Modern Hippie Mag » Wellness

Your Daily Groove – Beyond Objections

Steve McAllister — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:00:48 +0000

“Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.” – Samuel Johnson

In the realm of all things possible, the characteristics of everything that has ever been achieved vary from endeavor to endeavor. Some were easy; some were difficult. Some were simple; some were complex. Some were once thought to be impossible; others were a no-brainers. Nevertheless, everything that has ever been achieved has one thing in common – it was attempted.

Whether the tasks ahead of us seem easy, complex, or even impossible, the very attempt at them brings us closer to achievement. It may be that from this vantage point the objections over our endeavors loom too large. However, with each new attempt at achievement, we gain a new perspective and often find the answers to our objections in our attempts to maneuver around them.

We each have great possibilities of what we can do with our time in this world. Let us not waste them by cowering in the face of adversity, fear, and cynicism. For all that we envision, there are paths to manifestation if we only continue moving forward.

Steve McAllister

In addition to serving as Managing Editor and contributor to Modern Hippie Mag, Steve McAllister is an actor, musician, accomplished author, filmmaker, and the man behind Your Daily Groove. His most recent novel, The McAllister Code is available as an e-book at www.themcallistercode.com. Find Steve on Twitter, @InkenSoul. Read his reviews and articles here.

Your Daily Groove – Beyond Objections is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

The Game of Life

Allyson Spellman — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:00:16 +0000

I am currently in Las Vegas and naturally surrounded by casinos. And with casinos come gamblers: lots and lots of gamblers. Now you may not be a gambler in the sense of black jack, poker, slots, etc. But are you a gambler on life? The definition of a gambler is someone who “plays games of chance whose outcome is uncertain.”

“Life is like a hand of cards. You have to play the hand you’re dealt, you can’t win by folding, and sometimes you must take chances in order to win.” -Mike Conner

There is a difference between playing with chance and taking a chance in order to win. Taking a chance gets you out of your comfort zone in order to take your game to a new level. So in the game of life, are you playing strictly by chance or are you playing with certainty?

If you are playing strictly by chance, you could be settling for less simply because you think there aren’t any options, or that you don’t have the power to do more, be more, and experience more. Circumstances can dictate your outcome because that is “just the cards you were dealt.” It just always seems the odds are against you. The stakes seem too high for you to try a different strategy. Someone else is always holding the aces you desire. The game just isn’t fun anymore.

Are you tired of life just being a toss-up?

But if you are playing with certainty, you’re going to make your own rules, live life on your own terms, and create the circumstances that you want in your life. If you were dealt a “bad hand,” are you going to just fold and give up? Or are you going to keep playing and developing strategies?

How are you looking at your cards? Are you angry at the hand you were deal? Has the indecisiveness of your next move halted the game? Or can you see how you can still win? Can you take those cards and turn them into a winning hand?

If you play your cards right, you can do it. You are a part of the game of life- whether you like it or not. The outcome all depends on how you play.

The cards are in your hands. Only you can decide what to do with them.

I’m betting you can turn those cards into a winning hand.

Originally published as The Game of Life

Allyson

Allyson Spellman is a master goals and success coach and co-founder of HeartCore BootCamp- Empowering Women to Stop Settling. Along with her partner Shanda Sumpter, Allyson continues to help thousands of women all over the globe reach their goals and make lasting heart connections through HeartCore. She is also the co-host of HeartCore Radio on Contact Radio and the host of The Breakthrough Muse Radio Show with Allyson Spellman on Blog Talk Radio. Find her at www.heartcorebootcamp.com to receive 8 weeks of FREE empowerment coaching. Pick up a free HeartCore Jump Start Program at www.2DayJump.com. Follow her on Twitter, @HeartCoreGirls and @Breakthru_Muse.

The Game of Life is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Buddha’s Brain

Steve McAllister — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:00:58 +0000

Regardless of your religious or cultural background, the image of the Buddha inspires visions of peace, tranquility, and well-being. Through the practice of meditation and the idea of being at one with the world, this mindset transcends religion and helps millions of people gain peace of mind in the midst of tumultuous times. Dr. Rick Hanson explores this phenomenon in his latest book, Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom.

Rick Hanson

“With the new breakthroughs in neuroscience, combined with insights from thousands of years of contemplative practice, you, too, can shape your own brain for greater happiness, love, and wisdom.”

I recently had the chance to speak with Rick about his inspiration for the book and some practical ways that we can calm our minds to find clarity, happiness, and greater productivity in our daily lives.

Steve

Buddha’s Brain is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Your Daily Groove – The Spirit of the Sixties

Steve McAllister — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:00:35 +0000

“For me, the lame part of the Sixties was the political part, the social part. The real part was the spiritual part.” – Jerry Garcia

It may very well be that the attempt to control forces outside of themselves led to the downfall of the first Hippie movement. As noble as their intentions may have been, the fight against the war and the political powers that pushed it forth may have played a big part in diverting their energies from the inner journeys which guided them toward the ideals of peace, hope, and community in the first place.

All these years later, wars are still being mounted and political powers are still pushing them forth for personal gain. And yet there is also a renaissance of those ideals of peace, hope, and community burning in the hearts of people all over the world. As we see the same mistakes being made by the political powers, trading only jungle for desert, let us not fall into the same routine and make the same mistakes, but realize the magnitude of the inner journey. For the changes we long to see in our society and our world will not be made by the force of brutes, but by the power of the spirit.

This is not to say that we should not be against war, pollution, and political corruptness, but that we should be all the more so for peace, natural living, and integrity. For these are not political aspects, and trying to force them to be so will only end in disillusionment, as we have already seen. The fight we must wage is for our independence from the folly they engage in, seeking a revolution of spirit and a solidarity of purpose which will guide us toward the future we envision.

Steve McAllister begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Your Daily Groove – The Spirit of the Sixties is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Your Daily Groove – Beauty is Truth

Steve McAllister — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:00:53 +0000

“‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty,’ – that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” – John Keats

It is somewhat sad that in this day and age our concept of beauty is often based on Photoshopped magazine ads of painted on faces. There is a certain standard manufactured and cultivated into the popular mindset on which we gauge our ideal of beauty. However, beauty is more than we often give it credit for.

Beyond the facade that brings a glimmer to our eye, the depth of one’s character and the brightness of a soul still shines through. By looking upon the work of a generous heart or the compassion of helpful hands, we get a glimpse as to what true beauty is. When we look deeper into people, we realize that beauty is not skin deep, but something that permeates all of reality.

Take a closer look at the people around you today and find that spark of beauty that you may have missed yesterday. When you are able to see it in them, you will find your own beauty shining back.

Steve McAllister

Your Daily Groove – Beauty is Truth is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Your Daily Groove – Care For Your Earth Suit

Steve McAllister — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:00:54 +0000

“Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Photo by Erik Johannson

As we prepare each day to go out and face the world, we put on our best outfits in order to impress, to exude an air of confidence and class, not only for those we meet, but to feel better about ourselves. Should we give any less consideration to the bodies which fill out our outfits?

From those who consider themselves as spiritual beings having a human experience, I’ve often heard the body described as an “earth suit.” As such, it is vital that we spend the proper amount of energy to ensure that our earth suits should bring us just as much confidence and class as the clothing we put on to cover them. Just as we want our outfits made of the finest material, we must consider our diet and the vitamins and minerals which will compose our bodies. Just as longer wear makes an outfit more comfortable, exercise makes a body more livable. And just as we seek out the best detergents to get the stains out of our clothes, we must be cognizant to remove any impurities that would pollute our bodies.

Regardless of what outfit you put on to cover it, the earth suit you’ve got on is the only one you get. Make sure to care for it and make it last.

Steve McAllister

Your Daily Groove – Care For Your Earth Suit is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Your Daily Groove – The Next Agricultural Revolution

Steve McAllister — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:00:43 +0000

“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” – Michael Pollan

Photo by Faey Szeuw

The onset of the Industrial Revolution brought with it a forceful mindset, one beset with the notion that we can bend nature to our will. For over two centuries now, we have progressed in this mindset to the point where we have little concept of a world outside of industry. Yet we are fortunate that the Agricultural Revolution is coming around again. Not in the way that it did the first time, but in a much more localized manner whereby people are yearning for that connection with the natural world once again.

Be it the rise in popularity of farmers’ markets or the rebirth of the backyard garden, we are once again realizing how beautifully nature can provide for us when we work with it instead of against it. Although a garden has the order needed for us to be organized, it also teaches the simplicity of work, rest, and growth. Whether you buy your fruits and vegetables from a local farmer or grow your own, take time to appreciate the gifts nature has for us and start to imagine all of the other ways we can learn to live in accord with it.

Steve McAllister

In addition to serving as Managing Editor and contributor to Modern Hippie Mag, Steve McAllister is an actor, musician, accomplished author and filmmaker. His most recent novel, The McAllister Code is available as an e-book at www.themcallistercode.com. Find Steve on Twitter, @InkenSoul. Read his reviews and articles here.

Your Daily Groove – The Next Agricultural Revolution is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

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Your Daily Groove – The Reward of Caring

Steve McAllister — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:00:50 +0000

“I have a very strong feeling that the opposite of love is not hate – it’s apathy. It’s not giving a damn.” Leo Buscaglia

Photo by Andy Reis

Given all of the problems that plague the modern world, it is very tempting to throw up our hands and simply let the chips fall where they may. It is indeed difficult to care about everything without being overwhelmed. However, no one said that being a world changer would be an easy job. Nevertheless, when we participate actively in the problems of our world, bringing our love to those who need it and our joy where hope has been lost, the payoff is astounding.

Though the battles can be sometimes heart-wrenching, the victories are spectacular. Be it the look of thanks in the eyes of a neighbor you have helped through hard times, the discovery of a new innovation that will ease the suffering of future generations, or the simple satisfaction of a job well done, the treasures we receive from caring about the world around us and acting upon our passions are often beyond words.

When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by the hardships facing those in the world around you, take comfort in the fact that you may just hold the answer we are looking for.

Steve McAllister

Your Daily Groove – The Reward of Caring is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Your Daily Groove – The Many Paths to Happiness

Steve McAllister — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:00:41 +0000

“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.” – Carl Jung

Photo by Colin Brough

In pursuing a holistic lifestyle, living with a conscious connection to the natural world around me, I am often tempted to simply shake my head at those who do not consider the ramifications of their actions on the environment or their behavior on the people around them. It is in those times when I am overwhelmed with visions of materialism and selfishness that I must remember that we all find our way to happiness via a different path.

Although common sense may tell me that sustainable living is the only way to go, I engage in finding more practical ways of living because it makes me happy to discover new ways of doing things or rediscovering those that have been forgotten. Yet I also have to swallow the fact that some people find happiness by paying ridiculous amounts of money for things they will only use once. Though I strive for a peaceful existence free of conflict, I must accept the fact that some of my best friends are sports fanatics who thrive on competition and quarrels. In every aspect of my life, I will find someone who is in complete disagreement with it. The trick is to be at peace with that.

Steve McAllister

Your Daily Groove – The Many Paths to Happiness is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.

Stop Settling, Start Living

Allyson Spellman — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:00:43 +0000

Stop Settling, Start Living

Do you notice how often people settle for a “just okay” life instead of an extraordinary life? Or they settle for what they think they can have instead of what they really want? How often do you see people trudging along in their jobs, or the same relationship, and it’s obvious they are not fulfilled and enjoy what they have? Do you see people who want to break out of mediocrity, but don’t know how to do it so they stay right where they are?

Here is an important question… Are you one of these people? Do you see yourself in any of these situations?

I don’t want to see you stop short of true happiness and settle for “good enough.” You were not created to live with this type of standard.

You have too much to give.
You have too much talent.
You have too much to settle.

Why do people choose to settle for less?

Yes, it is a choice. Usually it is out of fear. When fear is the cause, it can be: fear of failure, fear of loss of acceptance, fear of the unknown, fear of being disappointed. Fear often leaves people doubtful that they can have what they truly want.

Sometimes people settle for less because they want to stay within the comfort zone. If you step out, how will it affect you? Will you be putting your loved ones at risk? How is settling for less affecting your loved ones now?

You see when someone settles for less it affects everyone and not just the person doing the settling. If you stop settling, you will naturally become even a better mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother, friend. It is time to stop settling and start living!

Start with finding your passion again. From there, you can create goals and take action. It is all about momentum. Taking action means taking back your power. Doing this will take you from being stuck to being in motion, everyday getting closer and closer toward your dream, while improving yourself and experiencing victories every step of the way. You will enjoy the moment instead of tolerating the moment.

When you decide to stop settling for less, you decide to rise above what life seems to be giving you and start to take all life has to offer- all the possibilities and opportunities. Most of us don’t think about purpose much – or maybe we do, but we think about what we wish our purpose was, “if only things were different.” Instead, we should be focusing on how we’re not willing to settle for less than living that purpose.

So, if you’ve been giving up on what you really want, just remember that what you focus your attention on grows. Once you’re able to focus on what you truly want, and then come up with goals and take action, you will that create exactly what you want most…

Get ready to see what you once deemed “impossible” turn into the possible and become the achievable! You are in for a glorious ride!

Allyson

Stop Settling, Start Living is a post from Modern Hippie Mag your online resource dedicated to hip, healthy conscious living & environmental sustainability.