Powerful Ideas for an Extraordinary Life

[Guest guest]

141

" Some men see things as they are and say `why?' I dream of things that never

were and say `why not?' " - George Bernard Shaw

 

142

Use these strategies to improve the quality of your mind-calming meditation:

1. Practice meditation at the same time each day and in the same place so that

your mind becomes accustomed to entering the desired serene state as soon as you

enter the peaceful place.

2. The early morning is undoubtedly the most powerful time to meditate. Indian

yogis believe that the pre-dawn time has almost magical qualities which aid in

achieving the super-peaceful state so many mediators attempt to attain.

3. Before you start, command your mind to be quiet by using affirmations such as

" I will be focused and very calm now. "

4. If thoughts do enter, do not force them out but simply let them pass like

clouds making way for the beautiful blue sky. Picture that your mind is like a

still lake without even a ripple.

5. Sit for ten minutes at first and then increase the time every few sittings.

After a month or two, you will not be interrupted by any pressing thoughts and

will surely feel a sense of peace that you have never felt before.

 

143

Forge and foster great friendships as such relationships are essential for

maintaining a healthy and successful life. Find a few minutes every day to jot

down some warm wishes to an old friend or to place a telephone call to someone

you have not had a chance to speak to for a while. Show compassion and sincere

consideration for all your friends and watch the results which follow. Develop

long lasting friendships by being a good friend. Also, make it a priority to

seek out new friends no matter how many you may be fortunate enough to have.

This is one of life's greatest joys which many of us miss.

 

144

Purchase a CD of Miles Davis's Kind Of Blue. It is a uniquely soothing

compilation that will refresh and soothe you after a challenging and productive

day. Music such as this is good for the soul.

 

145

Drown your appetite by drinking more water - ten glasses a day is ideal. It

revitalizes the system and purifies the body. Also, get into the habit of eating

soups and more complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes and pasta which feed

your hunger with far less calories than other less healthy foods. You truly are

what you eat and must ensure that your diet is designed to maximize your energy

and mental clarity.

 

146

Develop the essential habit of punctuality for it is most important for high

success. Punctuality reflects discipline and a proper regard for others. Without

it, even the most sophisticated person appears slightly offensive. Do not be

early and certainly never be late. Budget your time and, should you arrive

early, take a walk or simply relax for a few moments to ensure that you arrive

on time as requested. You will be appreciated and welcomed always if you

cultivate this important quality that appears so rarely these days.

 

147

The telephone is there for your convenience, not for the convenience of others

who are attempting to contact you. If you are busy with a task, do not answer

the phone or have someone answer the call so that you may return it at a more

suitable time. Do not let such interruptions waste your time. Most phone calls

are not important and last far too long anyway. Over the course of the average

American's lifetime, she will spend two years unsuccessfully returning phone

calls. There are so many important and fun things to do in life. The challenge

is to respect precious time so that we can achieve a fuller, more satisfying

life.

 

148

Start your day off well. The way you begin your day determines the way you will

live your day. Before you get out of bed each morning, say a prayer or repeat

your personal affirmation giving thanks for the day and all the positive things

you will see and achieve. Make a conscious decision to make this the best day of

your life and meet with pleasure, success and fun. If you believe it, it will

most certainly happen. A timeless secret for lifelong success is to live each

day as if it were your last.

 

149

Confide in your partner. This will strengthen the relationship and allow you

both to grow at the same pace. It is also a wonderful tonic to share important

or otherwise troubling things with the person you are closest to.

 

150

Push yourself just a little harder and a little farther each day. Winners on the

playing field of life push the envelope of their potential daily. Do the thing

you fear and the death of fear is certain. Winners do the things that less

developed people don't like doing even though they also might not enjoy doing

them. This is what strength of character and courage is all about. Tackle your

weaknesses. Do the thing that you have consistently put off. Write that thank

you note or letter that you have neglected for so long. Exercise your discipline

muscles and they will rise to the occasion by filling your day with more

satisfaction, more effectiveness and far more energy.

 

By Robin Sharma

 

to be continued...