Hello from Alison
Santosha means contentment or peace for what is. Santosha names the practice, or niyama – moral observation (the 2nd limb of the eightfold yoga path), of seeking joy and serenity in life, perceiving the life in it’s perfect state of balance in each moment. This article is dedicated to putting Santosha to practice.
Attitude is everything. Imagine each morning you have the opportunity to create your day with the thoughts you think. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you open your eyes? Are you giving gratitude to be alive or are you hitting your snooze button wishing the world would go away? March 2005, I was given the ultimate test in the ability to adjust my attitude. While practicing my favorite hobby, aerial tissu, the rigging I tied came loose. Gravity had her instantaneous way. I plunged 15 feet to the ground. Splat! Whisked away in the ambulance, x-rays later showed both wrists shattered, spine fractured, and foot broken. My second week in the hospital, a good friend came to visit. He stood silently, visually drinking in my body, adorned in braces and casts. "Wow, this must be a hard gift to receive," he mused. I admit my initial response was shock! Inherent in his statement was the assumption that this experience was to be viewed as a gift. Something about being dependent on others for all my eating, drinking, and hygiene needs was not what I had in mind as a gift! In this moment, I was reminded that the constraint I felt in my human body could become a freedom if I allowed my mind to see it this way. Every morning, for the next four months, while recovering, I asked myself this question. "How can I receive this gift?" Immediately my focus moved from bedpans and body pain to mindfulness and miracles. I experienced the deep love of family and friends, the power of the human body to heal itself, and the grace of the Creator. This ezine is dedicated to helping you navigate the obstacles you may encounter or simply improving your everyday life by choosing your attitude.
Take an Autopsy of Your Attitude
Dig up and dig out! Are you ready for great reward? Pull up your sleeves and put away any distractions. Cell phones off and emails on hold. Taking an autopsy of your attitude is powerful work, which deserves your full attention. Grab your health journal and head to a quiet place. Let's begin.
Step One: Excavate
A good attitude is easy when things are going the way we think they "should" be going. It's when we are faced with the unexpected that our attitude tends to take a downward spiral. What is your attitude when: a business deal goes a different direction than you expected a friend, family member, or co-worker doesn't keep their word an unexpected bill arrives your next sale hasn't come through yet your feelings are hurt unrealistic work demands present themselves you or a family member have an illness?
Step Two: Interrogate
Take an inventory of your thought process. Why do you think the way you do? Once you have identified your attitude in all the step one scenarios, begin to cross-examine the effectiveness of the attitude you employ. Ask yourself where did I adopt this attitude?
Is this attitude helpful to the situation? Does it provide me the results I desire? Does my energy decrease or increase when I feel this way? Do you take responsibility for your choices or do you blame outside circumstances?
Step Three: Eradicate
Here is the fun part. Get rid of the attitudes that keep you stuck. Toss 'em! Make a conscious choice for the next thirty days to be in command of your attitude. When something doesn't go your way, it is natural to go into reaction. If you see, feel, or hear yourself being negative, simply notice and take a deep breath. Next, get in touch with the realization it is you who chooses your experience. We may not control all the events that happen around us however, we can choose our response to them.
Step Four: Activate
The golden key to shifting your attitude is by asking yourself empowering questions. These questions are guaranteed positive, attitude activators.
• How can this be my best opportunity ever?
• How can I receive this gift?
• How will this experience assist my growth?
• What qualities will I need to demonstrate to meet this challenge?
Step Five: Gratitude
Believe the Universe is benevolent and looking out for your greater good. Start each day by asking and answering this question. What are the top ten things I am grateful for today?
Here is my list:
1. The ability to feed myself.
2. The feeling of tropical breezes blowing on my face.
3. The love of family.
4. The inspiration of friends.
5. The waves in the ocean.
6. The opportunity of free enterprise.
7. The ability to walk.
8. The air I breathe.
9. The scintillation of nighttime stars.
10. The harmony of children's voices.
Believe you have the power to change your life with your attitude. Within your daily thoughts, moment-to-moment, you hold the key to living the life you dream
With more than 10 years experience in health and wellness, Alison Miller, author, speaker, retreat leader and health care practitioner is dedicated to educating and empowering individuals and groups in personal health, healing and rehabilitation. Alison has a B.A. in Kinesiology, and is certified in yoga, massage and energy medicine. For one-on-one appointments call 808-269-2324 or email:
