If you're like me, you need to live in a city with a pulse.
Unfortunately, that pulse too often comes at the cost of high blood pressure. I'm sometimes overwhelmed by this city's seemingly endless options of love, careers, and even Thai take out. Many of my friends exist on a permanent adrenaline rush. They run around, make connections, and check off to-do lists without any sense of fulfillment. The harried I'm on the go look isn't so cute, either.
We all want to be successful, but true success can't happen without inner peace and focus. Try out the following techniques to jump-start some mental and emotional togetherness. If you master these techniques, blissed-out energy flows are sure to reach you even through cemented sidewalks and stiletto heels.
1. Put You First
If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be an ounce of good to anyone else. In the big picture, therefore, it's not selfish to put yourself first: It's mandatory. Fill your cup so it can spill over by incorporating an hour of You Time every day. It doesn't matter if you spend that hour reading, writing, people-watching out the window of a café, or getting a manicure. And try putting your own well-being before your boss, partner or family member. Remember: When you're happy, they will be happier.
2. Start Your Day with Stillness
Sit still for a 10- to 20-minute meditation every day before leaving your home. It sounds tougher to schedule than it is! When the dust settles in your head, everything you do will seem clearer and smart decisions will come more easily. I get a natural high after 20 minutes of meditation that beats any martini or tag sale. Stillness tunes you into who you really arenot who you think you are. If you absolutely can't sit still, throw on a soothin meditation CD or join a class to lead you to silent mental bliss.
3. Go Inward
You can find satisfaction in things, places or activities for all of three minutes before you find yourself chasing the next thing for another fix. I used to run around thinking if I focused on certain hobbies or went to the right events, I would be happier. Find that high or satisfaction with yourself first: It's more lasting and genuine. Doing yoga and meditation helps me with this daily.
4. Check Your Community
We all have friends, but some may cause more chaos than peace in your already-busy days. Make a list of the people in your life and determine who drains your good vibes, and who adds to your well-being. The saying You are the company you keep is right on. Cool it with your unsupportive friends and those erring toward the dramatic. You'll see a major shift toward peace in the city.
5. Do One Thing at a Time
This might be the toughest task to tackle. Each morning, I force myself to make a list of my three biggest goals. I work on each individually throughout the day. The key is to be conscious and focus on each goal separately before checking it off your list and moving on.
 Ilana Arazie, Downtown Dharma | |
| About the author: | |
Ilana Donna Arazie is a video columnist and blogger focusing on her personal experiences as she finds zen in the city. She's a spiritually minded Carrie Bradshaw 2.0, but not without edge. She's intellectually curious and speaks to volumes of real people wanting to live their best lives. Find modern wisdom and inspiration you would get from a hip, personal guru every week here. Her stories have been featured on the Associated Press, Chicago-Sun Times, The Travel Channel, Huffington Post, Psychology Today and other media outlets. Find out more and subscribe to Ilana's newsletter Downtown Dharma.com. | |
| Read More >> | |
- Related Articles:
- Burning Fat & Calories
- Boost Your Mood With A Work-Out
- Tips For Healthy Baking
- How To Put Low-Fat Yummy In Your Tummy
- Balancing a Professional Calling and a Personal Life
Add this page to your favorite social bookmarking websites
