The Wrath of Fear

Ani Pema Chodron is well known for her down to earth interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism to Westerners. She is the resident teacher at Gampo Abbey, a Tibetan Monastery for Westerners and she has authored several books. The following is a small spark from "When Things Fall Apart"...

"Once there was a young warrior. Her teacher told her that she had to do battle with fear. She didn’t want to do that. It seemed too aggressive; it was scary; it seemed unfriendly. But the teacher said she had to do it and gave her instructions for the battle.

The day arrived. The student warrior stood on one side, and fear stood on the other. The warrior was feeling very small, and fear was looking big and wrathful. They both had their weapons. The young warrior roused herself and went to fear, prostrated three times, and asked: “May I have permission to go into battle with you?” Fear said: “Thank you for showing me so much respect that you ask permission. “Then the young warrior said: “How can I defeat you?”

Fear replied: “My weapons are that I talk fast, and I get very close to your face. Then you get completely unnerved, and you do whatever I say. If you don’t do what I tell you, I have no power. You can listen to me, and you can have respect for me. You can even be convinced by me. But if you don’t do what I say, I have no power.”

In that way, the student warrior learned how to defeat fear. "

I'll remember this simple lesson to listen and respect my own fears, but I will not allow fear to guide me. Fear likes apathy. Apathy does not allow me to grow.

On the personal level:
Tonight is the fundraiser for the Blondes vs. Brunettes charity football game that is coming up on May 16th. I'm really excited for the game. I've changed my workouts and frame of mind for the last 2 weeks in preparation! We'll be making a positive impact for Alzheimers research (looking to raise $50k) and putting on a good show for the guests. I feel confident that the blondes are gonna get the big win because as a blondie, I can tell you, that we just have more fun! ; )

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

A person's self image is the mental picture, generally of a kind that is quite resistant to change, that depicts not only details that are potentially available to objective investigation by others (height, weight, hair color, sex, I.Q. score, etc.), but also items that have been learned by that person about himself or herself, either from personal experiences or by internalizing the judgments of others.

Self-Image may refer to: how the individual see themself, how others see the individual, how the individual perceives others see them.

What is important to remember here is that we are in control of all the forms of self image as an adult. It's important to be cognizant of what's truly positive and what's truly critical. How you view yourself is likely different from how others view you. Be aware of your biggest supporters and critics. If someone is speaking of you negatively, be subjective in deciding if the claims are valid. If someone is speaking of you positively, remember to be appreciative (not self depricating) of their kind words or actions.

Everyone is beautiful in their own special way, cherish your own beauty and remember that you're only limited by your efforts and confidence!

Ways to Improve Your Own Self Image:
Exercise on a consistent, almost daily basis. Take on challenges and risks! Don't be limited by your own view of yourself, step out of your box and be different sometimes. Put yourself in healthy environments that make you feel rewarded. Replace your negative thoughts with positive ones. Remember your attitude toward others is yours and yours alone.

thanks to wikipedia for helping me define self image!