Week 40 - Wisdom

Note: This weeks challenge is not about yoga and mudras but I want to share this with you first. If you prefer you can skip right to the challenge.

In yoga there are mudras, or hand gestures, that help to manifest an intention. When you sit quietly and use the hand gesture you do not need to 'think' about the intention. Instead simply sit quietly and trust that the quality (wisdom in this case) will expand. The mudra you would use for wisdom is called Jnana Mudra. Instead of re-inventing the wheel and describing it myself I will provide this wonderful link that you can go to if you'd like. http://derekosborn.accountsupport.com/thelibrary/id62.html

The Challenge:
In case you did not read the link let me first explain that it talks about ego as well. I believe the ego is opposite of wisdom. The ego considers self and wisdom is selfless. It's not that the ego is bad; it is a way of distinguishing self from other things. However when we see the world around us as "me" and "them" it can create problems. From here envy, judgement, criticism, hatred, prejudice, and cynicism exist.

This week I want you to focus on your habitual thought patterns. Find those that are ego based. For example you may realize when you hear good news for someone else you feel envious or judgemental. You may want to down-play someones success or say something like "they are just lucky".

After you have created some awareness around the ego-based thought(s) you have a choice that you did not have earlier. From here you can choose to be the same or you can choose to change. Remember it takes approximately 21 days to change a habit so this part of the challenge will take more than one week.

If you work on removing the habitual tendencies to feed the ego you will notice somethng wonderful. You will start to see the world as a better place. You will begin to notice the events that occur every day that are hopeful and heroic. You will become part of an amazing group of people that choose peace, love and happiness. In doing so you will be a creator of goodness and will profoundly change the world around you in addition to your own.

For those of you that accept this challenge; you are my heros. Thank you!

What I am working on:
In all honesty this challenge will take even more than 21 days; it's an ongoing commitment and some days I feel selfish. But my awareness allows me to regroup and try again and again.

Week 31 - Contemplation

Welcome to another week. Are you living up to the goals you have set for yourself?

The Challenge:
Ask yourself a big question (use the question above or if you have a more important one in mind use that).

Next instead of "thinking" about it; contemplate the meaning. What's the difference? You do not allow judgements, criticism, pride; all ego to get involved. Don't be negative and don't move into planning or action mode. Instead you "thoughtfully" consider the question. Avoid seeking an answer. Maybe just stay with the question. This will allow you to look at your question with a peaceful heart and open mind. You may find this will move you forward in a new way. We all know it's new thoughts and actions that will get you different results and therefore this is what you need to do if you want better results. Only repeat thoughts and actions that bring about positive outcomes.

Have a great week!