#thepathtoconsciousness

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

Rushing into action, you fail. Trying to grasp things, you lose them. Forcing a project to completion, you ruin what was almost ripe. Therefore the Master takes action by letting things take their course. He remains calm at the end as at the beginning.

Tao Te Ching - translated by Stephen Mitchell

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

His way isn't the same as mine, nor mine as his. But we're both in search of our Personal Legends, and I respect him for that.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

Willpower Challenge(s)

I am currently reading The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal Ph D. 

The book is challenging me to be more aware of how my willpower works. When am I most vulnerable to giving in to my instinctual desires? What time of the day is my willpower the strongest? I am definitely weakest when drunk or high and also when I am going off of little sleep. The book gives a scientific explanation of what willpower is and how to apply willpower skills to everyday life. Did you know that your willpower is almost like a muscle? You have to work at it and make it stronger in time. And if you use it a lot at once you're more likely to give in to temptations later in the day. 

One problem I'm facing is the fact that there are so many areas in my life that I want more control over. In the book she speaks of three willpower areas, I WILL, I WON'T, and I WANT. I want to be more aware of how I spend my money, more aware of my body and what it wants instead of what "I" want, to control when I want to drink/smoke instead of my social settings controlling that impulse, and other things. Those would probably fall under things that I have to tell myself I WON'T do. There's also areas in my life that I want to do more, which would fall under the I WILL category. I WILL meditate everyday, practice guitar, sing, be more invested in my surroundings, etc. There's so many things! I could continue going on and on about all the things I want to do better and change about me but that's probably not healthy.

Anyway, willpower is my new focus. I want to develop it further and apply it in various areas of life. I know that in order to do this affectively I need to be easy on myself. It's amazing to me how learning more about myself and my faults has made me become so self-conscious. Makes sense but it's not a nice place to be. I guess I should add daily doses of gratification to my list of I WILL's.  

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

Eating Healthy = Healthy Living

Just did a big shopping trip at Trader Joes. Bought some staples (olive oil, spices) and lots of veggies. I've been reading a lot about various diets, like the vegan and paleo, and have begun to try and mold my own diet around what I've read. In my trip to the store today I didn't buy any dairy or grains bought fish for the first time! Experimenting with more foods is exciting. I was proud of myself for not buying any sugary things. One of my truths is: don't buy what you don't want to it. Isn't it that simple? Eating wells starts in the home but the real challenge will be avoiding pastries and other sugary goodies. As much as I love them, they gotta go. This new eating regimen is going hand in hand with one of my willpower challenges. 

So right now I am cooking talapia with brocolli, garlic, lemon, cauliflower, yellow pepper, and mushrooms. Then I'm going to put this yummy sweet chili sauce on top. It's the beginning to many new nights of planned cooking. Yummm

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

I AM excited about my future

Make this Affirmation today: "I now affirm that I am excited about my future."- Enneathought Daily Email

- The great thing about reading this in my inbox this morning was the fact that I didn't have to think too much about it. Because I really am excited about my future! I have such high hopes for myself and my life. More like this undeniable faith in my life. I still have no idea where I want to go career wise but I have faith that I will figure it out in time. I have no idea where I will be in 10 years but I have so much faith that I will be living a happy and rewarding life. 

So here's to the future everybody!! 

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

“The truest mark of being born with great qualities is to be born without envy."

- La Rochefoucauld

This quote really spoke to me when I first read it. How many times do we run across envy in our daily lives? I know that I see it mostly when I I witness people doing things that I wish I had the time to do or the willpower. But in those moments it is good to remember how lucky you are as you are right now. Being grateful causes envy to slowly disappear from your mind.

So today, if you hear your mind start to feel envious of someone, begin thinking about the positive aspects of your life.  

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

No Longer a Nail Biter

Over the past few months, without even realizing it, I have dropped a bad habit. I used to bite my nails all the time, especially when bored. But now, I have no urge to do so. I am very proud of myself :) 

This is a big step in my journey of self-awareness. I have finally overcome something and changed myself. 

[thepathtoconsciousness-blog]

“You can never predict what little things in the way somebody looks or talks or acts will set off peculiar emotional reactions in other people."

Andy Warhol