"Eighty percent of success is showing up" -Woody Allen

The key to success is showing up. Oftentimes I wonder - where would I be today if I didn't show up to my first Bikram Yoga class? Life is unpredictable. We never know how one experience can affect our future or who we might meet along the way. Everything happens when we simply show up.

It starts by taking action. We make moves to make things happen. When we commit to do something, we create a consistent momentum. We set ourselves up to excel and gain insight; we make new experiences and move out of our comfort zone. We become resilient to change.

The art of showing up takes courage. It requires us to have integrity of commitment. In order to succeed we have to make a conscientious effort and keep a positive attitude. Showing up is just the beginning.

“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind - you are the one who hears it.”  -Michael Singer

In his insightful book, The Untethered Soul, Michael Singer brings to our attention the voice inside our head. He encourages the reader to listen closely to the relentless chatter of the mind. When we are conscious of this mental voice, we realize - it never stops talking, it argues both sides of every conversation and it aims to control our experiences.

In the first part of his book, he tells the reader to take a step back and watch. He urges us to look at our thoughts, emotions and experiences objectively. Singer points out that we are the conscious receiver of everything that passes through us - "You are behind everything, just watching. That is your true home. Take everything else away and you're still there, aware that everything is gone. But take the center of awareness away, and there is nothing. That center is the seat of Self. From that seat, you are aware that there are thoughts, emotions, and a world coming in through your senses."

What I love most about this book is the emphasis on observing our thoughts and emotions to experience spiritual freedom. The more we listen to the voice inside our head, we see that our mind is constantly figuring out what we need to do. Singer encourages us not to give in to the mind's struggle. Instead, allow these feelings to pass through. By observing the habitual thought patterns our mind has built, we are ready for spiritual growth. 

"When you move beyond your fear, you feel free." -Spencer Johnson

As I continue to practice mindfulness, I am learning to let go of my fears. Letting go opens me up to have more faith and trust the uncertainties of life. When I embrace the unknown, I become more flexible to flow with change. I slowly release my fears and stay present.

Finding peace with uncertainty frees me to slow down and fall behind my thoughts. I appreciate feelings of happiness and peacefulness as well as deep emotions of fear and sadness. I enjoy watching my thoughts and noticing how I respond to them - am I resisting my fears or clinging to the pain of my fears? By observing my thoughts, the unknown looks less intimidating.

We inevitably move forward not knowing what the future will bring. I surrender to my fears and let go of all assumptions. I have faith in what will be.

Green:  |grēn|  noun.  the color of grass and leaves; a secondary color between blue and yellow in the spectrum, an effect of light with a wavelength between 500 and 570 nm.

I see green every day. Green reminds me of apple banana trees, avocados, olives and papayas. After a rainy winter I love looking up at the West Maui Mountains. The hillsides are a lush dark green and filled with life.

This week I had the pleasure to go to the park. I observed my surroundings with my eyes closed. I breathed in the smell of fresh-cut grass; I felt the warm breeze circle around me; I listened to the birds and the wind. When I opened my eyes, the vividness of the green grass surprised me. I thought - was the grass really this green? I felt refreshed and energized. The vibrant green lawn calmed my mind and heightened my awareness. What does the color green bring up for you?

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth." -Quincy Jones

Who doesn't like a good laugh? Laughter is contagious. It spreads happiness and joy; improves our mood and increases our energy. I'm not the best joke teller but I always enjoy hearing an amusing story or a hilarious joke. Laughing makes me feel good.

Humor is infectious. A laugh or even a smile brightens my day. Having a good-humored attitude helps me stay positive. Recently, a good laugh changed my entire frame of mind. I felt the tiring moments of my day slowly melt away. I started to relax and I felt hopeful as I let the day go. My perspective shifted from feeling anxious to optimistic.

Whenever I laugh I can't help but feel happy. I let go of my doubts and I release all inhibitions. I allow my happiness to take over.

Here are some ways to bring humor and laughter into your life:

• do something silly - being silly is spontaneous and fun, it triggers positive feelings

• read the funny pages/comics - The Family Circus is still one of my favorite comic strips that makes me laugh
• smile - smiling prompts laughter and it's just as contagious:-)
  
• take yourself LESS seriously - be free and laugh at yourself
  
• watch a funny movie or TV show - I recommend the British sitcom, Mr. Bean. You will start laughing instantly!