Inhale- Exhale!

Inhale- Exhale!

© By Allen Merritt (2017)

I read something today worthy of sharing. Its declaration bares repeating, because it pacts a punch when you reflect on it. The statement infers that which you inhale you will also exhale. In other words, what you take in is also what you put out.

The first thing that comes to my mind in relation to this is the analogy of we are what we eat, which makes sense. If I stick to comfort, fried and completely processed foods, I will put on weight, have less energy and not always feel my best. I get it. I am a vegetarian so I understand how certain fruits and vegetables provide the nutrients, energy and protein necessary for a healthier output. I like feeling good. So the chances are, if I am inputting good content, then I am also contributing good content.

The same applies to the activities we choose to participate in. The strongest example of this I guess has to do with drugs and alcohol, which have led many an individual on a downhill spiral to despair and destructiveness, not to mention the negative impact it can have on others. It is something to think about. What are we feeding our spirit and soul and what effect does that have on anything or everything? Personally, I don’t like feeling bad and the idea of drinking to excess and getting sick over it is not appealing at all.

The second idea I get has to do with the concept of how we all breathe the same air and are in the same boat. If we recognize this, our perspective may change to consider more than our own selfish whims. What is in the air? What are we inhaling that could produce a negative impact on our well being. I suppose one could point to how second hand smoke and air pollution impacts health for many. Another thought is on how many times have you witnessed an angry person in a public situation? Did it have an effect that made you feel negative energy moving through you? There is this thing called cause and effect and we all live with it.

Buddhism also speaks to this concept when discussing zazen or meditation. Practitioners focus on breathing and mental exercises to reach a new state of being.

There seems to be an interesting dynamic or dichotomy taking place in the midst of such mindsets.

First, there is the self soothing that comes from breathing exercises where the mind focuses on breathing in healing energies and letting go of toxic ones. Eastern philosophy has always intrigued me this way. I feel its connection. The practice of mind over matter is a difficult one for most westerners to integrate with on a daily basis. But it has great benefits when achieved.

Secondly, there is also the exercise of inhaling goodness and also exhaling the same goodness back into the air we all breathe. (i.e. what you are breathing in you are also breathing out). In this way you are returning back what you took. You are giving back.

It’s like a ripple effect. The moment a wave begins on the other side of the world; we begin to feel it moving toward us. The impact of that wave will vary, but we feel it none the less.

I definitely see two sides of a coin here and both provide benefits to our positive well being.

I like to think I am making every effort I can to give back something positive in everything I do and every move I make albeit I may not always hit the nail on the head and fall a little short now and again.

I would like to challenge myself and everyone else to focus on this topic throughout the next week and beyond. If my body, mind, soul, spirit and senses are a temple, then what am I putting into that temple? How am I nourishing it? And just as importantly, what am I giving back as a result of what I am taking in?

I don’t know, a few habits might change or be broken by thinking about this very topic!

Use the following mantra in your breathing and meditation and see what becomes of it.

Breathe in the good

Breathe out the bad

As I breathe in goodness

Let me return the same

Enjoy living this week on a positive note!

Cheers!

Trying too Hard!

Trying too Hard!

© By Allen Merritt (2017)

Have you ever felt like something was standing in your way of finishing a task or in accomplishing a goal? Maybe you have experienced something as small as trying to remember where you last left your keys, wallet or even those glasses only to discover a little later the item was right where you would have expected it to be, right under your nose OR sitting up on top of your head (silly goose!).

If it were a snake it would have bit you, as my mother used to say.

Sometimes I think what stands in the way of finding or doing something is our ‘self.’

This may be the most common negative experience.

I can remember many a time when I put my wallet, keys or glasses in a different place then I normally would. Whenever this happens I have trouble finding them because I did not recall changing the routine. Then I get all worked up, running around like a chicken with my head cut off, backtracking trying to remember what I did or where I last saw the item. Usually, this is at an inconvenient time, because when it is time to go (somewhere), it is time to go! There is a sense of urgency in finding whatever it is I need (car keys-YES!) and I end up saying to myself, “I do not need this to be happening now.”

Some people are extremely organized. Others require zero structure, they simply abound freely and do whatever whenever. I think of myself as a person who has learned to compromise and live within the boundaries or organized chaos. That does not make it any easier to keep myself in a positive place at all times. Going with the flow isn’t easy folks!

In any case, the point I want to share today has to do with the idea of trying too hard in the midst of it all. I find that when I am having an uncertain or adrenaline heightened experience I have to slow down, take a breath or a break. Walk away for a minute. If I am working too hard to resolve or make something happen, it comes across as just that; 'trying too hard'. 

Positivity steps in when we relax, let go and allow the stream of consciousness to flow like a breath of fresh air. Suddenly, I remember where I last left the item and go right to it. Suddenly I solve the problem. Suddenly I figure out how to creatively advance the project and make it all work.Out of nowhere everything comes together as if I weren't even trying. Isn't that amazing?

Maybe it isn’t about “making” it work anyhow. I mean, forcing something to happen when it simply doesn’t want to work does nothing but create more chaos and negativity, right? Can we call this the 'fitting a round peg into a square whole theory'?

For me, I do try too hard from time to time. The result is like taking the long way home. It takes forever! Not to say that the scenic route isn’t beneficial once in a while, but doesn’t it feel good when you get it down pat and can efficiently and effectively complete what you are looking to achieve in the least amount of time without sacrificing quality? This is positivity, which leads to productivity!

So here’s my challenge for this week. If you find yourself in a position where you’re moving along too fast to figure it all out; you are scurrying around trying to remember where you placed something or you simply cannot figure out the best solution to accomplishing a task to meet a deadline or even if it feels like you are definitively trying too hard to make something work, stop a minute. Isn’t that why we need breaks at work? We need to free our brains and mindsets long enough to let them do their jobs. We let too many things grab our attention and clutter our space. And as I previously mentioned, we do this to ourselves as often as not. We stand in our own way and roadblock the issue.

Let this be the week we step out of our way and allow what will be ‘to be.’

May it be a productive week living on a positive note.

Have a Good One!

Cheers!

Becoming a Better Human!

Becoming a Better Human!

© By Allen Merritt (2017)

I went to class today and part of the discussion centered on what makes us happy and what we endeavor to do with ourselves. One specific comment caught my attention as I was listening to my coach. It was when he personalized the conversation by saying something to the effect that what makes him happy and what he was attuned to in the way of success was his efforts toward becoming a better human being. My immediate reaction was a smile followed by a verbal response of, “Good choice!” He in turn responded, “I know, right?”

This began with how he redefined the idea of the word ‘success’ and how it applies to daily life and as it relates to the question, “Am I Happy?”

It’s a good question; a really good question!

When was the last time you heard anyone ask you that question? Better yet, when was the last time you took a moment to ask yourself that question? Now may be a good time to stop and consider it.

Let me back up.

My monologue for class began with the question, “Are you happy?”

What followed was a conversation as if I was speaking to myself in the mirror. Here are some excerpts you may find inspiring toward opening up your mind and heart to more positivity and therefore focusing on becoming…yes, a better human being.

Am I happy?

Why are you asking?

No reason.

I don’t see what your question has to do with anything. 

And besides, who asks that kind of question anyway. 

No one! No one ever asks that question! 

No one cares. Not really.

Whoa! How real is that! (And I wrote the monologue!)

If you think about it, we are a society of human beings who may ask the questions: How are you? Are you happy? Doing okay? but nine times out of ten we do not want to hear the answer. These are considered courtesy questions you ask and do not want a reply for. Why? Too busy? Not interested? Don’t care? There may be many reasons for this, but somehow it has become accepted fare from day to day.

I suppose if we define our success (or lack thereof) based on other peoples response, we would not be successful. If we solely focus on what other people are saying or thinking about us we may lose sight of our purpose and what makes us happy (i.e. becoming a better human being).

Am I happy?

Sure! Why not?

I smile. I laugh, I tell jokes and have a good time. 

I may not be the life of the party, but I take in my fair share. 

Don’t you think?

No, don’t comment on that!

I guess you can’t confuse having a good time with being happy. Could you?

Wham! Bam! Boom!

Am I hitting some nails on the head? If we are too caught up in superficiality, we will not discover sustenance and remain unhappy at our core, which leads to nothing but negativity. Who needs or wants that (except those who choose to wallow in misery)?

So it’s a good question. If we want to better define ourselves and our success toward becoming better human beings, we must hit a few nails on the head. Ask the real and serious questions. Break everything down and redefine for ourselves what matters and what makes us really tick.

I think the monologue, class and our little encounter with what’s personal helps personify the need to always explore what is meaningful and make it applicable to daily living on a positive note.

I got all of this out of exploring the question “Am I happy?” and working on it in class.

Ultimately, toward the end of the piece I answered the question as realistically as I knew how.

Let me put it to you this way.

Am I happy?

I’m working on it.

What can I say?

I am a work in progress.

And there you have it. Face the reality. Open up to the possibilities. Live more positively as a result. Do not sweep it under the rug.

Are you happy? What defines your success? What means the most to you? How will you improve yourself? Will the choices you make point you in the direction of becoming a better human being OR, what others will tell you to be?

The challenge? Ask the questions. Answer the questions. Make your own decisions.

Here’s to another week of living life on a positive note.

Cheers!

Grace-FULL!

Grace-FULL!

© By Allen Merritt (2017)

I picked up a book* at the Seattle airport speaking about grace being greater in our lives. I was immediately drawn to the colorful blue cover. I am not finished with it yet, but I have truly enjoyed reading it. It touches a chord with me and sparks even more interest in the idea of filling my life with more of it (grace) on a daily basis. In fact, I often find myself including grace in my prayers and meditations proving how I find it a valuable asset. I am forever grateful for grace as it appears and shows up in my daily routine. Consequently, I choose to recognize it as a powerful and positive force worth pursuing.

In this simple little paperback I am offered many reminders on what grace is, as well as what it does. For me, grace offers us a chance to live more peaceably, because it grounds us in understanding important values and components of why we are here, what we are able to do and what we have to offer. It does so in such a way that I actually see it in action; by recognizing the living value in myself and others.

I believe in creating positive environments. The only way to do this is to be conscious and attentive to the every day and to our humanness. This includes our strengths, as well as our weaknesses. Grace allows me to do that.

My mother use to poke fun at my clumsiness as a child. If I tripped or took a misstep she would refer to me as “Grace” by saying something like, “Way to go, grace!” But what is grace really?

Grace by definition refers to the idea of refinement and favor. Grace is our ability to make things look easy even when they are hard, but it also is something bestowed upon us by the powers that be. Some may think of this as divine intervention and/or sanctification. I believe this is true, because every day things happen beyond my control, beyond imagination which verifies something greater happening in my life that moves me forward step by step.

I suppose one can discuss this topic at length and still there would be more to consider. But overall, I think one important element of grace has to be with how it gives us the ability to embrace our humanness and accept it in others. Through grace we are able to release guilt, find forgiveness, let go of fears, regrets, resentments, depressions, possibilities of vengeance and other  negative whatnots too numerous to mention. It aides us in understanding how life is not all about ‘self’ and yet simultaneously allows us to look to and at our ‘self’ and find it; be motivated by it. I think grace helps us discover more of who and whose we are. It acts as a mirror, as well as a window to see such grace in others. Thusly, it takes the sting out of chaos.

Why is this important?

Because recognizing grace in motion opens us up to more possibilities in each moment.

Some examples of grace in motion might include, “There but by the grace of God go I” and “Keeping in good graces.” Both statements resemble one another in that they suggest keeping things on a good note. To me, that is as positive as it can get. Grace serves to promote our health and well being.

Grace allows us to live life on a positive note by filling us with more possibilities, more hope and more love for ourselves with plenty more to offer everyone else we come into contact with.

I hope this week will find all of us seeking out more grace and making it a greater part of who we are. More importantly, I trust we will find those moments where we recognize grace in motion and it puts a smile on our face and in our heart.

Will you prepare to be filled with such grace?

Will you be grace-FULL?

Here’s to another week of living life on a positive note!

Have a Good day!

Cheers!

*Inspired by Grace is Greater by Kyle Idelman

From Grey To Blue Skies

From Grey To Blue Skies

by Allen Merritt (2017)

As I write today I'm sitting outside on a little patio. It's a beautiful sunny day and the sky is blue. I'm looking out across desert landscape and there are several small critters: butterflies, bugs, hummingbirds, rabbits, geckos and chipmunk/prairie dogs. It's a refreshing change after flying into Arizona yesterday from cold and wet Seattle.

It's interesting when you think of how grey skies can effect how you feel about the day, especially if that grey is ongoing for several days in a row. I'm a sunshine person. I know for a fact weather has an impact on my mood and how I feel about the day, as well as my life as a whole. 

So today I want to talk about how the world effects and impacts our daily living; and how we make the most of the day by taking advantage of opportunities to see more than what is really there...beyond the clouds. And, I just want to share what that is for me. If it helps other people have more of a positive attitude toward their daily living, than I'm happy to share. How do you put yourself in a position where you are at your best, as well as your happiest when skies appear grey?

For me it starts with waking up to a beautiful day.

What is a beautiful day?

For me, it is comfortable weather where I can go out and explore.  If I can get out in the morning, go for a walk or a run and take care of myself, than I am most definitely off to a positive start. Then I can carry on that healthy attitude for the rest of the day. 

There's nothing like hearing the birds sing when you wake up in the morning, enjoy a little peace and quiet or a little alone time with yourself. Of course that doesn't mean that when the rain does come and the clouds fill the sky you can't have a good day. It simply means you don't want to be inhibited by it all the time. So self-awareness is a big step toward having a happy day. I see this as the chance to take a break and drink in the sunshine, whether it's actual sunshine or a figurative sunshine emanating from your soul.

We need to give ourselves a break. We need to take care of ourselves. In fact, I saw a sign on the train to the airport yesterday that said just that. “Take care of yourself.” And the truth is if we're broken people in our everyday then how can we be helpful to other people or inspire other people to have any better of a day. So take care of yourself and then you might be able to help others by being their inspiration. It makes sense if you think about it.

Taking care to take care also gives us an opportunity to recognize that there's more to life than just what we're doing. You get out and about, you experience the world for what it has to offer and you recognize each day as beautiful. Is today a beautiful day for you? Some people thrive in a cooler wet environment. Where do you fit in and what are your preferences? Maybe grey skies equals a blue sky to you! If so, that is your beautiful day.

Maybe the idea of cultivating positivity toward making each day worthwhile starts with understanding more about what you are attending to. Where is your focus? What are paying attention to?

We all have busy lives, things to do and things that were put in the middle of that take us away from our true self.

Let’s not do that today! Today I just want to remind everyone including myself how important it is to step away for just a moment and to figure out where you're at. Take stock in it. How has your week been? Has it been blue skies and sunshine? What kind of crazy things have happened and what kind of lessons are there for which to learn from? Are the choices we're making and the decisions were making good ones?  Are there moments we need to open up our eyes to and discover better ways for which to navigate through? 

In the end it doesn't matter where we are or what kind of weather we're having nor what the environment is. It's where our heart, mind, soul and spirit rests while we're within that environment even if it's just for a short time. 

If you make the most of where you are, then you can move on from there. That's where positivity steps in. After all, not every day is going to be actual blue skies and sunshine. I can attest to that because over the last week I rode a roller coaster of a ride dipping through grey skies and rain; from cold to blue skies; to sunshine and warmth. Within one week I've experienced drastic changes. It affects who I am as a person and it puts me in a position of making decisions and choices which may be a little different than what I would normally choose. However, they are still part of who I am.

I still promote being the best person I can possibly be in the midst of making those choices or being in those environments. I think that's one key element in staying positive: recognizing who you are in the midst of everything. Recognizing that you're trying to DO the best you can, trying to BE the best you can and staying on top of being positive.

It's a journey. Will your journey be positive? Or will you choose to just wallow in misery? How would you respond, that is the question?

Not sure if I am making any sense this week, but I am aiming for more blue skies in the midst of it all! Won't you do the same?

Go out and have a great week...on a positive note.

Cheers!