Level 2.55 - Centered

Level Your Life - [The Centered Level] [2.55]

Centered

We like to tell the story of a very talented potter whose creations are inconsistent. The quality of her work is directly related to the events in her life. If they throw her off center, her pottery becomes asymmetrical. When she remains centered and inwardly calm, she throws balanced beautiful pottery.

To be centered is to perform up to your capabilities, regardless of what life throws your way.

Athletics, fitness and other physical activities provide a splendid opportunity to learn the delicate virtue of centeredness, the ability to block out distraction and quickly respond to unpredictable change when it occurs.

Like a deeply rooted tree, centered people, remain unmoved by negative forces.Whenever you are confronted by external aggression or negative internal voices in your life, understand that these forces are lessons to help you shine

The awakened person knows that victory and defeat are natural consequences of all performance situations. Refuse to go overboard in celebrating the former or brooding over the latter. The warrior enjoys the contest for what it truly is: a process of self-learning and mastery, which is defined as staying on track. Know that you will fall of track. Being truly centered simply means being able to return to that sacred place more quickly than before. We encourage you to meditate and then visualize yourself responding effectively to change or upheaval in all areas of your life.

Declaration: Like a deeply rooted tree, I ream centered and free. I refuse to give anyone or anything permission to take me off center.

Reflection: Recall various situations in which you were caught off guard and lost your composure. What could you do to respond more appropriately to similar situations in the future ?

[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

Level 3.56 - Fatigue

Level Your Life [The Level of Fatigue][3.56]

Fatigue

Fatigue is always a factor in life.To resist it means fighting the inevitable visit by this unwelcome friend, and the anxiety and tension you create in the fight cause even greater fatigue. To triumph over fatigue, assume a yielding posture by refusing to force it away or become angry at it.Essentially, it helps to know that fatigue is a natural response brought on by overexertion. It´s the body´s way of telling you to eat, rest or reevaluate your daily routine.

Acknowledging this universal truth, the warrior can relax, thereby relieving some of the fatigue.

Refuse to give more power to this nuisance as you return your focus on the task at hand. Like always focus on small,manageable segments and the important little things you can control.

Talk yourself through the fatigue by reminding yourself that everybody experiences it at this point in the activity.It`s the price we all pay for breaking through our limitations.

Affirm to yourself : "I feel strong - I can do it. " Tell your body that you will give it sufficient rest when the activity is complete."

In many situations, you might well remember that fatigue is a feeling all warriors experience prior to entering the next level of their potential. Such a positive attitude can reduce the pain to a tolerable level. Nonresistance, yielding and blending with fatigue will help reduce it as you discover a new-found energy.

Whatever technique you use, remember: fatigue is a natural force that is an inherent aspect of exertion. It will always be a factor. If you blend and flow with it, it will fade into the background.

Declaration: Don´t resist and it won´t persist. Fatigue is a familiar friend, a necessary entity in exploring my potential.

Reflection: What have I learned from my past experiences with fatigue ? What do I plan to do when fatigue strikes again ?

[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]