“The state of mind that exists when you sit in the right posture is, itself, enlightenment.” Shunryu Suzuki, Roshi, Author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
“Each of us is like a diamond, and each of us has the potential to be brilliant.” Simon T. Bailey
My great grandpa says, “You practice this mindfulness of breathing to sharpen your sword of mind, to polish your diamond of mind.” from Holding the Lotus to the Rock, The Autobiography of Sokei-an, America’s First Zen Master, Edited by Michael Hotz
Eating diamonds for breakfast and shining all day is our attitude of gratitude = altitude that we (funzen girls or guys) bring to our activities of daily life. We polish our diamond by resetting our intention to focus on the positive, be mindful of our breath and posture to relax muscular tension and release stress. We live in integrity when we align our values with actions. Values like, self love, self respect, self discipline and freedom from fear. Note, the highest values mentioned all start with self, no one can give them to us, we eat and digest them for ourselves.
Q&A What is an Intention?
Kim: An intention is a manifestation, an aim, a plan, an energetic lasered statement of your desire that you wish to fulfill. Intentions direct the action of your life. You want to base intentions on qualities of experiences and always state in the positive and present tense. Intentions lift us, they keep us focused, they keep us awake and aware in determining all that we want to manifest. Intentions create your life. For example:
My intention is to release judgement today and allow forgiveness to lead the way.
My intention is to express myself in a calm and kind manner, even when it may be difficult.
My intention is to make decisions in my life based on integrity and honesty. Why is gratitude so important? Gratitude is important because how can we be ready to receive more goodness when we are not aware and grateful for what we already have and accomplished.
The Q and A above comes from brilliant, bold beauty Kim Stanwood Terranova, author of The Technology of Intention, Activating the power of the Universe Within You Here’s her contact information: Twitter, Instagram, Website.
His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in his forward to Polishing the Diamond, writes that "the readers seeking inner peace will find valuable advice in this book."
“The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
James Allen
Benefits: Inner Peace magically sharpens our five senses. It calms down our mind, boosts joy and helps achieve spiritual tranquillity and body confidence.
“Mastery of the fundamentals are the buidling blocks of FunZen.” Remember, when it’s Fun, it gets done. Let’s put spiritual muscle in the Hustle -love yourself first to polish up your miracle diamond and Sparkle- shine brilliantly, comfortable and joyful in your own skin with courage to be brilliant, resilient and confident.
We got this! Thank you for reading this blog to inspire and motivate you to Find it, Live it- (polish your miracle diamond) and Give it- shine brilliantly, beautifully and boldly.
Ti amo, Grazie! FunZen Girls Ox