Where are you going? Are you clear on your goals and values?
Let’s talk goals first. What are those goals and are they structured, specific and achievable?
A goal cannot be a fantasy, or it will be unachievable. Can your goal be reached in a time frame? Is it a big or small goal, do you need to take smaller steps to get on your way? How much does it matter to you and why does it matter? And finally, is it aligned with a bigger picture – ultimately is it valuable and a priority to you?
Only in mastery can we see all at once. All sides, all angles simultaneously. In a state of absolute purity, or ‘grace’ the seed can be planted. Being clear on where we have been, where we are now and where we are going; and how we then react, respond, exist, be conscious of, plan and strategize depends on our truth, attitude, mental and emotional adaptability and flexibility, personal leadership, resilience and our state of mind …so what is next?
Everything then, begins from a desire. Desire is our inner energy. For any movement, for any motion desire is necessary. From this energy a thought may be present. A thought is an emotion.
Energy-in-motion, E-motion! Once we establish what we desire to BE, DO or HAVE, we might set an outcome from this. It could be in any area of life! Like the dawn of humankind, our thoughts may have been just like our ancestors and so the beliefs that form from these thoughts have been handed down through the generations. Limiting or unlimiting beliefs?
The awareness then must drift to expectation. What do we expect to occur? Will we be able to set an outcome that is achievable, which is desirable, or are you still unclear? Remember that a fantasy, or unrealistic expectation will surely cause some suffering, so it is best to keep it relevant.
Let’s say a competitor wanted to win a competition and was super focused on this, it took months of hard work and sacrifice, but it didn’t really integrate to a way of life that was ultimately sustainable.
After the person wins and the elation and celebration dissipate, the competitor feels sort of significant but inside they feel like ‘what’s next’? This is a common outcome for goal driven people.
They must set another one straight after. And while that sounds fine, what is the purpose of it all? How can we improve upon that, so we don’t go up and down the emotional scale all the time? I have spoken about BE DO HAVE before and this model is brilliant for setting outcomes. The model can be in the form of effective questions. Perhaps a table where we can write in our answers. Here’s an example:
1. What is it that you want to Have?
2. What action needs to take place to get it? (Do)
3. What state of mind Do you Have to Be in to begin or participate?
The process begins with asking yourself which state of mind is suitable to proceed forward. For example, if we want to learn something, we would be best productive in a curious, open or fun state to absorb the learning without judgment or too much analysis. Follow this with your action steps to acquire what you want to have. Do not settle for less than you deserve when thinking about Have.
Allow the spiritual to support the material or physical when you are Doing. Be authentic; this is for your self not other peoples wants or needs.
State vs goal: our ‘states’ can also be our moods. In this case our state of mind is related to our values. What do you value? It will be unique to you. When we want to set our outcomes, our values (or ‘states’) are described rather ambiguously, like love, freedom and living a peaceful life.
Untouchable nouns! There are no steps required, you can Have it right now! They are infinite and sustainable because we are Doing what we love, and we love what we Do. We can also write the outcome down to include others as well as ourselves.
Goals on the other hand, are stated specifically. They Have Clarity, which is specific and realistic, meaning that is aligned with your values, (hopefully). Goals require a strong drive, a strategy which is true or authentic to yourself and provides feedback, and they usually have some emotional resistance and regulation needed to achieve your reward.
This is a process that contributes to wisdom and the control of your life, however it’s a process that needs to be repeated and you most likely encounter change. Your values may change but to be Clear, this is about your true and authentic self doing what it needs to Do always and every day Not just for six months for example.
Action based on theory defeating confusion and mystery.
Mind: Have you ever felt that type of inspiration that washes over you like looking at a cloudless blue sky? Is your path clear? How can I deal with obstacles and procrastination? What good and relevant questions are you asking yourself?
For Clarity of the mind you must consider your priorities and motivation (which way are you motivated? Toward something you want or away from something you don’t want)? And of course, consider energy, time, and space and what you Do with them.
Your values will contribute to and summarise your vision and mission in life.
Importantly too is your awareness, are you focussed on the task at hand, the goal, or the values? Or is your mind constantly wandering? There are two sides to this however, a focussed awareness is good for safety, keeping out of danger and working through processes on the job or setting tasks. A wandering awareness or zoning out – like what is happening while you’re not focussing – can be a breeding ground for creative thinking and solutions to some of the world’s problems!
Emotion
You will want to consider the relationship between history, the past and your memory, to what is occurring in your environment and what is at your senses right Now!
Then consider the correlation between now – the present moment, and the future. What is dream and imagination and is it affecting what you Do? What are the lessons from the past? How does it affect you positively or negatively and how do the brains ‘files’ from the past help you to achieve these tasks right now?
Yes, that’s right, with our memory and imagination combined we can problem solve, provide distinctions which aids us in our work and achieving further clarity.
Remove the past from your current experience of life if it is keeping you at a low vibration, misaligned or negatively impacting you for too long. You may have to ‘clear’ an emotion or limiting belief if they are not congruent with your journey. Ultimately and because the past does not exist
any longer all of our experiences can be classed as lessons and feedback. Whether these are perceived as ‘good or bad’, in the end they help create our current wisdom.
It is important to mention the opposite of clarity when speaking about emotions. If we are affected by the supressing emotion of sadness, jealousy, or grief; or overcome by the stimulating emotion of fear, frustration or anger we will essentially experience a ‘fog’. We cannot see our way out and we struggle to feel love, happiness, and joy while we experience this black cloud that we are subjected to. Also, the ‘survival’ states will release potentially damaging chemicals into the body if we are depressed or anxious for long periods for example.
Emotional Intelligence demands that we are aware of these negative emotions and that we regulate and manage them to be successful (in anything, parenthood, corporate leadership, sports, politics, business etc etc) Disassociating and then moving toward our life’s important unique values is paramount in the shift out of the fog and towards clarity.
I recommend meditation – find a method that suits you.
Master your emotions.
Spiritual clarity
Inspiration, purpose, values, beliefs, and perceptions. Beliefs are the views you have about the world and yourself. Be sure that what you perceive to be true and authentic to you, will give to you now and forever the philosophical and spiritual ‘meaning’ that you need and want.
Beliefs can be easily misread, lies and distortions. They can be limiting to your success. They can also be marvellous, empowering, enlightening, and flexible – a pathway to your dreams! Are they working for you, serving you? Or not? Learn how to shift your beliefs if you must. Create a new path in life that serves you and those around you.
When you are inspired you are unstoppable! Discovering and uncovering your purpose is perhaps the most important step in your vision of Clarity. When you are living your life on purpose and are clear of your path and your outcomes you have fulfillment and contentment. Most of us hold these concepts high on our values.
Understand and honour your spirit and your souls calling.
Zen or Cha’an concepts are an intrinsic part of east Asian martial arts and worth mentioning here – the study of philosophy is encouraged. To live by the Tao (or Do) is cultural and common. Again, consider meditation and moving mediation practices such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. The concept of Zanshin for example is having ‘no mind’ of other things going except what you are doing right now. (mindfulness). There are over forty types of meditation in Buddhism alone!
So there is no shortage of uncovering what method to learn.
Spread love, give generously, heal yourself and others, pray (like it has already occurred), live by the universal laws and the Universe, the unified limitless field and God will provide.
Living life and your own values is Clarity.
Clarity is perhaps the most important life principle of all, this is the awakener.