Simple Instructions for Living
These seven concepts are meant to be fundamental and basic. Each has a specific essence, energy, and function that is consistent.
AWARENESS
AWARENESS
This is the practice of observing the voices, thoughts, and activity of the mind.
To practice awareness - observing our thoughts rather than being our thoughts - is the experience of being conscious.
Practicing awareness is the beginning of the path to awakening.
ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance means to accept reality exactly as it is.
This tool helps us overcome our expectations and desire to control reality and others.
It replaces frustration with serenity, calm, and an inner peace that doesn’t waste energy trying to control that which it can’t.
INTENTION
Intention is having a vision for what we want.
Without intention, it’s difficult to have clarity of purpose - life can feel like it’s happening to us.
We turn around to wonder why we don’t like the way our lives look and feel, but how can we expect to hit a bullseye when we don’t even know what we’re aiming for?
Clarity gives us a target we can hit.
GRATITUDE
Gratitude is the deep feeling of appreciation in the heart.
Without Gratitude, it’s easy to focus on the problems, stresses, and responsibilities of life.
But with Gratitude, even the most undesirable circumstances can be ‘g-flipped' with a fresh perspective - one that makes us feel fortunate rather than frustrated.
COMPASSION
Compassion is a special type of kindness, gentleness, empathy, and loving respect for all living creatures, including ourselves.
Without Compassion, the world feels abrasive and sharp.
Through Compassion, we feel a softness - a warm tenderness - that requires no special training. It is our natural state and birthright: to be kind and loving.
FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is about letting go.
When we feel wounded by others, we can be overcome with anger, obsession, and hurt.
When we forgive those who hurt us - it doesn’t mean we condone what they’ve done - rather it means we have made the decision to no longer be psychologically and emotionally wounded (and re-wounded) by it. Once we forgive in my heart, we create the space to feel lighter, more free, and able to move on.
CONNECTION
Connection is a tool that brings joy, comradery, understanding, awe, pleasure, and a sense of feeling whole.
Without connection, we often find ourselves in isolation, our thoughts can overwhelm us, and we can lose perspective.
When we connect - with others, with our Soul, with nature, with beauty, or with a Higher Power of our own understanding - then we can regain perspective. Get back into the flow.
They can be used and expressed in subtly different ways - as codes, programs, attitudes, modes, and tools.