| Lately, I've become intrigued by the idea or process | | | | toward a worthwhile goal. |
| of "alchemy." Funk & Wagnall tells me alchemy is a | | | | Nurture The Body: Practice sound nutrition. Aim to |
| transformation, "a change in nature, form or quality." | | | | make the best choices for your body and choose |
| So how to take charge of your own personal | | | | food and beverages that make you feel well. When |
| alchemy? For me, it's about changes and | | | | appropriate supplement with herbs, vitamins and |
| transformations of mind, body and spirit. Therefore, | | | | homeopathy. |
| in this article I've outlined three of my favorite ways | | | | Practice a sound exercise program. Find a form of |
| to approach personal alchemy on the path to | | | | exercise that is appealing to you and is one that you |
| wholeness and health. | | | | will do. Choose from: aerobic exercise, resistance |
| Step One: Dissect A Past Transformation: | | | | training, tai chi, yoga or Pilates. When appropriate use |
| It's easy to feel overwhelmed when thinking about | | | | body work such as massage or reiki. |
| the process of making a personal overhaul. | | | | Nurture The Mind: Add to your daily practice, |
| Therefore, it's important to break this idea down to | | | | visualization, guided imagery, affirmations or dream |
| its least common denominator. To begin, recall if you | | | | work. Spiritual meditation is also a great way to quiet |
| can a positive transformation you've made in your | | | | the mind and allow time to tune in to the divine. |
| life. It could be as simple as beginning and staying | | | | Nurture The Spirit: Find time to practice prayer work, |
| with an exercise program. In your mind locate and | | | | meditation, forgiveness and unconditional love. |
| focus on one specific personal transformation. | | | | Step Three: Find Answers In The Silence: Then Take |
| Next, break down your transformation into its | | | | Your Goals One By One |
| components: mind, body and spirit. I tend to look at | | | | We can't possibly do everything. For as someone |
| everything in this tri-fold sense. I believe it is | | | | once told me "you have only, all the time there is." |
| important to see the way a particular event | | | | With this in mind, I am brought back to my earliest |
| contributes to the growth of each component. Right | | | | ideas about personal alchemy. This involves one of |
| now, take a moment to observe the ways each of | | | | the most difficult, yet necessary practices: finding |
| these components have contributed to your | | | | time for silence. Finding time is the challenge I most |
| transformation: | | | | often face when looking at my own personal growth |
| Mind: Was your mind committed to making this | | | | and aiming to find ways to simplify and speed up the |
| positive change? | | | | process. |
| Body: What daily actions did it take to make this | | | | Silence. Why does it work? From a physics or |
| personal transformation effective and permanent? | | | | scientific standpoint, the electrons within the |
| Spirit: Was there a spiritual component at hand | | | | molecules of the body actually speed up when the |
| guiding you toward your positive goal? | | | | body slows down. It seems difficult to understand at |
| Step Two: Begin The Uncovering Process: | | | | first, but the key is its reciprocal process. When the |
| Now that you've dissected a previous transformation, | | | | body slows down, the energy surrounding the body |
| the uncovering process is simple. This process asks | | | | and passing through the body speeds up, literally |
| you to take some time with your journal and | | | | directing the body: instructing it. |
| uncover a new personal transformation you would | | | | Grace, balance and growth are often natural |
| like to experience. With pen in hand, take time to | | | | extensions of this process. When you take some |
| make notes to yourself. Start small. What | | | | time to be still and offer your goal up to the |
| transformations would you like to make this year? | | | | universe, you can then become aware of the divine |
| Do some dreaming. | | | | direction. To do this, try to first become aware of |
| When you've finished, scan your list for one | | | | your surroundings. Then aim to find time each day to |
| worthwhile goal that is achievable. If you are unable | | | | move toward your worthwhile goal. Keep it close to |
| to commit to one on your list, try these ideas to | | | | your heart. Know that there are many distractions in |
| complete your uncovering: | | | | life, but if you take time to rest and stop for one |
| According to Louise Hay in her book "You Can Heal | | | | moment, it could be the moment you will receive |
| Your Life" these components will help you live a | | | | your greatest inspiration. |
| holistic, healthy life. Perhaps one may inspire you | | | | When in doubt, there's always help! |