__________________________________________________________________ Making Lives Simpler Practical News and Tips for Living the Life You Truly Desire __________________________________________________________________ February 2001 Volume 5 Issue 2 __________________________________________________________________ IN THIS ISSUE: I. Let Your Body and Spirit Be Truly Alive with Well-being II. Ready to Begin Meditation? III. 5 Quick Tips for Body and Spirit IV. 5 of Their Tips V. New Website Addition VI. References _____________________________________ I. LET YOUR BODY AND SPIRIT BE TRULY ALIVE WITH WELL-BEING After reading last month's newsletter about "Caring For Your Health," my massage therapist said to me, "Great tips! However, I would also include some form of professional bodywork once a month, whether it's massage or some other experience. Better eating habits, regular exercise and monthly bodywork all work together to keep our body, mind and spirit in total balance." Based upon my own experience, she's absolutely right. For several years, I've been receiving bodywork on a regular basis, both massage and other types of treatments, to assist in keeping my energy flowing. I also enjoy a weekly yoga class and frequently incorporate my yoga training into my own morning meditation routine. To that, I occasionally add a good facial for fun. These activities, along with good eating and exercise habits, help keep me feeling relaxed, centered, slowed-down and still energized. This "self-help" provides me with the way I want to feel in this intentional life I have chosen. I see bodywork and meditation as important parts in the "taking care of me" part of my life. And when I take care of me, I can better help others take care of themselves. There are many areas of bodywork available today from acupressure to Shiatsu, and from traditional Swedish massage to applied kinesiology, Feldenkreis, and Reiki. Approaches range in intensity from extremely gentle to vigorous and challenging. One (or more!) of them is just right for you. Keep in mind, the physical release you experience can sometimes also allow emotional issues to surface, so it's wise to be in the hands of a professional you trust. If bodywork is new to you, just ask around. Chances are some of your friends can share their good or not-so-good experiences with body workers in your area. It's a good idea to interview several practitioners over the phone before choosing one or two to meet with further in person. If necessary, keep trying different body workers until you find one whose approach is comfortable for you. "But wait," I can hear some of you protest. "I'm trying to simplify my life, not add more activities!" Well, simplifying your life is about making choices. For me, it's about finding out who I am and what I want. Part of that is finding out what my body wants and needs so it can serve me in the best possible way. Even if you start with just a daily ten minutes of quiet time, and dedicate time for just one bodywork session a month, you'll be giving your body and spirit a gift that will contribute to your overall well-being. Since I started meditation and bodywork years ago, I can't remember the last time I had a cold or the flu. Bodywork and daily meditation continue to help me keep my body healthy so that it doesn't need to get sick in order for me to pay attention to it or in order for me to take a time out. So take a moment and ask yourself which of these approaches would nurture your own body and spirit, and help them be truly alive with well-being. Linda __________________________________ II. READY TO BEGIN MEDITATION? Here's a special offer especially for you. If you've been wanting to discover how to easily incorporate the wonderful benefits of meditation in your life, but haven't for a variety of reasons (or excuses!), here's your opportunity. I've asked fellow Master Coach Val Williams to join me in presenting a very special one-hour beginner's guide to meditation by phone. We'll teach you some valuable, easy-to-learn beginning techniques. We'll also suggest ways to find the time for meditation while you also continue your pursuit of simplifying your life. Our one-hour "Beginner's Guide to Meditation" is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2001 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. This specially priced class was created for "Making Lives Simpler" subscribers, their family and friends. Come join us! For more details, just send an email to Marie@simplifylife.com with "Meditation Class" in the subject line. This could be one of the best hours you spend in the continuation of creating the life you love. __________________________________ III. 5 QUICK TIPS TO HELP YOUR BODY AND SPIRIT BE TRULY ALIVE 1. Set aside 15 minutes a day to just check in with your body. Pick a time and a place when you won't be interrupted. If you like, turn on some soft music, then sit comfortably, close your eyes, breathe deeply and relax. 2. Take a leisurely mental journey through your body, beginning by focusing your attention first on your toes, then your calves, thighs, hips, and gradually up through your torso to the very top of your head. As you go along, notice where your muscles haven't completely relaxed, and take a moment to let go, to loosen them. Then continue on your body excursion. 3. Think about how you would like your body to feel. Notice how it will give you the answer. Then imagine feeling that way, being in an ideal state of balance, energy and glowing good health. Luxuriate by allowing yourself to linger and savor these moments that can be truly wonderful natural feelings. 4. Ask yourself what simple step you could take this week toward making that magnificent feeling of well-being a daily reality. Can you schedule a massage or other bodywork technique? How about enjoying a long, luxurious bath? Can you get away for twenty minutes and take a slow, leisurely walk by yourself? Do you have fifteen minutes to meditate? 5. As you open your eyes and return your attention to your immediate surroundings, take a deep breath and simply acknowledge the moment. Then take the first step and actually plan or schedule an activity that appeals to you which can help you truly live that superb feeling of well-being on a daily basis. __________________________________ IV. 5 OF THEIR TIPS "What is always speaking silently is the body." - Norman Brown "What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action." - Meister Eckhart "Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul is the work of the soul, and good for either the work of the other." - Henry David Thoreau "Most of us are pretty good at keeping promises to others and pretty bad at keeping promises to ourselves." - Lawrence LeShan "It is of practical value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship." - Norman Vincent Peale ________________________________________ V. ANNOUNCING A NEW WEBSITE ADDITION Since starting my business, "Simplify Life," I've been honored to have been asked to share my expertise for numerous newspaper and magazine articles across the United States. Some of these interviews are now available for instant reading on-line on my website. You'll find them "In the News" at http://www.simplifylife.com/info.html. One of the more recent articles was featured in the San Diego, California, USA's "North County Times" newspaper, and newly added is a piece from the February 2001 issue of the nationally published "More Magazine." An upcoming interview is scheduled to appear in the April 2001 issue of "Woman's Day Magazine." _________________________________________ VI. REFERENCES To find more resources or to order these go to http://www.simplifylife.com/reference.html Wherever You Go There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn (Reading Room 1 - Strategy - Define Simplifying Your Life, http://www.simplifylife.com/stratgy1.html The author of Full Catastrophe Living offers the most enlightening exploration yet of the principles of mindfulness--the ancient Buddhist method of stress reduction. Kabat-Zinn blends stories, anecdotes, poems, images, and scientific observations with easily followed instructions in the art of "capturing" the present and living fully within each moment in order to achieve inner peace. The Encyclopedia of Bodywork: From Acupressure to Zone Therapy by Elaine Stillerman (Room 8 - Additional References of Interest http://simplifylife.com/readmore.html) "A 1990 study by Harvard Medical School revealed that an estimated one-fourth of the American population sought the help of alternative health care practitioners and paid more visits to them than all primary care medical doctors nationwide. A reference for this growing trend, [this book]...[is] useful for practitioners, clients, students, and general readers" - Amazon.com _________________________________________ MORE ABOUT "MAKING LIVES SIMPLER" Linda Manassee Buell is a full-time Personal and Business Coach, and author of the audio tape, "Simplify Your Life, 7 Simple Strategies for Doing What You Love to Do." She has also recently revised her helpful eBooklet, "Simplify Your Life: 101 Ways to Create the Life You'll Love." To order your personal copy by check or credit card, just go to http://www.simplifylife.com and click on Shop the Store. Anyone is welcome to subscribe to "Making Lives Simpler." To subscribe or un-subscribe, send an e-mail to requests@lists.webvalence.com with "subscribe MakingLivesSimpler" or "unsubscribe MakingLivesSimpler" as the subject. (Be sure there aren't any spaces between the words MakingLivesSimpler.) This mailing list is confidential and will not be sold, traded, or bartered. Linda's e-mail address: Linda@simplifylife.com Linda's Website: http://www.simplifylife.com "Making Lives Simpler" (c) 2001 Simplify Life All Rights Reserved