Tag: empowering

NO PAIN NO GAIN

If you ever want to improve on something, you need to work at it. There is no easy way through life without ever having to put our soul into doing, into applying, into practising – those very things that promotes a ‘growth mindset’ and ‘conscious leadership’.

It is not enough to just read e.g. quotes, inspirational or motivational books, attend inspiring seminars etc., without having to apply those underlying principles. I am referring to some basic underlying principles such as ACCEPTANCE, GRATITUDE and HUMILITY. Those principles that govern how we live our lives on a deeper and more meaningful level. These principles that strengths your learning, your practice, and enables you to take responsibility for your actions (rather than blaming others).

The results are evident in the application – taking some form of action (in doing), otherwise things remain the same. If they do change, it may just be on a superficial level. Those principles have in many cases been tried and tested by yourself (without being fully conscious), and others that you respect and admire.

The challenges which we face are in the application of those fundamental principles (apparent in our materialistic world), which are difficult to live by let alone practise. That is our real test!

 

RUN YOUR OWN RACE

Most competitive runners have been taught to ‘run their own race.’ This means having a strategy or plan which involves not allowing other runners to dictate their pace.

On the other hand, there are also those non-athletes we are aware of, who continually allow others to dictate their pace of life. They are too afraid to run their own race, worried about what others might think or say. Some are in constant need of validation, comparing and competing with others. They are more focused on what others are doing. Find out what makes you unique, concentrate, and run your own race. If you can’t run, then walk! Also, whilst you are doing this – stay in your own lane.

Whilst running your own race, you also need to find your own rhythm and steady pace. Distractions occur when you are not running your own race. Remember nothing good happens when you are continually comparing and competing with others. You may find yourself losing pace, and eventually unable to keep up anyway! Being outrun by the faster and more focused runners who are ‘doing their thing’, and undeterred by you. Running your own race means focusing on you, and doing your absolute best each time. Someone else’s achievement is about them, and has nothing to do with you. 

Do not forget that your greatest support shall always come from your inner guide. Stay focused on your race, and watch and listen out for signs that tells you which path to follow. All you need to do is to trust, and allow your inner guide to be your strength and source. Your inner guide will encourage you to run your own race, to keep on  going and moving forwards, until you eventually across that finishing line.

No King is saved by the size of his army

Some of us are so engrossed in trying to make things happen or lamenting over things we do not have.  Continually searching for those things that we think may meet our needs, and make us happy.  The more we search the unhappier we become.

Only recently, I was in conversation with a commuter, who shared with me that they were going blind in both eyes.  Having gone through multiple consultations, unconventional medicines, they are now certain, that their problem is ‘beyond Science’.

Does it really take such stark conversations to remind ourselves how fortunate we are?  I say ‘Yes, most definitely’.  It certainly made me stop to think yet again, how ungrateful I can be.

This is a stark reminder, to practise sincere gratitude more regularly, for those very things that help us to function daily, such as our ears, our eyes, our mouth, our legs, or even a sound mind (as so many people in our communities are losing theirs).

We really have a lot to be grateful for, as ‘No king is saved by the size of his army’.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

The glowing colours of autumn

One of the things I adore about autumn is the rich fusion of colours.  The fusion of red, yellow, green, and burnt orange of the leaves, mingled together without completely losing their individual characteristics.

Although, those changes may seem outwardly simple, we know that the results are caused by a range of composites, such as weather conditions, chemical compounds etc.

A lesson I have learnt from autumn is that, despite those many challenges that we face, as long as there is life, there is an opportunity to rebuild again.  Much like a tree, which produces its leaves.  We have also been given, an opportunity to change and improve aspects of our lives, caused by conditions.

Challenging situations may be an opportunity to reflect and replenish, as we begin the transition towards winter and change.

Happy new month of October!