Saturday, June 14, 2008
Living One's Dreams - A Sailor's Recipe
by Cresswell Walker, executive coach, trainer and organizational effectiveness consultant with http://www.tripleE.com
5Cs That Really Matter
C is for COURSE
Simply by following a compass heading at sea, sooner or later a destination shows up over the horizon. I was amazed by how far I could get by sailing just a little bit every day. I eventually “found” Australia by compass and by sailing more than 15,000km, all at jogging speed!
Set goals for your life and career, plot your course, and then get the heck out there and start sailing! Every day, do at least one thing that takes you in the direction of your dream.
C is for COURAGE
When I first went to sea I was afraid everyday. Now, I am afraid every other day. Fear never goes away – courage is the willingness to be afraid.
Success only rewards risk: Be a modern-day warrior. Aim high, be bold, step out, say what you think. Don’t let the notion of “saving face” and not being the “tall poppy” discourage you from taking the risks that cultivate your courage.
C is for CAPACITY
When I set out on an ocean passage I feel sick and stumble inadequately around on deck. But, provided I look after myself, the demands of the boat and the weather stretch and strengthen me until I can sail happily for weeks.
Dedicate yourself to stretching your capacity in every way – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Care for your body by exercising. Eat lightly and eat frequently – use food as fuel for body and creativity. Take time daily for meditation, yoga or prayer. Breathe deeply, take breaks, and practice using both sides of your brain.
C is for COMMITMENT
To reach distant shores, I had to sail out of sight of land for many days and sometimes weeks. Then, I had to accept total responsibility for everything on board. Though I had no control over the weather, I still had responsibility for the survival of my wife and myself.
Decide what you are going to do, then commit irrevocably to your success – no turning back. And assume responsibility for everything – no blame, no fault finding, no excuses.
C is for COMPASSION
The harsh side of being at sea exposes me to me. Miserable conditions sometimes makes me a miserable human being, but compassion makes it possible to love myself (mostly) and carry on. Along with the other Cs, there must be caring for self, for others and for our greater purpose.
Life is like a voyage and we only get to sail it once. If you are not now living the life of your dreams, decide to do so today. Then set sail and focus daily on the next 5Cs. Someday soon, you too will be living the life of your dreams.
by Cresswell Walker, executive coach, trainer and organizational effectiveness consultant with http://www.tripleE.com
5Cs That Really Matter
C is for COURSE
Simply by following a compass heading at sea, sooner or later a destination shows up over the horizon. I was amazed by how far I could get by sailing just a little bit every day. I eventually “found” Australia by compass and by sailing more than 15,000km, all at jogging speed!
Set goals for your life and career, plot your course, and then get the heck out there and start sailing! Every day, do at least one thing that takes you in the direction of your dream.
C is for COURAGE
When I first went to sea I was afraid everyday. Now, I am afraid every other day. Fear never goes away – courage is the willingness to be afraid.
Success only rewards risk: Be a modern-day warrior. Aim high, be bold, step out, say what you think. Don’t let the notion of “saving face” and not being the “tall poppy” discourage you from taking the risks that cultivate your courage.
C is for CAPACITY
When I set out on an ocean passage I feel sick and stumble inadequately around on deck. But, provided I look after myself, the demands of the boat and the weather stretch and strengthen me until I can sail happily for weeks.
Dedicate yourself to stretching your capacity in every way – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Care for your body by exercising. Eat lightly and eat frequently – use food as fuel for body and creativity. Take time daily for meditation, yoga or prayer. Breathe deeply, take breaks, and practice using both sides of your brain.
C is for COMMITMENT
To reach distant shores, I had to sail out of sight of land for many days and sometimes weeks. Then, I had to accept total responsibility for everything on board. Though I had no control over the weather, I still had responsibility for the survival of my wife and myself.
Decide what you are going to do, then commit irrevocably to your success – no turning back. And assume responsibility for everything – no blame, no fault finding, no excuses.
C is for COMPASSION
The harsh side of being at sea exposes me to me. Miserable conditions sometimes makes me a miserable human being, but compassion makes it possible to love myself (mostly) and carry on. Along with the other Cs, there must be caring for self, for others and for our greater purpose.
Life is like a voyage and we only get to sail it once. If you are not now living the life of your dreams, decide to do so today. Then set sail and focus daily on the next 5Cs. Someday soon, you too will be living the life of your dreams.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
How To Stop Thinking for the Sleepless
(from an article by Kacper M. Postawski)
You're laying in bed, frustrated, forcing your mind to not think. "I just want to get some sleep! Stop thinking. Okay, starting now... I won't think anymore. No think... nothing. My life is nothing... If only I would finally get motivated in my job maybe I would finally create the income to start traveling instead of dealing with these problems. Problems, how can I... Ahh, I'm thinking again! Stop!"
You get even more frustrated, and repeat the process over again in a few minutes. So how do you stop it? It's easy, you see, you can easily control your thinking, except most people aren't aware of the tools necessary! The good news is, I'm about to give you the 3 step handbook to controlling your mind. Here are the 3 universal steps that will enable you to not only stop thinking, you'll also be able to lower your brain-waves into the alpha brain-state, which will quickly let you enter sleep...
The 3-Step Process for Controlling Your Mind
Step 1: Awareness
The first step to changing anything is becoming aware that it's happening, especially if it's your mind. Pretend your mind is racing, and you finally realize that you're thinking... Most people at this stage get extremely frustrated and "try" to force the mind into submission. It doesn't work! Why? Because, what you focus on expands. The more frustrated you get, the more you're focusing on frustration, so you'll get even MORE frustration, and more thinking... on and on!
So the first step, is to simply become "aware" of the fact that you're thinking. Nothing more. When you notice that you're thinking, smile to yourself, and say, "I just noticed myself thinking... Interesting..."
Now notice what happens inside of you when you do this... something VERY profound. If "I" just noticed "myself" thinking, perhaps there are really two completely separate identities running your life? There is the "I" and there is the "self."
The "I", is the real you, the higher being, the "I" behind the mind, that runs the show, the heart, the soul, the true conscious being, the choice maker.
The "self" is the mind. If left to run the show, will run in endless circles until the edge of insanity.
The moment you do this, the moment you become "Aware" - you are no longer a slave to your mind. You have won. After you become aware... do nothing, just lay there for 3 seconds and notice how it feels to be present in who you really are, not the mind, but you, the "I" - there is a great feeling of peace behind that presence in the "I." Why? Because when you are aware like this, you're aware of the power of your choice making. You now have the power of choice.
Step 2: Relaxed Focus"What you focus on expands."
Now that you have become aware of your thinking. All you have to do is "direct" your mind into a place that will bring you into a deep, deep place of relaxation. Think about it, if before your mind will relentlessly race into any direction you give it, why not pick a direction that will give you peace and restful sleep?
But, most people don't know what that direction really is. It's really easy. If you focus on anything your body does or feels subconsciously, you will begin to become more and more realized. For example your breathing, the feeling of the pillow on your head, the sounds of nature outside (unless you live in the city), the warmth of your body. These are all things that happen, yet your conscious mind doesn't think about them.
As you know, "What you focus on, expands"... So what would happen if you focused on something that is happening in your "subconscious"? That's right, your conscious thinking would diminish, and your subconscious mind would begin to take over the entire process of you falling asleep! It really is that simple, and it works every-time.
The easiest one, is your breathing. And I promise you if you just try this tonight, you will be shocked when you wake up in the morning: "Wow! It worked!"
Step 3: Repetition
As I said, the easiest one to focus on is your breathing. In the beginning, you'll find this easier said than done. Let me walk you through it.
Begin by taking your focus onto your breathing. Take a deep breath in. Hold it for a short while, and slowly exhale... Count "1"
Breathe in again... hold it shortly, exhale slowly, and count... "2"
Why count? Because I guarantee you, in the very beginning, you may find it challenging to hold your focus. In fact, you'll be surprised as you may not even make it to "5" the first time. This is because your conscious ever-thinking mind will butt in and interrupt. You may randomly go off into a barrage of thoughts again. If this happens, and it very well may, what do you do?
Simply become aware, and begin focusing on your breathing again. Guess what happens? As you become aware, 2 or 3 times... your mind will give up. I guarantee you, beyond the shadow of a doubt, when you get to "10" or "15" breaths you will feel a wave of relaxation in your body. This is the silent "click" as your mind shifts from the high frequency Beta brain-waves into Alpha brain-waves. Your subconscious mind will do the rest! That's all for now
Kacper Postawski is an innovative sleep science researcher and the creator of the "Powerful Sleep - Secrets of the Inner Sleep Clock" which can teach you how to sleep up to three hours less per night and have *more* energy, not less!
(from an article by Kacper M. Postawski)
You're laying in bed, frustrated, forcing your mind to not think. "I just want to get some sleep! Stop thinking. Okay, starting now... I won't think anymore. No think... nothing. My life is nothing... If only I would finally get motivated in my job maybe I would finally create the income to start traveling instead of dealing with these problems. Problems, how can I... Ahh, I'm thinking again! Stop!"
You get even more frustrated, and repeat the process over again in a few minutes. So how do you stop it? It's easy, you see, you can easily control your thinking, except most people aren't aware of the tools necessary! The good news is, I'm about to give you the 3 step handbook to controlling your mind. Here are the 3 universal steps that will enable you to not only stop thinking, you'll also be able to lower your brain-waves into the alpha brain-state, which will quickly let you enter sleep...
The 3-Step Process for Controlling Your Mind
Step 1: Awareness
The first step to changing anything is becoming aware that it's happening, especially if it's your mind. Pretend your mind is racing, and you finally realize that you're thinking... Most people at this stage get extremely frustrated and "try" to force the mind into submission. It doesn't work! Why? Because, what you focus on expands. The more frustrated you get, the more you're focusing on frustration, so you'll get even MORE frustration, and more thinking... on and on!
So the first step, is to simply become "aware" of the fact that you're thinking. Nothing more. When you notice that you're thinking, smile to yourself, and say, "I just noticed myself thinking... Interesting..."
Now notice what happens inside of you when you do this... something VERY profound. If "I" just noticed "myself" thinking, perhaps there are really two completely separate identities running your life? There is the "I" and there is the "self."
The "I", is the real you, the higher being, the "I" behind the mind, that runs the show, the heart, the soul, the true conscious being, the choice maker.
The "self" is the mind. If left to run the show, will run in endless circles until the edge of insanity.
The moment you do this, the moment you become "Aware" - you are no longer a slave to your mind. You have won. After you become aware... do nothing, just lay there for 3 seconds and notice how it feels to be present in who you really are, not the mind, but you, the "I" - there is a great feeling of peace behind that presence in the "I." Why? Because when you are aware like this, you're aware of the power of your choice making. You now have the power of choice.
Step 2: Relaxed Focus"What you focus on expands."
Now that you have become aware of your thinking. All you have to do is "direct" your mind into a place that will bring you into a deep, deep place of relaxation. Think about it, if before your mind will relentlessly race into any direction you give it, why not pick a direction that will give you peace and restful sleep?
But, most people don't know what that direction really is. It's really easy. If you focus on anything your body does or feels subconsciously, you will begin to become more and more realized. For example your breathing, the feeling of the pillow on your head, the sounds of nature outside (unless you live in the city), the warmth of your body. These are all things that happen, yet your conscious mind doesn't think about them.
As you know, "What you focus on, expands"... So what would happen if you focused on something that is happening in your "subconscious"? That's right, your conscious thinking would diminish, and your subconscious mind would begin to take over the entire process of you falling asleep! It really is that simple, and it works every-time.
The easiest one, is your breathing. And I promise you if you just try this tonight, you will be shocked when you wake up in the morning: "Wow! It worked!"
Step 3: Repetition
As I said, the easiest one to focus on is your breathing. In the beginning, you'll find this easier said than done. Let me walk you through it.
Begin by taking your focus onto your breathing. Take a deep breath in. Hold it for a short while, and slowly exhale... Count "1"
Breathe in again... hold it shortly, exhale slowly, and count... "2"
Why count? Because I guarantee you, in the very beginning, you may find it challenging to hold your focus. In fact, you'll be surprised as you may not even make it to "5" the first time. This is because your conscious ever-thinking mind will butt in and interrupt. You may randomly go off into a barrage of thoughts again. If this happens, and it very well may, what do you do?
Simply become aware, and begin focusing on your breathing again. Guess what happens? As you become aware, 2 or 3 times... your mind will give up. I guarantee you, beyond the shadow of a doubt, when you get to "10" or "15" breaths you will feel a wave of relaxation in your body. This is the silent "click" as your mind shifts from the high frequency Beta brain-waves into Alpha brain-waves. Your subconscious mind will do the rest! That's all for now
Kacper Postawski is an innovative sleep science researcher and the creator of the "Powerful Sleep - Secrets of the Inner Sleep Clock" which can teach you how to sleep up to three hours less per night and have *more* energy, not less!
Monday, January 19, 2004
When not asleep we are in thought all the time.
Believe it or not, thoughts become things or if
done in the right way, what we conceive we can
achieve. It is a universal truth that few will admit
as fact but many have found to their dismay that
when they dwell too much on the negative, then
like a boomarang, this negativity makes a u-turn
and hits them in the face.
The many who have succeeded in attaining their
wealth, fame and fortune through this thinking
process will attest to it. To them it is common
knowledge, not to be scorned at and in fact they
so would like the rest of us to emulate what they
have discovered as common truth, that they have
devised all methods of advertising and promoting
this particular gift which some may call blessing,
to impart the same knowledge for all to enjoy.
It is late for me right now, but I would like to
begin tomorrow to put down as much as I can
from what I have read and learnt in order to
share this simple act of thinking to make things
right. Afterall, it is one of the reasons that we
have been given minds to develop and grow
towards the perfection that we all strive for
and will finally reach in our next destination
after our time on earth has ended.
May we all be richly blessed for today,
January 20, 2004
Believe it or not, thoughts become things or if
done in the right way, what we conceive we can
achieve. It is a universal truth that few will admit
as fact but many have found to their dismay that
when they dwell too much on the negative, then
like a boomarang, this negativity makes a u-turn
and hits them in the face.
The many who have succeeded in attaining their
wealth, fame and fortune through this thinking
process will attest to it. To them it is common
knowledge, not to be scorned at and in fact they
so would like the rest of us to emulate what they
have discovered as common truth, that they have
devised all methods of advertising and promoting
this particular gift which some may call blessing,
to impart the same knowledge for all to enjoy.
It is late for me right now, but I would like to
begin tomorrow to put down as much as I can
from what I have read and learnt in order to
share this simple act of thinking to make things
right. Afterall, it is one of the reasons that we
have been given minds to develop and grow
towards the perfection that we all strive for
and will finally reach in our next destination
after our time on earth has ended.
May we all be richly blessed for today,
January 20, 2004
