We can’t escape what is going on in all of our lives, it’s on the tip of everyone’s tongue, it consumes our conversations and thoughts, it has hijacked our TV and it is the world’s economic downturn, the loss of jobs and the increase of unemployment. Personally I have entered into a realm that is foreign to me. I have experienced bouts of fear and insecurity of what my future or our future holds.

Life is more complicated now for everyone. How can we keep a positive attitude during these tough economic times? As for me, getting back to the basics was the magical key to moving past my fear and insecurity. Sometimes we are so caught up in a cycle of negativity; we then tend to manifest more negativity into our lives. It is like a domino effect or a bad roller coaster ride that you want to end but just do not know how to make it stop. What worked for me was to step back, clean out my attack (my mind and literally my life) and simplify.

What follows is a list of what has helped me. Instead of trying to tackle everything on this list at once, choose a few things that appeal to you, and give them a try. Bookmark this page and come back to it from time to time to try out other ideas. Best yet, they might inspire new ideas of your own! Please e mail me with ideas to add to this list that might help others.

Clean Out The Clutter In Your Head: For me what helps is mediation, the five Tibetans and yoga. All of these you can do from the comforts of your own home.

Mediation: I like to close myself off in a dark room or a room lit by candles, soft natural music (sounds of nature or chanting works best for me) and incense. I sit quietly in a cross-legged position on the floor and put a cushion or pillow under my hips. I create length in my spine by imagining spaces between each vertebra. I then place my hands on my legs palms up. I visualize a white light that surrounds and protects me and then I ground myself (I try to visualize almost tree like roots growing from my limbs fasting me to the earth), I take in 4 deep breaths and then steady my breathing and my heart to allow my body to relax. After I am comfortable, I visualize a water fall washing away my problems, fears, obstacles and negative energy and when I feel completely relaxed, I enjoy the moments of silence, drifting into space. After moments of silences and my thoughts start to drift back into focus, I visualize my life as I wish it to be.

The Five Tibetans: The first time I was introduced to “The Five Tibetans”, was when a friend gave me the book The Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth written by Peter Kelder. This is an exercise program used by Tibetan monks to live long, vibrant and healthy lives. The rites represent a system of exercise that affects the body, emotions and mind. The Tibetans claim that these exercises activate and stimulate the seven key chakras that in turn stimulate all the glands of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for the body’s overall functioning and aging process. (MK Projects)

For more information: http://www.lifeevents.org/

Print version: http://www.mkprojects.com/pf_TibetanRites.htm

Yoga: is a series of traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. There are many types of yoga but for me I choose Hatha Yoga. For me this yoga releases stress, fear, anxiety and leaves me feeling energized.

I would suggest researching what is best type of yoga for you and maintain an exercise regime of at least 3-4 times a week. There are great DVD’s that you can purchase and do from the comforts of your own home. If you can afford a class I would suggest taking it at least in the beginning to learn the correct postures.

Just Say “No.”: It’s only two letters, but it is often the most uneasy word to say in the English language, especially for me.  I have been accused of this before, not being able to say no, wanting to help everyone, please everyone, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness or work. Saying no is a powerful tool that can help simplify your life. By saying no or making an educated choice on who you can help or what you are capable of doing, will allow you to focus your energy on those commitments that are most important to you.  By spreading yourself to thin, will only create unnecessary stress and anxiety in your life and you will not be at your best for you or anyone else.

Tighten Up The Belt: Do you actually need that new pair of black high heels, that new leather jacket or the latest gadget? This is where I have had to step back to basics. Don’t get me wrong, I do own an iPhone, a laptop, ipod shuffle and a few other gadgets, but what I have done is stopped myself from buying the hottest new toy the moment it comes out. I also make educated buying decisions. I do not spend money just because, I now weigh out the positive and negative of my buying decisions and ask myself do I really need it, why do I need it and how will it enhance my life. Then I make up my mind to either buy it or place it back on the shelf.

• I use cash or debit card instead of credit cards, so I do not get caught up in a financial disaster.
• I manage my accounts on line so I can see what and where I am spending my money and keep myself in check.
• Eat at home more often, spend less time in restaurants. It can be a lot of fun to have a night in with your friends and family. If money is tight make your evening in pot luck gala.
• Cut cell phone cost. Scale down on texting and unnecessary phone calls. If you are like me and have a home phone, where you have a package deal, wait until your home to make phone calls. I have an iPhone, so I try and e mail more then text, it saves me money and it gets to the person, most of the time, just as fast.
• Go to the library and stop buying books. Look online for the latest news story or magazine article.
• Stop going to the mall to just window shop. If you don’t see it you will not want it.
• Heating up outside, break out the fan and turn off the air. When the temperatures start to drop, wrap yourself up in a cozy sweater and turn down the heat, or turn up the heat with that favorite someone to snuggle up with.
• Turn off lights when not needed. Unplug appliances in the home and office when they are not in use.
• What to get away but the money is tight. Log onto the internet and check out local destinations that you can explore and take a holiday.
• Ebay, Craiglist, your local newspaper or a yard sale these are all great ways to sell your unwanted items. If you do not use it or wear it and can not remember the last time you did, sell, sell away and bring in the dollars.
• Get wise; before you buy does your research and know your options, so that you can better negotiate with rates. My husband just did this recently when he bought a motorcycle. He went into the dealership with several offers from the internet and was able to negotiate the cost and bought the bike for several thousand dollars less.
• Spend a day in nature. Mother Nature has given us many beautiful gifts that we take for granted. Spend a day at the park or take a drive. Bring your camera and make an adventure out of it. I think this call’s for an old fashioned picnic.

Liberate Yourself: Clutter at home, clutter in your car or clutter in the office makes for a very confused unorganized person. Clean and clear! Clean up your life and clear away the clutter.  If your home, your car and your office are organized and free of unnecessary items or junk, you will be more driven, focused and productive.

Clearing the clutter can also help heal. When we clean up our surroundings we clear our mental and emotional bodies as well.

Don’t Rush Be Happy: Are you one of those people who are always in a rush? I used to be.  Then I realized that all that time I spent hurrying around was time I could have spent truly enjoying life.  The job I just left I would barley sleep and I would wake up at 4am and rush into work, just to be able to get in a few extra hours in the office and what for? Life is to short to waste being in a hurry. No time for sleep, exercise or eating properly, for what, to rush through life!  We need to stop and learn how to breathe and take it easy.  Rise each day and breathe, savor the morning, think through the day what you want to achieve, what are your goals and then breath again and get on with your day.  Do not neglect your health by rushing through life. Take time to eat properly, exercise, sleep and enjoy your surroundings.

“When we stop rushing and start living we can truly learn to enjoy life.”

Cut Out Negative Relationships: You may already be aware of the value of solid, supportive relationships in your life.  In all areas of relationships, friends, colleagues or relatives, we all understand the benefits of having positive relationships, with people who care about our well being and who we can count on. When we are in relationships that are negative, the toxic effects of conflicted relationships, the critical, unpredictable, or competitive friend actually drains us, leaving us week and tired.  Simplify your life, save yourself grief, frustration and drama and decide which relationships are worth keeping and which should be let go. I just recently did this and I have to tell you it is liberating.  When I made the decision to not associate myself with people who were negative, I found myself opened to new doors of opportunity, more open and honest relationships, I lost weight and I feel great.

Gifts Of Happiness: There is nothing more satisfying knowing that you made a difference in the life of someone else.  Giving does not always necessarily have to come from your pocket book it can also come from a simple gesture. There are many social and environmental issues that need addressing and are in urgent need of help.  I believe that by finding what we are passionate about and getting involved to help bring about change and positive results is a simple gift that can amount to so much happiness.  For me the simplest way to simply be happy is to help another.

Photo by: jay Jacobson

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