Five reasons why I like Happy Yoga

I've been spending my mornings at Starbucks reading lately. And lately it's been all about yoga. My BF and I have joined a yoga studio in Phoenix this month, and I borrowed a book called Happy Yoga from the BF's sister to learn more about the philosophy--or at least this guy's version of it.

I must say, I'm glued to what I'm learning. I don't want to put the book down. Except, the information is so intense. In order to absorb the key points, I have to read this book in spurts, one chapter at a time. There are seven of them. So I'm taking notes on notecards, jotting down the quotes that stand out, the lessons I need to remind myself, the words that project some meaning for me that I don't want to forget. I'm going to get a copy of this book for myself, I'm sure. For now, I am glued to this borrowed one.

I keep suggesting to my BF that he read the book as well, and now he wants to do just that. I'm also planning to get copies for both my son and my daughter. Hopefully, their respective spouses will read the book, too.

I think it's that good. Here are ten reasons why:

_The quotes the author has collected.
From the words of Buddha ("There is no way to happiness--happiness is the way.") to thoughts like this one--If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?--I cannot help but consider how these words can positively impact my life in this very moment. The quotes alone make me question who I am and what I'm doing here. It's perfect timing, considering my branding experience, which is moving along nicely now.

_The inspiration offered.
I am inspired by the author's own journey with yoga (from rock band to yogi man), how he came upon his passion (spent five years in India to study the practice), and what he wants to share with the world (that yoga is not as serious as you might think). Any time I can find another author or expert with a spiritual journey that has helped transform his life, I want to know how that happened. I want to know more, as I am naturally inspired by mankind's ability to live with purpose. Steve Ross seems to have that down, and his book is helping me in my own search for whatever it is I must know. Plus, his work clarifies my own thoughts about living in joy. This is a guy who sees yoga as a means to happiness. I'd never thought of it that way, but I like it. As someone who is new to the practice but also believes in this natural state of happiness, his book leads me to believe I am on the right track. And that's a good feeling.

_The lessons learned.
His book covers thoughts about death, about society's push for the perfect body and how unenlightened such a goal really is, and so much more. Essentially, this is a book that shows you how to put your mind at ease and not worry so much. What a great lesson right off the bat! For someone who has experienced a lot of fear in life, this author is teaching me how to let all of that go. That chapter alone makes this a book worth having.

_The exercises suggested.
Not only does he provide great stories that offer great lessons, he also delivers exercises or tips that will help you experience the same. Don't know how to just sit still and relax? He offers suggestions on how you can do that successfully, without having to be perfect at it the first time around. I love do-overs!

_The poses illustrated.
At the end of each chapter, the author provides pictures and instructions on how to do specific poses that will help your body achieve specific things, such as a lean body, a calm mind, or a more loving heart. If all you wanted from the book were poses to achieve a specific goal addressed in the book, you'd have it at your fingertips with this one. I like that.

"Happiness arises from acceptance of yourself, others, the world, and this moment," just as it is, Ross writes. You have a choice, he's saying--another reminder about where the responsibility for the self really lives. Inside of me. Inside of you. Inside of the individual.

Agree or disagree? Let's discuss.   

Thought for the day from a spiritually-inclined blogger

I just read the lines below (paraphrased) on a blog I was introduced to via LinkedIn. The blogger, Christopher Luke, wrote something I think is worth considering as you go about your day...

"Life is not about survival, nor is it about the acquisition of great wealth, nor is it about living a virtuous life necessarily. Life is about making mistakes, pushing boundaries and learning from what you find when you turn over yet another stone." 

1) Take the lessons from the mistake.
2) Leave the experience behind you.
3) Then move onwards to the next event or challenge.

Which of the three points he makes do you find the most difficult and why?  

(If you'd like more detail about the writer's comments, click on the link above.)

Giving up too much too soon

It's been like a first date that I let move in right after he paid the check. Oopsie! My marketing consultants tell me that I need to save my big reveal for much, much later.

So I'll be paring down on what I show you as I move through this rebranding process. I don't want to give up too much information too soon. I'm told it's not supposed to make sense to the "outsider," which is why you'd be confused by the phrasing at this point. The information and statements that occur in the early phases of branding are more like the discovery phase in a trial. You don't yet know the extent of what all this information means. You're still digging and gleaning and uncovering. It's all just a big pile of facts and figures, concepts and ideas. It's not supposed to make sense yet.

I hadn't realized that. In fact, I hadn't realized I'm in step 1 of a 20-step process. Oh my!

But I get it. It's just like when I'm writing a short story, or anything especially personal. I learned early on not to show this writing to anyone else too soon. They're not privy to what I know and want to tell. They'll bring their own stuff in where it doesn't belong. And then I'll get confused. That's exactly what happened in this case.

So, if there's a lesson to learn about the rebranding, or branding, process in general, it's this: don't give up too much information too soon to potential clients. Let the information materialize, gell and take its proper form.

Lesson learned.

Have you ever been in a situation where you gave up too much too soon? Did it change the way you thought or felt about something, to the detriment of your own personal growth? If so, was it hard for you to reel yourself back in? 



 

More on the branding experience

My position statement:

Jackie Dishner is a motivational speaker, writer and author who inspires you with tales of her authentic life adventures.

This is what we came up with as a position statement. What does this say to you? Do you buy it, get it, understand what you might expect from me? Would you want to know more.

The consultants I'm working with helped me come up with this statement; it's what I'd say to you in a networking situation. It would be my elevator speech.

Your thoughts?

Authentic life adventures

Still working on the brand. Not easy work. And it's time-consuming, which, sorry to say, takes me away from the blog. In a meeting this week with my branding/marketing partners, this phrase came up:

authentic life adventures

They want me to use it in my positioning statement. I can do that. It very closely resembles what I write and speak about--and gives me a focus. But I'm curious to know if this is something other people want. So I'd like to know from you: what does the phrase mean to you? Do you want to learn more about authentic life adventures? Do you think you experience them? Would you want someone to share theirs with you? Do you relate in some way to this phrase?

I know it's a lot of questions, but I could use your input as I try to figure out what I'm really all about so I can sell it to the world. Remember, I'm working on creating a movement. I want to make positive impact on the world, and if I can do that through my authentic life adventures, I really want to narrow the focus and get started.

So, please tell me what this phrase means to you?

Thank you for your input.

What one thing are you happy about today?

Me? I ended the work week with a deadline met. It means the weekend is mine!

Happy 4th of July Weekend? Yes! How about you? What's your one thing?