Life can be so Exhausting

There is a natural harmonious rhythm to life when it is in accord and in tune with the whole - the totality of life. Yet, so many people are exhausted and feel that life is moving at an overwhelming speed. It is not only that life is so demanding and fast, but that the thoughts in our minds are equally busy and chaotic. And do you know what sucks most of our energy? Do you know what creates the exhaustion we experience?

It is the mind that is running a huge number of thoughts every day - the incessant hammering of the same repetitive thoughts. Our inner life is out of tune and lacking connection to our natural state of being. The way we use our minds and our bodies is much like if we were to drive our cars in first gear and never shift. Imagine driving down the highway and the engine is stressed to the max and you are only driving 30mph. This is the way a lot of us live life. Is it a wonder that we feel exhausted?

The way to escape from an exhausting life is not to be found on the outer conditions. It is the inner life that holds the key to transforming our outer life. Our mind is the greatest tool in the universe, but we need to learn how to use it as it was designed to be used; in harmony with the whole for our good and the good of all. The tools of the Art of Ascension naturally train the mind to work coherently; deep rest, inner peace and endless potential are natural byproducts of regular practice.

Gratitude Attitude

Gratitude has more value than just feeling good. What pill do you know that has more effect than this list of benefits from cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude?

    •    Increased Energy
    •    Increased Happiness
    •    Increased Optimism
    •    Increased Social Connections
    •    Decreased Depression
    •    Decreased Envy
    •    Decreased Greed
    •    Decreased Addiction
    •    Increased Income
    •    Increased Quality and Length of Sleep
    •    Increased Immune Function
    •    Increased Exercise and thus, Visual Appearance[1]

Anyone can experience gratitude and benefit from it. “A new study shows that feeling grateful makes people less likely to turn aggressive when provoked.”[2] Polio survivors and other people with neuromuscular problems who kept a gratitude journal reported feeling happier and more optimistic than those in a control group, and these reports were corroborated by observations from their spouses. These grateful people also fell asleep more quickly at night, slept longer and woke up feeling more refreshed. [3]

It’s pretty simple, too. In a Temple University study, patients with hypertension lowered their blood pressure just by calling a “gratitude” hotline every day.  Given that studies show that people with an Attitude of Gratitude are more healthy and sleep better, who wouldn’t want more Gratitude in their life?

It is no wonder that The Art of Ascension as taught by the Ishayas incorporates the Attitude of Gratitude into each of the first Five Spheres of techniques.  The benefits listed above are not only benefits of Gratitude, but just a small portion of the by-products of practicing Ascension daily.

References:

[1] http://www.inspiredgiftgiving.com/the-research-on-gratitude

[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/science/a-serving-of-gratitude-brings-healthy-dividends.html

[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/science/a-serving-of-gratitude-brings-healthy-dividends.html

[4] R. A. Emmons (2007) Thanks! How the new science of gratitude can make you happier. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Original study: Emmons, R. A. & McCullough, M. E. (2003) Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well being in daily life, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 84: 377-89.

Why Meditate?

There are endless benefits to having a regular meditation practice. The list starts from simple stress release to inner peace, and spans the spectrum of resolving any and all of life’s troubles or downsides. Even the healing of our planet can be a by-product of enough of us making our individual choice to regularly meditate.

When asked how one can help a starving man, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi suggested that the answer was to teach the man to meditate; then he would be a happy hungry man.  The point being, when we take regular moments out of our often hectic lives to turn our minds inward and discover the truth of who we are, we naturally find our bliss even in the midst of chaos. The more we tap into this bliss the more we begin to find endless creativity to life’s seemingly problematic moments. The problems cease to rule our minds and naturally a new life unfolds before our eyes, showing us the power of our choices. We become more efficient and successful and more happy quite automatically as a result of briefly turning our minds inward during meditation.

There is a great deal of mystery and often confusion wrapped around what it means to meditate and or why any one would do it. We will share here our growing experiences and knowledge with you in hopes of dispelling any mysteries and clearing any confusion. It is also our sincere desire to inspire you to seek and find a regular meditation practice that helps you to discover your bliss, to continuously learn and develop your power of choice, and to experience first hand your life working for you.

Who is a Sponsor?

A sponsor is someone who desires to help the Ishayas expand the teaching of Ascension. Sponsors are an integral link between the Ishaya teachers and the community.

This page will provide ways to share Ascension by listing:

   * Specific ideas to make new connections with interested people in your area.
   * Updates on special events and promotions.
   * A place to read what other Sponsors have found enlivening.
   * And so much more!


If you would like to become a sponsor of Ascension, please click on this link and submit our contact form:  http://www.theishayafoundation.org/sponsorascension.html.



 There is no greater service than to help others make their way to True Freedom.