In the Biology of Belief, Bruce Lipton also explains that our bodies contain receptor
cells which receive external cues from our environment; and effector cells
which translate the information and produce a response. Every signal produces a response and our
survival depends on this process. In our lives, we depend on information to inform our actions. When we are fully present,
focused, observant, curious and asking questions, we are able to perceive and
absorb more information from our environment and thereby make smarter, more
life-affirming decisions. It is true, as
Viktor Frankl proposed, that between stimulus and response there in a space and
in that space we have the power to choose; and in our choice lies our power and
freedom. In order to make the best
choices for ourselves, we need to be aware of external stimuli and what they
can inform us. As I am venturing out to new places, I will continue to ask the
locals what to do and not to do; where to go and where not to go, so that we
can experience the hidden gems and avoid the hidden dangers. In Nicaragua, we
received a tip from a local fisherman to visit some natural pools. Had we not asked him questions (built our
awareness), we would have decided not to make the effort to climb over the many
rocks to get to the pools or perhaps put ourselves in danger trying to go
somewhere we didn't belong (informed our action). I believe that awareness is the secret sauce
to a life well lived.
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Friday, April 27, 2018
Overcoming Stability to Live a More Delicious Life
In
his book, Bruce Lipton (Biology of Belief or "BOB") explains that all
cells contain electrically charged molecules that attract or repel each other
and in doing so, are able to perform the cell's vital functions. He points out
that our cells are perpetually trying to achieve a state of stability. Just
like our smallest building blocks, we (full humans) also tend to seek
stability, forming patterns/routines/rituals that make us feel comfortable,
sticking with what and who we already know.
Arriving at Popoya Beach, I felt a sense of hesitation and anxiety,
which is crazy because I love the beach and the ocean and knew I'd have more
time to do yoga, meditate, reflect, relax and otherwise take good care of
myself. I decided to investigate these
rogue emotions and found that there was an underlying fear of discomfort hiding
behind them. David really wanted me to
learn how to surf so we could paddle out together and I was nervous that I
wouldn't be able to learn. I was
resistant to the discomfort that comes with the learning process, which, in the
beginning, involves a seemingly endless process of trying and failing (repeat).
Understanding this, I knew I would not let the fear of failure (not being
enough) prevent me from the excitement of enjoying the beach and learning a new
sport. It has been said that if all
babies quit trying to walk after falling too many times, we'd be a sedentary
species. I decided to give surfing a go and loved (mostly) every second of my
experience, surfing 2x every day while we were there. Change is difficult, venturing into the
unknown is difficult, learning something new is not easy. However, if we don't push ourselves to go
beyond our boundaries, we will miss out on some of life's most exciting
experiences. Think about vinegar and
oil. Bruce points out that they are oppositely charged and therefore don't mix
well together until shaken; and how much more delicious our salads are because
of it. I encourage you to go out and explore, do something different, try
something new, so that you can venture toward living a more delicious life.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Stepping into My Power at Inanitah
When I arrived at this eco-community, I initially felt intimidated by all the beautiful, smart, talented and powerful women I encountered. I felt like they all had so much to offer in terms of life experiences and skills/talents/abilities; and I questioned whether I had anything to contribute in return. My instinct was to hide, shrink away and wallow in my feelings of shame and inadequacy. However what I learned from my experience and those young women is that I must show up confidently and authentically as my own, unique self to be able to share myself fully with others. I am me and no one else is like me. The world needs what I have to offer and I do a disservice to myself and to those around me when I shrink and play small. I choose to love and honor myself. I choose to step out boldly in to the world and offer the best of me. I don't have to be all things to all people. I must focus on what it is (my unique strengths) that I have to share. I don't need to look around me and measure myself up against others. Your gifts are uniquely yours; and mine are uniquely mine. We all are better off when each of us is shining our own light as brightly as possible. The strength of our global community depends on the well-being of each individual. It is my duty, honor and privilege to cultivate my best self in service to our world.
Learning and Growth from Nicaragua to Colombia
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