2017 Has Been Cancelled

Ready for a New Years Motivational? Nah…

It’s been so nice doing absolutely nothing.

Eating, drinking, reading, board games, chatting, a little tree chopping, some kayaking, a load of just closing my eyes and snoozing and meditating.

I’m still not really ready to jump back in.

I can’t be arsed still.

So much for a new year “Lets Go” speech, huh?

But I know the juice will come.

If you can arrange your time even a little I think it’s important to respect these times when you don’t want to push.

There’s a fine line isn’t there?

You have to do the work to get where you want to be, but if you REALLY can’t be arsed it might be a good idea to take a break.

I figure that way you can recharge and come back with a full battery.

Inspired and full of energy as opposed to a coming from should.

My wife was a bit antsy last night saying she thinks she should be doing something.

This is at 7 months pregnant and therefore puffing like a steam train whenever she climbs the stairs.

She’d spent 2 weeks before Christmas charging - painting a room and preparing the house for all the relatives.

Not to mention all the cooking and shopping for food and drink.

So I knocked her on the head and made her lay down with a cup of tea and a book.

(no, not really).

I don’t think going all the time is a good idea. I don't think you can, can you?

Juggling a million balls at once is a nice trick, but not really sustainable.

We used to do meditation courses in the country close to London.

And the people would come the front door and you could actually feel the speed they were operating at.

Freakish fast.

It wasn’t that nice to be around actually.

But - by Sunday they would be sliding out the door, super relaxed.

Less haste more speed as my nan used to say.

The secret is to take breaks before you need to.

To rest and recover and recharge before you feel exhausted, and grumpy, and/or depressed.

Regular Ishayas' Ascension meditation is such a life saver - and one you probably won’t realise until you practice regularly.

(Or stop practicing for a little while …)

It gives you the ability to be the very best version of you.

Topped up and ready for action.

Or - totally disconnected so you can really switch off and be away from work (or whatever you need to switch off from at the moment).

And get some perspective and clarity, and real sense of fun back.

Just do it.

(There you go - knew I could find some motivation for you - heh heh)

Go well, keep the Peace!

Arjuna : )

PS.

As always if you need any help, just ask. I’d love to help.

And if you’re serious about jumping in and really coming to grips with your mindset, your attitude, your thoughts and emotions then you're in the right place.

There is a simple and easy and enjoyable way.

Meditation is the answer and it need not be boring nor weird. It can fit into your way of living and being.

Opt in here if you’d like to know more:

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

When Death Comes A Little Closer

I’ve noticed that men of a certain age are a little reflective after some recent news. George Michael dying at 53 …

Hardly old, now is it?

The one thing I know is that I don’t want to get to the end of my life …

And not do the things I really wanted to do.

Apparently it’s one of the biggest regrets of elderly people.

Wasting time on what appears important, and not giving enough to the essentials.

It can manifest as spending too much time in the office.

Working to support your family is important - but balance is essential.

Otherwise you just end up like the stereotypical father figure.

Never there.

Thankfully it’s slowly changing, I think men are waking up to the fact that they don’t want to repeat the same cycle.

But it still seems like so many still do.

And it’s not so much the amount of time, but the quality of that time that is the most important thing.

It’s also the bringing home the stress and the thinking about work.

So even at in these holiday times,

Which are blissfully quiet as people seem to hunker down and relax (at least in my town).

When I talk to people there is still the thinking about work.

Which means you’re home but not really there.

It was something I used to do so much.

I was lost in my own head in a future or a past moment.

And partially why I wanted to learn how to meditate:

So I could be more present, and not think about things that weren’t in front of me.

Because I realised how much it took away from life, from my enjoyment, from my ability to give to my loved ones.

I realise how I was missing out on the essentials of my life.

Now,

After a morning spent with the extended family, young and old all working outside -

Doing some jobs and working up an appetite so we can sit down to another huge lunch,

Then go see Rogue One, the new Star Wars film together this afternoon,

I realise how good I have it.

The ability to really be fully here with everyone is so enjoyable.

So satisfying.

And probably more important still, I’m not fending off work from taking over my head.

It’s not trying to sneak in.

My Ishayas’ Ascension practice has given me the ability to really focus on the here and now so other stuff just doesn’t come up any more.

Which is awesome.

Because if I do happen to leave this planet at an earlier than desired age, like George,

At least I will have filled my time with presence and enjoyment.

At least I will have done my best to prioritise the essentials over anything else.

And not spent it stuck in my head worried, thinking needlessly about “stuff” that I have no control over, or that isn’t in front of me.

Full life begins with full presence.

You can have that.

You can.

It’s just a matter of practice.

Go well, -Arjuna

PS.

Opt in here if you’re interested in learning about how to get more Life from your life:

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It’s All Over!

The big day is done. All the roast potatoes are eaten.

Dishes? Done or in the sink “soaking”.

Kids? Exhausted from their 5am getup on the big day.

Presents opened, chocolate tree decorations consumed, hangovers (perhaps) now in full flow.

I hope you had a great time. Life is there to enjoy, is it not?

So what next? As you send your in laws off and on the road (with a sigh of relief maybe?)

As life returns to “normal” …

As you get a moment to yourself, away from everyone else,

Why not take a little time and have a look.

How do you want normal to be?

What do you want standard operating to entail?

How do you want to be in your relationship? In your job or your business? In your health and fitness? In the things you love to do?

Are you going to do the same things (and get the same results)?

Or are you going to try and do things differently?

Who will help you? What will hinder you?

And what’s your plan?

So many questions I know …

But it’s traditional at the end of the year isn’t it?

To take stock and to see what worked, what didn’t work.

Important too.

Otherwise you just get the same.

And if the same is fine with you, then well done.

If not?

You can do something about it.

It takes so little and you gain so much.

As do the people you love.

Because when you’re at 100% everyone wins.

But when you’re not, no one really does.

And why not?

Why not indeed.

I gotta go - the river is a calling.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

I know seeing what you want to do is one thing, but the how is another thing.

If you need help with either the seeing or the how-ing, opt in here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

The Nightmare That Is Gift Giving

Gift giving - what a nightmare. If you’re like me, you’re a bit useless at giving gifts.

There’s the fact that you have no idea what they would want.

Or the ideas that you subtly suggest upon passing shop windows - say a dress for your wife - get greeted with scorn and derision by said wife.

Oops.

And the wife wants a surprise and so won’t suggest anything.

Surprised she will be when she gets that shiny new kayak, won’t she?

Then there’s the fact that you’re slightly competitive when it comes to giving.

It has to be THE best gift for that person.

So anything less is a complete failure.

Throw in some social anxiety in the form of giving to people in more wider circles, like the wife’s cousins who’ll be around for dinner.

What if I didn’t buy something for them and they bought something for me? What if I did buy something and they didn’t?

Round and round in circles it goes.

No wonder Christmas was hell.

If you're like this all I can say is watch your own head. Don’t obsess about it and try to enjoy it - and actually give something.

Like anything - the more practice you have in giving, the better you get at it.

Not giving doesn’t work.

There was a phase where my present panic meant I didn’t give any gifts.

I tried to justify it as as a protest against rampant Christmas consumerism, but really it was just being useless.

A certain girlfriend back in the day had serious words with me - and I’m grateful for it.

Not giving really bolstered my propensity to mess up relationships.

I think generosity is such a valuable personality trait to cultivate.

It doesn’t have to be money - I know Christmas IS a pricey time of year.

What I mean is generosity of the heart.

No matter what time of year, the kind of attitude that speaks “how can I help you?”

Based in that, the greatest gift you can give is your own presence.

Your full and undivided attention.

You know it when someone is really WITH you.

It’s nice, you feel valued or something - and yet it’s increasingly rare.

In this time of mobile tech I see so many people together, but worlds apart.

Sitting at the same kitchen table but universes away.

If you want more from your relationships with your partner and kids and family -

BE with them.

Don’t be on Facebook, don’t be over thinking about presents and the turkey (you turkey) …

Show up.

Many things are important, like the turkey and the kayaking trip on Boxing Day -

But relationships with your partner and family are essential.

They are worth spending your presence on, simply because if you do your life gets easier, happier, calmer, more fun.

When you hit tough times you can sail through, that much easier and smoother.

Alright?

Have a great day and talk more later,

Arjuna

PS.

If you’re interested in a training programme of sorts that means you can effortlessly more present, be more generous and less selfish, stress and worry less and laugh way more, then you’re in luck.

Opt in here: https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

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Hot Or Not? How To Get Effortless Blue Steel

All going well as the last few dark days of winter tick over?

I’ve just been into Darlington town, mayhem that it is.

Don't worry about me, I'm all shopped. Everything sorted, I’m just in town to spectate and partake of a pork pie.

Got something for my good lady wife that isn't a kayak.

I don't know why she doesn't want something as useful AND aesthetically beautiful as a whitewater craft, but there you go.

It is her only fault.

On my journey I happened across the most grumpiest man I have ever met.

Hate this town he said.

It's rubbish. It stinks, like a sewer bad. Newcastle is far better, apparently.

As my brother would say,

(and I love this expression so excuse me if it’s a little lowbrow) -

He had a face like a smacked arse.

He really did.

So I did what I usually do in such a situation -

I ran off as quickly as I could.

As soon as I made myself scarce, I realised something.

Since I am fully Christmas ready, I have a look of serenity on my countenance that says I am experiencing shopping peace.

Needing nothing, I am free of the bonds of suffering.

Now - I am a monk of sorts and so of course I do try and look incredibly tranquil most days -

Image and public relations are important, after all - it’s what you look like that counts most, is it not?

Actually I do believe I am being facetious … waggish and jesting and all …

Of course it’s not how you look, it’s all about how you feel.

You don’t have much choice in how you look, you’re just born that way.

But you do have a choice in how you feel.

Then (and what I realised with my Newcastle man), how you feel changes how you look.

It does - true!

The internal choice is an excellent beauty regime.

Internal contentment, clarity and calm affects your external physicality.

So (to get to the point):

If you want to be ridiculously good looking and throw down effortless Blue Steels a la Derek Zoolander -

You need to meditate, since meditation (and in particular the Ishayas’ Ascension which I do love), is a very fast path to internal steadiness and joy.

In order to give the gift of your hotness this Christmas,

And be irresistible to that certain someone …

Then focus on the good.

Feel good, look better.

But you’d better get to it - you only have 4 days left! Arjuna

PS. What else is important?

World peace or something?

PPS. Confused about where to begin with being calmer, or more focussed, or more content, or more happier?

Or confused how to continue? What to do? What if this and that happens?

Doing it but not sure? Or not doing it so you need help making it a habit?

I can help, for sure. Me and you can make all of this rapid, effortless and enjoyable for you.

Let’s talk turkey (and other things) when you opt in here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

Defeating The Beast That Is Your Inner Child

Sometimes people ask me, 'What IS the point?'

Not the metaphysical, "what is the point of life?"

But what's the point in meditating?

Perhaps they've given it a quick go and aren't really sure why or what they're doing.

For the sake of explanation, assume you have an inner two year old (with all the worst aspects and none of the good).

That guy is the one that ruins everything.

Tantrums, wanting instant gratification, so reactive, no reasoning, dramatic, cry baby, selfish, confused.

You know that? (I most certainly do).

And throw in some good old self violence and “I’m no good” for good measure.

(Don’t think many two year olds have that yet)

The job of a good meditation technique is to bring you back to your adult “true” you.

So one way of looking at meditation is to do the opposite of whatever the two year old comes up with.

It’s training you not to react, to not be whiny, to not lash out, to not get frustrated, to not want something different from what you have right now.

And so doing the opposite actually involves doing very little.

Because:

The biggest thing is that your two year old wants to DO something.

Different, always different.

Your job, the purpose of meditation in many ways, is to DO NOTHING.

Just to sit, and be aware, patient, and content.

You’ve been DOING stuff all your life.

Your mind, run my your two year old, is constantly busy.

It’s exhausting.

That’s why you have to learn to stop, and just sit, and do nothing.

Just rest, be comfortable, and sit.

Return to the object of meditation - the breath, the heart, the body scan, the Ascension Attitudes.

If you have these Ascension meditation techniques you're in luck because they take you to the heart of the matter, immediately.

Whatever you do, start with just ten minutes and you’ll find you have a different perspective on your mind.

Clarity is the word I like.

Instead of instantly following your two year old mind, the ability to see it AND ignore it means you’ll have more and more choice.

This means you can do what you know is best, rather than blindly reacting.

You’re cultivating freedom from all kinds of negative patterns and habits.

And you’re able to focus on what you want to grow in your life.

All so you can be a better you.

Better partner, better parent, better at your work, better at your play.

Truly.

Isn’t that worth a small amount of time in your day?

I’d say so.

Go well - practice makes all things clearer.

Arjuna

PS.

If you want more from your practice in any way, I can help make things supremely simple.

Perhaps you’ve tried to meditate in the past and have just gotten a little confused so you feel like you’re not sure what to do, or you’re missing the point?

Perhaps you know precisely what to do, just can’t seem to do it?

Perhaps you want meditation to be more enjoyable, more satisfying, more simple in some way?

I can help, for sure.

Opt in here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

I’ve got the itch

I’ve got the itch. And it isn’t from my merino thermals.

(Merino isn’t scratchy actually)

Feels like I haven’t been out kayaking (my favourite thing the world to do, next to eating) for ever.

All these social occasions in the lead up to Christmas means when it’s raining I’ve been chatting,

But now I’m free, it’s not raining.

Rain means water for the rivers you see.

For a kayaker, I can’t tell you how frustrating that could be.

Frustrating if I wasn’t meditating, that is.

Meditation has definitely taken the edge off.

But maybe I should take up mountain biking?

So - Addiction.

Are you addicted to something?

I know I have been overly addicted to kayaking.

You may snigger in your espresso, but I’m serious.

Even though it was a “good” addiction it actually took away my enjoyment of the times when I wasn't kayaking.

Frustration and even anger was a real thing either when I couldn't be kayaking, or when I judged my performance to be less than.

Which told me a good thing had gone too far.

We all have something we “need” to do.

But where does a need become a hinderance?

I think that line has to be self-defined.

I bet if you look closely you can see for yourself - where something innocent (or even not so innocent) becomes a drag and a handbrake.

Surfing the internet is one thing.

Yet I’ve spent hours looking at trivial stuff on an evening which means my sleep isn’t as good as it could be, which means I’m grumpier and foggier the next day, which means …

I’m sure you know what it means.

And for what?

Trivialities. Stuff that really isn’t important.

That’s why I like the idea of having rituals.

Things that you do that are non-negotiable must haves in your day.

Because these useful boundaries mean you have more freedom to achieve what you want to achieve in the day.

Even - and especially - if that goal is to feel clear and calm and focussed and happy.

Because then you can be a better partner and parent and friend.

And you enjoy being in your own skin more.

And you are better at coping with the pressure of work, in fact you even thrive.

But these rituals will show you where you are addicted to things that don’t serve you too.

Which is always nice - without awareness you have no choice.

These rituals will make dealing with your addictions easier, lighter for sure.

Rituals will even show you where you are too rigid and become addicted to your rituals, becoming harsh and stiff in your being and your living.

Which is awesome. Flexibility is always good too.

So what are the non-negotiable’s for you?

What rituals will allow you greater freedom?

What things would you like to do, that will make everything else easier?

Set them up, put them in place, get going on building that solid foundation for whatever else you want.

You won’t regret it. I know I haven’t.

Take it easy now,

Arjuna

PS.

My rituals?

The one that gives the biggest pay back is my Ishayas’ Ascension meditation practice.

I’ve been doing it every single day since 2003, which may tell you how much it gives me.

If you’ve been struggling with meditation, perhaps doing it, or even knowing what to do, perhaps even with rituals in general?

Opt in here if you want me to make it all so simple for you:

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

Brain Training

I learnt something interesting today. Do you want to hear it? It explains why I wanted to learn to meditate in the first place.

I couldn’t understand why some days I could be fun and content and focussed so easily.

Why I could apply a little discipline and get things done that I wanted to, simply.

And why some days I was grumpy and sullen and frustrated and everything seemed to be rubbish …

Why I’d throw away my goals - perhaps in fitness or improving my kayaking or my diet or being nicer in my relationship.

And nothing I did seemed to help, or change it. The way the brain works explains it all.

Being overloaded, overwhelmed, over it’ed (not sure if that is a word but hopefully you know what I mean)

- in other words, being stressed -

Physically changes the way your brain works.

Your reasoning and rational brain centres (pre-frontal cortex) are bypassed in favour for the more emotional, reactive ones (amygdala).

You lose the ability to act reasonably, you react emotionally more quickly.

You lose perspective, and the ability to see what’s best on a long term scale.

You start to sabotage your goals for short term emotional ease.

You turn to over indulgence in alcohol, fatty and sugary foods, drugs, box sets, porn, surfing the internet all hours of the night just because it’s an emotional quick fix.

You get less quality sleep.

It also means you don’t realise how stressed you actually are.

So it becomes a vicious cycle.

Until you take a step sideways and do something different.

What does this mean for you?

I know you’re busy.

But I also believe you want to be more effective in what you do, AND enjoy it more.

In order to do that you have to realise that living in this world is stressful.

It just is.

You probably put yourself under a bit of pressure fairly regularly as well.

The first and last thing you can do to help every single area of life is to deal with this potential for stress.

I recommend meditation simply because it’s simple and easy and gets the job done quick.

It creates a foundation of solidness so you can use your brain in a way that will help you, not hinder you.

Your brain works differently when you meditate regularly.

Calm, clear, focussed, fun. Emotionally resilient. Able to sail through tough times.

It’s brain training.

Why not start off with 10 minutes a day?

Building up to 20 minutes is a great aim - but do what you can.

If you already meditate and life seems to be a little bit tougher, not so easy?

You've probably let your practice slip. Crank it up again and I bet you'll be back on a even keel.

If you need anything, just get in touch.

Or if you’d like to know how to meditate properly,

And make it an enjoyable, regular, non-negotiable part of your life,

Then opting in here will not only provide you with emails like this one, but a Quick Start Guide on how to meditate (perfect!):

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

Take it easy now

Arjuna

PS. Any ideas on what I can get my wife for Christmas?

I thought a new kayak was a great idea but when I subtly suggested it she said it really wasn't really going to cut it.

I think she needs to meditate more. -

Sticking To It

I was listening to a dietitian the other day, a very wise man. Mike Sweeney is his name, in case you need a top notch fellow in that field.

He was saying that according to the research ALL diets work.

(To a certain degree - my fish and chip diet back in the day didn’t work that well for health and weight loss.)

The biggest failing point to each diet is people not staying with them.

So it’s not so much about what you do, but that you actually do it.

The best diet? The one you stick with.

The best gym training programme? The one you do.

The best meditation? The one you sit down to close your eyes for.

Adherence is the large word he used.

Adherence is the key to any kind of change.

Sticking to something.

Following it through.

Going beyond the dip in excitement that comes with everything.

I’ve done it, you’ve done it, we’ve all done it …

Gotten so excited about something, and then dropped it.

Dip and then out.

Expecting this dip process is part of beating it.

If you know it’s coming you’ll be that much better prepared, you see.

I say this because in a little over 2 weeks a large number of people may well be turning to ideas of what they want to do in 2017.

Resolute. Determined. Motivated.

And then what happens when that runs out?

That’s right … back to the old ways.

One key to adherence is to make any scheme of improvement a game.

Give yourself a score so you can measure progress.

Then look to improve your score.

It's about progress and self-improvement.

You’ll only get into trouble when you get into a pass/fail mindset. Good/bad. Right/wrong.

Then you get into “I’ll never get it”, “I’m no good any way”, "might as well quit now" …

All that mental stuff stops you simply practicing, it stops the habit being formed.

On the other hand if you treat it like a game you can get better at -

(And because you're keeping score you can see that you’re improving)

You’re much much more likely to keep going.

The more you keep going (just do it!), the more likely it becomes a habit, an internal programme that you have set that helps you.

So even when motivation is a bit low, your internal habit system is already preformed.

You just do it.

Alrighty?

I’ve been trialling an adherence programme, one to make Ascension meditation something you’ll look forward to doing each day.

And it’s been going great guns.

It’s amazing how you can have the greatest tools in the world for beating stress, becoming calm and focussed like a laser, cool as a cucumber, happier than a lobster …

But if someone doesn’t do it, they don’t get any results.

Kind of obvious, isn’t it?

So if having me walk you through learning to meditate properly (complete with all the short cuts I've picked up),

And then helping you make your practice a rock solid, enjoyable habit (so you’ll want to do it even on your worst days), is of interest then get in touch.

Opt in here to my email list and I'll tell you everything you need to know:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

It’ll be just the thing you need to get the new year flying.

Keep it easy out there. Arjuna

PS. Mike was also saying that one of the biggest causes of weight not coming off on any diet was stress.

Interesting huh?

Internal stress causes external change - your body tries to protect itself by holding tight to its resources.

And he said that people are more stressed than they realise.

So he makes meditation part of his diet plans because it means his clients reach all their goals quicker.

Genius!

Here's that link again:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

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Want Less Stress? Just Get A Little Human

OK, so I’ve been hanging out with some kids this weekend. All in preparation for the arrival of my one.

Got one ordered.

It’s being manufactured as we speak.

Delivery should be late February.

Comes complete with adjustable volume, power down / sleep button, self clean function and full instruction manual.

Can’t wait.

Being dad will be simple with a model like that.

But these kids that are here this weekend?

Earlier models I think.

Don’t have any of the mod cons we’re getting.

They can’t even follow simple instructions.

Hard work, I tell you.

But do you know what?

They’re still pretty funny.

And they’re teaching me a lot about plans.

I have a plan …

... They do something different.

Like, the complete opposite.

I say - “don’t pick up the sheep poo”, they bend down and get two fists full of the stuff.

There’s a line somewhere between being super flexible and yet moulding them to my image, in a godly like fashion.

And all the while keeping my cool, cos losing it doesn't help, does it?

So I have a lot to learn, and they are teaching me a huge amount. Perfect!

But have you noticed that about plans?

That you only get stressed when reality doesn’t match your plan?

If you hold tight to your plan resistance happens.

“This should NOT be happening”.

The fact is it IS happening - and if you hold tight you’re in denial.

Resistance leads to denial which leads to stress.

Until you drop your plan to go with what IS happening.

Acceptance means you can adapt to the circumstances.

You can choose to accept, and therefore stress can be a choice.

A choice for sure that takes practice, but a choice nonetheless.

You start to realise your own peace and levels of calm becomes not about the situation but your reaction to it.

You can control your reaction, especially with practice …

… therefore you can learn to control stress, and anxiety, and panic, and worry.

I know I’ve written about this before but it just became so obvious with two under fives.

The power of your own choice.

Makes all of life so much better when you take responsibility for it.

Now, I’d better run after them because it’s all gone a little quiet.

Keep the Peace! Arjuna PS.

I did promise to look after them.

But who in their right minds gives kids to a complete beginner?

Err, hang on … mother nature does, doesn’t she?

PPS.

Interested in how you can be more accepting and less stressed about stuff you have no control over?

Ascension meditation makes it all so incredibly simple.

If you're interested in finding out more about this incredible world of meditation, mindfulness and mindset ...

... and how it works to change your life for the better,

opt in here and get regular emails just like this one, all to keep you inspired and keep you on the easy, fun path:

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-

Busy? This Is The Time Of The Year For It

Busy? Three business projects to finish before it gets really busy and you head on holiday?

Social occasions coming out of your ears?

Like, you have to cancel not one but TWO social engagements because of another? (that never happens to me, except this weekend - ha!)

Building a house and you’ve just realised the lino isn’t quite right so you have to reorder, and soon?

Painting a room in another house too because, you know, why not throw something else in the mix?

It’s raining and you’d love to skip down to the river for a cheeky wee paddle before it gets dark?

Gifts to buy and you have zero idea what to get that significant person?

There’s no food in the fridge so better stock up soon before you start eating the curtains?

Oh - and there’s coffee to drink, because no one’s going to drink it for you?

So many demands.

I know.

I get it.

I see it.

I have it.

Here’s the thing I know.

Busyness is an undeniable fact of life sometimes.

It is good to be productive, and sometimes everything needs to be done yesterday.

But here is the thing.

You can only do one thing at a time.

Overwhelm and stress only happens when you try and do more than one thing at once.

Carry too much …

Even just in your head …

And you’ll end up spinning around in small circles doing sweet nothings except feeling that tightness in the pit of your stomach crank up.

Oh - and clarity?

Out the window it goes.

No perspective, no efficiency, no nothing.

Just confusion and struggle.

SO:

Get yourself a plan, focus your attention on the next thing.

Ignore the clamouring for attention of all the other things in your head.

One thing.

This thing, then that thing.

Focus is one of the essentials of life.

It’s a foundation upon which every pillar of your life can stand strong.

It’s a skill that you can practice, you can get better at it.

Alright?

There’s no need for overwhelm. If you do get it, you know what’s happened. Take a step back, take a breath, get really present and go again.

OK?

Go well! -Arjuna

PS.

If you take time out to do your Ascension meditation?

It’ll actually give you MORE time in your day.

True. I swear.

If you wanna know more about meditation, mindfulness, mindset ...

And how it transforms your life,

And get regular emails like these ones, go here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

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The Rise Of The DIY King

Like any good husband there are times when you’re expected to step into the unknown. That noise in the kitchen late at night.

Asking for that refund on something you know was bought at least 12 months ago.

Wheeling the bins out in the rain.

And babies. Children in general. Where did I put that manual??

Another huge area of the unknown (for me at least) is DIY.

Now if you have met me, you will laugh, as it is very apparent that my DIY skills are non-existent.

As a man, and compared to MacGyver who turns out is actually my father in law, I am a DIY joke.

You just wouldn’t want to give me a hammer and a nail, for example.

Unless you wanted quite some time to amuse yourself watching me hit everything except the nail.

So it was with some trepidation I was asked to step into “a few days” of DIY in the form of painting a room.

I’ve discovered after three days that painting isn’t as much about painting as it is about “preparation”.

This is the liberal application of sandpaper to fingers and other sensitive skin in an attempt to remove paint that wasn’t prepared properly by the last DIY goof.

Given the house I’m living in is 300 years old it looks like there’s quite a few layers of DIY dodgy-ness, which is somewhat reassuring to my ego.

But I have learned! Oh, I have learned well.

Father in law, as expert, has shown me the right way of doing it.

And practice of these right things is setting me up on the road to perfection.

I am experiencing improvement, which is what all humans love.

I’m not quite the DIY King yet - claiming the painting portion of that title will take at least a few more days, but I am enjoying getting better.

Now say you want to get better at something - perchance being more at peace.

Calm when chaos is breaking out around you.

Ignoring “those” thoughts and focussing on something beneficial to your person.

Being more happy and content, for absolutely no reason.

Realising that although you have thoughts, you are not them.

All of these things come from practice.

Mastery isn’t achieved in a single bound.

Usually it takes many many hops and skips and sometimes shuffles to climb any mountain.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice the right things.

Practicing being more present and positive is a great start.

Practicing the Ishayas' Ascension meditation is huge.

Nothing happens without practice.

And make sure you know where you have come from - that will help enormously because then you can measure improvement.

Everyone loves improving.

Awesome. Gotta get back to it.

Need anything? DIY tips? Let me know, I’d love to chat. Arjuna

PS.

If you want a very fast path to leaving stress, confusion, distraction, and being too serious behind …

So you can be more calm, focussed, happy …

And a better athlete, a better partner, a better parent, better at your job or business too?

I have an email list that will make you very happy.

Opt in here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

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There’s Nothing To Say

I’m back home after what seemed like a marathon mission of sociability. We went the length of the country and witnessed weddings, popped in for long cups of tea, ate dinners, drank too much wine.

It is the season, is it not?

Not that long ago the thought of all that socialising would have sent a shiver of fear up and down my spine.

You see, I’m not that good at small talk.

And all those parties would have thrown me right out of my comfort zone.

Meeting and greeting and how do you doing and what do you doing …

I put myself under a lot of pressure to “perform” - to be social.

I don’t know if you know what I’m talking about but that pressure made me so awkward. Very awkward indeed. And slightly anxious too.

These days I’m pleased to report that a solid week of socialising and I’m still alive.

I did it, I made it through.

What’s changed is that I’m happier in my own skin.

I’m happy if I have something to say, very happy if I don’t.

Content and comfortable with silence, also not needing someone’s approval.

I’m not trying to present an image, putting on a mask to be liked.

Which was so much hard work.

Now?

It’s very much a matter of here I am and that is all.

My Ishayas’ Ascension meditation practice has means I’ve gotten relaxed and content in my own skin and happy - for no reason.

Confident as me, without arrogance.

And without all that pressure to perform or be someone, it seems I’ve gotten better at small talk.

Imagine that?

So if you’re fearing a social season, being in a room full of people you don’t know - don’t sweat it.

No really, don’t sweat.

There’s never anything to prove to anyone.

You are you, and that is more than enough.

If you have something to say, wonderful. If you don’t wonderful.

You might learn to ask interesting questions - that’s a nice skill that gets people talking.

But no worries if not.

You can also learn to be content as yourself and enjoy whatever the moment offers.

You can learn to be without anxiety and panic and worry.

You can learn ALL that, really you can.

A practice of meditation and mindset has been the key for me.

If you’d like to know more about it, go here and I'll tell you all I know.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sane/

And if you ever need anything, just ask.

Enjoy yourself, ok? Arjuna

Don’t Trust Your Feelings - They Be Sneaky

Feelings are sneaky things. I wouldn’t trust them. Trusting them leads to sooooo much drama. But before I get warmed up and into this -

Witness my favourite youtube video of all time, Beaker of the Muppets singing “Feelings”.

I think you’ll like it too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf3BNRF9ICc

Feelings …

They’re not dependable source of information, really they aren’t.

You have a good nights sleep - you have one set of feelings.

You have a bad nights sleep - you have another set.

Mercurial is the word.

Changeable, and fast too.

How can you trust something that changes so much?

You can’t.

Trust something that doesn’t change.

If you have been meditating …

... better still - if you’ve been Ascending - you’ll have or be developing an experience of the presence and awareness that lies beyond feelings.

Let that be your anchor, your stability, your point of reference when your crazeee feelings and hormones and mind tells you otherwise.

Do you know what’s even worse than a feeling?

An expectation.

An expectation that you should or should not be feeling something.

Ooh boy, that really is a can of worms.

I was talking about relationships the other day.

One reason I’ve ruined so many great relationships was simply because I wasn’t “feeling” it.

I was looking for the feeling of excitement, of new, raw, “let’s tear our clothes off right here in the kitchen” passion that’s there at the beginning of each relationship.

When that fades and a more subtle, perhaps mature (like a good blue cheese maybe?) kind of love comes in, I was left adrift.

“I should be feeling something - and I’m not. Let’s look somewhere else for the excitement again”.

Enter the hamster wheel of chasing the ever elusive highs.

It’s a trap.

Feelings are a trap.

Same with people when they come to meditation.

“I should be feeling peace and calm and focus every single time I sit to meditate”.

Nope.

Often, just like going for a run or being in the gym, it's not what happens during, it's what happens after.

Its the longer term, apres-exercise effect that you want to be focussing on.

There is so much life beyond feelings.

See them clearly, see that you aren’t your feelings, or your thoughts.

Anchor yourself in what is beyond those and you’ll find super real clarity and stability.

Why would you want that?

So you can kick arse and live life they way you want to. Without a handbrake.

Lovely.

The best way to get that (really, honestly) is learning and then practicing Ascension meditation.

Here you go:

https://arjunaishaya.wufoo.com/forms/arjunas-awesome-121-meditation-coaching-enquiry/

Take it easy, OK? Arjuna

PS.

Feelings are different from intuition.

Vastly.

Just as Swaledale blue cheese (yum!) is WAY different from, say, brussel sprouts (shudder).

Before you get a little excited and tell me I’m talking trash.

But most people totally confuse and conflate the two.

(Feelings and intuition that is).

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When You Want Bond And Get Powers

I’m in Exeter of all places, for a wedding. Black tie.

Will be my first time in a tuxedo. How about that?

Tells you what social circles I move in.

All fleece and merino and neoprene.

But I’m sure I’ll scrub up well.

I’m thinking James Bond, but in all likelihood I’ll probably be more Austin Powers.

Oh well … you do your best and then give up and enjoy it, as it is - right?

Yeah, actually I don’t see a lot of that in evidence.

So often life doesn’t go according to plan.

Or you agree to do something and then it doesn’t work out how you thought it would.

Or you have an idea about what "should" happen, and it goes the opposite way.

It causes so much strife when our schemes and ideas don’t work out.

When this happens, what are your options?

Well, let me tell you something that has been so useful to me.

The very, very wise personage of Eckhart Tolle once pointed out that in any situation you don’t like you have three possible options.

1. Change the situation.

If you can’t change it - or you don’t want to - you can:

2. Leave the situation.

If you can’t leave the situation - or (again) don’t want to - you must:

3. Accept the situation fully and completely.

But so often humanity goes for option 4:

4. Resist, complain, whine, blame

Which just tends to keep the situation as it is, stuck.

It sucks your power,

You lose all joy,

You get frustrated and stressed.

Life shrinks.

So anytime you find yourself stuck, look at what option you’ve got behind.

Sometimes you have no choice but to accept and get on with what you’re given.

You don’t have to like it, but you do have to accept it.

Your levels of stress and struggle and anger will remain low.

And you can see your options clearly, which is always a bonus.

Clarity and coolness under pressure is what everyone wants.

Alright?

Acceptance is the only sane option. Get busy with that.

You can do it.

Take it easy, and keep the Peace! - Arjuna

PS.

Acceptance doesn’t mean you give up or stop caring.

It just means you realise in this moment it is your ONLY option.

One of the things meditation is, it is a practice of acceptance.

The Ishayas’ Ascension will bring you to a place of clarity, calm and acceptance so quick, like super rapid.

You just have to practice it. That’s all.

Interested in learning how you can become a master of acceptance so you can kill your stress and have more joy and effectiveness than you ever thought possible?

I have some one on one spaces open:

https://arjunaishaya.wufoo.com/forms/arjuna-ishaya-oneone-meditation-coaching-enquiry/ -

How To Mess Up A Relationship - Just Ask Me!

I was just in Birmingham. For some insane reason the wife and I decided to go to the centre of town where the German Christmas market was in full swing.

There was only about a million people on the streets.

Basically it consisted of a long shuffle dodge shifty as we made our way up one edge of the street and back the other.

Then escape to a Vietnamese noodle shop for some space. Whew - Awesome noodles too.

Madness huh?

I don’t know about you, but I like people. I really do.

But crowds and hordes and mayhems of people?

Well, that’s something I’m not so keen on.

Lesson truly learnt (to be forgotten for next Christmas market or Edinburgh festival time).

I did get plenty of opportunity to witness relationships under pressure.

Hoo boy.

I know it, because I done it - all of it.

You want to know how to make a mess of a relationship?

Just ask me. I’m an expert

But I learnt.

And am doing the best I can to learn how to make my relationships even better.

So gather closely:

Here’s the most amazing thing we do:

When we got together with our partners we were all over them.

The reason why?

We clearly liked what we saw.

What you saw you liked, it was good.

That attraction meant you wanted to spend more time with them.

Good, good, good.

The reason relationships get shaky or even end is this:

As we spend time with the other we start to notice what we don’t like.

If you don’t catch it, you focus more and more on what you wish you could change.

(And sometimes you try to change them - with varying degrees of karmic whiplash.)

Bad, bad, bad.

If you feel like your relationship is a little stale, all that happened is this:

You stopped noticing what you liked and therefore you stopped saying.

You stopped the gratitude, the appreciation, the small things to say “I love you”.

Alright?

So add some pressure and the relationship blows up.

Or even just over time you stop the loving and either you or they jump ship.

Moral of the story?

Get a solid foundation.

Focus on what you like about the person.

Overwhelmingly.

And then you can, if need be, be honest.

7:1 ratio apparently.

7 positive comments to every 1 “please do this” comment.

So you want lots of loving, and an easy, peaceful, happy time of it this Christmas?

Imagine you’re trying to win them, every single day.

It’ll make things so good for you, in every way, you won’t want to stop.

And you can thank me later.

Take care Arjuna

PS.

So you are busy, far too busy for an Ishayas’ Ascension class where you’ll learn (amongst other things) the basis of how to have a better relationship.

That can wait until the New Year.

But crucially, time is of the essence - you don’t want to wait.

If you’re up for it, I can help on a one to one basis.

Go here to get in touch:

https://arjunaishaya.wufoo.com/forms/arjuna-ishaya-oneone-meditation-coaching-enquiry/ -

The Secret To Eternal Life (And Six Pack Abs in Seven Minutes A Day!)

Actually no, I don’t know the secret to eternal life. Or six pack abs in seven minutes.

I wish I did.

But I do know the secret to an amazingly happy, full, satisfied, purposed packed and fun life.

You might be tempted to think that this secret lies in stuff.

Stuff - you know …

Stuff that you can buy or stuff that you do, or even in stuff that you achieve.

Don’t get me wrong - Stuff is great, I love doing and achieving and having such stuff.

However:

The secret to an amazing life is not to be found in stuff, things, doodads nor six pack abs, eternal life, money, health, relationships, or even lolz cats.

The secret of having the very best life is actually very simple.

Well - it’s simple to say, not so easy to do.

Only because so few people are doing it.

You might say this secret lies in not confusing stuff for happiness or contentment.

OK so -

Life really amps up when you create a solid foundation.

This solid foundation consists of:

- Being present - Being positive

Lemme explain a touch because they can be misconstrued.

Being present is as simple as being in the same place as your body, immersed in the task that is in front of you.

More effective (and fun) than staring out the window wishing you were on the weekend, or being on the weekend and thinking about what you have to do next week.

It’s important to plan for the future and learn from the past, but don’t do that ALL the time.

A moment is all that is required for that.

Spend the rest of the time being in the same place as your body, in this moment.

Because that is what happens when you do what you love to do.

You get out of your head and into this moment.

And you love that. So there's no reason why every thing you do can't have the same degree of presence.

OK?

2. Be positive.

It’s important to be real. To clearly see what the situation of your life is in relation to where you want to go.

From that basis though focus on the good, not the negative. Look at how far you’ve come, rather than on how far you have to go. See what you can do, don’t fight what you can’t.

Stress and struggle come from an excessive focus on what is wrong or what’s lacking.

You see so much of what is wrong it overwhelms you.

So focus on what is right, what is good, what you can do.

That goes for your job, your relationships, your health, everything.

There you go -

Get present, get positive:

The secret to an amazing life.

The secret to being present and positive lies in meditation.

It is the one thing that will bring that to you quicker than you can sing your favourite Taylor Swift song.

If you have one.

The simplest, most powerful meditation?

The Ishayas’ Ascension.

Let me know if you’d like to learn - just hit reply.

Keep the Peace out there, ok?

Arjuna

PS.

I know you’re getting busy.

Social calendar is in full swing.

But look after your peace, your calm, your levels of fun.

That is your choice. Don't let it be taken away from you!

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Less Juice Than A New iPhone 7

I’m thinking about getting a new phone. Mine is a little creaky, the battery lasts less than a day now.

Unfortunately you can’t replace them batteries - what an environmental disaster that is.

Just like water bottles and plastic shopping bags and dem coffee cups.

So I was reading a review for the new iPhone 7.

All nice and shiny, but the guy was saying under use the battery won’t last a day.

What’s the point of something that won’t even go a single day before needing a recharge?

That’s why I want a new one.

Now -

I’m going to merge nicely into a metaphor for you.

(I need to tell you just in case, due to my mad metaphorical skillz, it’s not that obvious)

You have an internal battery.

When people get depressed, or grumpy and reactive, or anxious, or un-motivated, or constantly tired -

When they feel like they aren’t living the life they want to - and they wonder why.

A big chunk of it is all down to a super low battery.

It’s obvious what some of the things that will deplete and recharge you are.

You know them already.

Diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol, how hard you work, how hard you play …

But you won’t be so aware of the subtle unseens -

In other words, what goes on between your ears.

Which, in many ways, have MORE impact than anything you do.

You see, there are a lot of things that SEEM worthy of your attention in this world.

Mulling over difficult situations, paying too much attention to bad news (personal and media), thinking too much about stuff you have no control over (actually even thinking too much about things you DO have control over), trying to do 12 things at once …

… Worry, doubt, anger, over-control …

So much to do, so much to think about, so much to plan and predict.

They seem worthy -

BUT all these things drain you, and drain you quick.

What recharges you?

I know the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation does, and rapidly too.

A focus on being present and positive, the silver lining, gratitude, choosing to notice what is good and beautiful, hanging out with fun, inspired, giving people -

All these are extremely beneficial as well.

So to get the most out of your battery -

You have to limit your exposure to the things that drain you,

and give more to the things that recharge you, that give you “juice”.

If you know you might be in a situation where you will be drained, you need to charge up before AND recharge after.

Otherwise you reach the end of your capacity and start shutting down.

Which you may well know from experience, and it isn’t that nice at all.

Makes sense right?

Be careful what you let into your head.

Be careful where you spend your energy.

Charge up regularly!

I'm sure you've worked all this out, but maybe this will make it even simpler how to get more Life from your life.

That way you’ll also have plenty to give to your loved ones, which is always wonderful.

Stay juiced, - Arjuna

PS. Last chance to get a seat on the last Ishayas’ Ascension evening course for 2016.

In my humble opinion, the greatest thing you can ever learn.

Go here for a seat:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/ Or email me for questions, I’m always happy to chat. -

"Yes Baby! Yes!”

Last time I wrote about the immense power of saying “no” to the things that won’t take you to where you want to go. You need to say no so you can say yes.

If that makes sense you’re a genius, and we should hang out more because you clearly get me.

No is wonderful.

And yet applied too often means you live in a very small box. One of your own creation.

You need to say yes too. Yes brings surprise and newness and difference and a bit of magic as well.

Put another way, you need to say no to doubt and doing the same things in order to have more adventure.

If you’re an outdoor type you know that knife edge of staying in your comfort zone and staying safe but extending yourself.

That’s why I love the outdoors: Because it shows you the power of yes.

No to fear, yes to growth.

There is a Jim Carrey film called “Yes Man”

It’s a good one, worth a watch.

Basically there’s this guy who doesn’t say “yes” enough, who then say yes a lot and well, he learns to say yes and no.

Balance, you see.

“So clear!” I hear you say.

The coffee clearly has not kicked in.

But in your own head - you have certain patterns of thinking that do not serve you in any admirable way.

They take you down, shrink your world, and means life is a bit grey.

Your job - assuming you want more Life in your life - is to see these patterns in action.

When you really become aware of them it becomes obvious that thinking them does you no good.

So then you can say no to these thoughts and yes to other, more life enhancing ones.

Becoming the master of your own head really is that simple.

Replace down thoughts with up thoughts.

It is one of the cornerstones of the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation techniques.

Combined with the ability to directly give you more presence and focus, they are very powerful tools for rewiring your mind.

Rewiring so you can free yourself of all the negative, down, reactive patterns and habits -

Meaning no to stress, struggle, self-sabotage;

And yes to being calm as a cucumber, happy as a Tibetan goat herder, and as focussed as monkey who has just pinched your mobile phone.

Evening course next week here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/ascensionmeditation/ Go well! Arjuna

PS.

I’m pretty sure cucumbers are super calm.

I’ve never talked to one in depth about it, but they have that aura of cool, you know?

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The Power Of No

Someone once said that if you want something done, give it to someone busy. Why dat?

One of the little known reasons is that many busy people can’t say no.

So if you are such a person -

I know I am, I have immense trouble saying no to people asking me to do things …

(But I have to say I'm getting better because I realise this)

Learn how to say no.

No is such a great thing.

No, no, no.

No means you can head in the direction you want.

If you want to lose weight you have to say no to donuts.

If you want more quality time with your lady you have to say no to constant TV or facebook.

If you want more time in the outdoors, you have to say no to the indoors.

If you want to get a calm, focussed and clear mind you have to say no so you have time to sit down to do your Ascension meditation.

No is the answer to more in your life, always.

Useful boundaries it’s called.

Boundaries bring freedom.

Carefully and judiciously applied, “no” means you can have more time.

It means you can be more effective and have more freedom, more life, more fun, more loving, more space in your head.

Go ahead, it’s not too hard once you realise what you really want from life.

Get on it, and keep the Peace!

Arjuna

PS.

One of the things I regretted most about learning the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation was not learning it sooner.

It amped up my meditation practice immediately - making it simpler, more powerful, more enjoyable.

Evening course starting next week we are.

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

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