Lesson #19: Sugar and Other Addictions

As spiritual/human beings our bodies are our temples, but do we treat them as such? Last week I talked about Jack Lalanne and his committment to nutrition and exercise. During his lifetime many people thought of him as a fanatic or a health "nut," but the truth is that even at age 95 he still had big muscles, the 27" waist that he had maintained since his teen years, a full head of brown hair, excellent vision, no cavities, and he referred to his wife as "hot." The same year (2009) he released a comprehensive health and fitness manual that proved to me he had not slipped in the least bit mentally.

So how are you doing maintaining your temple? I know for myself that sugar has always been a problem. Throughout my childhood I constantly snuck treats, and baked sweets for my family so there'd be a steady supply of cookies and cakes in the house. When I was a teenager, I must have realized that I had a problem, because I read a book called The Sugar Blues, which  spoke extensively of how sugar wreaks havok on the body and mind. I tried to get off the stuff, but eventually I'd come back. Like any addiction, the mind tells us that it's really not a problem---that we can achieve moderation if we work at it.

As hard as addictions (of any kind) are on the body, they can be even harder on the mind. They make us feel out of control, weak, and even hopeless. We get depressed about the addiction, which leads to yet another binge. In 99.9 percent of the cases, the only solution is to break through the denial and do whatever it takes to stop consuming the substance for good. While moderation is a great idea that should be applied wherever possible, it just doesn't work when we're really hooked on something.

With regard to our journey of spiritual awakening and growth, there are many potential obstacles in life that can slow us down or block us completely. Addictions, compulsions, and obssessions are some of the biggest distractions and wastes of  time and energy we can engage in. They have ruined billions of lives, and compromised many more.

If you feel that you are addicted to something, anything, and that it's affecting the quality of your life, I encourage you to take it seriously and do whatever necessary to break the cycle. There are excellent books, 12-step programs, and other resources available to help you. Also important is enlisting the help of your Higher Self, angels, or God.

If you've tried to quit before, learn from your past experiences. What worked and what didn't work? What triggered you to start up again after experiencing some success? Be smart and don't repeat the same things that failed last time. I know you can do this. Remember, you have the power of the universe behind you.

Lesson #18: Working with the Physical, Part 2: "I Didn't Know Jack"

For the last two weeks we've talked about the importance of striking a balance between the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical parts of our lives, because life can get a little crazy when we're neglecting one or more parts of who we are. I shared that I had always struggled with the physical (bodily) aspects of life, and that in asking the universe for help in this area something amazing had occurred. The following story is what happened for me, and I believe illustrates the power that spirit has to help us in out lives.

Ten days ago, I attended a Toastmasters conference where one of the speakers presented a tribute to Jack Lalanne, who died earlier this year, at the age of 96. The man spoke of Jack's undying commitment to health, fitness, and being of service to others. I thought back to the Jack Lalanne Show my mother used to exercise along with in the late sixties and early sevenites. Aside from that memory all I knew about Jack was that he did crazy things on his birthdays (for instance, at age 75, he personally towed 75 rowboats carrying 75 passengers a mile and a half through the frigid San Francisco Bay while handcuffed and shackled).

The speaker described Jack's life: how he started out as an extremely sickly child, a sugar addict, someone who struggled with behavioral and mood problems, severe acne, etc., etc., and how Jack had turned his life around at age 15 when he discovered nutrition and exercise. I found myself relating to and admiring Jack so profoundly that I whispered a little prayer to the universe, "God, I wish I had just a little piece of that Jack Lalanne spirit in me."

The next thing I knew, it was as if Jack himself was holding my hand, and I heard the words, "I'll help you." Now, I don't know if the spirit of Jack Lalanne came to me or if the universe sent a really competent back up, all I know is that suddenly I felt extremely supported in healing my issues with the physical part of my life.

I have to admit that I ran home and learned everything I could about Jack Lalanne (ask my family--they can now tell you anything you'd ever want to know about him). For the first few days following the conference I received very clear and specific information about what I needed to do to get my act together: "Get off sugar---It's like crack cocaine to your system. Buy the best vitamins you can find. Avoid wheat and dairy. Do a cleanse/detox. Increase the length of your walk by a third. Go back to pilates. Forget about previous limits---you can achieve any physical goal you want to (and I'm going to help you)."

Wow, thanks!!! So, I followed the advice to the letter (not because I'm known for my obedience or self-discipline, but because of the emotional support that I felt), and I must say I'm already feeling like a new person. What was the best part of this experience? Even though I'm elated to be enjoying a happy relationship with my body, the best part was the instant and total support I was given when I finally surrendered the issue to the universe.

Stubborn, persistent problems cannot be solved by doing the same things we've always done. If our tricks and strategies didn't work before, they're not going to work now. Instead, try surrendering the issue to God, the universe, or your Higher Self. Surrendering doesn't mean giving up, it simply means taking the issue out of the hands of your ego, and placing it in the infinately more capable hands of spirit.

Lesson #17: Working with the Physical

Last week we discussed the four main aspects of human life: the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, and how we need to maintain at least a minimal level of health in each of these areas in order to be balanced and well. If we consistently neglect one or more of these parts of ourselves, it will eventually wreak havoc on our lives.

I emphasized the importance of the spiritual, because that's what I do, but contemplating this topic brought to the fore the area of my life that has never really felt in alignment with who I really am. That would be the physical, which is often the case for spiritually-focused people. We often reside six feet from our bodies and then feel betrayed when our bodies let us down.

So, I was thinking about my current levels of contentment---mentally, emotionally and spiritually---and began feeling sad about the fact that I still binged on sugar, didn't get enough sleep, had recurring illnesses, and hadn't been to pilates for well over a year. It was the only area of my life where I felt lonely, even though most of my friends have always had the same issues, which we have spoken about regularly. What was this loneliness about?

What I realized was that even though my internal guidance was happy to give me pearls of wisdom on how to love and care for my body, and often helped me understand the basis of my disconnect, the fact was that all this great wisdom was lost on me. I felt that my Higher Self, angels, and God didn't have the slightest idea what it was like to live in a body. If anything, their guidance just made me feel like a dunce who couldn't learn the most basic of principles, regardless of how brilliant the teacher was. The guidance never stuck. It was as if there was nothing (in me) for it to sick to.

Have you ever had that experience? You hear or momentarily realize some great wisdom, only to have it roll off of you and disappear into a ditch? It's terribly frustrating. Well, in realizing (for the first time ever) the extreme loneliness of my perceived situation, I put out a small plea for help to the universe, and what happened next was miraculous. It was an example to me of how we can't do life alone, and how the universe is just waiting to help us if we'll only ask.

Next week I'll share with you what happened that was so profoundly healing for me. But in the meantime, please do this: consider what area of your life causes you the most concern. Is it within the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual part of your life? Get specific. Where do you feel stuck, hopeless, or like a victim? Next, I'd like you to ask the universe for a miracle. This miracle may come in any form, from a shift in your own perception to a shiny new opportunity. Ask, and if you're willing to receive, sweetheart, it will be given to you. I'll see you next week.

Lesson #16: Balancing the Spiritual, Mental, Emotional and Physical

What kind of spiritual path are you on? We are all spiritual beings, just as we are all physical, mental and emotional beings. These various aspects are what make us human. Some of us are acutely aware of our divine nature, while others have ignored or even actively rejected this part of ourself.

For some people spirituality is tied to formal religion (which for many of us has negative connotations). For others, spirituality is experienced simply as the thread that connects us to what is greater than ourselves. For instance, people who have love for, and a strong connection to nature tend to be quite spiritual, whether they see themselves that way or not, as are people who can be present in the moment (without dwelling on the past or projecting into the future). The same holds true for those who give unselfishly to others.

If we each have a spiritual side (whether we're conscious of it or not), what does yours look like? What do you believe, and are these beliefs absolute or changeable? Do you resist or embrace that which cannot be proven? And most importantly, are you happy and fulfilled?

The reason why the latter is such an important point is that happiness and fulfillment go hand in hand with inner peace, and inner peace is a rare commodity to those who have a weak relationship with their spiritual nature. When we live predominantly in our heads, bodies and/or emotions, our egos run the show, and let's face it, the ego can be a real stinker! The ego would rather be right (gratified, #1, etc.) than be happy.

So, here's the bottom line: if you're happy and fulfilled, you're on the right path for you. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of your path. It doesn't matter whether you identify as a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Wiccan, a Free-thinker, an Agnostic, or an Atheist. Keep doing what you're doing--you're in alignment with your higher spiritual self.

If, however, you're not content, if you experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, addictions, compulsive behavior, illness, or other persistent or pervasive issues, you might just benefit from taking a look at the relationship you have with your spiritual self. Again, we all have a spiritual self, just like we are all subject to the law of gravity. We don't have to believe anything for these principles to hold true.

This week, I invite you to gently evaluate the path you've been traveling. Is there any aspect of yourself (physical, mental, emotional or spiritual) that is overemphasized, underemphasized, or neglected completely? Consider what adjustments might help you achieve better balance and harmony on your life path.

Have a great week.

Lesson #15: Your Hero's Journey

If you're like many of us, lately you've been thinking more about the meaning and purpose in your life. Maybe you've been starting to sense the vastness and complexity of  human life. What was once black and white is now many shades of gray. For example, lately it seems that whenever I form a strong judgment against someone or something, life immediately proves me wrong (the "mean" person demonstates great kindness, or the "stuck up" person turns out to be painfully shy).

Our lives represent layer upon layer of experience and meaning, and the journey we're on is truly heroic. What does this mean? Let's look at the work of the great American mystic, Joseph Campbell.

Joseph Campbell spent years studying and comparing the mythologies of the world, and two of his favorite universal themes were the Hero's Journey, which is the story of humanity's quest for enlightenment, and the Perennial Philosophy, which says that the kingdom of God lies within each of us, or in Campbell's words, "You are the mystery which you are seeking to know."

A hero is someone who has struggled through adversity, lived through great pain, and been transformed by it. He or she eventually uses this experience to help others.

Some modern-day Western myths that exemplify these themes are: Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Avatar. In each story, we have a reluctant, would-be hero, an average sort of guy who for one reason or another finds himself in the uneviable position of having to lead the fight of good versus evil. In each case, the hero is outnumbered, overwhelmed, and ill-equipped, but through perseverance, intent, and basic goodness is able to call forth that which is necessary to get the job done.

The truth is that we each have a unique story (and battle), and most of who we are exists below the surface of our awareness. We humans are on a grand journey, a hero's journey of sorts. It's not that we're fighting evil, but we're fighting the illusion of evil, which is the backdrop of this stage set we call life. Each time a hero conquers his or her fears (the illusion of separation from source) the angels sing, for there is no greater moment than when a soul returns safely home from battle.

When, in the midst of the scariest dream imaginable, we realize that there's no real danger, that everything we needed we possessed all along, the universe lights up and expands in all directions. The birth of something new and beautiful takes place. This, I believe, is what we came here for. And you, I believe, are a hero.

Lesson #14: The Protection Prayer

This week I'd like to share one of my favorite prayers. It's one of those extremely powerful and magical verses like the surrender prayer used in 12-step programs.

I learned the following Protection Prayer at Unity Church many years ago, and it has truly changed my life. At one point, I dreamed that "bad guys" were chasing me and I had no defense besides the prayer, so I started reciting it at them, loudly and confidently. With this, they became powerless to harm me. It was as if a force field  of light surrounded me. This is how it goes:

The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God watches over me
Wherever I am, God is, and all is well

Have a beautiful week.

Lesson #13: The Power of the Heart

The heart is perhaps the greatest tool we have for clearing and balancing our energy and maintaining our physical bodies. But the heart is sometimes misunderstood. Let's take a few moments to clarify the function and explore the powerful influence of the heart.

As you know, the heart is a bodily organ, but it's also a major energy center. It is an intuitive feeling center, as well as the metaphorical seat of love and goodness. The heart is also the rhythm-setting apparatus for the other organs and for the entire body and mind. The state of the heart, both physical and energetic, sets the tone for how we feel emotionally and how we handle stress, which in turn has a profound effect on our physical and mental health.

The heart, whether as a physical organ or as a chief energy center, is a powerful muscle, a tremendous source of strength and intelligence for humans and animals alike. At the most basic level, the intuitive intelligence of the heart alerts us to mortal danger, thus tirggering the fight-or-flight response mechanism. The heart signals the brain to "think fast" and take immediate action. On a more subtle level, the intelligence of the heart can guide us in every decision we make.

Researchers at the Institute of HeartMath in California have discovered a relationship between one's emotional state and the heart rhythm patterns observed when a person is hooked up to an electrocardiogram machine. When you are relaxed--when you feel content, secure and happy--your heart rhythm is smooth, and radiates this pattern to the brain and the rest of the organs. They call this state "coherence."

Conversely, when you feel tense, distressed, irritated, etc., your heart rhythm is irregular or jagged, like an earthquake presents on a Richter scale. They call this state "incoherence." If incoherence is experienced repeatedly over time, it becomes a habitual pattern, or groove in the brain. This can result in altered or impaired brain functioning. The stress response becomes a sort of default setting, such that the slightest stressor can trigger an exaggerated fight-of-flight-like response.

To further demonstrate the powerful influence of the heart, consider this: surrounding each of us is an electromagnetic field made up of the collective fields of the brain, the heart, and the other electrical systems throughout the body. Well, it turns out that the heart's electromagnetic field has forty to sixty times more amplitude than that of the brain, and the heart's magnetic field is approximately five thousand times stronger than the field produced by the brain.

When you are in alignment with the heart you have the power to move mountains, while being in alignment with the brain alone packs very little punch. When making an important decision, it can be illuminating or therapeutic to make a list of pros and cons, but in the end: what does your heart say? The intelligence of the heart takes all factors--seen and unseen, known and unknown--into account.

So, how do you enlist the heart to to help you clear away stress and other unwanted thoughts and feelings, and help you make wise decisions and feel good? As it turns out, it's easier than you might think. By just focusing your attention on the heart area and taking a few deep breaths, you can quickly redirect attention from your head, etc., to your heart. I like to place my hand on my heart, as this speeds up the connection, but the mere intention to access the heart puts you in it.

When you first start doing this there may or may not be a struggle from the ego (who wants you to stay in your head), but the more you practice, the easier it gets. So this week, especially if you find yourself getting stressed out or overwhelmed, I invite you to stop, put your hand on your heart, and take a few deep breaths. Just try this and see what happens.

For more information on HeartMath visit: http://www.heartmath.com/