I am often reading about and teaching that we ‘become what we think’. That the external world is often a reflection of what is happening in the internal world. Do you know how our eyes actually work? I am going to be super simplistic here.
A light source shines on an object. The light bounces off that object and since your eyes are facing that direction the eye (a collection of cornea’s, lenses, irus’s and pupils) lets in the light. The signal is then taken to the mind via an optic nerve, where it is ‘interpreted’. And here is the funky bit. The ‘interpretation’ is based on our core beliefs, what we have experienced and what we believe we ‘should’ be seeing. It is not based on everything that is in front of your gaze.
That is why different people see different things. Like three witnesses to an accident can give three very different descriptions of what happened.
It is also why hypnotists and some illicit drugs (that I have obviously not had personal experience with) are able to create incredible external pictures or images for the individual. The visions start in the mind, and then the ‘eyes’ see what the mind tells them to see.
So what does this mean to us? It means, by reverse engineering, that if we change our beliefs and expectations within our mind, we can actually change the external picture. Sort of like going from a horror movie like ‘The Exorcist’ (I still remember it scaring me sh_tless, when I was 16) to a feel good movie like ‘Good Will Hunting’ or the ‘The Blind Side‘ or ‘Little Miss Sunshine‘ (and yes, I am encouraging you to watch more feel-good stuff)
Here is classic example:
If I ‘believe’ the world is a beautiful place, I am about 47.3 times more likely to notice all the beauty around me. Alternatively, if I ‘believe’ the world is full of despair, I am about 47.3 times more likely to notice all the despair around me.
So action steps for today:
- Get to know your beliefs
- Challenge your beliefs
- Fill your mind with possibility by reading about it and focusing on it
- Know that the quickest way to change your external world is to change your internal world. Say this mantra about 936 times: “I am already successful. I am loved. I am safe.”
Have an awesome day!!
Cheers,
Carl
Article written by Mark Donovan
Read The China Study or don’t at your own peril, seriously. The evidence presented in this book appears as solid as any I have ever seen. Why hasn’t it led to more wide spread action? Why isn’t President Obama declaring a National State of Nutritional Emergency? The damage being done by the nutritional crisis facing the U.S. right now is an order of magnitude greater than any other threat the country has ever faced. Cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, depression, just to name a few, can all be rendered significantly less threatening by simply making dietary and fitness changes. Simple changes. Inexpensive changes. Meanwhile we are wasting hundreds of millions trying to repair a broken medical system, half or more of which wouldn’t be needed if people consumed an optimal diet. Please read the China Study with an open mind and then try to refute it honestly if you have doubts. But remember, one drop of doubt can be more powerful than an ocean full of evidence.
Based upon research and personal experience I know that the key to optimizing my health is a combination of good nutrition and regular fitness activity. Everyone knows this to be true. So many of us don’t take it seriously. Why? Why did it take me 43 years before I realized that a plant based diet is better for my body, reduces the risk of disease (see The China Study) and is good for the environment. Why did I not exercise regularly between my 20′s and my 40′s?
In May of 2011 as a result of the30-Day Happiness Challenge that I took, I adopted a vegan diet for one month and since then have maintained a mainly plant based diet. I still eat a small amount of fish and cheese, however, I completely cut out all meat, coffee and most sweets. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke. I also started and have maintained a regular exercise routine that includes running, surfing, yoga and other toning exercises. Here are the results from my annual health screening from 2008 & 2010 (animal based diet / no exercise) vs. 2011 (plant based diet / regular exercise):
August 15, 2008 October 14, 2010 August 17, 2011
Weight 88.6 kg / 194 lbs 86.4 kg / 190 lbs 77.3 kg / 170 lbs
Body Mass Index 28 kg / m2 26.9 kg / m2 24.7 kg / m2
Respiratory Rate 15 per minute 14 per minute 12 per minute
Blood Pressure 110 / 80 mmHg 120 / 70 mmHg 100 / 70 mmHg
Cholesterol Total 235 205 158
Cholesterol HDL (good) 54 55 45
Cholesterol LDL (bad) 167 130 96
The major drop in Cholesterol LDL is amazing. I’ve had so much more energy and am feeling great!
In October of 2011 I did a 10-Day silent Vipassana meditation course (see Lean & Vipassana) and since have maintained a 1 hour morning meditation practice. It will be interesting to see the impact of this new element of my health plan on my next screening in 2012.
I am focussing much of my thinking these days on understanding resistance to change and why I do not take more of the simple steps that will result in dramatic improvements to my peace, prosperity, health and happiness. I see the same dynamics at play with health, lean, and vipassana.
Simple Things to Do Today:
1) Stay Hydrated
2) Reduce consumption of animal based foods
3) Reduce consumption of cow milk and other dairy products
4) Reduce caffeine intake
5) Exercise regularly
I just finished reading the book by the founder of CD Baby, who took a hobby and turned it into a $22 million business. Then sold it and gave 90% of the money to charity. If you like reading about very grounded and interesting entrepreneurs I highly recommend this book. Plus it only takes about 1-2 hours to read.
It's called 'Anything You Want' by Derek Sivers.The book starts off with..."From 1998 to 2008, I had this wild experience of starting a little hobby, accidentally growing it into a big business, and then selling it for $22 million. So now people want to hear my thoughts..."
It really is a great read if you are in business, thinking of starting a business, or just interested on how people go from little to big in any endeavour. Plus it only takes an hour or two to read. ENJOY!
Love the picture on the front cover. Derek Sivers says this represents what it is like to be an entrepreneur: "Stuck in the sand pit of your own devising, held immobile by tiny rocks, and enjoying every moment of it."
Check out a copy HERE.
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