Carnal Zen

I’m on my way out last night.  My hair in chaotic curls since humidity allows for nothing that resembles style.  Music is pulsing as I dab this and that into place and pull on a favorite pair of skin tight jeans.  One final glance in the mirror and it hits me, K was right.  I am not a hippy….at least not tonight.

Sunday will be filled with checking out a new vegan/raw restaurant.  I’ll stop at the farmers market after yoga.  In all probability incense will be burned and most of the day spent bra-less.  I can turn “crunchy” on and off like a switch, this Saturday night it was in the off position. 

My politics and ideals don’t change when I strap on heels and a plunging neckline.  I just don’t look the part - but then things are not always as they appear.  EVERYONE struggles with stereotypes and authenticity.  Personalities, wants, desires, and preferences are just a few of the things that make us diverse, interesting, and beautiful.  I modified life coach Ann Ronan’s tips for living authentically and I’m going to stick them on my fridge (with my fancy new custom birthday magnets - Thanks L!).

1. Know your purpose
It is difficult to arrive at the door of happiness when you have no directions.  If you identify your life purpose or mission statement it will be easy to see whether you’re headed in the right direction. 

2. Know your values
What do you value most? Make a list of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development, learning. Do your goals align with these?

3. Know your needs
Unmet needs can keep you from living authentically. Weed out real needs from perceived ones..(i.e. the need to be loved, the need for freedom, versus the need to be right, the need for an iphone). List your top four needs and get them met!

4. Know your passions
Honor those things that make your heart sing. Whatever it is, do more of it.

5. Live from the inside out
Increase your awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. Commune with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind.

6. Honor your strengths
Are you imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths.

7. Take time to play
Give yourself time to recharge doing things you love to do or by just doing nothing.

8. Be aware of your self-talk
Are you blocking your potential? Become aware of saying ”I always, I can’t or I never”.  You’d never talk to your best friend that way so be kinder to yourself. 

9. Surround yourself with inspiration
Keep a success journal. Write down your four or five greatest strengths and post them where you can see them.

10. Serve others
When you are true to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents to the world around you, happiness is the only possible result.

Any questions????

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 10th, 2008 at 11:13 am and is filed under Spiritual Identity. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.