by Liz B | Feb 18, 2014 | Books, Products I Recommend
This book has been around a while, and it is by far the best self-help book I’ve ever read. I found out about it in high school from my psychology teacher, who made us purchase and read it in the class. It intrigued me at that time, just enough for me to want to read it again. And I did, now eight times over.
The book goes through the story of a college student and top gymnast who stumbles across a gas station where an old man works the night shift. The old man does enough to introduce the idea to Dan that there may be more to life than what he is currently living, just through his words and actions. The visit to the gas station awakens and triggers something in Dan – but at the time, Dan can’t put his finger on it. The old man ends up becoming Dan’s mentor and spiritual guide.
What’s so great about it is it takes eastern philosophical concepts and presents them in such a way that anybody can relate to. Part of the way it does this is that it doesn’t put the concepts and lessons in the book under any label, except for just general wisdom. This is good because it will allow more people to be receptive to its message instead of the message possibly being tainted by any pre-conceived notions of Eastern philosophies.
On top of that, it’s an easy read, and it’s really funny.
One important thing I learned about it is that at first the book may seem completely far-fetched, if you are new to spirituality and Eastern concepts. The more you learn about yourself and life though, and the more better you develop a spiritual connection, the more truth you see in the book.
For all these reasons and more this book has a special place in my heart!
P.S.–I hate to say it, but I did see the “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” movie too, but I personally don’t think it matches up to the book. It isn’t terrible, but I think all the goodies you can get out of this come from the book and not the movie.
by Liz B | Jan 14, 2014 | Breathing, Lifestyle
Perhaps the shortest simplest advice anyone could give for energy and health is: Remember to breathe and relax.
EXERCISE:
(1) If you are sitting down right now, please stand up, stretch for a moment, and then sit back down. Please do this now. And only AFTER you have done so, continue reading.
(2) Consider: As you were standing up, rising to your feet — were you breathing? Or were you momentarily suspending (holding) your breath? (Most likely you were holding your breath as you rose). And how about when you were sitting down? Are you aware whether you were breathing, or holding the breath?
(3) Please stand up, then sit down, again. But this time:
- Inhale your way up to your feet.
- Exhale your way back down to a sitting position.
- Do this for the rest of your life — and pay more and more attention to your breathing in the midst of everyday life.
Nearly everyone holds their breath at numerous times during the day — when pouring a liquid into a glass, posing for a photo, getting up out of a chair, or sitting down to the table, and many, many other occasions. So by remembering to breathe in a rhythmic, relaxed manner is key to energizing your body.
Walking and Rhythmic Breathing — Nature’s Best Exercise: Walking is one of nature’s best exercises and has myriad benefits. It is low impact, you can do it everyday for your entire life, and you already have all the skills and equipment needed. As George Trevelyan once said,”I have two doctors — my left leg and my right leg.”
Source: Excerpt from the online course: Master the Path of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. Available at http://www.dailyom.com
by Liz B | Jan 2, 2014 | Lifestyle, Self-Improvement
“Of the many factors that shape our lives — geographical location, family dynamics, resources and influence, beliefs, self-concept, support systems, motivation, relationships, luck, karma or fate — our sense of self-worth is the single most important determinant of the health, abundance, and joy we allow into our life.
To the degree we doubt our worthiness, we limit or sabotage our efforts, and undermine our relationships, finances or health. Ever wondered, for example, why so many young actors, who gain sudden wealth, fame, and celebrity, go on to self-destruct with drugs and erratic behavior? Or why many able-bodied people live on the streets, reduced to begging for spare change. Or why some people continue to accept abusive mates or undesirable work conditions?
Once we understand the lessons of self-worth, we are in a better position to help such people — but first we must help ourselves.
No one else can give you an improved sense of self worth. Self-worth comes from doing what is worthy.”
Source: Dan Millman, Mastering the Path of the Peaceful Warrior
by Liz B | Oct 24, 2013 | Lifestyle, Quotes
“Participants in my trainings sometimes ask, ‘I know what I need to do, but where do I find the discipline? How do I motivate myself?’ When people ask me how to do something, I remind them that they already know how; they are really asking, ‘What’s the easy way?’
On planet Earth, ‘easy’ is hard to find. Any accomplishment requires effort, courage and will; some goals involve more difficulty, others less. If we really go for what we want; we encounter one kind of difficulty; if we give up, we confront another kind. Either way, life is difficult.
Positive change of any kind requires that we climb higher, expand our awareness, focus, pay attention, and invest time and energy. Those of us who master change, or at least accept it, recognize the cold, clear realities. Those who haven’t yet accepted how the world works still look for the way way out, that magic formula that produces something for nothing.”
-Dan Millman, No Ordinary Moments
