by keeping it tidy, harmonious – removing clutter – and adding in a plant or two such as the Peace Lily – check out caring for the Peace Lily here – or French Lavender.

Step 2. Remove constraints

Remove or undo all clothing that constricts – remove your watch for example. If you want to keep a check on the time your watch could be useful to keep close by. Remove jewellery, undo belts – you want no tightness around your waist, or indeed any part of your body – so remove shoes, anything that constricts or constrains. Also deal with any tightness or tension in your body – have a good stretch and wiggle your toes. [ 6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation ]

Step 3. Get comfortable

Sit comfortably. If on a chair use a dining chair or stool rather than an armchair. Keep your back straight. If the chair has a back avoid the temptation of leaning back against it. There is no need to cross your legs, indeed if using a chair it will probably be more comfortable to have your feet flat on the floor.

If you are already used to sitting in a lotus position (as illustrated) – perhaps through yoga pursuits – then by all means do that. It is not essential however, nor recommended if you have never sat in a lotus position before – no need to climb two mountains when one is enough.

Step 4. Switch on the light

Rest your arms on your thighs, with the palms of your hands turned upwards. Allow your index finger and thumb on each hand to be touching at the tips – imagine as you do this you are allowing the flow of (chi) energy through your body. It will have the effect of helping to centre you. [ 6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation ]

Step 5. Stay awake

Keep your eyelids open a little – letting light in. This is a compromise, not having your eyes fully open helps you to avoid being distracted by anything around you in the room, while not being entirely closed helps to keep you present, awake – it is surprisingly easy to nod off when meditating with one’s eyes completely closed.

Step 6. Be mindful of your breath

Beathe normally and follow your breath. Listen in to your breath. As thoughts come up, as they will, gently steer yourself back to your breath. You could chant the sacred sound ‘Om‘ to help keep your mind focused but if you feel a bit odd doing this then keep following your breath. If you have hearing issues then focus on feeling the rise and fall of your breath. 6 Steps Starter guide to meditation complete.

That’s it – that’s all you need to do!

Ah but hang on, let’s talk practice and commitment!

You need to be able to commit to meditating once a day. To pursue this you need to be willing to do for 15 to 20 minutes – preferably first thing in the morning before taking breakfast. With practice and development you may find it beneficial to extend this time gradually to twice as long – to 30 or 40 minutes a day.

Some people choose to meditate twice a day, but keep it simple to suit you. Develop your practice organically to suit your lifestyle.

Results

Results may happen quickly, but don’t be surprised if you don’t notice much change at the start. After the initial enthusiasm to get your meditation under way it may even feel like a bit of a chore for a while.

However keep at it and you will start to notice a sense of being more centred when you are meditating – and that sense can continue beyond your meditation into your day. This feeling will grow as you make meditation a part of your routine, a part of your life. It will calm you down and help you to achieve inner peace – a peace that starts to permeate through you and, if you let it, take over your life. How wonderful will that be!?

Want some hard evidence of benefits

Take a read of this article 29 Benefits of Meditation: What the Research Tells Us

6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation

6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation

Francis O’Neill

Let’s get to the 6 steps of this starter guide to meditation:

Step 1. Get in the right spot

Step 2. Remove constraints

Step 3. Get comfortable

Step 4. Switch on the light

Step 5. Stay awake

Step 6. Be mindful of your breath

That’s it – that’s all you need to do!

Results

Want some hard evidence of benefits

See also: