Unsticking Your Life through Contemplation, Elevation, and Transformation

Tools for Change and a Road Map for Growth

"Ideas move faster than rockets and penetrate more swiftly and deeper than laser beams. There are no enclosures that can contain them and no barriers that can hold them back. Ideas can change the direction of life, move the consciousness from despair to hope to upward flight. Ideas are above race, class, social order, or special interests. Ideas are power."
Dr. Stuart Grayson

Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop? The same hallways, the same lessons, sometimes even the same conversations? What if I told you that you've got the power to break free from that loop, to get unstuck from whatever’s holding you back? In this post, we introduce a delta mnemonic that I’ve often used to break through. In the journey of life, we often find ourselves in moments of stagnation, feeling stuck as if wading through a quagmire of uncertainty and inertia. It is in these moments that the power of three pivotal processes - Contemplation, Elevation, and Transformation - becomes paramount. They are the beacons that guide us through the fog, leading us to a place of balance and joy.

Step 1: Contemplation: The Art of Self-Reflection

Contemplation is all about hitting the pause button. There is power in the pause. It’s giving yourself the space to think deeply about where you are in life and where you want to be. This isn't about zoning out or suspending the current momentum in your life. It’s about zoning in on your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.

I like to emphasize the idea that contemplation is a search for meaning rather than a search for happiness itself. We’ve idolized this notion of happiness because having elevated beyond sheer survival mode, we are lost in what is next. The next step in my imaginings is to seek deeper meaning, not happiness. Seek achievement beyond expected happy results. We see this in expression when we achieve something very impactful, yet in no time at all, we are left wanting more. Never satisfied, continually seeking an outside condition or circumstance to make everything right again.

Here’s what you do:

Find Your Quiet Corner: This could be under a tree at the park, in your bedroom, or anywhere you can have a moment of peace.

Bring awareness to your heart, your intention to be open to answers, and then ask the big questions, like, "What makes me happy?" or "What am I super passionate about?"

Contemplation is a vital stage in the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Asking the right questions can guide you toward deeper insights and clarity about your goals, desires, and the path ahead. Here are some additional questions to prompt further introspection:

1. Reflecting on Purpose and Fulfillment:

- "What activities make me lose track of time, and why?"

- "When have I felt most fulfilled in my life, and what was I doing?"

- "What are the moments where I feel most 'myself' and what am I engaged in during those times?"

2. Exploring Talents and Strengths:

- "What are my unique skills and talents, and how can I utilize them more?"

- "In what areas do others frequently seek my advice or assistance?"

- "What are the personal strengths that I’ve relied on during challenging times?"

3. Understanding Relationships and Connections:

- "Who in my life truly energizes me, and what qualities do these individuals have?"

- "What types of interactions or conversations leave me feeling inspired?"

- "How do my relationships contribute to my growth, and how can I nurture them?"

4. Delving into Passions and Interests:

- "What topics or activities am I eager to learn more about?"

- "Are there hobbies or interests I’ve set aside that I want to revisit?"

- "What causes or issues deeply resonate with me, and how can I get involved?"

5. Identifying Life Goals and Dreams:

- "What would I do if I knew I could not fail?"

- "How do I envision my ideal life in five, ten, or twenty years?"

- "What are the dreams I’ve postponed and what’s holding me back from pursuing them?"

6. Addressing Barriers and Challenges:

- "What fears or doubts often hold me back, and how can I address them?"

- "Are there past experiences or beliefs that I need to let go of to move forward?"

- "What practical steps can I take to overcome the obstacles I currently face?"

7. Seeking Balance and Well-Being:

- "What does a balanced life look like for me, and how can I achieve it?"

- "How can I better take care of my physical, mental, and emotional health?"

- "What daily habits can I develop to improve my overall well-being?"

Each of these questions is designed to prompt deep reflection and self-exploration. The answers to these questions will vary greatly from person to person and can change over time as you grow and evolve. The key is to approach these questions with an open heart and mind, allowing your inner wisdom to guide you toward the answers that resonate most deeply with your authentic self.

Journal It: In the forming period, we learn to look at life circumstances from as many different perspectives as possible. Write down your thoughts. Don't worry about grammar; just let it flow.

Central to my own process of contemplation is a powerful yet simple technique known as the G.L.A.D. method, developed by Donald Altman.

The G.L.A.D. technique is a mindfulness practice that serves as a foundational tool for the first phase, contemplation. It traditionally stands for Gratitude, Learning, Accomplishment, and Delight, however, you can define these for yourself, and I offer up some alternatives for you to consider below.

1. Gratitude: At the end of each day, reflect on what you are grateful for. These can be simple joys or profound realizations.

2. Learning: Acknowledge something new you learned that day, no matter how small.

3. Accomplishment: Recognize an accomplishment, be it completing a task or overcoming a challenge.

4. Delight: Recall a moment that brought you delight or pleasure.

This practice encourages a focus on the positive aspects of daily life, often overlooked in the hustle of our routines. It nurtures a mindset shift towards noticing and appreciating the small but significant facets of our existence.

It’s essential to practice the G.L.A.D. technique regularly. Initially, doing it daily for at least three weeks helps inculcate a habit of positive mindfulness. After this period, maintaining a regular schedule, perhaps weekly, continues to reinforce this positive mindset.

Sharing the experiences noted in the G.L.A.D. worksheet with others can amplify their impact. Discussing our gratitudes, learnings, accomplishments, and delights with friends or family not only reinforces these positive aspects in our own minds but also spreads joy and positivity to others.

The journey from feeling stuck to experiencing joy and balance in life is navigable through the practices of contemplation, elevation, and transformation. The G.L.A.D. technique serves as a powerful tool in this journey, helping us to recognize and appreciate the myriad positive aspects of our lives. By regularly practicing gratitude, acknowledging our learnings and accomplishments, and reveling in the delights of everyday life, we set the stage for profound personal growth and transformation. Thus, we can not only unstick our lives but also embark on a path filled with joy, balance, and fulfillment.

The G.L.A.D. technique is one that I’ve used over the years and can be tailored with different words to cater to various personality types and orientations toward life. The original G.L.A.D was designed around the words gratitude, learning, achievement, and delight. Below, I offer some alternative interpretations for each letter that might resonate differently with people based on their individual needs and perspectives:

G - Gratitude / Growth / Generosity / Grounding
1. Growth: Focusing on personal or professional development experienced each day.
2. Generosity: Reflecting on acts of kindness given or received.
3. Grounding: Moments where you felt centered, balanced, or connected to your environment or inner self.

L - Learning / Love / Listening / Lightness
1. Love: Recognizing moments of affection, warmth, and connection, whether given, received, or observed.
2. Listening: Acknowledging instances where active listening improved a situation or provided insight.
3. Lightness: Moments of laughter, humor, or anything that brings a sense of light-heartedness.

A - Accomplishment / Appreciation / Awareness / Adventure
1. Appreciation: Noticing and valuing the people, opportunities, or possessions in your life.
2. Awareness: Being conscious of a particular feeling, thought, or external situation that impacted you.
3. Adventure: Any new or exciting experience that broke the routine and added a sense of novelty to the day.

D - Delight / Discipline / Discovery / Determination
1. Discipline: Recognizing moments where self-discipline led to a positive outcome or helped avoid a negative one.
2. Discovery: Identifying something newly found or realized, be it about yourself, others, or the world.
3. Determination: Moments where perseverance or resolve played a key role in facing a challenge or completing a task.

Each of these variations can cater to different aspects of an individual's personality and life focus. For instance:

- For those focusing on personal growth and development, 'Growth,' 'Listening,' 'Awareness,' and 'Discipline' might be more applicable.

- For individuals seeking to enhance their emotional and social connections, 'Generosity,' 'Love,' 'Appreciation,' and 'Delight' could be more resonant.

- For adventurous spirits or those seeking new experiences,' Grounding,' 'Lightness,' 'Adventure,' and 'Discovery' might be particularly inspiring.

By choosing the set of words that best aligns with one's current life focus or personality, the G.L.A.D. technique can become a more personalized and effective tool for fostering positivity and mindfulness.

Step 2: Elevation: Rising Above Challenges

Elevation is about transcending limitations and perceiving challenges not as impediments but as catalysts for growth and self-discovery. Elevation involves rising above our current circumstances to gain a broader perspective. It's about seeing beyond the immediate struggles and recognizing the larger journey. This phase is about finding meaning and purpose in our experiences and understanding that even in moments of stagnation, there is potential for growth and learning.

In this stage, the insights gained from the G.L.A.D. technique serve as stepping stones. The gratitude and learning acknowledged each day elevate our thinking, allowing us to transcend our perceived limitations and see the possibilities that lie beyond. Here’s an expanded game plan for Elevation:

1. Shift Your Perspective: Embrace Challenges as Growth Opportunities

-Reframe Your Mindset: Start viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Each obstacle is a chance to develop resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

- Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or meditative practices to cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. This can help in detaching from immediate frustrations and seeing the bigger picture. I recommend two 20-minute meditations or breathwork sessions per day. You don’t have to start there, as you can start small and work toward this goal. Many people feel that they don’t have time to meditate or breathe consciously; however, when you discipline yourself, you’ll almost certainly find that the practice actually ‘adds’ time to your day, helps you to maintain focus, and with a clear mind, you can set the stage for progress.

- Seek Alternative Viewpoints: Sometimes, getting a fresh perspective from others can open up new ways of seeing a situation. Engage in conversations with mentors, friends, or colleagues to gain different insights.

2. Get Inspired: Draw Strength from Stories of Resilience and Success

- Inspirational Biographies: Read about people who have overcome significant challenges. Understanding their journey can provide motivation and a sense of shared human experience.

- Motivational Podcasts and Talks: Listen to podcasts or watch TED talks that focus on personal growth, overcoming adversity, and achieving dreams.

- Join Supportive Communities: Engage with online or offline communities that focus on personal development and share stories of overcoming challenges.

3. Dream Big, Start Small: Set Ambitious Goals and Take Incremental Steps

- Goal-Setting: Clearly define your long-term goals, ensuring they are ambitious yet achievable. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.

- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate each small achievement along your journey. This builds momentum and reinforces a positive mindset.

- Journaling Your Progress: Keep a journal of your progress. Reflecting on your journey can be a powerful tool for recognizing growth and maintaining motivation.

4. Cultivate an Attitude of Optimism and Inner Strength

- Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine to reinforce self-belief and a positive outlook.

- Mental and Physical Wellness: Engage in activities that promote mental and physical well-being, such as exercise, yoga, or hobbies that you enjoy. A healthy body can significantly influence a healthy mind.

- Seek Learning Opportunities: Use periods of stagnation as a chance to acquire new skills or knowledge. This not only elevates your capabilities but can also open new doors and opportunities.

5. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

- Be Open to Change: Sometimes, the path to our goals requires us to adapt and be flexible. Be open to changing your approach if the situation demands.

- Learn from Setbacks: Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, use them as learning experiences. Analyze what went wrong and how you can improve in the future.

Elevation is not just about overcoming a single challenge; it’s about building a foundation for continuous personal growth and development. It involves cultivating a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities, draws inspiration from the resilience of others, and takes proactive steps toward achieving your dreams. By elevating your perspective and approach, you can transform feelings of being stuck into stepping stones for a fulfilling and purposeful life journey.

Feeling stuck is often a sign that you're ready to grow beyond your current situation. Elevation is about lifting yourself up to see beyond the obstacles. It’s about finding that inner strength and optimism. Here’s your game plan:

Shift Your Perspective: Look at challenges as stepping stones, not roadblocks.

Get Inspired: Read stories or watch videos about people who achieved their dreams. Notice how they faced similar challenges and overcame them.

Dream Big, Start Small: Take those inspirations and start with one small step towards your goals. Every journey begins with a single step, right?

Step 3: Transformation: Making the Change

Alright, you've thought deeply, and you've lifted your spirits. Now, it's go-time for transformation. This is where you start walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

Transformation is the phase where real change occurs. It’s the alchemy of turning contemplation and elevation into tangible shifts in our lives. This phase is about applying the insights and perspectives gained to initiate real and lasting change. It involves setting new goals, changing habits, or even altering our life path in more significant ways.

In this stage, the habit of positive mindfulness developed through the G.L.A.D. technique becomes a catalyst for transformation. As we become more attuned to the positives in our lives, our mindset changes, and with it, our approach to life’s challenges and opportunities. Here’s the blueprint:

Make a Plan: Outline what you need to do to reach your goals. Break it down into doable tasks.

Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who support your dreams. They can be friends, teachers, or even online communities.

Take Action: Start tackling the tasks you've set for yourself. Remember, action is the engine of transformation. The obstacle is the way.

A Lesson Plan for Life

Here’s a simple lesson plan you can come back to any time you feel stuck:

1. Reflect: Set aside 10 minutes a day for contemplation. Think about one thing you learned that day and how it applies to your life.

2. Affirm: Each morning, say an affirmation that lifts you up. Something like, "I have the power to create change."

3. Act: Do one thing every day that moves you toward your goals. Even if it’s tiny, it counts. A useful modality in my life has been to break tasks into the simplest steps possible. I will often start something today, which forces me to follow through tomorrow.

Remember, transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a journey that starts with a deep, honest conversation with yourself, grows with your ability to see above the fog, and becomes real through the steps you take every day.

You're walking a path that you’re paving for your future. And trust me, with contemplation, elevation, and transformation as your guide, you’ll be moving with grace from a place of acceptance to a world of possibilities.

If you were stuck in 2023, let’s work on getting unstuck in 2024. And rather than using resolutions, let’s review how I approach the turning of the calendar each and every year.

Renewal = Re-New-ALL

The trend is to ‘quit’ something, to ‘lose weight’ to ‘stop smoking’ or to ‘indulge in less’ of some ‘nasty habit.’

I revolt against these suggestions.

I say, ”Add something of value; start something truly ‘new’ to you...Something that honors and amplifies your vitality, your living force, and pushes toward the possible.

When we ‘negate’ we are still attracting in a sense; however, when we emote into realms unseen with a more lofty conception and higher purpose, there is a stronghold, a grapple, some footing gained to become creative co-creators of a life that is worth living.

Life is about living. This life starts today; there is no delay. There was never a delay worth worrying about, but there was and is a latency in prospecting and attention to care that deserves our full awareness. We don’t know enough about anything to worry about anything.”

Self-limitation via Resolutions

Someone asked Osho, "If one were to make only one New Year's resolution, what would you suggest?"

Osho said, "This and only this can be the new year's resolution: I resolve never to make any resolutions because all resolutions are restrictions for the future. All resolutions are imprisonments. You decide today for tomorrow? You have destroyed tomorrow.

Allow tomorrow to have its own being. Let it come in its own way! Let it bring its own gifts.

Resolution means you will allow only this, and you will not allow that. Resolution means you would like the sun to rise in the west and not in the east. If it rises in the east, you will not open your windows; you will keep your windows open to the west.

What is resolution? Resolution is struggle. Resolution is ego. Resolution is saying, 'I cannot live spontaneously.' And if you cannot live spontaneously, you don't live at all; you only pretend.

So let only one resolution be there: I will never make any resolutions. Drop all resolutions! Let life be filled with natural spontaneity. The only golden rule is that there are no golden rules."

We venture into a deeper understanding of what it means to approach life and personal growth with a mindset that embraces addition and spontaneity rather than restriction and premeditation.

Renewal as Addition Rather Than Subtraction

The conventional approach to New Year’s resolutions often revolves around negation—quitting, losing, or stopping. Yet, this perspective overlooks the powerful potential of addition. To add something of value or to start something genuinely new is to cultivate and honor our vitality. It is about pushing toward what is possible and embracing opportunities for growth and enrichment.

This approach of adding rather than subtracting shifts the focus from limitation to expansion. It’s about amplifying our living force, engaging in activities that enhance our well-being, and exploring new realms that enrich our experience. When we add, we open doors to new experiences and broaden our horizons, whereas negation often leads to a narrow focus and potentially missed opportunities.

When we focus our energies on positive aspirations and align them with a higher purpose, we create a sense of direction and meaning. This is not just a superficial change but a deep, meaningful transition that touches every aspect of our being.

Osho’s perspective on New Year’s resolutions as a form of self-limitation offers a profound insight into the nature of personal growth. Resolutions, often rigid and predetermined, can indeed act as restrictions, setting us up for struggle and conflict with our natural, spontaneous selves.

The idea that resolutions are a form of imprisonment, a dictate for the future, challenges the very notion of living a life in harmony with the natural flow of existence. By pre-deciding our actions and reactions, we risk losing the beauty and spontaneity of life as it unfolds.

Allowing life to unfold in its natural rhythm and bringing its unique gifts each day is a celebration of living spontaneously. This approach honors the unpredictability and richness of life, encouraging us to respond to each moment with openness and flexibility.

Living spontaneously doesn’t mean living without intention or purpose. Rather, it’s about cultivating an attitude of openness and readiness to embrace life’s experiences as they come, without the rigidity of preconceived notions or strict plans. It's about being present in the moment, responsive to the opportunities and challenges life presents.

This exploration suggests a reimagining of how we approach personal growth and renewal. It's about shifting from a mindset of negation and restriction to one of addition, spontaneity, and alignment with our deeper aspirations. This life, starting today, is about embracing every moment, living fully and authentically, and allowing ourselves the freedom to grow and change in ways that are both meaningful and fulfilling.

Let's carry with us the wisdom of adding value to our lives, the beauty of spontaneity, and the freedom that comes from releasing the confines of strict resolutions. In doing so, we open ourselves up to a life of richness, depth, and authentic expression.

Balance is about avoiding extremes. Find the middle way, where your observational awareness is firmly rooted in a neutral state. Finding yourself in extremes is only useful as a lesson learned and as an intelligence needing recognition.

More thought-provoking concepts at https://www.youtube.com/@luminalmind

Deep Peace in the PNEUMA (breath/spirit) of NOW!