Level 3.82 - Pause

Level Your Life - [The Pause Level] [3.82]

Pause

The Chinese symbol for pause depicts a person in a small roadside pavillon taking some time to view the scenery and enjoy a few moments of self-reflection. When recharged and rested, he continues the journey.

In today´s world, it seems as though more is better when, in reality, less is actually more. Still, when you think about taking down time and resting for a few days, you may fear you will fall behid, lose your edge and sacrifice the advantage to your competitor.But be aware not knowing when to rest cab lead to self-destruction such as injury,burnout ,chronic fatigue and a lackluster performance. 

Let this quote from a musician remind you that less is more : "Truly great music is the result of the pause or space between the notes. Musical pauses are not a lack of action: they are an integral part of the action." This is the true warrior mentality.

Regardless of your activity, getting in great physical or mental shape requires rest(pause) , space between workouts and events. We must realize that our cellular structure is fragile and must have periods of rest. 

It amounts to the age-old battle between moderation and excessiveness. Excessiveness is a cancer of the sould. It forces you to lose motivation and joy. The cure for this ailment is moderation, where less becomes more.

Days off from your daily routines or events are a good start. Enjoy the pause for what it truly is ...a refreshing -time out. Moderation helps restore balance,increase excitement and enthusiasm , and restores the motivation to cintinue something you love to do.

The moderate warrior knows how to "fondle" the body and mind into shape as opposed to excessively forcing or pushing it here. "Fondle, don´t force" is a useful mantra in this regard.

Concerning the value of rest, we invite you to seek moderation in all things. 

                "Even in moderation?" we ask.

Declaration: When in doubt, cut it out ; rest is best. I seek opportunities to rest and give my mind and body a chance to regenerate and get stronger.

Reflection: What is my worst fear about taking a rest or pause in my work ? What poistive effects could I experience from a well-timed pause ? How can I intiate a pause in my routine now ?

[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

Level 3.92 - Slumps

Level Your Life - [The Slump Level] [3.92]

Slumps

The cycles of life cannot be hastened. Slumps are natural physical,mental, emotional and spiritual cycles.They are inevitable occurrences in all arenas of performance.

There are two kind of people : those who go into a slump and those who will go into one. slumps are the common round that unites all who pursue to live to their full potential.
That said, you must refuse to fight them, choosing instead to focus on the little things, the process rather than outcomes or results. In this way, you can relax and build confidence. When you fight slumps, you create more pressure, tension and anxiety, thereby exacerbating an already dismal situation.
Slumps are the natural lowest points of the perpetual pendulum swing in life´s ups and downs. Only when you fully surrender to the downswing at the very bottom you can begin to experience the natural, exhilarating and effortless upswing in the growth cycle of life.
You must yield to the downswing in order to perform optimally.
An effective way to yield to a slump is to focus your attention on the little things you can control and to refuse to get caught upin results - those things you cannot control.
When you focus on outcomes, you get tight,tense and tentative because they are becond your reach. Instead, align your focus on all the essential little things that cause you to perform well- this will help you relax, stay calm and be more confident.

Slumps happen when you try to force results instead of simply doing all the things that allow you to perform naturally. Resisting slumps is counterproductive.

Meditation and visualization exercises can help you recapture your natural rhythm as you feel the performance you wish to regain. While visualizing, affirm to yourself "Soft is strong" .
Paradoxically enough, when you give up trying to control your downswings and slumps, you gain control and begin to fly.



Declaration: Slumps are natural cycles. When I enter one, I choose to focus on the little things and watch the big things happen. When I let go of outcomes and results, I regain my natural rhythm.

Reflection: When I am performing at my best at what I do, what contributes to this? How can I bring this to my life during a slump ?





[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]