GLOBAL FAMILY 1ღ COLLABORATING and COCREATING a LOVING,PEACEFUL, JUST and SUSTAINABLE WORLD.
Showing posts with label perspective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perspective. Show all posts

5 Ways To Ensure Your Vibration Stays High



by Filip Van Houte -

Once we attain our goals we feel fulfilled. Finally our dream has been achieved. But what do you notice ….
It slowly starts evaporating once we touch it. You want more, right? Newer, bigger, better, faster, different. That is our motto. Your mind constantly dangles a carrot in front of you with the promise of future satisfaction.
But as soon as you bite it, another one pops up that seems even more delicious than the first one.

The self-perpetuating play of chasing your desires and so the eternal search continues … If only we could keep that cherished feeling a bit longer.
How is it that we are never satisfied with what we have over a longer period of time?

Hedonistic adaptation
The answer lies in what in ‘hedonistic adaptation’. Hedonistic adaptation is the tendency of humans to quickly return to a relatively stable base level of happiness, despite major positive/negative events.
Hedonistic adaptation has an evolutionary origin. We humans adapt fast. That used to be a good thing.
Imagine yourself being thrown back to the cavemen –era, thrown in the wild with little protection and constant danger.

It was more useful then to pay attention to new things, stimuli and changes in the environment which could be potentially life-threatening.
It didn’t really pay off to only appreciate and reflect on the things you have and sit down in perfect bliss. That would NOT be an ideal strategy back then.
That’s why our brain is wired to focus on novel things and change in the environment and short-term strategies to survive.
Hedonistic adaptation has an upside (we can get over bad things quickly), but also a downside (but also the good things). 

It follows that appreciation, satisfaction and gratitude often doesn’t come automatically for us, but takes conscious effort. But why is this so?

Social comparison
Humans are social creatures. The rating your give your happiness is in large part made in comparison to others. Humans don’t have a set happiness point.
Suppose I give you two options:
a) I give you a raise of 300 dollars and your colleges 100 dollars or
b) I give you a raise of 400 dollars and your colleges 500 dollars.
Which one would you choose?
Well … the logical thing would be to choose for the last option. You actually earn more than in the first option.
But researchers have actually tested this and came to the conclusion that people are happier in the first scenario.

We compare ourselves to the average in our environment. You judge from the environment where you live right now.
We are happy … but in comparison to others.
This also explains why income inequality is a bigger predictor of unhappiness than the gross national product once a basic level of basic survival needs is reached.
So how can you make happiness last longer?


5 Ways To Keep Your Vibration High
1. Reflect on where you already are

If you reflect on good things that you have and gained, it automatically cultivates more optimism and a positive mood. 

You see the bigger picture and notice things that by now you have taken for granted. We start framing our reality in a new way.
It’s the same thing what a lot of painters do. They see the extraordinary in the ordinary. 

They bring forward elements and focus our attention on things that we normally don’t notice anymore, because we are used to it.

2. Look back at the progress you’ve made
We look at ourselves through the situation at the present moment.

The current standards and beliefs we hold. The goals we achieved and the progress we’ve made.
When you first start out lifting weights, you advance a lot. You quickly raise the bar higher.

You immediately notice the changes, feel good and proud about yourself.
But if you see yourself in the mirror each day …. you fail to notice the results. You’re thinking from the perspective of the person who you are right now, instead of the person who you’ve been. Although that person would be enormously grateful with how you look right now.
It takes an old friend who you haven’t seen for a while to realize how much you’ve changed. You are constantly pushing your limits.

Focusing on a new point and a new horizon. But you never look back to notice what you already achieved. We keep on looking forward … toward a future that never comes.
Change mostly comes gradually. Day by day, step by step. But if you take a step each day and do that over a long period of time, you’ve traveled a long way.
But to see that you have to pause and reflect on the growth you achieved and the lessons you learned along the way. You can see the beauty of the path that guides you along your hero’s journey.

3. Gratitude
Gratitude cultivates the act of appreciation. There is a lesson to be learned from everything. Every closed door opens a new door.
You need the bad to appreciate the good. Without that contrast you wouldn’t be able to judge experiences. There is no right belief. It comes down to choosing the most empowering beliefs that work for you, without hurting others.
Have gratitude towards others. You know how hard it is to give yourself gratitude. Imagine how you would feel when someone would give it to you.
When you start looking at life through that lens, life will have more meaning and possibilities. Problems can be viewed as obstacles … or challenges. How would you learn without making any mistake?
If we put our focus on what we do have, life doesn’t seem so bad. Shelter, tasty food and water, safety and a good health were once the things people prayed for. At the end of the day ask yourself the question ‘does this truly matter’?
Tip: Keep a gratitude journal. I write down the things I am grateful for just before I go to sleep. It brings peace to my day just before bedtime.
4. Celebrate

Celebrate the (small) victories you’ve made. 

Pause for a second. Let it sink in. Sit back and enjoy. 

You have finally realized what you want. Isn’t that a reason to be happy?
It’s time to give yourself some congratulations and throw a party with some friends.

5. Find variety and novelty in repetition
Humans are the only animals that are bored. Animals live in the present. Humans have the gift of self-consciousness with an ability to reflect on the past and the future.
To be happy, you have to find pleasure and variation in repetition. Because you easily get used to circumstances and activities it is very important to keep alternating them.
So you’ve got to use a timing that hinders habituation and to connect with the only moment that ever exists … the now.


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6 Practical Ways to Change the World For the Better





by Harleena Singh  -

I’ve often heard that there are many ways to change the world, but the question is – who will change it and why? Moreover, what’s wrong with the world as it is?
I know this question will come up in the minds of many people. Am I right?
Well, all I can say is that the world can be a better place, and if it can, then why not try for it – isn’t it? I mean a world without or with as few problems as possible. Some would still be least bothered to read this post because it’s about the world and not them.
That’s where they first need to change their way of thinking. As far as you’re living in the world, its problems are yours and you’re responsible for them in some way or the other.
Every individual needs to be concerned with the problems of the world, take initiative, and actively participate to solve them.
In reality, we’re so engrossed in our own lives and tuned to the world that everything appears to be normal and reasonable to us. We’ve become habituated to the problems that we face and have adjusted ourselves to things that we think we cannot change.
You might say that if you’ve opted to reconcile then why do I’ve a problem with that.
Well, that’s exactly the problem. Why should you reconcile and give up your right for a better life?
You need to reconsider your assumption that you cannot change the things and your world. In fact, the truth is that you’ve all the power to change your life and the life of others. The only thing you need to do is believe in yourself, and in the cause.
But first, let’s try to understand our world better.
“Remember, each one of us has the power to change the world. Just start thinking peace, and the message will spread quicker than you think.” --Yoko Ono

Why Do We Need to Change The World

If you look back in the past, you’d realize that the world had been plagued with problems umpteen number of times, but some or the other kind of change bailed it out.
There have been revolutions and renaissances to make the world a better place to live in, and remarkably, people like you brought them about.
Likewise, you too can find ways to change the world. However, most of you need to be convinced that the world needs a change.
I’ve listed out six major problems in the world, and I think each one of you is affected by at least one of the problems in your daily life.
As you read each problem, think if you’re affected by it and would you like it to be changed or resolved:
• Discrimination, racism, and lack of tolerance
• Increasing hatred, violence, and war
• Environment and natural resources degradation
• Epidemic of lifestyle diseases
• Poverty and decreased quality of life
• Abuse and crime against women
Our world is suffering from the above-mentioned problems and it’s not limited to just a handful of these. There are hosts of other problems that make it difficult for us to live happily and peacefully.
Now, don’t you think these are reasons enough to wake up?
If you agreed with any of these problems, then are you doing anything to resolve it – if not, then why not?
I realize that people living in the developed countries have less firsthand experience about most of these problems, and this could be a cause for their lack of involvement.
But I know of many of my friends living in the US and Europe who actively advocate and make efforts to bring a good change in the world.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” --Mahatma Gandhi
How to Change The World and Resolve Our Problems

What I’m getting at is that if we don’t force ourselves to solve our own problems, then who will?
Politicians? Government?
Yes, sure they can do a lot if they’ve the will, but those might just be the macroscopic solutions.
You can’t depend on them for your daily life harassment, problems, and sufferings. You need to take control of your own life.
As mentioned in the quote by Mahatma Gandhi, you need to “be the change” yourself that you wish to see in the world.

The change in the world starts with YOU!
If each person becomes responsible enough and takes steps to bring about a change, would it take long for the world to change? I don’t think so – do you?
Do you know that even one person can make a difference? Yes, YOU alone are enough and can make a huge difference.
There are many real life examples from around the world of people making a difference in the world all alone.
You can also do that if you follow these 6 ways.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -- Nelson Mandela


6 Ways to Change the World

It’s all about you. The change begins with you. You change yourself, you change your life, and so you help change the world. I’ve shortlisted six ways in which you can bring about change, and I’ve put them together into an acronym – I call it a SIMPLE change approach.
S – Change of Self-concept
I – Change of Intentions
M – Change of Mind
P – Change of Personality
L – Change of Lifestyle
E – Change of Emotions
It’s really simple, isn’t it?
“In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first.” --Jimi Hendrix

  • 1. Change Your Self-concept

Here, by self-concept I mean your beliefs and perceptions.
By changing these, you change your self-identity and self-perspective, and change what you think about yourself.
Start thinking about yourself in positive terms, and use positive affirmations to believe that you’re strong enough to lead a better life.
If you change the way you think about yourself, you’ll change the way you think about the world.
Change Tip 
Feel good about yourself and see the world with the same pair of eyes, then you’ll probably never think of discriminating people, nor of indulging in acts or thoughts of racism.

  • 2. Change Your Intentions

Intentions are the roots of your thoughts and actions.
If your intentions are good and helpful, your thoughts and actions will be accordingly good and helpful too. You’d then most likely not abuse anybody, nor commit crime against anyone.
“Never intentionally hurt others in any way” – this resolution will create a big impact and reduce the suffering in the world. With the positive change in your beliefs and perceptions, you’ll be more likely to have positive intentions that breed positivity.
Change Tip 
Always have good intentions, as the resulting actions and behavior are thoughtful and controlled, and they bring more power and value to whatever you say or do.

  • 3. Change Your Mind

I’ve written about the mind. It is responsible for your way of thinking, attitude, and outlook of life.
Once you change your mind in a positive way, you change your attitude of tolerance, discrimination, quality of life, and other aspects in favorable ways.
Tolerance is an attitude of the mind that implies non-judgmental acceptance of different lifestyles or beliefs.
Yes, tolerance is about recognizing and respecting the fact there are people of different cultures, religions, and races, and it’s okay accepting them as part of your world.
If you accept others, discrimination ends.
Change Tip 
Control and educate your mind to be happy and successful. You thereby increase your quality of life to satisfactory levels.

  • 4. Change Your Personality

By personality, I mean the personal characteristics or qualities of a person.
If you’re devoted to a good cause and determined to carry it out, you’ll undoubtedly change the world for the better.
Your perseverance and hard work will bring you closer to success, and help you overcome poverty or other miseries of life, if they exist.
It were the positive and strong personal qualities of Mahatma Gandhi that brought a change in him. Not only did his course of life change, but he was able to bring about a change in the world too.
Change Tip 
Be courageous and bring about a change. Be determined to seek justice, and be dedicated to making the world a better place to live in for the entire human race.

  • 5. Change Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle is your way of living. Your health and the earth’s condition depend on the kind of lifestyle you adopt in your life.
You need to educate yourself on the effects and repercussions of your lifestyle.
Think whether what you eat, wear, and use – cause damage to yourself or your surrounding environment.
Living a faulty lifestyle can lead to the misuse and extinction of the earth’s natural resources like water, forests, and increase toxicity as well.
Instead, you need to adopt an eco-active lifestyle and make efforts to save the resources.
Be careful of what you shop, reuse and recycle. Be less dependent on material comforts that use earth’s resources and produce toxic waste or pollution, and thus reduce your carbon footprint.
Be aware that your unhealthy lifestyle consisting of lack of good food, exercise, and proper routine can make you suffer from lifestyle diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and stress.
Change Tip 
Choose a lifestyle that keeps you mentally and physically healthy as well as upkeeps the natural resources and environment of the world.

  • 6. Change Your Emotions

Love is the strongest emotion that unites people in the world. Spread love through your words and actions.
If you’re kind and caring, you’ll develop gratitude and generosity towards others. As a result, there will be less hatred or other negative feelings wherever you go.
Activities based on love and harmony creates peace between people, communities, and countries. This overcomes aggression and violence, besides avoiding war.
Love is the cure of all problems. If you love yourself, you’ll love others; if you love others, you’ll love and accept their ways. And if you’re tolerant, then there will be peace all over.
Do something nice for somebody every day. Laugh, smile, be happy and remain thankful – you spread positive energy and emotions that way.
Change Tip 
Donate to charity, volunteer to help others in any big or small way, and engage yourself in random acts of kindness. You’ll be surprised to see the difference you can make to other peoples’ lives and the world this way.
Here’s a list of things you can do to change your world.
“It’s a philosophy of life. A practice. If you do this, something will change, what will change is that you will change, your life will change, and if you can change you, you can perhaps change the world.” --Vivienne Westwood
Can you remain positive, have good intentions, control your mind, be determined, live the right way, and be loving and helpful?
Well, this is in fact the crux of the SIMPLE ways to change the world, and it could be your contribution for the betterment of the world.
Remember that you as an individual are the units or building blocks of the community, society, country and the world. If the units or blocks change, the whole picture changes.
Positive change is never easy. It’s like flowing against the stream. But once you change, you find that it was worth the effort – it brings you more comfort and happiness.
After going through this post on making an attempt to change the world, are you courageous enough to take the initiative? Wouldn’t you like to be a part of a better world, and do something about it? So, let’s join hands to make this world a better place, for you, me, and everyone else. 
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” --Margaret Mead
Do you believe you can make a difference to the world? How do you think you can contribute to the betterment of the world? What are the other ways to change the world that you would suggest?

About Author: Harleena Singh is a positive thinker and a freelance writer. She loves to write inspiring and thought provoking posts on self-improvement, family, relationships, health, and other aspects of life. She's not another personal development guru, but just an average person with great life experiences. She's also a blogger, who loves to share her blogging knowledge and experiences. Network with her on TwitterFacebook, and Google+.

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Exploring Trust



by Jennie Griffin -

7 Heart-centered messages of Trust from a variety of perspectives:

Join our contributors as they journey into the world of Trust, visiting vulnerability and inner power along the way, touching on forgiveness and surrender, all the while exploring what it means to Trust.

The articles are divided into thematic groups (What is Trust?, Getting to Trust, Trust and Surrender plus The Gifts in Trust)  and within each, links are provided to both the author’s about page and directly to the article. courtesy of  thepowerofchange.me

What is Trust?
Martine Joseph examines wisdom found in A Course in Miracles. In her piece, Trust in What you Really Want, she outlines the six stages of Trust, and the gifts that come of allowing yourself to flow with each one. She reminds us, 
You can move beyond struggle, gain or loss. You Are the Light. You Are All of It! It’s time to extend and share who you are. Heaven is here!’
Getting to Trust
Roberta Fitzsimmons, with us from Roberta Relates, asks important questions about the level of trust you feel, and the root(s) of your perceptions. In her article, Question: To Trust Or Not To Trust? she poses a number of questions designed to move you towards a more trusting perspective. Why not ask yourself a few, such as,
‘What is the story I tell myself about trusting this person? Will I be ok if they reject me or my ideas? Am I able to trust without attachment to a specific outcome?’
Renee Avard, of Catch a Falling Star also looks at Trust from an internal perspective. She reminds us, in Listen to your Heart Whispers Before Making a Decision, that 
A bird does not rest itself on a branch counting on the branch to hold him up, he places his trust in himself that his wings would work and he would be able to fly and save himself. 
She asks us to fall in love with ourselves first and dive into the experience of trusting, reclaiming our power in the process.

Trust and Surrender
Lorraine Watson of Follow Your Light explores a twist of Trust where not trusting leads to more. Instead of asking ‘who do I trust’, the question ‘who am I being?’ opens up the space to see where our Inner Power has been given away. In her offering, Trust without Trust, she writes, 
‘Trust because you don’t have to. Allowing who you are within to flow full out is the greatest expression, and receipt of trust for all.’
Pamela Jorrick (ZestyMom) offers a piece called Learning to Leap, in which she discusses the sometimes frightening leaps of faith, and the level of trust involved in taking them. She writes, 
Everyone knows change is natural, but it’s also really uncomfortable, especially when you really have no freaking idea what’s next. Generally, I like to plan, analyze and ponder (and sometimes end up way overthinking things.) But I’m finding that sometimes, in uncharted waters, all that planning just stresses me out...’
Jenny has contributed a piece this month entitled Romancing Trust. In it she explores the idea of trust as an inherent quality of our divinity, if only we can find our way (back) to Source. She writes, 
What are we surrendering to, when we follow the path towards trust? Ourselves, and Source. We’re surrendering to the idea that separation is a fallacy that exists only in our minds, and that we are Divine representations of Oneness.’

The Gift(s) in Trust
Karen Riordan Palmer from Positively Pets and Kids looks at Trust through the lens of forgiveness. In Trust, the Ultimate Act of Forgiveness, she writes, 
It takes Trust to have the Faith to Forgive!‘ 
She writes of her journey through the patterns of abuse to healthier and more fulfilling relationships, which involved shifting into trust and forgiveness. At the end, she provides us with three steps she uses to move into a mindset of forgiveness.



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