I’ve decided on mastery as June’s theme, having had the good fortune of studying with many master teachers in my life. Mastery is defined as having a comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment. Masters abound in the fields of medicine, science, sports and the arts. These icons are examples of a combination of talent, focused intent and dedicated practice. We look to them for inspiration and as standards for excellence.
“To become a master at any skill, it takes the total effort of your: heart, mind, and soul working together in tandem.” — Maurice Young
Although we can be naturally good at things, to excel takes intentional and continual practice. First, it’s helpful to know we’re all masters in one way or another. Secondly, the key is to cultivate our innate ability to excel – be masterful – in ways which improve the quality of our lives and relationships. Moreover, honing our mastery skills improves both our work and recreation.
See related blog on Practice: A Daily Anchor!
Becoming a master of your Self – to know who you really are – takes the concept of mastery to a higher level. It is essentially a spiritual practice. Self-mastery is the basis for all accomplishments. It’s foundational, requiring patience, honesty, wholeness and faith:
- Patience – accept and go with the flow.
- Honesty – seek out the truth in all matters.
- Wholeness – tend to the health of your body and mind.
- Faith – connect to Source – your belief in a Higher Power.
Cultivating patience with one’s self and others promotes a calm demeanor and contentment in the moment. Speaking and acting from a place of honesty develops integrity and trust. Taking care to keep the mind and body fit creates a healthy environment for the soul. Practicing a faith creates a companionship with a supreme Source and serves as empowerment. It’s a partnership.
“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.” — Leonardo da Vinci
Here are tools to support and develop your self-mastery:
Mindfulness — All mastery starts with a harnessing of our thoughts and the ability to be present in each moment with total concentration. The best way to develop this superior state of awareness is through regular meditation. For instance, with as little as ten to twenty minutes once or twice a day you can develop a practice which can be applied to everything you do. The key is regularity.
Choice — We are faced with choices every day in every way. Choices we’ve made have got us to where we are in this present moment. It’s good to take responsibility for our choices – whether good or bad. With the development of mindfulness we’re more apt to make better choices moving forward. We learn to trust in ourselves to choose wisely.
Decisive Action — Being mindful as we make our conscious choices promotes us to take decisive action. This empowers us to channel our resources and act with focused attention on whatever may be in front of us. And at the same time we don’t become rigid. If we are truly aware, we act with fluidity to adjust and shift to circumstances as we go about our tasks, projects and endeavors. Being mindful based on conscious choice propels us toward our goals – both on the spiritual as well as the material plane.
Accomplishment – Our success at self-mastery becomes evident as we experience a heightened sense of well-being. We can enjoy the fruits of our labor, the results of regular meditation practice, choices made coming from a place of discernment, and focused intent manifested in active participation. By example, we become a light to others on this journey called life.
“The more aware of your intentions and your experiences you become, the more you will be able to connect the two, and the more you will be able to create the experiences of your life consciously. This is the development of mastery. It is the creation of authentic power.” — Gary Zukav
In conclusion, it’s satisfying to realize the tools available to us here and now. We all have the ability to control our thoughts, speech and actions. With conscious awareness and regular application, we have a template for success. We become masters in the art of living.
June’s Scent of the Month: Peppermint Oil. The history of this essential oil can be traced back to ancient times. A member of the mint family, it’s indigenous to Europe and the Middle East and has long been cultivated world-wide. Its uses and benefits abound from the culinary to medicinal. Menthol, a popular ingredient for dental and skin care is derived from peppermint.
Moreover, peppermint is good for digestion and respiratory issues and is believed to help relieve headaches, as well as joint and muscle pain. It’s widely used as an ingredient in desserts and beverages. Many cultures use the leaves in savory dishes. Its aroma is bright and penetrating with a distinct flavor that gives a blast of refreshment. While it has a cooling effect when applied topically, it is considered a stimulant when diffused and inhaled. For more information, how to use, and to order I recommend dōTERRA and Young Living products.
Suggested Reading: A Little Book on Mastery by Julia Woodman
Images: Courtesy of pexels.com/freephoto stock source.