The theme of abundance versus fear has been an area of focus this past year in my life through my study of the Yamas and Niyamas. The Yama of Brahmacharya or Nonexcess speaks to this. We live in a culture where most things are done in excess in order to strive to be number one, whether it be a big house, the best car, the most fit, or consuming to find that 'thing' that will fill your heart's desire so that you can finally be at peace. I am in awe at living in an area that many people have at least a one car garage, yet the vehicle is parked outside because the garage is too full of stuff. We seem to be unable to let go of things "we might need later" as a way to feel safe and secure.
When I lived in India, the realization that most people live in 1-3 room homes with 4 plus people and function quite well made me realize the excess and waste I live in. I was curious to why this is. One of my conclusions comes back to I come from a nation that lives in fear. No other nation on this planet has the litigation system we have. No other nation has such a complex tax system. No other nation has such a massive military. No other nation consumes as much stuff per capita. I believe this is due to fear. All you have to do is turn on the TV to see in advertisements the things that you are missing to make your life complete or the doomsday drama of 24 hour news. All of this leads to a focus on lack which creates insecurity and fear. We struggle to slow down and enjoy life by just relaxing because of this too. We struggle to feel good enough or worthy enough because we are constantly being told we aren't.
The only way to change this is to take responsibility and start to practice abundance. What I mean by this is to be aware, daily, of all that you do have, all that is going well, and that you are okay right now. Here are some specific practices that have helped me to focus on abundance:
1. Limit media/ screen time. Take a moment to really average how much TV and social media time you spend a day and then commit to cutting it down. I've really come to see the news like a soap opera. You can tune in once or twice a week and you really haven't missed a whole lot. We live in a time that information is at our fingertips, 24 hours a day. It can become addicting and overwhelming. It feel like the world is the worst it's ever been in the history of mankind. The truth is that the world has always had wars, greed, and corruption. The difference is that we have access to all of it all the time. The problem is that we end up tuning out to our own lives and the relationships around us that help us to feel connected and loved. Instead, use some of this time to read a book, play a game with your family, start a hobby. Be active in your life rather than just a bystander.
2. SLOW DOWN. I can not emphasize the importance of this. Our go, go, go lifestyle puts our blinders on and we forget to just pause and enjoy this amazing earth we live on. How to do this? Set an alarm on your phone or watch that reminds to to stop and take 5-10 deep breaths. Go for a walk and be aware of nature around you, breathe the fresh air. Have a morning routine that allows you to move slow and relax into your day. Stop planning every moment. Schedule in a relaxing family or friend night. Meditate! There are a number of great apps out there now with wonderful guided meditations like Insight Timer, Headspace and Stop, Think, Breathe. This is the most important way to practice slowing down. Take time to breathe!
3. Gratitude. Each day, take a moment to write or say what you are grateful for. Here's a good template for this: I am grateful for _______, because ________. The area of Positive Psychology reports that being grateful every day is part of what helps people to feel happy and content consistently.
4. When buying things, stop and ask yourself, "do I really need this?" Our culture thrives on impulsive consuming as a way to feel good about ourselves or show our love. I have found more peace in not buying something because it's a conscious choice, I'm reminded what I already have and don't need more of, I don't feel regretful after spending money on something frivolous, and it's helped to remind me that peace comes from within, not from the outside.
5. Practice being in the present moment. The easiest way to start this practice is pausing during the day to take deep breaths, feeling and being aware of each one. Also, taking time to check-in to different body parts and notice sensations that might be happening there. Guided ways to do this are yoga nidra and progressive muscle relaxation. Click here for my yoga nidra audio recording on YouTube.
These are just some of the ways to practice abundance. Try something each day and notice how it affects your attitude and outlook on the world. We need to commit to going to abundance and not living from a place of fear we've been conditioned to do. Begin Within!
When I lived in India, the realization that most people live in 1-3 room homes with 4 plus people and function quite well made me realize the excess and waste I live in. I was curious to why this is. One of my conclusions comes back to I come from a nation that lives in fear. No other nation on this planet has the litigation system we have. No other nation has such a complex tax system. No other nation has such a massive military. No other nation consumes as much stuff per capita. I believe this is due to fear. All you have to do is turn on the TV to see in advertisements the things that you are missing to make your life complete or the doomsday drama of 24 hour news. All of this leads to a focus on lack which creates insecurity and fear. We struggle to slow down and enjoy life by just relaxing because of this too. We struggle to feel good enough or worthy enough because we are constantly being told we aren't.
The only way to change this is to take responsibility and start to practice abundance. What I mean by this is to be aware, daily, of all that you do have, all that is going well, and that you are okay right now. Here are some specific practices that have helped me to focus on abundance:
1. Limit media/ screen time. Take a moment to really average how much TV and social media time you spend a day and then commit to cutting it down. I've really come to see the news like a soap opera. You can tune in once or twice a week and you really haven't missed a whole lot. We live in a time that information is at our fingertips, 24 hours a day. It can become addicting and overwhelming. It feel like the world is the worst it's ever been in the history of mankind. The truth is that the world has always had wars, greed, and corruption. The difference is that we have access to all of it all the time. The problem is that we end up tuning out to our own lives and the relationships around us that help us to feel connected and loved. Instead, use some of this time to read a book, play a game with your family, start a hobby. Be active in your life rather than just a bystander.
2. SLOW DOWN. I can not emphasize the importance of this. Our go, go, go lifestyle puts our blinders on and we forget to just pause and enjoy this amazing earth we live on. How to do this? Set an alarm on your phone or watch that reminds to to stop and take 5-10 deep breaths. Go for a walk and be aware of nature around you, breathe the fresh air. Have a morning routine that allows you to move slow and relax into your day. Stop planning every moment. Schedule in a relaxing family or friend night. Meditate! There are a number of great apps out there now with wonderful guided meditations like Insight Timer, Headspace and Stop, Think, Breathe. This is the most important way to practice slowing down. Take time to breathe!
3. Gratitude. Each day, take a moment to write or say what you are grateful for. Here's a good template for this: I am grateful for _______, because ________. The area of Positive Psychology reports that being grateful every day is part of what helps people to feel happy and content consistently.
4. When buying things, stop and ask yourself, "do I really need this?" Our culture thrives on impulsive consuming as a way to feel good about ourselves or show our love. I have found more peace in not buying something because it's a conscious choice, I'm reminded what I already have and don't need more of, I don't feel regretful after spending money on something frivolous, and it's helped to remind me that peace comes from within, not from the outside.
5. Practice being in the present moment. The easiest way to start this practice is pausing during the day to take deep breaths, feeling and being aware of each one. Also, taking time to check-in to different body parts and notice sensations that might be happening there. Guided ways to do this are yoga nidra and progressive muscle relaxation. Click here for my yoga nidra audio recording on YouTube.
These are just some of the ways to practice abundance. Try something each day and notice how it affects your attitude and outlook on the world. We need to commit to going to abundance and not living from a place of fear we've been conditioned to do. Begin Within!
Wonderful. Thank you for the reminder. Peace
ReplyDeleteWonderful. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDelete