Make today lovely and calm



   “To be calm is the highest achievement of the self.”           Yogi Bhajan

A lot happens each day. How can you end the day with the same energy level you started with? A good piece of advice is: Don’t squander your energy. Rather, spread it evenly. Be selective and wise about where you put your time and attention. If you are upset or in a tough situation or toxic environment, protect your precious power with calmness. You can learn to seal your energy against negative influences. Regardless of what happens, stay calm. Being calm separates you from the environment, and you can enjoy the day. Don’t blame or judge others. Let them be the way they are, and stay in your lane of calmness. Be happy with what you have today.

When you want to recuperate during the day, chill out for just three minutes. Let your body, mind, and emotions relax by listening to music, taking a nap, reading a book, breathing slowly, or taking a walk. If you want to focus on your goals and dreams, scroll topics of interest on YouTube, and choose something you can learn, or listen to a meditation that relaxes you. When I meditate or read a good article, I am no longer confronted with the busyness of the day. Such quiet times allow me to rest and replenish my vitality. When I consistently train myself to be still and calm, and pay attention to how I feel, it nourishes my energy, and slows down my thinking, so I can continue savoring the day.  

However, one of my favorite ways to refresh my energy is doing nothing. Each day I set some time aside to be alone, to be silent, to pause, to calm myself—my alone time. During that time of stillness, I listen to myself. I spend time with myself, focus on who I am, and try to connect with myself. I sit in a chair, on a cushion, find a very comfortable position with no music, no phone, or any other distraction. Then I close my eyes. I settle my thoughts, and breathe deeply to calm my mind. Whether I contemplate a picture in my mind that motivates me, reevaluate what is important in my life and what my true desires are, commune with nature, or have a tea ceremony in silence with my thoughts, it helps me learn how to restore my energy. 

One-on-one time with myself makes me feel incredible ease and comfort. It is my favorite form of meditation. To me, meditation is the same as relaxation. I am happy being alone. Quality time with myself creates silence in my mind, and helps me set my intentions.

One thing I have learned is not to overwhelm my days. I keep my schedule simple. Two or three tasks a day is all I need to feel productive. In my training routine, I included things like learning to slow down, reducing stress by allowing the day to take its own course and flow naturally, without imposing my ideas or expectations too much, caring without any worry. I find that when I have a strict idea about how I want a day to go, more often than not, it doesn’t go exactly as I had planned. Then I get stressed out, which I can easily avoid, if I focus on things that really matter, like working toward my goals and leading a healthy lifestyle. It is much better to be flexible, and embrace what comes my way with an open mind. Look at your life and surroundings with positivity and appreciation. Be more present, act with less haste, and trust that each day flows in auspicious and abundant directions.

Loving your everyday life is an art—the art of living healthy, happy, with passion, and positivity for life, and inspiring others to do the same.

I have begun seeing my days as an opportunity for service. It is impossible to help and do good for all, but it is possible to help some and do good for some, and most important not to harm anyone.

For me, to serve is to approach any situation as a chance to give. There are many ways to give, such as being attentive, caring, appreciative, loving, kind, and respectful. Listen attentively to yourself, family, friends, and others. Give praise, compliments, and encouragement on good strategies, choices, and efforts. We can always lift each other.

Doing good is key to feeling good. My point is, the more we give, the more we receive. When we go through the day with good expectations, kindness, gratitude, and giving, we will receive the same. This approach brings us peace, joy, and satisfaction, and also sends these out into the world. The art of giving is the art of developing a good relationship with yourself, nature, and spirituality.

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