Why I can relate to Pema Chodron's teaching?

Here are some of her epic quotes: 

“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.”

“The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.” 

 " If you don't know the nature of fear, then you can never be fearless."

 

 I started watching her videos and interviews 3-4 years ago and I found an instant attraction to her teachings. She is just like me, she struggles, she messes up, she is human. Pema Chodron is not someone who is sitting on a high horse telling me what to do. She walks the walk and she is funny, she even swears. Here is a video of her interview, Enjoy!!

The Power of Affirmation

For those of you who don't know what Affirmations are, they are words or phrases that you speak out loud or to yourself to solidify an idea. After they are heard or said repeatedly, they become a reality, which can be positive or negative or in my opinion, mislead.  It is like advertising on TV or internet, after you see it so many times, you believe what's said.

We are in some ways programmed to believe certain things:

- Don't believe in your intuition. It is just co-incidence, there is no such thing.
- It is just a dream, it doesn't mean anything.
- Women should stay at home and take care of the family.
- Women should work, it is a different world.
- Men should not cry or be vulnerable, it means they are weak.
- People who do not believe in what I believe are my enemies.
- We need more things.

Well, we can also use affirmations to create a positive space for ourselves.

Tips for creating positive affirmations:

- Start inwardly, by this I mean, start with" I am ready to receive abundance from the Universe" instead of "I want a new car".

- Write it down and speak it out loud. If you don't say it, the Universe will not know it.

- Your affirmations should mean something to you- something that speaks to you, it should be personal.

- Ask for what you want, don't be shy. The Universe is listening . Again, go inwardly instead of wanting "things".

- Be Kind to yourself

Here is an example of my daily affirmation, I speak it out loud everyday before my meditation.

My Daily Affirmation

My vision is to cultivate my wisdom, kindness and bring forth the person I am 

In the forefront of my life

Be me fully

And also tend to my wounding, my insecurity, my not knowing

Loving myself

Practicing love and kindness in every breathe

Practicing listening deeply to lessen other people's suffering

Going on my inner journeys to bring forth my spirit animal and all of my ancestors

They are always there in me

Bring forth these gifts

Amen

And so it is

The 3 Breathe Practice

Whether you are a beginner or you have practiced meditation for a while, there are days that you will just walk pass your cushion and cannot get yourself to sit on it. I have many days like that, convincing myself I am too busy even for 5 minutes.

Well, I have adopted a 3 breathe practice in my daily life inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh. In his spiritual community, Plum village, they have a mindfulness bell that rings randomly throughout the day. When the bell rings, everyone pause and take a moment to come back to the present. My interpretation in my life, I will take 3 conscious breathe every so often to commit to staying present. For example, waiting in line at the bank, pumping gas, traffic jam, waiting to pick up my kids from school. There are many opportunities for us to take the advantage of slowing down and committing to staying present. 3 conscious breathe is all it takes, even sometimes, I will wonder off after the second breathe. 

Give it a try, it is 5 - 10 seconds of investment a day !!

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh