I remember back when I knew everything. It actually wasn’t all that long ago…
I didn’t need to listen to anyone because I had all the answers. When I asked you a question I already knew the answer, I just wanted to see if you would lie to me.
I had a closed mind and there was nothing anyone could tell me that would, or could, change my mind.
Because I was right and I knew everything.
It turned out, much to my surprise, that I in fact did NOT have all the answers. That there actually were people out there who knew more than me. This realization made me feel like a fool.
I was worthless and stupid. The most worthless and the most stupid person on the planet. Of all time, living or dead. There was no one worse than me.
My ego had me thinking I was all or nothing. Never in the middle.
I was at the end of my journey. I had stopped learning. I had hit my bottom.
The good thing about hitting bottom is, there’s nowhere to go but up. Or die. I was so convinced I was so worthless that I couldn’t even possibly get suicide right so I chose to go up.
I chose life.
I chose to listen rather than speak.
I chose to open my mind.
I chose to learn all I could about how to improve my life.
And then I took action.
Every day I choose to expand my mind and explore views other than my own. I choose to be a worker among workers and a friend among friends rather than let my ego dictate that I should be at the top of the heap. Because I know that will just end up with me feeling like I’m at the bottom. Under the heap.
I choose learning over fear of the unknown. I accept and adapt to situations rather than force my will.
So I just wrote the greatest masterpiece of my life. (not really) I’ve probably never written anything that great before and I probably never will again! (sure I will) This is the one that will be considered the new standard in literary greatness! (yeah right)
Wait, what just happened… where did it go? What did I do? It was just here.. PLEASE tell me I saved it.. WHAT? I didn’t? I always do! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
It’s gone.. I got in the zone and didn’t save as I went.. How could this happen.. I spent almost an hour on this! I can’t do this again. I’M SO *%&#$@ MAD NOW!!!
First I was angry that all my work disappeared.
Second I got mad at myself for not saving my work. I even almost cried.
I was angry and resentful at my computer. Then at myself again. I called myself stupid and a lot of other names that I won’t repeat here.
In the past this would’ve ruined my whole day. Maybe even my whole week, but ever since I’ve been practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and deep breathing, and a spiritual program of recovery, I now have the tools to be able to let it go and learn from the experience.
I remembered something a dear friend of mine told me one time when I was going on and on feeling bad about myself and calling myself names. She said to me, “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t talk to my friend like that.” Her friend was me! I understood what she was saying and every time I start getting in that self deprecating mode I remember what she said to me.
Then I paused and thought about what had just happened and what I could learn from it.
Then I was grateful that I had that learning opportunity, one that will never need to be repeated.
I will sleep well tonight and not go to bed angry or hating myself. I am human. I made a mistake. No one died and the world didn’t end.
By practicing appreciation and gratitude for what I do have my mood quickly changed and I have re-centered myself.
It takes a lot of work but it gets easier with time and practice.
Meditation and breathing practices are a good way to begin building your awareness of the body and mind to begin the transformation into a healthier, more positive you. Focusing on breathing helps you be in the present as opposed to dwelling on the past, or worrying about the future.
Interconnected and interrelated are the heart, mind, and instincts. I know when I get stressed my body gets tense and I’m uncomfortable, disturbed. This then sets off a chain reaction that finally culminates in bad eating habits, frustration, and bursts of anger. Once I realize this is happening, I focus on my breathing, my heart lightens, and I begin to relax a little.
Our breathing is connected to our emotions. We breathe differently when we become emotional. Once you become aware of your breathing, you can better control your emotions.
Being aware of my breathing is what helps me successfully make it through my day. It’s something I have to practice daily. When I practice relaxation and breathing it eventually becomes second nature. Bring the body and the mind will follow. I believe the opposite to be true as well. Since they are related, it would only make sense that if you bring presence of mind, the body will follow, too.
Healthy mind, healthy body = healthy body, healthy mind. Just work on whichever part is easiest, and with enough devotion the rest will fall in line.
Breathing Practices
Why practice breathing?
Clear the mind
Distracting thoughts subside
Experience inner peace and relaxation
Feel refreshed
So much of our stress and tension comes from the mind. When the mind stills, happiness and contentment arises.
The benefits of practicing breathing can ultimately be one of the greatest things you can do for your body, soul, and peace of mind. We can connect to our emotions through our breath. Since our emotions make us breathe differently it makes sense that we could control our emotions through breathing.
To elevate your presence of mind, become fully aware, and engage in the present moment, I practice regulating my breath. This helps me be present, or, “all the way there” when dealing with other people and situations in which I need to a part of. I’m easily distracted and my mind wanders a lot, which makes it difficult for me to engage in the present moment. Once my mind is right, my body soon follows. I’m then able to be of maximum service and fully present.
For more information on different types of breathing practices check out:
To learn how to calm yourself when difficult situations arise
To achieve mental calm and peacefulness
To overcome external circumstances that distract from a feeling of “undisturbed”
Mental balance
Ability to control your mind
I’ve found, for me, the simplest and safest way to achieve balance in both my emotional and physical states, is through meditation, not medication. I don’t like pills and I don’t think it’s right for me to have to depend on them for my sense of well being.
My mental state has dramatically improved since I began practicing meditation and breathing exercises. It helps me to get my mind prepared and ready to tackle the day, and to be able to deal with any irritations that happen on a daily basis.
I highly recommend practicing meditation for at least 8 minutes a day for a life that knows peace and comprehends serenity. For more information, check out this article about the positive effects of meditation.
Take care of yourself and respect yourself. Give yourself every advantage you possibly can. It’s a scary world out there but it doesn’t have to get you down! Stay positive and invest in yourself!
The New Super You 
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