Empowered Journey: The Expert Coach and Trainer in Empowered Performance for Leaders, Corporations and Organizations- specializing in stress management, improved focus and creativity, and sustainable productivity - Blog

Experiencing stress or low energy? Behold! The 5-Minute Embodiment

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:34:06 -0800

Addicted to External Energy?

I want to share with you one of my super-secrets: a simple practice that allows me to stay naturally energized, performing more effectively with less stress and greater long-term sustainability.

Less stress held in my body and brain means greater wellness, less sick-days, less reactivity and the messes that reactivity causes...

More effective performance means a greater sense of inner purpose and accomplishment, more satisfied bosses, colleagues and clients, and ultimately more financial prosperity.

So what's so awesome and different about this practice?

1. It takes 5 minutes or less.

2. It can be done pretty much anywhere. I've done this on the sidewalk, in a stairwell, in a bathroom, up on the roof, in my office, on a small patch of grass...

3. It doesn't require great flexibility or strength, or even that you are currently fit, yet it builds your fitness naturally over time.

4. It creates an immediate surge of energy, stress release and focus.

5. Combined with *Complete Breathing* and fresh air and sunlight, your results will be even strong and more long lasting.

6. It begins to train the body to produce its own energy, instead of becoming more and more dependent on outside sources for the pick-me-up (coffee, energy drinks, pills, relying on others, etc.).

Is this for me, or for other people that are really struggling?

Of course, you have to take an unflinching look at your own levels of stress and low energy over time, *and* the impact they are having in your life- and that kind of honest reflection can be uncomfortable and difficult (yet soooo worth it).

But here are a few questions to consider:

-Are you sitting and typing a lot (computer posture)?
-Are you having to hold one posture or repetitive motion for long periods?
-Are you experiencing tight hips and lower back, tension in shoulders and neck, pain/carpal-tunnel of the wrists?
-Do you receive direct reports, manage executive levels, or have big projects riding on your shoulders?
-Do you exist in a high stress environment?
-Do you regularly experience heavy or difficult emotions at work (yours or others)?
-Do you often feel disconnected from your body and stuck in your head?

Ok, ok, I get it. Take me to the practice!

Making it a practice

I recommend doing this practice:

-first thing in the morning
-before you eat lunch (5 minutes and you will enjoy your food more, get more energy out of it, and feel less heavy afterward)
-around the 2 or 3pm hour if possible (often there is a dip in energy here)
-as needed throughout the day, when you feel a dip in energy or an increase in stress (the Breathing App can be used in the same way)

Remember that even the best practices will have no effect if you don't do them. You must believe that something better is possible, and that you are worth this 'something better'. You must realize that taking 5 minutes is worth it in the larger context of your work and life.

These simple practices and the fresh energy they provide will become the basis for a real and profound transformation in your life- an awakening of your inwardly fulfilled, outwardly prosperous Heroic Self in all areas of your life.

My life is dedicated to you discovering and claiming that Heroic Self, and I am so excited for your continuing adventure.

In abundant energy,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

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Called forth by the SuperHero archetype? Take your first steps here...

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:45:44 -0800

Awakening to your true Super Self

The superhero archetype has always been very easy for me to connect to. Maybe it has to do with growing up surrounded by comics, sci-fi/fantasy and video games...

For me, the superhero is someone that has extraordinary powers hidden within them, often without even knowing it until the arrival of some salient or life-threatening moment.

Or, their powers show up through a life-changing event; an initiation brought about by unforeseen and overwhelming challenges, often accompanied by a mentor or teacher figure (i.e. the 3000 year old wizard 'Shazam' that initiates Billy Batson into the character Captain Marvel). This life-altering event is one which usually brings them to the brink of obliteration, from which they must climb back and step into their new role as hero.

I love this premise; and though not point for point, have found this journey to be pretty true to form with myself and many others (contemporary as well as historical).

Begin your Hero's Journey...

At this point, you may be saying, 'have you read Hero with a Thousand Faces? Isn't this just the Hero's Journey?'. Honestly, there are many core components to the Hero's Journey, and what I am bringing to the foreground here is the idea of incredible potential locked within each of us, awaiting some major events and teacher figures to ignite it.

The other part that really rings true for me is that superheroes have unique powers. They don't all shoot lasers from their eyes- that would be boring, and not really helpful given the diversity of challenges that confront us. Further, many superheroes are defined by their unique powers (the Hulk, Spider-man, Human Torch).

BUT, there are a few fundamental things about the Superhero archetype that I am updating. To signify this shift, I am using the term 'Inner Hero'.

The League Agreements

#1 No more secret Identity. Your Superhero identity IS your alter-ego. Forget Clark Kent- there's no reason for him now. Discovering what you truly are, and being that 100% is what allows your incredible and unique superpowers to shine in their full capacity.

And that, dear hero, is exactly what the world needs- you being fully in your bigness, boldness and brightness. No concessions, no excuses; just your pure, unadulterated awesomeness- tempered with wisdom and real compassion.

#2 Inner Heroes are not here to save, but to awaken. The traditional Superhero is generally spending most of her time fixing big boo-boos. Her focus and energy is mainly responding to symptoms- more often than not saving people from their own stupidity =p

The Inner Hero, on the other hand, becomes proactive and preventative. How? His main task shifts from saving witless pedestrians to igniting the Inner Heroes within them.

Teach 'em how to fish, right? Well, how about 'teach them their true power'. Not only does this save the Inner Hero a lot of headache and repeat- it is AWESOME for everyone involved.

#3 The true villain has shifted. There is no outer villain. On the surface- yes; but look deeper. When you have hurt people, or when they have hurt you, or when we hurt each other, what is really at play here? Fear, stress, confusion, rage, numbness, greed...these are what I call the 'Inner Villains', and they are the true reason at the root of the suffering we cause ourselves and others.

Challenging and subduing outer villains through force was the focus of old Superheroes; acknowledging and transforming Inner Villains through empowerment is the higher calling of the Inner Hero.

Your first heroic steps...

The bottom-line is that this website and its growing community are here to support the awakening Inner Hero dwelling within you.

And to this I am committed: that you will discover unbounded power within you, and that you will have a blast doing it.

There are many resources here, so feel free to stick your nose wherever you want. Don't see something here you think should be here? Let me know: ekajoti (at) gmail (dot) com.

Let's ignite this binary sunset,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

Enjoyed the article?
Click here to join our League and deepen your experience =)

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Shamanic Video Games, Super-Buff Nerds, and Bruce Lee- State of Awesomeness, May '12

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:33:16 -0800

SOAA- May '12

Hey there, super soul-dier.
What do Bruce Lee, Star Wars, and Shamanism have in common?

2nd annual State of Awesomeness Address served up hot =) Keep up with a sampling of the awesomeness happening right now in our neck of the universe!

Got something awesome you want me to showcase? Post in the comments below (make sure to leave your email addy), and I'll contact you for the full story.

Links to featured awesomeness in the video:
-ThatGameCompany, Journey
-Populous, Queue for Love
-NerdFitness

Dedicated to rocking shared awesomeness,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

Enjoyed the article?
Click here to join our League and deepen your experience =)

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Acceleration, Presence, Intention: The Inner Hero's Arts of Awesomeness

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:39:36 -0800

Arts of the Inner Hero

In your first adventures as a training Inner Hero, you must learn about your 3 primary arts.

These are the foundational tools you will use in any situation, no matter the context.

Put most simply, they are essential ways of working with energy- the energy of your state of being, and the energy of situations.

Each art is an incredible tool, and a very subtle skill to master.

When taken together, these arts open the way for self-mastery and the realization of personal destiny (for real).

Let's first look at the Art of Acceleration

Passed down to us from the living yogic masters of Egypt, India, Tibet and beyond, the techniques that make up the Art of Acceleration are powerful, active, and fiery.

They give their practitioner the energy to:

Awaken potent action
Overcome difficulties and clear stress
Assert healthy emotional boundaries
Transform a given situation

In short they cultivate 'Inner Fire'- an energy we each have within us, but one that we rarely use skillfully, let alone master.

The truly successful and effective world-movers of present and past have learned to master this energy, sometimes through healthy practices and sometimes through unhealthy ones.

The Art of Acceleration focuses on techniques that are simple and healthy; practices that don't require extra equipment or paraphernalia; practices that are fun, safe, quick and can be done almost anywhere.

These practices are integral, toning your body, mind and emotions simultaneously.

There are various examples of this on Empowered Journey, and are a part of your Stress Ninja Intro Training Guide when you join the League =)

Now to the Art of Presence

In short, this is the art of awareness, attention and concentration. It is the skill of clear and focused witnessing over time; turning your mind into a sharped tool of observation and inquiry.

Those that develop this art enjoy many benefits:

They are aware of their essential or authentic self, and know when they are acting from it.
They are aware of their thought process, and at a deeper level, how they are giving meaning to what is happening to them.
They know in a given situation what part of them is motivating their actions and intentions, and they understand their intentions clearly.
They discover their hidden powers, and hidden weaknesses, seeing each clearly and beneficially.
They recognize the subtle energies and intentions of the people and situations around them, increasing their ability to anticipate and adapt.

Those that master presence throw off for good the perspective of victimization, seeing clearly all the opportunities and openings that life continually presents for personal expansion and success.

The Art of Presence brings authentic peace and inner balance.

Presence practices- like acceleration practices- are simple, direct, safe, fun and effective. They need nothing more than your body and mind to perform, and can be done almost anywhere without being noticeable.

And finally the Art of Intention

More advanced than the previous two, this art blends the Art of Acceleration (powerful energy of action and transformation) with the Art of Presence (authentic presence and clear seeing).

By adding one final ingredient- detailed visualization of desired outcome- we arrive at the potent alchemy that is Intention (ala Hal Jordan and Green Lantern 'constructs').

Those that develop the Art of Intention experience a life that is authentic, meaningful, effective and abundant.

They live in the freedom of their own self-created experience, sourcing their inner powers and gifts fully into the world.

These people know how to relax back into their authentic self (the energy of their innate gifts and intelligences); they guide these energies through clear and meaningful intention (focused visualization of intended result); and they make real these gifts through empowered and focused action (high-vibration/accelerated activity).

All three arts involve body-based practices that are simple, safe, fun and powerful.

Great, so now what?

What are the actionable steps you can start taking- right now- to awaken greater power, purpose and prosperity?

Join the League: By joining the League, you are taking powerful and clear steps toward a life defined by your true self. You will immediately receive online resources to guide your first steps.
Join our free in-person and online events: Community and peer support is so, so important. Explore these offerings and connect with me and others that hold similar intentions.
Peruse our growing library of awesome posts: Knowledge when acted upon, is true power.
Once you have gotten a sense of what Empowered Journey offers, and are looking for more, apply for a free 60-minute Ignition Session with me, or check out one of several superhero home programs to rock your awesome.

This deeper work is only for a select few, so tap your inner truth, listen carefully, and come when you are ready.

Either way, the League will benefit from your unique presence, and is here to support your epic journey.

Standing with you in true power,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

Your inevitable yoga ceiling, and how to break it.

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:47:16 -0800

It's Inevitable

At a certain point in your yoga journey, you will reach this transition. For some sooner; for others later. But you will reach it.

Let me give a context:

Defined one way, yoga is the development of energy control for the purpose of realizing freedom, AND the resulting freedom itself.

I will say again: yoga is the control of one's energies for freedom.

The most dense form of your energy is your physical body, and this is where we generally focus our attention at the beginning of our yoga journey. This is appropriate.

Now classically, the authentic lineages of yoga knew how to develop all levels of one's energy in an integral fashion: body, breath, mind, emotions, and subtle energy.

But for better or worse, yoga in the States has largely focused on mastering the physical form, and to a lesser degree the breath. This is the general state of Yoga-Asana in the US.

So now there is an increasingly large group of American practitioners that have a sufficient level of mastery of the body, and feel an urge to go farther but don't know where 'farther' is or how to access it.

With this situation, three things result:

A growing fixation with appearance of the body, physical power, and physical achievement
Greater sensitivity and energetic openness that overwhelms you and knocks you off balance
A sense of inner disquiet and hollowness around continued body-based yoga

I want to stress: these are good signs! They represent yogic growing pains...you are outgrowing your current skin and are ready for the next levels of energy mastery.

What are these next levels?

Intensive Work with Breath and Attention- learning to move energy within the body, collect it and focus it
Tapas- energy to meet challenges and transform them
Higher Mental and Emotional Mastery- how to choose empowered and helpful mental and emotional states and protect them from negativities (classically called the 'crystalization of the subtle body')
Channeling- using these high-energy states to connect to greater fields of energy (collective fields) and ground them into the physical world

Cue 'Raja Yoga'

This is the natural progression of Raja Yoga as Patanjali and other Raja Yogis have described it.

With the development of these practices comes an increased fulfillment and success at the levels of health, relationship, career and social abundance (not to mention authentic freedom and realization).

Empowerment Practices specialize in this transition from Yoga-Asana to more subtle yogas. They utilize body-based practices so as to include the initial levels of development in the higher forms.

So if you feel you are reaching glass ceiling in your practice that I just described, I offer you this bridge to your next level.

Without a bridge like this, your practice will eventually become stuck and stale. Now is the time to expand.

Here's to new discoveries,
Eka

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The New Technology- and why you can't afford to miss out

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:56:17 -0800

"Waddya mean you're not on Pinterest?!"

As a society- and most definitely we conscious entrepreneurs and leaders- often seem bound to a tiring and incessant race of tech one-uping.

What's the new emerging piece of tech, and how can I jump on it to stay afloat and ahead of the game?

And, there is a core of truth to this.

If we are to be impactful and prosperous in our life, we need to flow and evolve with our rapidly changing world; we need to be conversation with the insights, innovations and obstacles that define our time.

And yet, this can become obsessive and neurotic, distracting our focus away from our post powerful technology for happiness, financial freedom and global upliftment.

The Secret of the New Technology

The new technology is the ancient technology.

The most advanced hardware?
> Your body

The most advanced firmware?
> Your self-identity and worldview

The most advanced software?
> Your thoughts, emotions and the behaviors that they engender

And just to push it a bit further: the most advanced social network?
> Your ability to sense and interact with the world around you.

I see you starting to gag and roll your eyes! STOP!

Don't write this off as another naive new-ager.

Look into the lifestyles of the truly happy and truly successful. They share at least one important quality of distinction: they know how to create *peak performance* again and again.

They understand that consistent peak performance comes from *self-mastery*. So, they respect self-mastery: mastery of habits, mastery of thoughts, mastery of mood (so so very important), mastery of personal energy.

Without this, all secondary tech (iPads and apps, networking groups, executive breakout sessions, financial investments) is superficial, unsustainable and not really making you happy anyway.

Look into your own life

Is your potential breakthrough and/or happiness hinging on figuring out the newest social app, or on overcoming self-defeating and energy-draining emotions, thoughts and behaviors?

If it's the first, I applaud you and look forward to your success. You are rare. Most fall into the second category- which is often marked by discomfort and disorientation, if not wonder.

This work is difficult; it's not so visible or tangible. It's your conditioning, your beliefs, your fears; invisible yet impacting every moment of your life.

Welcome to YOUR Matrix, Neo. Time to wake up...

Don't Overwhelm Me!

A common response I hear when brining up this point is: 'Self-development? Waaaaaay too much work. I need immediate results, and I don't believe in oming myself to 6 figures'. (often dressed up to sound more noble)

Fair enough. I actually agree with part of this sentiment. The new-ancient tech needs to be practical, straight-forward, and give immediately noticeable results.

And that's what shocks people that work with me: this tech is not only practical, it's *already hardwired* into your physiology and neurology. And it wants to happen! It's the inner urge to grow, expand explore and master- it's *purposeful aliveness*.

This is the tech of the ancient warrior and the 21-century hero.

Ok, I'm on board. Now what?

It's more simple than you think.

Awareness is your weapon; authenticity is your compass; self-love your shield.

Start with the basics: breathing, simple movement/exercise, and eating. Small changes in these 3 will create a major impact on your daily mood, energy level and quality of performance.

Don't try to focus on all 3 at once. Start with breathing. Take 2 weeks to observe your conditioned breathing, *especially* when you get thrown into stressful or emotional situations.

Be on the lookout for shallow or even arrested (held) breath. Learn to breathe consciously, deeply and with your whole body- again *especially* in stressful or emotional situations.

Check out my Breathing App video for a guided training in a simple and powerful form of breathing that can be done anywhere up to once an hour.

To begin being more comfortable in your own skin, having more physical energy, and less held stress, check out the 5-Minute Embodiment Video.

I will address eating in a coming post.

Committed to conscious and caring self-mastery,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

Enjoyed the article?
Click here to join our League and deepen your experience =)

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Magic is Everywhere

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:33:33 -0800

On days where I feel so far from all the awesomeness that is inside of me, it can feel like the whole world is grey and dull. Do you know what I mean?

It's on days like these that it becomes the MAIN PRIORITY to get me back in touch with the inner and outer magic.

So I've made a video to help remind me when I am in need of magic remembering, and I offer it to you for those days when you need a bit of extra support as well =)

Just remember: the key to accessing real-life magic is CURIOSITY and WONDER. Look to nature, children and animals for cues.

You are magic, you are possibility, you are pure awesomeness!

I am with you,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

Conscious Capitalism, Video Games, Gandalf: State of Awesomeness Address, March '12

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:43:30 -0800

Hey there, fellow amazing and miraculous being.

This video below is the first in a new monthly series where I will be bringing you things, events, people, etc. that I have deemed awesome and am currently experiencing in my own life.

These addresses will be more casual, un-scripted and candid.

Got a topic or current event you want me to speak on? Just let me know in the comment area below.

Standing with you in awesomeness,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

Awesome App for Increasing Productivity

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:17:18 -0800

What's free, amazing, simple
AND increases your daily productivity?

You asked about how I remain balanced and productive during my busy days...

Check out this app I use every day (multiple times a day) to keep energy, focus, inspiration and productivity strong.

Comment below about your experiences using this app, and share around with your friends, networks, etc.

In purpose, performance and prosperity,
Eka, aka SuperSpark

Secrets of Stress Resiliency, Part 1

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:05:45 -0800

Stress relief can only get you so far on the road of freedom from stress...

In today's video, we start to reveal the secrets to becoming more stress resistant.

Get tough, get resilient.

Remember to share around (it's good for ya), and comment below on your week's growth work: Share the low-energy areas of your life where you are now committing to create high-energy instead.