7.       Ahimsa: This is the Sanskrit word meaning not causing trouble to any person, animal, or nature (i.e. not causing harm). This also includes not envying anyone as this is a form of negativity or harm. This includes not only others, but yourself. The interesting thing about this notion is it asks of the person to follow ahimsa on all three levels of life; action (not physically hurting someone), words (not speaking harmfully to anyone), and thoughts (not even thinking harmful or negative about anyone). The first two levels are relatively easy to control, but to control the thoughts is where the real exercise begins. This requires much attention and commitment to notice and replace all negative, undermining, blame- and excuse-laden thoughts with positive thoughts, words, and actions. Transitioning to a gentler, more healthy and harmonious lifestyle helps make this process easier; following the earlier 6 tips helps to root out the weeds of negativity and cultivate a positive-flowering mind. To help this along, the next tip, meditation, is a major key in transforming the mind to divine peace.           

8.       Meditation: This category really includes other inner, silent positive and spiritual tools; mediation, contemplation, prayer, etc. Praying is a request for some specific positive, compassionate outcome such as praying for world peace, an end to starvation and poverty, health for the world and for their family. Contemplation often is mulling over spiritual, philosophical, and ethical notions in one’s life such as, can I do a better job at work or with my family; do I feel I am living ethically; how can I become a more positive person; how can I learn and follow my life path; what is my purpose on earth; how can I feel closer love with God. Meditation can be specific, such as meditating to be less stressed. Ultimately, meditation is a way to become one with God, spirit, nature, and loved ones. The Vedic view suggests that connecting with that which is greater than you (e.g. God, spirit, nature), you are taken beyond your limits of mind, ego, and feeling to experience a greater being of your eternal soul. This is called grace; that somehow, despite my limitations, I have been blessed to live a greater, sacredness on this earth; and the ability to see it in others and share it with them.
     Meditation mean walking in nature, doing anything you ‘love to do’, and of course the commonly held view of seated silent meditation. All are valid, yet the best view of mediation is to see all of your life as different hues of meditation – variations on a theme of meditation. So cooking is a sacred mediation; so is cleaning, spending time with family, selfless service, and participating in any and all the earlier 7 tips. Still, even spending 15 minutes a day in some form of silent meditation is quite beneficial and highly advisable. Just as we need time for food, liquid, and breathing each day, we also need time for our Souls.

9.       Envision-Engrave-Enact: Now with the previous 8 tips in mind, review your life-purpose (dharma); first,

• Envision why you were born on this planet; if you never had to think about earning another penny, what would you do with your life; for helping your family, community, country, and the world? Then,
• Engrave your life – write down your daily schedule, food menu, as well as short- and long-term vision goals based on what you envisioned.. In the process your may be faced with the doubting, negative, low-self-worth thoughts. This is the place to replace them with positive thoughts.
• Enact – now put your plan into action – even if you add a few simple things from your engraved vision list to your life (e.g. organic foods and Yoga), by simply sticking with your plan for 1 month creates new positive healthy neural pathways in the brain. This means after 1 month, this new healthy behavior will become a habit, replacing an old bad habit.

So pick a plan that is do-able, fun, and inspiring and get started. Finding your inner divine love and the infinite energy of your God-given gifts and creativity, allows you to create a life that reflects who you really are – that resonates your visions – that reveals the reason why you are on this planet.