7 Lessons to Live By in 2013

7 Lessons to Live by in 2013

Lesson #1: Overcoming Fear

They say the best way to learn something is to dive right into it. Be prepared to fail but this is how we learn. Only those who are asleep make no mistakes. If we stay aligned to truth then fear will have no choice but to fade away.

Action: Make a list of those things you fear and then plan to take on one of those fears each day.

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lesson #2: Intention & Desire

Our thoughts determine our reality. When we stop thinking about what we don’t want and begin thinking about what we do want, our lives begin to transform. Instead of working against our desires and intentions, we move into alignment with them.

Action: Create a list of your intentions and desires. Wherever you go, take this list with you. Read it when you wake up and before you go to sleep.

 All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.”- Guatama Buddha

Lesson #3: Happiness

Happiness comes from an inner peace, understanding and acceptance of life; a perspective of truth that opens your eyes to the beauty of life all around us. Happiness cannot be achieved by external status, it must be an internal state that we realize when we see our innate perfection.

Action: Realize that happiness is a choice. In every decision you make ask yourself “how can I respond to make myself happy and fulfilled?”

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Lesson #4: Self Acceptance

When we stop trying to be what we are not, we realize our authenticity. Before we had knowledge, we were completely authentic. We learn to use knowledge to measure and judge, which is a powerful tool we have as humans. However we create an image of perfection in our mind of what we should be, but are not. We confuse knowledge for nature. We believe in the lie of our imperfection. When we realize this we can reclaim the truth of our perfection and live in love and acceptance.

Action: Make a commitment to never go against yourself. Practice non-judgment of self and others.

“If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” – Jesus

Lesson #5: Appreciation & Gratitude

How many times do we count our misfortunes rather than our blessings? When we take time to open our eyes to the miracle of life we can see the many gifts that have been given to us. Remembering all the wonderful aspects of life and all the reasons you are blessed can immediately shift our mood. We can move from sorrow and despair to appreciation and hope.

Action: Each time you find yourself complaining about something, re-direct your focus to something you are grateful for. Make a habit of transforming your awareness of troubles into an awareness of abundance.

“So much has been given to me, I have not time to ponder over that which has been denied.”
– Helen Keller

Lesson #6: Simplicity

Perfection is not when there is nothing to add, but when there is nothing more to take away. As Bruce Lee once said “the height of cultivation always runs to simplicity.” True mastery of our lives is realizing the simple joys of life, removing distractions and clutter from our lives.

Action: The art of simplicity is knowing what to take away. Recognize when you are spending time on unimportant things, then shift your focus to important things.

“I made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it short.”
– Blaise Pascal

Lesson #7: Realizing your Dreams

In order for us to achieve our dreams we need to know what they are. Writing down exactly what it is that you would like to achieve in life is a geat starting point. Then try breaking it down into smaller parts or something you can do each day to bring yourself closer to your dream. VIsualizing it coming to fruition is a wonderful step in the right direction.

Action: Create a vision board or whatever motivates you to move towards your dream everyday.

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
– Lawrence J. Peter

Namaste,

Mary Jane Feng Shui Master & Yogi