June Experiment

Wow! It's June....we are in the mid-point of the year.  How are things going? Is your life the way (or heading in the direction) you envisioned it? Has unexepected joy or obstacles come into your life?  Has your life perspective changed? Do you remember your vision?

 

This month I thought we would take a different approach to our lifestyle experiment and reset and/or affirm the process of changing our lifestyles.  So, you know that it is my hope that each of you would create your own NeoSoul Lifestyle, and I thought that his quick writing exercise may help you design it.  I'll share mine with you...

 

1.  Create An Introductory Statement Describing Why You Are Creating A NeoSoul Lifestyle

 

"Creating my NeoSoul Lifestyle is the process of transitioning my lifestyle built primarily on obligations, social/familial pressures, mediocrity, monotony.  Yes I have a good life", I've acheived successes and overcome obstacles. Yet, I am seeking holistic fulfillment, particularly through creative expression."

 

2.  Use The Experiment Elements To Plan Your Change Process

 

"In order to create my NeoSoul Lifestyle I will need to DETOXIFY my life of accepting disorderliness (specifically paperwork), and procrastination.  These two things impact several areas of my life and by focusing on eliminating them I'll re-purpose the energy that is being used on resolving the problems caused by accepting disorder and procrastination in my life."

 

I will RESTORE a mindset of discipline without ridgidity. I will put this mindset into action into two (2) specific areas in my life...health and wealth.  Focus in these areas will be continuous by creating FLOW through simple practical actions:

• Bicycling to work 3xs per week
• Decreasing dining out
• Updating Quicken weekly

 

I believe that my spirit will be relieved by this process and I will be more capable of creating positive KARMA in a more impactful way. I enjoy random acts of kindness, but I would like to channel some value into a more developed initiative.

So there it is...this is the place that I am in.  What about you? What do you need to detox? Restore? What actions should you take to create a positive flow in your life? How can you be of more value to other by creating Karma?

The challenge this month...pause and write your NeoSoul Lifestyle mantra.  Let me know if you need more ideas. And if you feel comfortable, please share your thoughts!

May Experiment

It's May! Can you believe it?! We are almost at the midpoint  of 2011!  What plans did you have for this year?  Are you on course and ready to turn things up a bit? Have you gotten off track? Didn't have any plans?  Whatever phase you are in, I hope that this month's experiment will spark some clarity in your mind by bringing some newness into your lifestyle.

Let's begin creating YOUR NeoSoul Lifestyle!   You'll find that while designing the experiment this month I've continued to mix old and new exercises to help you sustain the practices your previously developed and explore new ones too!  Here's our May experiment...

DETOXIFICATION - In this component of the experiment we practice behaviors to cleanse our life.  I always like to have a water element as a part of this process!

• Make a glass of water your FIRST drink of the day and drink a glass with every meal
• Select one (1) day to ONLY drink water
• Turn off your computer, tv, and phone OFF one (1) hour before you go to bed
• Select one (1) day to not watch tv

RESTORATION - Now that we have cleansed a bit, we now have room to restore something in our lives. And yes...I'm still keeping sleep as a part of the experiment :)  We will also take some time this month to take invest in ourselves and things that are still able to be utilized, yet we have neglected to take care of so that they can operate at their full potential. 

• Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
• Make appointments for any medical exams that are overdue
• Is there someTHING in your home not working in its purpose because it simply needs repair?  All things in your possession should be performing their purpose or purged! So identify one (1) object and get it fixed! 

FLOW - This is the part that most folks like to jump to because we sometimes just want to move forward.  I must re-affirm how important it is to ensure that you commit to all elements of the experiment.  I don't want your FLOW to be interrupted by the entaglements of things that needed to be DETOXED, and we need the RESTORED things to give our FLOW power! Get it?

• Create a breakfast time experience....this means NO drive-thru fast food, NO eating at your desk, NO eating in front of the TV! Instead try new options like a new restaurant you've heard about, surprise your child at school, make a date with a special someone, find a place to listen to your favorite tunes or read a LEISURE book. For some, actually having breakfast will be new in itself!
• Create a morning ritual. I encourage you to create something that will not only make your mornings more efficient and less stressful...but also more enjoyable

KARMA- As we live in this world and take better care of ourselves we are able to give to others. Simple and plain. NUFF SAID!!!

• Give a compliment to a stranger (I can't tell you how many times this simple act has brightened my day!)
• Ask for forgiveness. Do you owe someone an apology? Start the healing process.  Be cautioned that you can't force someone to forgive you, that is their decision. Yet you can start your healing by acknowleding your mistake and speaking the words in sincerity

So there it is....seven (7) days to invest in your life (5/1-5/7).  Simple, practical, and meaningful.  I'll be sharing my story (I call it my "Life Rhythm"...I LOVE music), so you can know that I'm walking this past with you and not just putting words into the universe.


I hope you'll share your some of your experience too! 
You have lots of options:

1. Leave comments on the blog
2. Tweet me @NeoSoulCEO & use hashtag #NeoSoulXp
3. Join the NeoSoul Lifestyle Experience Facebook Fanpage

 ~ Living NeoSoul Style

April Reflections - Days 5-7

So during the last few days of the lifestyle experiment pretty much went like this...

1. Wake up
2. Sneeze
3. Cough
4. Take meds
5. Drink tea, water, or gingerale
6. Repeat

In between that cycle I sent a few emails, answered a couple calls, and picked up all of my used kleenex of the floor! Yuck!  Needless to say, my experiment didn't go as planned.  Yet I can say that during a few clear moments I was able to reflect on what was really important to me.  I thought about how many healthy days I haven't maximized to my potential. I can't get that time back....thankfully I BELIEVE that the best is yet to come.

Today, the day after the experiment I felt great! Still have a few symptoms...but I'm getting my groove back.  Oh and that reminds me....perhaps I had another Aha moment! I slept A LOT during my battle with the flu and I was amazed at how refreshed I felt now that I've almost fully recovered.  I think a part of me just needed to shut down for a little while too, my body was responding the stress I put it under. I realized that I often wait until I'm absolutely burnt out or things have gotten so chaotic before I take a break, and that's not healthy....its escapism.  And so I also decided to plan a vacation. I haven't taken a full week long destination vacation in years!  I'm so excited to plan my adventure!

Next, I will still work on the elements of the experiment, and of course along the way I'll be creating my NeoSoul Lifestyle!

April Reflections - Day 4

I am completely overcome by the flu!  My sleep lacks quality as the symptoms and thoughts of what I should be doing run through my head.  I've heard the saying before "you health is your wealth"...ain't that the truth. This time has refreshed my memory that I should do what I can when I can...nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, right?! I know I certainly didn't anticipate being sick. Yes indeed, we need to make the most of what we have in life.

~ Living NeoSoul Style

April Reflections - Day 3

Sunday...the day of rest and now REFLECTION too.  I've been off track with the flu, mostly sleeping and drinking gingerale :(  While being sick inside I watched a few movie (of course in between naps) and frankly a few of them made me sad. I realized the importance of creating the right environment for myself...as it can seriously affect my mood.  I'll be taking some more time to review my NeoSoul Lifestyle vision tonight.  Honestly, it makes me a little nervous....this is going to take some work! These simple changes are tough! Yet, its worth it to go through this process to create the life I envision.

April Reflections - Day 2

Its the weekend! I usually take this time to "get things back in order" because during the work my primary focus is work (I plan to change that too). I'm particularly looking forward to the FLOW component of the experiment!

To keep our energy flowing...here's a little inspirational clip from Will Smith:



April Experiment - Day 1 Reflections

So today we begin our lifestyle experiment! Looking forward to share my reflections with you and I hope you'll do the same. Many of you know that the evolution of my NeoSoul Lifestyle is about creative expression through travel, food, and MUSIC! Here's a little something to get you motivated....one of my favorites!

April Experiment

As a quick refresher, the monthly experiments are designed to empower you to take simple and practical steps to create your own NeoSoul Lifestyle...a life that honors your soul. Every month the experiment takes place the 1st through the 7th. It is my hope that by starting these exercises it will trigger you to SUSTAIN many of the practices throughout the month and beyond!

So, let's begin! Here's our April experiment...

DETOXIFICATION - In this component of the experiment we practice behaviors to cleanse our life. I always like to have a water element as a part of this process!

• Make a glass of water your FIRST drink of the day and drink a glass with every meal
• Turn off your computer, tv, and phone OFF one (1) hour before you go to bed 

RESTORATION - Now that we have cleansed a bit, we now have room to restore something in our lives. And yes...I'm still keeping sleep as a part of the experiment :)

• Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
• Reflect on a positive habit/hobby that you have let go of and think of a way to bring it back in your life then DO IT!

FLOW - So we've detoxed the negative and restored the positive! Next is to create some new energy into your NeoSoul Lifestyle.  

• Yes you guessed it...keeping one of the previous exercises. Reflect on how your year is going so far. Are you on the path you visioned for yourself? Have you forgotten the plan? Does it need to be remixed? Does thinking about planning your life for the rest of the year give you a headache? Try planning the Spring season! Or just this month!
• Create a lunch time experience....this means NO drive-thru fast food, NO eating at your desk, NO eating in front of the TV! Instead try new options like a new restaurant you've heard about, surprise your child at school, make a date with a special someone, find a place to listen to your favorite tunes or read a LEISURE book.

KARMA- As we live in this world and take better care of ourselves we are able to give to others. Simple and plain.

• Give a compliment to a stranger (I can't tell you how many times this simple act has brightened my day!)
• Send a "Thinking of You" package to someone that you haven't connected with (not including Facebook or Twitter) in a while. Send a card, a small "favorite" of theirs (candy, flower, CD, or gift card) and then set up a Skype session to get back in touch LIVE...you may want to send them a webcam as a gift if he/she doesn't have one :) ***You may want to do this exercise less than everyday...just make sure it is sincere and meaningful***

So, I hope you are ready and motivated! You can do this, and frankly...YOU DESERVE IT! The optimal experience of the experiment is to do each of the lifestyle element exercises DAILY April 1-7.  But as Rev. Run says "Do your best, and forget the rest!"

And as always...I would love for this to be an interactive experience, so share your thoughts along the way! 

You can also chat with me via Twitter @NeoLifeCEO and use the #NeoSoulXp hashtag!

~Living NeoSoul Style

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment - Plan (March)

Meant to get this out earlier...but let's just say flight turbulence and a screaming child were just two elements of a night full of surprises!

So, let's begin! Here's our experiment...

Detoxification - This is one of my favorites! Drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces. Let's purify our bodies!

Restoration - Get 7-8 hours of sleep

Flow - 30 minutes of quiet time, a nap doesn't count! You must be awake to experience the time! Meditate, listen to soothing music, journal, and/or pray.

Karma - Give a compliment to a stranger

Now remember....the goal is to do each of the lifestyle elements EACH DAY of the experiment (March 1st - 7th). Seems simple right? Give it your best, and share your thoughts along the way!

NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment (Finally...It's Back!)

Its been a long time since I hosted my monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment...and I realize that its what I miss about blogging the most! The NeoSoul Lifestyle is about evolving and experiencing your life in a new way. As for me, the catalyst for my lifesytle evolution is creative expression. To experience life through my music, travel, art, & food.

If you are new to the monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment, here's a quick refresher:

The first seven days of the month we take some time to "recover" our lives through simple, yet practical actions, within four key elements; Detoxification, Restoration, Flow, and Karma. As a new twist for 2011, I'll be simplifying each element to 1-2 actions and then we'll layer new actions each month. I'm hoping this will help folks to fully engage in the experiment.

So, more about the four lifestyle elements...
DETOXIFICATION - Defined as a process by which the body/mind/spirit is allowed to free itself. The goal of detoxification is to release and/or neutralize toxins so that the body can heal itself after some type of dependency. Within this element we will remove things from our lifestyle that are inhibiting us from evolving.

RESTORATION - Defined as an act of restoring to an improved condition; a reconstruction of an original form. In contrast to detoxification, we will restore things in our lives that enable us to live the lifestyles we envision.

FLOW - Defined as the ability to move or run smoothly with unbroken continuity, as in the manner characteristic of a fluid; To proceed steadily and easily; To arise. Now THIS is truly the essence of The NeoSoul Lifestyle! What more needs to be said?

Karma - Known as a "deed" or "act" and more broadly names the universal principle of cause and effect, action and reaction, that governs all life. We will utilize this element knowing that we live together in this world interdependently. So, after we detox, restore, and live in our flow...we then time to add positive synergy in our communities.

Monday evening I will be annonucing the plan for the March experiment. I hope you'll join me and share your insights. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to support one another. I am really looking forward to this as I have been on the go, go, GO! I need some time to recover and refresh. I also thought that this would be a great time for people to review their New Years resolutions...have they fizzled? Or are some of you already dreaming of Spring? The season of rebirth, maybe the NeoSoul Lifestyle
Experiment will give you a bit of a head start?!

Oh, one more thing....you can also share your comments about the experiments on Twitter using this hashtag => #NeoSoulXp

Here's to a great March, and the evolution of our NeoSoul Lifestyles!

Change and The Power of Habits

I tend to think BIG, and give little thought to the details of life. Yet I know that taking care of the small things will allow the BIG things to manifest and flourish. Now keep in mind, I said "I know"....not that "I do" take care of the details.

As I think about this.....I wonder how much time and money have I lost due to my resistance to the little mundane (yet necessary) things in life. How much stress have I caused myself and others by forgetting? Being late? How many opportunities have I missed?

At different times I have tried to re-invent myself into a person that is all about the details. You know the type....the person that has a list for EVERYTHING, doesn't take a step without a detailed plan, ALWAYS on time & prepared w/extra to share....essentially the "Type A" personality.

I would have a little success, but it was not sustainable as a part of my lifestyle. For me, trying to create this "Type A" persona was too much of a change....it simply is not who I am. For a while, I allowed myself to believe that I was destined to be a person that would need to be comfortable with a quiet simmer of chaos in life while doing the BIG things.

Now I realize that the simmer of the little things left undone, can come to a intensifying boil. So, I am choosing to live differently. There are so many wonderful things on the horizon and I will not allow the little things to diminish or detroy them. I am inspired by the Autumn season....it is the season of change and transformation. This is the time to do things in a new way. I am also motivated by my aspiration to want to close 2010 on a strong & positive flow to create momentum for 2011.

So I am filled with inspiration and motivation, and then thought...."Yikes! Now I have to create a detailed plan TO DO IT!" I knew I would need a jumpstart to get me on the right track. So I purchased these cards called Habit Formers (http://www.organize.com/habit-former-trade-buttoned-up-reg.html). The purpose of these cards are to provide you with a specific tasks to do each day for thirty (30) days. Then at the end of the thirty you should be off to a good start of a more organized life!

So, I'm going to do it! Join me if you like!

Habit Former - Day 1: Make A To Do List For The Week
Description: What you write down gets done. Start with a blank piece of paper and write your to do's for the next seven (7) days. Be sure the list is inclusive (work,family/home...and don't forget you personally!)

Whew, I already have some anxiety just thinking of everything that I need to do. Sigh, but I guess the key here is not to get overwhelmed by EVERYTHING that needs to be done. I simply need to determine what needs to be done this week. Ok, I CAN DO THIS! Send positive vibes my way!

The 1st Monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment!

I am so excited to officially launch the 1st Monthly NeoSoul Lifestyle Experiment with you!

The experiments will take place the 1st-7th of each month...why not the first Monday of each month you ask? Well, I purposely want to change our mindset that we always have to start changes in our life on a Monday....we can start changes in our lives any day! Also, it is my hope that the experiments will also motivate you to SUSTAIN the changes that you've started at the beginning of the month!

Each month the experiments will include the following components:
-Restoration
-Detoxification
-Life Flow
-Karma

And sometimes a few surprises, or components by your request!

During the next few days of this week leading up to the experiment, I will share more details about each component and how it relates to the NeoSoul Lifestyle!

I would like the experiements to create an interactive community! Change is hard enough.....but sharing togther promotes inspiration, learning, and accountability.....all of which increase the probability of sustainability!

So, if you're ready to join in....take the next steps!
1. Email me at neosoulalterego@gmail.com to RSVP
2. Subscribe to the blog
3. Comment on the blog at least twice during the experiment

Those of you who take those steps, will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a $25 SpaFinder gift card!

Here's to the beginning of your NeoSoul Lifestyle Evolution!