7 Brilliant Ways to ‘Live in Harmony With Everything’ in 2011
- By: Dave Ursillo
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“You don’t attract what you desire, you attract what you are.” ~Dr. Wayne Dyer
With the passing of the summer solstice last week, the year 2011 is technically half over (I know, already?!), but plenty of time remains to radically change your life — and your world — this very year, and in remarkably simple but powerful ways.
All it really takes to change your world is to rethink a few things.
You see, for all the talking I do about the dangers of over-thinking and the problems that ensue from an unexamined ego, thinking is a remarkable tool. In fact, your mind might be the single most powerful tool you possess for not only realizing your potential, but literally creating a magnificent life — through your thoughts.
And whether you’ve been sticking to those New Year’s resolutions from six months ago or not, you shouldn’t wait until 2012 to say, “Okay, NOW I’m gonna start to make some changes.”
The date on the calendar really doesn’t matter. What matters is making the explicit decision in the present moment — the now!
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Welcome to Tao, Welcome to Now
The original title of this blog post was called “7 Brilliant Ways to Live in Accordance with the Tao in 2011.” But, what does that mean?
Tao (pronounced like, “Dao”) is a Chinese word for “the way” or “the path.” Living in accordance with the Tao or “the way” means to live in harmony with everything: with nature and God, within your body, among others, along the path of life and as you make your way in this world.
Striving to better understand the Tao has helped me reach some of my goals from the New Year, including to “live more deliberately and intently” and to push my own boundaries. I also wanted to explore new and unconventional practices for self-exploration and discovery, growth and inner strength.
And so, I offer you this potent list of 7 suggestions — practices that I myself have put into practice over the last six months — that can help you live in accordance with the Tao, in harmony with everything, in 2011!
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1. TAI CHI (t’ai chi chuan)
Tai chi is an ancient “internal” Chinese martial art that I began to explore in 2011 in a very simple and pragmatic way — with a DVD that I received as a gift over the holidays (affiliate link // that’s the actual DVD I use).
The workouts are not necessary calorie-burners, but do help get your blood pumping with the yoga-like stretch routines and gentle, synchronistic motions that are coordinated with your breathing — helping to quiet your mind and which provides a strong meditative effect.
Don’t let the “martial art” aspect dissuade you: gentle-motion variants of Tai Chi have quickly gained popularity in recent decades for the practice’s various health benefits and meditative qualities. Scientific studies are ongoing to support what many practitioners report, but one major study recently concluded that Tai Chi:
“…significantly increased psychological well-being including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression, and enhanced mood in community-dwelling healthy participants and in patients with chronic conditions.”
Short, energizing sessions of Tai Chi fill me with an incredible level of balance, inner peace, and pep in my step that help to carry me through the day and remain productive.
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2. QIGONG (chi gung)
Qigong is similar in many respects to Tai Chi — so much so that two Qigong routines are included in that same Tai Chi DVD I mentioned earlier.
But Qigong is really stands on it’s own as a separate, ancient Chinese philosophy that explicitly focuses upon the manipulation of energy and the coordination of breath and movement for health and medicinal healing.
The principle concept in Qigong is the manipulation of Chi energy – a life force energy that creates, sustains and runs through all life.
Incorporating similar physical movement with mental training and a greater goal of inner, spiritual enlightenment, Qigong workouts are, while stationary, almost dance-like with its synchronistic flow between sweeping and elegant motions.
Like Tai Chi, Qigong increases energy as well as a sense of inner balance, peace, and calm. And the meditative benefits cannot be disputed — they are the primary reason why I have maintained the sessions in routine.
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3. YOGA
What’s to say about yoga that’s not already been said? The ancient Indian practice of yoga has exploded from relative obscurity to a mainstream obsession of tens of millions in recent years.
Depending on your experience and fitness level, yoga can provide significant workouts and challenging routines or mind exercises that help to align mind, body and spirit.
Yup, I yoga, baby. I’m by no means a yogi, but improving over time and have found yoga to significantly help improve my leg strength and flexibility — all of which helped me train drastically for my 9K road race in May.
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4. CHI RUNNING
ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer
ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer is a book and revolutionary school of practice for distance runners that incorporates the principles of Tai Chi, including altering body position and momentum to move in harmony with nature (and the laws of physics).
ChiRunning is especially helpful for those who experience pain when running.
Never much of a runner, I gave ChiRunning a whirl, especially for my admiration of Tai Chi . I found the application of several simple principles to vastly improve my form and my mental mindset when running.
With practice, I now run 4 miles at a time with relative ease and have never been better at distance running (or enjoyed running this much!).
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5. MEDITATION
Since college, I’ve been fascinated with meditation. I began meditating sporadically to try to calm and quiet my mind during those college years.
Om Mani Padme Hum
After getting away from what can become a difficult, frustrating practice — if you are not patient or naturally adept at calming your mind and zoning out — I’ve finally returned to meditation, thanks largely to a new tattoo that now adorns my skin!
Written in Tibetan Sanskrit, “om mani padme hum” is a traditional Buddhist mantra that is recited during meditation to invoke reminders, blessings and strength from the essence of compassion.
I got this bad boy around April on a relative whim, but with a deep appreciation and reverence for the mantra and its meaning.
Sorry for the bootleg picture that I took from a few days after I got inked. But it’s all I got for now :P
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6. PRAYER BEADS (japa mala)
Mala beads
Just in the last couple of weeks, I’ve been practicing japa (mantra meditation) with prayer beads, also known as mala beads. The beads are counted once per each iteration of the mantra — no different than how a prayer is recited for each count of a bead on the Rosary in the Christian faith.
I purchased a simple, affordable wrist mala made of Nepali bodhi tree seeds.
And how convenient that I already have my favorite mantra tattooed right on me!
More than simple prayer beads, mala beads are believed to actually become “empowered” by the essence of a specific mantra when recited 10,000 times. I also handle my mala beads during interviews and conference calls, or any situation that might cause anxiety or tenseness — handling the beads reminds me of my mantra of compassion, calms me, and keeps me in focus with my purpose.
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7. MINDFUL BREATHING
We inhale and exhale breaths thousands of times each and every day — but seldom notice it. Mindful breathing is an inner practice through which we become “mindful” or conscious and cognizant of our breathing: each breath, in and out.
Common in traditional Buddhist schools of thought, among other modern day relaxation techniques and exercises, mindful breathing focuses our attention upon the simple, immediate and present moment.
It slows down our racing minds and helps us to find calm and peace within — with each deep inhale through the nose, and each calming exhale through the mouth. Mindful breathing returns us to the present moment.
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Harmonious Conclusions
So, how have I felt?
I really do attribute the practice of this list of 7 brilliant ways to live in harmony with everything — especially living in harmony within myself — to what has been a productive, happy, balanced 2011. On a physical level, I feel very healthy, strong, flexible and relaxed. On a mental level, I am nurturing positive emotions and releasing negative ones on a far deeper level than before. Emotionally, I simply feel great.
But what I need to do is to ask you — what do you do to live “in harmony with everything,” or, in accordance with the Tao? Do you have any tips or tricks? Can you suggest some new, crazy things I haven’t even heard of?
Share them with us! And, thank you :)
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Flickr photo credit: Conrad Kuip
24 COMMENTS... READ 'EM BELOW AND SHARE A THOUGHT
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Vivek Mayasandra
Hey Dave,
Interesting post here. I’ve been using a few of the techniques you’ve listed here. I can honestly say they’ve genuinely helped in how I approach/handle situations; I ran a half marathon this past Saturday morning and mindful breathing was the name of the game. The result? 13.1 miles of relatively low stress, exhaustion or generic boredom. It was great.
Funny how such simple things can help so significantly!
Vivek
Jun 27 2011 / 10:06 pm
Dave Ursillo
It's remarkable, Vivek, and I find it so amazing because some of these practices, among others -- especially the ancient traditions that human beings seem to have long understood the health benefits of -- are now being studied with precision and detail by scientists, and all the old claims are being proven true!
By measuring brain activity and conducting other psychological studies, modern science is validating a lot of the merely assumed positive benefits of meditation, yoga, mindful breathing and so on. Pretty amazing!
Jun 28 2011 / 07:06 pm
Brandon
Thanks for the tips, Dave. Great list here! The Tao Te Ching is on my list of resources to explore after hearing Wayne Dyer talk about it so much.
One of the little practices that I’ve incorporated into my life is the expression of gratitude consistently. Each day, I give thanks for something publicly via Twitter (as a way of holding myself accountable) and on Sundays, I do a blog post about gratitude.
I went backpacking a month ago and one of the things I noticed was that I wasn’t as present as I would have liked. I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, but wasn’t getting still enough to take it all in. When I caught myself doing that, I slowed down, looked around, and said thank you for the moment. It’s a little thing, but it really helped a lot.
Thanks again for the tips!
Jun 28 2011 / 07:06 am
Dave Ursillo
The same happens to me pretty frequently, Brandon, and perhaps I oughta mentioned that more explicitly in the post. I get grumpy, in a mood, now and again just like anyone else.
Your gratitude practice is a great way to flip the switch from a bad mood to a positive one. In fact, I myself was feeling like this yesterday morning-- kinda flustered, woke up on the wrong side of the bed, had a hard time finding the groove of my morning routine, etc.
I was walking down the street kinda pissy when I stopped myself and noticed the beautiful sunny weather-- in spite of being kinda hot. I observed the grass and the leaves of the trees, the new flowers, and began saying thank you.
It sounds simple, maybe silly, but like you have experienced, this practice of saying thank you for anything and everything you see is enough to fill us with gratitude -- which is the true cornerstone of happiness!
Jun 28 2011 / 08:06 pm
Joseph Rice
“You don’t attract what you desire, you attract what you are.” ~Dr. Wayne Dyer
yikes! that’s a pretty deep way to start off the day! wow, going to have to think on that one for a while.
these are great tips. i’ve been doing some yoga for a while, but you’ve intrigued me with the other things you’ve mentioned. going to think about trying these things out. as i mentioned over on FB, i am appreciating the exposure to spiritual traditions other than my own, as i’m learning a lot, and finding them to be very complementary.
love the ink. i have the Trisagion prayers (in Greek) from the Orthodox service inked on my chest. Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς (Agios O Theos, Agios Eeskhiros, Agios Athanatos, eleison imas). in English: “Holy G*d, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.” for us, “mercy” isn’t being saved from divine wrath, but instead divine compassion, or salve, for our souls. along with the jesus prayer, these two mantra-like prayers form a big part of my daily spiritual meditation.
i also chant these when hiking alone or with my dogs. it helps me to center my thinking, yet still allows mindfulness of my surroundings.
my exposure to Taoism has been minimal, but i’m thinking of taking up study of it. seems to have lots of peace and beauty expressed through it.
thanks for this thought provoking post, dave.
Jun 28 2011 / 10:06 am
Dave Ursillo
That quote from Dyer is a POWERFUL one, Joseph, and frankly I think it scares the sh!t out of a lot of people -- at least based on the reactions I have received from quoting it!
Why? Well, people perceive the quote to mean that your wishes and desires don't matter, but instead, you're "stuck" or "locked into" where and who you are.
Couldn't be farther from the truth.
Dyer means to inspire you to reap what you sow -- to live, breathe and Be love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, selflessness, laughter, and so on.
When you sow this among others, you live them. When you live them, you similarly attract them from the universe!
Jun 28 2011 / 08:06 pm
Joseph Rice
i actually got the meaning you describe, dave. that's why it was so startling. this is just something i've been struggling with for a while, and working on. it's caused me to reevaluate my own actions, because of the people that get drawn into my universe. Dyer just put it out there in a way i wasn't quite ready to face yet. but it's so simple and true. like i said, lots to think about. thanks!
Jun 28 2011 / 08:06 pm
Dave Ursillo
Right on, Joseph. I think Dyer's definition is a much more potent and accurate representation of the "Law of Attraction" -- it's not about desires and attachments and wants, but attracting what you are, like attracting like, and your actions and words manifesting themselves around you.
Jul 05 2011 / 11:07 am
Ken Wert
I love to read about spiritual traditions that are different from my own. They help provide insight and perspective. While I am a very spiritual person, I have to admit to more Western approaches to my spiritual life: scripture study, prayer, fasting, church, acts of service and the like.
While I’m pretty well-read in non-western literature (Dao Te Ching, the Analects of Confucius, Buddha’s Dhammapada, the Upanishads, etc.), I have only dabbled sporadically with a few of the practices.
I have tried meditating, for example, but must admit that I was not particularly successful at it. Your post, however, has sparked the desire to look back into the practice and give it another go.
Heaven knows in this fast-paced world of ours, we can all use more calm in the midst of the rush that surrounds us all the time, everywhere.
Jun 28 2011 / 07:06 pm
Dave Ursillo
I hear from a lot of readers, Ken, that they too get frustrated or confused or simply not intrigued enough by meditations to stick with it. It's tough :)
The greatest difficulty arises from trying to quiet the mind. How do you stop thinking? Then, you realize you are, in fact, THINKING about not thinking... and the cycle goes on :)
Really, meditation is about becoming "fully present," if only for a moment!
Perhaps you could borrow a tradition from your own faith, and use a Rosary in place of mala beads as I suggest above. Concentrate your mind on the beads, one at a time, then upon your breath, in and out. Between those focuses, your mind will slow and calm.
Thank you, Ken, for offering your thoughts and encouraging support of this piece. So happy it resonated with you!
Jun 28 2011 / 08:06 pm
Greg Berg
Well done piece Dave! I’ve been practicing Kundalini Yoga & Meditation for more than three years and it’s had a profound effect on my life, health, mental state, and ability to deal with the many stresses of modern life! More stuff to talk about on July 11th. Really looking forward to our conversation!
Jun 29 2011 / 11:06 am
Dave Ursillo
I'd like to assemble a free resource, perhaps a downloadable e-book PDF, with lots of peoples' experiences with mediation, especially. A lot of people are curious to try meditation, but don't know what it is or how to do it. There's no one way, of course. And it's really not as mystical as people think :)
I'll keep you in mind when the times comes, Greg!
Jul 05 2011 / 11:07 am
Misty Provencher
Wow, Dave. You’re not messing around. I admire that.
And I happen to adore this post. So many things to experience. I’d like to try the book on running and I’ve bookmarked the Tai Chi tape. But I’m a girl that goes like a freight train, so I’m not sure I can hang with the Tai Chi. When I stop, I drop into Child’s Pose for 10 hours at a pop.
Jun 29 2011 / 11:06 am
Dave Ursillo
Perhaps the Tai Chi can become a practice in patience for you, Misty. After all, everyone benefits from patience. And it might be the perfect compliment to your go-go-go lifestyle. That tape's short, 20-25 minute "workouts" are perfect for a busybee but really tune you into the moment and energize you (or calm you down at the end of the day).
Let me know how you like it!
Jul 05 2011 / 11:07 am
J.D. Meier
They all look like great ways to keep the mind and body strong … and up the ante of the mind-body connection.
Have you tested Shamanic journeys?
Jul 01 2011 / 12:07 pm
Dave Ursillo
I've neither tried nor *heard of* Shamanic journeys, J.D.! I'll have to investigate a bit. Care to explain to me in further detail? Drop me a line at dave(at)daveursillo(dot)com. Thanks amigo :)
Jul 05 2011 / 11:07 am
janet
I love the zen sort of focus you have in your blog and by extension, your life! I have tried basic chi kung, tai chi. chi running is a great book also! and pretty much have tried everything on this list but don’t do it /practice regularly. =/
Jul 04 2011 / 03:07 am
Dave Ursillo
Even the exploration of other "foreign-feeling" practices are beneficial, Janet. I go in and out of phases with the above I've listed here, although I've tried to dedicate myself to them this year to especially be able to share what I've learned with you!
Jul 05 2011 / 12:07 pm
Nick
ChiRunning is awesome! It’s half of what got me into running on a weekly basis and using proper form. The other half is the the book “Born To Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen” Even if you’re not into running (like I was before), the book is a fun, gripping read and there’s a good chance it’ll inspire you to hit the pavement. Definitely check it out :)
Jul 05 2011 / 01:07 pm
Dave Ursillo
Thanks a million for the recommendation, Nick, that's one of those books that I've had recommended to me a handful of times but never got around to! Maybe I'm due to finally check it out. :)
Jul 05 2011 / 07:07 pm
Vicki Bamman
This is very interesting. Here are some thoughts and some things I do.
Begin the day with time alone for prayer and meditation. When I had kids at home, it was harder to do, and sometimes I’d take my morning break for meditation instead of coffee.
Spend time in the evening having “devotions and dialog” with my husband. That is the time we talk out various matters that we need to deal with, make plans and decisions, and resolve differences and difficulties. We’re better able to resolve things at this time, after devotions, than we are at other times. Since we began this practice seven years ago, the amount of conflict between us has decreased.
Seek knowledge and information. Share knowledge and information. A lot of difficulties between people are caused by them not having the same information.
Compassion is very important; one of the hardest things to live in “harmony” with is what I perceive as lack of compassion. Sometimes, though, what looks like lack of compassion is not what it looks like: that’s where knowledge and information is needed.
On the other hand, there are some things — like human trafficking — that no amount of information or explanation is going to make okay. And what do I do about that?
Jul 12 2011 / 03:07 pm
Dave Ursillo
It's really what you make of it, isn't it, Vicki? Just like the circumstances that unfold in our lives that we each have no control over... in the end, what we can do is choose how to react.
If I take all the bad news on TV as so disheartening that I don't even want to get out of bed in the morning, clearly, I've let hopelessness overcome my own determination and willpower to help change the problem or do good in my corner of the world.
However, with your example of human trafficking, perhaps the knowledge of the subject increases your personal awareness and helps teach others about this important social issue as well. From there, actions can be taken in small capacities in your communities and town.
As the collective consciousness and awareness of these sorts of issues rises, greater action can and will be made on bigger levels.
I love the tips you suggest, as well, Vicki.
- Prayer and meditation are excellent ways to start the day on a strong, balanced, peaceful and motivated track
- Knowledge and information are truly gifts, and we live in such an awesome day and age where they are both so accessible to the public!
- Finally, it sounds like you have a very strong relationship with your spouse to invest that kind of attention and detail to open and strong communication. That's completely awesome.
I've learned a lot from this comment of yours -- thank you, Vicki!!
Jul 12 2011 / 06:07 pm
Katie Benedetto
Ahh, too cool! I’ve just been inspired to start exploring chi energy after taking a Reiki class. I’ll add my mindfulness tip: start where you are.
I took a professional mindfulness course a few years ago. I know it was absolutely well done, great resources – but it just didn’t meet me where I was. As someone who didn’t meditate (and still struggled to find 30 free minutes in a day), the daily meditation homework wasn’t appealing enough to commit to.
Later, as I learned photography, I found that I’d unintentionally developed a mindfulness practice. As I looked for great shots, I started noticing and appreciating things around me more, even stopping to smell, taste, enjoy more slowly. Other hobbies did the same – birdwatching, foraging, cultivating herbs in a garden, running. Almost anything I do outdoors helps me exercise mindfulness.
Likewise, I thought I was a terrible meditator. I unintentionally made meditation a routine when I made a habit of enjoying the silence and peace after a long, hot shower.
In my mindfulness class, they told us, “start where you are” – I think the easiest place for a beginner to start developing mindfulness/meditation is through things they already do, enjoy. Agreed that it’s *not* as mystical as people think. A book with people’s experiences would be neat. :)
May 11 2012 / 12:05 am
Dave Ursillo
Heck yeah Katie!
I think 'mindfulness' can really feel like a loaded, intimidating word (or concept), but isn't just simple awareness, presence, cognizance... like realizing where you are?
I also found photography to feel so powerful when I recently rented a high quality camera for a week. Photography is all about finding beauty in the moment: framing images, faces, things into interesting and engaging composites. Really, photography is capturing the beauty of the moment. :)
May 11 2012 / 03:05 pm
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