bold action
Day 1 Again: Building Momentum
I have started over again on my 21 days to create a habit project. My revised goal is to exercise for at
least 30 minutes a day, rather than run for 30 minutes a day. After forgiving myself for slacking and breaking my commitment to run - then deciding to revise my goal to include a variety of exercise types, I'm ready to go! :-D This being a human thing is quite tough and funky at times - but I'm learning that it's really about not getting wrapped up in a funk and pushing myself to keep moving.
Yesterday, I set out on a cycling quest. My friend Heather and I jumped on to one of Orange County's many amazing bike paths with the intention of riding at least 20 miles round trip. Once we got rolling, I was taken by the creek that gurgled beside the bike path and the aroma of sage baking in the summer sun.
Getting out into nature and enjoying the sea breeze wafting through the canyon was exactly what I needed. I've realized lately that staying within four walls brings out the sloth within my soul. It becomes all too easy to get stuck in front of the TV or iPad. At one point in the ride, Heather looked my way and said with a smile on her face "why haven't I been doing this for the past three years I've owned my bike?"
Why is it that so many times we choose activities that add to our suffering, small-selves rather than doing the things that bring us true joy & bring out our big-bad selves? We are happy when we stay on task - exercise - fill our minds with wisdom - stay in touch with our spirit - express ourselves truthfully...
One would think that after riding for 1 hour and forty-five minutes I would be ready to crawl into bed...but when I got home I was amp'd! I was inspired to clean the kitchen, organize my room, run to Petsmart and the market, and then come back and work on a couple projects.
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Airlines, was recently asked what he does when he loses inspiration or becomes stagnant. His answer was simple..."I exercise." I had read this a couple weeks ago and am more convinced that he is right than ever. (There is one thing I'd like to share with Branson :-D -- I recently flew Virgin from London to Los Angeles and the seats in coach need some major improving...lack of padding and leg room made me want to lay in the aisle (regardless of how many amazing movies were at my disposal to watch) and inspired me to fly another airline on my last trip. He may need to run a few more laps on the track to solve that issue :-D There is always more room for improvement!!).
Once Heather and I reached the halfway point of our trip (which had been a gradual incline the whole way), we turned around were rewarded with a fast and furious ride back to where we came from. I was so happy that I began singing out loud a few times.
I'm learning that a life of action is rewarding on every level!
“Don't wait. The time will never be just right.” - Napoleon Hill
- Jen Engevik
Project Be Bold
The Noble Eightfold Path - A Recipe for Bold Living
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Ever heard of the famous and beautiful Noble Eightfold Path taught by Buddha centuries ago? No matter what your religious or spiritual persuasion, you can learn from it and use it to gauge whether or not your actions, thoughts and/or decisions are bold/noble.
The Noble Eightfold Path refers to right view, right thought, right speech, right behavior, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
Right View means to believe in the law of cause and effect and not be deceived by appearances and desires.
Right Speech means the avoidance of lying words, idle words, abusive words, and double-tongues.
Right Behavior means not to destroy any life, not to steal, or not to commit adultery.
Right Livelihood means to avoid any life choices that would bring shame.
Right Effort means to try to do one's best diligently toward the right direction.
Right Mindfulness means to maintain a pure and thoughtful mind.
Right Concentration means to keep the mind right and tranquil for its concentration, seeking to realize the mind's pure essence.
May we challenge ourselves to choose to follow the Noble Eightfold Path in our moment to moment attempt to live bold & amazing lives.
To gain a deeper understanding of the Noble Eightfold Path, we'll take a close look at each of them over the next 8 days. I'd love to get your ideas surrounding them as we explore. Please leave comments in the next week!! Your thoughts will help shape our understand of them and inspire each other to live bolder, more thoughtful lives.
- Jen Engevik of Team Project BE Bold
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