Level 2.07 - Thought

Level Your Life [The Level of Thought][2.07]

Thought


You may notice how random thoughts seem to enter the conscious mind quite suddenly and for no apparent reason. They can be positive or negative, and those that predominate are the ones you feed, or give the most attention to.
To better handle your thoughts - to use the positive ones to best effect and keep those that are not helpful from acquiring power and throwing a shadow over your life - it is best to identify them as they appear.

The idea is to recognize constructive thoughts and to creatively use them to your advantage while disregarding those that disturb.

As we always say, meditation and affirmation are effective ways to help you focus on positive thinking.

Who you are, what you do, and where you go are the direct result of your thoughts.
They can either stengthen you or weaken you. In all activity you performance is shaped by your mind; you become what you think.

When you change your thoughts, your performance follows.

When you are running up a hill,lifting weights, or executing any other advanced physical activity , notice the difference how you feel when you think , "I can do it - I am strong" versus "I can´t do it, I´m a wimp."

Shifting between negative and positive thoughts creates a subsequent shift in your capabilities.
When evaluating your performance, rather than focus on negative thinking - "What went wrong?"- first ask yourself  "What went well?"  and follow the question with "What needs work ?"
These two queries are proactive thoughts that create forward movement and confidence.

Remember Bob Marley´s outlook: we are all responsible for our own mental freedom.
Ask yourself: Is my glass of thoughts half empty or half full ?




Declaration: I choose to think positively and ask , Why not ? I change my performance by focusing on possibilities, not disabilities.

Reflection : What are five situations in my life in which I stand in my own way being negative ?
What can I do today to change my related, hindering thoughts ?




[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

Level 3.39 - Chi

Level Your Life - [The Level of Chi] [3.39]

Chi

The Chinese symbol for chi (also spelled qi) depicts a direct connection to the divine force of life, with the very first calligraphic brushstroke pulling this force down into our inner being
Then, three horizontal strokes represent the immediate opening to the sky, the world around us, and the earth below, where we become nourished and grow.Finally with a sweeping upward stroke, we combine all three dimensions of this force with one swoop, and from the center (our dantien, or belly) we reach out to all eight directions to gather chi into the center of our being.

As we learn to dance through the rapidly moving strokes of this magical symbol, we will become completely energized - all chi´ed up !

Chi is that deep, dynamic spiritual force or energy experienced when mind and body are in sync.
Chi is everywhere at all times, it is ever present.

Sky,earth,oceans,rivers,forests,mountains, and streams all have chi.
There is environmental chi, both clear and polluted.
There are pleasant chi and annoying chi. It is everywhere you look and in everything you feel. It is within each of us; it is our breath of life. 
It is inner strength or weakness, impossible to see and difficult to explain, yet easy to experience.

All physical stimulates it flow: running, yoga,dance, Tai Chi and more. The breath-watching meditation we teach restores chi.

Through visualization , you can project this spiritual energy into any arena of performance prior to engaging in it. For example before an event, visualize and feel yourself moving with full spirit and energy, your adrenaline flowing freely. Feel the joy and exhilaration as you move effortlessly to your own rhythm and inner dance.

Feel the transition from standing around to participating. Notice how easy it is to access your chi.

                                                                     
There are ten specific things you can do that will create positive, high-level chi in your life.
1.Practice thoughts that are positive
2.Meditate on a daily basis
3.Create a consciousness about healthy food
4.Reduce or eliminate low energy substances in your diet like alcohol,caffeine and drugs
5.List seven things that you appreciate in your life (health,friends,mental acuity,home,education,etc)
 and go about your day with these in mind
6.Listen to music that uplifts you|
7.Make a collage of inspirational photos and keep them where you can see them every day |
8.Choose to spend your time with highly functional,energetic people
9.Go outside into nature each day
10.And perform a random act of kindness daily
                                                                     

With practice and positive mental focus, you can experience this inner chi power consistently.



Declaration: I am aware of my sacred power of chi and practice using it prior to beginning all physical activity.Breathing and visualization help restore this inner power.

Reflection: What are some of the ways in which I can employ this special energy in all aspects of my life ? What can I do now to access this chi?





[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]