This week my reading was more focused on the exercises in the book versus the interviews.    Me and my husband are contemplating several business decisions that are weighing heavily on the both of us.  As I was reading I came across an exercise that was especially meaningful to me.  One exercise in particular has really helped us weed out business options that might not be the best.  I want to share this exercise so that it might help others.  The exercise is called Inviting Grace.  It is basically a tension reliever which in turn helps clear your mind and reduce stress.


Steps:


1. Sit quietly and write a letter to your Higher Power about a situation in your life that you would like assistance with.


2. Ask that the perfect people, places, and circumstances be brought to you for the deepest fulfillment of the situation.  You may want to ask for the right understanding or forgiveness, if appropriate.


3. Put the letter somewhere meaningful to you where it won't be disturbed.  


4. Now. LET GO!  Turn the situation over to a Higher Power. Relax, feel grateful, and invite yourself to beleive that the universe is always supporting you.


5. Notice what happens over the next days or weeks.  You may want to look at your letter in a month or two and see how the universe responded.




I did this exercise in more of a religious fashion.  I know that God has a plan for me and so instead of worrying about decisions that are difficult or uncertain I wrote them down and turned it over to God.  If it is meant to be it is meant to be!

This book is taking longer to read than I had expected.  This is a good thing though because it has exercises that make you stop and think about what you have read and how it applies to your life.
 
I want to share a few interesting exercises that I have been reading over and trying to interpret and apply to fit my life.  Most are more mental exercises more so than physical.

Exercise 1: Happiness Habits for Empowerment

(This exercise helps you break free of old patterns and begin fresh)


1. Focus on the Solution- What this means to me is look at my life, are there un-resolved issues?  If so how can I began to create solutions to those issues rather than holding on to worry and the power of complaint.


2. Look for the Lesson and the Gift- I have begin to ask myself in uncomfortable or trying situations, "why is this happening and what can I make of this situation?"  I have had several instances this week where instead of complaining I looked for something positive in the situation.  Let me tell you, it was HARD!


3. Make Peace with Yourself- There is actually a physical exercise you can do to help release anything mentally holding you back.  It is called the M-Power March.  Google it and it will go through the physical motions that help you release negative energy from your body and mind.




Exercise 2: Happiness Habits for the Mind


(This focuses on the mental part of being content)


1. Question Your Thoughts- I am now trying to actively process my thoughts.  I also try to validate whether my thoughts are real or just insecurities.  I think a lot of women can associate with how our own "mind games" can affect our day to day emotions.


2. Go Beyond the Mind and Let Go- This was a challenge for me as I didn't really understand what this truly meant.  After I re-read a few times I somewhat can attempt to do this.  I would say this relates to letting go and being free.  Process your thoughts and then release them.  


3. Incline Your Mind Toward Joy- I have to say this is very hard to do.  It's almost as if our bodies are wired to find negativity in every situation.  I have been making an effort to think joyously.  Re-citing bible scriptures has helped me do this.


Over all these 2 exercises or train-of-thought modifications have really been neat to experience and use on myself.  There is also an idea in the book about a complaint jar.  Every time you or someone around you makes a complaint they must put money in the jar.  I took this idea to work and we are thinking about doing it.  

Happy for No Reason-Marci Shimoff (Week 1)

When I discovered that I was going to have to read for 90 minutes a week, blog about it, and record my time I was like "Oh Brother!".  I actually do not get pleasure out of pleasure reading so this is going to be a challenge, but in a good way.  I am looking forward to re-opening my mind to the world of books.

The book I have chosen to read is a self-help book.  I bought this book a little over 3 years ago because at the time I felt that I was unhappy with almost everything in my life, yet I couldn't pinpoint an exact reason why.  The book I have chosen is called Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff & co-writer Carol Kline.  Marci has written books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul and various other helpful reads. 

What my intention is with this book is to re-evaluate my life and find out how I can become more reliant on simply being and less reliant on worldly and social beings to make me happy.  The book not only provides evidence that being happy for no reason is possible, but also stops you in various chapters and asks that you do a self-inventory of what you have learned thus far and also to help you set goals.

In the first couple of chapters Marci speaks on why she wrote the book and what inspired her to do so.  Marci states that she was inspired to write this book after doing a mission trip in the Himalayas.  What she learned is that not only was she giving to the people but they were teaching her how to be truly content and pleased with your life.  Considering that this tribe had no material possessions, medical care, or the luxury's we take for granted, they still managed to be thankful for what they did have and were joyous.

There are 7 steps to really meditate on in the beginning of the book, steps that I believe will be the stepping stones to being happy for no reason.  1. The Foundation - Take ownership of your happiness 2. The Pillar of the Mind- Don't believe everything you think 3. The Pillar of the Heart- Let love lead 4. The Pillar of the Body- Make your cells happy 5. The Pillars of the Soul- Plug yourself in to Spirit 6. The Roof-live a life inspired by purpose and finally 7. The Garden- Cultivate nourishing relationships. (Pg. 9)

I looked at those steps and realized I am not doing any of these.  As I read on Marci shares some facts about the happiness factor in the United States.  Did you know that by 2020, The World Health Organization predicts that depression will be the second leading cause of illness/death, only to be beat by heart disease. (Pg. 12)  Scary prediction!

As I continue reading through the chapters, the stories of interviewed people that claim to be truly happy are shared.  I am loving this book thus far because it proves that there is still a way to be truly happy without turning to electronics, or social outings, addictions, or whatever some people use to put a smile on their face.  I want to be able to look at myself at the end of the day knowing that I am going to be/am truly happy and waking up the same way.  

I know that this book is going to take me on a journey, some parts will be bumpy as I have to face the facts, other moments will be an "aha" situation.  Sometimes it takes someone else putting life in words for our minds to truly grasp the concept.  I'm excited!