BEING IN THE MOMENT...Are you Present?

Matthew 18:3 of the Bible (King James version) states…

 
‘And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’

When I was a child going to church and bible school, I recall how this particular verse stuck with me.  No matter how it was explained, it never quite made sense to me.  I use to think that after growing into an adult, one would have to become a child to enter heaven…I was not able to wrap my brain around that concept…

One of the definitions from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for ‘Moment’ is ‘The present time’.

‘Heaven’ is defined

-a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God

-a place or condition of utmost happiness

Christian Science:  a state of thought in which sin is absent and the harmony of the Divine Mind is manifest

The Hebrew root for the word sin, means ‘to miss’

The Greek word Sin hamartia (G264) is derived from the root word hamartanō (G266) which historically was an archer’s term that means to "miss the mark".

If one was to observe the behavior of children (especially infants and toddlers), you would notice that they are always ‘in the moment’.  They are completely in harmony (absorbed) with whatever they’re doing, instinctively one with the Universe until taught to ‘sin’ (miss the mark)…Mis-educated to ‘unplug’ from the Source and stop ‘Being’…Hold on to this, I’ll re-visit it later…

Being in the moment is actually being ‘mindfully aware’ currently in one’s experience, this can include thinking of the past or future.  Unfortunately, we’ve been mis-educated to be like robots, habitually living our lives automatically.  This can lead to one feeling they have no real control over their existence.  When this occurs, we could spend too much time thinking/day dreaming about the past and the future.  At times, creating fantasies on how things could have or will be.  Instead, we should use the past as education to apply to the present, thus setting up a better future.

Another way to describe being in the moment is called being in ‘The Zone’.  This term is frequently used in sports and has been described as ‘everything slowing down for the person in it.  While in the zone, the athlete does everything correctly, they are in harmony with all circumstances and people in the field of play.  Simply put, one is tremendously focused on what they are doing and nothing from the outside world is affecting said focus allowing the activity to feel effortless.  It is the syncing of the Spirit, Mind and Body working in harmony on the given task.  Being in the zone is not limited to just sports; it can be achieved at any time doing any task.

Plugging back in…Now I’m in harmony with the aforementioned Bible verse…In order to be in harmony with the Divine Mind/God/Allah/Jehovah/Jesus/Universe/Creator, one must be ‘In the moment’.  The first step is to Master your breathing (See my First post entitled Breathing).  This puts one in the best state to consciously be in tune with the Creator (you can substitute any of the aforementioned names).  Feeling completely relaxed will be the first sign. This relaxed state will allow you to become ‘Conscious’ of your immediate surroundings and body sensations.  Like a farmer, this is the best time to plant the seeds of positive assertions/prayers/goals (into your Subconscious) that you want to have manifested in your life.  Make sure you focus on what you want.  For example, if you’re having problems eating unhealthy you would say (mentally) that you will eat healthy.  If you’re having problems being motivated to lose weight or exercise, you would say mentally I will be physically fit.  Let’s take this further; I will be Spiritually, Mentally and Physically fit.  In order to become physically fit (long-term), one’s Spirit must first be on board.

In the ‘Whole-listic’ lifestyle, the complete being of the individual is addressed.  This is the healthy way for a person to truly maximize themselves.  My previous posts overlap on concepts and themes, as well as expand on others (this one expands on the ‘Looking Down…Ahead’ post).  We’ve been mis-educated to focus backwards as it pertains to bettering ourselves and achieving peace within.  In order to achieve our physical goals (physical appearance and other goals), we must have our Spirit and Mind in sync… These first posts are designed to consciously bring you into harmony with your Spirit thus sparking your mind.  From there, we'll bring the body into alignment in order for you to achieve your desired goals.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read my Blog, God Bless & One Love!

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Additional information was provided by:

www.wildmind.org/background/moment

www.norcaslsc.com/bing-in-th-zone

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THE HEALING POWER OF LAUGHTER

When was the last time you laughed?  I don’t mean a slight chuckle or something similar, I mean a full blown laugh that caused your stomach to hurt and/or possibly bring tears to your eyes.  How did you feel afterwards?  How long did the effects of the laughter last?  You may not realize, but it’s good to laugh.  Actually, it’s good to laugh often.  As a matter of fact, laughter is good for your health, your complete health (Spiritually, Mentally and Physically). There’s even a science devoted to laughter called gelotology (from the Greek word gelos meaning laughter).  It’s the study of laughter and its effects on the body from a psychological and physiological perspective.  It's proponents advocate laughter to be therapeutic. This field of study was pioneered by a William Fry of Stanford University.

In 1979, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report based on a Norman Cousins (who was a noted journalist and editor of the Saturday Review).  The report revealed that in the 1960s Mr. Cousins was diagnosed with a debilitating spinal disease and given a small chance of survival.  Based upon his belief in the importance of environment on healing, he left the hospital and checked into a hotel where he took large doses of Vitamin C and watched continual episodes of comedy shows.  According to the report, over time, the laughter stimulated chemicals in his body that allowed him several hours of pain-free sleep.  He continued this routine until the disease went into remission.  The study became the basis for a best-selling book, Anatomy of an illness.  Since Mr. Cousins’ study, numerous scientists and doctors have conducted similar tests with similar results.

As vibratory beings of energy, our atoms move causing our physical bodies (in part) to receive and release energy (energy is also received and released spiritually and mentally). 

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Vibratory as:

Consisting of, capable of or causing vibration or oscillation.

We’ve been mis-educated to hold onto the energy that flows into our physical bodies causing it (the energy) to become toxic within us.  This toxicity manifests itself as stress, along with other physical ailments.  One way to keep the energy flowing is through laughter. 

These are some of the benefits of laughter:

-improves our sense of well-being

-reduces tension, depression, anger

-lowers stress levels

-reduces blood pressure

-exercises hearts

-strengthens the immune systems

-reduces pain

Try this internal laughter exercise daily.  It’s also a good abdominal exercise.  If done correctly, you should feel your abs working and have your body generate heat.  I would suggest you do this exercise when you’re alone for you may look funny to others.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose which should cause your stomach to expand (See my first post on ‘Breathing’).  Think of something amusing and start to laugh but with your mouth closed.  As you’re doing this, really laugh and squeeze your abs.  Once you’re out of breath, repeat the above three to four more times.  Note how you feel afterwards.

True power is within each of us.  Note the true story of Mr. Cousins and know that you can achieve all of your goals: Spiritually, Mentally and Physically.

Be Well, Be Happy, Be Focused & Achieve!

Hotep!

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Portions of this post was derived from the following sources:

www.memorialcare.org (Events & Education – The Healing Power of Laughter)

www.psychcentral.com – (The Healing Power of Laughter)

HAPPINESS - THE ELUSIVE

I chose to write about this topic due to its overwhelming presence in our lives, or the lack there of.  Consciously/Subconsciously our thoughts & actions are seeking the attainment of this concept. Even the U.S. Declaration of Independence reads:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Would you be happy if:

You were given millions of dollars?  You found the perfect job?  You met your ideal mate? Purchased your dream home?

Could you be happy if you didn’t have any of the above?

How is happiness obtained or acquired?  Is it elusive and periodically grasped or experienced only to fade leaving one to wait for the next time it comes around?

Researching this topic has revealed there are many definitions for Happiness ranging from it being an ‘emotion’ to ‘a state of being’.  At times, it would appear that the definitions were created to fit the context in which it was written.  It’s no wonder many feel ‘Happiness’ is elusive.

I’m not going to define it directly, instead I am going to state some of its components (sounds like I’m defining it…).  In retrospect, I’m probably ‘moon walking’ my way into a definition…

In observation and self-reflection, one is ‘Happy’ when they are at ‘Peace’ with themselves.  Taking it a step further, one is in a ‘state’ of ‘Happiness’ when their ‘Spirit, Mind & Body’ are in harmony with the Creator, Universe, God, Allah, Jesus…If it’s that simple, then how is it so elusive?  It becomes elusive due to us being distracted. Distracted to the point where we don’t recognize the connection, much less the importance of being in harmony through said connection.  Recently, I posted this saying on my Facebook page:

You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience.  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

We’ve been mis-educated to who we are and the nature of our purpose.  The above saying reveals that we have been taught ‘azz backwards’.  Our purpose is to be in harmony with the Creator (Inclusive of all of the descriptive names above).  This harmony connects us to all things manifested and un-manifested.  It’s like being drop from an Ocean.  If one was to extract a drop from an ocean, examination would reveal the drop had the same properties as the ocean but not the same vastness, volume or power.  Each individual is like that drop of water that has been removed or not recognizing the connection to the ocean (the Creator).  Not realizing that by becoming conscious of the harmony that exists, we would be able to in-sperience (from the ‘Breathing’ Post) the full power of the ocean (the Creator) through the drop (individual).  This in-sperience would allow us to be in a constant state of happiness = peace.

This may sound like I’m stating we wouldn’t have to deal with other emotions that are triggered by situations and circumstances that happen.  Also, it may seem that I’m inferring we should not seek to improve ourselves or our current situations.  On the contrary, when presented with obstacles there are many ways to address them.  I’m advising to address them from a foundation of happiness (peace), being conscious to remember to utilize the full power of the Creator by being in harmony through your Spirit, Mind & Body connection. 

In order to effectively improve self/current situation(s), first acknowledge your blessings.  Recognize them and utilize them as fuel to achieve your desired goal, be it losing weight, being healthier, getting a job, a new relationship, earning more money, continuing your education, moving to a better home, obtaining a new car, etc.

Remember to ‘Breath’, which is essential to establishing your Happiness (Peace)! With practice, one will be in a constant ‘State’ of Happiness (Peace) which will allow you to maximize your ability to address all circumstances (in your favor) that are presented in your life.

Quick Update: In reference to my fractured foot, I was released from doctor’s care in late February and scheduled to resume playing basketball in early April!

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Hotep!

SPIRIT, MIND & BODY CONNECTION

What causes some people to successfully attain their goals versus others?  Is it genetics, culture, environment, education, etc.?  Was Michael Jordan born to be arguably the greatest to play basketball? Did he have to do any work to attain that goal or was it just ‘God given’?  What about Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerburg?  Was it in their DNA to be in the financial one percent?  Oprah, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, Alexandre Dumas, Madam C. J. Walker, Lewis Latimer, Barbara Walters, President Barak Obama, etc., what qualities do/did they possess?  Do all of us have the ability to attain the goals that we desire?  One of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s famous sayings (at least he’s the only one that I recall saying it frequently) is “If you can conceive it, you can achieve it.”  What I’ve come to realize is that all things created are just manifested thought. That sounds good, but how does one go about achieving their goals?  Are all things desired, achievable?  That’s another question for another time, but there is a formula/path (for a lack of better words) to attain your goals.

The path is one’s Spirit through their Mind and manifesting through the Physical Body.  Each person’s Spirit is connected to the Creator (Universe, God, Allah, etc.).  Another variable on this formula/path is ‘Faith’.  Having unshakable faith that the goal will be attained is the key ingredient in having one’s goal manifested.  All of the aforementioned people, as well as people you may know who are successful (consciously and/or subconsciously), followed this formula/path. 

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Spirit, Mind and the Physical Body are defined as follows:

SPIRIT

-The force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy and power

-The inner quality or nature of a person

MIND

-The part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels and remembers

PHYSICAL BODY

-A person’s or animal’s whole physical self

-Something that embodies or gives concrete reality to a thing

Here’s the thing with the ‘Faith’ variable that needs to be mentioned.  It can work for one’s benefit or detriment.  Where one puts their faith (dominant thought), that manifestation will follow.  In order for one’s goal to be attained, their faith must be optimistic.

In my last post, I spoke about my fractured left foot and the range of time it would take to heal (6 to 8 weeks).  Weellll, I’m in my 13^th week and I’m not completely healed.  It’s been an interesting and educational experience that in retrospect, I’m glad to have taken part.  I’ve completed my C42X Crutch workout (going 6 weeks non weight bearing on the crutches and doing exercises using the crutches). It was very challenging, but I prevailed.  On my last appointment (December 16^th), x-rays had shown I was approximately 75% healed.  This was enough for the Doctor to start having me put weight on the foot, along with weaning me off the crutches and walking boot.  I’m scheduled to see the Doctor again on February 3^rd for one last x-ray (to make sure I’m healed) and to be cleared to resume regular activity.  In the interim, he advised me not to do any extended walking.  As of this writing (January 14^th), I’m in regular shoes and using a cane (although I can walk well without it).  From the advice of those who have been down this road, I’m being conservative and not rushing my progress.  The educational aspect that I mentioned earlier has been two fold.  First, being blessed to have different people who’ve had similar injuries, share their experiences (inclusive of their mistakes that prolonged recovery).  Second, the words of encouragement and prayers expressed that helped to continue to motivate me to follow the correct program prescribed.  These helped to strengthen my ‘Faith’ (dominant thought) to stay focused on the goal that I am to attain, complete healing.  It also allowed me to realize how I arrived at this point.  Initially, I thought this injury started in early September (culminating on October 19^th), actually the process started 8 months prior when I injured my right foot and started to overcompensate on the left one.  This revelation helped me to realize that this time healing has actually been relatively quick and necessary!

When thinking about the Spirit, Mind and Body connection try this analogy.  Imagine the Spirit being a Driver of a vehicle, the Mind being the Engine/Car’s Computer and the Body being the vehicle’s Frame.  Traditionally, for the vehicle to operate, the driver must be in the vehicle.  The Driver manipulates the vehicle’s Computer/Engine to move the Frame.  The Frame protects the Computer/Engine, as well as the Driver.  Also, the Driver maintains the maintenance of the complete vehicle for it to perform properly.  Once the Driver leaves the vehicle, it does not operate.  If the Driver neglects the vehicle it will decay. 

Transfer this concept to the objective of attaining your Spiritual, Dietary and Exercise goals.  Allow the Creator (God, Allah, the Universe, etc.) to be the ‘Driver’ of your vehicle, the Energy/Inspiration that manipulates your ‘Mind’ and operates your physical ‘Body’.  Like the Driver makes sure his/her vehicle consumes the proper fluids, as well as have the proper maintenance to keep it running smoothly, allow your ‘Driver’ to guide you to reach and surpass your goals!  Utilize the formula/path that other successful people have and join the ranks of the achievers.  Fulfill your birthright and remember it starts with mastering your ‘Breathing’, making your goal your dominant thought and ‘Faith’ that it will be manifested (as well as putting in the work).

Hotep!

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