The Alchemist - Following The Signs of the World

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho is more than classic fiction; it is a timeless tale that reveals important mysteries of the world that may guide our philosophy to life.

Told from the perspective of Santiago, a simple shepherd boy turned destiny- seeker; the reader is brought through a journey of unthinkable possibilities.

Santiago’s search for his own destiny through reading the ‘signs of the world’ and courageously following the signs despite obstacles along the way demonstrates that anyone who embarks on a personal journey of destiny will find it if he persists. Obstacles can be part of what helps us reach our goal.

Inspiring courage and confidence in personal struggles, The Alchemist also teaches us to see the world as a whole entity, as it breaks down the idea of dividing walls by emphasising that human beings share a ‘universal language’, this is an immediate understanding beyond verbal signals.

The hope and faith in people and the world alike truly encourages the ideal of harmony in the world in spite of the strife we face today.

Enlightening our own personal journey and placing hope in the world, Coelho’s novel is definitely a motivating read to start the year on a positive note.

Motivate The Mind With These Positive Books:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by: Harper Lee

2. I am a Cat by: Sosekl Natsume

3. The Little Prince by: Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Quick Fit - It's Simpler Than You Think

You can see it everywhere. You can find it in the newspapers, in the magazines, on the television, the radio, the internet; it just doesn’t give up and haunts you day in and day out. After turning your back to all these, the moment you step out for lunch, it comes and sits right on your hands.

If you still haven’t guessed it, what we are referring to is an advertisement of another slimming centre or gym just around the corner.

There is no running away from the inevitable need to maintain a healthy body. The more you ignore it, the more it turns into a larger monetary nightmare. While many fear and dread the thought of routine painful exercise, physical activity does not have to be extreme or insanely difficult involving mountain climbing, cross-country marathons or the slimming centres.

5 Daily Quick-fixes

1. Tummy tuck- Suck your stomach in 5-7 minutes. Repeat this while you are standing or walking for tightened abs and a good posture.

2. Bottom stiff- Sit with your body upright and tighten your buttocks and hips. You can start with 10 minutes and take it up to an hour for thigh toning.

3. Leg workout- Climbing stairs is the most effective leg workout. Avoid the escalators to give your body a quick warm-up.

4. Extra water- We often mistake the need for water as hunger pangs. Water is therefore a natural appetite suppressant, which will reduce unhealthy snacking.

5. More reasons to laugh- Like exercise, laughter provides a good workout for the heart. An excellent tummy laugh, exercises the diaphragm, pulls the abs and works on the shoulders.

Strengthen Your Heart

Do you indulge in impulse decisions by your heart? Well, for a change, may I suggest decision-making by your mind? Make a vital decision to love yourself. A decision made by the mind but for the heart.

Before strengthening ties externally or worrying about the stresses of life, listen to your inner circuit. Caring about others and not oneself however gallant it may seem, is a temporary phase. At the end of the day if you are not fulfilled you fail to make others around you happy.

To lead a healthy and balanced life we all need to start giving ourselves priority and respect. This can heal all the unpleasant past experiences and give us a fresh start.

We can begin by understanding our own needs, enjoying who we truly are and commence living every moment we have by ourselves. Are you ready to exercise the greatest pursuit of all? Are you ready to create happiness and compassion in your life? Are you ready to mind your heart through a journey of self-contentment?

5 Little Nothings To Start With:

1. Write about your experiences and memories. Celebrate the good and learn from the bad.

2. Forgive yourself for mistakes and advance with faith in yourself.

3. Take time off and pamper yourself.

4. Celebrate yourself by buying yourself some flowers or a good wine.

5. Look for new experiences through simple actions-buy the latest gadget you’ve had your eyes on, pick up a new sport or read a new book.

Most of us think that only by visiting a spiritual retreat or by engaging in social service can one enlighten the soul. Surprisingly, a simple activity that we do daily can refresh every aspect of our being, especially the soul.

Breathing- A process that forms a bridge, where matter and consciousness meet. It initiates absolute awareness and helps you reach “The Self”.

Habitually, we do not breathe in the correct manner and end up using only half of our lung capacity. Pranayama, which is a basic technique used in yoga, enhances our way of breathing and trains us to complete each and every breath we take.

Prana means ‘breath’- the force of life, and Yama meaning ‘extend’. Together, it refers to extending one’s breath, in turn creating potency and control. This extended form of breathing can release stress, relax the mind, increase supply of oxygen to the brain, establishing mental clarity, creativity, alertness, and most of all it nourishes the body and the soul.

Pranayama: Anulom Vilom

Practice this breathing everyday and notice the difference.

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