Level 3.76 - Injury

Level Your Life - [The Injury Level] [3.76]

Injury


We ask that you observe nature and understand and appreciate both the cycles of increase and the cycles od deterioration.For most of us, physical injury is an inevitable recurrence of decrease.It is nature´s way of telling you that something is not right. You must not resist it. Think wu wei <<-- and yield to the injury. It is reality. The sooner you accept this, the sooner healing can take place.

Begin to affirm the following in order to stay on track : "Every day in every way, I get healthier and healthier. I am strong and vibrant." These words  will point you in the direction of positive attitudes toward recovery.
Taking this approach doesn´t alter the fact that when serious injury appears, it turns your world upside down. You will experience panic, tension, fear, anger,frustration,depression or a combination of these during the various stages of recovery.Such emotional turmoil creates more stress, which exacerbates the existing pain. To cope psychologically, focus on the positive aspects of your life, those things you appeciate most. We suggest you reread the level of Gratitude .

Use this period of recovery as a time for not only recuperation but for reflection as well.
Reflect upon your life: What is going well ? What need work ? reevaluate your daily routine and priorities and put your life into perspective. Reconnect with others who have experiences loss through injury. This will help you gain hope and confidence while reducing the fear and other churning emotons you may be experiencing.

Injury is a crisis for the injured and for those who care about them.
In Chinese, the word for crisis includes both danger and opportunity: opportunity blowing on a dangerous wind. We encourage you to search for hidden opportunities during this difficult period.

"Nurture your mind and body ... look for wisdom in your acceptance of the times " ~ The I Ching

Be sure to meditate and then visualize your injury healing itself. This will reduce anxiety,subdue pain and hasten recovery. After meditating and quieting the mind, feel your injured area becoming more and more relaxed. Imagine how it feels as the pain subsides. See the area going from a deep red to a ligher shade  of pink - pink being the color of healthy tissue. Feel yourself performing once again, pain free.




Declaration: My injury is an opportunity for me to learn what I need to know and do in my athletic and personal life. Every day, in every way, I get healthier and stronger.

Reflection: What has my past or present injury taught me about my life ? What steps can I take to diminish the risk of injury and illness ?






[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

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]