All things are created twice … first in your mind and then in the physical world. (Anonymous)
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. (Dr. Wayne Dyer)
For things to change, you must change. (Jim Rohn)
To change your results, change your focus. (Tony Robbins)
I hope you have joined me with a cup of your favorite beverage and are ready to reflect deeply and contemplate the power of these quotes. I open with these questions because it has become very evident through my recent studies on inner well-being that our bodies have an innate ability to heal.
What does this mean for you and me? Well, sit down and let’s explore this together for the next few moments.
First, let’s define a couple of keywords. When I refer to “internal” or “innate”, I define it as intuitive, natural, God-given. Webster’s Online Dictionary defines innate as “belonging to the essential nature of something” and “that (which is) part of one’s inner essential nature.” A wonderful definition of Well-being that I recently came across reads as follows: “Well-being ….. is a lens through which to view the world, it is a philosophical view that (allows) the body-mind-spirit (to be) innately intelligent, self-healing and self-regulating. ” (Dr. J. Chestnut, DC “Innate Diet and Natural Hygiene”).
If Inner Well-Being is a valuable element that we strive for, how do we consistently bring it into our lives?
Consider the statement “The past does not have to equal the future.” If you are faced with a situation in your life that has resulted in poor health, and you are challenged by loss of energy, what would it be worth to you to know for sure that wherever you choose to put your focus, this is exactly where you will see results? Know for sure that you could change the outcome of this situation with a little effort and responsibility for the decisions you have made? What do you think about putting your attention on something, to change your results?
The best illustration of this concept is to take a look at the goal setting and intention setting process. Most of us have heard of SMART goal setting – that is, the goals should be:
o Specific
or measurable
o Achievable
o Realistic in time frame
o Supported team
Staying committed to a goal requires determination and the willingness to adjust your sails if you need to find a better way. Recognize that creating and maintaining Inner Well-Being is about creating a place of inner peace and doing so with concentration and mental awareness. However, expect things to ebb and flow in life, however, when you CHOOSE to focus on being in good health, that is definitely where you will see the results.
In his book “There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem,” one of my favorite authors, Dr. Wayne Dyer writes, “All healing is a return to wholeness. Your thoughts have a lot to do with this healing process. Your thoughts y Low energy patterns can activate an ulcer (or create healing). I mean unequivocally that the intelligence that inhabits your body will become whatever you project it to be. It will create a healthy or unhealthy body, depending on how you decide to use your mind … Make your mind vigorous, loving, healthy and positive and your body will respond accordingly. “
Good advice! So how do we put these concepts into practice?
First: instead of spending inexhaustible and wasted energy asking the question WHY? Because I? Because right now? Why is this happening? focus your attention on asking these more enriching questions:
– What do I want? (Priorities)
– What do I need to have / be / do?
– What have I tried already?
– What’s stopping me?
– Who can support me?
When you choose to focus on creating SOLUTIONS rather than on the problem itself, a couple of things tend to happen:
1. The size of the problem often decreases because there is a better perspective and a “bigger picture” attitude toward how this situation fits into the framework of your life.
2. Solutions that you hadn’t considered before start to show up, gain momentum, and there’s a strong sense of POSSIBILITY.
When options and possibilities become your habitual response, it is in this inner space within your heart and mind that the excitement of the available options allows you to create and build Inner Wellbeing.
Second: Do a little “self-assessment”: How often have you stopped to pat yourself on the back and reminisce about all the wonderful things you have done, become, and accomplished in your life? How have you served your neighborhood or community? Positive encouragement and reflection on all that has contributed to someone else’s life is a great encouragement to “rise” to a place of wonderful Inner Well-being.
Third: Recognize that life is nothing more than a “problem”, and no matter how long we are blessed in this life, there will always be a wish that we had more time … So honor your life priorities … Any anything that is deep, rich, and meaningful needs your utmost concentration and effort.
Finally: Answer these questions:
– How can you use your current situation to squeeze more “juice” out of life?
– What life experiences have you had that really impacted you?
– What is your “life legacy” ~ what do you want to be remembered for?
May a blessed life of inner well-being, wisdom and peace continue to walk.