"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
Week 3: Determination
Today, on this 20th day of your path toward change, please remember the power that brought you here is also the power that will lead you to success: hope.
Hope does not require you to be unrealistic. Hope does not ask you to ignore your obstacles. Instead hope is a tool for seeing circumstances as they are and accepting them, and, at the same time, acknowledging their potential.
Hope is such a strong motivator, because it touches the infinite power within you.
A powerful tool for change, hope is like a ray of sunlight appearing in a dark forest. Hope reminds you that your current circumstances are temporary. Hope represents some element of what you seek that has been with you all along. Are you having trouble seeing it? The best way to uncover it is with gratitude.
Writing Meditation
In your notebook, or on a fresh sheet of paper beside you, write down everything that you are grateful for at this moment. You may have 100 things, 30 things or 10 things on your list; just be sure that you are allowing all the things you are grateful for to come to the center of your attention.
Sit
Find a nice quiet place to sit. Whether on the floor or in a chair, it doesn't matter. Keep your spine straight, especially your lower back. Relax your shoulders.
Visualize
In your mind, review all of the things you have written on your gratitude list. How do they look, taste, sound, smell? Allow yourself to remember or imagine the sensations.
Breathe
Relax your shoulders and take a deep breath into your abdomen. Exhale through your mouth until you empty out your lungs. With each out breath, say "thank you" to or for every item on your gratitude list. Keep calling up each one with gratitude as you exhale. Say “thank you.”
You may repeat some items many times. That’s ok. Say “thank you.” Keep doing this for 2 minutes.
Stretch
Take a deep breath and open your arms wide, open your palms. Exhale and let your hands fall toward your chest. Repeat two more times, really stretching the palms.
Affirm
With your arms open wide, look upward and say this affirmation:
"I am open to positive thoughts about myself and about my future. My life has infinite possibilities for peace and joy!"
Get the motivation and inspiration to stay on track with your personal goals by taking the
2014 New Year’s Resolution Challenge!
Important Practice Tips
In just 21 days, you can unlock your hidden potential and transform your habits for a more fulfilled life. With a simple combination of daily inspiration, meditation, breathing exercises and affirmations, you can achieve your goals and create the life you really want.
Try to meditate at the same time every day:
Please remember that meditation involves your body and mind. Both will respond best to a consistent practice at a regular time. You will have better results if you do this around the same time every day.
Be patient with the healing process:
These 21 days will be process of self-healing. The healing process means that some emotional items you identify and release may seem to intensify as you are releasing them.
Also, there may be subtle physical reactions to the emotional release such as unexpected exhaustion or mild achiness.
This message is not intended as medical advice, so please consult your healthcare practitioner with any health concerns.