Aspiring to be Great

As I sit here, I am wondering to myself, how does one become a “great X” or a “great Y”? First things that comes to my mind is practice, then patience, then taking risks, then making mistakes, and then more practice.
I want to be GREAT, to make an impact because I want my existence, my soul, my brain to mean more than just “She was a nice and cool person”. I want to be known for being something that others will aspire to be. I want to change something in the world, that helps life continue to evolve into a more beautiful and elegant existence. With more acceptance and peace… 

If we look at people like the musical artist Macklemore, he’s even famous and he made a song about loving who you want to freely, and song was popular for all of 4-5 months. Is that really a lasting impact? But then their are people like the current president of the United States, he’ll be remembered for more than just this life time I’d imagine. 

There is no math equation to solve this “how to be great?” dilemma, to be at a place of rest in this struggle for wanting to be the greatest I try to walk the middle path, and remember that I have to do what I can each day to make the impact I want to on the world. I’d love to hear feedback on this one, if you have any thoughts or suggestions please post them.

Mindfulness In Denver

Mindfulness has become a buzz word in the business of being "happy" or at "peace". Even the Denver Post, wrote about Mindfulness and how different organizations such as Be Mindful has been focused on reaching out to homeless youth recently right here in Denver. 

Well I do believe they are on to something since being in the here and now can ease anxiety (at times feeling of fear of what is to come) and depression (possible regret of events in the past). It sounds simple enough, just practice being in the here and now, and stretch your brain to focus and bring about emotional regulation.... 

I only wish it was that simple. 

I have found that through practicing mindfulness starting at 3 minutes a day is the best way to start. Its like learning to run a 5K, typically you don't wake up one day and run 3.2 miles for the first time ever without practicing. First you have to warm up, then stretch out your muscles, eat properly. stay well hydrated... and so on. 

Practice and prepare yourself to be mindful. You can do this by practicing yoga, focusing on your breathing pattern, taking a warm bath, walking your dog... Just take three minutes to stop your mind, or looking at your to-do list. Slow your mind down, and intensionally notice what you are feeling, seeing, or experiencing in the moment...

Just 3 minutes thats all it takes to start. 

Breathe

Have you ever been in a situation where you were instructed to “just breathe”? Perhaps this occurred before you had an important interview, or test or performance? Breathing is vital to us, yet often times we take it for granted or forget that we are actually breathing.
With that I wanted to address the value of breath today and ways in which our breath can effect us.
Breathing or inhalation and exhalation is an autonomic process in our bodies, in other words, we don’t have to consciously ask our bodies to breath, it’s a “built in” feature. As we breath we inhale oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and other gases present in the air. As we exhale our breathe primarily we are letting our carbon dioxide. That science lesson is meant to highlight the chemical reaction that takes place in our beautifully complicated bodies, as well recognize the importance of taking effective breaths. An ineffective breath is called paradoxical breathing, which is when you inhale with the chest muscles and exhale from the abdomen. Effective breathing is the breath or “natural breath” occurs when you take breaths from the abdomen. Take these steps to facilitate deep breathing:
Breath in through your nose slowly and evenly and guide air to your abdomen. As you do so, experience your stomach region expanding and inflating. After holding this breath for a second or two, release it with the same pace in which you drew in.
Practice of this conscious breath will allow the natural breath to occur more regularly.
This technique is useful for Mindful breathing that is taught in Distress Tolerance of DBT. The technique may benefit anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, tension, or anyone that simply wants to experience the natural breath.
The breath is endless, and you may breathe in ease, well being and peace, breathe out tension, worry and pain. 

Have a mindful day!

Times are a Changing

The only thing is life that is constant is change...

How do we manage these changes if we are feel scared, or stuck? If off, having those feelings or really any strong feelings about something new in life are completely normal and valid. I'm notorious for wanting to fun and hide, others face anger or feelings of being overwhelmed.

Here are my TOP 5 skills to use when faced with expected or unexpected change:

1. Take a step back, and look at the situation from a different angle, ask yourself what are the pros and cons of this change, and weigh out your options

2. Set an intention for how you want to be (or behave) during the change, so you can help prevent yourself from anger or sadness

3. Do at least one thing thats the same, so you can know that you will be ensured to have at least one comfort item/feelings/situation to hold on to during the change

4. Talk about your feelings with friends, family, your therapist, you'll find out fast, that you are really not alone in your thoughts, feelings or experience 

5. Take it one step, one day, one moment at a time, remember that you are ultimately in control of YOU, maybe not your environment or other people, but you are truly in-control of you.

Relationship Advice

At one point in your life you’ve probably wanted, gave, or heard relationship advice. Its a messy topic, “relationship” is even a complicated word, with many meanings, perhaps even some value/moral implications strung in there as well.

It was suggested to me to write an entry on cheating, expectations and boundary settings in relationships today. Although those are valid topics to be concerned about, using the forum of a blog to discuss such personal concerns, feels devaluing or impersonal to me.

What I’d suggest that anyone do, is remember that we have feelings in our body for a reason, they are trying to tell us something, and if we use our reasonable mind too much to think our way out of the emotion… Well thats not practicing wise mind. Emotions are only in life to make you stronger. Don’t waste those messages, use them to your advantage.