Todd Perelmuter's Blog, page 9

Turning Fear into Calm: Finding Balance Amid Life’s Challenges

Q: Dear Todd, We can never seem to fully ‘trust’—and take action—that our circumstances will transform into the dream lives we’re told we deserve. I keep trying to steer us back to gratitude first, and then move forward from there to shift our vibration to abundance. But when it comes time to pay bills, plan a much-needed vacation, or face unexpected expenses, it’s hard not to get absorbed in fear and stress. Even when you know that staying in that energy only brings more of the same! Is that the point, though? How do you face these challenges over and over? You can be angry, frustrated, depressed, and worried, but how do you avoid staying in that space, energetically putting out frenetic, unbalanced vibes? How do you transmute those feelings into calm and balance? Is that what evolution or ascension is about?

TODD ANSWERS: I really do understand those circumstances of fear and survival mode. I have been there. It becomes very difficult to think about happiness or long term goals when focusing on just paying for my next meal. I have found two things extremely helpful.

One, finding a way to love my situation. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we can find something to love about. It doesn’t matter where you are in life, one day you will look back and marvel at how far you’ve come. It’s easy to look back fondly at how much we achieved and where we came from, but we don’t have to wait. You are the hero of your movie. We don’t love stories of people who came from wealth and became a little wealthier. We love the stories of people who rose to incredible challenges. Cherish this time, right now, right here. This moment is always the best moment. Only the mind and ego can disturb the peacefulness and beauty of this moment.

Two, focusing my negative energy on solutions. Oftentimes our inner critic is not helpful. Don’t get mad at those negative thoughts, just notice them. By redirecting our attention on how we can make the situation better, those unconscious and unproductive thoughts naturally get quieter and quieter. Solutions don’t always involve money, although we can strategize on how to get into a better job, industry, or start a business. But it could also be committing to go to a park once a day just to decompress. It could be going hiking in a forest once a week. Or it could be starting a meditation practice. We can always do something to make our lives more meaningful and fulfilling. The more we stop to appreciate beauty and peace (both free), the more we can engage in external action with internal stillness. This is how we can best achieve our goals and also enjoy the journey.

Path to Peace with Todd Perelmuter Newsletter Email JOIN Finding Your True Self

Start the journey of self-discovery, self-love, and ultimately, self-transcendence.

The post Turning Fear into Calm: Finding Balance Amid Life’s Challenges appeared first on EastWesticism.

Finding Patience When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

Q: Dear Todd, I really struggle with being impatient with myself. I feel like any goal I set can be accomplished quickly within a specific time frame (like 2 years), as long as I follow the schedule perfectly. I don’t allow myself any breaks or leeway for delays, and if I do, I just get more frustrated because I think, ‘If I had only worked on it earlier, I could have accomplished X and had Y future.’ I think you get where I’m coming from—I beat myself up for things that could have gone the way I planned. Any advice?

TODD ANSWERS: We live in a very materialistic world. Most people only think of our life as existing in this physical universe. When that happens, things and achievements take supreme importance in our lives. Even if we do not feel this way, society often influences us to believe that all that matters in life is the things we own and the wealth we possess. I have seen many people throw away relationships because of greed for things and money. Family members turn against each other all too often when a loved one dies and the issue of inheritance comes up.

The key is to start paying more attention to what really matters: feelings, health, relationships and happiness. We only obsess over material success because we don’t know how to be happy and so we put our faith in the hope that material success will fulfill us. When we realize that achievement and objects play only a very small role in our happiness, we will naturally nurture those aspects in our life that do contribute to our lasting happiness, such as rest, joy, play and peace.

Remember, we cannot fail to receive what is meant for us. What is meant for us will come and what is not will not. We don’t have to worry or fight or struggle so much. We are not robots. If you fail to rest, the odds of burnout are very high. So we must nurture these bodies of ours and listen to what it is asking for. Like any instrument, we must take care of it or it will break. I often think of Steve Jobs, a man who lived 100 years worth in his short 56 years. But sadly for his family and for the world, we will not get to see the great things he could have achieved if he had slowed down a bit.

Path to Peace with Todd Perelmuter Newsletter Email JOIN Finding Your True Self

Start the journey of self-discovery, self-love, and ultimately, self-transcendence.

The post Finding Patience When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned appeared first on EastWesticism.

Path to Peace The 4 Biggest Mistakes We Make in Our Lives & What to Do Instead

There are four common mistakes in our thinking that nearly all of us make and that contribute to our suffering. These misguided thoughts that stem from false beliefs cause us to inadvertently harm ourselves, our communities, and our planet.

In this podcast, I share what those mistaken beliefs are, where they came from, how to spot them, and what we can do about them. I talk about how they block us from becoming truly happy, and what we we can do to overcome those blocks and start living a life of fulfillment and joy right here and now.

Please enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.

*****
If you ever feel like my words brought a change in your life, and want to show your SUPPORT for what I am doing, click here.

Find all of my BOOKS for wherever you are on your spiritual journey: https://www.eastwesticism.org/spiritual-meditation-books/

Want to gift a book to a prisoner? Go here.

The post Path to Peace The 4 Biggest Mistakes We Make in Our Lives & What to Do Instead appeared first on EastWesticism.

Path to Peace How to Navigate the Online World While Staying Grounded in Reality

Forget disinformation, misinformation and malinformation. We live in a world of mass information. Every one of has access to endless content on our phones, TVs, VR headsets and tablets. Unfortunately, those algorithms don't tell us what is actually the most important, helpful, useful or honest content to consume. So what are we to do?

In this podcast, I share how we can navigate this increasingly complex media landscape, how to notice bias and manipulation, and most importantly how to stay grounded to the things that really matter in life.

Please enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.

*****
If you ever feel like my words brought a change in your life, and want to show your SUPPORT for what I am doing, click here.

Find all of my BOOKS for wherever you are on your spiritual journey: https://www.eastwesticism.org/spiritual-meditation-books/

Want to gift a book to a prisoner? Go here.

The post Path to Peace How to Navigate the Online World While Staying Grounded in Reality appeared first on EastWesticism.

Living Authentically as ADHD, Autistic, or Highly Sensitive

Q: Dear Todd, Perhaps you have some advice for people who are different—whether it’s ADHD, autism, or high sensitivity—on how to find their place in society. We often live on the fringes, but not at the center of society.

TODD ANSWERS: As a person who considers myself in this category with my history of ADHD and high sensitivity, I struggled with this for a long time. Ultimately the place we can all reach is to develop the inner strength of listening to our own heart, following our own path, and having the courage to be alone rather than trying to fit in by being someone else. This is how we carve out a life for ourselves that is true to ourself and does not create inner conflict. I

t means when we are with others, we enjoy their presence even if it may be challenging. And when we are alone, we find peace in the solitude and in the fortunate opportunity we have for stillness and silence. Most people have a “grass is greener” mentality, where they find relationships difficult and loneliness dreadful. Flip that around to find what is special in both messy and fun relationships, and in peaceful solitude.

Path to Peace with Todd Perelmuter Newsletter Email JOIN Finding Your True Self

Start the journey of self-discovery, self-love, and ultimately, self-transcendence.

The post Living Authentically as ADHD, Autistic, or Highly Sensitive appeared first on EastWesticism.

Is it better to meditate before or after a long workout?

Q: Dear Todd, sometimes when I meditate after a long run, I’m able to quiet my thoughts, but other times it’s harder. Is it better to meditate before or after a long, strenuous activity?

TODD ANSWERS: This is really a personal choice as there is no wrong time to meditate. What matters most is consistency. Oftentimes, a meditation where our mind is very chaotic can be the best thing to do in that situation. Other times, when we are feeling very relaxed can be the perfect opportunity to experience a deeper peace through meditation and to enjoy that more restorative and rejuvenating experience. When the meditation is hard, we benefit from greater discipline and we strengthen our ability to be peaceful at difficult times. When it is easy, we can experience the effortless joy and the rewards of our hard work.

Path to Peace with Todd Perelmuter Newsletter Email JOIN The Art of Gratitude

This film is a roadmap back to our grateful hearts.

The post Is it better to meditate before or after a long workout? appeared first on EastWesticism.

Path to Peace What Is True Spirituality?

Most people have a misconception about spirituality. Most people think you're either spiritual or you're not. But spiritual is not something that some people have and some people don't have. The question is whether we're connected to our spirituality or not.

In this podcast, I explore the true nature of spirituality. I share where spiritual answers can be found. I discuss the roadblocks we face on our spiritual journey and how to overcome them, and how we can develop a deeper connection to the source of all life.

Please enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.

*****
If you ever feel like my words brought a change in your life, and want to show your SUPPORT for what I am doing, click here.

Find all of my BOOKS for wherever you are on your spiritual journey: https://www.eastwesticism.org/spiritual-meditation-books/

Want to gift a book to a prisoner? Go here.

The post Path to Peace What Is True Spirituality? appeared first on EastWesticism.

Path to Peace 3 Powerful Tips for Deep Meditation

Why is doing nothing the hardest thing in the world? It's not a mystery. It's because we are so used to doing, achieving, consuming, creating, analyzing and judging. But when we can break through that compulsion to mindlessly fill up the peaceful silence with needless noise, the world becomes ours.

There is perhaps no greater ability than the ability to find peace and joy within ourselves. In this podcast, I share the three most important steps for breaking through that barrier to peace. After 12 years and 10,000 hours meditating, this is what helped me go from a fidgety person with ADHD, to someone who loves meditation and can't live without it.

Please enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.

*****
If you ever feel like my words brought a change in your life, and want to show your SUPPORT for what I am doing, click here.

Find all of my BOOKS for wherever you are on your spiritual journey: https://www.eastwesticism.org/spiritual-meditation-books/

Want to gift a book to a prisoner? Go here.

The post Path to Peace 3 Powerful Tips for Deep Meditation appeared first on EastWesticism.

Violence: Accept or Fight Our Biological Reality?

Q: Dear Todd, isn’t violence part of the universe, our biology? Are we supposed to accept it as it is or fight it?

TODD ANSWERS: We live in a universe where black holes eat entire planets. Stars are giant nuclear reactors that will destroy anything that gets close. Meteors and volcanoes can wipe out nearly all life. And bears do not care about your feelings, your God, or your concept of karma.

Humans are a slightly different breed. Somehow, some of us evolved a consciousness that recognizes the pain of others as pain within ourselves. As humans, we have both a conditioning from our collective past, and we have the ability to become present and make conscious choices.

If we are unconscious and acting from our conditioning, we may choose violence. But if we are present and conscious, we will see that violence does not serve our long term goals. Violence does not solve problems or conflict. Only love can do that. If we choose the violent path, it will be a lonely road because we will have to keep on obliterating new enemies.

We must protect ourselves and our families. We are living animals designed to survive. I don’t even consider self-defense as violence. But if we let rage get the better of us, then we will act in ways which hurt our safety. There is only one way to live in safety, peace and harmony. Senseless violence will never be the way.

Today, because of people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, we know there is a better path forward. When we kill, we merely condone and invite violence upon ourselves.

Path to Peace with Todd Perelmuter Newsletter Email JOIN The Art of Gratitude

This film is a roadmap back to our grateful hearts.

The post Violence: Accept or Fight Our Biological Reality? appeared first on EastWesticism.

Should I Leave My Corrupt Country After Losing Everything?

Q: Dear Todd, I live in a developing country that is corrupt, where money and connections really matter. The people here seem irrational. I chose the wrong path back then, but I was sensible enough to recognize that it was a defining moment in my life. I made up my mind with courage, but now I’ve lost everything, including my relationships with important people. What should I do? Should I leave my country?

TODD ANSWERS: I understand that can be a very infuriating thing. I know some people who live in similarly developing countries and they are rightfully angry at society. It may be the case that you should leave your country. But it is very possible that where you go next could be more corrupt and exclusive. So, while you make that decision, the key is to accept where you are in your journey as you continue moving forward.

There are no right or wrong choices. There is only doing our best, as you tried to do when you were younger. There is no guarantee that if you had made a different choice that life would be any better.

Whatever we do was meant to be done. Whatever we get was meant to be ours. Whatever we miss was never meant for us. Trust the universe. Trust your heart and gut.

Your lack of connections and possessions may be painful, but they also give you the freedom to choose any path you wish. Meditate on the life you really want and how you want to be spending your days. Then get to work taking action to make it happen. You may see someone who has nothing, but I see someone who has nothing stopping them.

Path to Peace with Todd Perelmuter Newsletter Email JOIN Spiritual Documentary Film on Non-duality

Returning to Oneness

The post Should I Leave My Corrupt Country After Losing Everything? appeared first on EastWesticism.