What do you LOVE?

I went kayaking yesterday.

It is my FAVOURITE thing to do,

Apart from eating.

And it’s been ages since I was in my boat, my lovely boat.

Interesting thing -

I almost didn’t go.

It’s the first time in months that the river has been up,

And I was making ALL these excuses why I shouldn’t and couldn’t.

How Sumati might feel about me going out to play.

So much talking myself out of it.

Absolutely - It meant I had to rearrange a few things,

I now owe Sumati one (more),

But how big was my smile when I came home?

Ginormous.

A bit of hassle for some extra love in my heart.

You have to do the stuff that gives you a buzz, that you love,

No one’s going to do it for you,

Your own head will tell you all the reasons why you can’t,

You might even feel guilty for leaving your loved ones so you go have some fun.

But - if you're aware of that ^^^ and choose to do something different ...

It makes you shine.

It makes you a happier, more inspiring person to be around.

It makes life worth living.

So I know you have to compromise sometimes in life,

You may have to negotiate, as well -

Yet do make sure you do the stuff that makes you come alive.

Don’t just stuff it and think it’s unimportant. Because it’s not.

It’s not selfish - they win too, cos they get the great, very best version of you.

Getting that balance, making sure you do the things that mean you are Alive is something that can only come through greater awareness.

Awareness of what you are telling yourself -

Mindfulness and meditation really is such a simple way of making sure you have the best foundation for each and every day.

Here’s your free guide to being more mindful in each and every day:

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

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

How you doing?

Let me know if you have any questions, ok?

Hearing voices in your head?

Are you aware that you have voices in your head, that you talk to, all the time??

If you, on reading that sentence, thought,

“What a load of rubbish, I don’t have any voices, I don’t talk to myself” -

That’s exactly what I’m talking about.

Talking to yourself is nothing to be ashamed of; it doesn’t mean you are crazy (well, not much).

The fact is everyone does it all the time.

The fact is you have a team of consultants and cheerleaders and doubters and naysayers and geniuses and village idiots in your head.

No deal.

However: In terms of peace of mind, freedom from stress, and living 200% of life, you need to be aware of what the voices in your head are telling you.

When you aren’t aware, you have no choice.

You follow and do and feel and react according to whatever voice is there.

You’ve lived so close to these voices in your head for so long it seems like there is no option -

you automatically follow what they say.

It’s one result when you go with the voice that says “I’m hungry”,

Completely another path when you believe the voice that states “I can’t” or “I’m stupid”.

Perhaps even more insidious is the voice that commands “I should”.

In awareness you have choice.

When you are aware of these voices in your head, you have options.

Previously, you heard the voice and automatically went with it.

In awareness, life stops being a series of reactive “what you have always done” habits and starts being based on creative choices –

You start consciously living your life.

You become aware of restrictive or limiting patterns and habits and can make other decisions.

Choice is the key word, always.

Choice does not require effort.

Nor does it require your mind to shut up or go away.

Good news!

Because shutting your head up is very hard work.

Much easier to be aware and take a half step back from your voices,

Then you can see what else there is beyond your thoughts.

That’s when life starts to get really cool.

So give that a shot.

Meditate. Be mindful. And what a fascinating journey of discovery life becomes.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Want a FREE guide to getting more mindful and aware of your voices?

Here you go:

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

Two (ex) friends shouting at each other in the street

I was waiting for Sumati just this morning, as I am prone to do.

Sitting on the street corner, nonchalantly - with nonchalance.

Do you ever do that?

When you read a word over and over so it becomes ridiculous? A non-word?

But, there I was … waiting.

Exciting, I know, but there is a good point to all this.

I happened to overhear a rather loud and animated discussion between two (perhaps quickly becoming ex-) friends.

“But you SHOULD know …!”

Ahh … expectations.

The curse of any relationship.

The curse that you place upon yourself.

When you expect you set yourself up for a disaster.

Expectations are rarely discussed, are they?

You never make them clear -

So how can the other party know what you want of them?

Clarity is so important, indeed.

First place to start. Second thing is this:

Expectations and your peace are poles apart.

You see - all expectations mean you’re looking for something precisely.

When does life give you precisely what you want?

Rarely, indeed.

Therefore insisting on an exact experience is always going to cause you misery, at some stage.

Expectations mean you are looking through a filter of “what should be”,

Rather than simply and innocently taking in what actually is happening.

Take meditation and mindfulness -

You expect something to happen, and everything EXCEPT what you expect happens.

Right?

So you throw it all away, because meditation and mindfulness “doesn’t work”.

It does work, it’s just that no one took the time to sit you down and tell you what to expect.

You’re so focussed on what should be happening,

You miss what is actually happening.

And that there is the beauty of meditation -

It allows you to engage with life AS IT IS …

In all its weird perfection,

Not as you insist it should be.

Which is about as much fun as banging your head against a wall.

Moral of the story?

If you want an end to struggle and stress and self-inflicted pain -

And have easy, clear relationships while living freshly, without preconceptions:

Throw away your expectations.

The faster you do it, the faster you will become more effective in, and enjoy all of, your life.

Job done!

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

If you want to overcome expectations,

To live “innocently” - which has nothing to do with naivety, and everything to do with Aliveness.

To learn how you can practically be more mindful ...

Here's a free guide so you can do just that:

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

Is it actually really possible to end ALL stress?

I love this question.

People KIND of ask me it all the time.

They ask it out the side of their mouths, with disbelief, like they’re asking me:

“Do you really think the world is flat?” ...

Determining whether I’m actually insane and they should scarper, quick.

Such is the “natural” feelings around stress.

People think getting what they want in life necessarily and naturally involves stress.

That stress can be managed - for sure,

But the only way to END all stress, completely and forever is to pack it all in and run off to a tropical island.

(minus hurricanes)

Or ditching your responsibilities and going to live in a cave somewhere.

But what if stress wasn’t natural?

What if responsibilities and stress didn’t need to go hand in hand?

What if you - yes, you - could end all stress without significantly changing your life style?

Let me show you how:

What causes stress?

You need to see that stress isn’t caused TO you, it comes from within you.

You react in certain ways, causing yourself stress and overwhelm.

Good so far?

If stress lies in you, and not the things that cause you stress, then you have choice over it.

OK?

If you can change your reactions and habits …

And you can, believe me you can, because reactions and habits are just a way you’ve practiced doing something until it becomes unconscious -

You can chose to make new habits.

The first thing to do perhaps is acknowledge to yourself that stress may not be natural.

That you can live your life without it.

Or at least be free of it in this moment.

And what fun that would be? For you and everyone around you?

Oh my goodness, you have no idea.

But what if?

You want it, you can have it.

The second thing is actually doing something to get it.

You can hope a stress-free zone comes and gets you,

Or you can make the choices that mean you get it.

And it’s actually very straightforward when you have the right tools and the right understanding.

Simple and easy even.

And you don't have to change your life! You may want to, but in no way is it necessary.

Here’s how to get these right tools and understandings and really get going:

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

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

I don’t mean to be a tease, I really don’t.

I’ll give you a hint - and you’ve heard this all before - so don’t just shrug it off ...

The more present you are, the less stressed you are.

The less you dwell on the stuff, the less stressed you are.

Simple I know, but not always easy when you don't have the tools, I know.

But - here’s the simple tools that make it easy:

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

The Renaissance, generalise, be more awesome at all of life

You might remember a film called “Revenge of the Nerds”,

If you are of a certain age -

I loved it when I was a young fella,

Simply because it was crass and funny and had boobs in it.

Young boys are young boys, unless they’re young boys.

Now! Let’s not get distracted here.

And OK, buckle in, this is a longer one,

But hopefully a rewarding one …

All the films in the 80s were about being a certain way.

You were a nerd - a geek, or you were a jock.

You did this OR you were into that.

That never sat well with me, even at 13.

I loved swimming and competition and the challenge of physical mastery.

But I also loved learning cool stuff -

My favourite thing when I had time to waste - remember this is before the internet -

Was to sit in the library with the encyclopaedia or dictionary and randomly learn interesting things.

I loved exercise, but I loved books and music, and theatre and weird films too.

I loved having adventures, but I also loved cooking and staying at home.

I still do, all of the above.

The fact is the world has so much to offer, why limit yourself?

I really appreciate the path of what I call being a Renaissance man or woman -

In that you develop a wide range of skills and interests,

Whatever it is the floats your boat that means you live a very rich and satisfying life.

This Renaissance ideal is what Pat Flynn calls being a generalist,

(I got so much from a recent podcast of his on this:)

www.chroniclesofstrength.com/9-invaluable-lessons-lifting-life-dan-john/

Because when I witness a specialist?

They’re either pretty darn narrow and/or so focussed on themselves they don’t have room for anything else.

I read Lance Armstrong’s books before he got caught,

His dedication and focus was staggering, and yet it was obvious he would be a nightmare to live with.

________

“You don’t want to become a person who’s achieved everything but has nothing. Don’t be a successful loser.

Know what compromises to make, and what “successes” to leave on the table.”

- Dan John

If you haven’t seen this yet? Check it out:

www.chroniclesofstrength.com/9-invaluable-lessons-lifting-life-dan-john/

________

The risk of being a one-dimensional "loser" is real.

To have a truly great life you need balance in all the corners of your life.

In order to work hard, you’ll want to rest hard.

You’ll want to look after your family and friends, spend time and nurture and enjoy them.

You’ll want to look after your health and fitness too - if you’d like at least a degree of physical freedom.

You’ll want to have fun too, whatever that looks like to you …

Because what’s the point, otherwise?

Sometimes that’s learning and improving something,

Sometimes that’s kicking back with a cold one.

Or a hot one, whatever the case maybe.

And all Renaissance men and women I have ever met … ?

Have all been interested in helping others.

Because they know when they do that they help themselves.

If you want to truly understand something,

Teach it to someone else.

Giving and helping of others opens doors you never knew were shut until you do.

Underlying this whole scheme of work, rest, play, plus plus plus?

Is pray.

I would say that wouldn’t I?

But do indulge in a little internal self-discovery, a little NOW time each and every day.

Meditate, mindfulness, prayer …

It is the practice of playing the inner game.

Mastery of the inner game, even just a little, makes the outer game so much better.

Sweeter. Easier.

Whatever you do becomes more efficient,

And way more enjoyable.

You smooth down those rough edges of reaction and grumpiness,

Stress and self-doubt and overwhelm.

You get creative and inspired and energised, and you find the meaning of life actually lies within you, all this time.

How wonderful.

So.

Find joy everywhere, explore all the boundaries this fine world has to offer.

Live the most amazing, noble and honourable, inspired and inspiring of lives.

If you practice meditation and/or mindfulness you shall free yourself of any limitation, any “should”, any internal handbrake on your dreams very quickly.

If you'd like an awesome free guide to getting going on meditation and mindfulness, here's where you can get one:

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

Go well!!!

Arjuna

PS.

I think that’s enough for one day, don’t you?

Let me know if you have any questions, I love to help.

I’m a Renaissance man - or at least attempting to be one.

That ^^^ will only make sense if you’ve read the above.

Go on - it’s worth it.

Help! I keep falling asleep while meditating

OK - Autumn is in. Hibernation season

I'm getting asked a lot:

How do I stop falling asleep when I Ascend or meditate?

Here’s my top tips on that.

I also did a video because sometimes talking is soooo much faster than writing.

You can find it here:

https://business.facebook.com/MrArjunaIshaya/videos/1631713093538464/

First of all though,

One of the signs that you’re about to fall asleep CAN be that you start drifting off into thinking so much more than when you’re fully alert.

No deal, don’t force it, the more you practice the more you’ll realise what is a happening,

Then you can use one or all of these below tips.

1. People hate this one

Chances are you won’t do this - people hate it when I say it, because it’s so darn simple.

They roll their eyes and say: “OK, good one, what else … ?”

If you’re falling asleep often in your eyes closed, get to bed earlier.

Stop burning the old midnight candle and get some pre-midnight rest.

It’ll solve your problem in a jiffy.

If you're having trouble sleeping at night getting these little breaks in your day will help you immensely.

2. Sit up a little bit straighter

Still be comfortable - no need to be in a yoga position.

You want to forget your body, not make it ache even more.

3. Speed up / change up

Introduce your Ascension Attitudes or mantra a little bit quicker.

If you’re using the breath - breathe a little deeper, fuller.

Swop attitudes or vehicles a little more frequently to keep the attention.

4. Open your eyes for a moment

Stare off into space for a bit, close your eyes when ready

5. Wash your face before

Dip your face in cold water before hand.

6. Get out of bed

While you can - and should - Ascend or meditate in bed into sleep (lie down, get comfy),

Get out and go somewhere else the rest of the time

7. Exercise / stretch before hand

Easy one - get the blood flowing a bit/a lot before.

8. Be “integrious” with your attention

Ascend or meditate with integrity - 100% gentle attention.

Being lazy with your attention will result in big drifting (no force!!)

9. Get the right vehicle

Not all vehicles are created equal.

You can travel by old bus -

Which does have its charm, but:

It’s slow, stops everywhere, may randomly break down, complete with loud music and smelly armpits.

or,

You can travel by jet powered flying chauffeur piloted ease -

In speed and comfort.

You can meditate or, you can Ascend.

Huge difference.

______

The bottom line though is - if you need to sleep you WILL sleep.

Allow it -

Especially if your sleep is poor throughout the night and/or you’ve gathered up some exhaustion/stress

Allow and you’ll wake up much more refreshed and clear and alert for the rest of the day.

Which is so much better than fighting and getting angry with yourself.

Isn’t it?

The key will always be consistency.

If it’s important, do it every day.

Questions? Let me know - and by the way: good work!

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

If you liked these tips?

You may love my email list, complete with FREE guide on how to be more mindful and present in life.

Head this way to get it:

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

Doing too much?

I witnessed someone multitasking recently,

It wasn’t pretty.

It was just like watching a car crash unfold in front of you.

It also reminded me of young bubba trying to feed herself.

She tries to get two fists of food into her mouth at the same time.

Doesn’t happen - there’s always a bottle neck -

The only thing that DOES happen is a mess.

It’s the same when you try and do too many things at once.

("Too many things" = more than one)

This multi-tasker is an actor.

He was also attempting to shove a sandwich in his mouth,

Being fitted for his costume,

And trying to learn his lines all at the same time.

Wowsers.

Stop, slow down.

You only get one chance at this particular sandwich.

You might only get one chance at connecting with this particular person.

You can't learn anything whilst doing two other things.

You ever raced down a meal, but never actually tasted it?

Ever driven down a road but never travelled it?

Ever had a conversation but never heard it?

Ever read a book but never taken it in?

Life is here and now.

You can only do one thing at once.

You can be lost in thought,

Or you can attend to this moment in time.

And your attention transforms it into something worthwhile.

You can get stressed and race through life,

To what you think will be a better future moment.

Or you can appreciate and be aware of what now holds for you.

_______

“Is there life before death? That is the question!”

Anthony de Mello

_______

Your awareness brings life to life.

Focus, presence, awareness.

It is the antidote to a life of stress and overwhelm and negativity.

The elixir of squeezing everything from life that it has to offer.

And what a joy life is, no matter what -

When you actually show up for it.

That is the key.

Showing up fully for your life.

How to show up?

Try this free 7 day challenge on for size:

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

I’ll give you the sweet tools that mean you can stay clear of stress and reacting blindly,

To live the life you want to live,

To make sure you don’t miss a moment,

And keep a big fat smile on your face, all the time.

Because life is too short for anything else.

Go well!!!

Arjuna

PS.

You can do this.

I know you can.

Because if I of all people can, you can.

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

Dodge soap, stay young

Vivienne Westwood - punk “queen”, fashion person -

Do you know what her secret to looking young is?

Don’t wash so much.

She gets in the bath once a week, while her partner stops dodging the soap once a month.

How about that?

I’m not a big fan of showering,

I’d would rather have some kind of instant walk through device that got me clean so I don’t have to faff around with water and towels …

But I do it because it’s important.

Mainly to my good lady Sumati.

She of the oh so incredible sense of smell.

It’s so refined, it’s not a sense - it’s a super power.

I’ve been in the mountains away from washing for weeks on end …

I personally couldn’t care less,

But I can appreciate that it’s necessary and important when in human company,

Especially of the Sumati variety.

And that is the bottom line.

________

“If it’s important, do it every day”

________

Dan John - a Renaissance man of weights and poetry said that,

And he is dead on.

Check out the article here -

Which if you, like me, like bullet point philosophy, you will enjoy no matter whether you have the taste of exercise or not:

www.chroniclesofstrength.com/9-invaluable-lessons-lifting-life-dan-john/

If it’s important, do it every day.

The other secret to staying young, of course, is a meditation or mindfulness practice.

It’s important, because it gives you greater choice over stress and overwhelm,

Whether you fly off the handle, get filled with doubt or guilt and regret,

Or handle it all with a smile (or at least a song in your heart) -

Whether you can be a good and honourable person,

Or whether you're a source of misery to your loved ones.

And so perhaps you should do it every day.

Or you “could”.

Doesn’t have to be huge - doesn’t have to be long.

Short and often is probably better than long and rarely - in all aspects of life.

That's why I set up this free challenge I think you'll really enjoy:

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

If it’s important, do it every day.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

My free Hour a Day, 7 Day Mindfulness challenge?

It’s not an hour all at once, but bite sized chunks.

Snacks of being aware and present.

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

The aim being an hour over the course of 24 hours.

But really it’s what you CAN do.

Perhaps a little more than yesterday??

Little and often.

The not so well known secret to having a ton of fun in life

You know, the secret of life ...

One that few people actually put into action ...

Lies in realising what you are in control of, and what you’re not.

I used to live well in the thrall (good Game of Thrones type word that one) of life -

In other words, being controlled by life.

When life was good, I was happy.

When life got a bit stinky, so did I.

I didn’t like this one bit -

And so I set out on the path that brings me and you to this moment.

I wanted to be independent,

Free to choose how I felt, regardless of the circumstances.

To ignore my head if I so desired.

To create my own internal reality -

And therefore be able to do the things in the world that I wanted to without that internal handbrake,

And be the person I knew I could be - that best version of me.

I thought that was an excellent way to live.

I was right and it is true -

You can’t control the circumstances of life,

But you can come to control your reactions to these circumstances.

It is also true that -

Life does not so much bring you happiness,

As you bring happiness to life.

(See what I did there? You like?)

It’s a type of fitness, or a skill, this choosing of your attitude.

Choosing what you pay attention to, choosing what you focus on.

I think the biggest step is realising that this is important to you.

Then, indeed, if it is important to you,

Taking steps every day to make sure you are it and you become more of it.

It takes work. It’s not hard work at all, but it does take prioritising and attention. It does take time.

But what reward!?

You know how great life can be when you’re on top form.

What if it could be like that all the time?

And thus be that great version of you … all day long?

Yes indeed, yes indeed.

If you’d like to learn such a simple method for being like this?

Here's a free guide and challenge too, if you want to join:

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

Any questions, about any of this?

Let me know, I’m here to be of service.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

A life lived on a rollercoaster of ups and downs?

Or constant, unending satisfaction, contentment, excitement and growth?

Hmmmm … more bacon please!

This kind of toast is the answer to all questions, do you not agree?

To some people, the question "what is the meaning of life" is contained in a perfectly made piece of avocado on toast.

It was long good, way before instagram food peeps got on the bandwagon.

If you’re from New Zealand you’ve been putting on the marmite (NZ version) before the avocado -

Which takes the whole thing into another dimension.

And if you’re a wild culinary explorer,

A touch of hummus after the avocado.

Bacon too, of course (of course!!) if you’re so inclined (and I am).

And that is all that is needed to satisfy many souls.

For some though,

This is not enough.

They want to know why …

Not the why of toast, because such toast needs no why,

But as in,

Why are you here?

What’s the purpose?

What’s the meaning of your life?

Beyond a lovely cup of tea and slice of fruit cake, with Wensleydale cheese - of course.

Satisfaction comes from two different sources.

One - as above, is the good things in life.

Toast, food in general, cool stuff, adventures, time with loved ones.

The other, more subtle source, is well … more subtle, innit?

The ultimate of satisfaction is found in your own being,

In your own presence,

In that inner sense of quiet, calm, content wholeness,

The unspoken “all is well” that you experience when you tune into this moment in time.

It needs nothing but remembering to remember it.

And that inner experience gives EVERY outer experience so much more “quality”; it makes everything so much easier and more fun.

You find this foundation and everything makes sense.

That unseen hole you may well have is filled.

Your purpose becomes obvious.

When you find the “how” to live, the “what” to do comes.

Now - you can’t think about this -

You have to do it.

You have to taste it.

And the only time you can do that is now.

Alright?

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

If you want a helping hand to this experience -

The tools so you can remember to remember,

Any time you like -

In any moment, cutting through the thoughts and feelings that you want to ignore for the experience of goodness.

Here's how to start, with this free challenge:

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

The biggest cause of stress in my life?

Someone asked me the other day what was the biggest cause of stress in my life.

It’s a great question -

Because it also relates directly to what causes you stress and overwhelm.

True. We are not so very different, underneath it all.

Let me explain:

The biggest cause of stress  in my life is all wrapped up around the little Bubster.

But it's not her, it's what goes on in my head ABOUT her.

Now I know a lot of you have kids -

You might not have done this, but seeing how huge the internet parenting forums are,

So many parents ARE doing this:

The trickiest thing was reading all those books on raising kids.

The second we got rid of all those books, the less stressed we felt.

All because we gave up what was “supposed” to be happening,

And went with what was actually happening, following our own gut feeling.

So many friggin opinions!

‘Cuse me for cussing …

But you’re never short of advice as soon as you have a wee one around.

Now I know there’s good advice out there. And we haven’t thrown everything out.

However - the cause of stress around anything in your life,

Is INTERNAL -

It’s the good old “should” that you believe.

A killer.

Tune into your own head and let “should” be a gigantic alarm,

A big wake up call that you need to be extremely careful and alert to the content of that thought.

“Should” is the source of all pressure, of all your suffering,

Because when reality doesn’t meet should, everything gets harder.

And when does reality look the way it should?

Not often!

“I’m doing it wrong” comes in, doesn’t it?

“it’s all too much, I can’t cope” follows closely.

That’s the problem, the cause of stress.

I’m doing it all wrong.

I should be like this, and I’m not.

Such a good skill to be able to examine your own thoughts and freely choose what you listen too and when.

To be mindful of your own self talk and realise when you create your own stress.

Then choose for something else.

It will change your life. It might even save it.

And that’s something I show you exactly how to do when you come and learn Ascension meditation,

Along with the so simple tools to freely let go, disconnect from the should, and all those other pesky thoughts.

https://www.thebrightpath.com/course/first-sphere-united-kingdom-richmond-north-yorkshire-1

Go well,

Arjuna

PS.

Oh, it’s really fun too.

The most relaxing, enjoyable practice I’ve ever found. Promise!

https://www.thebrightpath.com/course/first-sphere-united-kingdom-richmond-north-yorkshire-1 

Who stole my baby?

I spent the last 4 days on my own.

Man solo, left to his own devices, what could possibly go wrong?

Famous last words!

Don’t worry - I survived.

And the lawns even got mown and the floors vacuumed.

Good job it wasn't the other way around, huh?!

But when my little bubsy came back -

I was a little shocked.

You see -

She was different.

Someone must have done a swap.

4 days! And she’s all changed, a new mini me.

How does that happen so quick?

My first response was a bit - “I want the old bubsy back! Don’t ever grow up!”

Impossible to freeze time isn’t it?

No matter how hard we try.

Life is change.

And that is a huge source of inner troubles -

Clinging to the old.

When you have kids, all of a sudden life is completely different.

Isn’t it?

Your sense of freedom definitely takes a big change.

(I’m typing this with one hand as bubsy’s in the sling asleep and her little head keeps flopping around)

Especially mums - because they’re at the pudgy little coal face.

You have to step into a new role, a new you, immediately.

That can be hard.

But it’s the clinging to the old version of you that causes the suffering.

You used to freely do this and that, and now you can't.

The new you isn’t worse though - or better.

Just different.

And as soon as you embrace that change, as soon as you do -

The easier, the more fulfilling everything in your now is.

Now being the operative word for whatever your life situation:

As it is, right NOW.

The truth is though -

There is part of you that never changes, even in a complete upheaval of life.

When you get to know that, any change, any uncertainty becomes easily sail-able.

As in, you can sail through anything in life.

With a big grin on your face.

No more drama.

The whole purpose of meditation and mindfulness, that is.

And so it's well worth practicing.

If you wanted to learn the simplest, most powerful meditation tools in the universe?

Here's how:

https://www.thebrightpath.com/course/first-sphere-united-kingdom-richmond-north-yorkshire-1

Be great to have you.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Remember - if you’ve learnt already, and it doesn’t matter if this was a billion years ago,

It’s completely free to repeat, as many times as you like.

I love that, because the course makes a billion times deeper sense when you hear it again.

And you get to meet all the cool people in your area too:

https://www.thebrightpath.com/course/first-sphere-united-kingdom-richmond-north-yorkshire-1 

Sleep less, die earlier

Did you do better today?

Did you maximise your day?

In our world there is a full scale attack on “doing nothing”,

On resting, kicking back.

Everything is about productivity - doing, achieving, going, ticking off goals.

Everything. Everything is measured, with fitness trackers and mobile phones everything can be put down to a number.

Did you do better today?

Did you maximise your day?

Even meditation and mindfulness, the ultimate of doing nothing.

A quick check of the internet and it’ll tell you how good it is for productivity, getting stuff done.

There’s no time nor space left for just chilling.

Being busy - frantic - has become such a badge of honour,

Resting and sleeping has become associated with being lazy, slothful, weak.

People feel guilty if they seem to need more than 8 hours sleep every night.

“I’m wasting time” is how I used to feel.

“If I slept less, I’d be able to get so much more done” …

How about you?

Now I’m all about living a full rich life, creating projects and doing things and enjoying ticking them off.

But when I teach any kind of mindfulness or meditation it is so obvious how exhausted people are.

Even 10 year old kids, knackered.

Inter-related with all this extreme tiredness is anxiety, worry, overwhelm that is through the roof.

Something is wrong when lack of sleep is such a problem that in the UK it costs £30 billion in lost revenue.

Again - a number that represents lost productivity … but sometimes thats the only number that makes sense.

All of your health, your abilities to think clearly and creatively, your relationships …

All of your life suffers when you don’t get enough rest.

Now - don’t panic about this.

This isn’t an excuse to stay awake thinking about it.

But it is an excuse to ask yourself:

When are you going to do something about it?

Read this:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/sep/24/why-lack-of-sleep-health-worst-enemy-matthew-walker-why-we-sleep

Then do something about it.

If you need help, then learn to meditate - and do it every day.

It will not only help you get better sleep,

If you’re not sleeping so well, it’ll give you more rest so you can cope with that lack of sleep.

Getting more sleep and rest could be the single greatest thing you do for yourself -

And your loved ones.

Don’t wait until it’s an over the top, obvious problem.

When you’re snapping at your kids, resenting everything, being worried and stressed about everything, just getting through the day via chocolate, coffee, and reaching for the gin.

Or go ahead and ignore it. Up to you.

Any questions? Just ask. I'm here to help.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Now I know all about meditation and mindfulness, I don’t know how I lived without it.

Here's a free guide to help you get going:

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

Seriously. I don’t know how people live without it.

Perhaps they’re not really living, just getting by.

Want to do something about it?

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

Don't stop = Hammer time

I am so sore.

I went for a run yesterday.

I know, what was I thinking?

It’s been a while too, so I now have extra unused to running soreness.

Interesting thing though -

As I was running up one of the many hills around here.

Ooh - but let me get carried away for a moment …

Positives for living on top of a hill?

Great views.

Little chance of flooding.

Feel superior to my fellow human, as I look down upon them from on high.

(not really, just joking)

Negatives?

What goes down must come up.

As in, back up the hill to home, cups of tea, and sanctuary.

So there I was, running -

I thought, I’ll take a little breather just around this bend.

And then there were pedestrians!

Just strolling -

My pride wouldn’t let me stop within their viewing.

So I staggered on …

“Just around THIS corner” I said,

And you know how it goes -

People everywhere -

And all of them stopping me from stopping.

Part of me is all “urggghhhhh” but the bigger part of me is “hurrah!”

That is so weird when you have opposing teams in the same head.

Shows how messed up our heads are.

It just reminded me of the power of doing anything with other people.

Where people can support you to not stop,

To keep going.

Meditation and mindfulness is no different.

It can be a lonely activity, being there all alone (violins?)

So a community of good is worth it’s weight in gold.

All the ancient texts from London to Japan -

Mis-quoting MC Hammer now … I must be delirious from running aches …

Say the exact same thing.

Keep good company.

And a finer group of good people in the world wide Ascension community you will not find anywhere else.

Supportive, honest, inspiring, humble, down to earth, and funny.

These guys crack me up all day long.

Like to be a part of such a community?

Come on in, the first step is learning the simplest most powerful tools for peace in the universe.

Here is an excellent place to get started:

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

Go well!

Arjuna

PS. Yeah, yeah, Nah, yah!

Stop what you're doing

A question from a reader:

“I don’t seem to be making any progress with meditation …”

There’s more to it than that, but I can stop you right there.

Meditation/mindfulness and progress don’t go together.

It’s not about achieving anything.

But no wonder you get confused.

Since you were little you were told to go and do and get -

And good stuff that is too.

Life is about doing and getting.

Meditation/mindfulness - whether eyes open or closed - however, is the opposite.

It’s about doing absolutely nothing.

Stop - do nothing - achieve nothing - strive for nothing.

That is all ^^^

Just for a moment, or several moments.

Rest, be secure in this moment.

End your anxiety, your panic, your overwhelm, your mad dash to get somewhere.

Just be here.

Find sanity in the middle of getting and going - then you’ll really start to fly with the minimum of effort and the maximum of fun.

Stopping allows you to do more with less angst.

OK?

Let now be enough.

Job done.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Of course a tool is a very handy thing -

When you’ve spent your whole life going,

A tool to help you to stop is extremely useful.

If you'd like to know more about simple simple tools you can use,

Head this way for my free guide to 108 ways of being more present and mindful:

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

If you had the power to remove someone’s pain, would you?

Have you seen the video of that guy,

Who stops his baby from crying by chanting OM?

I did, and yup …

It didn’t work for me either. She cried harder. Ha!

And I’m a monk.

I must say I’m a bit disappointed in the absence of monkly (no spell check, not monkey, no) super powers.

Guess I didn’t read the fine print when I signed up, huh?

Yesterday I talked about the power of being really present with your relationships,

How it can even make a demanding squawking bubba monster into a happy, giggling angel.

However:

It doesn’t work all the time. It’s not a cure all.

Everyone would love the super power to make our loved ones’ problems vanish.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing.

But - and so many people do this - taking on, say, your kids’ anxieties is a recipe for disaster.

Feeling their suffering as if it was your own is understandable,

I get that.

It actually doesn’t help them, or you.

This may sound selfish, but actually it’s the opposite:

The best thing you can do for someone who is freaking out about anything,

Is get super calm and present.

Is NOT get wrapped up in it.

It’s not a super power, it doesn’t magically vacuum away their troubles -

But it helps you respond, not react, in a clear way,

So you can do the very best thing for them - from stability and perspective not emotion and exhausting yourself.

It also shows them they also have a choice.

They can get all wrapped up in what is wrong, what is concerning them,

Or they can take a step back and learn to not dwell in it.

They can learn to get present, calm and happy too - no matter what the past or future may contain.

(the past and the future = those mysterious things we think so much about but can do so little with)

Getting good at choosing the “how” is the end of stress. The end of it.

And it’s part of what I teach you in this free challenge to being more mindful -

Which also means you get on my email list and get super regular inspiration and tips like this one:

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

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

It is kind of a super power - mindfulness, awareness, the controlling of your mind.

It makes every part of your life easier and more fun.

It removes the worry and doubt and struggle.

What if that ^^^ was true?

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

Calming a raging beast child the quick, easy way

A valuable lesson yesterday I did learn -

Regarding a grumpy child and how to make her less demanding, really quick.

Want to hear it?

I was feeding bubsy.

Actually no, feeding bubsy is like feeding a lion … I imagine.

You throw food in the general direction and stand well back, get safe as quick as possible.

Bubsy feeds herself and if you get in the way, you're a casualty.

I was tired, I had a busy, productive day ...

And I just wanted to switch off for a moment or two.

Bubsy was happily mooshing food in her forehead and I thought,

“I'll just see what's happening on Facebook”, as you do.

About ten seconds into Facebook she gets all agitated, which makes me agitated too.

“Can't you see I'm doing something really important here?” - shouts everyone wrapped up in their Facebook cocoon.

I throw the bubsy beast another scrap - she's happy, I turn back to the book of face.

Do you know what happens next?

Of course you do.

When I'm on my phone she gets agitated. When I'm off it, she's happy.

And it only takes me 12 goes to realise this.

Happy bubsy is a happy peaceful me …

So I stop fighting and chuck the phone out of my reach and out of temptation.

I rest my head on the table and just look at bubsy.

No effort - and she's completely different. Happy and content.

All she wanted was me to pay attention.

And it's the same with all your kids, no matter how old they are.

It's the same with your partner too.

They just want you to show up.

Checking out on your phones be one thing - but make sure you're not switched off and thinking about something else either.

That's more subtle and possibly just as common.

They know that too.

Fully be with them. Right here, right now.

And you'll enjoy peace and a really happy alive relationship.

You'll end so many arguments and hassles - I promise you.

Ultimately when you give them a little you'll get more peace for you.

And that's what you wanted in the first place - right?

So pay attention!

Job done, and you’re welcome.

Making your life stress free since 2003.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

If you like that, you’ll want to be on the "HOW to" workshop I’m doing soon - 22 October.

Saying “be more present” is one thing,

Getting the right tools and the right understandings to make it an easy, simple habit is another.

Here’s the link should you to come:

www.facebook.com/fayelouiseattheretreat/photos/a.356050227907859.1073741829.350167835162765/829651093881101/?type=3&theater

I know Faye the organiser was saying there were only a few seats left, so if you want one, jump in!

If you don't have Facebook, or are feeding a raging bubba beast at the moment, just hit reply.

I'll help you out!

How do you know you’re meditating right?

Ahhhh …. coffee is at hand -

Don’t panic, everything is alright.

So - one of the most asked questions I get is:

“How do I know I’m doing it right?” …

As in meditating right.

That is one of the sweetest things about having a proper technique.

The breath is wonderful, apps like Headspace and Insight Timer are wonderful -

But a valid technique will actually teach you how to use it as you use it,

It'll give you the experience you need to get where you want to go.

And the breath and apps and much of meditation teaching aren't so good at doing that.

Ascension is - and since I have you here, you might be interested in a course I’m doing?

www.thebrightpath.com/course/first-sphere-united-kingdom-richmond-north-yorkshire-1

I promise it'll be well worth your while.

But! Back to the question:

What should you be experiencing?

Well - this is very subjective and best explained with you, in person, and not in an email like this.

However:

Those times when you’re present, perhaps you’re doing dishes, perhaps you’re taking a bath at the end of a long day.

Perhaps you’re staring into a cup of tea, out the window and taking in the view.

That moment where you are gazing into the flames of a roaring fire …

You are at rest, relaxed ... and yet awake, aware and content in that, feeling self-contained, present to your own sense of being and presence.

Perhaps quiet, perhaps not, tuned in, all is well - all is as it should be.

And then there are the meditations where it’s the opposite.

There are so many thoughts!

Well done.

For that is simply your body letting go, healing the stresses of the day, “defragging”.

Meditation can be both, at the same time - as long as you don’t fight your thoughts.

There is no need. No need at all.

Meditation means you become more aware, it isn’t about stopping your thoughts.

It’s about shifting your judgement off them.

It’s about non-resistance to what is.

Acceptance of this moment, just for this moment.

Fascination and familiarisation with everything in this moment in time.

When you don't fight, you can rest.

When you rest, you can watch and notice the unchanging part of your inner experience.

That is worth it's weight in gold.

And that is all I’m going to say on the matter.

You’ll just have to close your eyes and gently explore for yourself!

But do let me know if you have any questions.

I love to help.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

That Ascension course that I fully recommend you learn because it makes everything so simple, and obvious?

Here’s the link once again:

www.thebrightpath.com/course/first-sphere-united-kingdom-richmond-north-yorkshire-1 

How to be as free as a monkey

Free as a monkey?!

OK - if you insist - how about as free a bird?

Make more sense to you?

Down to business then we shall get:

The most wonderful moments of your life were when you were totally present to them.

This moment, now, is the secret to enjoying the fullest, the most effective, stress free, happiest existence possible -

As free as a monkey bird.

It is THE foundation for a life well lived.

The past is gone - you can no longer do anything about it.

The future? Not here just yet - it really is unknowable.

Life with a capital L is right here, right now.

Don't miss it by dwelling in on what you should have done or being anxious for what might happen.

Don't spoil it either for thinking how now should be different.

How now brown cow?

What is here is all you have.

What are you going to do with it?

Find contentment in now, for contentment is the same as loving what is.

Loving what is? The path to freedom.

Loving what is isn't being a doormat - it's also loving your voice, your choice, your action.

Different yes it is to grasping for change that cannot come now, grasping for what “should be” ...

That is a path of suffering.

Be content, be present, focus on what you CAN do, what you DO have rather than what you insist you should / could / would have.

Don't just nod your head -

“Yup, heard it all before"

You’re right - there is nothing new under the sun.

What is new is you actually getting the experience that all the wisest women and men of this world have talked about for millennia.

Give up the glamour of new knowledge. Choose to have the experience.

Be here now. Be filled with presence -

Then your life has truth and permanence at its core, rather than solely the chasing of dreams.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Dream chaser?

Certainly don’t go giving them up,

Just make sure you colour them with reality.

Colour each step to them with satisfaction and contentment.

And that is wholly within your power to claim.

Here’s a wonderful way of doing just that:

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

Is ending stress the most revolutionary thing you could do?

Have you ever wondered how -

It’s mad that as a society we’re better off than ever before …

We have so much material wealth …

And yet our minds are crazier than ever?

Perhaps now that just the sheer fact of surviving is really quite simple -

We have more time to think about what is wrong …

More time to ponder the shoulds, the regrets, the worry and the guilt,

To get angry about the small stuff,

To be consumed by unrealistic ideas of perfection.

How about you?

The fact is that quite possibly - and this may just be the conspiracy wild part of me talking here …

(but I kinda like it)

“The man” WANTS you to worry.

It’s better for the status quo, it’s better to keep you separate and bickering, it’s better to keep you distracted and self-consumed.

If that is so,

vvv

“To be calm becomes a kind of revolutionary act.”

Matt Haig from “Reasons to stay Alive”

^^^

When everything is selling you that you’re lost and need something,

That you should worry about this thing and that thing, oh and this thing too,

(Buy this and you will feel happier …)

Accepting You and your life,

As you are, as it is,

Ending worry and being comfortable and content with all the uncertainties -

Is one of the boldest choices you could ever make.

Your choice for freedom -

Means you can stop being consumed by the small stuff -

And are able to focus on the things that REALLY matter,

The things that you can ACTUALLY change and put into place,

For you, for your community, for the world.

Being calm and seeing clearly is quite possibly the greatest thing you can learn to do.

Finding happiness and defeating the fear that has taken root in your own mind,

Changes more than just your life …

Your lived example makes it easier for everyone around you to do the same.

How?

How do you accept, be content, be comfortable in the middle of what COULD appear to be chaos?

How do you free yourself from fear and worry, from the whole mechanism of focusing on what could go wrong?

How do you join the calm revolution?

Get to know Now so well that you never leave it.

Learn to see the beauty of what is already within you, and all around you.

Start to give, in as many ways as you can think of, large and small.

Your thoughts are an option, not the truth - they are not you.

Switch off, relax, learn to let go and ignore the stuff that you can’t do anything about.

Fight nothing - especially not your thoughts. Fighting plays the game, accepting frees you from it.

How can I help you?

Just ask, please do.

Go well!

Arjuna

PS.

Just picked up Matt Haig’s book and flicking through it found some wonderful quotes, such as the above.

But I like this one too:

“Every time I read a great book I felt I was reading a kind of map, a treasure map, and the treasure I was being directed to was in actual fact myself.”

― Matt Haig, Reasons to Stay Alive

You ARE the treasure that you seek.