Identity versus Purpose

Carl Jung wrote: "I am not what happens to me.  I choose who I become".  Many people find at times they struggle with their purpose in life, while others struggle to understand their true identity.  Therefore, it can be helpful to attempt to tackle both scenarios at the same time.  Thich Nhat Hahn said, "Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet", and Hellen Keller wrote, "We would never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world".  Today, try finding a way to bring awareness to the beauty of seeking purpose in life while also opening to the nature of our true self.

How to give yourself a little peace TODAY!

So Christmas is done and now we have one more holiday to get through!  New Year's Eve may not be a big deal for you, but it is an excellent time for reflection and planning.  It can also be a wonderful time to have fun and create peace for ourselves! To help create some peace for your life today (and any other time you pause to do this), try reciting this mantra: 

May I be safe-May I be happy-May I be healthy-May I be at peace.

Repeat this as many times as necessary and in as many situations as you want!  This type of mantra is designed for promoting relaxation and focused attention at the same time... Two things we all could use more of! 

So enjoy the last few days of 2015, and let's all try to bring in the New Year with more peace and happiness for ourselves and those around us! 

It's Holiday Time!

It may just seem like we are counting down to Christmas, but it's easy to overlook that we are in the final month of 2015!  Try to make the most of it while you can... that's the one thing we can never get back is TIME.  So, while enjoying prepping for the holidays, try and find some time to reflect on this year; try to find time to be fully aware and present with your spouse, family, children, friends, coworkers; try and enjoy each and every moment you have, for this is all we have.  Buddha wrote, "We are what we think.  All that we are arises with our thoughts.  With our thoughts, we make the world".  What good can you do with your thoughts today?

Countdown to Christmas

OMG! It's ALMOST October!!

With the days getting shorter, and the official start of Fall, this is a time of year where many people experience a shift in their mood.  Not to worry... because many people struggle with this, we have MANY ways to assist in maintaining healthy emotional balance!  Here are some suggestions:
-  Make sure to get some sunlight EVERYDAY-15 minutes is ideal.  This can be opening your blinds at home or work or sitting outside to check your email/do homework.
-  Don't forget to EXERCISE!  Remember: exercising actually CREATES more energy!
-  Ensure to eat well-balanced meals: with the arrival of Fall comes the arrival of many Fall harvest items.  Get creative and try a new Fall recipe!
-  Meditation anyone?  Try to incorporate mindfulness or guided mediation each and every day!  Struggling with inspiration?  Here are some good websites to help you start being more mindful everyday: http://www.wildmind.org/meditation   
http://www.pocketmindfulness.com/6-mindfulness-exercises-you-can-try-today/    http://www.the-guided-meditation-site.com/mindfulness-exercises.html

Shifting mood... that's okay!  With these suggestions, you'll be able to prevent your mood from sinking any lower.  If you're still struggling, know we are always here to help.  We'd welcome the chance to create an individualized treatment plan for you!  Call us today!  970.682.8844.  

Enjoying this heat??

It's August and here in Colorado, we have been experiencing some pretty hot days!  This can make some pretty energized to get out and do summer things, while for others, this heat can be miserable!  Whatever side you fall on, the question is: Have you fully enjoyed this summer?  If so, that's GREAT!  If not, then now is the time to get creative in doing things to promote your emotional well-being!!  Here are some ideas: play in a sprinkler; read a new book; Go to the pool; go the lake; get up in the high country; go to a museum; see a movie (or 3); work on a house project; rearrange a favorite room; try cooking something new; play crochet; go to the river; play disc golf; go listen to a live show; adventure to a town you've never been; watch the sunrise/sunset; eat ice cream/gelato/custard.  

Just know that August marks our last chance to fully engage in summer activities - so try to do something for yourself and enjoy it while it's still here!!

25 degrees… 60 degrees… 40 degrees...

Dealing with Colorado's weather is exciting and fun for some, and down rite difficult for others!  If you find yourself struggling with your mood, motivation, or energy level when the weather shifts… you may not have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); you may just be dealing with Colorado!  Some tips on increasing your overall well-being through the colorful Colorado winter:

Mood: Try to do something that makes you smile at least one time a day; this could be as simple as admiring the beauty in the sky, being grateful for your family/job/pets/friends, being proud of something you've accomplished.  

Motivation: Create a small list of items you would like achieve each day, week, month AND Give yourself the freedom to do something spontaneous!  

Energy:  All I can say is EXERCISE and MOVEMENT!  This can be full on working out at the gym or dancing in your living room to your favorite song.  When you move, you will create energy!

Most of all, just know it's normal to experience a mood shift when the weather shifts!  Hang in there… what do they say in Colorado?  If you don't like the weather, wait 20 minutes :)  

Happy 2015!

happy-new-year-2015-hd-wallpapers-Sydney.jpg

2014 is gone, now 2015 is here!  Most like to talk about resolutions, but we at A Purposeful Path like to help people find reasonable goals for the year.  So what do you want to accomplish this week, this month, this year?  What goals do you have for your self, your relationships, your career?  Are there things you are struggling with and need some additional support or guidance? If so, we are here to help.  We are ready to help you through whatever challenges or goals you may want to embark on for 2015!  

The holiday season

It's that time of year again - the holidays are here.  It doesn't matter what religion or nationality we are, the holidays can be a wonderful or a very stressful time of year.  It seems like Thanksgiving was just here and now we are 14 days away from the dawn of a New Year!  Feeling stressed?  Try these on for size:  http://marc.ucla.edu/mpeg/05_Loving_Kindness_Meditation.mp3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT_ZvD94_kE

Feeling wonderful: try to spread the joy and cheer!

Remember, not everyone is feeling the way you are right now.  If all do our part, we can make a big difference in making this time of year special.  Happy December 17th to you!  

Making friends

I had someone ask me about making friends, and I cannot tell you how often this subject comes up!  So, the real question is HOW to make friends, and the real interesting part is learning how to KEEP friends.  To help with this topic, I refer to a trusty resource, Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Here are some quotes from the book:
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
“Winning friends begins with friendliness.”

I think this subject emerges due to the common knowledge that people with friends statistically rate themselves higher on happiness scales.  So, naturally, Dale Carnegie's book would address happiness too:
“Everybody in the world is seeking happiness—and there is one sure way to find it. That is by controlling your thoughts. Happiness doesn't depend on outward conditions. It depends on inner conditions.” 

So, the next time you think you need more friends, or are struggling to make friends, check out Mr. Carnegie's book.  I'm sure there is something we all could take from learning more about making friends and keeping friends. 

Why not you?

Just something we thought you might enjoy/need to hear today:

"Why Not You? Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you? Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you? Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you? Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you? Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you? Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you? Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you? Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you? Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you? Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you? Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you? Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you? Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you? Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you? Today is a new day! Many will seize this day, and live it to the fullest.  Why not you?"  --STEVE MARABOLI

Making the most of the moment

At A Purposeful Path, we truly believe in making the most of each and every moment in life.  We also know that this is something many people struggle with… and rightfully so- it's hard work!!  So, if you're needing a little guidance on how this works - here are some helpful links:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14781/4-yoga-poses-to-help-unlock-your-hidden-emotions.html?utm_campaign=recommendation&utm_medium=scroll&utm_source=feature

http://www.wildmind.org/applied/stress/meditation-for-the-very-very-busy

http://www.raptitude.com/2014/03/present-moment-benefits/

http://www.livingwell.org.au/well-being/what-is-mindfulness/creating-your-own-mindfulness-exercise/

Remember - it just takes a little practice.  Try taking the risk in becoming more aware moment to moment.  Then you'll be able to develop the ability to make the most of each moment as it unfolds.  

Breathe Yoga & Wellness Festival

Here at A Purposeful Path, we strive to promote health and wellness in all we do.  Some people struggle to get started with or to become re-motivated to engage in the topic of wellness. If this is you, or you are looking for something to do on 7/19 & 7/20--The Breathe Yoga & Wellness Festival in Loveland might just be for you!  http://www.breatheforyou.com

So, put this festival on your to-do list - we know we are!!  Hope to see you there!!

http://www.breatheforyou.com


Where has this year gone?

Spring is almost complete, and summer is right around the corner.  Feel like you're still stuck in 2013…1999…1975…?  If you feel as though the beginning of this year has just FLOWN by, you may benefit from a little mindfulness… being in the present moment, without judgement.  As Buddha wrote: "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."   We understand that this seems MUCH more difficult than it sounds, and we encourage you to just try it.  Just try to create a pause in your life, even for one moment.  Try to pause, observe and absorb the present moment.  Think about what would happen if you tried this a couple of times a day… maybe the days, weeks, and months wouldn't fly by soooo fast :)  

Empathy vs. Sympathy

Have you ever thought about the difference between empathy versus sympathy?  We have!!  At A Purposeful Path, we strive to provide a safe, empathetic environment for all those we see.   Sympathy is what a lot of people get from others when we are going through a difficult time.  We all could use a little bit more empathy in our lives… check out this video for a clearer understanding of empathy versus sympathy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw

 

 

How to be the BEST you possible

Research has shown that the secret to success is not how much money we make or how motivated we are to succeed.  Hardiness is the key to being successful and having high productivity in all areas of our life.  With over 35 years of research, Dr. Salvatore Maddi, founder of The Hardiness Institute, has discovered that there are certain traits people can develop and trainings they can engage in to become more emotionally resilient or "hardy."  Dr. Maddi, who authored the book Resilience at Work: How to Succeed No Matter What Life Throws at You, describes the most important characteristics of hardiness as the three C's: commitment, control and challenge.  

  • Commitment involves one’s ability to stick with something even when things get tough.  
  • Having a sense of control within yourself involves the belief that you can make things different through your own efforts.  
  • A hardy person will see the things that come at them as challenges, even opportunities for growth, as opposed to overwhelming stressors

So how can you aim to incorporate these three C's into your life, to be the BEST you possible?  

Read more at  http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201403/the-secret-high-productivity/the-secret-success?tr=HomeColItem