I can’t be mindful - I’m busy!

A great question from a busy mum on our hour a day mindfulness challenge.

(to join, head this way: https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/)

It basically is (and sorry for misquoting you!) - I’m so busy I can’t be mindful.

I need to get stuff done.

It’s a super common statement / question -

But first -

I started on all of this because I really didn’t like how I felt when I was stressed.

When I was so busy and overwhelmed that my body and mind rebelled.

I couldn't sleep right, my jaw and shoulders ached, I would be paralysed with "what to do"...

I also knew those times when getting stuff done was simple and orderly and even a little bit fun.

It's why I got into this meditation and mindfulness business.

The thing many people don’t know is how being present and aware ALSO helps you be busy.

Busy in the sense of achieving, ticking off the to do list,

Rather than being busy in the sense of spinning around in small circles getting faster.

Moving with haste and not getting a lot done.

It means you will enjoy it more too.

You don’t get all overwhelmed and snappy and grumpy at everyone -

Your sense of humour stays firmly in place.

So actually a mindfulness and meditation practice gives you two things:

The ability to be more effective and the ability to enjoy yourself fully - no matter what you’re doing.

So you don’t get that stressed, frazzled overwhelmed feeling.

So you don’t snap and react in ways you regret.

So you do things once, and do them right …

And you CAN learn to be present and mindful and incredibly productive.

It’s a skill. An easy skill too, when you know how to get it.

Alright?

If you’d like that kind of balance -

A productive AND profound life …

This is a brilliantly simple way to start -

I'll tell you what to do, and what to do next too:

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

Questions?

Let me know!

Go well-

Arjuna

PS.

It’s not an either or thing -

Being mindful or being productive.

It actually is a “you need both” thing.

And it only takes a little practice to really get both going.

Let me show you how easy - and rewarding - it can be:

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

Alone at home in your underpants, drinking

Let me explain -

As a human there is no black and white.

No absolutes - there are always shades of grey, as you might well know.

In terms of being busy and getting stuff done there is also a continuum of activity.

I’ve been reliably informed (by one avid reader of these emails who has this in a prominent place to remind him)

At one end is Kyoshi - the Japanese term meaning to work oneself to death.

(Not so good)

And at the other end of our continuum is Kalsarikannit - the Finnish verb for getting drunk in ones underpants with no intention of going out.

(As a regular choice? Not so good either)

You are busy - you have things to see, people to do.

Commitments, responsibilities, all the rest of it.

Yet - to have a balanced life - to be productive and enjoy it all -

You need to find a balance between these two poles of madness:

Death by busy-ness or death by underpants.

It’s a balance that constantly shifts, constantly moves, depending on what is happening in your life at the time.

There is a time for more work, there is a time for more relaxing.

In your day there needs to be this ebb and flow too …

A time for doing, a time for switching off and not doing.

Now - mindfulness, meditation, being present and aware -

Many people can see how it means they can switch off -

It’s mental training in a sense to learn to focus on certain thoughts, ignore others.

Getting out of the past and the future that can’t be controlled -

And living now, in this moment in time.

Which is relaxing and recharging in all ways, indeed.

But learning and practicing something like the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation means you get going and DO stuff so much better and more effectively AS WELL.

You can examine your thoughts and see if they hold true.

You leave negativity and overwhelm and reacting in ways you regret back at the door.

You lose stress and doubt and all that stuff that stops you.

Ascension meditation also means you can get that balance right -

The balance between two extremes.

The half step back it gives you means you just know when it’s time to switch off,

And when it’s time to go.

Balance in all things,

A fine art - the art of life no less.

It takes practice, but you can find that - you can live it.

To get going on your practice, here's a little challenge that will help you rapidly find just that:

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/

It’s a while away, but it gives you time to prepare!

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

It’s what Buddha meant by walking the middle path -

The Goldilocks Path

Not too hot, not to cold.

Not too extreme.

Just right:

Straightforward, simple, enjoyable.

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/

What is the meaning of life? Dodging difficult questions

I did a super fun interview recently with a really lovely fellow called Pat Flynn.

I totally dodged a huge question from him - so here's my chance to make amends.

But first, if you haven't listened -

We talked about meditation and why you should practice regularly and how to get started - which just floated my boat -

And it might float yours too.

Head this way:

http://www.chroniclesofstrength.com/monk-explains-meditate-pat-flynn-show-ep-10/

You can even download it so you can listen while you’re in the bath, for example.

The Meaning of Life

So early on Pat asks about the meaning of life,

I felt like I skimmed what may be the most important question in my life.

So here’s my chance to add to my answer.

Perhaps buckle up, grab a cup of tea, this will be a longer email than usual.

I’m not sure how far we’ll go with this one, and I’ll say this only once (unless you ask nicely) ...

You have to realise the answer to “what is the meaning of life?” is not really about the words.

It’s not knowledge, it’s not mental.

The meaning of life comes from an experience.

And when you connect with that inner experience, the meaning of YOUR life gets clear.

Not life in general, but your life in particular.

You see:

We’re all searching for a feeling.

It’s a combo, an indefinable mashup that comes out something like -

Peacelovejoyhappinesscontentmentalivenessyeah!

Everything we do, we do to chase happiness, and avoid suffering.

If you’re clever though,

You will realise that an inner experience cannot come from external things.

But sure, sometimes a wonderful meal can give you that indefinable joy and contentment,

That special man or woman in your life too,

Getting that career goal, going on holiday, buying those £50 flip flops …

They all press the YES button.

So to speak.

Although happiness may be sparked by external things, it does not need to be determined by it.

That is what causes suffering…

Because people believe “I can only be happy when x or y or z (external thing) happens”

And because tomorrow never seems to come,

Or happens how you least expect it,

Happiness is always a future game and an externally caused game.

Meditation is making happiness a NOW game, an internal game.

You hear me so far?

Now -

The source of this indefinable peacelovehappyclear mooshup is already within you.

It is the You that lies beyond your thoughts,

Beyond your dreams and desires and feelings too.

You already have it, you were BORN with it - in fact, you ARE it.

Check out a little bubsy - totally one with themselves.

Enlightenment and unity that is talked about in some circles is complete freedom from the external caused game of happiness.

It comes from realising you are that inner experience of presence and awareness.

The more you touch on that experience, the happier you get AND the more the meaning of YOUR life becomes clear.

Your thoughts and feelings?

Something you have, not something you are.

When you realise the difference - and NOT as a mental idea, but as a lived experience,

That's when the meaning of life gets so obvious, so clear you’re surprised you never knew.

And even a little venturing down this path means you start living in a different way.

And I don’t want to get too mystical because that creates all kinds of ideas of what you SHOULD be experiencing -

But one of the first things that happens is that you become more aware of all the limiting and doubt filled thoughts that you have,

How you provide momentum for them by unconsciously thinking on them a lot.

Being aware means you have choice.

It means you don’t get derailed by them.

It means getting those things you want in life gets easier and more straight forward.

You find freedom from self-sabotage,

From all the negative emotions and thinking,

You get happiness that is uncaused,

Freedom from depending on other people or other things to make you happy,

You realise that all fear is caused by a thought.

You become the source of all stability, all unchanging goodness and being.

Priceless and wordless.

And all simply by regularly practicing your meditation.

Going inwards, going inwards, going inwards -

Until you remember that experience.

Now -

Take it easy.

Gentle stubborn persistence is a valuable ally.

Learn to Ascend. Honestly, it’s the darn tooting most amazing thing.

OK?

Questions?

Want to know when the next course is?

Just hit reply - I love talking about this stuff.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

That link to the interview is right here:

http://www.chroniclesofstrength.com/monk-explains-meditate-pat-flynn-show-ep-10/

I think you’ll really like it.

Do you ever get that slight cringe when you hear the sound of your own voice too?

Pat’s specialty is fitness and strength using kettlebells - and I can’t recommend a better teacher than him.

He totally knows his stuff: www.chroniclesofstrength.com

I highly recommend quitting

Quitting?

Don’t listen to those motivational people who say “never quit!”.

Quitting is awesome.

You see, I’m sitting here in Starbucks,

The people who make my car are kindly fixing a big chunk of it,

For FREE.

How about that?

I’ve been sitting and doing my work here, courtesy of the coffee shop wifi.

And I’ve just realised the power of Quitting.

The story is -

I forgot to bring my water bottle of which I usually drink much from.

Since I’m too cheap …

Err, I mean ... environmental ... to buy bottled water,

I haven't been drinking enough.

And I was wondering why I was so sluggish, so feeling blah and off …?

I get some tap water and …

Instantly better.

Alive again.

Weird, isn’t it?

I didn’t realise what an effect drinking water had on me,

Until I stopped (and loaded up with coffee - gotta pay for my wifi!)

It’s the same with everything -

Sometimes you don’t realise the full extent of how good something is until you don’t do it.

Some of you won’t even notice AT ALL until you stop.

Humans are weird like that.

Take your daily practice of Ascension meditation,

Or anything you do every day to recharge your batteries, get perspective, and protect your peace and sense of humour …

It may not be immediately,

But as the battery starts to run out,

As stress and reaction and over-thinking and worry takes over

As you get snappier and snappier …

And your fun heads out the window …

THEN you start to notice it.

So many people tell me that they stopped and THEN they realised why they needed to do it …

Or their partners told them they’ve become such a pain in the backside,

They’ll divorce them if they don’t start practicing again -

(True story).

Quitting can be useful just to show you how good you had it.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

You don’t NEED to quit,

I haven’t gone ever gone cold turkey on my Ascending, but I do notice when I reduce the amount of time I spend very quickly.

I figure why quit when it’s so good?

PPS.

This “Forget No More - an hour a day, 7 day mindfulness challenge” is up and running -

It’s a very simple way to build the mindfulness habit super quick,

And end stress, boosting calm, Alive presence.

Even when you have a full on, super busy day.

Head this way to join us:

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/

It's completely free, AND I think you'll love it.

That “your delivery is coming today” feeling

Got myself a text this morning.

My online delivery is headed my way, today.

Isn’t that a glorious feeling?

Yah! My new stuff is coming -

A new pair of shorts since you asked.

To stride about in, lounge in, and just be calm and cool and content in.

All while being a style icon (or something like that).

Even better?

They said 3 days delivery, and it’s coming in 1.

Hurrah!

I know I’m a simple man with simple pleasures -

But this is one of life’s better pleasures.

The world is full of good things, it really is.

What I’ve worked out is that I need to put myself in their way,

Otherwise I simply don’t get that “Yah!” feeling that we all know and love.

You can focus on what’s wrong, and that’s one way to live.

Or you can focus on what is good and right, and that is another.

Way back when I was getting into this meditation and mindfulness malarky,

I thought you had to give up the good things.

Not all of them, to be sure, to be sure,

But some.

Because somehow I thought enjoyment and peace and contentment weren’t on the same team.

It’s weird that isn’t it? Now that I’ve put the idea down in pixels.

Yet the things that make you Alive are great things.

They shouldn’t be cast aside as being somehow wrong …

You know?

Someone once said that what thy world needs more than anything is people who are fully Alive.

So you should go right ahead and do all those things, because then you’re Alive and joyful AND content,

And it helps everyone around you be the same.

Here’s to Aliveness!

One thing -

To be as Alive as possible, be as mindful and present as possibles.

Then you enjoy the good things even more.

And can endure the not so good even better.

I have a thing that will help you get into the mindfulness and presence habit -

A little free 7 day challenge no less.

I think you’ll like it.

Head this way to get going:

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

In this challenge I’ll show you how to disconnect your reactions from events.

So you don’t react unconsciously, and then regret it.

You can see the reaction coming, take a big step back, and choose differently.

Useful skill that.

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/

How many billions do you give away?

PS -

I know!

How ridiculous to start with a PS.

But that’s just how I roll.

Read this, then read the PS (the bottom PS),

Or skip this, and read the PS only - if that’s how YOU roll.

Whatever you want to do, do it.

Now, onto the main message:

___________

I just found out that Bill Gates - the world’s richest man,

Has just given away US$4.6 billion to charity.

Since 1994, his wife and his good self have given a total of US$35 billion - all to charity.

Isn’t that awesome?

I think so.

No hanging on to billions of dollars,

No swimming in a pool of cash a la Scrooge McDuck,

But sending a huge chunk of it to those who don't have anything.

Awesome.

A question, if you don’t mind,

And I’ll explain why it’s so important in a minute:

How much do you give?

^^^

You may be thinking, “It’s alright for Bill, he can afford to …”

But the fact is, you can’t afford NOT to give.

Studies have shown time and time again that the happiest and most satisfied and fulfilled people are those who have found a way to regularly give.

It’s true.

Now - when I’m talking about giving, I’m not talking just about money.

It could be time, advice, some appreciation, or doing something for someone.

And as always, it’s not about what you give -

It’s not about billions of dollars …

It’s about the attitude behind it that counts.

Why? Why bother?

Ahhh, that eternal question.

Well - just to start with:

Having an attitude of service makes every single part of your life easier, more fulfilling, more joyful.

It’s the end of stress and resentment too.

Seriously.

Picture this:

You're doing something menial, cleaning for example, for someone - say your family.

You’re doing the thing, but in your head you’re thinking all too much about how you hate cleaning, and they should have done it last week, and why am I always doing it …

Whether you have a conversation about what they do and don’t do is definitely something you need to consider …

But right now:

You’re over thinking, you’re full of resentment,

There’s no joy, no presence to this moment.

You’re winding yourself up.

If you drop all that, and assume the attitude of service,

The whole situation changes.

It becomes an act of love - both for the people you’re doing it for,

And yourself.

You stop choosing to be miserable, and really embrace what you need to do.

You jump into complete immersion in the task in front of you -

Complete presence -

And that is a wonderful experience.

The only thing I can suggest is you just DO it -

See what happens.

Give, give, give and find out why.

Good stuff!

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

Announcing the “Forget No More! An Hour a Day Mindfulness Challenge”

Want to end stress?

Live a really Alive life, being the best version of you?

Of course you do!

The secret to Life (with a capital L) is fully showing up for it.

That’s why the “Forget No More! An Hour a Day Mindfulness Challenge” is for you.

A very cool challenge that will boost your “mindfulness muscle” (or habit if you prefer)

So you can remember to be present and forget to be stressed – no matter what you’re busy doing, in Real Life.

If you want to:

    •    end overwhelm and stress; “I’ve got too much to do and no time to do it”

    •    no longer feed negativity; “I’m useless, I can’t do this, I’ll never get it right”

    •    ditch anxiety, worry, regret, guilt and over-thinking; “I’m scared, I’m did it/am doing it wrong; I need to be in control”

    •    stop unconsciously reacting and then regretting it

    •    find happiness that is uncaused, enjoy this moment as it is and who you are, as you are

This challenge is for you.

There’s a free guide with some nifty tricks,

A Facebook group for questions, support, to keep you reminded and inspired with regular little goodies such as videos from me.

Everything you need to stop forgetting, end stress and get super present and super Alive.

If you want in, head this way to get the (short) guide and get going:

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/

Join us!

My Wonderous Stress Ending, Life Boosting Mindfulness Challenge - For You!

It’s arrived!

Let me tell you about the “Forget No More! An Hour a Day Mindfulness Challenge”

You’re here because you want to end stress.

You don’t want to just manage it,

You want to put it down.

No more stress! Yah!

No more resentment, no more overwhelm, no more anxiety or guilt or such like.

None!

AND - because at the rate you drop stress, Aliveness blooms in all its glory.

Clarity, calm, contentment - a profound and productive life is revealed.

Living life as the best version of you.

Awesome!

HOW?

The secret lies in being super dooper present, or mindful as you might call it.

The hardest thing people tell me about being mindful?

“I keep forgetting!”

We’ve spent so long not being present, forgetting to be mindful and then being drawn into stress and overwhelm is a super common experience.

Well – forget no more!

This “eyes open” challenge is so you can build your “mindful muscle” (or habit, if you’d prefer)

And remember to be present and forget to be stressed – no matter what you’re busy doing.

Doing this challenge will result in a radical boost to your real life “Forget No More” mindfulness and presence.

You would be interested in this challenge if you want to:

    •    end overwhelm and stress; “I’ve got too much to do and no time to do it”

    •    no longer feed negativity; “I’m useless, I can’t do this, I’ll never get it right”

    •    ditch anxiety, worry, regret, guilt and over-thinking; “I’m scared, I’m did it/am doing it wrong; I need to be in control”

    •    stop unconsciously reacting and then regretting it

    •    find happiness that is uncaused, enjoy this moment as it is and who you are, as you are

As part of the challenge there's a great little Facebook group that’s been getting going so you can stay reminded and inspired,

Tap into a community of like minded people,

Get support, answers to your questions,

Regular stuff like videos and such from me -

I’m excited.

It’s completely free,

And all you have to do to download the guide and get going,

Is head this way:

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/

Questions?

Lemme know!

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

The “Forget No More! An Hour a Day Mindfulness Challenge” is open to anyone …

As long as they’re cool!

So if you have buddies who might be interested,

Send them this link:

https://arjunaishaya.lpages.co/houradaymindful/ 

Think you can do it?

The 2 traits necessary to transform

Transformation.

Stepping from one state of being to another.

Mastering your mind, mastering your stress, for example.

Being free of heart, mind, body and soul is another example.

Transformation requires many things.

A method - a tool, in other words, is one thing.

I use Ascension meditation but the breath is an excellent place to start,

And you always have the breath.

Guidance on how to use the tool is also extremely useful.

Many a person has tried to use a hammer where a screwdriver is better suited.

I think I’m mixing my metaphors here … but hopefully you get the idea.

Also - super useful to have someone, someones, who has been there, done that,

Tried to hammer and realised that is just mashes everything up …

This experience just fires you along as quickly as possible.

“Stand on the shoulders of giants”,

Is what, I believe, Sir Issac Newton once said.

And he made apples fall from trees - so clearly he was no dumbo.

But in terms of YOU -

2 personal traits that will help you immensely in mastering your mind,

Getting rid of stress and stepping into a cool, calm, content Aliveness,

Are:

Gentleness and Stubbornness.

Gentleness?

Because you have to treat your head -

When it gets angry and full of rage and jealousy and frustration,

Or good old sorrow and guilt and worry -

You have to treat it as you would a baby having a loud cry and a bit of a tantrum.

No need to stick your ear close and listen to the shrieks -

(I know this one from experience)

But to shout and shake and try and get the damn thing to SHUT UP! is counter-productive.

Be as patient and gentle as possible,

As if your head was having teething troubles along with gas and colic and as many other baby / toddler troubles I can think of …

It isn’t you. It won’t last forever.

Gentle does it - bring yourself back to what you want to focus on,

Even, and especially, when it’s extra loud and extra mad.

OK?

Return, return, return.

Fighting it only creates more stress.

Stubbornness:

This is the ability to not stop until you get where you want to be.

Winston Churchill once said:

“When you’re going through hell, keep going”.

It could be tempting to stop and give up, to lie down and throw in the towel.

But the ability to gently but consistently keep going means nothing can stop you, ever.

And the truth is,

No matter what you are going through,

No matter what your head is telling you,

It will change.

It will settle, it will transform.

I can tell you this because I’ve been through it.

Buddha once said there was only two mistakes you can make on your part to freedom.

Not starting, and not going all the way.

OK?

If you’d like to talk about any of this,

Or anything at all - preferably not politics, but I am open to talking about good recipes …

But essentially how you can use my experience to help you transform in ways you wish …

Let’s do it.

I’ve got a few free spots this week and I’d love to help.

http://www.arjunaishaya.com/contact/

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

I’ve got something coming I think you’re going to like.

I’ve been testing it over the last week or so to iron out the crinkles and it’s been just super.

It’s a plan to help you forget to be stressed.

Imagine that!

If you could just forget to be stressed?

Hang in there, and I’ll tell you more tomorrow.

Creating your future, now

A big part of the teaching of Ascension, and any meditation or mindfulness practice worth it's salt, is:

Being present - practicing mindful, aware, non-judgemental acceptance.

The other part is actively creating your future ahead of you.

What do I mean by that?

When you’re super present, absorbed in the moment, you tend to have a glass half full point of view.

Life gets rosier because you’re not giving much attention to judgements and expectation and stuff like that.

You’re not spending a lot of time focusing on what you think is wrong or what you think "should be", you see.

When you’re fully tuned into “what is” -

All is well.

It is quite a place of contentment.

Now, if you get present AND also choose to focus on what is good and right in  your world,

Then that habit of focusing on the wrong and taking the good for granted starts to burn up.

You’re creating a better future for yourself by ridding yourself of the habits that are downward spiralling.

SO -

If you are feeling grumpy,

If you know you are making your partner’s life a misery,

If you want to improve any relationship, actually,

If you want to completely free yourself of ALL stress,

(I’m serious - because stress is caused when you overwhelmingly focus on what is wrong)

If you want to feel real gratitude for your life, your body, your world?

And never take anything for granted again?

If you want a truly Alive life?

Start appreciating and -yes- being grateful for everything, and anything -

Right NOW.

Go out of your way to choose to notice and speak these things.

Fill your days with them.

Your relationship will come alive.

Your body will come alive.

Your life will do the same.

And so quickly too - the future is here!

It’s not fake, it’s not forced -

It only feels that way because, actually, you haven’t done it much.

It’s an indicator of how much you focus on what is wrong.

Don’t wait to feel it before you say it - just think and say it, then the feeling will come.

Make sense?

Super important ^^^

That’s what I mean by creating your future ahead of you.

OK?

Give it a try and tell me how you go!

Go well

Arjuna

PS.

Your spouse may initially say something like “What have you done?”; “What do you want?” …

All in a suspicious manner ... like you're apologising in advance ...

Keep doing it, they’ll get used to it for sure.

PPS.

Interested in a coaching call to get to the heart of creating your future, now?

Amazing what we can do in a short period of time …

http://www.arjunaishaya.com/contact/

Ronaldo, temper tantrums and feeling foolish

You might know of Ronaldo,

The world’s second best football player … ?

(oooh….)

Bear with me - you might be no sports fan, but there’s something in this for you.

Recently he was banned for 5 matches.

Because he had a little tantrum and PUSHED the referee.

Now, I’m not a professional athlete,

But it seems to me the last people you want to physically mess with are the officials.

“Don’t you know who I am?” isn’t the best approach, is it?

Professional athletes know the head game is as important as the physical game -

or they should.

It looks like when that red mist descends, it’s hard to stop - even for the experts.

Well, that’s not true.

I have had quite a temper.

Never physical violence, but sure to be sure, I have thrown a few strops,

Had a few meltdowns,

Said some things …

And never been very proud of any of it when the dust settles.

How about you?

Not necessarily something as dramatic as a melt down,

But how about that "snapping" at your kids, at your partner?

And how guilty you feel about it after?

Or just the low grade grumps when you make everyone’s lives just that little bit more miserable.

Grump, grump, grump.

Heh heh - I know those SO well.

The thing I realised is that the more head space you have,

The easier it is to see these reactions coming, and do something different.

What gives you less head space?

Exhaustion and tiredness is one. Stress is another - that overload. Losing your sense of humour, that’s another - isn’t it? How busy you are in your head - how much your overthink things, lack of sleep …

All that stuff.

How do you get MORE head space, so you can see a reaction coming -

And have a choice about whether you follow it,

Or decide to do something different?

It’s the whole reason why I’m a meditation teacher.

If Ascension meditation didn’t work for me and my temper (amongst many other things) then I would not be here telling the world about it.

You CAN permanently adjust your baseline of temper.

It is a practice, for sure,

But the more I practiced my Ascension meditation the more “teflon” I got.

Life would throw those custard pies, and they'd slide right off.

What was previously intolerable began to have zero effect on me.

Amazing huh?

If I can do it - you can do it.

It’s just a case of how much do you WANT to do it.

Is it worth devoting a little time every day to?

I think so.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Anyone have Ronaldo’s number?

Haha - just had an imagine of a bunch of you Ronaldo fans going

“oooh, I’d like his number …”

PPS.

If you'd like a free coaching session with me?

It's amazing what you can get done in a short amount of time

Super relaxed, no pressure - we'll talk about something you want to work on, and go from there?

http://www.arjunaishaya.com/contact/

There’s no time for surfing - you’ve got TOO much to do!

Boy, did I have a busy day yesterday.

Sumati doesn’t get ordered around by herself, you know.

At one point - it may have been a little way into one too many cups of coffee,

As I was testing the couch (to make sure there were no springs loose)

And juggling my pedicure schedule …

I tell you - that was frantic!

I mean, how do you decide between the full French pedi or the Thai foot experience?

Doing both seemed like my only option.

But then I couldn’t find Sumati anywhere to book it for me, no matter how loud I yelled.

People used to accuse me of being out of touch -

“You’re a monk, what would you know about the real world?”

Clearly they have no idea.

In the middle of this epic storm of frazzle,

Of overwhelm actually - because I had so much to do, and no time to do it all …

I had an epiphany …

Or, as I’ve just dictionarized the work -

A realisation of momentous proportions.

And that was this:

The scale of your frazzle and overwhelm …

You know that feeling, right?

When you have so much to do and zero time to do it …?

Has nothing to with the length or even “heaviness”  of your to do list.

BTW: You know when a to do list is heavy?

I mean, it may only be 2 items long, but they are:

1. Move house;

2. Save the world.

All by tomorrow, 9am.

Heavy, man …

In truth, your foreboding sense of overwhelm and panic rising is all related:

To the amount of focus you give it.

How much you hold the "to be done's" in your head.

Overwhelm is therefore related to over-thinking.

Which is a wonderful thing to realise - honestly.

Because sometimes you can’t do much about how busy your days are,

But you CAN do a huge amount of how busy your head is.

And that makes ALL the difference.

It’s all related on future thinking …

“I have this and this and this to do”.

Holding it all in your head is a recipe for panic.

So - get it out of your head.

On paper if you need.

Get present.

Prioritise.

Then get super present and do one thing at a time.

Fully give yourself to this moment.

You CAN only do one thing.

If you do this fully and completely,

All overwhelm and stress and frazzle will go.

Promise.

And you’ll be a nicer person to be around.

You won’t snap at your kids, again.

You'll be more efficient.

You’ll also enjoy yourself a great deal more too.

OK?

So that is the answer to your to do list overwhelm woes.

You’re future surfing!

There’s no time for surf - you’re busy.

Get yourself back in the present moment.

Jolly good!

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

Of course - a meditation practice helps so much with the ability to “put things down”,

Out of your head so you’re not carrying them.

If you head this way, you can pick up my FREE (capitals!) guide to all the things you can do to make your life more mindful,

And even start to meditate, should you wish.

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

Tops Tips to lose stress and make meditation and mindfulness so super simple

When I started getting into this game of mindfulness and meditation there wasn’t the internet.

Me and my friends would send morse code telegraphy back and forth,

Mum and dad would yell at us kids -

“Get off the telegraph and go outside!”

Oh how the world has changed, hasn’t it?

When you were interested in getting better at something?

Back then there were no way of getting tips from kind strangers on the other side of the planet in the comfort of your home.

You had to find someone who knew what they talking about, like, in Real Life.

Now days we have a whole internet of Tips.

You could say the entire internet is made up of cat pictures and tips.

And how I love reading tips …

So to fit in with everyone else -

Here’s some tips for you.

All about meditation and mindfulness -

To make it so simple,

So straightforward you’ll have a practice that not only will you enjoy but that will end all stress and mean your life really comes alive.

Wouldn’t THAT be nice?

Well you can - truly.

Here are my wonderful, top tips for anyone who wants to start doing just that,

AND you experts -

Because the basics are all you need (true too).

If you’d like to see my pretty face talking about these tips and expanding upon them much more than I’m able to here,

Head this way:

https://business.facebook.com/MrArjunaIshaya/videos/1585896028120171/

Otherwise, here we go:

1. Have no expectations

Expectations ruin many things. When you meditate, try and have none.

Insist on nothing - expect as little as possible.

Because then you can tune into what you DO have, not what you think you SHOULD have …

Do yourself a favour and have no expectations.

2. It’s not about stopping your thoughts

It’s about becoming more aware, in the present moment.

See the difference?

Leave those thoughts alone, it'll make your life so much easier.

3. Be consistent

The more regularly you practice the faster you will lose stress and gain calm, focus and happiness.

Doing 10 minutes every day is so much better than struggling through 30 minutes once in a while. OK?

Do what you can.

4. Be comfortable

Relax, put your feet up, grab your blankey.

You may fall asleep in the beginning - but you are probably exhausted and running on fumes.

Sitting upright has its benefits, but I’ve found sitting so you can forget your body is SO much better.

No strain!

5. Take nothing seriously

Go easy, no strain.

Laugh at yourself. Don’t be in a rush to get somewhere.

Sit, be aware, notice, enjoy.

Laugh at them thoughts.

Laugh at being distracted, again.

“Oh well, back in!”

All the mindful masters I’ve met laugh their butts off. If you want to laugh your way through life then take it all less and less seriously every day.

6. No strain!

Don’t try, don’t control, don’t struggle.

See above.

There's no need - it doesn't get you anywhere. In fact, it slows you down.

7. Indulge in mindful and meditative snacks

Sitting at a red light? Be mindful.

Walking somewhere? Tune in and be mindful.

Waiting? Get off the phone, for a moment, and be aware.

Cooking? Eating? Cleaning? Driving? Showering? Playing music? Exercising?

Give yourself FULLY to the moment while doing your thing and see what happens.

And there we go -

All the tips you need.

I'm sure there is so much more, but I do go on a bit

Enjoy, hit me up with questions, and head over to the video if you want to have more detail:

https://business.facebook.com/MrArjunaIshaya/videos/1585896028120171/

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

If you'd like a much deeper "immersion" in how to more meditative and mindful?

On how to be so much more calmer you just forget to be stressed?

Head this way for my free guide, I think you're going to love it:

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

Wotcha gonna do when it goes “SQUEAK!”?

The power of the mind.

When I was young my swimming coach would talk a lot about the power of the mind over the body.

And I knew the power it had.

Those 5am starts, training twice a day, what seemed like constant shaking from hunger …

I could listen to the whiney voice in my head,

I could slump and feel exhausted and resentful that my friends were out socialising,

Or I could put it aside and go a little bit further,

Many times a lot further.

And all with a better mood, making the hard work suddenly much more enjoyable.

Now,

It’s an incredible skill to have in any sphere of life -

I’m talking about exercise here,

But how about raising a Mini-me?

As amazing as they are, it isn’t a walk in the park.

(I have so much respect for single parents …)

Whoever you are, this skill - and it is a skill - is for you.

For you athletes, for you parents, for you working a tough job or setting up a new business, for you who are studying …

For you who are exhausted, for you who are facing health/money/relationship issues,

For you whose head just seems like the enemy some days …

For you who are ALL of those things.

The ability to gently and persistently put your mind to one side can literally save your life.

Because:

Inevitably, even if your life is amazing,

There’ll come a time when your mind squeaks.

“SQUEAK!”

It can be a roar of squeak, or just a "squeakette".

(You might know both very well)

Regardless of the quality of the squeak -

You can listen to it and do what it says - quit, give up, hide away …

Or you can be curious as to what is on the other side of that squeak.

“If I ignore it, what will happen?”

“Just because a voice says I’m exhausted, does that mean I can't gone on a touch longer?”

“Just because a voice says I’m useless, do I have to listen?”

“Just because a voice says “PANIC!”, can I choose not to?”

"Just because a voice says "I wonder what's in the fridge?", do I need to look?"

Curiosity …

Put the thought down,

Don’t let it define you,

Instead - get super present and see what happens from that.

Because when you really get good at this -

You find everything is manageable away from the squeak in the present moment.

“I can’t go on”

“I can’t possibly do this”

Becomes a case of “well, perhaps I could … oh, and actually, I am”

And that’s a life saver.

There’s times when you HAVE to go on.

There’s times when you can’t have a strop, throw your toys down and sulk.

There’s times when you just have to forget what you’d rather be doing, and get going.

But if you do it full on, it becomes you.

You find you have greater abilities and reserves than you ever knew.

All … and this is a big part of it for me -

All with a lightness of being that wasn’t there before when you were listening to those thoughts.

You can come out the other side and find what appeared to be a wall,

Was just a curtain.

What your head says is not reality but simply an option.

Your thoughts don’t need to have the power to define you, and what you do.

You get to choose.

You do.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Top tip -

Don’t wait. Don’t delay,

Practice now while the going is good so you can sail through those SQUEAK-y times.

A mighty fine practice for that - simple, effortless, enjoyable - is Ascension.

If you’re liking my approach to stress and meditation and all this stuff?

Here’s a free guide to being less SQUEAKY, more mindful and more alive.

You'll love it:

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

When Man and Bubba Butt Heads

I had a plan this morning.

Bubsy was going to play by herself and I would keep an eye on her and get to do some exercise.

How do you think that worked?

You know it -

She has some some powerful lungs which means my plan went up in smoke.

Reality said “Ah … that’s not going to happen there, sir”

I had a moment of resistance -

“But what about my plan? What about what I want? What about meeeee … ?”

Do you know that ^^^ internal voice?

Fortunately I quickly realised that resistance is futile.

I gave in -

Reality won, I ended up playing with her.

Simple, easy - I even came up with some exercises we could do together.

(I ended up teaching her how to crawl.

Everyone needs a role model, right?

And boy is that is tough - spend 2 minutes crawling and you’ll feel it.

Exercise AND bubba was laughing at me flopped on the ground - so win-win)

Serenity.

Clarity.

Perspective.

They're all benefits of being present and aware -

Noticing when you’re fighting and resisting an undeniable reality,

Stressing yourself out, getting angry and frustrated in the process.

And instead of continuing to insist on your plan, on what “should” be,

You surrender and accept what is actually happening.

You give up - but you get clarity and perspective in return.

“This isn't going to happen … but this is!”

One of the biggest benefits of being mindful is that you don’t cause yourself stress.

You see what you are doing to make yourself upset.

You see where you are banging your own head against an undeniable wall.

So tune into now … not only is it more enjoyable, its more effective too.

A 2 for 1 deal!

You gotta love that.

Of course - resisting, not seeing clearly, NOT being present and mindful -

They're all a habit.

The whole purpose of the Ascension meditation techniques is to remove these “grooves” -

These habits of reacting in ways you wish you hadn’t and/or the habits that mean you're causing yourself pain.

But you can also use them “eyes open” to keep you tuned into this moment.

And then life gets really exciting,

Because life really becomes about your conscious choice,

A deliberate living, and not based in unconscious reaction.

You want to know how?

The lowdown about accepting and getting freedom of choice,

Being free of resisting and stress?

And about discovering what it means to truly be alive?

Here you go:

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

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Don't miss the PPS...

PPS.

I have a list that give advice, tips, inspiration, know how, funny stories –

All about meditation and mindfulness,

About losing stress and struggle and confusion,

About mastering the mind and getting calm, focussed and happy,

And about discovering what it means to truly be alive.

If you like the idea of that?

Sign up here:

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

What Adele’s Vocal Cords Have to do With Your Peace

Adele, like many singers, has had troubles with her voice.

Most recently I believe she had to cancel a couple of Wembley shows.

To help remove the polyps, the lumps and bumps on her vocal cords,

A surgeon stuck a scalpel and forceps on foot long handles down her throat,

To grab the tiny little nasty that was causing Adele the problem.

Well done that fellow.

A cut a few millimetres either side and her voice is gone.

No pressure huh?

And I have trouble with a sausage and a set of barbecue tongs …

The reason I mention Adele is that there is a real movement towards more natural, effortless ways of doing things.

In singing there a movement that sees such polyps as being due to not wear and tear,

But singing with force and effort.

This movement is about finding and using your natural voice - not straining.

It’s the same in running, for example.

Many years ago I got injured and had to retrain to run how I might if I was running barefoot, rather than relying on heavily cushioned shoes and bashing along.

It made a world of difference.

The whole paleo diet trend - the idea that humans don’t do well eating cultivated carbs like wheat and rice - could be seen as part of this search for a more natural way too.

Where ever you look there’s a quest for a more natural, effortless, strain free way of doing.

What has this to do with peace, happiness and mastering the negative tendencies of your mind?

I’m glad you asked.

I talked last time about assuming a Zentitude - of equanimity, of nothing matters

Which works extremely well IF you’re easy with it.

But many take it to extremes,

As always, with everything there are zealots -

No matter if it’s diet, singing, running or frisbee.

For these guys - and I know this because I’ve been there -

Mastering the mind is seen as silencing the mind through force

“Nothing matters” is done through sitting on a spike and putting up with it …

The idea being if you can train the mind to cope with punishment, then you can cope with anything.

Now - force isn’t charming to the mind.

Suffering isn’t a good way of making friends with it.

No way Jose.

It just doesn’t work.

Being without strain and suffering is the key to any learning, any training.

You need commitment for sure - but it take commitment to get up and make a coffee in the morning …

A certain focus to get you where you want to go.

Easily done, effortless, MOST mornings for sure …

But you do it because it’ll bring you reward,

Not a hot cup of strain.

I realised this quickly, I’m glad to say.

When it comes to learning how to master your mind, no force or strain is necessary,

It should, and can be, pleasant.

It should, and can be, instantly rewarding

It’s not about shutting your mind up.

It’s not about forcing it to do anything.

It’s about connecting with that part of you that your mind is actually searching for …

(That’s why it’s so busy -)

Your mind - in its strange way - is trying to help you find happiness and peace.

When you have a proper technique, or a “vehicle”, such as Ascension,

The mind is brought to where its been crazily running around looking for.

That natural, already existing part of you that is ALREADY content and present and stress and strain free.

No effort - it’s pleasant, and rewarding.

Commitment to get your mind used to moving in that certain direction, yes.

Strain and force and punishment? No.

You don’t force the mind to stop running down those rabbit holes of worry, doubt, regret and overwhelm …

You give it something else to tune into.

Alright?

No strain is key here.

Peace is your natural state - it takes no effort to return to.

Questions on that?

Let me know, and if you like the idea of this effortless way?

Get started with my FREE guide to mastering your mind by keeping it easy and simple:

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

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

If you have a nearby young child -

Check out how freely they smile.

How effortlessly they are present.

You were the same too, once.

You can be again.

The Wrong Attitude, the Right Zen-titude to end Frustration

So many people say they can’t meditate,

They can't be mindful.

That they forget.

They get frustrated, annoyed by their thoughts, the noise from the neighbour, their heart beatings …

You name it, people get annoyed by it.

And I understand completely.

I’ve been there too.

“What do I DO??!”,

I used to cry to my Ascension meditation teacher.

The answer that he helped me discover is not what I expected -

You don’t DO anything.

You do as little as possible actually.

Yes, that ^^^ annoyed me as well.

Here’s what I mean, grasshopper.

Assume an attitude of Zen,

A Zen-titude ...

Get it?

As in nothing matters.

As in, “I am noble and compassionate - I am patience and presence itself. Nothing ruffles me, I treat all comings and goings, all events with great equanimity. Yes I do indeedy ...”

(Great word is equanimity - look it up)

Its great fun actually -

Just pretending thats you.

Role play!

Assuming a role of “Nothing matters. I’m choose not to be bothered, I am like flowing water, really super peaceful flowing water ... ooh, I really need the loo”

For you see:

The part of you that gets frustrated when you meditate?

When you have too many thoughts?

Or in life when you get anxious, again?

Or your worries get the better of you, once again at 3 in the am?

Or when you react once again in a way you regret?

Let me ask you:

What part of you is getting annoyed and starts fighting?

I’ll tell you:

The very part that you are wanting to lose through meditation and mindfulness.

So by engaging this annoyed part of your mind,

By attempting to get calm … you lose calm.

Do you see?

By wanting something, anything actually - you’re engaging the part of you the struggles and fights and resists

That part of you gets anxious and worries about the future,

That part of you regrets what you’ve done, that feels guilty for what you’re doing,

You know?

So just assume away - as in, assume the Zen-titude.

Don't try and get calm ...

BE calm.

As much as you can, no matter what happens.

It’ll make your meditation and mindfulness practice so much easier and rewarding.

And it’ll mean in your busy life you maintain that half step back of perspective more and more.

Of seeing clearly and RESPONDING, rather than unconsciously REACTING.

Alrighty?

Questions? Just ask -

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Of course - interested in having an end to frustration?

An end to stress and struggle, overwhelm and negativity, anxiety and worry.

Here is your FREE guide to all that goodness.

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

A better start I know not.

When You Take a Kick to the “Zensticles”

“Zensticles” ... ?

When life delivers a low blow -

You take a kick to the “Zensticles”,

As in:

Your organs of Zen take a blow,

Calm, perspective, fun - it all goes out the window.

You fume and you fight, you shake your fist at the sky: “Why me??”

And it matters not your gender.

“Zenvaries” perhaps …?

The whole point of mindfulness, being present, practicing meditation such as Ascension ... (or Zen for that matter)?

Is to develop sturdier Zen parts,

Ones that will take the knocks of life.

Firm, flexible, fluid, resilient - so you can take the kicks and -

I mean this 100% -

Come up smiling,

With a “thank you” on your lips, a song in your heart -

And actually mean it.

Your attitude to life becomes not: “life is out to kick me in the sensitive bits, and all the time” -

Which it does seem to do sometimes, doesn’t it?

But actually your attitude becomes one of enquiry -

(A Zenitude, to be sure)

You see Life is actually saying to you:

“Hey - how about here? You can become more free and more joyful here and here. Oh, and there’s more to be Lived right here too”

Do you see the difference in approach/attitude?

I know that may seem far fetched, but it’s true.

I’ve seen it in myself and in countless others.

You CAN develop a completely new attitude, a new response to all of life -

Even and especially when it seems life goes pear shaped.

Life stops being merely about survival and just getting by,

Trying not to react, trying to stay on the right side of that stress/enjoyment line

And genuinely and naturally - it’s not forced at all -

Your attitude becomes one of gratitude and learning and exploration -

Not so much “why?” but a lot more “wow”.

Far fetched?

But what if? What if you could live like that?

It would be worth trying, would it not?

So for fantastic Zensticles:

First step - learn to meditate. I personally practice and recommend the Bright Path Ishayas Ascension: www.thebrightpath.com

or get my free guide to a sturdy sense of unflappable Zen:

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

Second step:

Assume the attitude you want to have more of.

If you’re enjoying the results of the “why?” type one, keep doing that.

If you want more of the “Wow!” one - assume that one.

Fake it till you make it.

Start with actively appreciation and gratitude.

Look not for right and wrong, but ask these two questions:

“What can I learn from this?”

“How can I enjoy this more?”

Be patient and compassionate and giving, especially to yourself, put down the whip.

Because you’ll come to realise pretty soon that:

The attitude doesn’t choose you, oh no -

You choose your attitude.

You’re the boss.

You’re in charge.

Alrighty?

Excellent - any questions on that, fire away.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Apologies to all Zen students without a sense of humour.

Nothing Zen was hurt in the writing of this blog.

PPS.

Get a free guide to keeping your sense of humour at all times,

Stay cool and calm as a cucumber,

Get excited about life for sure, but on your terms:

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

You’ll love it.

The Allure of Trashy Novels

Guilty!

One of the things I love is lists -

You know:

"12 things you didn’t know you can make with bacon"

"21 ways to be a better lover"

"9 reasons you should start interrupting everyone, now"

"15 different ways you can stop reading lists and start doing something"

…

I love them so much, I’ve written at least one:

"108 ways to ditch overwhelm and negativity and make the most of each moment"

You can get a copy here:

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

And in doing so,

I’m guilty of not doing something I say you should be doing.

It’s all Sumati’s fault (as usual)

I picked up her Kindle the other day to find something to read …

All the covers have topless men with painted on abdominals who are billionaires,

Clutching fulsome women who happen to be:

Magicians or half-vampire vampire hunters or shape shifters,

And who are proudly poor and independent about it.

Some how -

You’ll never guess this, never in a million years,

They go from hating each other to having passionate sex in the bath

All while saving the world from evil.

Amazing huh?

It's just like every dance movie ever made ...

Where the snobby ballet dancer meets the coarse yet driven street dancer.

Deja vu for sure.

I keeping having to ask Sumati (her choice of movie) if this is "Street Dirty Step Up And Bring It" number 3 or 7, or is it 8?

Anyhoo ...

Trashy novels!

I’ve gotten hooked, just like the rest of you.

How wonderful, how entertaining, how “not what you’re supposed to enjoy”

Any guilty pleasure is the same.

You know you shouldn’t and yet you do.

In list of being more mindful -

I was saying you should make your cultural nutrition as wholesome and fibrous and good for you as possible … and so avoid trash.

And yet I resent eating things that are solely good for me, and don’t taste that nice.

You too?

How pompous to be all “should” on you.

I used to have a diet that I thought I should eat.

Totally didn’t suit my body. Ditched it.

Should, could, would.

I've come to realise the bottom line is this:

Just be happy.

Free yourself of shoulds,

Free yourself of needing anything to be happy -

Like everyone to like and approve of you,

Or your partner to stop being so grumpy (because it’s your job to get them out of that funk),

Or waiting till external events go the way you want them to

Unchain yourself from all of that,

Find happiness that is uncaused,

Just because …

You’re alive, and this moment seems to be unfolding all on it’s own, without interference or control from you.

Be happy and you might find you naturally tune into what you want and need to do,

Into what is wholesome for you in this moment.

Which is lovely, indeed.

OK?

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

If you liked this, and want emails like this delivered directly to you?

Along with my snazzy free guide to not being overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or thinking so much?

Head this way:

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

When Wife Doesn’t do What She Should

So I was holding the bubba -

AKA She who must be obeyed,

Simply because she screams louder than anyone else,

Because we’ve yet to educate her more than we placate her, and …

Through no fault of my own -

I promise there was no jiggling or excessive squashing involved,

The biggest amount of baby vomit I have ever seen gushed ALL over me.

You perhaps know this very well.

Perhaps if you have teenagers who turn up drunk on your doorstep at 3am you’re getting a reminder …?

Anyhoo ...

What did the lovely Sumati do?

1. Laugh - and not ONLY in surprise and with that rather coarse type of humour that comes from enjoying someone’s misfortune,

But in a “how do you like THEM apples?” type way.

2. Tells me not to move because she doesn’t want it spilling on the couch

(which is all fair enough so far, I admit, BUT … )

3. She then ran for her phone, on the other side of the room I may add, to take a photo.

4. After Whats App’ing it to her family and friends …

5. THEN, and only then, once the social media beast was fed, did she offer me assistance in my time of need.

I tell you, it’s hard to find a good wife these days.

But it’s OK because I’ve been practicing what I preach as a meditation teacher.

Everything I say in these emails I practice myself.

I stayed cool and calm, and clearly asked for help without getting too (and perhaps justifiably) upset at being stranded in a puddle of cooling baby cheese.

I laughed at myself, because taking anything seriously is a recipe for self induced misery.

And I stayed present, not referring in my head to the appointment that I had in 5 minutes time, and now had to change clothes for.

I also didn't constantly refer to her perceived short comings,

(Only 3 or 4 times)

All in all, a good result.

But if anyone is after a wife?

I have one for sale.

Needs a touch of training.

I sincerely hope your day is going better!

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

If you’d like to get a phenomenally great practice for making the small (and not so small) disasters of your day a whole lot easier?

Here’s the best place to start, you’ll love this "how to" guide (and it's FREE):

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Usain Bolt and all About Arrogance, Humility, Confidence, Doubt

I don’t know if you saw the documentary about Usain Bolt the other night on BBC1?

I didn’t.

ha - so much for that story.

No, there’s more than that.

Today is the day after Señor Bolt’s last 100m race, ever.

World Champs are on, and since I’m writing this early we don’t know if he will go out on top like he’s done for so long,

Or not quite make the great finish he wants.

His form this season hasn’t been world beating …

But I hope he gets that gold, that would make a nice fairy tale ending, wouldn’t it?

The reason I talk about him - and I am excited about watching the documentary is this:

He has a unique mixture of showy “I’m the greatest” without ever coming across as arrogant.

I saw a preview of the documentary,

The interviewer was rightly saying if anyone else did what he did, they would get slammed as being up themselves.

When Usain does his thing, the world laps it up and wants more.

That is fascinating to me, as well as the whole area of confidence and doubt and all that.

I’ve experienced the whole range from being completely arrogant to feeling like I am the lowest of the low, completely useless.

I know arrogance is awful, because it’s just low self-esteem in disguise.

It’s true what they say about the greatest people being willing to be the stupidest person in the room.

But that takes a lot of courage to step into a situation and show everyone that you don’t know.

Doesn’t it?

I know I’ve simply not done things because I didn’t want to appear as the slow one.

Not asked the questions that were burning in my head,

Not asked for help,

Sometimes simply stayed at home - even though I really wanted to get better at that thing.

Do you know that?

Being willing to put that self-doubt and image to one side and get a little uncomfortable is a magic thing.

In any sphere of life you can’t move forward without doing it.

I know it’s not easy, but you know what?

Being a teacher of some things, I LOVE it when people ask questions.

Simply because it makes my job so much easier.

I’ve learnt that I need to anticipate what people’s questions will be -

So I can help the shy ones.

However, it’s not so easy being a mind reader!

If you can jump up, it makes both our lives super simple.

Ascension meditation wise - the same thing occurs.

The same thing stops people showing up.

They really want to do it, but they’re nervous about it all.

They really want to ask a question, but don't want to seem stupid.

And rightly so - I still remember those teachers that slammed me in front of everyone at school.

Urgghhh.

Decades later and I still remember that!

That’s why I love our Ascension community.

It has so much support, you feel super comfortable, super quick.

It’s full of people who aren’t interested in pretending to be someone,

Or full of arrogance and bravado,

Just truly genuine, fun people wanting an end to stress, struggle and negativity,

And to step into what it’s like to be truly Alive,

All the time.

If you’d like to join us, you’d be so welcome.

Because it’s free to repeat the First Sphere course as many times as you like, you’ll meet them.

And if you are shy, no worries because they’ll probably ask the questions -

Or help you out themselves, if you get chatting.

If you'd like to know more, the best thing I personally would do is get on my email list.

It's full of emails like this one, so if you enjoyed this, you'll probably enjoy the rest.

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Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Oh - I have a FREE (in capitals!) guide - 108 ways of being mindful and present and living a truly Alive life.

Head the same way to get a copy,

(You can always unsubscribe after you get it)

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PPS.

I look at bubba - all 5 months of her,

And there’s zero self-doubt

It doesn’t exist.

She hasn’t learned it yet.

If you’ve learned it?

It can be unlearned.

It can.