Originally published January 3 2010
How to Keep Those New Year Resolutions
by Rick George
(NaturalNews) When it comes to lasting change, one technique stands out above all others to ensure success: "Keep it simple." This is one of the axioms from the Twelve Steps that found its way into popular culture. Or, it may have been the other way around. Whatever the case, the phrase reminds us to stop and appreciate the things which are of true value and beyond price. A beautiful sunny day, the first snowfall of winter and a cold juicy apple after a hard work out, these are things which carry joy to those who take the time to stop and appreciate them. They are there, available to everyone, small blessings bestowed upon all living things. However, not everyone takes the time to notice them and collect the Positive Energy they so freely and joyfully bestow.
Simplicity cannot completely be defined as a Virtue. It is not so much something one "practices" as much as something one values. Humility and Diligence would be virtues that embrace the value of simplicity. For effective, lasting, positive change to take place, one must have a change of values. By definition, a positive change requires a deviation from something negative. Poor habits, excessive behaviors, temporary solutions and the beliefs and pain from the past, all contribute to negative life patterns. As a result, our lives become a complex series of reactions, temporary solutions interlaced with substitute comforts. Instead of the natural nutritional value found in organic foods, we depend on technology to provide us with what we want, when we want. Instead of experiencing the comfort of intimate relationships or the elation and satisfaction of personal success, we substitute chemicals, gadgets and activities for a quick, temporary fix.
Food is often used as comfort. Losing weight will only have lasting effects with some changes in values. At the core of unmanageable weight there is usually an abuse of food. In this case, food is most often being used as a substitute for comfort or stimulation. It is also elevated to a higher value than necessary. One of the most liberating exercises can be to leave food on the plate and upon feeling the pangs of guilt, simply respond with "it's only food."
Simplicity is at the core of all values. The things of highest value are not made by human hands. Life, joy, health and the deep love from intimate relationships, these things cannot be fully manufactured, and they cannot be purchased. The purest relationships are the least complicated; the most nutritional foods come right out of the ground. Negative Energy increases the further we get from the basic, fulfilling elements designed to meet our most essential needs. With complexity come anxiety, frustration, stress and fatigue.
Today, our lives are filled with countless comforts and quick fixes. From the latest I-Pod to genetically enhanced vegetables, nearly every aspect of our lives is changing at the speed of light. Recently, the German agricultural giant, Bayer, admitted that genetic modifications of food products and seeds are getting out of hand. In fact, the bio-engineering of food is quickly enslaving the earth's population. This high-tech food production has not managed to increase the quality and nutritional value of food, rather the opposite. Diseases and disorders are on the rise and many can be linked to deficiencies in vitamins and essential minerals.
In order to simplify one`s lifestyle, one must identify the sources of stress, anxiety and fatigue. Then, one must embrace the simplicity of being satisfied with enough and eliminate the excess. Do this and you will have an uncomplicated, peaceful life.
For More Information
Bayer admits GM out of control
The value of just enough
Serenity Speaks; Diligence and Humility
About the author
About Me: I have a Master's Degree in Counseling and live in Beautiful Southern West Virginia. I teach classes in recovery from drug addiction and create web designs and graphics. You may find more of my articles and meditations on SemperLiberi.com. Thank you for visiting!
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