In Focus

[misko55]

Well @Journey , I eat 5 times a day , so that I keep burning fat through out the day. 3 big ones and 2 snacks. Breakfast is pretty much 2 eggs with whole brown bread , or that bread with cheese on it or sometimes a banana when I need to wake up really , really early. When I have time I also drink green tea with breakfast. MY first snack is usually a Greek yougurt.

Lunch , well I usually go for chinese , I own a woke , so 100 G chicken , with lots of vegetable and a brown rice with a salad , second option is a chicken salad , also 100G chicken white meat with tomatoes , green salad or what ever I have in the fridge. For fourth snack I go again with the Greek yougurt or an apple when I´m done with my work

For dinner I usually go for fish , tuna , or fillets with spinach , whenever I eat fish and I eat a lot of it , sometimes for lunch as well ,I eat it with beets.

[Journey]

Nutrition:
Today, I was lucky to meet with a practicing vegan here locally who has offered me a wealth of information about resources in our area as well as online and in books (which I am glad to list out by request.) I am excited to learn more as I attempt my transition. My main concern was about getting enough protein, especially as I do my weight-lifting practice, but the more I discover, the more plant-based protein options I find. I am hoping to check out our local farmer's market and some vegan restaurants in the coming weeks!

Finances:
I met with a local group today on budgets and learned about some interesting solutions not just about that but also about responsibly donating or finding used goods. I will be reviewing a few of the sites on budgeting that they mentioned and building my plan to incorporate more flexibility and sustainable practices into my life.

Fitness:
I did a meditative yoga practice today. I am noticing the focus is flowing more easily now and I am able to go further into the poses. I am looking forward to trying different practices next week, and returning to my weight-lifting and cardio this week with a renewed energy.

Here is the Satsang I am listening to today, as I work through some of my web design:

 

[Journey]

Big Vision:
Sometimes it is as vital to determine what you do not resonate with versus what you do. Today, I tested the waters for what was a very exciting experience and opportunity for others, but I did not connect with it. It wasn't me. 

When I woke up this morning I stretched and thought about the wonder of travel and living out of a van. My exercise was captivating and my food was nourishing. As I got closer to this other thing... I felt my joy shrinking back. I did not want this thing to have power over me.. especially to cause a sense of darkening that which is neither dark or light... The illusion ego felt a sharp pain at both the concept of "selling out" and at a "missed opportunity at status and fame." 

Hmm..
 

 

Edited March 22, 2016 by Journey

[Journey]

Request:
At this point I'm looking to connect/talk with a vegan, a nomad/traveler, a fitness... person, an outdoors person, and a minimalist to discover a bit of their experiences and ask some real-world questions. I'll be researching and finding what I can online of course, but if you know anyone that fits these descriptions, let me know! 

I'm looking for a general accountability partner for some specific aspects as well, so if you're fired up or in a transition into these habits or experiences, feel free to reach out. I'm friendly! I promise!

[Journey]

Wonder:
I forgot what it felt like to dream without limits.
I'm now letting myself wander through the imagination and seeing what comes up.

Nutrition:
I made my first fully vegan meal today! Kidney beans, lentils, and quinoa! Yum!
I was able to completely avoid meat products today as well. 
I met my water goal of 1 gallon.

Fitness:
Making progress this week and improving my strength! I saw my numbers rise and I've been loving my cardio HIIT bike rides... though I'll admit I want to build up to riding some of the crazy hills in my area! I like the wind and the views more than the inside of the gym.

Big Vision:
Today I researched the lifestyles of those who are nomads who live out of backpacks, campers, or RVs and I was seriously inspired. I was talking to a friend about what type of work I could do to generate a little income to fund my travels and there was such a "duh" moment AKA a eureka moment.. Using mobile hotspots, I could do freelance design or any number of online businesses. My training and formal internships are all in design so this would be a simpler transition, but I could see myself learning and sharing another skill or knowledge set as well. Thinking...

As a symbolic gesture, I had my septum pierced today as well. It was something I had been considering for a long time, but I was worried that others might judge me or I might not get some corporate job... So it serves as a commitment to letting go of what no longer serves me and reinvesting fully into self-love, self-actualization, and presence in life. While some might view this as mere food to the ego, I consider it a tangible reminder of the greater self and intuition that underlies and supercedes the external appearance.

Edited March 23, 2016 by Journey

[misko55]

@Journey , personally don´t like piercings , but I don˙t think it´s ego. I usually have long hair but everytime I start something new , like a big change , I cut it. It´s like a simbol of change.

[Journey]

@misko55 To each his/her own. Your hair as a symbol reminds me of the story of Samson if you're familiar, though it sounds like when you cut it, it is more empowering than anything.

[Journey]

Wonder:
Letting the joy sink in today.
Habits come easy when they are an expression of self love.

Here's some food for thought. Call it crazy or weird if you choose, but give it a try, seriously.

What is life like without all those shoulds, coulds, and disclaimers? It's something radically different.

Transforming my perspective to viewing objects as supplies for adventure, not trophies or comforts.

I cried a lot today because I was so grateful to be given this opportunity to experience life.
 

 

Edited March 24, 2016 by Journey

[Journey]

Big Vision:
Sometimes it can feel scary to let go, like you're dangling off a cliff about to fall into the abyss. Looking a little closer though, it's not an abyss. There's no "fall" so great that anything more than the ego can be lost, or so I feel.

Today, I tried to let go. I informed an instructor of my intended path, and they were naturally shocked but supportive. I told my family and got the same response. I know a lot of times that the limits that other people place on themselves, keep them from believing that you can overcome those same limits, but that does not mean your dream is impossible.

Goodbye, status. Goodbye, creature comforts. Goodbye, expectations. Goodbye, formal education.

Hello adventure. 

Each moment is another opportunity to bask in the true joy of existence. I could not ask for more.

[Journey]

Wonder:
It is beyond habits, though those can be good starting points to spark that awareness. I feel the need less and less for a set schedule. I listen more to the "beat of my own drum." The "obligations" that I have left are voluntary and I do set time aside for them, but not at the cost of my big vision.

6 weeks until I graduate from college.

In the meantime, I am committed to manifesting my big vision and getting started prepping for my nomadic adventure. It's time to build.
 

 

[Journey]

Seeing life change as I change from a viewpoint of scarcity to one of abundance.

Getting outside everyday even if only to lay on the grass in the park and stare out at the vast city or to walk through the hills, peering closer at the birds and creatures as if they were only first discovered. It is one thing to look. It is another to see.

Limitless choices for me now, but I need not overcomplicate. At first I was very concerned with my nomad intentions, thinking of how I would manage to blend into the city. But deep down I do not have a desire to be in the city! So now I look to the great openness and how I can transition into it.

Little steps. I set up my sleeping bag in the corner of my room, leaving my bed to rest alone. I sold some more items. I researched some more options.

Reading some Walden too, to connect with another who felt that inkling and flowed with it.

[Journey]

Did a bit of an urban exploration and hike today through some trails and hills around here. Wandering a little bit more each day and allowing myself to accept the space, the peace, the lack of "shoulds" and "to-dos." 
 

 

Edited March 27, 2016 by Journey

[Journey]

When I shared my dreams from this place of abundance and love, I am greeted not by enthusiasm but by concern. Questions about the logistics and the safety and the comfort and the etc. etc. etc. I am opening the lock of the cage and you are asking me if the latch is rusty...

This bird has to fly. This spirit is and always will be.

May this external negativity of egos and fears, pass through like a breeze, washed out by the abundance and love of the greater self. If I shall cross paths with those who do connect to that, then they shall be welcomed, but for those who are confused or limiting or negative, I will not sputter to a stall. I will not settle for a life of someone else's choosing. I will not inhabit a life where I feel the urge to numb myself because of the discomfort and the lack of passion.

 

Edited March 28, 2016 by Journey

[Journey]

Not much to say lately. I believe I have fully transitioned to vegetarianism at this point, and I'm moving towards an entirely vegan diet in the future. Fitness has been going well and yoga is improving my flexibility and overall calmness. 

I have my sights set and I am practicing envisioning my dream as a reality, to let myself really connect with it and keep that spark alive. 

I have a few final academic responsibilities, but I am focusing my attention mostly on my nomadic lifestyle research as I prepare to travel. 

Despite my goals, I do not need achievement to feel whole. I do these things to express my nature, but not to create my nature.

[Journey]

Been trying to breakdown perceived limits through tangible, repeated actions everyday.

Reorienting my relationship with money and income.

Connecting with people in person and online who share similar values as myself or have already manifested the goals and dreams I am aiming for.

Encouraged and excited.

Food for thought:

 

[Journey]

I will be posting less frequently, as I am no longer monitoring progress on daily habits. My fitness, nutrition, and meditation habits have been formed successfully. If for some reason, I go off-track, I will post regarding that trigger and track the habit as I resume, if I feel it is useful.

Instead, I'll be sharing my perspective and development as pivotal moments or insights occur. There will be more rambling and introspection, instead of tracking and analysis.

That's all for now folks!

[Journey]

How do we determine the state or wellbeing of an identity or self? "How are you?" Is the reality one has created and built one that serves them, or one that burdens them? Is one being accepted unconditionally by a perceived environment? Is one able to accept him or herself unconditionally?