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Brighton’s Natural Health Club
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Simplicity, Patience And Compassion: The Three Treasures
by: Laura Turner
According to Eastern tradition there are three treasures on the pathway to enlightenment: simplicity, patience and compassion. At first glance, such simple ideas. Yet after contemplation one easily recognizes: it’s these basic thoughts, when woven into our day, that can lead each of us to a contemplative, peaceful and more fulfilling life.
In this short article then, I invite you to take a page from Eastern religion: explore the three treasures and become aware of your relationship to them.
Simplicity
The first treasure: simplicity. Simplicity in thought and action. According to author Thomas Cleary in his translation of Taoist Meditation, simplicity leads the seeker on the Way. Simplicity of thought, he tells us, can often be brought about by silence. And in the silence, we gain personal wisdom. If finding 10 or 20 minutes each day to rest quietly or meditate could bring you closer to peace, would you be more conscientious in devoting this time?
Simplicity of action, however, feels a greater challenge. It involves priorities and discovering what is truly important. Here’s how I personally handle this: When I feel overwhelmed by my “to-do list” I create a game by challenging myself to let go of everything I can do without. Then, I remove as many things as I can from my list. What I am left with are those items of greatest importance. I devote as much time necessary to completing each task with joy and precision.
Try it now. What can you remove from the task list today that could bring you closer to simplifying your life? What will you place your attention on?
Patience
Treasure number two: patience. Yes, the virtue. And just like simplicity, it is also a challenge to move slowly through tasks until they have been completed or to remain calm when dealing with someone outrageous. I’ve found that we are often mirror images of others and attract to us parts of ourselves. This is important to note as it could manifest positive or negative events, depending on mindset. In this light, Inalya Vanzant reminds us to keep thoughts pure. She tells us to remind ourselves: “I will gain more understanding when I realize… how I interpret what comes at me is a reflection of what is in me.” When faced with a situation requiring patience ask yourself: Am I casting a positive image?
In this framework, more of my favorite wisdom comes from author Richard Carlson in his new book: Easier Than You Think. In it he explains, when we are with someone, we should make every effort to pay expert attention to that person. This engages them and often can diffuse a stressful situation by simply making them feel important. With this in mind, the next time you engage in conversation or even a casual chat with someone: ask yourself if you are creating a role model’s image.
Compassion
Compassion, the third treasure. I often liken it to empathy. Although we cannot always know directly what it is like to be another, we can value everyone’s need to be heard. Conflict or anger is often a cry for help. We simply need to be aware of our circumstances in effort to create compassion in our lives. We will be called to help others as we become more enlightened vessels of peace. Events will come to us as a reflection of what we need to heal in ourselves.
Thomas Cleary reminds us we should always act in sincerity. In Taoist Meditation he writes: “to choose what is good and hold onto it firmly is a matter of sincerity.” Compassion, as well, challenges us to define what is most important to us; a reoccurring theme throughout the three treasures. To me, this involves being awake and aware in our lives to see the ways in which we are available to give sincerity and service.
Today, be aware of the ways spirit is working through you. Remember: You are the vessel of peace for others and the world. I believe, the more we become vulnerable to trust and open ourselves to sincerity, the more we can allow compassionate behavior into our lives and become enlightened each and every day.
In Conclusion:
It is my wish these positive ideas enhance your life and bring you peace. Be conscious every day of the messages you are receiving, the people you meet, your experiences. It is amazing the way these simple ideas can enrich your life exponentially. Go forth then, and be aware. Place your attention on the three treasures: in the darkness they will bring you light.
About The Author
Laura M. Turner is a 15-year veteran fitness instructor, fitness trainer and natural health practitioner. She hosts http://www.body-and-beauty.com a website dedicated to inspiring and educating others about the benefits of creativity, natural health and fitness. Check out Laura’s latest book Spiritual Fitness: The 7-Steps to Living Well or subscribe FREE to her online magazine The New Body News and Wellness Letter: http://www.new-body-news.com.
Take Your Time When Purchasing Used Fitness Equipment
If you log onto the internet you’ll find many choices if you want to save money, and used exercise equipment is surely included. Many people who make ‘getting in shape’ their top New Year’s Resolution start having second thoughts the first day after an arduous workout, when sore muscles from ill-advised over-exertion start screaming “what in the heck are you doing to me?” The equipment, which simply folds under the bed, is avoided like the plague and before long forgotten. After a few months or years of sitting in the same place, the owner decides to regain what he/she can from the initial investment, and puts an ad up on eBay or Craigslist, and there you are, staring at the advertisement for a Bowflex, or a similar piece of used fitness equipment.
But is it safe? If you are smart, the first thing to do if you are on eBay, or another auction site, is to check out the seller’s rating, and read reviews from the sellers’ customers. Someone who has had thousands of transactions with a 99.9% positive feedback, for example, is probably a legitimate avenue to explore. They usually will have professional pictures of their equipment, with extensive descriptions and product details.
The one thing you need to ascertain before finalizing any transaction, however, is the shipping cost, which can be more expensive than the actual piece of equipment. You will have to use your best judgment, after determining the total cost, whether or not to buy it used, as it will have no warranty, in all likelihood. A very heavy piece of used fitness equipment can be very costly to ship, and the savings may not justify the fact that the used equipment may not last nearly as long as you want, depending on its prior usage, and may not work as well either.
Another avenue to explore when buying used fitness equipment is Craigslist, especially if they have your specific city listed. There are usually tons of fitness related equipment for sale, and the advantage here is that there may well be something you want to purchase that is close enough for you to go look at, and even try it out, which is highly preferable to looking at a picture on the internet. There is also no shipping cost if you are close enough to pick it up yourself, which can result in significant savings as well.
You can also ask around the neighborhood, and cal
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l your friends and relatives. Dollars to donuts, somebody you know either has an unwanted piece of used fitness equipment, or else knows somebody that does.
Another vital factor to consider when buying used fitness equipment is the quality of the Brand Name merchandise itself, especially if you are not familiar with the equipment. A good place to check is Amazon.com, which has many product reviews from consumers, and places like Consumer Reports.com. If the equipment is poorly reviewed right after it was bought, then you can probably expect it to be a poor investment as it ages.
By: Henry Fincher
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A high-quality fitness plan engages your mind just as much as your body. Visit www.homefitnessinsider.com for more fitness tips and make a stride toward getting into the Best Shape of your life.
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