"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."
—George Washington
Week 3: Determination
Your growth is essential and change is a natural part of life. On this day it is important to remember that you do not have to identify with the limitations you perceive in your current circumstances.
You can be so much more. Your growth and change can take the direction you choose, so be prepared to grow beyond your limitations.
Do you have any recurring frustrations in your life? You probably do, because this is natural.
Whenever you experience this familiar feeling of frustration, you may be telling yourself that you are some kind of bad person. This may be accompanied by a belief that you are somehow not enough—not good enough, not smart enough, not strong enough.
This is a natural pattern of negative conversations we may have with ourselves. However much it has been repeated, it does not have to be true.
Let’s begin to look at this familiar frustration in a new way. Try to see and experience this frustration as a signal for growth, for it is indeed a jumping off point for your growth.
Until now you have been backing away from this feeling and retreating into old behavior patterns which eventually bring you right back to the familiar frustration. Why? Because growth is essential and each of us have certain experiences that we must encounter and master if we are to grow.
The way to “master” your frustrating experience or behavior is moving into acceptance. Accept the feeling as true and real and as just one of the many notes in the song of your emotions. Are you afraid of a certain outcome? Well, accept what you fear as a possibility. But remember, it is not the only possibility.
When you open up to other possibilities, your fear has less power over you. Fear can be a feeling, but it can also be a choice. When you focus on the frequency of fear, you increase its strength.
Believe it or not, avoidance is just another way of focusing. Let’s meditate on what you fear so that you can put it into perspective as just one of many feelings that can be a tool for your growth.
Meditation
Sit
Find a comfortable place to sit. Cross your legs or use a pillow to keep your back straight.
Shake
Shake your shoulders for 10 counts and then vigorously shake your hands while exhaling 10 times.
Visualize
Stop and sit in silence for one breath. Call up an image of your worst fear about yourself. Place your right hand over the center of your chest and imagine that the worst fear image is in the place where you are now resting your hand.
Breathe
Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale. Imagine releasing the air through the place on your chest where your hand is touching.
In your mind, or out loud, say the words "I accept you." It may start as a whisper but keep saying it. “I accept you.” Keep breathing, feeling the air flowing through your chest. Say “I accept you.” Continue breathing and repeating the words for two minutes.
Stretch
Finish by taking a deep breath and clasping your hands together and stretching them over your head. Release your hands and exhale with a sigh. Do this two more times. Feel your body become more relaxed with each exhalation and feel a sense of acceptance.
Affirm
Now place your right hand over your heart and whisper this affirmation to yourself:
"I am open to positive thoughts about myself and about my future. My life has infinite possibilities for peace and joy!"
Get the motivation and inspiration to stay on track with your personal goals by taking the
2014 New Year’s Resolution Challenge!
Important Practice Tips
In just 21 days, you can unlock your hidden potential and transform your habits for a more fulfilled life. With a simple combination of daily inspiration, meditation, breathing exercises and affirmations, you can achieve your goals and create the life you really want.
Try to meditate at the same time every day:
Please remember that meditation involves your body and mind. Both will respond best to a consistent practice at a regular time. You will have better results if you do this around the same time every day.
Be patient with the healing process:
These 21 days will be process of self-healing. The healing process means that some emotional items you identify and release may seem to intensify as you are releasing them.
Also, there may be subtle physical reactions to the emotional release such as unexpected exhaustion or mild achiness.
This message is not intended as medical advice, so please consult your healthcare practitioner with any health concerns.