7 Tips for Self-Inquiry and Gaining Inner Peace

by Remez Sasson -

There is a deeper consciousness inside everyone, hidden beneath layers of thoughts, feelings and desires. This consciousness is like a strong bulb of light, which covers upon covers of thoughts, feelings and desires hide. 

The purpose of self-inquiry is to remove the covers, let this bulb of light – this consciousness, shine unhindered.

After removing these covers hiding your “inner self”, your awareness and insight expands, and you experience happiness, bliss and inner peace.

You can compare this process to taking off the colored glasses, through which you see the world. This allows you to see life and reality as it is, without filters, leading you greater understanding about you and about life.

How do you remove the colored glasses? How do you remove the covers hiding your deeper consciousness – your essence? 

You do this by removing the layers upon layers of thoughts, beliefs, feelings and desires hiding your true self.

The process of removing the covers is called self-inquiry, and has been made available to the public through the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Below, you will find a simplified version of how to use self-inquiry.

7 Tips for Self-Inquiry and Gaining Inner Peace

1. Find a place where you can be alone and undisturbed for at least ten minutes.
2. Sit down comfortably and relax your mind and your body.
3. Calmly, watch your thoughts as they come and go.
4. As each thought enters your mind and claims your attention, ask yourself, to whom, does this thought belong, without using words and without thinking. The answer would come through your intuition.
5. Treat each thought with lack of interest and detachment and be careful not to follow it. Time and again, you might find yourself following your thoughts and forgetting what you intended to do. Your strongest ally should be your perseverance.
6. Don’t analyze your thoughts, just look at them with detachment, as if watching a boring movie.
7. Always bring your mind back to just watch your thoughts without getting involved with them.

The important point to remember while practicing self-inquiry is to detach yourself from your thoughts. 

Developing this attitude, would give you power over your thoughts and desires, and enabled you to silence your mind. 

This would lead to inner peace, awakening, and letting your “true self” shine unhindered by any sort of cover hiding it.

In time, if you repeat self-inquiry every day, you will discover that your mind is becoming quieter and producing less useless and restless thinking. 

The compulsion to think and follow every thought would decrease, and you will begin experiencing a sweet taste of inner peace in your everyday life.

Emotional Detachment For a Better Life - Discover the art of letting go and staying calm in all circumstances. Learn how to stop taking everything too personally and becoming upset by what people say and do. Click to learn more

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Being Gentle with Ourselves

by Madisyn Taylor -

So often we are sabotaging ourselves by being in our own way without even know we are doing so.

During those times when our lives are filled with what seems to be constant change and growth, it is important to remember that we need to be gentle with ourselves. 

Since it can be easy to use our energy to keep up with the momentum of our lives, we may not be aware of the fact that we are much more likely to run ourselves down. 

When things seem to be moving quickly, it is especially essential that we make a point to slow down and be gentle with ourselves.

Create Time for Self-Compassion

It might be difficult to notice what is happening to us for we may be so caught up in the whirlwind of our lives that we lose sight of the direction in which things are heading. 

Being gentle with ourselves doesn’t mean that we don’t accomplish things. Instead it means that we honor ourselves on an ongoing basis and take care of the needs of our bodies.

This means different things to different people. For instance, it could mean having a session with a healer; taking a remedy, herbs, or vitamins; or getting extra sleep. 

Putting our energy into ourselves in this way helps create space for a more positive, loving, and accepting view of our lives. 

By setting the intention to do so, we will be more cognizant of our energy levels on a daily basis and more able to replenish them as needed.

The more we are able to treat our bodies with gentleness, the more tenderness and compassion we will call forth into our lives. 

Learning to understand and pay attention to what our self needs will in turn allow us to fill our lives with unlimited loving and healing energy and to truly take care of the things that mean the most to us.

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Tips To Beat Stress When Your Life Is A Mess

by Debbie Hampton -

When you find yourself caught up in the middle of the frenzy in need of a break, what can you do? 

We all know the usuals: take a walk, a nap, a deep breath or exercise but here are a few pointers you might not have heard yet.  

Some you can even do right on the spot without anyone knowing.

TIPS TO BEAT STRESS

1. Roll your eyes up.

Closing your eyes and looking up kick-starts your brain's production of alpha waves, which are present in a relaxed state of awareness like when you day dream. 

It's the movement of the eyes that causes your brain to make alpha waves, so a quick glance at the ceiling could do wonders for your stress level, just make sure you're not rolling those eyes at your mother.

2. Take a whiff of citrus.

Researchers studying depression have found that citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a mood-affecting hormone. 

You can use the real thing or essential oils in a diffuser or burner.

3. Hold the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth.

Doing this connects the two "master meridians" that in turn control all the rest. They both begin in your perineum and run up the front and back of your body. 

According to traditional Chinese medicine, meridians are the channels through which your life energy, called "qi" or "chi," flows.

Placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth completes the "microcosmic circuit" allowing energy to move freely throughout your body. (An added plus is that you can't talk and say something you might regret later while doing this.)

4. Squeeze between your thumb and forefinger.

The fleshy part of your hand between your index finger and thumb is called the hoku spot in traditional Chinese medicine. 

Applying firm pressure there for just 30 seconds can help reduce stress and tension in your body. So if you start to feel overwhelmed by holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breath.

5. Spice it up.

Eating hot foods causes your brain to release endorphins, the natural neurochemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being.

6. Get busy with someone or by yourself.

In addition to boosting immunity, having sex can lower stress. Duo or solo, orgasms increase endorphins, your body's natural painkillers, and raise oxytocin levels, which promotes trust, relaxation and sound sleep.

7. Take a technology break.

Constant electronic buzzes and notifications give your brain bursts of adrenaline, keeping it on high alert. Not only is this exhausting, it also contributes to elevated stress levels. 

Turn your gadgets off and really be present in your current environment. Take the mindful stance of being an objective observer and you might even be able to see some humor in the madness.

8. Tap it out.

EFT is a brain/body/emotions reprogramming technique where you tap gently on different parts of the body with your fingertips while you repeat a phrase out loud and pay attention to your emotions. 

It's similar to acupuncture and acupressure in that it stimulates meridian points. Tapping is believed to increase the overall flow of chi by getting it unstuck from these points.

9. Eat a mango.

You might already know that mangoes are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

Did you know that mangoes also contain a lot of tryptophan, the precursor of the "happiness-hormone" serotonin and can help stabilize and elevate your mood? So eat up!

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How to Be Optimistic — Even at Rock Bottom

by Debbie Hampton -

After a suicide attempt, I was left seriously brain injured and lost custody of my two sons, who moved to a different state with their father.

As part of my emotional recovery in the years that followed, I HAD to consciously look for the good around me because there wasn’t any readily apparent anymore. Often, I had to get out my magnifying glass to find some, but good was always still there.

I just had to notice it.

The sun warming my cheeks as I walked the dog on a chilly morning; the silkiness of the cat’s fur as I scratched her rumbling chin with her curled up on my lap; a really good tune playing on my iPod were the smallest of joys, but smile-worthy nonetheless.

They made me feel a heck of a lot better than focusing on all the bad stuff.

Your brain has a natural negativity bias which means it constantly looks for, learns from, and holds onto anything it considers a danger or loss more intensely than anything that's neutral or pleasant

There's a good reason for this. Our ancestors were much more likely to live long enough to pass on their genes to a new generation by remembering a deadly predator's territory than remembering a sunny napping spot.

Look for the good and you'll find it.

This tendency to notice and remember the bad is just your brain protecting you. But it means your brain is always on guard, scanning the environment for danger. Bad trumps good every time.

The media takes advantage of this fact by blasting catastrophic, panic-inducing stories at us all day. Being on alert all the time leaves us overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious.

So, how do you find good, happiness, and joy when even your brain is against you? You have to intentionally look for, put emphasis on, and create good experiences.

Your brain doesn’t automatically recognize the good that is present in your life every day.

There’s no threat, no fear, nothing to make your brain take notice. (It doesn’t automatically note all the bad things that didn’t happen.)

Through a process called habituation, your brain filters out all the ho-hum things that don’t change, whether it’s the buzz of the refrigerator or the routine absence of disasters. While habituation is an efficient use of your neural resources, it causes you to miss a lot of the good.

By becoming mindful of the present moment, you can find the good that's already in your life and shift your perspective. Now, I'm not suggesting that you stick your head in the sand and deny the ugly stuff.

I'm telling you to give your attention and energy to the things that could yield a positive experience for you by finding good in your current setting, recent events, ongoing conditions, personal qualities, the past, and the lives of others.

Positive Momentum

You’re alive. You ate today. The sun is out. That trip to the beach with your friends last summer was epic. You ran this morning. You earned a college degree and scored that award at work last month.

These kinds of small, good things can help build positive momentum in your brain by allowing yourself to feel the glowing emotions and sensations that go with the thoughts.

Pleasant thoughts cause your brain to secrete good neurochemicals which means a happier, calmer you.

It’s important to follow through on any positive actions that occur to you along with the thoughts, like writing a note, making a phone call, or putting your hands on that award, to extend and internalize the good vibes.

Good things are all around you every minute of every day — you just have to start to notice them.

Even bad things often contain seeds of good experiences.

• What lessons did you learn? 
• Are you stronger for having had the experience? 
• What did you gain?

Sometimes, it's impossible to come up with anything good in the middle of a big mess. You might be in terrible pain, have suffered a tremendous loss, be buried deep in depression or in a total panic. That’s OK. That’s being human.

Have compassion for yourself, accept where you are, ride out the storm and look for the good when you can come up for air.

Noticing the good has become a way of life for me. 

It’s a choice, costs nothing, and I can do it anywhere at any time. 

Making a conscious effort to notice the good and internalizing it makes it easier for me to stay calm and positive, even in the middle of chaos.

Because neurons that fire together wire together, the practice of changing your focus and directing your attention to notice and internalize the good, actually changes the neuronal structure of your brain, through a process called neuroplasticity, helping to counter your brain's natural negativity bias and slant it in a more positive direction all the time.

Look for the good and you'll find it.

About Author: Debbie Hampton recovered from decades of unhealthy thinking and depression, a suicide attempt, and resulting brain injury to become an educational and inspirational writer. On her website, The Best Brain Possible, Debbie shares how she rebuilt her brain and life to find joy and thrive. She wants you to know that you can do it too! Or you can quickly learn the steps to build a better you in her book Beat Depression And Anxiety By Changing Your Brain with simple practices easy to implement in your daily life. Improve your brain, improve your life. Get daily inspiration and information by joining Debbie on Facebook.

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If Not Now, When?

by Lynn Banis PhD -

Are you holding back on doing something you want to do? Do you keep saying to yourself and others "I will do it when ___ happens"? Or, how about, "There will never be a good time to do it"? 

If you are talking like this I wonder what is going on? 

Presumably it is something you want to do but have you challenged that? 

• Do you really want to do it? 
• How badly do you want to do it? 
• If all of the obstacles you perceive were out of the way would you do it right now? 
• Why? 
• Why not?

My guess is that if you really want to do it you would have answered yes to the question above. 

If you still had reservations after all the obstacles were cleared away then either you don't want it all that much or something else is getting in the way. Do some personal digging to figure out what that is.

EXPLORATION IS IN ORDER

If you really want to do this thing then exploration is in order. 

Write down the answers to the following questions. 

• Why do you want to do it? 
• What will you get or have once you do it? 
• What will the benefits be? 

Create a clear vision of what it will be like once you have accomplished this thing. 

• Imagine what you will be doing, what you will be saying, what you will be hearing, tasting and smelling. 
• Imagine who else will be there and what they will be doing. 
• Make that picture in your mind panoramic. 
• Be in the picture rather than looking at it. 
• Make it colorful and bright. 
• How is that for you? 
• Is it as real as you can imagine? 
• What could you do to make it even better?

Stay in the imagined picture and look back at the path you took to get there. 

• What did you do? 
• What were the steps you took to get there? 
• What did you have to give up along the way to get there? 
• How important was that to you? 
• What did you bring with you from the past that is now a part of your picture? 
• How important is that to you? 
• What got in your way? 
• How did you overcome those things?

Now step out of the imagined picture and look at what you have written down. 

• What are the trends and themes? 
• What is already real? 
• What has to happen to make the rest real? 
• What are the steps you will take to accomplish what you want?

By now you should have cleared the way to make this happen. What are you waiting for?

Lynn Banis PhD, MCC is known as America's High Performance Coach. She specializes in helping women. executives and entrepreneurs make the most of their opportunities and potential. Her years of working with small and large businesses has given her a depth of knowledge that is invaluable to her clients. You can reach her at discoverypointcoaching.com or at her email address listed on the site. Also check out Lynn's other businesses: Coach Academy International, a cutting edge coach training company; and Turnkey Coaching Solutions, a coaching program management and contract coach staffing company. Contact me now to get the support you need to make your dreams come true: lynn@discoverypointcoaching.com. I look forward to working with you.

discoverypointcoaching.com

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Developing Skills for Understanding Other People

by Ruth Hill -

Empathy at Work:

Tom is a great accountant, but his 'people' skills hold him back. I can't see how he'll ever be promoted unless he does something about it.

Many of us know people who have reached a certain point in their careers because of excellent technical abilities – but they somehow don't get along with team members, because they're less accomplished in their people skills.

This might be due to the insensitive manner in which they ask co-workers for things, the way they never seem to listen to what others say, or their intolerance for other methods of working.

Do you have colleagues like Tom? Perhaps you are a bit like Tom, yourself?

Workers with poor people skills can often find themselves in the middle of unnecessary conflict. This can be exhausting and stressful for all concerned, and it can destroy even the best laid work plans.

Many people are confident that they can develop new technical skills and knowledge through training and experience.

However, there's a common belief that "you are how you are" when it comes to "soft" skills (interacting with other people) – and that there's little or nothing you can do about it. Fortunately, this is far from true. 

A great place to start improving your soft skills is by developing the ability to empathize with others.

What is Empathy?

Empathy is simply recognizing emotions in others, and being able to "put yourself in another person's shoes" – understanding the other person's perspective and reality.

To be empathic, you have to think beyond yourself and your own concerns.

Once you see beyond your own world, you'll realize that there's so much to discover and appreciate!

People who are accused of being egotistical and selfish or lacking perspective, have often missed the big picture: that they are only one person in a world with billions of other people (although, yes, this can be overwhelming if you think about it too long!)

If you've been called any of these things, then remind yourself that the world is full of other people and you can't escape their influence on your life.

It's far better to accept this and to decide to build relationships and understanding, rather than try to stand alone all of the time.

Using Empathy Effectively

To start using empathy more effectively, consider the following:

• Put aside your viewpoint, and try to see things from the other person's point of view.

When you do this, you'll realize that other people most likely aren't being evil, unkind, stubborn, or unreasonable – they're probably just reacting to the situation with the knowledge they have.

• Validate the other person's perspective.

Once you "see" why others believe what they believe, acknowledge it. Remember: acknowledgement does not always equal agreement. You can accept that people have different opinions from your own, and that they may have good reason to hold those opinions.

• Examine your attitude.

Are you more concerned with getting your way, winning, or being right? Or, is your priority to find a solution, build relationships, and accept others? Without an open mind and attitude, you probably won't have enough room for empathy.

• Listen to the entire message that the other person is trying to communicate.

1. Listen with your ears – what is being said, and what tone is being used?
2. Listen with your eyes – what is the person doing with his or her body while speaking?
3. Listen with your instincts – do you sense that the person is not communicating something important?
4. Listen with your heart – what do you think the other person feels?

• Ask what the other person would do. 

Practice these skills when you interact with people. You'll likely appear much more caring and approachable – simply because you increase your interest in what others think, feel, and experience. 

It's a great gift to be willing and able to see the world from a variety of perspectives – and it's a gift that you can use all of the time, in any situation. When in doubt, ask the person to explain his or her position.  

This is probably the simplest and most direct, way to understand the other person. However, it's probably the least used way to develop empathy. It's fine if you ask what the other person wants: you don't earn any "bonus points" for figuring it out on your own.  

For example, the boss who gives her young team members turkey vouchers for the holidays, when most of them don't even cook, is using her idea of a practical gift – not theirs.

More tips for an empathic conversation:

• Pay attention, physically and mentally, to what's happening.
• Listen carefully, and note the key words and phrases that people use.
• Respond encouragingly to the central message.
• Be flexible – prepare to change direction as the other person's thoughts and feelings also change.
• Look for cues that you're on target.

Developing an empathic approach is perhaps the most significant effort you can make toward improving your people skills. When you understand others, they'll probably want to understand you – and this is how you can start to build cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.

The Mind Tools site teaches you the skills you need for a happy and successful career and this is just one of many tools and resources that you'll find at Mind Tools. Subscribe to our free newsletter or join the Mind Tools Club and really supercharge your career!

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Five Fast Ways to Access Your Intuitive Guidance

  

by Michelle Casto -

Intuition is an incredible resource and gift that we have been given to help us live our best life. Unfortunately, not many people know what it is or how to use it. The word intuition means “in to you” in Latin. 

Florence Scovel, a theologian, once said, 

“Intuition is the spiritual faculty that doesn’t explain; it seemingly points the way.” 

It’s also been said that intuition is your divine Spirit talking to you. You have this very amazing power! And you don’t even have to get any special training to start using it.

All you need to do is raise your awareness about it and set your intention to harness it.

Intuitive messages range from an inkling to a strong sign or message. Your inner self is persistent and consistent.

It will keep trying to get your attention until you finally wise up! An inkling is like a glimmer or passing feeling/ thought that comes from somewhere inside and usually proceeds a hunch or intuitive message.

A “hunch” is accurate information from a higher intelligence; therefore, you can rely on it. 

An intuitive message ranges from hearing actual words, seeing a clear picture or a deep inner knowing. Some people experience intuition as a feeling, others a gut reaction, others will see images or have a dream, others hear an actual message.

Become familiar with how your inner self communicates with you. Once you receive the message, check it out with your research.

The best ways to get in touch with your intuition are:

1. Be quiet: Practice taking time out every day to experience silence. Calm your mind with traditional or active meditation. Release your need to think, analyze, and know everything. The best information comes from the deep recesses of your soul.
2. Be open: Open to the gift of intuition and accept what is has to tell you. Many times, our ego thinks it has it “all figured out,” but your true path may look very different than the one you are on. Being open to new possibilities and ways of living is key.
3. Be creative: There are many ways to be creative, painting, writing, dancing, designing a website, etc. Do something that helps you get into the “flow,” that place where time seems to fly by and the work is leading you. Creativity is an expression of your soul and goes hand-in-hand with intuitive guidance.
4. Ask questions: When you ask yourself questions, you gain additional insight and clarity. When you ask a question like “What is the next step I need to take?” know that you already know what you need to know. Trust yourself. You already have everything you need inside.
5. Journal: When you write, you tap into thoughts, feelings, ideas and direction that you are not consciously aware of. Writing allows the truth to come forth and is an easy way to gain insight from your inner self.

You can further develop your intuitive guidance by preparing yourself by gathering the necessary information and experiences to provide more of an opportunity for your intuition to surface. 

Intuition cannot be forced; you need to allow it.

After loading up your mind with information about the issue, give your intuition time to work on it. And then become open to the answer. You will likely experience an “Aha” moment, which is a moment of instant awareness, where the answer sprouts from “out of the blue.”

If you have an important decision to make and are not 100% sure about something happening, stop and think before making a decision. 

Usually this is your intuition trying to tell you that something is not quite right.

Likewise, if you feel that you should go for it, do it, so you don ’t miss a valuable opportunity. Intuition is your very own best friend. It is always there for you, and it waits patiently for you to be in communication.

Intuition will provide the best advice and all you have to do is ask! 

Like any good friendship, all it takes to nurture it is a little time and attention. If you decide to be close and intimate with your intuition, I promise that your life will transform into something wonderful.

More articles from Michelle Casto:

Calling Out the Critical Voices in your own Head
How to Clear Unwanted Emotions
Are You Blocking Your Bliss?
The Top 5 Fears that are Keeping You Stuck
Three Signs You Are Shifting to a Higher Consciousness

About Author: Michelle Casto is an Intuitive Career and Purpose Coach, Author and Expert Energetic Healer. Her practice is Rock Your Destiny and she has a worldwide clientele by phone and Skype. 

rockyourdestiny.biz

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14 Things You Will Learn from People Who Drive You Crazy

by Ikechi Awazie -

Do you know that there are things we can learn from people who drive us nuts?

It is true that no one likes to be associated with annoying people who would step on toes and push us to the wall. Nevertheless, these kind of people cause changes in our lives. They make us to grow. So what lessons can we learn from annoying people? 

Here are 14 lessons you can learn from people who drive you nuts:

1. Responsibility 

You become accountable. They make you responsible for your actions. You understand that you might not change them or even try and make them your project (If you do, they will drain your strength) but you can take charge of every situation (be it an argument) and be calm. 

2. Perseverance 

You are tired of the nagging and complaining but as time goes on, if you don’t give up to your attacking emotions. You will learn to develop an absorber; a tough skin that won’t be cracked by any form of pressure. 

3. Confidence 

When you are able to solve the problems of these kind of people, you will boost your confidence. If you can answer their presupposed difficult question, then plans become stronger. 

4. Focus 

You will learn not to be distracted by the baggage of these annoying people. You will focus on what matters and sometimes you would have to work with them just to achieve your goals. That’s focus. 

5. Creativity 

Dealing with humans takes a lot of ingenuity. If you can master how to deal with conflicts and promote productivity in a company or business working with different personality sets, then you are most treasured. 

6. Humility 

Annoying people do make you appreciate your uniqueness. You come to thank your stars that you are not in their shoes. 

7. Curious 

You will see things from different angles. You will never assume or argue without considering all the facts. You will understand what they perceive of themselves and they will make you better understand yourself. 

8. Love 

If you embrace love and see with its lens, then you will try to figure what makes them tick. You might discover that you sometimes might be annoying so with empathy, you are able to feel and understand what it means to be annoying. 

9. Appreciation 

You will learn that there is nothing crazy about being pushed to the wall. Yep! you sometimes must express yourself and there is beauty in being You. 

10. Self Control 

As revealed in #1, two wrongs don’t make a right. Life sometimes does not have to be a sprint. It is not about who is right or wrong so you will have to understand that you don’t try to use annoyance and relate with an annoying person; that just brings more rage. 

11. Tolerance 

There is supposedly a threshold in every man; you might want to discover your threshold or know to what extent you can sustain being calm and in control because in time you might be in charge of annoying people and trust me, you will be tested and tried. 

12. Being Open Minded 

The most successful leaders are those that are very flexible. Rather than make rash decisions, they are more open and not so pushy. They understand that relationship takes time to build and foster so they will rather build a relationship than demand authority. 

13. Inspire 

You will learn to either inspire people to greatness and productivity or inspire them to be angry, worn out, spent and uncooperative. It is your choice. 

14. Hate 

How sad when annoying people get to you. You will despise them and wish that they were never born or you can choose #8.

 

It’s Your Turn

What lessons did annoying people teach you? Are there any strategies that you have used to deal with such kind of people?

About Author: Ikechi Awazie - His blog will give you personal development tips that will help make a difference in your life. You will also learn about people who are an inspiration to their generation. You can add him on Twitter and Google+.

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