As the year comes to a close and we begin to look ahead to next year, I wanted to share a story. This story was originally told by Sai Baba when he gave a series of discourses to help people interpret and practice the lessons of the Bhagavad Gita. These discourses have now been translated into two books: Bhagavad Gita Part I and Bhagavad Gita Part II. This story was taken from Part II.

Once, there was a family in a village. They were very poor. There was a daughter in the family. The poor parents wanted to get their daughter educated, but there were no educational institutions in that remote village. Therefore, they had to send her to the neighboring village for education.

In between her village and the neighboring one, there was a small forest. However, village people were accustomed to go through small forests. For them, it was a daily routine. That girl used to go to the neighboring village for study and return in the evening daily.

In those days people were of charitable disposition. Some virtuous people built a small choultry (resting place for visitors) on this route in the forest. One day, while going to school, this girl saw a sickly person lying in a miserable condition in the choultry. He was not in a position to go by walk to either the village on this side or that. Therefore, he could not get the help of anybody and his body was sinking day-by-day due to lack of food and water.

The girl noticed his condition. From that day onwards, she made it a point to carry some food and water to him daily in a tiffin carrier and a water bottle while going to the school and pick up the empty containers while returning. This routine went on for a few days and the man could recover and pick up some energy.

One day, while the girl was returning from school, he caught hold of her hands and asked her in a pitiable voice “My dear Child! You have provided food and water all these days and saved my life. Where from could you procure this? Did your parents know about it? Or, did you steal them from somewhere for my sake? Or, are you bringing your share of food to me, while starving yourself? Please tell me the truth.”

The girl replied, “Sir! The habit of stealing is not there in me. Nor am I bringing you food, hoodwinking my parents. Whatever food I am bringing to you daily, is with the full knowledge of my parents. Ours is a poor family. In fact, we have no means to feed an outsider. Still, I am bringing food to you, with whatever little amount I am able to earn daily with my sweat and toil.”

Surprised at the little girl’s confident reply, the man questioned her further: “you are a little girl still attending the school. How could you earn money?”

The girl replied: “there is a tree which yields “Regu” fruits. On my way to school, I collect the fruits fallen on the ground and sell them to little children for a few coins. With that amount so earned, I purchase and bring food for you. Neither I trouble my parents nor I steal food from somewhere. It is all my hard-earned money.”

The patient was very much pleased with the sacrifice, tact and compassion of that little girl. Hence, he enquired from her again as to how could she develop this charitable disposition at such a tender age. She replied: “this is taught by my parents right from childhood. They taught me that ours was a poor family and that we should give charity to the extent possible, whenever we came across somebody who is in poorer and miserable condition than ours. I am able to live up to their teaching today.” So saying, she left for her home.

This story really touched me. I thought about this little girl and if I would have the same compassion she did to help another. It came to my mind again as I drove by a local street median where a homeless man stood with a sign, “Any help appreciated!”

Would I be willing to visit him every day and bring food and water until he gets back on his feet? Would I be willing to do this even if my family and I barely had enough food to eat?

This is a time of year when you hear a lot about New Year resolutions and what you WANT in 2012. My challenge to you as we begin a New Year is not to focus on some material object you want, but rather pick a virtue to embody this next year.

Maybe it is compassion like this little girl. Maybe it’s patience, forbearance, courage, tolerance, forgiveness, faith or gratitude. Whatever it is, pick one and then continue to focus on it throughout the year.

See the word written in various places. Notice when people speak the word. Use the word in conversation. And, most importantly, embody the word. Become it. When you become the virtuous quality, you help yourself grow in ways far beyond getting something you want.

Think of what you wanted 10 years ago. Did you get it? Did that satisfy you? But, if you worked on patience or forgiveness, think of how that has helped you now.

It’s not wrong to have a goal of writing a book, growing a business or eating healthier. However, focus on the virtuous quality needed to bring it about. By doing so, you not only gain the business growth or good health, etc., but also a quality that will help you in all aspects of your life.

Much love to you as you close out 2011! =)

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat guides you in your process of self-mastery and helps you create a breakthrough in your life. Find out more and get your free Monday Morning Meditation at www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

Since it was such a beautiful day outside and I was feeling better, I decided to enjoy the weather and go for a jog. So, I loaded up Kai in the chocolate brown and blue Bob stroller and set off to hit the trails at the lake near our house. I was feeling so good, I ran four miles.

During the run, Kai had fallen asleep. So when I finished the run, I carefully took him out and put him to sleep in his crib. He didn’t even wake up when I put him to bed. Wow! I was on a roll.

In another hour, he woke up and we were playing the game of turning the blanket into a house by putting it over our heads. We were both laughing and having a blast.

All of the sudden I realized that we didn’t have Kai’s little yellow blankie that he sleeps with and carries everywhere. This little blankie was the first present I received when I was pregnant. It was gifted by an extremely special person and spiritual teacher who means so much to me. When Kai started to become attached to this blankie, I smiled knowing he could sense the special energy and love with which it was sent.

Well, fast forward to 2pm on Monday and the blanket is no where in the house. I finally realized that Kai must have been showing off his “new trick” in the stroller – throwing things out. I was in the bliss of my run and the day that I didn’t even notice.

So, I started to panic, put him back in the stroller and proceeded to walk/run the four mile trail – AGAIN! (Now I’d gone eight miles, just the thing my body needed on the first day back)! I searched the trails, garbage cans and even went to the lost and found. But, nothing. I couldn’t believe that someone would have taken it. Plus, there aren’t many people who take that route on Mondays. And I will often see stuff laying there for weeks with no one picking it up.

I decided to wait a few days and look again and re-check the lost and found.

But nothing!

The blankie was lost.

As I was searching for the blankie and realizing it was less and less likely we would find it, I kept hearing this phrase, “remember the impermanence of all things.”

Suffering comes from being attached to an outcome. However, all outside things are impermanent. So, we suffer when we clutch on to something, whether to a possession like a blankie or to being a certain weight or to having a certain relationship.

It can put us in a constant state of doing vs. being. Trying to get to or maintain a certain size, trying to get or hold onto “enough” money, searching for a great relationship, or having that “perfect job,” etc.

When we can better understand that things are for our temporary use, relationships are to experience and that everything is impermanent, we can become more equanimous despite what situation we are facing.

Where are you suffering?

As you inquire about why, ask yourself if you are trying to get something or get rid of something rather than experience something.

If you can have the experience without needing the thing, you’ll tap into the inner joy and peace that is inherent within you.

By doing so, you’ll maintain your center, even when your “little blankie” gets lost.

I’d like to say that this lesson is easy. But, it’s a constant practice and one I’m still actively working on. But, rather than trying to be all or none, see where you can let go a little and experience something vs. possess it.

For me, I accepted that the blankie was gone and ordered a new one. I’ll help Kai fill it with new special energy!

Remember that each day offers more practice. So, don’t worry about “getting it all right.” Just take another conscious step!

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat guides you in your process of self-mastery and helps you create a breakthrough in your life. Find out more and get your free Monday Morning Meditation at www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

Then, I went into a mind rant about how I deserved a massage and “if only” I could get a pedicure now then, I could relax. I started counting the months since my last facial and day at the spa.

Then, I started thinking of someone who seems to “get it all” done and started feeling not good enough for not obtaining this certain level of performance.

But, despite my mind racing around like it was trying to win the Indy 500, that part of me that has been committed to my spiritual practices knew it wasn’t about all of these “outside” things.

It had to start with me, my self-discipline and my ability to get myself “back on track.” Not the race track, but the peace track! : )

At first I tried manta, a very powerful tool for re-focusing the mind. I starting chanting in my head, “I am peaceful. God is peaceful. I am peaceful. God is peaceful.”

Well, that worked somewhat, but I was still feeling angst.

Then, I took this energetic called Rescue Remedy that helps calm your system.

Well, I was still feeling anxious despite my effort.

But, I knew spiritual practice is about living the practices “in the trenches,” not just reading an inspiring book, doing meditation or chanting prayers.

And I could hear my teacher’s sweet but powerful voice “discipline = freedom. Fight for your inner freedom.”

So, I knew I had to stay committed to finding the solution from within rather than satisfying my senses temporarily, only to be let down when the massage time ran out, the ice cream was gone or my work day was over.

Then, I was reminded of a passage in the book, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In it they mention tapas, which is the process of burning or creating heat. The more you are under fire, the more opportunity for purification.

I decided to create this “physical heat” in my body to symbolize burning up these annoyances. So, I grabbed my son, strapped him in the Bob stroller and set out for a run. My goal was to get my heart really pumping and when I started to feel that burn in my heart I would visualize all those annoyances burning up and being purified.

I ran hard and, in the uphill jaunt I normally reserve for my cool down, I turned it up a notch.

In the end, I felt the release of natural endorphins and the energy release left me feeling calmer and more peaceful. And as a bonus, I got a great workout!

I finally felt that peace again. Nothing had changed on the outside, I still had the same amount going on, but now I could handle everything remembering what was truly important!

I invite you to join me and the next time you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, rather than trying to “think it out,” BURN IT OUT! Energetically feel like you are putting all those annoyances in the area of your heart.

Then, set out for some exercise and really go for it. Get that heart pumping and really burn them up.

Know that those anxious feelings are not you. They are created by desires and your senses. The Truth of you is peace and love. Keep reminding yourself that all that you seek is within you. And you do have the discipline to overcome whatever challenges you may be facing. Fight for your inner freedom!

And if you see me and the chocolate brown and blue Bob stroller pushing up that last hill, you’ll know I’m right there with you!

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat guides you in your process of self-mastery and helps you create a breakthrough in your life. Find out more and get your free Monday Morning Meditation at  www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

It’s 10am on Wednesday morning. Our nine-month old boy, Kailash had just gone down for a nap (this is a feat in itself because he’s a light sleeper).

Now, I’m sitting in my office with an unknown period of time to “get stuff done.” Should I tackle my “to do” list? Should I take a nap? Should I clean? Should I do some of the projects I’ve been putting off? Should I continue this great book I’ve been reading?

In any moment, there are hundreds of things vying for our attention and hundreds of things we’d love to be doing. But, how do you know which one to choose since there never seems enough time for them all? For in choosing one, you disregard another.

One of the best things to do is ask, “What are the results of my actions going to be in one week? One month? One year?”

By taking the “long view” vs. what do I want in this moment, you create discipline to provide yourself the long-term freedom vs. short-term pleasure fulfillment.

It takes an incredible amount of inner strength to choose the long-term benefits vs. short-term pleasures. But, in doing so, you create true joy and freedom.

I remind myself this each time I do yoga. You might guess that I love it. But honestly, every time I go I have to “pump myself up” and remember the long-term benefits and my long-term goal of sitting comfortably in meditation and also being able to sit comfortably while in the ashram, where you may spend hours at a time in close quarters sitting cross-legged.

I continue to remind myself of this long-term goal as I watch the 70-year-old woman across from me move flawlessly through the postures, while I’m trying to lift my leg or touch my toes.

However, the other day I noticed that my regular yoga practice has resulted in sitting taller, having less back pain and being more flexible.

The other place where I really have to look at long-term benefits vs. short-term pleasure is in meditation. Before Kai was born I had a regular 30 minute daily practice. But, since his birth it has been very sporadic. The part of me that wants to go back to bed seems to keep winning over the part of me that knows the importance.

So, I had to again cultivate the discipline inherent within me and remember the “long-term” benefits.

What will be the result of 10 minutes of meditation vs. 10 minutes of sleep in one week? One month? One year?

Reminding myself that in the long-term, the benefits of meditation far outweigh the benefits of a little extra sleep, I committed to a simple goal of 10 minutes each morning.

Where in your life have you been making choices out of short-term pleasure vs. long-term joy and freedom? Allow yourself to take the “long-view” and then make simple steps that support it. I’m not going to say it’s easy, but it’s worth it. As my teacher says, “discipline = freedom!”

Set up accountability and extra support where needed. If you are not sure where to start, trust your inner guidance system to lead you to people or tools that can help you.

And remember that the core of who you are IS discipline and inner strength. They are already characteristics inherent in you. Although they may be latent, they can be activated by your will.

So, the next time I pass by my meditation spot on my way back to bed, I’ll think of you and my commitment in this lesson and will go light my candle and sit (more comfortably each day with the yoga) in meditation.

Or the next time I want to grab chocolate after a meal instead of just being satisfied with the food, I’ll… Oh, that’s a whole other lesson…

Supporting you through the beauty, chaos and everything in between!

Our 8-month-old, Kailash has had periods where he slept as much as nine hours at a time, but most recently had been getting up every three hours. My husband, Avi and I were starting to feel like we were back at the newborn stage again.

Many parents and books swear by the cry-it-out method where you let the baby cry until he falls asleep and then after about three nights the baby learns no one is coming to get him, so he fall back asleep.

I guess we have been too sensitive and no matter how much we heard otherwise, we decided not to take this approach.

But, after a week of being awoken every three hours or less, we had both had enough. Avi fed him, tried to put him back to sleep and then eventually left him in his crib to cry.

We both cringed as we listened to his piercing screams. He doesn’t cry much, but he was putting everything he had into it. I shut our bedroom door and tried to turn on some noise to keep myself from hearing the screams, knowing he would eventually fall asleep, right?!

After 20 minutes my heart just hurt. I could still hear his wailing and felt his helplessness. Finally, I got up and went and got him, fed him, cuddled with him and he went back asleep.

As I reflected back on the helplessness he must have felt, I was thinking how many of us have felt like this as adults. Although, we may take a more reserved approach than all out wailing, we experienced inner sadness as we felt like our prayers were not answered.

We wonder why is this happening to me and who is going to be the one to come get me out of my situation and soothe and comfort me?

Any time you are going through a painful situation, it can be very frustrating, especially when you look at others around you who seem to be succeeding and enjoying life.

Thoughts of envy and jealousy may emerge and maybe even anger wondering why that person doesn’t have to go through what you are experiencing. Or you think, “if only they knew how it felt to be in this situation.”

Remember that pain is the greatest motivator for growth. It’s tempting to look at people with a great life and wish to be them. But, truly when you can embrace your challenges as opportunities for purification and spiritual growth, you will understand the richness of your life.

When you can learn to discipline the mind when you are feeling pain, you are truly in a state of power. When you can control the mind at will and not let it run wild with your senses, you create the opportunity to be liberated from outside influences and enjoy the true peace and harmony available to you.

I know this is a continual daily practice for me. I have to constantly remind myself that the outside pleasures I’m seeking are only temporary.

By cultivating and purifying your mind and your thoughts, you create a peace, happiness and state of bliss that cannot be obtained by any outside condition or circumstance.

Pray not just for the pain to go away, but for the growth to occur and the beauty, joy, purity and peace to emerge.

This is a very deep and tough lesson for most of us (me included). That’s why it is so important to have the support. Make sure you have your support team in place to help you focus on the inner work.

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat guides you in your process of self-mastery by helping you overcome struggle, find your inner voice and live your life purpose.  To learn more and get instant access to a guided meditation visit  www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

Wow, that felt scary to me. This not knowing, this void, felt very unsafe. I’ve always been someone that had goals, achieved them and was on to the next one.

But, all the sudden I felt this great void. My current role wasn’t fulfilling. I knew there was a greater purpose seeking to unfold, but I didn’t know what it looked like, how it would take shape or how I could make a living at it.

I wanted to trust and surrender, but a part of me that needed to know to feel safe was still holding on tight. I was surrounded by all these successful entrepreneurs that seemed to have such clear visions and I started to wonder when my fog would lift.

Rather than being ok and “loving what is,” I became withdrawn. It felt easier to hide or to push then surrender to what was seeking to come forth.

Little did I know at that time that my experience of this scary transition zone would be a key to helping others navigate through their “scary times.”

So, if you are normally that do-it-all kind of person remembering everyone’s birthdays, dotting every “i” crossing every “t” and are known for your ability to get it all done and have it all together, but just can’t get yourself to feel that way now, know you are ok.

If all the sudden you find yourself withdrawn and not wanting to do anything, it’s ok.

If you normally have a clear vision, but now it seems cloudy, it’s ok.

If you are normally the life of the party, but now don’t even want to go, it’s ok.

If you are normally excited about a new day, but now feel a sense of dread or wondering why you are here, it’s ok.

Whenever you are making change in your life, this emptiness and letting go can be valuable parts of the process before bringing in the new.

During this process you may find yourself not wanting to connect with others. When we are “out” in society, it tends to want to know what we are doing, where we are going, what’s next. How have you changed the world today?

So, when we feel that sense of not knowingness it can make us want to not talk to anyone or be around people or correspond, even if we are usually that “do it all” “be all” type person.

So, if you find yourself experiencing any of the feelings above, honor wherever you are at.

You are going through a lesson in trust and surrender (some deep lessons). But, the more you practice loving what is and getting the support you need and allowing the next part of you to unfold, the more you move through the process with ease vs. fighting every step.

Trust that everything is part of your process. Even the ugly parts. So, if you feel ugly or unsure allow yourself to love even that part of you.

It is usually these times of upset, pain and emptiness that force us to go deeper and work on our “stuff.”

So, whatever you are going through now, know you can navigate through this. Trust that you are guided in each moment and help and answers always arrive.

It can be easy to want to be attached to how the solution will look. But, when you are truly in a state of surrender, you are open to all possibilities, even ones that may seem painful on the surface.

Please seek support during this time. Ask for help and know it will come to you – whether on the web, through a book, through a friend, through a teacher or through your own inner guidance. Your next step is always there. Your inner voice is always speaking to you. Allow yourself to get quiet enough to listen.

Know that there is sunlight beneath every cloud.

Much love to you in your process!

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat guides you in your process of self-mastery by helping you overcome struggle, find your inner voice and live your life purpose.  To learn more and get instant access to a guided meditation visit  www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

Recently, my husband, Avi and I noticed our air conditioning clicking each time it would come on. But, we really didn’t think much of it.

However, Tuesday morning we noticed the clicking again, but no air conditioner coming on. Plus, when we looked at the thermostat, we could see the temperature rising.

We called a repair man and thankfully our air conditioner was under warranty. However, the full labor was not and there would be a delay returning it to the manufacturer and getting a new one.

The weekly temps called for more 90s and 100s.

My first instinct was to go into victim mode, “Why does this have to happen during the hottest time? Why does this have to happen with a new baby? Why is this happening to me?”

I’m sure you’d ask much more empowering questions, but those were my first responses!

Then, I remembered the words of my teacher running through my head, “you have the conscious decision to choose. Choose your thoughts. Choose your emotions. And choose your response.”

Ugh! It’s so much easier to be the victim. But, when we remember that at any moment we have the power to choose to empower ourselves vs. fall victim, we raise our vibration and can attract the best possible solutions.

The air conditioner may seem like a trivial example, but it shows how the simple things added up can affect our overall vibration and ultimately, the quality of our life. Enough “air conditioning breakdowns” and your energy level can take a major downward spiral. Plus, when you talk about it and bring attention to it, you attract more havoc to you.

So, what to do when you face your “air conditioning” scenario?

1. Remember the impermanence of all things and that “this too shall pass.” As the Dalai Lama would say, “take the long view.” In other words, look at your challenge from a broader or long-term perspective. This, like everything else will get worked out in some way.

2. Remember that you have the power to choose. Choosing to be upset, disappointed and fall victim to your circumstance is a choice. Even for more serious situations, remember that you can choose your emotional response to it. As you choose differently, you affect your vibration and ultimately what solution you can align with in that moment.

3. Allow the challenge to spur your creativity. Often the greatest inventions came from overcoming some adverse condition. We got to learn all sorts of new ways to cool our house and ourselves.

This is a constant process, so we will continue to receive opportunities to choose to be empowered vs. fall victim. But, as we make the empowered choice, we affect the quality of our vibration and ultimately, our life and what we can attract to us.

I’ll let you know how it goes as I’m on to my next challenge – just lost the nanny I love and am now looking for a new one.

I hear this process does get easier at some point!

Much love to you on your journey!

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat guides you in your process of self-mastery by helping you overcome struggle, find your inner voice and live your life purpose.  To learn more and get instant access to a guided meditation visit  www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

As I sat in my office a few months after my reading, I found myself surrounded with opportunity and contemplating which direction to head next. I started thinking what Asa would say and really wanted to call and ask what he saw for me.

Then, I remembered, if I was to get an answer from him and put my attention to it and emotionalize it, I could most likely create it. That is how creation works.

It’s a wonderful thought, but to do that limits the possibilities. Maybe there was something beyond that I couldn’t see. By focusing on this one thing I want, I shut down from seeing something greater.

Many people have heard of vision boards and yes, they are powerful in that we create through images. However, it’s important to remember to focus on the feelings these images bring, not the actual images.

I love what Elia Wise writes in her book, Letter to Earth: “To optimize your alignment for bringing a dream to realization, translate your dream from images into values and feelings, and inhabit the values and feelings of the dream.

When you visualize, contemplate or meditate on your dream, or when you are communicating your dream to others, ask yourself: ‘What part of myself am I seeking to express by living this dream? What aspects of myself will gain realization? What values will I have the opportunity to explore? What will I bring to life? How will I feel living this dream? How will I grow?’”

Now the challenge. Once you’ve identified all of these ideals, you must inhabit them. This is where thoughts of doubt come up along with feeling distant from the dream.

You don’t need to “get” your dream, but rather BE your dream now. When you acknowledge that you are not something now, you become distant from it and then don’t put yourself in the same vibration to attract what is needed for its physical realization.

To live your dream think, speak and act like the person living that dream now. In so doing, you attract all that is needed to create it.

How does the person in your dream think? Hold those thoughts. How do they speak? Speak those words. What actions do they take? Take those actions.

Your thoughts, words and actions create the manifestations in your life. Thus, to change your circumstances you must embrace and inhabit the qualities of the person in your dream.

Now, the self-responsibility kicks in. What changes are YOU willing to make in order to BE the person in your dream NOW?

That’s the tough part.

I know for me I had to let go of what others might think. I had to realize that the fears I had been projecting on my husband and other family members were actually my own. I had to be willing to not know all the answers and give up trying to control, so I could let life flow through me. I had to be willing to be in service vs. trying to get what I wanted. I had to acknowledge that if I wanted to change my life I had to change me.

What steps are you willing to take to become the person in your dream TODAY?

Whatever Goliath you are facing in your life right now, allow yourself to be David knowing you have the strength in you to overcome anything.

Overcoming these perceived limitations allows you to create breakthroughs in your life and realize you are living your dream RIGHT NOW!

The challenges you are facing help you realize your strength. A river just flows until it hits a wall (a dam). That wall or dam can create power for miles. Without the dam, the power cannot be realized.

Embrace your dam and live your vision NOW!

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat guides you in your process of self-mastery by helping you overcome struggle, find your inner voice and live your life purpose.  To learn more and get instant access to a guided meditation visit  www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

I again saw the truth of this as I was playing around on the tarot.com website doing astrological research on how planetary alignments affect emotions, etc. Anyway, on the website they have a forum where you can post any thought or question.

One woman had said that she wants to get back into psychic readings, so was offering free readings to anyone that had questions.

The normally quiet forum was bursting with questions, “What’s going to happen? What should I do?”

I find myself going to this place too when I get uncertain. Often, I will look outside of myself for the answer.

Not that it isn’t ok to get another perspective, but it’s important to remember that all of our answers are within us and we directly affect our future with each thought we think, each word we speak and each action we take.

That concept can be exciting, but also can be upsetting. To really take charge of our thoughts and not let the drama of our past or uncertainty of the future take over can be a whole lot of work.

I know for me often I just want to KNOW how it will all work out then I can feel ok.

But, it’s important to remember that we are the creators of our life. As we build our faith and better uncover who we are and how to work with our energy, we discover that anything is possible.

Ok, that all sounds great! But, what do you do in those moments where you just don’t know what to do next. When you are feeling that anxiety about how to spend each moment.

Know that your next step is always revealed as you quiet your mind and ask.

To do this, allow yourself to feel emptiness as you breathe deeply. Ask your question of spirit. Many people look to guides, but better to ask that higher part of you, which is already divine.

Ask your questions and then know your answer will be revealed.

How can you tell the difference between your intuitive voice and your ego voice?

Your intuitive voice speaks first and is quiet.

Your ego voice will be loud, keep repeating itself and try to justify why you should do a particular thing.

So, try it out this week.

Get quiet and ask a question and see what guidance comes to you. Continue to trust that still small voice and know it will lead you to your next step.

Often people will ask, “What will happen?”

Remember that you are deciding that with each thought you hold, each word you speak and each action you take.

Much love to you!! : )

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

Want to use this article in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life coach and spiritual teacher, Jeanie Barat helps you remove blocks, overcome obstacles, heal obsessive thoughts and release weight, so you can enjoy your life. To learn more and get instant access to a guided meditation visit  www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.

Isn’t it easy to think, if only I had this body or this amount of money or this type of house my life would be great.

I had this experience a few months ago.  I was so tired from the lack of sleep and constant demand of taking care of my newborn, Kai. I love him so much, but I was exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally.

As I was sitting in the chair rocking him and trying for my fifth attempt to get him to fall asleep (and stay asleep), I was thinking in my mind, “If only I could sleep I’d feel so much better. All I need is some sleep and my life would just be great!”

My parents arrived that night and were more than happy to relieve me at 4am so I could get some much needed sleep.

Earlier in the day I had a few other interesting happenings. First, there was a significant charge on my credit card that I had not authorized. I started fretting that someone had stole my card. Then, I had an experience of someone who had done some misleading things to another person wanting to partner with me. Out of love I wanted to support them, but out of integrity did not.

The drama and details don’t matter, but what matters is that now it’s 4am, my parents have Kai and I can’t sleep, and I’m up fretting about these impermanent things.

I finally had that ONE THING that would make me happy and content (SLEEP) and now I was up tossing and turning.

A light bulb went off in my head about joy coming from within and that no outside thing can ever make us happy.

So, if joy is internal then why don’t we feel it all the time?

ATTACHMENT!

Attachments are created by our desires. When we want something or have a desire we tend to be attached to a particular outcome.

Then, when it does not turn out that way we intend, we get upset. Or we may start to shame ourselves or feel guilty. Guilt attracts shame and punishment, very low vibrations that can block the overriding joys we have in our life.

When we get in this downward spiral, we start to feel like we can’t really do it and the negative thoughts about ourselves build.

Then, the next time we attempt something similar, negative thoughts flood our minds about how we can’t do it. Or we carry these past “failures” in our subconscious.

Plus, your vibration is more powerful when there is emotion behind it, so failures tend to have a lot of emotion behind them making more negative results draw even faster to you.

So, what do you do about these attachments?

First of all, look at things you are “wanting.” It’s not bad or wrong to have goals, however, really look at the goals you are seeking.

Most of the time we seek impermanent things, so when we don’t get them we are upset and when we do get them, they go away. Because these things are impermanent, their loss is inevitable and thus suffering follows.

We may even cling to an emotion like happiness. When we are happy, we cling to it and want it to last. When we’re not, we are upset and seek what will bring us back to that state of happiness. So, either way, we are attached to happiness. Rather than letting ourselves feel happiness, then sadness, then happiness, then sadness, we cling to being happy, which creates suffering when we don’t feel it.

I know I’ve done this with vacations. I’m so excited to take a few days off and then while on the vacation I just want it to last. I don’t want it to end. So, rather than just accepting that it is going to end and knowing it’s impermanent, I try to cling to this relaxed state of vacation, creating suffering during and afterward.

Think about your life. What are you attached to?

I can think of so many things – the health of my family, my business, I could go on and on. Again, it’s not bad to want your family to be healthy, but see how it can cause so much suffering when things don’t go the way you want.

It takes and INCREDIBLE amount of inner strength to feel joy and peace no matter what is going on around you. It’s a continual practice, but awareness is the first key to recognizing when you are being brought down by attachments.

That’s why we spend lots of energy focusing on the virtues. When you emanate out these virtues, you bring your focus to those and multiply them vs. “I want this” or “I don’t want that.”

When you start to embody the virtuous qualities, you no longer need those “outside” things to make you happy.

I don’t want to simplify this process at all. Through our deeply ingrained habits and our environment we are trained to look for outside things for satisfaction. And, I’m not advocating that it’s bad or wrong to desire health or well being.

In fact, I promote it through visioning, etc. But, it’s more of a realization that you already are all that you are seeking. It is innately within you.

When you realize all you are seeking you already are, you experience true freedom.

So, where’s the balance? How do you go about setting a vision for your life without attachment?

It’s just that – set a vision, but then surrender the outcome. After you set a vision, focus and work on yourself internally. What changes would you need to make on the inside to “become” the person who is realizing your vision? That change in character will emanate out from you and bring you more peace and joy than any thing could. Plus, the original outcome you were visioning may not be the best possible outcome anyway.

Again, it’s a practice. But, when you start experiencing the freedom regardless of your circumstances, you do feel a true sense of joy and peace.

If you notice you are feeling really tired and run down, take a look at your attachments. Sometimes the biggest givers can be drained because they really want another person to change. However, by doing your best and being your best and surrendering the outcome, you release the drain you feel and connect with your freedom.

Learn more about creating a breakthrough in your life!

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