Tag: spirituality

Natural Healing for Leaders

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Leadership Development, natural healing, Personal Development
Wild flowers. Finland 2015. Photograph: Anne-Maria Yritys
Wild flowers. Finland 2015. Photo: Anne-Maria Yritys

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. (Lao Tzu) 

Great leadership equals great responsibility, and great responsibility requires maturity and patience. Important, long-term decisions are not to be made in hurry, but rather with thoughtfulness.

Nature is our best teacher in making better leadership decisions, because when you look deep into nature, you will understand everything better (Albert Einstein).

Don´t haste through life, GROW through life. 

Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience. (Ralph Waldo Emerson) 

Nature also cures, lowers blood pressure, acts as an antioxidant for your skin and body – a natural therapy, and a couple of hours spent in nature may be worth more than any other treatment.

Nature also calms your breath, helps you get rid of stress, anxieties, and a walk in nature is a great counterbalance for all kinds of athletes. Life cannot always be a race, a marathon, or a triathlon. Even high performers need a break, calm and peaceful activities that even out the hectic everyday life.

Get out in nature – go for a walk in the forest, for a hike, to a silent beach, up to the mountains or where ever you can truly relax and detach from all the noise in your life. Make it a regular activity/exercise, and notice how your life, and thoughts, start changing.

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are fountains of life. (John Muir) 

Nature. Cheaper than Therapy. 

Relax 8 Hours-Relaxing Nature Sounds-Study-Sleep-Meditation-Water Sounds-Bird Song:

Thank you for spending time daily out in nature.

 

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Earth Reshaped by Indigos and Crystals

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in higher education, Personal Development, Spirituality
(Aquamarine on White Background. Artist: Boykung/Freedigitalphotos.net. ID: 100258224)
(Aquamarine on White Background. Artist: Boykung/Freedigitalphotos.net. ID: 100258224)

Live the life you were truly meant to live. You create the experience that you choose to have. There is no limit to what you can be, do, and have. You are an infinite creator of your reality. (Indigo Wisdom #391)

The future is now. We have entered the New Age long ago and there is no turning back. What a relief is that, knowing that we can fully focus on the existing present, creating the future we want with lessons from the past acting as our guidelines towards the future that humanity and planet Earth not only wants, but needs in order to continue thriving in our endless Universe. We are doing pretty well already, but imagine for an instance what our actions and lifestyles, on the average, may look like to more advanced civilizations in the Universe? Yes, we all citizens of Planet Earth are responsible for how well societies function, how humanity in general thrives, how we treat each other, how we treat nature, and how we treat animals. We can and should all take part of the blame, but instead of focusing upon living in guilt, blaming ourselves and other human beings, let´s concentrate our energy upon improving the way we live and interact with ourselves, and with other living creatures that our ecosystem depends upon.

The vibrations of our planet, across countries and continents, are already being raised by conscious and aware individuals, who are spiritually more in tune with both themselves and have a higher understanding and connection through their strongly developed intuition, allowing them to comprehend intangible matters and to some people, currently invisible dimensions and the spirit world that we, in fact, all live in.

Indigos and Crystals are living among us, helping us with the necessary changes that will lead us into a brighter future for mankind, and Planet Earth in general. They are here to teach us valuable lessons, and also to helping us develop the same qualities in ourselves. We are all spiritual beings with so much untapped potential, indigos and crystals who can, and will, shape our present into a future where everyone has enough of everything, a shared wealth and well-being.

If this topic is completely new to you, you may want to increase your understanding by reading e.g. The Complete Idiot´s Guide to Indigo Children, an enlightening approach to nurturing an Indigo child, written by Wendy H. Chapman, Director of the Metagifted Education Resource Organization (metagifted.org) and Carolyn Flynn.

Please also learn more about Indigo´s and Crystals by watching following videos:

CNN – Anderson Cooper – Indigo Children: 

and

5 Signs You’re An Indigo Child or Adult: 

 

Anyone that encourages intellectual, emotional, artistic or spiritual growth is worth keeping. Don´t let them go. (Color me Indigo on Pinterest).

Thank you for reading, sharing, commenting and learning. Peace and blessings.

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How To Attract What You Want and Lead a Meaningful Life

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Authentic Leadership, Law of Attraction, Mindfulness, Spiritual Leadership

 

(Health Of Spirit Mind And Body Means Mindfulness. Artist: Stuart Miles. Freedigitalphotos.net. Published on 15052014)
(Health Of Spirit Mind And Body Means Mindfulness. Artist: Stuart Miles. Freedigitalphotos.net. Published on 15052014)

 “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.”

 (Albert Einstein)

We live in a world filled with problems needing solutions. The problem with solving all those problems is that while we are busy solving them, usually we create new problems at the same time. Then we blame whatever we can, and easily make other people or circumstances scapegoats, thus using simple defense mechanisms, instead of looking in the mirror, taking a deep breath, and seeing where the actual problem is. Yes, so it is. Think about a world where every single individual would be willing to take the responsibility of finding fault in themselves rather than pointing a finger on other people, or circumstances. This is an important key in regards with many aspects of our lives – being strong enough to see ourselves as the troublemakers. Or, not necessarily troublemakers, but as the keys to actual improvements both in our personal lives and in our surrounding. 

I am definitely not the first human being reflecting about these things, hence the saying “Be the change that you want to see in the world”. Stop blaming other people, or circumstances, for your life´s challenges, or any challenges. Understand that you can only change yourself, and not others. Be ready to step forward, look in the mirror (many times a day, if needed), and face yourself. And do not only face yourself physically, but also mentally. There are a number of ways of connecting to your spirituality, of which meditation is an example. We are all spiritual beings. 

The American psychotherapist, author, and speaker Dr. Wayne W. Dyer puts it: “We are not human beings with a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings with a human experience”. Remembering this makes it easier to connect to the actual spirituality that makes us evolve, and will eventually lead humanity towards a greater understanding, lives filled by virtues and true abundance, rather than the thought of just chasing money so that we can buy things that none of us actually do need in our lives. We came here naked, and will leave naked. How we fill our lives in between is up to each and one of us. Our job as individuals is not to find fault in others, or criticize them, but rather to set an example to other people. If you are in any kind of leading role, a parent, a teacher, you know how important this is. But there is not even need to be in an officially leading role, because anyone can become a role model to someone else, and set an example. 

There are hundreds of books about the Law of Attraction, and to be honest I cannot remember having read any of them, so no book promotions to be found in this post. I have rather learned through experience, by observing other individuals, and yes, of course through reading hundreds of articles, other books, watching videos, and simply by living.

When finding yourself in a non-optimal situation, realize that: 

– You personally are the problem, and the key to the solution, at the same time. Only by changing you will you be capable of changing whatever it is that you want to change. Admitting this is extremely important in order to get ahead. 

– You attract what you are, not what you want. This means, you need to start acting in a way that leads you towards the desired goal(s). It applies to EVERYTHING, and is very simple (well, at least theoretically). Therefore, check your behavior every day. 

– You better learn how to spend time alone. Many people have, unfortunately, a real difficulty being alone. Spending time alone does not mean that you are a lonely person. Spending time alone is crucial to stay connected to yourself. The possibility to spending time alone varies from person to person: a parent has less time for him/herself than a single person, but even parents can organize time for themselves. Some people are really insecure, and always need to be surrounded by friends, or people, in general. Spending time alone is not scary. It gives us the ability to get to know ourselves better, to lead a fulfilling “inner life” instead of just going with the flow.

– Too much time spent alone can, however, lead to isolation. We need other people in our lives. Even a yogi, or a spiritual guru, needs other people. We are all connected to another. Loneliness is something that many people suffer from these days, including many entrepreneurs, and (business) leaders. Everyone has the need for some kind of support, or interaction with other human beings. Whatever your situation is, socialize, because other individuals are important to our (personal) development. 

– Learn how to communicate your desires. This does not mean that you have to walk around shouting your wants and needs to everyone you need (although, some people behave this way). If you have had a tough time attracting what you truly want, it is about time to start practicing your communication skills. You can start by writing it down in a personal journal. When you do this on a regular basis, you will notice how much more effortless it becomes to actually communicate these in verbal interaction with other individuals. After all, people cannot read you mind, and if you meet someone who can read your mind, consider yourself lucky.

– Always be willing to help, and serve other people, (even) without expecting anything in return. 

– Learn how to say no as well. However helpful and servant you are, you do not have to accept everything. There is no point in being a people-pleaser.

– All our choices have an impact upon our lives. 

– Learn how to balance yourself both physically and mentally.

 “Your intuition will tell you where you need to go, connect you with the people you should meet, and guide you towards work that is meaningful to you, work that brings you joy and work that feels right for you”.

(Shakti Gawain)

Purposeful Ambition and Living Your True Values

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Authentic Leadership, Business Ethics, Change Leadership, Life Coaching, Organizational Values, Personal Values
"Businessman Cheering Achievement". Freedigitalphotos.net.
“Businessman Cheering Achievement”. Freedigitalphotos.net.

What do you value in life? We all have values in our lives. Even organizations have values today, the most successful of which place the values at the very core of the organization, creating an organizational culture with the purpose of committing its employees to these values. This is a reason why smart companies include values in their long-term business strategy, attracting employees who they trust can live up to these values, and hopefully, even go beyond them. Therefore, when job-hunting and looking for long-term employment, or even if running your own business, make sure that you know what your values are. 

Why are values so important in the determination of your success in life, and at work? Because, if you understand your values, and you live against them, your outcome will not be successful. I know this from experience. A coach once said to me that I should not discuss values in my application, or express what I believe in and value. Why? To me that was not the best coaching experience. Someone asking me not to act according to my values, or to hide them, is simultaneously asking me to refrain from being my true self. During my MBA program one of our core courses included researching corporate values, in a real organization. This was done as teamwork through appreciative inquiry, a qualitative research method where a number of employees of the organization in question were interviewed. If not earlier, this particular research made me reflect upon my personal values both in business and private.  

It is no secret that values become increasingly important, and individuals want to work with purpose and meaning. 

I was actually inspired to write this article by author and speaker Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, whose work has influenced my life in a positive way. In his movie The Shift, the emphasis is put upon spiritual growth and moving from a place of ambition to purposeful ambition, and ambition with meaning. Dr. Dyer is speaking about peak experiences in life, sudden changes that have the characteristics of being vivid, surprising, benevolent, and enduring. At the very center of the lessons he is sharing with us through The Shift is the fact that we need to let go of the ego´s need to be right, surrender, trust in the natural flow of life, listening to our higher consciousness. Trusting the guidance of something larger than merely external circumstances, we connect to the place of Dharma in ourselves, and cease acting with force.

Further on, according to Dr. Dyer, enthusiasm and passion are signs for us living up to our true values. As he states, we live in a world where all things are possible, when we have faith. To cite Lao Tzu, according to whom virtues to live by are respect for all of life, sincerity/honesty, gentleness/kindness, and support/offering service to others. In general, we all want to lead a fulfilling life, and make a difference (in other people´s lives).

“And still, after all this time, the Sun has never said to the Earth, You owe me. 

Look what happens with a love like that. It lights up the whole world”. 

(Hāfez, Spiritual Persian Poet and Mystic, 1325 –1389) 

Why Should You Believe In Miracles?

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Authentic Leadership, Change Management, Life Coaching, Spirituality

Miracles happen all the time. We do not always sense them, or realize how full our world, and the universe, is with miracles. Very often we think about a miracle as something huge happening, a drastic shift or change in things, like a sudden strike of lightning in our environment, transforming our existence in a second. Miracles take place all the time, some of them bigger, some smaller. If we constantly expect a miracle to be a major event, we are likely to miss out the smaller miracles. 

One thing is certain: in order to experience miracles in your life, you have to start believing in their possibilities, if you already do not. The deeper your belief, and the more you trust in miracles taking place at all times, everywhere, and the stronger your affirmations are, the higher the probability of you starting to sense how full of miracles your surroundings, your life, and the whole world is. 

There is much more to life than the human eyes, or other senses, can explain. As rational individuals, we often prefer translating things, people, and circumstances through rationalism and facts. We are eager to find logical explanations for anything, although deep within us we do know how important it is to use intuition and feelings in order to be capable of expanding as individuals. A miracle is not bound to any certain culture or religion, and miracles are acknowledged in all religions. Miracles are a part of spirituality. 

Jon Bon Jovi has said: “Miracles happen every day. Change your perception of what a miracle is and you will see them all around you”.

Sometimes difficult circumstances or major life crises lead us to increasingly believe in miracles. We need something to believe in, something that motivates us, inspires us, and guides us further on our life paths. However, sensing miracles does not require having a difficult life, or difficulties in life. Miracles are always there for each and one of us, no matter what our situation may be. 

Experiencing miracles in one’s everyday life becomes easier with belief, increasing spirituality, and opening our minds to sensing small and big wonders, being grateful for anything that life gives us – even tough times, since they can be such important lessons for us. However difficult it can be, try to express gratitude even for setbacks and problems – they most often are the greatest lessons life has to offer us, and lead to personal development when we are open to learning. 

  • Without challenges, appreciating all the good things in life would be more difficult. 
  • Without rain, we would not be able to see rainbows. 
  • Without yin, there would be no yang. 
  • Without you, there would be no me. 
  • Without the Sun, there would be no Moon, no Earth. 
  • Without the Moon that we see in the sky each night, there would be no ebb or flood.

The Universe is full of miracles. Many of them so big, so familiar, so small, so everything that we have become too accustomed to even noticing them in our lives.

“Many people are alive but do not touch the miracle of being alive”. (Thich Nhat Hanh)

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer was an inspiring personality who spoke about experiencing miracles. Watch this video clip on YouTube to listen to his message: 

http://bit.ly/MiraclesbyDyer

 

 

 

 

 

How Can You Live Your True Dreams?

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Meditation, Spirituality

When I write, it usually starts with an idea. The ideas can come from almost anywhere, for example during sleep (which is a reason for sleeping with a notebook and a pen on my bedside table). Keeping a journal close to me at all times is a way of making sure that no ideas fall into lapse of memory.

Sometimes I start by picking a headline, but very often the headline changes in the end, or during the writing process. Like now: I thought about using “Chasing Your Dreams” or “Going After Your Dreams”, but instead, decided to simply pick “Living Your Dreams”. This because I believe chasing and going after are both actions that require being forceful, and when it comes to dreams, they either need to be fulfilled or quite simply, lived. Of course chasing and going after are options as well, but if it is a dream connected to your spirit, and your intention – you won ́t need to chase it. It will come to you, eventually, through LIVING in a way that eventually manifests everything that you truly want to achieve.

“What We Think, We Become. Our thoughts determine our reality.” (Gautama Buddha)

This reminded me of the story of a student and a Zen Master. The student, eager to learn, asked the Zen Master for guidance. The Zen Master invited the student to have a cup of tea, began to pour the tea into the cup – poured, poured, and poured, filling the cup until it was overflowing and the hot, boiling tea was spilled on the student’s lab. 

Student: “Stop! The cup is overflowing. It is already full!” 

Zen Master: “The cup is a symbol of your mind. You came here with a full mind. There was no place for anything new. A beginner ́s mind should never be full. Instead, it should always be empty, ready for new learning. How possibly can I teach you unless you first empty your cup?”

This lesson is good to remember at all times. We all come to the world to develop, learn, evolve, and grow. We all have it in us, the ability of being perfect as we are, but at the same time remembering that we can always learn something new, as long as we keep our minds open. 

Taking time for meditation every day is a great way of improving one’s life in many ways. Not only does meditation have a positive impact on our health in many ways, but it also helps us empty our minds. This, in turn, gives space for ideas, thoughts, and dreams popping up in our minds which existence we might not even have been aware of. 

To (re)discover your true dreams, start by emptying your mind, and see what a wonderful landscape your spirit consists of. 

 

 

Virtues and Sins Part III: Chastity vs. Lust

by Anne-Maria Yritys, posted in Authentic Leadership, Business Ethics, Change Management, Life Coaching, Virtues and Sins

Happy Valentine´s Day!

Originating from Valentine of Rome, a priest who was martyred about AD 496 and buried on the Via Flaminia, Valentine´s Day is being celebrated yearly on February 14th in many countries worldwide. According to the Golden Legend, Valentine wrote the first “valentine” card himself addressed to the daughter of his jailer Asterius, who was no longer blind, signing as “Your Valentine”, the night before he was executed.

In Finland we call Valentine´s Day “Ystävänpäivä” translating into “Day of Friends”, thus not having a romantic significance but instead valuing and remembering your friends. Modified tradition used in many ways – like in WWF´s Valentine´s Day campaign.

Chastity (Latin: Castitas) refers to purity, knowledge, honesty, wisdom. Noble qualities for a leader, yet so few of us manage to fulfill these during our entire lifetimes. Is it worth trying, or just simpler to allow ourselves to be human and give in to lust (Latin: Luxuria) whenever tantalized by our egos? It is rare for a human being to completely avoid temptations, with exceptions like Mother Teresa.

To err is human; to forgive, divine (Alexander Pope).

If we all just tried just a little bit harder to value what is really important in life, the world would be a much better and safer place for all of us. This probably sounds very moral and to be honest, that´s exactly what it is. Economic motivations should not dominate moral considerations.

If you have practiced yoga and meditation you are probably familiar with the chakra system. Chakras are wheels of life, master programs in our bodies forming the coordination network of our complicated mind and body system. I warmly recommend literature e.g. “Wheels of Life” (Anodea Judith, Ph.D.) which explains the chakra system in a captivating manner.

Getting familiar with the system and stabilizing one´s chakras is one of the most effective methods of increasing personal levels of consciousness, to lead a more balanced life, to reach goals and to manage change in life. Just make sure to find a good teacher and make it a life-long journey. Chakras are very powerful so it is important to practice with knowledge.

Knowing how to balance one´s chakra system is directly related to the fact of being able to balance one´s life. Many of our daily problems can be solved by stabilizing our chakras, some of which may be under- or overfunctioning. According to some chakra experts and practitioners humanity, in general, is about to shift to the heart chakra. Good news for our planet, although a majority of the world´s population still need to struggle with the very basic needs of the root chakra.

Our chakras function separately, but form together a complete network creating rootedness, harmony, activity etc. in our bodies. It is through the chakras that the energy of life is flowing into us. The chakras enable us to communicate, to sense and to understand. Information flows both ways in our chakras, with each chakra having its own responsibility.

Root chakra: Closest to the ground. Through the root chakra we are connected to a natural and innocent state of being. A well-balanced root chakra can be identified e.g. through following:

–          Calm and confident behavior

–          Ability to enjoy physical activities

–          Downright relation to nature

–          Feeling of safety

–          Ability to feel fellowship easily

–          Strong family boundaries and respect for one´s roots

–          Feeling of having deserved one´s place in the world

Sacral chakra: Above the root chakra. Center for creative inspiration, willingness to see and to experience new things and to meet new people. Also the center for sexuality. Qualities when well-balanced:

–          Vivid imagination

–          Feeling of being confident

–          Approving oneself

–          Ability to play/playfulness

–          Not looking for correlations

–          Ability to identify with others and to play roles

Solar Plexus: Center for ambition, personal will, competitiveness, autonomy and social skills. When the solar plexus is active, an individual needs to belong, to network and to achieve something. The individual is building relationships more consciously than before. Qualities when well-mastered:

–          Reliability and precision

–          Able to manage stress

–          Normal ambition

–          Mastering one´s life

–          A strong will and inspiration to live

–          Good ability to judge

–          Endurance

–          Favoring mental exercises

–          Good memory

–          Ability to build lasting relations

–          Ability to take and give constructive criticism

–          Ability to set goals

–          Ability to work both as an employee and as a leader

–          Knows how to take initiative

–          Not afraid of taking responsibility

Heart Chakra: Center for love, relationships, and for the sense of justice. Directly related to physical health and healing. Center for compassion. The more developed, the easier it gets for and individual to practice forgiveness, both towards oneself as well as towards others. Qualities when well-balanced:

–          A need to listen to and to understand others

–          Love for nature

–          Good health

–          Ability to adapt easily

–           Patience

–          Sacrifice

–          Incorruptible

–          Courage

–          Stable opinions

–          Good judge of human nature

–          Good relationships

–          Empathy

Throat Chakra: A creative, expressive and imaginative individual has a well-developed throat chakra. This chakra is also related to various paranormal abilities, such as premonitions and clairaudience, developed visualization. Qualities when well-balanced:

–          Good imagination

–          Artistic capabilities

–          Willingness to listen and to understand others

–          Vivid dreams

–          Good sense of balance

–          Ability to focus well

–          Ability to shut off excessive thoughts

–          Spirit longs for deep relations

–          Interest for spirituality

–          Good self-expression

–          Quick ability to come up with ideas and to take initiative

–          Stays calm under pressure and catastrophes

Brow Chakra (Third Eye): The experienced world expands further. Spirituality becomes an even more significant part of an individual´s life. Discovery of immense inner potential. Things that feel irrelevant and consuming are no longer of interest. Strong third eye qualities:

–          Sharp visual memory

–          All kind of efficient visuality

–          Broad view of the world

–          Exceptional selflessness

–          Healthy eyes and mind

–          Ability to remain strongly focused even under extreme pressure

–          Gift of intuition

–          Telepathic ability

–          Belief in the impossible being possible

–          Mediumistic capabilities

–          Borderless creativity

–          Headaches very uncommon

Crown Chakra: The highest energy center. For a materialistic individual it is difficult to understand that if one gives something altruistically it would ever be given back. What is coming back to you doesn´t automatically come from where it has been given, but from elsewhere, through another way, even in another form. Altruistic helping and sharing is natural for the one whose crown chakra is sparking. The individual uses, shares, and continues his/her journey without clinging onto anything understanding that nothing belongs to him/her. Despite of this he/she feels like owning the whole world because he/she owns him/herself. For some people spiritual awakening happens more easily while consciously and radically giving up their fortune. On the other hand, even large fortunes can be wisely managed and directed with a good energy system. By denying money and fortune completely, an individual also denies taking part in the worldly system. It might not be wise that all spiritually awaken people deny materialism (money). It is possible to achieve good things with money as long as it is wisely managed. Qualities of the crown chakra:

–          No fear of death

–          Many-sided vision

–          Personal worldview

–          Uncorrupted confidence

–          High level of unselfishness

–          Ability to settle with just a little possession

–          No fear for change

–          Ability to stand strong even without external support

–          Ability to forgive incomprehensible infringements

(Source: Aalto, M. 2006. Kivet kertovat. Jalokivet, chakrat ja meditaatio). 13.2.2014.

We all have the possibility to increase intuition and spirituality in our lives meaning that during our lives we may reach the highest levels of consciousness. This only requires us to be open to change, to listen to our inner voices and take the time for peace and stillness.

The better we balance ourselves and our chakras, the easier it gets to develop true leadership qualities including honesty, wisdom and knowledge sharing. Conversely to common beliefs, sharing knowledge and helping others is not harmful. Sharing knowledge is a win-win situation for everyone. In business, of course, it is useful to keep sensitive ideas to yourself, but also to practice collaboration rather than competing, and if competing, then foremost competing against oneself.

There are numerous great quotes about enemies. To borrow Buddha´s words: “It is a man´s own mind, not his enemy or foe that lures him to evil ways”. 
“Your inner strength is your outer foundation” (Allan Rufus).