Present Tense

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Photo by: Brett Jordan @brett_jordan

Ever get tired of trying to get somewhere or achieve something only to realize that you’re missing out on now? It’s a constant balancing act to plan for the future while staying present in the moment. Perhaps a solution could be to set aside time to dream and plan for the near future, say one year out and for the distant future to keep the overall vision in focus. Setting timers to begin and end this task will help to snap from future planning back to reality.

Here are some thoughts on designing a life that is center around the present moment. First, try to truly understand what can and cannot be controlled in life. This foundation will reduce so much unnecessary stress and of course it’s easier said than applied, however, it is a practice worth implementing. One thing that can be controlled is how we react and how we pivot when faced with a roadblock. Mastering the “how-ing” and “pivoting” are vital in both personal and professional growth and can be attained by pausing before reacting or responding. If this poses too much of a struggle, try the old rubber band snap trick. Wear a rubber band around your wrist for twelve to twenty four days and every time the urge to respond arises, snap the rubber band against your wrist. Yes, it’s supposed to sting a bit and yes, you will look silly if you do this in public. Be as discrete as possible if you don’t want to raise eyebrows. It works, so try it.

Next, when in the present moment, start taking mental snapshots of the “scene” whether alone in nature or out with friends. These snapshots will become imbeded memories.

Take these thoughts and see how they fit into your daily life. Give it at least a month of continuous practice before abandoning ship. Good luck!

Abstract Nature

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Abstract Nature is a graphic variation from a picture of a butterfly. This variation has muted tones and a calming effect suitable for a bedroom, office or yoga studio. Enjoy the peaceful movement of the naturally graphic lines on the butterfly’s wings. Abstract Nature measures 16800px x 12600px and is available now.

Photo by: tina natalini

How You Doin'?

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Photo by: Annie Spratt @anniespratt

What is real? Sometimes life feels surreal which can be hard to differentiate from what is happening in real time to what we are emotionally experiencing. (This is especially true when we are living alongside that dirty bitchass named grief. That’s a post for a different week.) This human experience is as complex as it is simple in that there’s a beginning and an end, yet there are so many twists and turns with many lessons to learn. All for what? What is real when we each have our own perspective or different version of the same story? Perception plus instincts plus logic is a dynamic mixture created from early childhood experiences. Was that just mental and emotional math? Ew. That’s kind of what it seems like. So HOW we choose to live our lives is what makes us real in this surreal and confusing, yet finite existence. What we do to care for ourselves, the work we do and our financial fitness are what we are responsible for managing. It’s way too easy to get wrapped up in what we have to output everyday when it comes to the expectations others have on us. It’s essential to evaluate our life’s balance sheet often.

Here is a checklist reminder for simple actions to be aware of each day:

Self-care

  • Nutrition - eat at least some whole natural food from the earth

  • Exercise - can be subtle stretches throughout the day

  • Meditation - in the form of sitting quietly for 3-5 minutes with one word to repeat mentally

  • Hygiene - take a longer than normal shower and maybe light a candle and play some classical music if its not raining outside

Work

  • Balance the ratio of your output to input energy by practicing saying no politely to give yourself more “me” time.

  • Shift the thought of exchange time for currency to offering energy for infinite abundant energy.

  • Do some work that you love on the side or volunteer using your natural gifts to have a positive energy exchange for a passion project or cause.

Financial Fitness

  • Where are you directing your dollars? Each dollar works for you, but your job is to tell them what to do for you and when.

  • Look directly at your Income, Debts, Assets and Investments. It may hurt at first, however taking an honest look at your financial state will put you in charge of what you do next.

    • Check your credit report

    • Add the total debts owed and divide that number by 12 which will provide some perspective on how much you’d have to pay per month to pay off all of your debts. Now take the debt total and divide it by 365 and you will see how much money you’d have to earn per day (weekends included) to pay off the debts in one year. This is just an exercise to put the numbers into persepective in order to create a realistic debt freedom date. Choose the best pay off strategy based on your income and fixed expenses each month.

    • Be sure to save some money while paying down debts and donating to causes that you’re passionate about. Giving any amount of money you can even when you’re in a tough financial situation is key to trusting yourself, the energetic forcefield we live in it and ensures you will receive what you need in this life when you need it.

Bonus: On a piece of paper write the number 8 or 888, fold it up and place it in your wallet. 8 is the number of infinity and abundance.

Freedom

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Freedom is having wings and the ability rising above or soar around. True freedom for humans can only be cultivated from within. No one promise or grant it to anyone else. It an inside job that we are all personally responsible for achieving. Even a prisoner in solitary confinement can reach inner freedom. Enjoy this beautiful butterfly as a symbol to always work on creating your inner freedom. Freedom is now available for digital download.