In The Zone

"Wow – what an amazing film!” My first words after seeing the powerful and visually stunning film, Avatar, in 3D. The movie was so powerful on many levels—working through physical, emotional and spiritual planes. I was totally engaged. In fact, it took me about 30 minutes to come back to my “reality”.

That feeling of engagement is when you are connected to the energy inside you—the feeling of being fully present and balanced... whether induced by a film, book, or even just a conversation with a good friend or loved one. When you are engaged you are immersed. Being in this state is often termed concentration, but it can also be considered bliss, flow, or what is commonly referred to as being “in the zone”. You do it all the time, but you probably didn’t consciously realize it.

Now you can choose to be engaged in negative or positive energy. Connecting with negative feelings will bring more negative energy, so rather than ignore negative things simply acknowledge them but refuse to play. Avoid negativity by turning your focus to those things (and people!) that are positive and nourishing. Keep your zone clear!

So let’s focus on positive zones. What types are there? If you happen to be drawing, painting, writing, or building something you might be in the Creative Zone. So what about some of the others?

·       Cleaning Zone: How many times do you get the inspiration to clean and suddenly find yourself cleaning a closet, rearranging an entire room, or scrubbing the crusted food off your stovetop? It may help you to be inspired by playing your favorite music or wearing your favorite shirt, but you are definitely engaged in the activity. Suddenly, cleaning is fun and you’re being productive at the same time. Bonus!

·       Reading Zone: You happen to pick up a book, magazine, or newspaper, and you are suddenly drawn into the story or articles. You can feel the emotions, identify with the people/characters, and almost feel the environment surrounding the events of which you are reading. The words seem to transform your current state of consciousness and you "lose yourself". This temporary escape can be fascinating and help you to take a much-needed break. Try it!

·       Spiritual Zone: Often referred to as a state of meditation or deep relaxation, you can detach from your physical and mental forms (body & mind) in order to reconnect with your soul (spirit). In this zone ideas come and go freely, and there is no judgment—it’s all good. With practice it’s quite easy to enter this zone through Deep Breathing, Yoga, Tai Chi, Rebirthing, Guided Meditation, Hypnosis, or Bodywork (including massage, Reiki, and healing touch). Being in the spiritual zone helps put your energy back into alignment, and alignment assist you with your passion and purpose.

·       Physical Zone: Have you ever been completely unmotivated to perform a certain task (i.e., mow the lawn), but once you got off your rear, started moving, and “just did it” you realized your body’s natural energy started to increase? As your blood warms your muscles you naturally begin to emit more energy and you start becoming “energized”. Pretty soon you have forgotten about everything except for mowing that lawn! It’s awesome. Exercise also induces this state of flow, especially when you add your favorite music :o) Remember: when you respond to your body, your body responds to you.

·       Musical Zone: Have you ever been swept away by tranquil classical music or instantly transported back in time by listening to a song? Then you've experience the Musical Zone. Music connects with the spiritual energy inside us and helps to create whatever feeling you need at the moment. In fact, melody and words can transform your mood and take you to a "different" place. It's very powerful.

Now there are other zones but my point is that entering into the zone—any zone—can stimulate your creativity, energize you, and refuel your tank. The most important thing is to get in the zone! Allow yourself to be immersed and feel the positive charge it can bring. And, above all else, have FUN.

Make it a great day,

The Ambassador

Common Relationship Myths

Relationships are an essential part of our life experience. Through relationships we learn to heal, grow, and find the reflections of our best selves in the those around us. As I pondered about the purpose of romantic relationships recently I thought I'd share some common myths.

1. You Only Get One Person; One Love (or there is only one person out there for you)

If this was true then you would still be with your second grade crush (and maybe you are)! However, this is one of the greatest myths that causes so many relationships to turn bitter, ugly, and sour, or keeps people together despite the fact that they are miserable. You don’t only get “one” person… you choose one person to be with at the time in your life where that relationship with them is loving, fulfilling, and purposeful. Life is in constant motion, and since life constantly changes, you also change. In a relationship as you change individually, you also have the opportunity to change together--in so, you also make a choice. You can continue to choose the same person over and over again but you are not obligated to stay in any relationship that’s not adding to your growth. Healthy relationships are always about freedom, not obligation. If your relationship is starting to crack, look at where you need to be more flexible, loving, and understanding. Communication is key here: listen to one another, ask for what you need, be respectful, and always keep both of your best interests in mind. Relationships are, indeed, a two-way street!

2. "I’ve Had a Tough Life—A Relationship Will Help Heal My Wounds"

Good luck with that! Relationships will bring up everything in your life that is unhealed or broken about you (emotionally or spiritually) but you do not want to use your relationship/partner to heal you—this is something you need to do for yourself. If you rely on your partner to fix you, then you’ve not taken responsibility for yourself and when you are eventually unhappy you will blame them for “not doing it right”.

3. Being In A Relationship is Better Than Being Alone

Not if it’s a bad relationship! Remember that relationships are meant for you to connect with another spirit in order to understand more about yourself. If you are using a relationship to mask loneliness, which is based in fear, your relationship will allow you to forget your loneliness temporarily, but loneliness will still be there. Also, if you are in a bad relationship that is not helping you grow, you cannot attract a good relationship since you already have that vacancy filled!

4. In Relationships, Opposites Attract

Yes, they may attract at first, but they rarely sustain. Having different qualities in one another can certainly be appealing—especially when you first meeting someone, but in the long run you will need to find more common ground on which to walk together. Use your differences to teach one another more about the sides of yourselves you’ve yet to explore and use your relationship to help each other grow. Just be sure to focus on your differences as strengths and whether you agree or not, always be respectful.

5. "I’ve Tried Being In Relationships Before, But I Always Seem To Mess Things Up."

You will get what you intend. Examine what you went into the relationship for in the first place—was it to fill a void in your life? Have someone to take care of? You will need to find peace with yourself before you go into relationship or you will find yourself attempting to deal with your own personal problems through your partner, making your problems theirs or vice versa. Develop a relationship with yourself before going into a relationship with another. Find peace with yourself, your past, and your decisions. Also, if you believe that you will “mess up” a relationship, then you will automatically program yourself into “sabotage-mode” and in time the relationship will, indeed, fail—it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Set your course for success! Believe that you deserve and will have a positive, loving relationship.

Make this springtime about creating healthy and happy relationships in your life. Happy Spring!

Namaste.

The Ambassador of Goodwill