Tenacity - (Such A Good Word)

I’ve been for a run, closed my eyes and done my Ascension meditation, and now have coffee in hand. All is as it should be. All is well.

Little rituals bring so much to you - especially when they allow you to approach the day with clarity and perspective and good humour.

You never know when you need good humour.

It’s always an excellent thing to pack for your travels. Very handy thing to have around.

The other thing is tenacity.

And it's such a good word.

Go on - say it slow ... say it fast ... say it with feeling ...

My favourite Ascension meditation “clients” all have it in bucketloads.

- I suppose you could call them clients, in that the word client has connotations of being under patronage or protection.

And that’s exactly the way I feel about the people who come and learn Ascension meditation.

I want to look after them, to care and nurture and guide and protect from confusion and bad advice.

Anyway -

The best way they can help me help them is to be tenacious.

To keep going and keep asking questions until they really “get” it.

Till it makes sense to them, in their way.

That doesn’t take long at all - but you’ll be surprised by how many never practice, never ask.

If you don’t practice you don’t get nothing, and if you don’t ask - I can’t help.

Tenacity isn’t violent at all - it’s quiet, patient persistence.

Like water dripping, it'll wear through stone.

And it brings the world. It has to, because nothing is allowed to get in the way.

The clients who don’t settle for less and ask all the way are wonderful.

The ones who ask questions and then, to the best of their ability, apply that new knowledge are even better.

Part of learning to be more calm, clear and with excellent happiness is simply to practice.

The other part is to get rid of doubt.

Good humour and gentle tenacity is the way to go in both.

I can’t see how they would fail to help in ANY endeavour. Do you?

That’s my words for today, for what they are worth.

Have a fine weekend, remember to get your tickets for CHOICE the film on Monday in Darlo.

I’ll tell you next week about the next evening class Ascension meditation course so you can hop on before Christmas and have the best Christmas ever.

Keep the Peace! Arjuna

PS - tickets for CHOICE right here: https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

The End of Days?

I see there’s a bit of consternation about as the US elections come to a close. Just like Brexit, there are more than a few people wailing and gnashing of teeth.

And an equal number of people high fiving and doing victory dances.

I’m not here to talk politics though.

But if you’re all caught up in a Brexit and Trump future -

or actually, caught up in ANYTHING - 

I just want to suggest that you may have a choice in the middle of it all.

As Tyler Durden once said,

“This is your life, and it’s ending one moment at a time”.

The question for me has always been:

How do you want to fill YOUR moments?

With panic, anxiety, worry, fear?

With righteousness and anger?

See, I’ve found none of those help anything, least of all my peace of mind and my clarity.

Ideas in my own head cause more suffering than any physical injury, than any cancer, than anything.

First off they rarely come true.

And even if they do come true, the thinking about something is way worse than the actual event.

Waste mental and emotional energy on an idea, or on a future that hasn’t arrived?

Not for me. Time IS ticking.

It’s not a case of sticking your head in the sand and ignoring reality.

But when you detach from fear and frustration, when you learn to be calm, focussed and present you can meet the need of this moment,

You can see what is real, and what is a possibility.

Ask yourself - what do you have?

For real?

What is real right now, what is right in front of you, what is within you beyond your thoughts and emotions, right now?

What do you really have?

Make yourself secure in that,

And then every word and action you carry out will be so much more effective (and enjoyable).

Because you are working with what is, and not left behind still wishing for “what should be” or fearing "what might be".

You always have a choice.

No matter what.

Your life may well be ending one moment at a time, but make different choices and it can be like life is beginning one moment at a time.

Keep the Peace! Arjuna

PS. You do always have a choice.

Come and meet me at the premier of CHOICE in Darlington, Monday 14 November 6pm.

See a trailer (scroll down) and get your tickets here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214 -

Motivation - Just Do It?

Motivation is a funny old thing. Nike once said “Just Do It”.

And that is basically all there is to motivation, right?

Just get down and do it.

Yet it never happens that simply.

I can say this with confidence because even though I consider myself rather motivated in some areas of my life, it doesn’t extend to all of them.

You see - I have a looming issue that my lack of motivation is, given the nature of time, causing to loom larger.

We’re shifting house early next year and it would behove me to get organised early so it’s not a last minute scramble to get out.

“Organised early” would mean practical steps to sort through my “stuff”.

(Stuff? Code for junk and other such items that “may come in handy” that gets built up over the years of living in one place. You know it.)

I can’t just light a match to the contents of the spare room, unfortunately.

I would like to, but it may just damage the house.

But I’m feeling kinda smug because Sumati - my lovely wife - is much much worse.

And I’m no where near as bad as my father, who is a hoarder of extreme proportions.

So in the light of these two people I feel justified in doing nothing.

Even though it’ll bite me soon.

First lesson about motivation I’ve learned:

You can’t use someone else as a measure for why you don’t need to.

Don’t compare - my own bad habits are my own and not relative to anyone else.

Second lesson:

I am like all humans.

We, faced with a motivational challenge will wait until the pain of doing nothing exceeds the pain of change.

Motivation is based on moving towards pleasure, but probably more often - to avoid pain.

You see -

When I became self-employed my motivation was to give more to the world and support myself and my family at the same time.

Approaching pleasure.

But if I’m honest one of the biggest motivators was to never go back to a monotonous no future office job.

Even bigger than that was the voice of one of my co-workers as we went out for last day drinks.

For a while there - maybe a year after I left - I could still recall his voice.

He said, loud enough to hear as I waved goodnight to head home:

“He’ll be back”.

I have to be honest - that was the biggest motivator of all of them.

To make sure I never went back.

To avoid proving him right.

That more than anything motivated me in the beginning - to avoid having to get my old job back and see his face and him be right.

Interesting huh?

So in terms of motivation my advice is to work out what you really want from doing something.

The first answers will be pleasure oriented - because you want more of something.

But if you dig deeper you may find the most powerful reasons to keep in mind is avoiding the pain of something that is happening now or that might happen in a possible future.

Some I heard this weekend at the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation course we did?

To make sure you do all that you can to avoid the dementia that runs in the family.

To stop being paralysed by panic and anxiety attacks.

To make sure you don’t get to the end of your life and wonder what was the point.

To find away to move on from the ongoing suffering after a difficult breakup, and to prevent future suffering happening.

That’s some serious motivation to do the simple practice that they learnt right there.

How about it?

Take it easy Arjuna

PS -

CHOICE the movie is going ahead!

Nice one - if you’ve already got a ticket thanks for helping out.

If you haven’t and you want a ticket for what could be the only big screen showing in the North East, head here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

I can’t recommend anything more strongly for motivation to live a better, fuller life, and avoid the suffering of staying the same:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214 -

This Made Me Flip Out When I Saw It

I got so excited when I realised these 2 things. When I saw it happening I was ecstatic,

Like really, really chuffed.

The first thing was that in everything I did, everything I thought and felt was a CHOICE.

I - and you - are not your thoughts or your emotions.

All these things are OPTIONS - not a reality.

The presence or absence of them doesn’t mean anything.

You have CHOICE in what you listen to, what you “entertain” and cultivate.

You have habits to entertain certain thoughts and feelings, but you can make it a habit to not entertain these thoughts and habits.

When you make these CHOICES, you see that what you focus on, grows.

The inner game then totally changes the outer game.

Now -

I never felt like I had a choice.

It didn’t feel like that AT ALL.

Sometimes I realised I was stuck - say in a loop of worry - but I couldn’t get out of it.

The same old thought would go around and around but the more I struggled to free myself and focus on something good, the more it seemed like it sucked me back in.

“Lifeguard!”

What do you do when you realise something has to change but you have no idea HOW?

Well -

The second thing was that sitting down and closing my eyes changed so much.

What a mind-blower.

It changed the way I thought, the way I perceived my life.

It made me happy with less, and really stoked with more.

It gave me CHOICE, real choice, real freedom to focus on what I wanted.

Getting out of those loops got easier - and the more I did it, the more easier it got.

Awesome!

Apparently it rewired my brain on a physical level - meaning overcoming habitual thinking wasn’t just a matter of willpower.

It gave me deep rest in a very short period of time, meaning I was less snappy and reactive, less exhausted, more able to cope, more effective and efficient.

It gave me clarity.

How could something as simple as closing your eyes and using an effective meditation technique make such a difference?

I could go into the science, but it just works.

IT just does -

Witness the stories in CHOICE, the documentary.

There’s a trailer here (scroll down):

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Now most of the stories are pretty wild - dudes in an overcrowded maximum security jail,

A wonderful lady with terminal cancer and the best attitude ever,

A guy whose dad was murdered in front of him.

There’s a friend of mine - Dan, when younger so caught up in drugs and partying and heading to jail -

And now he spouts the most wisdom you’ve ever seen in 30 seconds.

Check him out - he’s like my bald brother. That’s right - the handsome one.

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

But if these people experiencing these huge events can realise their CHOICE, so can you.

If these guys are all smiling and laughing through life - so can you.

It could well be the most inspiring film you’ve seen for a long time.

Deadline for reservations to get this film to the big screen in Darlington is today (Sunday) at 6pm -

Get your ticket for you and a friend here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

The fact is on Sunday I’m buying up what’s left anyway to make it happen - but help me out and get one now - it'll be simpler!

Take it easy! Arjuna

PS.

You do, you really do have a choice.

It doesn’t matter what you’re currently experiencing, or your situation, or your circumstances.

You can find freedom from all of it.

True. I say that with hand on heart.

No One Is Stressed (According To The Research)

No one is stressed. Stress doesn’t exist. It isn’t a problem.

Seriously -

According to science, 96% of people would not class themselves as stressed.

And YET -

The UK Dept of Health says roughly half - 50% - of all sick days from work could be attributed to stress.

So either “stress” is a nice easy excuse for throwing a sickie on a Friday -

Or people are SO unaware of their state of being that stress is the new “normal”.

It’s all become a case of “it’s what we do”.

What I see -

And I know ALL of this because this is how I used to be until I realised -

Is that most people are ALSO chronically tired.

Long busy work days with a long, less than mellow commute.

A packed weekend throwing yourself into DIY, getting into the outdoors, catching up with family and friends, going out on the town.

Trouble sleeping, perhaps young children adding to the mix of sleeplessness.

A reliance on TVs, mobiles, gaming to try and unwind and switch off which actually creates MORE sleep problems.

(as they mess with the brain chemical balance when you’re looking to wind down).

Throwing the coffee back - in an attempt to maintain the “go” and stop slumping.

Reaching for sugary snacks or fatty crisps in the afternoon, dessert and alcohol every night.

A layer of fat that just doesn’t shift or gets bigger, no matter the time exercising, no matter the diets.

This exhaustion just leads to stress which leads to more exhaustion, in an endless cycle.

It doesn’t even FEEL like you’re stressed.

And the research says just that. You just don't see it.

But there's often overwhelm, or being slightly on edge, or constantly busy, never with a moment to yourself, always a sense of running here and there -

There's ginormous expectations of ourselves - with ever growing to do lists.

There's feeling snappy, reactive, worried or anxious, unable to laugh as much or as quickly as you used to.

There's getting annoyed with your kids when they drag you away from the phone, yelling at people when you’re out driving, feeling like a right grumpy bugger ALL the time.

There's regularly picking yourself up out of feeling like "where’s the fun gone, it’s all a waste of time, life used to be better, didn’t it?"

I know - I know.

I wouldn’t be writing this unless I’ve been there and done it.

So - the first step is to recognise that there could be more to life than what you’re living.

Recognise that there's a need to take stock.

Don’t let stress and tiredness be the new normal.

Recognise there's a need to make some changes to lighten your load.

If you do?

Everything gets simpler and easier.

All of life transforms.

Your relationship starts to blossom again, your kids enjoy your company, you get more productive, you can stick to that diet, you sleep like you used to …

The worry, the anxiety, the overwhelm?

All you know is that life got REALLY fun again, just like it used to be.

One way of really helping yourself would be to go here and get yourself a seat on the course that starts tonight (7pm).

I give you everything to finally end the cycle of stress and exhaustion.

I know it's late notice, but there's always a seat for you if you want one.

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

But talk to me if you want to know more. You can't lose - and have everything to gain.

Take care Arjuna

PS - How could something as simple as sitting down and closing your eyes make such a difference?

IT just does - witness the stories in CHOICE, the documentary.

Deadline for reservations to get this film to the big screen in Darlington is Sunday -

Get your ticket for you and a friend here:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

The fact is on Sunday I’m buying up what’s left anyway to make it happen - but click on the link to buy cos it'll be easier.

If this isn’t proof that meditation is the greatest thing you can do for your life I don’t know what is.

Here you go:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

And see you there! -

Make Your Relationship Even Better (Get More Loving!)

Yesterday I did a three hour intro to meditation with some guys in the fitness industry. Everything from “why you should” to how to do it. I love this kind of thing - it's a real challenge.

Meditations got a skewed image, especially amongst active people. They just can't see the point of sitting down when there's things to be done.

Busy people, really physical people often use activity to de-stress and chill out and get perspective.

The idea of sitting around, seemingly not achieving anything or doing anything is abhorrent to some.

I get that - but that is EXACTLY where the problems in their lives stem from.

So that’s what we addressed yesterday.

It was an amazing three hours. We talked, we closed our eyes, the time flew.

I think the guys really got the reasons why. Not only did they walk away way more relaxed than when they began, they saw how a regular practice could transform their lives.

Calm and fun is one thing.

Focus is another - the ability to stay on track and not let negativity or day dreaming or procrastination sway you or keep you at work longer than you need to be.

Dumping the cares of the day and constantly being on the go was a huge one -

All six guys - all of them - admitted that often when they were at home with their wives and partners, they weren’t really there.

They were still BUSY - at work, with clients, with the upcoming event, in discussion with colleagues -

All in their heads.

So they were at home, but missing in action. Lost in their minds. Lost in business.

No real quality time with their loved ones, because they were absent - thinking.

Their kids growing up around them, and they’re missing out.

Their wives and partners wanting a deeper connection and attempting to do so but they just weren’t listening. Not fully.

Here’s the thing:

They all said they knew their relationships could be better.

They all knew they “should” be more present -

- but either they didn’t realise when they weren’t really there -

Or they didn’t know HOW to get out of their heads and be fully in the room, away from the events and concerns of the day.

And so I gave them a bunch of simple meditation tools to do that,

But since they’re all action men I also gave them a few solid practical things to achieve and tick off every day to make their relationships really fly.

So a question for you.

Based on the above, what is one small thing you can do to be more present and make your relationship better?

Let me know if I can ever help out, with anything.

Arjuna

PS -

CHOICE the film tickets are on sale till Sunday for a once off screening in Darlington.

It documents the exact benefits meditation can bring to anyone who practices it.

I love stories of lives being transformed and here is a full length film of just that - it's so inspiring.

If you’re not sure if meditation is for you, or exactly what the point is, come and see it.

If you already practice it, come and get a reminder that there can always be more to life - a constant journey of self-discovery, more and more fun, more aliveness, more laughs, more achieving for less struggle.

Help me get this bad boy to the big screen by reserving tickets for you and your friends at the below link:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

A trailer - which is pretty cool in and of itself - is available by scrolling down.

See you there!

PPS -

Got a meditation course for you this weekend if you’re interested in really jumping into this game.

It’s quite possibly the last one for the year so if you’re keen to learn, get in before Christmas.

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

You'll get the easiest, simplest, most powerful and enjoyable techniques for total life enhancement in the universe.

Or so say I. But I do like to keep things as easy and simple and enjoyable as possible whilst remaining as powerful as possible.

-

Why Are You Doing That?

Here I am, sitting at my kitchen table on a surprisingly sunny morning. Cup of coffee by my side, everyone is eating eggs.

I’m writing first, eating later. Mornings like this are grand.

What I love about my job is meeting people who want to live life a little bit differently.

You see, even though one or two come to me a little confused,

They're in a great space.

Because they realise they want to live better - and realising things aren't as you want them is the first step to doing something about it.

You see -

We’ve been sold the idea from a young age that you get all the things on your tick list -

Marriage, house, children, savings, holidays etc -

Those things will make you happy, satisfied, fulfilled.

I had the very same idea -

But I was in the fortunate place of achieving everything on my list.

And yet at that time I have never been so confused or frustrated.

The cause of this despair was that I realised that even in the achievement of my "perfect life" I wasn’t satisfied.

I was still on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, I still felt like there was something missing, I felt confused and lost.

And so I had to take a look at this belief that I had:

That “things” would make me happy.

Now, your wish list, your tick list of things to get and achieve -

It’s a wonderful document, a wonderful thing.

Don’t give it up if you don't want to.

But don’t lose yourself in the achieving of those things.

Don’t get so busy you forget why you’re doing all these things.

Which is?

To enjoy, to be happy, to be satisfied.

To live a life that you want to live.

It IS possible to choose to enjoy each and every moment despite the situations and circumstances you find yourself in.

It does take you prioritising that choice over everything else.

But you can do that - moment by moment.

Again - It doesn’t mean you stop and give up your dreams and goals!

Oh no, no, no!

If you prioritise your inner choice it means you have the clarity and focus and perspective and calm to go get them, quicker, simpler.

So claim your choice.

Make sure you find that sense of peace and fulfilment first. That you're happy, no matter what.

OK?

This super inspiring documentary on this very same subject of choice is coming soon.

Funnily enough it's called "CHOICE".

It shows how peace is possible no matter your lifestyle, your situation.

You may be in prison, you may be walking free. You may have a relationship, you may be a single parent. You may be a big wig in the corporate world, you may own your own business, you may be a small cog in a big machine, you may be an outdoor bum. You may be sick, you may be healthy.

No matter what, every single human has a choice in how they live - and that choice changes the world around them.

It's an incredible film -

To get the film shown on the big screen - it's beautifully shot - it's screening on a "on demand" basis.

Meaning if we get enough sales it'll go ahead.

I have no doubt it will screen, but help me out by buying a ticket and telling your family and friends about it.

The deadline for sales is this Sunday - so grab one for you and a friend today:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

To see a trailer, click on the link and scroll down.

See you there!

Arjuna

PS. - This weekend is also the Ishayas’ Ascension meditation course.

It’s the quickest, simplest way to get present, to gain a positive mental attitude, and be free to choose how you experience your life.

Restorative on all levels, it’ll give you headspace and a fresh perspective on your same life.

Past people on the course have told me how it gives them the ability to make some changes in their lives - changes that have long been overdue.

Some small, some large - but always they have the clarity to really see what they can do to make their own lives better.

Be great to have you along:

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

Or email if you want to talk more about it. -

The Biggest Waste Of Energy

Your biggest waste of time and energy? Wanting to be right.

Like a vampire it sucks the life out of you.

Getting into petty arguments about stuff.

Insisting that you “know” best.

Insisting that the other is wrong.

And do you know what?

Maybe you do know best.

Maybe you are right.

But hows it feel to hit your head against a brick wall?

Similar feeling really when you insist on being right.

Trying to bludgeon the other into seeing it your way.

And no one wins.

The bottom line is that you’d rather be right than happy.

You give up your peace of mind and happiness for a scrap.

Maybe the scrap is “worth it”.

Maybe it’s a noble fight.

But don’t put your happiness over wanting to win, ever.

Because you’ll die first.

Happiness can be so simple to achieve.

It can be a simple choice.

It can become your natural way of being.

To get that?

You do have to see where you are making anything else a priority.

You do have to see where you are choosing to leave a state of calm and clarity for an opinion.

To get riled up, and righteous.

So much easier to shrug your shoulders and go “oh well” and keep going with what you know.

Learning to detach from other people’s opinions is the way forward.

Because then no one can make you feel anything.

Wouldn’t that be nice? ^^^

Free yourself from the rollercoaster of reaction and complication.

Make the choice to be happy, not right.

It’s a habit you can cultivate - one that will transform your life.

What you think and feel - regardless of your life situation and circumstances - can be a choice.

If you want to know more, check out this documentary on the power of choice and how it’s transforming lives in people around the world -

From formerly murderous gang members, to creatives like ballet dancers and writers, to stressed entrepreneurs, to a terminally ill cancer patient.

If they can find independence and choice from the stickiness of their lives, so can you.

We’re looking to get enough tickets sold so we can get a “on demand” screening in Darlington.

Have a look at the trailer by scrolling down at the link below:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Deadline for ticket reservations is Sunday 6 Nov at 7pm.

Have a happy day!

Arjuna

-

PS - Next weekend's Ishayas’ Ascension meditation course (4-6 Nov) is getting full.

The quickest and simplest way of getting freedom of choice, right here.

I’m sure we could squeeze in another person or two, so if you’d like to come along, click this link here:

http://www.thebrightpath.com/courses/first-sphere-richmond-mini-retreat-option-also-available-richmond-north-yorkshire-2016-11-04

Or send me an email and ask what it’s all about.

-

Do You Have A Choice?

The more I live and enquire into the conditions of my life, the more I realise the power of my choice.

I used to feel subject to the comings and goings of the situations and the circumstances, the relationships and the possessions in my life.

I would be affected by them in that I would feel upset at a small insult or high from a small victory.

Life was a total rollercoaster until I realised that whilst I had very little control over many things, I could have absolute control over my reaction to them.

The mighty Plato once said,

__________

“One cannot make a slave of a free person, for a free person is free even in a prison”

__________

Independence is treasured by many, yet if you look closely you may find so many are emotional and mental slaves to the comings and goings, the ups and downs in life.

Perhaps honestly looking at yourself you may find places where you are the same?

The first step in freeing yourself is to recognise that you have a choice in how you think and feel and react.

You may not know how to make the choice, but acknowledging the choice is there is a wonderful beginning.

And freeing too -

You start to claim responsibility for how you are affected by life.

No longer do you point the finger, saying “it’s her fault”, or “if he hadn’t done that” or shaking your fist at some impersonal, uncaring, uncommunicative deity.

Instead you stop and see what you can do with what you are given, with where you find yourself.

“OK, what shall I do with this?”

In that stress, struggle, anxiety, exhaustion, dissatisfaction and unhappiness are all replaced with calm, ease, rest, focus, contentment and happiness.

The simple beauty of life comes to the fore.

All because you made a different choice.

Meditation has been the single greatest tool in making me realise this choice, and making it simple.

If you think meditation isn’t for you - think again - it may be that you just haven’t found the right technique.

Witness this documentary showing in Darlington soon:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Stressed business people, murderous drug gang members in prison, ballet dancers, cancer patients -

All owning their choice and having their lives transform.

It’s well worth seeing - and tickets are only available for the next 10 days.

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

Take it easy

Arjuna

PS.

If you suspect there’s more to life that being a slave to the ups and downs of life, to feeling stressed, unfocussed and dissatisfied -

This just might show you that indeed there is, if you choose to do something about it:

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1214

-

What Are You Doing Tonight?

I get excited when I get a chance to talk live. Words on paper (or computer screens) are one thing -

But being able to help people face to face is what I love most.

We are taught so many different things - but the biggest thing, the most important thing, the most CRUCIAL thing we are not taught.

No one teaches us how to live.

No one explicitly gives us the foundation of living well which is how to think in the right way to be calm, focussed, happy, full of well being …

And ultimately the most ALIVE we can be.

No one teaches us the essentials.

This is where I can help.

Of all things, sports performance depends on your mind.

You can do so much physical preparation and training, but if you don’t have the essentials right nothing happens, and quickly.

So tonight - Wednesday at 7.30pm in Darlington -

I am hosting a workshop to give you these essentials.

You want to come if:

- you want to learn how to ignore negative thinking and be more focussed. Not serious, but one pointed in your mental application - you want to learn how to deal with pre-event anxiety and pressure so that you can be calm and confident, optimally ready and perform better than you train and not the other way around - you want to learn how to retrain and rewire patterns of belief and habit that mean you aren’t achieving your full potential - you want to learn how to be in the Zone of calm, focus, wellbeing no matter what you’re doing

I’ve been told that my super power is to make what could be complicated very very simple and straightforward.

And why not?

The essentials are simple, but so misunderstood.

If you want clarity, then get your seat here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Don’t miss out now! Arjuna

PS.

It’s only £3 pre-registered, and £5 on the door - a ridiculously small amount but I wanted as many people as possible to come.

All proceeds to charity so feel free to give more.

See you tonight!

Do You Know How To Win The Inner Game?

Very few people know how to win the inner game.

We’re getting pretty good at the outer game.

People seem to have that nailed down.

“What” to do is getting more and more refined - in terms of goal setting, diet, exercise, in terms of teaching and learning skills, in terms of the practical.

Unfortunately all this progression will ALWAYS be limited ...

Because so few have the inner game sorted.

The inner game is the game that takes place between your ears.

It’s you against your bad habits and addictions, negative thinking and emotion, programming and attitude, against stress and struggle, against your ability to focus and stay clear under pressure - or otherwise.

And if you’ve ever thought that there must be more to life …

It’s also found here, in the inner game.

It’s the inner game that determines whether the outer game is successful, or not.

You can win the inner game.

You may not know how right now - but it is possible.

But when you do win, all of life gets simpler and more enjoyable. It is the end of struggle and suffering, it's achieving to your fullest potential.

Even by making small improvements - by removing small interferences - your performance takes great strides to match your potential.

Previously horrendous challenges become straightforward. The way forward becomes clear.

You start to become master of your own destiny, free of ALL limitation.

The question is:

Do you want to know how to win the inner game?

YES?

Check out the seminar tomorrow night (Wednesday). It won’t be recorded so you’d better come along.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Any questions whatsoever? Just ask - I’d love to help Arjuna

PS.

Just think - what if you could get rid of ALL stress, anxiety, “stinkin thinking”, self-sabotage and struggle?

What if calm, focus, happiness, and super aliveness could be permanent?

What would that mean for your life?

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Dealing With Pressure, “Choking”, Overwhelm, Anxiety, Being Sick To Your Stomach With Nerves

Everyone in any physical activity where the outcome - the result - is important to you knows the anxiety that comes with performance before a big event. It may be competitive - before a match or a race.

It may be in the outdoors - like running a big rapid or climbing a rock face where there is real physical consequence.

I had a friend who would be sick before every big water polo match he played.

Can’t have been good - even just from a nutrition / energy point of view.

You can do the same thing in practice a million times, but the pressure of the event changes everything.

I don't need to tell you that controlling anxiety is essential for any performance.

And it’s the same process if it’s a presentation at work.

Or dealing with the memories of a past event - flashbacks - that keep coming back to you, accompanied by feelings like guilt or regret.

The way to get anxiety under control is ultimately to be completely and utterly present.

To not go into the future (or past for that matter).

To not engage the “what ifs” and the “what happened before’s”.

To be as physically present as possible.

Inhabit your senses as much as you can - engage your environment as it is in order to disengage the thinking mind.

Deep breathing is a huge help - because when you get anxious your breath gets shallower and shallower and your heart rate goes up and up.

Certain yogic breathing techniques reverse those physical responses - especially when you catch them early - AND give you something to shift your attention to.

It’s ultimately distracting yourself from thinking and then feeling the overwhelm.

The feelings all come from the thoughts about it.

The BIG secret though is to practice when the going is easy.

Master shifting your attention and being super present in daily life -

- and it will be a thousand times easier when the pressure is on.

But it’s the one thing so many athletes don’t do.

If you never practice focus and attention when you’re mooching around the house, how can you expect to switch it on when you need to?

Exactly!

A practical meditation practice will give you that ability.

Think of it as a kind of fitness.

When you signed up to this email list I gave you a link to one such super simple meditation practice.

How is that going?

Here’s the link again.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8u7j6o6kfhc53jw/Quick%20Start%20Guide%20to%20Meditation%20For%20Athletes.pdf?dl=0

If you want more -

I’d like to talk you through some meditation and some yogic breathing skills -

As well as the right attitude and ways of thinking to maximise coping with anxiety and stress.

So you can get rid of as many barriers and interferences to great results and enjoyment as possible.

And so I’m putting on a seminar to do just that.

Want a seat?

It’s on Next Wednesday 26th October, in Darlington. 7.30-9pm

Go here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Otherwise practice well!

Let me know if you need any help with that.

Arjuna

PS.

You can’t go wrong - practice a few simple things, and every aspect of your life benefits, not just your ability to deal with anxiety.

Here you go:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Thinking The Wrong Way - and Advice From Deep Sea Divers

Generally -

unless you’re learning a new skill …

Your body already knows what to do.

That’s the whole purpose of practice, of training - is to come to a state where you can do something without thinking.

Your best performances were when you let your body to what it needed to do. Simply.

Right?

Now -

Even learning requires only the right kind of thought, and not much of it.

The right kind of thinking - even for learning - is less analysis and details and more wide open awareness.

Not many people know that.

When you’re learning a new skill your mental and emotional “chatter” just slows down the learning process.

Over thinking just gets in the way of physical awareness.

Without that awareness you have no feedback on what is where, and where it should be.

There’s no intuition, or feeling your way into the movement.

The senses become “tunnelled” and not wide open, not subtle.

Thinking the wrong way means the ability for the skill to become embodied, to become “auto-piloted”, is slowed.

You also recover slower because of thinking too much, which again affects learning -

Deep sea divers know this - the brain is one of the biggest consumers of oxygen in your body.

Before their event they meditate or do yogic breathing to get the highest degree of focus.

Being focussed and in the Zone means all your resources are available.

It means you can rely on autopilot and the bodies instincts to take you where you want to go.

But if you never practice the right way to think?

Everything will stay the same.

It’s the most misunderstood aspect of all of life - the mental game and how to play it.

I’m doing a seminar on this very thing that I think you will enjoy immensely.

Not only will it be a lot of fun, it’ll be super informative.

It’ll give you everything you need to master the right way of thinking so you can get the results you want.

I’m talking about sport (but it’ll also apply to life, work, relationships, everywhere)

Go here to get a seat and for more info:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Keep the Peace!

Arjuna

PS.

My swimming coach from back in the day often said he wished he could cut our heads off.

He wasn’t particularly sadistic, but he wanted to bypass our thinking processes.

He saw the difference between when we were THINKING about what he said versus DOING what he said.

I now know exactly what he means.

Go here to find out how to DO:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

-

I Don't Have Time To Look After Myself

Everywhere I look I see published evidence of the benefits of meditation. It's beginning to creep in everywhere, from some of the sports blogs that I regularly read to my wife's fashion magazines.

You might say it's the new yoga.

Remember when yoga was everywhere and every celebrity and their mother was doing it?

Very trendy for a while there.

But just because the same thing might be happening to meditation doesn't mean that there is no value to be had from it.

Calm, focus, happiness, rewiring bad habits, rebalancing body and brain chemistry, recovery and rest are just some of the benefits.

Who wouldn’t want just one of the above, let alone ALL of them?

But still I talk to people who say they don't have time to meditate.

The fact is you don't have time NOT to meditate.

Seriously.

You give yourself a window of time - and in return every aspect of your life gets easier and more fun.

You maximise your efficiency, effectiveness and your enjoyment.

You realise taking time out means you have much more to work with.

Do you know that there are 1440 minutes in every single day?

How many do you waste on the Internet? Watching TV adverts? Wasting time in numerous ways?

Clutter is a real deal.

Minimise clutter, cut out a few minutes of the unnecessary here and there and you have the time to give yourself 15 minutes to close your eyes.

Once you start this new habit it'll show you why you want to.

The increasing effectiveness and enjoyment become self evident, and quickly too.

So if you've let your practice slip, pick it back up again.

If you're feeling like you're too busy - then you definitely need to carve out a little time for you.

Just to stop and do nothing, to get familiar with the benefits of meditation.

No ones going to do it for you, so make sure you do.

Forget about sitting on the floor and chanting (do that if you want) - be comfortable.

Forget about trying to stop your thoughts, let them run. Meditation is easier than that. If you can see your thoughts, you aren't them.

Forget about joining any religion or belief system.

Just be fascinated with your own mind. See what is there get awareness, and in that awareness choice over what you say and do and feel.

OK?

Start tapping into the benefits of meditation today.

Want a bit more on how?

And how it'll specifically affect your sports performance?

Decreasing anxiety, increasing focus, getting deeper rest and faster recovery?

I have a seminar - it's on this Wednesday so you still have time to nab a seat.

Go here: https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Any questions? Lemme know, I'd love to chat.

Take it easy! Arjuna

PS.

People say that the mind and body is connected.

What happens in one affects the other.

The truth is that the mind and body aren't connected.

They're the same thing.

Change your mind, shape how your body response, AND change your life at the same time.

Simples!

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery -

The Worst Thing About Getting It Right

How goes it? I’m sitting on a train to the lovely city of Stratford Upon Avon.

I have a 4 day course in England’s most haunted hotel, or so they say.

Been there before - I made the mistake of reading all about its various ghosts and presences just before trying to go to sleep one night.

I don’t think I had a haunted room - but an over excited imagination made up for it.

How are you doing today?

I’m good, I love trains, especially when they’re running on time.

As a form of travel they’re great in that they give me space to meditate, to write, to read. To just stare out the window and watch the country’s back yard flash by.

What am I musing upon?

Well - I love learning stuff, particularly physical skills.

I love the act of getting better, of improving, of the pursuit of mastery.

But - I realised a while back that the way I was approaching learning was flawed.

My focus was solely on wanting to get it right -

- which is a great focus, but especially in the beginning you’re going to get a lot of things wrong -

The problem for me is that I would get - and still do if I’m not mindful of it - frustrated when I got it wrong.

So frustrated that I started not wanting to try in case I "failed", again.

If I wasn’t quickly good at something, I would stop, close up shop.

And never improve.

Does that makes sense?

Wanting to be “good” and get it right meant that I was afraid of sucking at something.

Which meant I never practiced, I never worked my way through being a learner.

I never opened up to feedback in case people saw I was “useless”, I never asked questions, I never wanted to show that I didn’t know.

And so getting better was much slower than it could be.

Indeed, sometimes it never happened at all.

It’s the most humbling phase of learning: Fully knowing that you don’t know.

Before that piece of awareness you were ignorant of your ignorance.

And that was bliss.

But that is not a way forward.

The only way forward in anything is to embrace being a beginner, embrace the fact you will make mistakes.

Make it not about getting it right or wrong, make it about constant improvement.

Have an attitude of not wanting to be an expert.

If you can be the humble beginner many possibilities will open to you.

You will be learn in the most amazing ways, from people you never expected to.

It’s true for all aspects of life:

Whatever your goals are in terms of your mindset and attitude, in terms of your mental skills …

Maybe it’s to get more focussed, or lose anxiety, or get calm and clear, or be less serious and more content, to beat depression or blind anger …

Whatever it is you want to get better at, be prepared to make mistakes.

Embrace this fact, get help in learning from them, and keep going, keep practicing.

And then you have a chance to be awesome, and set yourself to be even more awesome as long as you keep practicing.

OK? You got this.

I have a seminar on sport performance and how your mind sabotages you, and what to do about it.

I’ll outlay what the problem is and give you some solutions you can take away.

You are you going to bring?

For more info, and to register, go here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Take care and have a great day now, Arjuna

PS. Not many people realise how simply you can get better at the mental game.

When you know the right things to do, and the right attitude to have, and the right way to think, it is indeed very straightforward.

Just a matter of practice.

Get a seat here for the right things:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

-

Make Sure This Doesn't Happen To You

What is the greatest thing you can give anyone? That ALSO means you win too?

Let me tell you a quick story first.

Someone told me a story, the events of which made them realise this very thing.

You see - Steve was at the beach, on holiday with his family.

He decided to quickly check his emails on his phone, just to see if anything crucial work wise had come in.

His young daughter, previously playing nearby, ran up to him,

GRABBED his expensive smart phone,

And THREW it in the water.

Way in.

Ruined, done in, finished.

He was shocked to say the least -

But instead of getting angry,

Saw what he had been doing for so long:

Completely ignoring his loved ones.

“With” them, but not really there.

Absent at the wheel.

Alive but not really living.

He apologised to his daughter and since then locks his (new) phone in the hotel safe when he’s on holiday.

When he gets home from work - he makes sure he gives the most important thing to his wife and kids.

His full, undivided attention.

His complete presence.

Not just a nod and a kiss on the cheek.

Not just saying "yes dear" as he thinks about what happened at work that day.

But ALL of himself.

It's a bold move - and may involve giving up the addiction to mobile tech.

But well worth it in terms of the new found strength and enjoyment of your relationships.

Something to consider.

Where are you?

Here?

Or somewhere else?

Missing in action, as it were?

Don’t let your life slip away.

Don't let your relationships slip away.

If you want some skills and understanding to think and live differently?

To also get mind mastery in sports?

I have a workshop just for you:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Take it easy now, enjoy every moment.

- Arjuna

The WHYS of Teaching The Army Meditation

I just finished a course I run with the Army bomb disposal. It was fun - the guys were completely down to earth, told some very funny stories, and weren’t shy of letting me know if I was full of crap.

The great thing I love about these courses is that I know I have to “sell” it in order for them to practice it.

I know if they practice the simple techniques I teach - even if it’s only 15 minutes a day - they will get calmer, more focussed, more happier, more able to live their lives in the way they want to - but they don't know that. Yet.

So I have to convince them - which makes me get very clear on what the benefits are.

Increasingly word is getting around so it’s taking less convincing and selling, but I love getting clear on the “why?”

Why would you?

If you’re busy, you have a family, you have the hobbies and sports and everything you want to do …

Why would you want to sit still for 15 minutes with your eyes closed?

Since it’s fresh in my mind - let me tell you!

Meditation gives you the ability to not react. It gives you headspace so instead of snapping and saying or doing something you regret later on, you can CHOOSE to do something more “evolved”.

Meditation gives you the ability to deal with stress so you don’t lose it and flap around like a headless chicken.

I did that once on a caving trip and I regretted it straight away.

I looked foolish and immature, like I couldn’t handle myself.

I was a little ashamed.

Meditation gives you the ability to CHOOSE to stay calm and not lose it, to not let stress build to a point where you do something embarrassing.

Meditation gives you the ability to focus - to bring your attention to whatever you need to. Why? Because sometimes you need to ignore distraction, ignore the myriad fears and “What ifs?” and focus on the plan and carry it out.

Focus is effortless and brings great satisfaction, as well absorbing you to a degree where you enter the Zone simply.

Meditation gives you the ability to CHOOSE your focus and what you put your attention on.

And what you put your attention on, grows.

Meditation also gives you the ability to take things less seriously. Life is put in perspective.

You change the things you can and accept the things you can’t.

You are given the wisdom to know the difference.

You have the ability to CHOOSE to be wiser.

And who wouldn't want that?

If you want to know how what I have to teach affects your sporting / physical performance AND what to do - come to a talk I’m giving.

Wednesday 26 October 7.30-9pm, in Darlington

All details here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Take care out there! Arjuna

PS.

Be the boss of your mind, rather than it controlling you:

Wednesday 26 October 7.30-9pm, in Darlington

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery -

Chasing The Full Human Experience?

I just had a idea. It may be a good one, it may be a stinker, but let me expound a theory for you.

It's all about the pursuit of Full Human Potential, or Fully Being Alive.

The reason you love the outdoors (or whatever you love) is not so much about the activities that you indulge in.

Sure - you have a certain attraction to a physical and psychological element.

Maybe it’s moving on rock, or water or snow or air or mud.

Maybe it’s for the tricks, maybe it’s for the adventure, maybe it’s for the speed, maybe it’s for the mastery - matching skills and fitness against a problem.

But the bottom line is that whatever you do, you do it because it brings you closer to the Full Human Experience.

It allows you to grow - in some undefinable way.

To become more authentic, more knowing of yourself, more self-aware and content, more alive.

Physical activity, especially in the outdoors, is a doorway to experiencing the fullness of the human condition.

You don’t want to settle for less.

What "more" may be in relation to less, who knows - but it’s an individual, internal journey.

The only important thing is that YOU know.

In this sense it’s a Hero’s path.

Moving beyond limitation and smallness for open pastures of potential and being-ness.

Of transcending meanness and greyness and embracing everything life has to offer.

Of attempting to be the best version of yourself in each and every moment.

And what better pursuit could a life be given over to?

It’s just a theory - but one that I like.

Take a moment, and ask yourself:

What else has life to offer?

And what has to change in order for me to experience it?

Go well!

Arjuna -

PS.

If you’d like to join me in a Hero’s path, then a doorway is right here:

A live seminar:

"5 things you need to know to stop your mind being your worst enemy”

+++ Learn to Perform Out Of Your Mind +++

Everything you need:

- To get into the Zone faster and easier for memorable performance, - Have a bullet proof mindset to be "mentally tough" and not let negativity in , - Learn to be absolutely present and focussed so you become "in-distractable", - Rewire old patterns that are sabotaging you, - Rest deeper and recover faster for more energy, - Have more fun than ever before.

Wednesday 26 October 7.30-9pm.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

If you preregister, you get it for £3 rather than £5.

All proceeds go to the Felix Fund - the bomb disposal charity.

A night of fun, practical information you can apply straight away and giving to charity too. You can't go wrong!

Here's the link if you'd like a seat.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Escaping The Noise And The Clutter

I did another talk about meditation to a wonderful group of people last night. As much as I enjoy writing, I love being face to face with them.

And as much as strongly recommend that they should come and learn meditation and mindset from me,

I know a chunk won’t.

It’s just the way of it, isn’t it?

My aim therefore is to help in some small way - to remind, to encourage to look within rather than in “stuff” for satisfaction, to point out priorities.

The thing I’ve realised is that you already have what you need.

The gap between being the best version of yourself and being a snappy, grumpy, anxious, stressed monster is simple to leap …

When you know in what direction to jump.

This whole game is about remembering.

There is so little you need to learn, even though words and tools and support and coaching and all that stuff can feel like “new” knowledge.

The bottom line is that you already are what you seek.

^^^

Stop and read that again.

The tricky thing is remembering that state of being, that state of mind so you become it permanently.

Habits and programmes and beliefs all get in the way, meaning a practice is useful.

The practice?

It begins as simply as being present.

Being alive to every single moment.

And when you forget? Come back. Return.

That why you love the outdoors, you love the things you love to do - because you tune in, it makes you present. _____________

“During these moments I try to only focus on the present, the immediate here and now. I think this purity of thought and mind is one of the many reasons I continue to do what I do. Being able to escape the noise, clutter and business of daily life is a rare treat in this world.”

Graham Dickinson, BASE jumper, wing suit flier _____________

Escaping the noise and the clutter can be had by all, its closer than your next breath.

You can’t permanently escape the business of daily life, but you don’t have to carry a long “to do” list around where ever you go.

That can be a choice.

A permanent vacation from the pressures of your mind is possible.

And you have everything you need to do that.

Just be here and now. This is the end of stress and the beginning of full human experience.

Now don’t just take my word for it - try it! OK?

Keep the Peace!

Arjuna -

PS.

Want to hear more on HOW to get your mind in the right place?

I'm doing a seminar on the mind and sports performance in Darlington.

"5 things you need to know to stop your mind being your worst enemy”

+++ Learn to Perform Out Of Your Mind +++

Everything you need to get into the Zone easier, have a bullet proof mindset, learn to be present, rewire old patterns, rest deeper and recover faster, and have more fun than ever before.

Wednesday 26 October 7.30-9pm.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

If you preregister, you get it for £3 rather than £5.

All proceeds go to the Felix Fund - the bomb disposal charity.

A night of fun, practical information you can apply straight away and giving to charity too. You can't go wrong!

Here's the link if you'd like a seat.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

-

Change Your Mind, Change Your World (Not Wishful Thinking)

It's a crisp sunny morning here in Richmond North Yorkshire and I'm sitting in my favourite coffee table spot. I've got a few minutes before we head to the hospital for a baby scan. A whole new world.

I had talk last night - it's been a busy week, but I love it. It's really something when you're able to talk about what you love.

And have a captive audience. Heheh.

The point I want to make is of how much your thoughts create your reality. I saw that again last night speaking.

Some people so anxious, others wide open and content.

The same world but experienced so differently.

You see, your mind is the filter to your world.

Your mind is the foundation for everything you do.

It literally shapes your world.

Change your mind, you change what you perceive.

You start to see through fresh eyes. The world changes, it opens up.

What you focus on, grows in significance.

What grows in significance becomes more real.

It’s not wishful thinking -

- And you still have to do stuff - you can't just sit and think your way through life -

but it comes from the best possible place.

The question then is "what do you want to give attention to?”

What do you want to grow in significance in your life?

What DO you?

Now - it does take practice.

You have certain habits, it's necessary to build some new habits.

Everything comes through practice. Nothing comes from not doing anything.

I’ll be explaining how all works in much greater details in the seminar I have in a couple of weeks (details in the PS)

But until then practice focusing on what you want, on what is good.

And don't be discouraged if you don't get this straight away.

But steadily do this and your foundation, your internal response, becomes more robust, yet more flexible.

You see Grasshopper, it becomes like the willow that bends in the storm, not the oak that breaks and cracks.

You want more on that?

Come to the seminar in Darlington - get a seat here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

or more details in the PS.

Otherwise have a grand day : ) Arjuna -

PS.

Sports performance and the mind - Perform out of your mind.

A live seminar:

"5 things you need to know to stop your mind being your worst enemy”

Wednesday 26th October, 7.30-9pm in Darlington.

It'll give you practical knowledge you can take away and use straight away.

Here's the link if you'd like a seat:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/mindmastery

Bring a friend!

If you preregister, you get it for £3 rather than £5.

And all proceeds go to the Felix Fund - the bomb disposal charity.

Someone asked if they could give more - 

Please do! - given the state of the world at the moment, the boys and girls of the bomb disposal squads around the country are super busy -

More busy than you will ever know.

The Felix Fund helps support them in a myriad of ways so if you’d like to help them more, then I for one would thank you heartily.

Thank you in advance! -