Personal Growth Planet Blog

I don’t know about you, but I don’t get too fired up when I think about the word “contentment.” It brings to my mind stereotypical retired folks rocking on their porches or maybe watching great grand kids playing in the yard.

The first images that come to me when I think about “contentment” are actually rather boring. Peaceful, yes. Also, pretty dull.

So many of us long for peace in our busy, hectic, triggering and stressful lives. I am certainly among those who yearn for experiences that are easy, satisfying and even-keeled. Unfortunately, though, when there is no drama and life is sailing along relatively smoothly, it can start to feel mundane and dull. It is in those moments that “contentment” seems unbearable and even restrictive.

Okay, okay, I’ll admit it…

There is not one way to be empowered. There are countless ways.

There really aren’t “right” and “wrong” ways to be empowered either.

But…

There are many, many ways that a lot of us spend our precious time and energy that are flat out dis-empowering and we don’t often realize it.

I’ve been listening to a fabulous collection of audios by Buddhist nun Pema Chodron*. If you are turned off by either (or both) the words “Buddhist” or “nun,” give this a listen anyway. Chodron’s teachings are accessible, easily relatable and for anyone regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs.

There are tons of books, CDs, courses, websites, DVDs, lectures and more all about the benefits and power of a positive attitude.

What being “positive” actually means varies depending on the specific author, philosophy or approach.

Some invite us to smile and laugh more often. Others advise us to look for the gifts and opportunities in every situation. Yet others encourage us to be grateful for what we have, who we are and what’s going on for us in any moment.

I do not disagree with any of this advice. However, I can only imagine that many of you out there might, from time to time, ask yourselves this question…

Having survived the daylight savings time change, we are treated this weekend to the unveiling of a new season– the delightful Spring.

For me, the Spring Equinox is a refreshing and promising day. It truly marks the season for renewal and rebirth. I can’t help but apply all of those great things to personal growth.

We all have habits or aspects of our lives that we’d like to change. Perhaps we eat too much when we’re stressed out, rely on alcohol, drugs or cigarettes to cope with life, zone out on the computer or tv or any other behavior which we deem unwanted or unhealthy.