Posts tagged Visualization
Kindness: Learning to Empathize (In 5 Minutes)
Nov 19th
e might not be aware of it, but we are an extremely narcissistic society. In fact, this is becoming a problem that could actually undermine our civilization. Certainly, there are parts of this “individualism” which help a society prosper and grow. The ability to think out of strict group restrictions helps people achieve and create amazing things. However, in the midst of our individual pursuits-we have to be careful that the focus of our lives has not become reduced to selfish ambition and blind individualism.
The first step in really cultivating kindness in our lives is choosing to actually try to think in terms of the other. Taking times to actually think and empathize with other individuals. If we are not able to empathize than we are not ever going to be able to be kind people. If we cannot learn to “walk in the shoes of another” it will be impossible to seek the good of the other. To some, empathy is natural, while it may be more difficult for other people. For those with whom empathy is not easy, perhaps a simply psychological activity could go a long way. Right now, close your eyes and think of someone in your life who is going through a rough time- it could be because of a sickness, financial problem, family or relational issues, etc. Now picture this person in your mind, see them, and imagine their thoughts, fears, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. Perhaps this may feel strange or even intrusive at first, but I guarantee as you continue on with this visualization, you will start thinking outside of yourself and experiencing life from the other individual’s perspective. This in turn will help soften your being, as you turn you focus away from yourself.
Another practice you can do is just start focusing your thoughts and prayers on the other individual. One way I like to do this is put on some calming music, close my eyes, and simply bring individuals to the forefront of my mind. As I am slowly breathing in and out, I am simply wishing blessing, peace, and grace on them. I find through this experience, that I grow more empathetic towards these individuals, and actually grow in my kindness towards them. For example, if I am visualizing a family member I have not talked to in a while, I feel more compelled to call them and see how there is life going. Perhaps, if it is a friend that I know is having a hard time, I see a new perspective on how I could be a blessing to them. You can also practice doing this with basic yoga positions. Perhaps, our prayers and wishes for others have less to do with them being directly blessed from God and more to do with God changing us, so we can become more of a blessing to them. In order to become kind people, we have to change our whole way of viewing the world and remove the narcissistic perspective by seeing life from a different point of view
Starting Your Day With a Minute of Silence
Oct 27th
Know thyself. Socrates is no more with us but the truth lies with us. So, take some time, sit in the silence, and let your thoughts flow. Feel the inside and outside of your self. Success would be yours when you have mastered yourself by looking inside and giving yourself time.
One of the common characteristics of successful people is this practice of thinking inside themselves. You may try it out and then you may notice the difference. There will be a considerable change in your rate of accomplishment of work everyday.
One great example is of Tesla’s practice. He visualized everything before he started any project. Please note that he visualized the whole process and even tested it in his mind. All this visualization beforehand enabled him face all the difficulties in a brave and affective manner.
It’s not being hyperbolic to state that working the work through your imagination is a real-time work. In fact, this process helps you to become aware about the would-be problems and thereby prepare you to avoid incorrect decisions or mis-steps.
To let your creativity spring up from its lethargy, you need to nurture it with silence. At morning time, you can sit with your thoughts in the mind and pen and paper in front of you. You may feel creative.
When you write down your thoughts without a judgmental attitude, your imagination becomes free. You may come up with a novel idea. As you become creative through this process, your potentials start germinating.
Accomplishment becomes an easy prey when you have prepared yourself for it. So, start with this thinking process and write down the thoughts you gathered. Then you get your steps to perform. Everything becomes easier as you have the whole event in your mind.
When you are trying out these ideas, you are practically following the footsteps of successful people. Start the day by contemplating on the future actions. You may feel more at peace.
