Miranda Adams Coaching

The Power of Decisions – Tony Robbins

Whenever I find myself losing focus or motivation, I find it always helps to pick up a book or listen to an audio by someone who personally inspires me. For me like many people Tony Robbins is definitely one of those people. His advice is second to none when it comes to getting motivated and taking action. If you have never read or listened to anything by this guy then I would highly reccommend it. No matter what state your currently in, reading or listening to his stuff is guaranteed to bring you in to a higher state.

This week I unfortunately found myself losing a bit of focus and drive. So Mr Tony Robbins came to my rescue:) I chose to listen to his audio version of Awaken the Giant Within and sure enough it was the right one to give me that necessary boost. I like I always do took notes while listening and thought I would share these with you in this blog post. I hope you find it helpful if you are also in need for a boost and please also share with any one who may be in need also of his amazing wisdom. I am off to his UPW event in London in just under 4 weeks and absolutely cant wait because I know it will be life changing. No promotion is intended here just the sharing of his motivation and inspiration;) I hope you enjoy and gain something from it also, I have added a video link of an excerpt of the audio at the end.

Enjoy making decisions and changing your life today:)

Miranda

It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped ~ Tony Robbins

Controlled focus is like a laser beam that will pierce through anything when you use its power (have a big enough desire).
Empower yourself and others- by what action can I take towards this dream- what can I contribute
What precedes action is decision – always just decide- then do it ( saying I can and I will, starts change for any single area of life and once made sets a trail for many other causes and effects)
Feel the fear / doubt / discomfort and do it anyway
Decide on results you are committed to and standards you set for yourself- set them high and no matter what, stick by them.
Proclaim this is who I am and I will not be denied and nothing will stop me from attaining my dream.
True decision means no other option this is it so clear so firm – no doubt allowed:).

Take control of;

1.) What to focus on

2.) What things mean to you

3.) What should you do now

‘ Problems and doubts are caused by lack of decision in these areas which then allow us to be influenced by the environment instead.’

Decision steps 1

Be clear
Take action
What’s working / not working
Change what’s not working

‘The dream and focus (reason) need to be bigger and stronger than any obstacle’

Decision steps 2

Harness the power of decision – The hardest step is committing
Make decisions often.
Learn from decisions (if they are not working, change them)
Stay committed to the results of the person you want to be, but be flexible in your approach
Enjoy making decisions – they are causes for life change!
Make some decisions now that can start positive changes in your life today.

‘Take action on your decisions today!’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMKZufLZYxM

Health Challenges and the Power of Activity

Having any health dificulties or ‘problems’ can be a challenge, life can be more difficult on a daily basis, much more so compared to those who do not have to deal with the daily challenges that come with having health difficulties. However that doesnt mean that we have to live a limited or boring life.

Life is for living no matter what your challenges are, thankfully our society is becoming more and more aware of equal rights and opportunities. I wanted to focus today on the power of activity, for anyone who has any health difficulties or disabilities and may struggle. From short term health difficulties to long term to any form of physical/mental disability, all can benefit from the power of focus on activity.

The term activity encompasses all forms of activities from activities of daily living, exercise, art, music, hobbies and generally just the act of ‘doing’ things.

The power behind activity is that of focus. When we become so purely focused on any activity we are absorbed in it and for that time we do not have to think about anything else such as daily challenges and stresses. Not only this but any activity has a transformative power to it once we become entirely absorbed in it and continue to practice it.

We all have daily activities, we are constantly performing. Not all of these take are full attention and focus however, often we can perform things mindlessly throughout the day. The key is to find something that no.1 you enjoy and no.2 that challenges you. Then try to make regular time for this activity. That time is your time , to let go and just focus on whatever it is for you that really allows you to become absorbed in it. There is Something for everyone that you just feel fits with you. If you havent found it yet, try new things; learn an instrument , a new sport, whatever seems to take your interest.

We all need that regular time out and activities that we can become so purely focused on give us this well needed time. For anyone with health challenges or not , needs time out, life has enough stresses and strains , taking this time will bring you back to yourself.

Through finding an activity that you can purely focus on whatever it may be you can increase your confidence and self- esteem and it also takes your focus of any daily challenges and stressors. This is where the transformation comes in when the activity becomes the focus any health challenges / worries you may have lose their power of you.

It is possible through activity to also exceed the expectations of others and even yourself , prove others wrong,like many have done. If they say cant be done and you want to, then give it your best shot. Not everything is for everyone, but find activities which work for you, what feels good and right for you. Make that your focus.

‘Live life to the max and dont let anything hold you back.’

For more information on exercise and activity programmes for all abilities.
Go to miralahealthandwellness.co.uk
Or email me at mirala.health@gmail.com

Being Yourself ( From Limited to Limitless)

What exactly are’ limits’ except that which are conceived from the mind or imposed on us by others. When we are truly free , we are truly ourselves, nothing less and nothing more. We do not have to aim for something to please another, as far as we wish to aim in life varies on what is right for us, each individual’s goals and targets are different. No two people are the same, therefore how limited or indeed limitless we are is entirely subjective.

The aim is for self-fulfillment or self- actualisation, no person is unable to achieve this therefore we are all wholey limitless in this sense. But we do not need to feel that we have to aim and achieve that which others do or what they wish us to do. Be unique and be yourself, follow your heart. This is what all the geniuses do.

By following your heart and using your owns skills and also any challenges you may have or have had to your advantage, you then find the right path for you. Not to do so is to waste your individual talents and the true inspirational gifts that each of us have.

Each of us are so different and unique for a reason, we all have our own beautiful and unique talents to bring to the world. By accepting this and knowing that we do not have to be perfect or follow the herd to fit in, our true gifts begin to shine and any limits we thought we had become our strengths. Nothing is really a limit everything we have is a gift.

Every difficulty we have, every adversity we face can only make us stronger and enable us to give and inspire more if that is what we choose to do. So dont accept any limiting beliefs from either yourself or others, all that we are and have is a gift for the highest purpose. When we truly know that inside, that is how we live.

For me personally this is a daily determination to know this and live in this way as I think its necessary and important to have that daily reminder, to not feel the need to follow the crowd. In our modern world there are constant pressures to do so, and to feel the need to ‘fit in’ from a very young age. But if we all did this how boring it would be, not much would change or inspire us.

When you follow what is right for you, you know because it feels right and personally freeing. However there is always a paradox:) I believe it can help to have examples to follow/or mentors, not to follow what they did, but the way in which they follow their heart and live with true passion. Just one example of someone who did this is, Bruce Lee. This is an excerpt taken from the beginning of the film ‘Dragon – The Bruce Lee Story.

‘As long as I can remember I feel I have had this great creative and spiritual force within me that is greater than faith, greater than ambition, greater than determination, greater than vision. It is all these combined. My brain becomes magnetised with this dominating force which I hold in my hand.

– Bruce Lee

He was right and he knew it, he had the knowledge and faith in himself and his own dreams to follow his heart, no – one elses. His story speaks volumes, but there are many like this, each chose to follow there own heart and to be themselves no matter what anyone else told them they believed they could/couldnt do.

Each of us has this greatness within us that Bruce Lee spoke of, we just have to choose to listen to it. It doesnt mean that life is easy or perfect if you do , for often it is the trials and adversities that bring such greatness forward.

Everyone is unique , Everyone has a purpose and everyone is limitless when they are true to this.

‘Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.’ ~ Bruce Lee

Why Exercise is so Important – A Different Approach

There is much focus today on why is exercise important – For that of improving our physical health, with the current obesity epidemic and increase in health problems such as type 2 Diabetes it is all the more important for people to become aware of why they need to exercise regularly and the benefits of doing so.

Throughout my time as health and fitness coach I have seen many people motivated to improve their health with exercise by their physical needs/ desires. Either they want to improve how they look or they have been forced to take notice of their health through a difficult health experience which has motivated them to do so.

When someone has a bad experience with their health, or their doctor tells them that they need to do something otherwise their health could deteriorate dramatically this of course is very powerful and usually enough to motivate them in to changing the habits of a lifetime.

However my desire is that people don’t have to wait for something awful to happen before they become motivated to improve their health. In addition the first common motivator that people have to improve their appearance is often not enough of motivation to be able to sustain the habit. It can be a good one, but then when immediate results are not seen or not as quick as a person would like then they become unmotivated and often give up, to then go on to repeat the cycle perhaps the next year.

I choose to take a different approach because I know that exercise is much more than just the physical benefits and that this is too often not enough to motivate someone to exercise regularly. The great thing is that when you begin to exercise you will notice immediate benefits in terms of improvement in your psychological wellbeing. You will feel more positive and energised from your first workout and this benefit will always be there for as long as you continue to exercise.

Regular exercise promotes an inner change as well as an outer change but it is always the inner change of feeling good from your workout that will come first. So if you do struggle with motivation or are motivated by purely physical ideals, I put it to you to try something different and use the the psychological/emotional benefits as your motivating force and see if you notice a difference in your desire to exercise. How many of you want to feel better or happier now? Exercising is a sure way to increase this state no matter what your situation.

As a reminder and an outline, here are some of the main psychological/ emotional benefits you can experience from your very first workout;

Increased energy
Improved Mood
Feeling of Wellbeing
Increased self – esteem
Increased self confidence
Feelings of enthusiasm
Feelings of accomplishment – leading to increased self development and motivation.
Feelings of courage and determination- increased ability to persevere and overcome obstacles
Focus
More productivity in your day
Increase in Concentration and improved memory
Improved self belief and confidence
Relief of stress and tension

These are some of the many benefits you will receive from exercise and when you continue to exercise regularly these benefits will increase and the physical benefits will follow. In my opinion these psychological/emotional benefits are equally as important as the physical benefits and far more motivating because they are there instantly and they continue to increase. So it is an immediate and constant reward system if you choose to focus on it.

With these immediate improvements you can notice an improvement in your relationships due to improved mood and self confidence, an improvement in your productivity at work or in study amongst others. These results alone are important enough reasons for you to exercise and you will notice this very quickly.

If you are motivated well by physical outcomes then of course this is good and use this to continue if it works well for you.

But if when your next thinking about going to the gym or doing any form of exercise and you are struggling to feel motivated, try to think about it differently in terms of these emotional reasons and benefits you will obtain from it, and see if this helps, don’t wait until your doctor tells you or your scared or feel pressured in to going.

Take action now and you will FEEL better for it guaranteed. We need to take more responsibility for our own health and wellbeing and better to do so before waiting until our bodies are telling us to do so through the symptoms of ill health and non- activity. Try a different approach.

‘It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor.~ Cicero

The Transforming of Pain into Joy

‘ Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option.’~ Buddhist Proverb

What is the purpose of pain and suffering? Is it necessary to go through and can we ever be free from it? These our some of the questions that many of us ask ourselves and that have long been asked throughout humankind. As a practicing buddhist I have come to realise through life and practice what I firmly believe to be the truth of purpose to this difficult part of life, that of transformation.

All life grows and changes and through pain in our lives this is when we often grow the most spiritually and emotionally. Likewise even physically, for example when we have a very good gym session, we will experience some pain afterwards that may be tough to manage for example if it is difficult to walk the next day. However we know that it has a purpose to it – the purpose of growth, all other types of pain also have this purpose.

When I think back to the most difficult times in my life, the greatest benefits have always come out of it, there has always been a lesson to learn. I didnt see it at the time but in the end it always becomes clear. Growth is always happening , it is part of life’s natural force. It will happen naturally whether we want it to or not, the suffering comes when we resist this. As hard as some times can be they will have purpose to your growth as a person, having faith in this may not take the pain away, but it will ease the suffering caused by resisting it.

Whatever it is that causes the pain may be tough at the time, but is a neccesary path of life and growth. In addition the more you triumph over it and realise the victories and benefits you have achieved, the easier it will become. Pain will not scare you anymore because you know that you will grow from it and be able to transorm it in to something more than you can ever imagine at the time.

Pain, emotional or physical is nothing to be scared of, in fact you could even consider it to be your friend, for where would we be if life was so free and easy, in denial perhaps to the true realities of life? In addition without pain how would we recognise the true joys and growth in life. Through recognition comes inner power and with inner power you can transform anything you want to from within yourself.

‘ Just as the pure white lotus flower blooms unsoiled in the muddy water, our lives which are supremely noble, can continue to shine even amid the harshest realities. ‘ ~Daisaku Ikeda

Forming good routines for healthy habits.

Having had a recent break from regular routine, it only confirms to me the importance of it, in the formation of good habits. For me having a good routine is very helpful in forming good habits. Sticking to regular workout times for example helps it to become part of your daily/ weekly rhythm to the point you can become naturally motivated to do your workout without having to think about it. This can apply to any healthy habit we wish to form – meditation, healthy diet etc.

With any healthy habit I have formed such as regular meditation , exercise and healthy eating this has always been the case. There are also other benefits to some of these routines such as an increase in metabolism when eating at regular intervals.

I have come to a point now where I even consider it to be essential , through experience of how well this works I find myself being far more effective and motivated when I have formed these good routines which then become habits. This is something I also recommend to anyone who lacks motivation to exercise. If you can stick to the same time and days each week for long enough then it will become habit, you will then without doubt be motivated to do it. It will become part of your physiology, you will feel like you need to do it, just like how you naturally feel the need to brush your teeth and wash everyday.

This is also how many of us form bad habits where they have become a fixed part of our routine, such as when we come in at night and may veg in front of the T.V, or get drunk on a saturday night. It could even be said that such routines have become habits of the nation, even to the point where those who spend their evenings at the gym or choose not to drink or get drunk are seen as ‘fitness freaks’ or somewhat abnormal.

The saying that ‘we are creatures of habit’ is a very true one and we will naturally form habits throughout our lives. But ultimately we are in control of our habits as long as we choose to be, we just have to make the choice. Decide what to do and who you want to be.

Forming a good routine is one very powerful way to form good habits as it puts you back in the driving seat of your life. Habits are not mindlessly formed, at one point we have to learn them and it is then formed through repetition.

We can therefore, at any time choose to learn and develop new ones. If forming new healthy habits is something you want to do then it is very helpful to begin by adding it in to your routine. Start by writing in your diary the times and days that you will workout in each week, the same for your healthy meals and any other new healthy habits. Then be strict with yourself and stick to it, no matter what, no excuses, and within a month you will have formed yourself a very good habit that if you keep it will serve you well for life.

This can also help with quitting bad habits, use the new routine to form a good habit that will replace the bad habit. Taking your focus off the bad habit and onto something new in a new routine will actually make it much easier than just trying to quit the bad habit, because your focus will be on something new that will drive you to quit your bad habit when your new routine becomes more important.

This is not to say that spontaneity doesnt have its place, of course it does, so allow for this also and dont be too hard on yourself. Many things in life cannot be planned and will occur naturally but the good routines you have formed can hold you in stead and keep you focused on your health, work and success when these unplanned things do happen.

Like many things in life it is about balance but ultimately which would you prefer; a life of health and vitality, feeling good and in control of your life or one of following the herd and being a tv or junk food junkie. Of course choose the one which you think is right for you, but know which serves you best and that it is you that has the choice.

Habits are said to be hard to change but this only makes us less likely to do it, make the focus positive and part of your routine and it will feel much easier.

Some helpful tips:

Define your goals and what you want to achieve – use the SMART approach.
Write down your goals and break it down in to actions that you will add in your daily and weekly routine.
Write down the days and times that you will be doing your new activities such as going to the gym/ meditating etc
Stick to it without fail if any excuses enter your mind – ignore them.

For the first 4-6 weeks it may feel difficult, but focus on all the positives ( such as how good you feel from a workout or meditation.) – also keep these written down and remind yourself of them regularly. Then once you have formed the habit it will become an enjoyable and life changing part of your lifestyle worth every single bit of initial effort.

‘The self is not something ready made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.’ ~ John Dewey

Faith vs Fear

Life can be a challenge between Faith and Fear. A lot of what we may need or want in life lies in the unseen, therefore requires an amount of faith in its manifestation, without faith a state of fear can arise.

We need an amount of certainty in our lives to know that our basic needs are going to be met, sometimes we can not be sure that they will be so it can bring about fear – this is where our faith comes in. Faith is believing in the unseen with absolute certainty and conviction, knowing that that which you need will appear , having this type of faith is very empowering and is what can often give us the strength and courage to come through the difficult times and to manifest our needs and more than we thought possible.

This is also how visualisation and mindfulness can be so powerful as they can bring about this state of faith and certainty, and take us away from the state of fear and uncertainty.

Fear on the other hand is like a trap, it can control our lives if we allow it to, it is false however and also yet unseen but will have very different results to that which we desire. I have as many been in both of these places, that of intense fear and that of intense faith and I can say with absolute certainty that I much prefer the latter. Fear is perpetual doubt and until you decide to beat it with your own faith it will keep winning and keep you trapped there. Faith is in your hands, your heart and your mind, and it is also extremely powerful.

When you next feel a state of lack and you need something or you are setting goals to stretch yourself and you start to feel fear or uncertainty, remember to choose faith over fear. Dont give fear any power, dont allow it to trap you and to confine your life.

Have faith in yourself and your environment and the results will come.

‘Take the first step in faith, you dont have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’ ~ Martin Luther King

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic Pain can be a very frustrating and debilitating condition to manage so I would like to share with you some of the methods I have learnt through personal and professional practice on how best to manage it. It is my hope that anyone who struggles with this may find some of these methods helpful because I know how frustrating this problem can be when it is severe.

Firstly I’d like to identify that there are different types of pain; the type I am referring to here mainly is chronic muscle pain<land fatigue, as I know this can be very difficult to manage and also frustrating when you feel that it is limiting your life.

Although I am referring more to chronic muscle pain and fatigue in this post, much of these methods will also be of help for more short term muscle pain such as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is experienced after heavy gym sessions. The reason for this is these methods will help to speed up the recovery process. It will also be helpful for some other types of chronic pain.

In terms of pain it is very important to identify the role of our perception. All people have different pain thresholds and so will have different coping degrees. However you can also learn to raise your pain threshold through re-focussing your mind. For example when you are focusing on the pain itself it will feel far more painful than if you direct your focus elsewhere.

Stress can also be a major contributor to the perception of pain; this is another reason to take your focus off the pain. If you know that the pain you experience is chronic then, other than painkillers, much of how you perceive it is under your control. This can either be scary or empowering once you have the necessary tools. Our minds respond to pain as a warning sign as this is what it often signifies in the short–term.

To clarify my point here

– The main thing you can do to help yourself once you know this pain is chronic, is focus your mind on something else. All the following techniques I will give you will be an addition to this.

Coping Methods

First things first, Eat Well, this is so important I cannot emphasise it enough. The main priorities here are that you need a good balance of food to meet all your nutritional requirements ensuring you are getting enough protein (for muscle growthand repair). Wholegrain carbohydrates (for sustained energy release) and a variety of fruit and vegetables(for micronutrient needs). It is also highly important that you eat regularly so that your metabolism runs effectively. Little & often is best if you can – around every 3-4 hours.

Stretching/ Yoga – This is very important and very helpful when you have muscle pain. By stretching properly you will help to release the tension and that has built up in your muscles and is causing you more pain and fatigue. You only need to do a stretching session for 10 – 15minutes to obtain benefits. Yoga and stretching will also help you to relax and take your mind off the pain.

Meditation
Although it can be difficult to re-direct your attention when you are in pain. This is very powerful and will benefit your life in every way by allowing you to focus better on the task at hand and be mindful wherever you are. You do not have to meditate for long, just 5 minutes can be helpful. There are lots of different meditation techniques but essentially what you are doing is directing your focus on to one thing (that is not the pain), such as your breath, and allowing all thoughts and distractions to pass by. This will bring you in to a state of peace which can be very blissful and a welcome relief from any form of pain. If you are unsure of which method to use then please contact me and I will happily help you with this.

Massage/ Heat – As with stretching this method will also help to relax your muscles and release toxins. The added benefit here however is it requires no effort on your part other than getting there. Massages can be wonderfully relaxing & therapeutic and are not just for pampering as some may think. If you make it a regular thing such as once a month I am certain you would notice a difference. By heat I mean either using a sauna or having a hot bath – these methods alone will help to release built up tension and toxins. In addition something I would highly recommend that is natural and extremely effective is Epsom salts – You add these to a hot bath and you will almost instantly feel the tension release.

Other methods –
The above methods I would say are the main methods for you to try, However below are some methods that are also useful that you may want to try;

Swimming moderately ( 20-30 minutes is adequate )

Positive thinking and visualisation

Acupuncture

Social support

Laughter (The best medicine as they say:)

Writing/Art – (this helps you to process your thoughts and feelings)

Understanding your limitations and using necessary tools i.e. A Journal, time management.

Qigong / Tai Chi.

Adequate Rest & prescribed exercise.

EFT– Emotional Freedom Technique.

I hope you have found this blog post helpful. If you require any further help or advice then please do not hesitate to contact me via email/phone. Much of the above has come through my knowledge of holistic health and fitness and through personal experience. If you are unsure in anyway of the causes of the chronic pain you are experiencing, then please consult a medical practitioner.

‘Those who have the greatest struggles have the greatest strength.’

Priceless Gifts

Take time to think of all the small things you have to be grateful for about your health everyday. It may seem small at first but it will be very significant- such as being able to breathe clearly, being free from aches & pains or having full use of any one of your senses.

All of these are so vital to our vitality and can so easily be taken for granted if not consciously thought about. These can be seemingly small parts of our health but are priceless gifts and when we take time to be grateful for them we can realise how much so.

Our health is exceedingly valuable and we should not need to lose any part of it to realise how much so.

If any part of your health is not so good try focusing your mind on that which is still good and focus your gratitude on these parts of your health.

It is easy to become absorbed in difficulties if we have them, but when we consciously focus on the health that we do have, we realise that we have many beautiful gifts, treasure these.

The most beautiful and important parts of our lives do not have a price tag, practicing gratitude daily helps us to realise this and appreciate these gifts of real value.