Tag Archives: happiness

Stillness

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Stillness

I believe there’s a misconception about what a daily meditation practice looks like. That it has to include specific rituals, or unfold a certain way in order to be of benefit. That it’s only an esoteric pursuit. But that’s just not so! Meditation is simple and for everyone.

Stillness is a much better word to describe what my daily practice looks like. Or should I say ‘cultivating stillness’, as attaining that desired quiet mind is never instant or simple. Stillness can be described as ‘just being’, without the interference of thoughts. The objective is to quiet your monkey brain long enough to create spaces between your thoughts. At first these gaps will be fleeting, but in time the spaces expand. It’s a process of finding your way back to the stillness, over and over and over. Meditating is like wrestling with puppies – chaos, punctuated by moments of bliss.

Where?

It’s rare that I sit cross-legged in lotus, with palms face up on my knees all Buddha-esque. More often I’m laying down on the floor (or the grass), or just sitting comfortably on the sofa (or on a log at the beach). I love to meditate outside. Weeding meditation is a seasonal practice (and you get something to show for it!), while walking the dog meditation is an all season fan favourite.  Not to be overlooked are waiting in line meditation, stuck in traffic meditation, and ferry meditation. I love multi-tasking!  My point being, not having the perfect time or the perfect space shouldn’t deter you from slipping in some quiet time.

ocean_meditation

How?

The goal is to quiet the chatter of your mind, to find prolonged moments of stillness and silent awareness. And you do this by choosing something to focus on. As your thoughts stray away from your focus and onto what you’re going to make for dinner or that phone call you need to return (and they will!) just gently return your awareness back to your focus.  Over and over and over, without resistance or judgment on your performance.  In time and with practice, you will spend less time herding your thoughts and more time in the silence between… which is where the magic is.

Start by focussing on your breath. You don’t need to exaggerate your breathing, but just centre your awareness on the subtle sound and feeling of the air entering and leaving your body.

If you need something more commanding to focus on then try repetition of words.  I use mantras because these are what I was taught when I learned to meditate 20 years ago, and they are instantly calming.

Om Namah Shivaya (I bow to my true self)
Sat Chit Ananda (existence, consciousness, bliss)
So Hum (I am that)

Don’t force yourself to use any specific words if they don’t feel right for you. You can use everyday words with just as much effect. Try choosing one or two positive words that resonate for you and repeat them in time with your breath…  Joy, Love, Peace, Bliss, Happiness.  It can be very useful if you’re struggling with a particular problem in your life, to choose words that affirm a positive outcome….  Forgiveness, Acceptance, Health, Abundance.

Guided meditations are useful for relaxation, but I find that as I’m picturing myself on that warm sandy beach, my imagination takes over and moves me away from the silence and into my thoughts. However, having peaceful music playing quietly in the background can be helpful.

I do enjoy the Deepak Chopra meditation series.  He starts the 15 minutes with a brief lesson, then introduces a mantra, rings a bell, and then you get a period of silence with soft music playing. Your meditation ends with another bell, and he sends you into your day with a centering thought.  This is a great place for beginners to start.

How long?

As long as you want! Start out with shorter, more manageable times and work your way up as you get more comfortable.  As little as 5 minutes can be beneficial.  I often meditate multiple times per day, because I don’t wait to find the perfect time or place.  My morning meditation is the longest – I find 20-30 minutes is about right.  It takes a bit of time to find my rhythm, settle into the stillness.

Why?

When you become the observer of your thoughts, rather than identifying with them, you development an awareness of your true self.  That deeply peaceful, silent being that is able to witness the chatter of the monkey brain is your true nature.  When settled in that place of silent awareness, I am able to be more present to messages from the subconscious. It’s particularly helpful if you’re trying to make a tough decision, or if you are looking for answers for important life questions.  You will be amazed at the information you receive from your true self in these moments of quiet.

Stillness is a safe harbour. As you become more practiced at releasing thoughts and centering yourself, you realize that you have this place to retreat to whenever you need. Any time, any place. You have the ability to step away from any situation that’s troubling you, settle your mind, then return with a fresh perspective. Stillness melts anger, calms fear, soothes emotions.

Meditation brings you into the Here & Now. It’s curious how we spend the majority of our time thinking about things that happened in the past, or things that are (potentially) going to happen in the future. The moment that really counts and deserves our attention is the one we are presently in.  Now, and now, and now.  Just Be Here Now!

buddha

At the end of meditation, when my mind is very clear, empty of thought and I’m settled into the present, I like to finish by spending a few minutes visualizing my goals and dreams. The present moment, devoid of distracting thoughts, is supremely fertile ground.  Sow the seeds of your intentions and desires, let the universe know what you want in your life. Be very specific and paint a picture in your mind of your vision. Feel what it’s like to be living it.

Namaste

~kristi

 

 

© Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Core Values

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Core Values

I recently spent some time reflecting on what my values are. Evaluating what is most important to me, in order to create some clarity moving forward in my life and in my business.

Core values are fundamental beliefs that guide our decisions and actions.
Kind of like an internal GPS, guided by our feelings.

Being crystal clear on what those beliefs are help us to live more authentically. When you assess each action and decision you make against how it fits in with your values, then you can be assured that you’re living in alignment. And this leads to a life that is more joyful, fulfilling, and prosperous.

When your actions are out of alignment with your values, this invariably leads to unhappiness and disappointment.

My VPS (value priority system!) is essential to navigating this world that bombards us with information, choices, and demands on our time. It helps to determine my priorities and clarify my decisions – what people I spend time with, who I partner with in my business, what companies I give my spending dollars, and what causes I support.

values_quote

Here’s my list of core values, narrowed down to the ones that spoke loudest:

Health – physical, emotional & spiritual vitality

Family – love, security, connection

Freedom – time, financial & personal

Fun – passion, play, joy, adventure

Gratitude – optimism, abundance mentality, positive thinking

Service – contributing to the well being of others

Authenticity – being yourself, integrity, trust, honesty, truth

Personal Growth – willingness to learn, overcoming fear, forgiveness

I have this list posted in my living space, my office, and in my journal, so that I have daily reminders. Holding in your mind a persistent desire for what you want is guaranteed to attract more of it into your life.

Take some time to find clarity around your own personal core values. Ultimately, life is easier, more joyful and peaceful when you are operating in harmony with your beliefs.

value_wordle2

much love & gratitude,
~kristi

 

 

 

 

© Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Abundance

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Abundance

My vision of abundance is living a life permeated by vibrant good health.  Overflowing with fun, laughter and pleasure.  Filled with Love and friendship and meaningful relationships.  Where there is no lack, minimal stress, and absolute freedom and contentment.

How JUICY is that?!

And so this is my mission statement:

mission

I only arrived at this after many years of feeling like I was living in a perpetual state of lack…  a lack of money, a lack of time, a lack of feeling good – both physically and emotionally.  Feeling discontent, unfulfilled, and often times lonely.

Overall I just felt STUCK. Yet I kept plodding along, doing the same things year after year, somehow expecting that my circumstances would change. Silly me!  I was very clear on what I didn’t want any more of in my life, which eventually led me to start thinking about what I did want…

This clarity of vision that I had for my ideal life led to some BIG shifts in thinking and doing that launched me out of my rut and into a place of overwhelming abundance.  The important first step is getting clear on what you want your life to look like, then try applying some or all of these ideas to move you towards your vision.

Here is what worked for me:

Take control by taking responsibility – everything you have and do not have in your life is entirely up to you. Be the driver, not the passenger!

Commit to doing things different, even if you feel fear (especially then) – nothing can change if you continue to think & do everything exactly the same.

Get healthy – it gives you the energy to take on the world.

What you focus on expands – always give attention and gratitude to the positives and what is working, instead of dwelling on the frustrations.

Find your tribe – surround yourself with optimistic, like-minded people.  Spend less time around negative people who don’t support your dreams.

Go play outside!  Spend more time in nature and less time with technology.  Be inspired by how much beauty and abundance exists in nature. Move your body.

Stop comparing yourself to others – just be the very best version of you.

Find your purpose – when you’re living authentically and in alignment with your values, then abundance will flow effortlessly.  This isn’t just about work and may not involve being compensated…. at first 😉

 

It’s taken me quite some time to live into my vision of an ideal life.  And even now that I’ve achieved it, it takes constant nurturing to maintain. I’m the perpetual student, picking up offerings of wisdom along the way. I practice. I fail. I course correct. I fall asleep. I wake up. I grow, every day, I grow.

But there is one thing I know for certain:  the Universe is inherently abundant.
And there is PLENTY for everyone.

much love & gratitude,
~kristi

 

 

 

© Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Journey to Health

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Journey to Health

I’ve coached many, many people over the years I’ve been working with Isagenix products.  The stories and transformations always amaze me, and are really what motivate me to continue sharing.  Playing a small role in changing someone’s life is supremely rewarding.

I feel grateful for every opportunity I get to work with a new cleanser, but I must say that the most rewarding coaching relationship to date has been working with my husband Mike.  I waited years for him to come around to the idea of trying a 30 Day program.  I just knew that he would benefit, and aspects of his health that troubled him daily would improve by taking the products.  I urged him to try it but he just wasn’t open.  I watched him suffer, knowing that I had something that could help.

Many of my colleagues share the same experience – that those closest to them, the ones they want to help the most, are the most resistant to trying the products.  I’m so pleased that Mike finally decided it was his time to change, and that he trusted me to coach him through the process.

Here’s a video of his journey to health that we used to support his IsaBody Challenge submission:

Video not available

My patience in waiting for Mike to say YES was a good lesson for me, as a coach.  It simply has to be the right time for someone, in order to get a successful outcome.  When a person starts taking the product because they were forced or coerced to by a well-meaning friend or loved one… they often fail.  I will address that issue in a separate post – Healthy Mind-Set.

It is Mike’s hope that by sharing his journey of transformation, he can uplift and inspire others who are suffering, and who are ready for change.

weight-loss transformation

Mike at his goal weight of 220 lbs

In good health,
~kristi

 

 

 

© Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristi Bellis and Bluleaf Living with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.