Blog — ARJUNA ISHAYA

Why Do Monks Drink Coffee In The Morning?

monk-coffeeOK - I like coffee. Just one, maybe two in the morning, it is the last of my morning rituals.

Ascension meditation, exercise, coffee, then five or ten minutes to take stock of the priorities of the day.

First priority:

Keep the peace.

No matter what happens, don't take it seriously.

Stay present, stay here, don’t over think.

Check.

Second priority:

Remember to love and appreciate my wife, to add to my relationship, to all my relationships.

Check.

Third priority:

All those jobs and stuff I need to do.

Rituals that build you up and give you clarity are important, crucial even.

They mean you go on the right foot.

You’re saying to yourself, and the world:

“This is what is important. This is how my day begins”

Throwing yourself into the urgent things is a recipe for disaster.

You can do it for a while, but you will find yourself getting ground down.

Slowly but surely, because there’s no foundation to your action.

You’re always chasing your tail.

It feels like it too.

Putting out fires, rushing and reacting.

There’s no means to get perspective.

There’s no means to maintain calm, clear confidence.

There’s no means to build towards what you want.

There will always be urgent things that need doing yesterday.

Yet do the important things first or ASAP, even if you have to get up a little earlier, and you’ll find the urgent things get done easier.

You know I think meditation is the best ritual for all of life.

It’s the one thing I do every single day without fail.

It is the one thing that gives me infinitely more Life.

It is a sweet treasure - really.

I know it may be confusing on how to get going.

There are many, many different ways; there is so much information - some of it rubbish.

If you need help just get in touch with me.

I can help, I’d like to help.

No matter your past experience I can help make it supremely simple, practical, effective and enjoyable.

Just get in touch and we'll chat.

Alright?

Keep the Peace! - Arjuna

PS.

Whether you are a beginner or have been meditating for some time you’re going to love Ascension meditation.

It makes it all so easy, so simple.

Here’s where to get a seat on the last course of 2016:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/ -

Grown Man Throws Tantrum

grown-tantrum“What do you think about this one?” It’s a tricky question after 3 hours of wandering around stores mean you feel more like the living dead than a human.

You know it - one bathroom tile shop is kind of interesting.

4 shops, not so.

And it’s raining so hard outside you know you’re missing out on some quality kayaking.

And your feet hurt, and you’re hungry, and a coffee would be nice too …

Well, it all adds up to a potential for relationship strain, a bit of stroppiness and frustration and boredom doesn’t it?

It could even mean an grown man reverts to teenage style grumpy grunts, or worse -

The grown man could throw a tantrum.

It’s happened before, I’m not proud of it, not at all.

But it did happen.

The good thing to report is that I’m still married.

The relationship is still on a solid foundation because I have a secret weapon.

So do you, if you know it exists - and how to use it.

The fact is that:

You are in control of your own boredom and frustration.

You are in control of whether you are thinking about doing that thing that you want to be doing …

Or you quit that and get really present,

In the same place as your body,

Focussed on the task so it’s as straightforward and painless as possible.

Communicating like an adult, not a sullen teenager.

And then shopping for bathroom tiles means there are minimal casualties.

And you remember you actually do have a sense of humour and so it becomes kinda fun.

Because you are in control of what you put your attention on.

You are in control of what you let annoy you.

Having a tantrum is for babies.

Yet that’s what I see so many adults doing, in their own way:

Throwing their toys out of the cot.

The Christmas season will mean the malls will be full of sullenness and drama as things get cranked up.

It’s not really necessary at all, is it?

It’s definitely not a good look (trust me).

We all have to do some things that we’d rather not do.

But when you’re full on with them these things then they become easy, and actually kinda enjoyable.

So remember your secret weapon - don’t give away your sense of fun.

Don’t be bored and frustrated.

Definitely don’t slip into being a big baby.

Awesome - have a great weekend, ok? Arjuna

PS.

You may well be interested in my meditation and mindset evening course that is coming super soon.

One of things we’ll be going over is some real, practical tools to not lose your sense of humour or your sense of joy.

To stay away from the dreaded boredom.

In fact I believe if you use these techniques life will never be boring again.

Here’s where you go for more details,

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/ or email me with questions. -

What A Shame - So Close And Yet So Far

what-a-shameI have the privilege of meeting and working with a large amount of people. Sometimes it’s just to grab a coffee and a quick meditation based coaching session to see if they’d be a good fit for going deeper into what I teach.

I love it.

Though I’m amazed though how many people are looking for some kind of magic pill.

I have a sweet, simple, powerfully transformative programme - but it does take practice.

We all have certain habits that prevent us from living the life we want.

These habits take a little momentum and work to overcome.

No big deal, just a little time and awareness to practice something different, in the opposite direction.

But I chat with some people and they’re not even interested in practicing.

Even when their lives are a mess - and they use those words - and they’re honest in telling me they want to do something …

Yet when it comes down to it, they don’t.

Maybe it’s the way I approach things, maybe I make transformation appear too simple, I don’t know.

(Actually it is simple - it take no guess work, you just do what I tell you. And that looks like the hard part)

But I think it’s such a shame that someone would get to a point where their lives could change, and then they back away.

Sometimes it’s more comfortable to stay the same.

I’ve realised this:

If you come to a point where you know you want an end to stress, anxiety, depression;

Where you want more peace, more life, more calm;

You are indeed fortunate.

So much of humanity is chasing the next shiny object that will bring their happiness.

Or they’ve given up.

This is the way it is, they think.

“Can’t complain”, as they stuff the dissatisfaction down once again.

If you actually take steps to get what you want from life:

Well - then you’re so blessed I can’t tell you.

Do what it takes - every single day - to have that more, whatever that maybe.

If that’s going to the gym and eating right, do it.

Learning to laugh more and take things less seriously? - Get cracking.

Getting out of your negative thoughts, being more positive and present with your loved ones - do it!

Do whatever it takes, every single day until you master it.

Meditation is one of the greatest things you can do, full stop.

It need not be complicated, in fact the best meditation tools are simple and straight forward.

It need not be weird - weirdness is not compulsory. In fact, it needs to fit into your life and your beliefs so you’ll actually do it.

What to learn how?

I have a course for you, coming up very soon before Christmas.

You’ll love what it gives you:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/

Simple, easy, enjoyable but NOT a magic pill.

OK?

Go well! Arjuna

PS. Christmas? I know. It’s MILES away.

Tell that to the shops … it’s every where!

It will be here before I know it though.

This WILL help, hugely with the whole season:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/ -

It Was An Inside Job Guv

inside-jobSaw the CHOICE film the other night.

Quick review -

Documentary about people from all over the world who decide to make their quality of life number one priority.

Take a moment - most of all, what do you want from life?

Is it a priority for you in each and every day?

I imagine not. You get distracted, just getting through the day.

Don't let the drudgery and busyness win:

Make what is most important to you a priority.

Keep coming back to that and you will have it sooner rather than later.

That’s what all these people in the film were serious about:

Actually making sure they got MORE from the life they are living.

There were many tales, many different backgrounds, many different cultures -

But they were united in the quest for more.

The businessman thought his happiness and peace lay in making more money and retiring early.

The revolutionary thought her happiness and peace lay in political independence.

The raver thought his happiness and peace lay in drugs and the altered state.

They all discovered that more isn’t about the outside.

It’s an inside job.

It has nothing to do with your situation or circumstances.

Not what you do but how you do it.

It’s all about your reaction, your inner focus, your ability to take nothing seriously.

It’s all about your connection to the calm presence within.

The prisoners in jail for life said exactly the same thing.

When they looked outward they saw bars.

When they looked inward they found freedom.

You want that?

In your life, as it is?

You can have it, I promise.

You need to make a change in the way you’re living though.

Look within, make it about your levels of peace and presence.

Make it about how you react to life.

You’re in charge there - you have control.

You have choice.

But make that inner choice and ALL of your outer choices become simpler.

Easier. Lighter. More straightforward. More fun.

It will take work.

You need to practice.

You need to return to being present and positive,

And the best means I know of for that is meditation.

If you’re serious about more, I have squeezed in a quick course before Christmas gets too mad.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/

Get a seat and I’ll give you everything you need to know to live a life of quality.

It’ll be fun!

And maybe even mean you can fly through Christmas, with all the social engagements that you might not want to be at with more ease than ever before.

Claim your choice!

Let me know how I can help, - Arjuna

PS. It's so ingrained that life has to be tough, it has to be hard.

What if that was just a lie?

What if you could have an amazing life?

What if?

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/

-

When Bowel Demons Attack!

demonsI’m a bit feeling sorry for myself - I’ve got a dodgy belly thing going on and it’s not the nicest. Not from food, from kayaking in bad water.

It’s the artificial whitewater site that does it to me, and I’ve just realised.

Which is a shame because even though it rains a lot up here - sometimes the most consistent water is that which is pumped around and around that little concrete river.

And the water goes around and around and around.

Which you can imagine means it has the potential to pick up some nasty bugs that seem to love me very much right now.

Fresh is indeed best.

Anyhoo - this is what I’ve learnt:

Being embattled with demons in my belly and bowel means I’ve realised once again what makes the difference between handing life’s ups and downs with style or with massive amounts of drama.

Whatever life throws at you, the ability to take nothing seriously helps everything a thousand fold.

I could easily have gotten into the poor me’s at 3am this morning as my body seemed intent on turning itself inside out -

But then I realised how intensely I was getting into my own suffering.

Taking a step back was a good thing.

Didn’t change the facts, just made them lighter.

I learnt this from my meditation teacher, who was a former Marine in the Vietnam War -

He told me once that he knew if he got out of Vietnam alive he would never ever take anything seriously again.

This sense of perspective was probably one of the things that saved him from being overwhelmed by the intensity of flashbacks and what not …

Just the knowing that they would pass, and he was still alive.

That no matter what life threw at him, he was alive.

He takes every opportunity to laugh, to smile, to remember how good he - and all of us - have it.

It’s good to be around.

It's good to remember, because even though everything isn't 100% with me, it makes such a difference.

So no matter what, remember what you have.

Take care, Arjuna

PS - I’m still going to make it to the CHOICE movie tonight.

See you there?

6pm Darlington Odeon.

For tickets, and trailer:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Or just turn up, I'm sure there will be a free ticket there

-

Tenacity - (Such A Good Word)

tenacityI’ve been for a run, closed my eyes and done my Ascension meditation, and now have coffee in hand. All is as it should be. All is well.

Little rituals bring so much to you - especially when they allow you to approach the day with clarity and perspective and good humour.

You never know when you need good humour.

It’s always an excellent thing to pack for your travels. Very handy thing to have around.

The other thing is tenacity.

And it's such a good word.

Go on - say it slow ... say it fast ... say it with feeling ...

My favourite Ascension meditation “clients” all have it in bucketloads.

- I suppose you could call them clients, in that the word client has connotations of being under patronage or protection.

And that’s exactly the way I feel about the people who come and learn Ascension meditation.

I want to look after them, to care and nurture and guide and protect from confusion and bad advice.

Anyway -

The best way they can help me help them is to be tenacious.

To keep going and keep asking questions until they really “get” it.

Till it makes sense to them, in their way.

That doesn’t take long at all - but you’ll be surprised by how many never practice, never ask.

If you don’t practice you don’t get nothing, and if you don’t ask - I can’t help.

Tenacity isn’t violent at all - it’s quiet, patient persistence.

Like water dripping, it'll wear through stone.

And it brings the world. It has to, because nothing is allowed to get in the way.

The clients who don’t settle for less and ask all the way are wonderful.

The ones who ask questions and then, to the best of their ability, apply that new knowledge are even better.

Part of learning to be more calm, clear and with excellent happiness is simply to practice.

The other part is to get rid of doubt.

Good humour and gentle tenacity is the way to go in both.

I can’t see how they would fail to help in ANY endeavour. Do you?

That’s my words for today, for what they are worth.

Have a fine weekend, remember to get your tickets for CHOICE the film on Monday in Darlo.

I’ll tell you next week about the next evening class Ascension meditation course so you can hop on before Christmas and have the best Christmas ever.

Keep the Peace! Arjuna

PS - tickets for CHOICE right here: https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

The End of Days?

end-of-daysI see there’s a bit of consternation about as the US elections come to a close. Just like Brexit, there are more than a few people wailing and gnashing of teeth.

And an equal number of people high fiving and doing victory dances.

I’m not here to talk politics though.

But if you’re all caught up in a Brexit and Trump future -

or actually, caught up in ANYTHING - 

I just want to suggest that you may have a choice in the middle of it all.

As Tyler Durden once said,

“This is your life, and it’s ending one moment at a time”.

The question for me has always been:

How do you want to fill YOUR moments?

With panic, anxiety, worry, fear?

With righteousness and anger?

See, I’ve found none of those help anything, least of all my peace of mind and my clarity.

Ideas in my own head cause more suffering than any physical injury, than any cancer, than anything.

First off they rarely come true.

And even if they do come true, the thinking about something is way worse than the actual event.

Waste mental and emotional energy on an idea, or on a future that hasn’t arrived?

Not for me. Time IS ticking.

It’s not a case of sticking your head in the sand and ignoring reality.

But when you detach from fear and frustration, when you learn to be calm, focussed and present you can meet the need of this moment,

You can see what is real, and what is a possibility.

Ask yourself - what do you have?

For real?

What is real right now, what is right in front of you, what is within you beyond your thoughts and emotions, right now?

What do you really have?

Make yourself secure in that,

And then every word and action you carry out will be so much more effective (and enjoyable).

Because you are working with what is, and not left behind still wishing for “what should be” or fearing "what might be".

You always have a choice.

No matter what.

Your life may well be ending one moment at a time, but make different choices and it can be like life is beginning one moment at a time.

Keep the Peace! Arjuna

PS. You do always have a choice.

Come and meet me at the premier of CHOICE in Darlington, Monday 14 November 6pm.

See a trailer (scroll down) and get your tickets here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214 -

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Motivation - Just Do It?

motivationMotivation is a funny old thing. Nike once said “Just Do It”.

And that is basically all there is to motivation, right?

Just get down and do it.

Yet it never happens that simply.

I can say this with confidence because even though I consider myself rather motivated in some areas of my life, it doesn’t extend to all of them.

You see - I have a looming issue that my lack of motivation is, given the nature of time, causing to loom larger.

We’re shifting house early next year and it would behove me to get organised early so it’s not a last minute scramble to get out.

“Organised early” would mean practical steps to sort through my “stuff”.

(Stuff? Code for junk and other such items that “may come in handy” that gets built up over the years of living in one place. You know it.)

I can’t just light a match to the contents of the spare room, unfortunately.

I would like to, but it may just damage the house.

But I’m feeling kinda smug because Sumati - my lovely wife - is much much worse.

And I’m no where near as bad as my father, who is a hoarder of extreme proportions.

So in the light of these two people I feel justified in doing nothing.

Even though it’ll bite me soon.

First lesson about motivation I’ve learned:

You can’t use someone else as a measure for why you don’t need to.

Don’t compare - my own bad habits are my own and not relative to anyone else.

Second lesson:

I am like all humans.

We, faced with a motivational challenge will wait until the pain of doing nothing exceeds the pain of change.

Motivation is based on moving towards pleasure, but probably more often - to avoid pain.

You see -

When I became self-employed my motivation was to give more to the world and support myself and my family at the same time.

Approaching pleasure.

But if I’m honest one of the biggest motivators was to never go back to a monotonous no future office job.

Even bigger than that was the voice of one of my co-workers as we went out for last day drinks.

For a while there - maybe a year after I left - I could still recall his voice.

He said, loud enough to hear as I waved goodnight to head home:

“He’ll be back”.

I have to be honest - that was the biggest motivator of all of them.

To make sure I never went back.

To avoid proving him right.

That more than anything motivated me in the beginning - to avoid having to get my old job back and see his face and him be right.

Interesting huh?

So in terms of motivation my advice is to work out what you really want from doing something.

The first answers will be pleasure oriented - because you want more of something.

But if you dig deeper you may find the most powerful reasons to keep in mind is avoiding the pain of something that is happening now or that might happen in a possible future.

Some I heard this weekend at the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation course we did?

To make sure you do all that you can to avoid the dementia that runs in the family.

To stop being paralysed by panic and anxiety attacks.

To make sure you don’t get to the end of your life and wonder what was the point.

To find away to move on from the ongoing suffering after a difficult breakup, and to prevent future suffering happening.

That’s some serious motivation to do the simple practice that they learnt right there.

How about it?

Take it easy Arjuna

PS -

CHOICE the movie is going ahead!

Nice one - if you’ve already got a ticket thanks for helping out.

If you haven’t and you want a ticket for what could be the only big screen showing in the North East, head here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

I can’t recommend anything more strongly for motivation to live a better, fuller life, and avoid the suffering of staying the same:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214 -

This Made Me Flip Out When I Saw It

made-me-flipI got so excited when I realised these 2 things. When I saw it happening I was ecstatic,

Like really, really chuffed.

The first thing was that in everything I did, everything I thought and felt was a CHOICE.

I - and you - are not your thoughts or your emotions.

All these things are OPTIONS - not a reality.

The presence or absence of them doesn’t mean anything.

You have CHOICE in what you listen to, what you “entertain” and cultivate.

You have habits to entertain certain thoughts and feelings, but you can make it a habit to not entertain these thoughts and habits.

When you make these CHOICES, you see that what you focus on, grows.

The inner game then totally changes the outer game.

Now -

I never felt like I had a choice.

It didn’t feel like that AT ALL.

Sometimes I realised I was stuck - say in a loop of worry - but I couldn’t get out of it.

The same old thought would go around and around but the more I struggled to free myself and focus on something good, the more it seemed like it sucked me back in.

“Lifeguard!”

What do you do when you realise something has to change but you have no idea HOW?

Well -

The second thing was that sitting down and closing my eyes changed so much.

What a mind-blower.

It changed the way I thought, the way I perceived my life.

It made me happy with less, and really stoked with more.

It gave me CHOICE, real choice, real freedom to focus on what I wanted.

Getting out of those loops got easier - and the more I did it, the more easier it got.

Awesome!

Apparently it rewired my brain on a physical level - meaning overcoming habitual thinking wasn’t just a matter of willpower.

It gave me deep rest in a very short period of time, meaning I was less snappy and reactive, less exhausted, more able to cope, more effective and efficient.

It gave me clarity.

How could something as simple as closing your eyes and using an effective meditation technique make such a difference?

I could go into the science, but it just works.

IT just does -

Witness the stories in CHOICE, the documentary.

There’s a trailer here (scroll down):

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Now most of the stories are pretty wild - dudes in an overcrowded maximum security jail,

A wonderful lady with terminal cancer and the best attitude ever,

A guy whose dad was murdered in front of him.

There’s a friend of mine - Dan, when younger so caught up in drugs and partying and heading to jail -

And now he spouts the most wisdom you’ve ever seen in 30 seconds.

Check him out - he’s like my bald brother. That’s right - the handsome one.

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

But if these people experiencing these huge events can realise their CHOICE, so can you.

If these guys are all smiling and laughing through life - so can you.

It could well be the most inspiring film you’ve seen for a long time.

Deadline for reservations to get this film to the big screen in Darlington is today (Sunday) at 6pm -

Get your ticket for you and a friend here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

The fact is on Sunday I’m buying up what’s left anyway to make it happen - but help me out and get one now - it'll be simpler!

Take it easy! Arjuna

PS.

You do, you really do have a choice.

It doesn’t matter what you’re currently experiencing, or your situation, or your circumstances.

You can find freedom from all of it.

True. I say that with hand on heart.

No One Is Stressed (According To The Research)

business men phonecall No one is stressed. Stress doesn’t exist. It isn’t a problem.

Seriously -

According to science, 96% of people would not class themselves as stressed.

And YET -

The UK Dept of Health says roughly half - 50% - of all sick days from work could be attributed to stress.

So either “stress” is a nice easy excuse for throwing a sickie on a Friday -

Or people are SO unaware of their state of being that stress is the new “normal”.

It’s all become a case of “it’s what we do”.

What I see -

And I know ALL of this because this is how I used to be until I realised -

Is that most people are ALSO chronically tired.

Long busy work days with a long, less than mellow commute.

A packed weekend throwing yourself into DIY, getting into the outdoors, catching up with family and friends, going out on the town.

Trouble sleeping, perhaps young children adding to the mix of sleeplessness.

A reliance on TVs, mobiles, gaming to try and unwind and switch off which actually creates MORE sleep problems.

(as they mess with the brain chemical balance when you’re looking to wind down).

Throwing the coffee back - in an attempt to maintain the “go” and stop slumping.

Reaching for sugary snacks or fatty crisps in the afternoon, dessert and alcohol every night.

A layer of fat that just doesn’t shift or gets bigger, no matter the time exercising, no matter the diets.

This exhaustion just leads to stress which leads to more exhaustion, in an endless cycle.

It doesn’t even FEEL like you’re stressed.

And the research says just that. You just don't see it.

But there's often overwhelm, or being slightly on edge, or constantly busy, never with a moment to yourself, always a sense of running here and there -

There's ginormous expectations of ourselves - with ever growing to do lists.

There's feeling snappy, reactive, worried or anxious, unable to laugh as much or as quickly as you used to.

There's getting annoyed with your kids when they drag you away from the phone, yelling at people when you’re out driving, feeling like a right grumpy bugger ALL the time.

There's regularly picking yourself up out of feeling like "where’s the fun gone, it’s all a waste of time, life used to be better, didn’t it?"

I know - I know.

I wouldn’t be writing this unless I’ve been there and done it.

So - the first step is to recognise that there could be more to life than what you’re living.

Recognise that there's a need to take stock.

Don’t let stress and tiredness be the new normal.

Recognise there's a need to make some changes to lighten your load.

If you do?

Everything gets simpler and easier.

All of life transforms.

Your relationship starts to blossom again, your kids enjoy your company, you get more productive, you can stick to that diet, you sleep like you used to …

The worry, the anxiety, the overwhelm?

All you know is that life got REALLY fun again, just like it used to be.

One way of really helping yourself would be to go here and get yourself a seat on the course that starts tonight (7pm).

I give you everything to finally end the cycle of stress and exhaustion.

I know it's late notice, but there's always a seat for you if you want one.

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

But talk to me if you want to know more. You can't lose - and have everything to gain.

Take care Arjuna

PS - How could something as simple as sitting down and closing your eyes make such a difference?

IT just does - witness the stories in CHOICE, the documentary.

Deadline for reservations to get this film to the big screen in Darlington is Sunday -

Get your ticket for you and a friend here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

The fact is on Sunday I’m buying up what’s left anyway to make it happen - but click on the link to buy cos it'll be easier.

If this isn’t proof that meditation is the greatest thing you can do for your life I don’t know what is.

Here you go:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

And see you there! -

Make Your Relationship Even Better (Get More Loving!)

make-yourYesterday I did a three hour intro to meditation with some guys in the fitness industry. Everything from “why you should” to how to do it. I love this kind of thing - it's a real challenge.

Meditations got a skewed image, especially amongst active people. They just can't see the point of sitting down when there's things to be done.

Busy people, really physical people often use activity to de-stress and chill out and get perspective.

The idea of sitting around, seemingly not achieving anything or doing anything is abhorrent to some.

I get that - but that is EXACTLY where the problems in their lives stem from.

So that’s what we addressed yesterday.

It was an amazing three hours. We talked, we closed our eyes, the time flew.

I think the guys really got the reasons why. Not only did they walk away way more relaxed than when they began, they saw how a regular practice could transform their lives.

Calm and fun is one thing.

Focus is another - the ability to stay on track and not let negativity or day dreaming or procrastination sway you or keep you at work longer than you need to be.

Dumping the cares of the day and constantly being on the go was a huge one -

All six guys - all of them - admitted that often when they were at home with their wives and partners, they weren’t really there.

They were still BUSY - at work, with clients, with the upcoming event, in discussion with colleagues -

All in their heads.

So they were at home, but missing in action. Lost in their minds. Lost in business.

No real quality time with their loved ones, because they were absent - thinking.

Their kids growing up around them, and they’re missing out.

Their wives and partners wanting a deeper connection and attempting to do so but they just weren’t listening. Not fully.

Here’s the thing:

They all said they knew their relationships could be better.

They all knew they “should” be more present -

- but either they didn’t realise when they weren’t really there -

Or they didn’t know HOW to get out of their heads and be fully in the room, away from the events and concerns of the day.

And so I gave them a bunch of simple meditation tools to do that,

But since they’re all action men I also gave them a few solid practical things to achieve and tick off every day to make their relationships really fly.

So a question for you.

Based on the above, what is one small thing you can do to be more present and make your relationship better?

Let me know if I can ever help out, with anything.

Arjuna

PS -

CHOICE the film tickets are on sale till Sunday for a once off screening in Darlington.

It documents the exact benefits meditation can bring to anyone who practices it.

I love stories of lives being transformed and here is a full length film of just that - it's so inspiring.

If you’re not sure if meditation is for you, or exactly what the point is, come and see it.

If you already practice it, come and get a reminder that there can always be more to life - a constant journey of self-discovery, more and more fun, more aliveness, more laughs, more achieving for less struggle.

Help me get this bad boy to the big screen by reserving tickets for you and your friends at the below link:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

A trailer - which is pretty cool in and of itself - is available by scrolling down.

See you there!

PPS -

Got a meditation course for you this weekend if you’re interested in really jumping into this game.

It’s quite possibly the last one for the year so if you’re keen to learn, get in before Christmas.

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

You'll get the easiest, simplest, most powerful and enjoyable techniques for total life enhancement in the universe.

Or so say I. But I do like to keep things as easy and simple and enjoyable as possible whilst remaining as powerful as possible.

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Why Are You Doing That?

why-are-youHere I am, sitting at my kitchen table on a surprisingly sunny morning. Cup of coffee by my side, everyone is eating eggs.

I’m writing first, eating later. Mornings like this are grand.

What I love about my job is meeting people who want to live life a little bit differently.

You see, even though one or two come to me a little confused,

They're in a great space.

Because they realise they want to live better - and realising things aren't as you want them is the first step to doing something about it.

You see -

We’ve been sold the idea from a young age that you get all the things on your tick list -

Marriage, house, children, savings, holidays etc -

Those things will make you happy, satisfied, fulfilled.

I had the very same idea -

But I was in the fortunate place of achieving everything on my list.

And yet at that time I have never been so confused or frustrated.

The cause of this despair was that I realised that even in the achievement of my "perfect life" I wasn’t satisfied.

I was still on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, I still felt like there was something missing, I felt confused and lost.

And so I had to take a look at this belief that I had:

That “things” would make me happy.

Now, your wish list, your tick list of things to get and achieve -

It’s a wonderful document, a wonderful thing.

Don’t give it up if you don't want to.

But don’t lose yourself in the achieving of those things.

Don’t get so busy you forget why you’re doing all these things.

Which is?

To enjoy, to be happy, to be satisfied.

To live a life that you want to live.

It IS possible to choose to enjoy each and every moment despite the situations and circumstances you find yourself in.

It does take you prioritising that choice over everything else.

But you can do that - moment by moment.

Again - It doesn’t mean you stop and give up your dreams and goals!

Oh no, no, no!

If you prioritise your inner choice it means you have the clarity and focus and perspective and calm to go get them, quicker, simpler.

So claim your choice.

Make sure you find that sense of peace and fulfilment first. That you're happy, no matter what.

OK?

This super inspiring documentary on this very same subject of choice is coming soon.

Funnily enough it's called "CHOICE".

It shows how peace is possible no matter your lifestyle, your situation.

You may be in prison, you may be walking free. You may have a relationship, you may be a single parent. You may be a big wig in the corporate world, you may own your own business, you may be a small cog in a big machine, you may be an outdoor bum. You may be sick, you may be healthy.

No matter what, every single human has a choice in how they live - and that choice changes the world around them.

It's an incredible film -

To get the film shown on the big screen - it's beautifully shot - it's screening on a "on demand" basis.

Meaning if we get enough sales it'll go ahead.

I have no doubt it will screen, but help me out by buying a ticket and telling your family and friends about it.

The deadline for sales is this Sunday - so grab one for you and a friend today:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

To see a trailer, click on the link and scroll down.

See you there!

Arjuna

PS. - This weekend is also the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation course.

It’s the quickest, simplest way to get present, to gain a positive mental attitude, and be free to choose how you experience your life.

Restorative on all levels, it’ll give you headspace and a fresh perspective on your same life.

Past people on the course have told me how it gives them the ability to make some changes in their lives - changes that have long been overdue.

Some small, some large - but always they have the clarity to really see what they can do to make their own lives better.

Be great to have you along:

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

Or email if you want to talk more about it. -

The Biggest Waste Of Energy

waste-ofYour biggest waste of time and energy? Wanting to be right.

Like a vampire it sucks the life out of you.

Getting into petty arguments about stuff.

Insisting that you “know” best.

Insisting that the other is wrong.

And do you know what?

Maybe you do know best.

Maybe you are right.

But hows it feel to hit your head against a brick wall?

Similar feeling really when you insist on being right.

Trying to bludgeon the other into seeing it your way.

And no one wins.

The bottom line is that you’d rather be right than happy.

You give up your peace of mind and happiness for a scrap.

Maybe the scrap is “worth it”.

Maybe it’s a noble fight.

But don’t put your happiness over wanting to win, ever.

Because you’ll die first.

Happiness can be so simple to achieve.

It can be a simple choice.

It can become your natural way of being.

To get that?

You do have to see where you are making anything else a priority.

You do have to see where you are choosing to leave a state of calm and clarity for an opinion.

To get riled up, and righteous.

So much easier to shrug your shoulders and go “oh well” and keep going with what you know.

Learning to detach from other people’s opinions is the way forward.

Because then no one can make you feel anything.

Wouldn’t that be nice? ^^^

Free yourself from the rollercoaster of reaction and complication.

Make the choice to be happy, not right.

It’s a habit you can cultivate - one that will transform your life.

What you think and feel - regardless of your life situation and circumstances - can be a choice.

If you want to know more, check out this documentary on the power of choice and how it’s transforming lives in people around the world -

From formerly murderous gang members, to creatives like ballet dancers and writers, to stressed entrepreneurs, to a terminally ill cancer patient.

If they can find independence and choice from the stickiness of their lives, so can you.

We’re looking to get enough tickets sold so we can get a “on demand” screening in Darlington.

Have a look at the trailer by scrolling down at the link below:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Deadline for ticket reservations is Sunday 6 Nov at 7pm.

Have a happy day!

Arjuna

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PS - Next weekend's Ishayas’ Ascension meditation course (4-6 Nov) is getting full.

The quickest and simplest way of getting freedom of choice, right here.

I’m sure we could squeeze in another person or two, so if you’d like to come along, click this link here:

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

Or send me an email and ask what it’s all about.

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Do You Have A Choice?

choiceThe more I live and enquire into the conditions of my life, the more I realise the power of my choice.

I used to feel subject to the comings and goings of the situations and the circumstances, the relationships and the possessions in my life.

I would be affected by them in that I would feel upset at a small insult or high from a small victory.

Life was a total rollercoaster until I realised that whilst I had very little control over many things, I could have absolute control over my reaction to them.

The mighty Plato once said,

__________

“One cannot make a slave of a free person, for a free person is free even in a prison”

__________

Independence is treasured by many, yet if you look closely you may find so many are emotional and mental slaves to the comings and goings, the ups and downs in life.

Perhaps honestly looking at yourself you may find places where you are the same?

The first step in freeing yourself is to recognise that you have a choice in how you think and feel and react.

You may not know how to make the choice, but acknowledging the choice is there is a wonderful beginning.

And freeing too -

You start to claim responsibility for how you are affected by life.

No longer do you point the finger, saying “it’s her fault”, or “if he hadn’t done that” or shaking your fist at some impersonal, uncaring, uncommunicative deity.

Instead you stop and see what you can do with what you are given, with where you find yourself.

“OK, what shall I do with this?”

In that stress, struggle, anxiety, exhaustion, dissatisfaction and unhappiness are all replaced with calm, ease, rest, focus, contentment and happiness.

The simple beauty of life comes to the fore.

All because you made a different choice.

Meditation has been the single greatest tool in making me realise this choice, and making it simple.

If you think meditation isn’t for you - think again - it may be that you just haven’t found the right technique.

Witness this documentary showing in Darlington soon:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Stressed business people, murderous drug gang members in prison, ballet dancers, cancer patients -

All owning their choice and having their lives transform.

It’s well worth seeing - and tickets are only available for the next 10 days.

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Take it easy

Arjuna

PS.

If you suspect there’s more to life that being a slave to the ups and downs of life, to feeling stressed, unfocussed and dissatisfied -

This just might show you that indeed there is, if you choose to do something about it:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

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What Are You Doing Tonight?

what-you-doing-tonightI get excited when I get a chance to talk live. Words on paper (or computer screens) are one thing -

But being able to help people face to face is what I love most.

We are taught so many different things - but the biggest thing, the most important thing, the most CRUCIAL thing we are not taught.

No one teaches us how to live.

No one explicitly gives us the foundation of living well which is how to think in the right way to be calm, focussed, happy, full of well being …

And ultimately the most ALIVE we can be.

No one teaches us the essentials.

This is where I can help.

Of all things, sports performance depends on your mind.

You can do so much physical preparation and training, but if you don’t have the essentials right nothing happens, and quickly.

So tonight - Wednesday at 7.30pm in Darlington -

I am hosting a workshop to give you these essentials.

You want to come if:

- you want to learn how to ignore negative thinking and be more focussed. Not serious, but one pointed in your mental application - you want to learn how to deal with pre-event anxiety and pressure so that you can be calm and confident, optimally ready and perform better than you train and not the other way around - you want to learn how to retrain and rewire patterns of belief and habit that mean you aren’t achieving your full potential - you want to learn how to be in the Zone of calm, focus, wellbeing no matter what you’re doing

I’ve been told that my super power is to make what could be complicated very very simple and straightforward.

And why not?

The essentials are simple, but so misunderstood.

If you want clarity, then get your seat here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Don’t miss out now! Arjuna

PS.

It’s only £3 pre-registered, and £5 on the door - a ridiculously small amount but I wanted as many people as possible to come.

All proceeds to charity so feel free to give more.

See you tonight!

Do You Know How To Win The Inner Game?

Processed with VSCO with f3 preset Very few people know how to win the inner game.

We’re getting pretty good at the outer game.

People seem to have that nailed down.

“What” to do is getting more and more refined - in terms of goal setting, diet, exercise, in terms of teaching and learning skills, in terms of the practical.

Unfortunately all this progression will ALWAYS be limited ...

Because so few have the inner game sorted.

The inner game is the game that takes place between your ears.

It’s you against your bad habits and addictions, negative thinking and emotion, programming and attitude, against stress and struggle, against your ability to focus and stay clear under pressure - or otherwise.

And if you’ve ever thought that there must be more to life …

It’s also found here, in the inner game.

It’s the inner game that determines whether the outer game is successful, or not.

You can win the inner game.

You may not know how right now - but it is possible.

But when you do win, all of life gets simpler and more enjoyable. It is the end of struggle and suffering, it's achieving to your fullest potential.

Even by making small improvements - by removing small interferences - your performance takes great strides to match your potential.

Previously horrendous challenges become straightforward. The way forward becomes clear.

You start to become master of your own destiny, free of ALL limitation.

The question is:

Do you want to know how to win the inner game?

YES?

Check out the seminar tomorrow night (Wednesday). It won’t be recorded so you’d better come along.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Any questions whatsoever? Just ask - I’d love to help Arjuna

PS.

Just think - what if you could get rid of ALL stress, anxiety, “stinkin thinking”, self-sabotage and struggle?

What if calm, focus, happiness, and super aliveness could be permanent?

What would that mean for your life?

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Dealing With Pressure, “Choking”, Overwhelm, Anxiety, Being Sick To Your Stomach With Nerves

anxiousEveryone in any physical activity where the outcome - the result - is important to you knows the anxiety that comes with performance before a big event. It may be competitive - before a match or a race.

It may be in the outdoors - like running a big rapid or climbing a rock face where there is real physical consequence.

I had a friend who would be sick before every big water polo match he played.

Can’t have been good - even just from a nutrition / energy point of view.

You can do the same thing in practice a million times, but the pressure of the event changes everything.

I don't need to tell you that controlling anxiety is essential for any performance.

And it’s the same process if it’s a presentation at work.

Or dealing with the memories of a past event - flashbacks - that keep coming back to you, accompanied by feelings like guilt or regret.

The way to get anxiety under control is ultimately to be completely and utterly present.

To not go into the future (or past for that matter).

To not engage the “what ifs” and the “what happened before’s”.

To be as physically present as possible.

Inhabit your senses as much as you can - engage your environment as it is in order to disengage the thinking mind.

Deep breathing is a huge help - because when you get anxious your breath gets shallower and shallower and your heart rate goes up and up.

Certain yogic breathing techniques reverse those physical responses - especially when you catch them early - AND give you something to shift your attention to.

It’s ultimately distracting yourself from thinking and then feeling the overwhelm.

The feelings all come from the thoughts about it.

The BIG secret though is to practice when the going is easy.

Master shifting your attention and being super present in daily life -

- and it will be a thousand times easier when the pressure is on.

But it’s the one thing so many athletes don’t do.

If you never practice focus and attention when you’re mooching around the house, how can you expect to switch it on when you need to?

Exactly!

A practical meditation practice will give you that ability.

Think of it as a kind of fitness.

When you signed up to this email list I gave you a link to one such super simple meditation practice.

How is that going?

Here’s the link again.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8u7j6o6kfhc53jw/Quick%20Start%20Guide%20to%20Meditation%20For%20Athletes.pdf?dl=0

If you want more -

I’d like to talk you through some meditation and some yogic breathing skills -

As well as the right attitude and ways of thinking to maximise coping with anxiety and stress.

So you can get rid of as many barriers and interferences to great results and enjoyment as possible.

And so I’m putting on a seminar to do just that.

Want a seat?

It’s on Next Wednesday 26th October, in Darlington. 7.30-9pm

Go here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Otherwise practice well!

Let me know if you need any help with that.

Arjuna

PS.

You can’t go wrong - practice a few simple things, and every aspect of your life benefits, not just your ability to deal with anxiety.

Here you go:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Thinking The Wrong Way - and Advice From Deep Sea Divers

advice-from-diversGenerally -

unless you’re learning a new skill …

Your body already knows what to do.

That’s the whole purpose of practice, of training - is to come to a state where you can do something without thinking.

Your best performances were when you let your body to what it needed to do. Simply.

Right?

Now -

Even learning requires only the right kind of thought, and not much of it.

The right kind of thinking - even for learning - is less analysis and details and more wide open awareness.

Not many people know that.

When you’re learning a new skill your mental and emotional “chatter” just slows down the learning process.

Over thinking just gets in the way of physical awareness.

Without that awareness you have no feedback on what is where, and where it should be.

There’s no intuition, or feeling your way into the movement.

The senses become “tunnelled” and not wide open, not subtle.

Thinking the wrong way means the ability for the skill to become embodied, to become “auto-piloted”, is slowed.

You also recover slower because of thinking too much, which again affects learning -

Deep sea divers know this - the brain is one of the biggest consumers of oxygen in your body.

Before their event they meditate or do yogic breathing to get the highest degree of focus.

Being focussed and in the Zone means all your resources are available.

It means you can rely on autopilot and the bodies instincts to take you where you want to go.

But if you never practice the right way to think?

Everything will stay the same.

It’s the most misunderstood aspect of all of life - the mental game and how to play it.

I’m doing a seminar on this very thing that I think you will enjoy immensely.

Not only will it be a lot of fun, it’ll be super informative.

It’ll give you everything you need to master the right way of thinking so you can get the results you want.

I’m talking about sport (but it’ll also apply to life, work, relationships, everywhere)

Go here to get a seat and for more info:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Keep the Peace!

Arjuna

PS.

My swimming coach from back in the day often said he wished he could cut our heads off.

He wasn’t particularly sadistic, but he wanted to bypass our thinking processes.

He saw the difference between when we were THINKING about what he said versus DOING what he said.

I now know exactly what he means.

Go here to find out how to DO:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

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I Don't Have Time To Look After Myself

dont-have-timeEverywhere I look I see published evidence of the benefits of meditation. It's beginning to creep in everywhere, from some of the sports blogs that I regularly read to my wife's fashion magazines.

You might say it's the new yoga.

Remember when yoga was everywhere and every celebrity and their mother was doing it?

Very trendy for a while there.

But just because the same thing might be happening to meditation doesn't mean that there is no value to be had from it.

Calm, focus, happiness, rewiring bad habits, rebalancing body and brain chemistry, recovery and rest are just some of the benefits.

Who wouldn’t want just one of the above, let alone ALL of them?

But still I talk to people who say they don't have time to meditate.

The fact is you don't have time NOT to meditate.

Seriously.

You give yourself a window of time - and in return every aspect of your life gets easier and more fun.

You maximise your efficiency, effectiveness and your enjoyment.

You realise taking time out means you have much more to work with.

Do you know that there are 1440 minutes in every single day?

How many do you waste on the Internet? Watching TV adverts? Wasting time in numerous ways?

Clutter is a real deal.

Minimise clutter, cut out a few minutes of the unnecessary here and there and you have the time to give yourself 15 minutes to close your eyes.

Once you start this new habit it'll show you why you want to.

The increasing effectiveness and enjoyment become self evident, and quickly too.

So if you've let your practice slip, pick it back up again.

If you're feeling like you're too busy - then you definitely need to carve out a little time for you.

Just to stop and do nothing, to get familiar with the benefits of meditation.

No ones going to do it for you, so make sure you do.

Forget about sitting on the floor and chanting (do that if you want) - be comfortable.

Forget about trying to stop your thoughts, let them run. Meditation is easier than that. If you can see your thoughts, you aren't them.

Forget about joining any religion or belief system.

Just be fascinated with your own mind. See what is there get awareness, and in that awareness choice over what you say and do and feel.

OK?

Start tapping into the benefits of meditation today.

Want a bit more on how?

And how it'll specifically affect your sports performance?

Decreasing anxiety, increasing focus, getting deeper rest and faster recovery?

I have a seminar - it's on this Wednesday so you still have time to nab a seat.

Go here: https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Any questions? Lemme know, I'd love to chat.

Take it easy! Arjuna

PS.

People say that the mind and body is connected.

What happens in one affects the other.

The truth is that the mind and body aren't connected.

They're the same thing.

Change your mind, shape how your body response, AND change your life at the same time.

Simples!

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery -

The Worst Thing About Getting It Right

rightHow goes it? I’m sitting on a train to the lovely city of Stratford Upon Avon.

I have a 4 day course in England’s most haunted hotel, or so they say.

Been there before - I made the mistake of reading all about its various ghosts and presences just before trying to go to sleep one night.

I don’t think I had a haunted room - but an over excited imagination made up for it.

How are you doing today?

I’m good, I love trains, especially when they’re running on time.

As a form of travel they’re great in that they give me space to meditate, to write, to read. To just stare out the window and watch the country’s back yard flash by.

What am I musing upon?

Well - I love learning stuff, particularly physical skills.

I love the act of getting better, of improving, of the pursuit of mastery.

But - I realised a while back that the way I was approaching learning was flawed.

My focus was solely on wanting to get it right -

- which is a great focus, but especially in the beginning you’re going to get a lot of things wrong -

The problem for me is that I would get - and still do if I’m not mindful of it - frustrated when I got it wrong.

So frustrated that I started not wanting to try in case I "failed", again.

If I wasn’t quickly good at something, I would stop, close up shop.

And never improve.

Does that makes sense?

Wanting to be “good” and get it right meant that I was afraid of sucking at something.

Which meant I never practiced, I never worked my way through being a learner.

I never opened up to feedback in case people saw I was “useless”, I never asked questions, I never wanted to show that I didn’t know.

And so getting better was much slower than it could be.

Indeed, sometimes it never happened at all.

It’s the most humbling phase of learning: Fully knowing that you don’t know.

Before that piece of awareness you were ignorant of your ignorance.

And that was bliss.

But that is not a way forward.

The only way forward in anything is to embrace being a beginner, embrace the fact you will make mistakes.

Make it not about getting it right or wrong, make it about constant improvement.

Have an attitude of not wanting to be an expert.

If you can be the humble beginner many possibilities will open to you.

You will be learn in the most amazing ways, from people you never expected to.

It’s true for all aspects of life:

Whatever your goals are in terms of your mindset and attitude, in terms of your mental skills …

Maybe it’s to get more focussed, or lose anxiety, or get calm and clear, or be less serious and more content, to beat depression or blind anger …

Whatever it is you want to get better at, be prepared to make mistakes.

Embrace this fact, get help in learning from them, and keep going, keep practicing.

And then you have a chance to be awesome, and set yourself to be even more awesome as long as you keep practicing.

OK? You got this.

I have a seminar on sport performance and how your mind sabotages you, and what to do about it.

I’ll outlay what the problem is and give you some solutions you can take away.

You are you going to bring?

For more info, and to register, go here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Take care and have a great day now, Arjuna

PS. Not many people realise how simply you can get better at the mental game.

When you know the right things to do, and the right attitude to have, and the right way to think, it is indeed very straightforward.

Just a matter of practice.

Get a seat here for the right things:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

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