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SELF-MASTERY |
For many of us self-mastery is an on-going
quest…for some it is sadly non-existent. The journey
at times is an uphill one, littered with unanswered
questions, frustrations and self-doubt. At other times
filled with joy, self satisfaction, courage and growth.
As we embark on a new year of hope, dreams, goals and
wishes I would like to share with you some ‘rituals’
that you may want to consider implementing in 2008.
Robin Sharma’s book ‘The Monk who sold his
Ferrari’ is one of the most powerful spiritual
books I’ve read and herewith some of his wisdom
to kick-start your year.
1. The Ritual of Solitude:
This is quite simply that your day
should include a mandatory period of peace and quiet.
The purpose of this is to give one the opportunity for
self renewal and balance – as Sharma says “a
pit-stop for the soul”. If possible it would be
best to practice this ritual at approximately the same
time every day as this ensures it becomes integrated
in your routine and then becomes a positive habit. Whether
this ritual is watching the sun rise or sun set, a walk,
quietly sitting outside in the early morning or evening
or whatever it is that can bring you solitude and silence
this will energise you and still the mind.
"There are
voices which we hear in solitude but they grow faint
and inaudible as we enter into the world."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson |
2. The Ritual of Physicality:
As you care for your body so you care
for your mind. Of the 168 hours in a week at least 5
hours should be invested in some form of physical activity.
Coupled with this is the importance of breathing more
effectively. By taking in more oxygen through proper
breathing one liberates ones energy reserves and enhances
vitality. The key to correct breathing is to allow the
tummy to move out slightly as one inhales. Every now
and then during the day take three deep breaths –
you will be surprised at the results.
"Those who think they
have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or
later have to find time for illness."
- Goodman Ace
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3. The Ritual of Abundant Knowledge:
Having abundant knowledge is becoming
a student of life. Knowledge is only potential power
– application of that knowledge is real power.
Investing in yourself and devoting time to your growth
and development is an essential ritual of life. Reading
fiction keeps one sane...reading non fiction keeps one
wise! Sharma says some books are meant to be tasted,
some chewed and others swallowed. Books generally don’t
teach us much that is new however help us to see what
is already within ourselves.
| "Resolve to edge in
a little reading every day, if it is but a single
sentence.
If you gain fifteen minutes a day, it will make
itself felt at the end of the year." - Horace
Mann |
4. The Ritual of Personal Reflection:
One needs to get into the habit of
personal introspection – of looking back on the
day and reflecting on what one could have done differently
and how. Benjamin Franklin every evening would reflect
on his day and consider his actions. Neville Goddard
calls this the ‘The Pruning Shears of Revision’.
He says in our reflection we need to recreate our day
as we would have liked it to be. This teaches us how
to do things differently in the future rather than make
the same mistakes and helps one along the road of self
mastery. We need to learn to stop blaming others for
our actions and choices and take more responsibility.
Sharma says far too many people suffer from the disease
‘Excusitas’! Do you?
"We visit others as a matter
of social obligation. How long is it since we have
visited ourselves?"
- Moris Adler |
5. The Ritual of Music:
Music is a universal language that
speaks to all of us and directly to the soul. It is
balm – it soothes, enlightens and uplifts. Music
has power; it moves and is a great motivator. It can
help one see things from a different point of view.
Create the ritual of listening to music everyday –
at home, in ones car… wherever – the results
too may be surprising.
| "Music washes away from
the soul the dust of everyday life." - Berthold
Auerbach |
6. The Ritual of the Spoken
Word:
Words affect the mind. We are so often
influenced by what people say to us and they are in
turn are influenced by what we say to them. More importantly
we are influenced by what we say to ourselves. We do
not always think before we speak. We need to be more
aware of the power of our words – not only to
others but to ourselves. Create the ritual of thinking
in positive terms about yourself and verbalise these
every day. Even create a mantra using whatever words
you would like to reinforce in your mind such as “I
am confident, successful and focused.”
"The word is not just
a sound or a written symbol.
The word is a force; it is the power you have
to express and communicate, to think
and thereby create the events of your life."
- Don Miguel Ruiz |
7. The Ritual of Simplicity:
Simplicity is not doing without –
it is less is more. So often we burden ourselves with
too much – in so many aspects of our life. We
analyse too much, complicate things when they need not
be, clutter our lives with unnecessary baggage and ‘stuff’.
We need to focus more on our priorities and not the
trivial….we need to become more aware of not living
‘in the thick of thin things.’
"In character, in manners,
in style, in all things, the supreme excellence
is simplicity."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
In your quest for self mastery - by
practising these rituals may your journey be easier,
lighter,
fulfilling and more rewarding. |
