THE CYCLE OF SUFFERING
All people suffer; it is not a weakness, it is a necessity of life itself.

When my clients realize that they are not alone, that all people are suffering physically & emotionally, they become aware that they are standing at the place where the tide of suffering can be turned. Hope becomes a new reality, and belief becomes the weapon of choice.
 
After working with me for a short period of time, clients begin to realize that the biggest cause of their suffering is the fear of the unknown. This fear can be physical, emotional, or both.
 
Their freedom from suffering begins when they are shown that the suffering itself is the beginning to freedom from suffering. When we unpack this paradox, we cease clinging to the suffering.
 
Allow me to explain.
 
WHY DO WE SUFFER?
Our brain likes certainty; its number one role is to ensure the body survives (which ensures the brain itself survives). Paradoxically, it is through the habitual behaviors of survival (driven by the brain) that the body breaks down. 
 
There is an important part of the brain, the amygdala, which responds to danger by sending signals to the hypothalamus, which stimulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Both are necessary for survival, however when engaged unnecessarily these systems are detrimental to our overall health & wellbeing.
 
The sympathetic nervous system drives the fight, flight, fawn response, while the parasympathetic nervous system drives the freeze response. When these responses are activated by fear, the body 'dumps' large amounts of chemicals into our system.
 
Our body was not designed to engage the amygdala to the levels that modern society has created on human beings. The action of survival that the brain takes, without you realizing, is counter-productive to your own survival, and dramatically reduces the opportunity for a life of physical and emotional wellbeing.
 
Entering survival mode creates a dump of chemicals; we stimulate the adrenal glands, triggering the release of catecholamine (including adrenaline & noradrenaline/norepinephrine) 
 
WHAT CAUSES US TO CONTINUE TO ACTIVATE THE AMYGDALA?

• Maladaptive behaviors (survival habits)

As we move through our formative years from child to adult, the brain creates adaptive behaviors in order to survive; however, a great number of these adaptive behaviors are designed for short-term use, not for long-term use. Often trauma (be it physical or emotional) occurs in life; and if we do not know how to process the trauma in a healthy manner we develop behavioral patterns that are maladaptive. In other words, when adaptive behaviors no longer serve us, we need to release them, & voluntarily move toward the unknown (in order to make it known). This cycle of 'forward momentum' is how we develop as a person; we release the safety of the known, and move toward the unknown (evolution). This is where most people become stuck. They do not know how to voluntarily let go of the things that are causing the suffering.
 
CAN WE DO IT ALONE?
The short answer is no.
Attempting to solve the problem by using the information you have in your head (information that is only from the past) prohibits you from processing trauma, and creates a never-ending battle with the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Doing the same thing repeatedly, and expecting a different result, does not work. The actions you take are still maladaptive (and they begin to destroy you).
 
By clinging to the known (which is the data provided from your own individual apriori predispositions - created by the past), and avoiding the unknown, blocks ability to become open-minded.

In order to move forward, we must be open to the opinions, support, and knowledge of others. Otherwise the continuation of maladaptive behaviors will  literally destroy your own life and the relationships you hold with loved-ones. 
 
WHERE TO START?
Therapy and/or Life Coaching (to process the trauma that is creating maladaptive behaviors), is the starting point that will change your future dramatically. 
Learning techniques that enable you to accept and process every type of emotion, as you experience it, will liberate you from the cycle of suffering.
You will become emotionally & physically healthier; your approach to everyday life will evolve, and this evolution will create a new level of overall wellbeing that surpasses any tangible asset you possess. 
 
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TECHNIQUES I EMPLOY WITH MY CLIENTS?
A simple place to start is by learning mindfulness & meditation practices.

THE PRACTICES:

•  Mindfulness is engaging the practices of being fully present
  
• Meditation is a tool (a practice) to learn how to engage Mindfulness

 
WHY PRACTICE MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION?

• Mindfulness offers a life that is created from a place of serenity & calm; it releases anxiety, overwhelm, & depression.
•  In its simple form, mindfulness teaches impermanence. By understanding impermanence, the aspirant of mindfulness learns to let go of the things that are binding you to your suffering (your past).
• Meditation is a tool showing how simple it can be to let go. By following the steps of meditation, you develop the qualities of awareness, acceptance, and release. You begin to see the pathway toward emotional freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Paul J Pettit
Born in Sydney Australia in 1963.
Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays

Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices.
* Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions.
For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com
 
 
 
 
 
 

Clarity is beyond Happiness.
When the mind is unlocked we are awake; the impurity preventing us from opening the mind to the true nature of reality is there to be seen, yet hidden by the mind itself.

The process of awakening may occur over many decades, but then suddenly we are instantly awakened. We see that the mind was deceiving us into thinking 'I am the mind'; it was deceiving us into thinking I am the emotion that rises & falls. Yet these emotions are simply experiences created by the collection of scattered thoughts, which are created by the winds of moments in time. Thoughts, which are, simply aggregate of information; these aggregates creating an emotion (which I can experience), but these emotions are not I.
These emotions are all impermanent, unsatisfactoriness, and not I. 
These emotions are simply metaphysical moments, nothing more - nothing less.
My mind has no business clinging to these things.

When we awaken we can recognize (see) the emotion's transient nature, and we become at peace with the process; indeed we become fulfilled by the process itself.

In order to be awake, one simply needs to leave these experiences alone. Witness the emotions that rise and fall; enjoy the experience of the witnessing, and then simply allow them to move on - as is their natural path. Emotions are energy-in-motion (they are not mine to hold; they are not me).

On the day I finally saw the truth, I clung to an emotion that briefly arose in me from the knowledge I had experienced. For the briefest of moments I clung to the emotion of fear; it lasted but only 1 breath, then I released it. Perhaps this was the final fetter of my suffering? The fear I clung to, the fear that I would forget this awareness that I am; and then I smiled, and let it go. (I released the clinging, and embraced the unknown).

My mind is now at peace, the cycle of clinging and aversion are truly broken when I am awake; and now, with clarity, comes the enjoyment of the remainder of this journey. I will practice to be awake, to be one with peace-of-mind. Happiness, unhappiness, and all the emotions that fall under their umbrellas are but experiences to be witnessed, not emotions to claim as Self.

I understand, now I am awake; I shall thoroughly enjoy the practices of not forgetting; I can simply experience, let go, and enjoy the next moment of clarity each time.

With my deepest thanks to all of my teachers (with notable thanks to) Neem Karoli Baba; Zen Master Doam Sunim; Phra Bodhiñanathera; Bhikkhu Bodhi.

Living Life is not the same as existing
Life is a continuum of gifts; sometimes pleasant, sometimes not so pleasant, yet all experiences are gifts. Accepting and embracing the cycle is living, resisting the cycle is the cause of all suffering – it is the painful place of existing.
 
What is being human?
Often we are required to fulfill the portion of the journey as being human, as opposed to human being.
Being human is experiencing discomfort; acknowledging the existence of discomfort, and witnessing the process toward the alleviation of discomfort.
 
I personally witness discomfort often; and although I have the tools to process it, I am continually taught that the tools are but one piece of the puzzle. The practice I am often offered is the practice of allowing time to play its role.
 
Discomfort is not something to be fixed or removed, it is a phenomenon to be experienced. The desire to remove discomfort as quickly as possible becomes the cause of the next level of discomfort we experience. The stronger the desire to remove it, the greater the discomfort becomes.
 
When we practice to recognize and allow discomfort to be present in the moment (which is one of the more difficult practices), we are processing the gift of awareness of impermanence. By admitting discomfort is present, and allowing it space to share with me the message it is here to offer, I am acknowledging life; I am living.
 
Suffering exists; we experience suffering in order to develop compassion toward those who suffer, with the knowledge we all suffer.
 
Practice to witness suffering in the Self; practice to hold this experience, and to witness the cessation of suffering by allowing time to play its role as you process the emotion; and use this experience to extend love toward all those who suffer.
 
Suffering exists
All people suffer
There is a pathway to the cessation of suffering
Suffering ends
 
 
Click Here to learn how to live life fully

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 


Paul J Pettit
Born in Sydney Australia in 1963.


Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays

Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices.

* Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions.
For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THE DIRECTION OF HAPPINESS
Awakening to, and understanding the simplicity of, eastern practices over the complexity of western sciences are a journey forever filled, and my passion in life.
 
I hold a great deal of gratitude toward my clients who are open to learning, as I invite them to pause and unpack the knowledge to be found in the practices I share. Practices such as the Neijing Tu 內經圖, Understanding the microcosm of Self in the macrocosm of the universe.
 
Over these past five years in the USA, my clients have been my lantern. They have proven to me that when someone is prepared to do the work, life definitely changes for the better, not just for Self but also for our family, friends, colleagues, and for those whose lives we connect with along the journey.
 
EASTERN PRACTICES
If eastern practices sound a little too woo-woo for you, allow me to offer you a taste in western mindset terms (through some of the studies I have undertaken; the teachings of Otto Rank, Kierkegaard, Carl Yung, and Rudolph Otto from who are among many of the great names of western science teachers I have enjoyed learning)
 
Where do we start?
 
Let’s unpack, and simplify, some of the western teachings that offer an answer toward The Meaning Of Life, or perhaps the question “Who am I”?
 
THE MEANING OF LIFE, OR, WHO AM I?
Through eastern practices one can unpack Metaphysics (Ontology), Psychoanalysis (Individuation), Agape (Greco-Christian term referring to unconditional love), Eros (Sensual or passionate love), and Uroboros (Ancient Egyptian iconography).
 
We start by recognizing that there are two parts to the Self.
1.A part that knows I am not perfect
2.A part that wants to be perfect
 
Therefore there is a dichotomy at play, and a conundrum associated with the dichotomy.
 
We strive to be perfect, or at least attempt to create perfection through attaining something externally (in the form of recognition or validation from others), through developing a fortress of strength surrounding the Self (financial freedom/success in business/ success in life).
 
The actions we take assist evolution, yet we crave the ultimate goal of achieving IT (the goal of life), which in fact goes against the universal requirement of imperfection for evolution to continue. If we achieve IT (the goal of life) we no longer need to evolve. If we no longer evolve, the universe becomes stagnant.
 
The universe therefore relies upon us to recognize the necessity to remain imperfect.
 
This scenario creates a never-ending suffering, until we are aware that it is desire itself (for recognition) that creates the suffering.
 
While we continue to look externally for validation of our existence, and misguidedly believe this external validation, or recognition, is only achieved through appearing to be successful in life (I call this our desire for heroic greatness) we shall suffer.
 
In western terms this is the action of transference (seeking recognition externally), and is present due to the ceaseless desire for recognition of Self, through the eyes of other-than-self.
 
THE TIMELINE
There appears to be a Timeline Of Transference:
Seeking acceptance & recognition from:

• Parents
• Teachers
• Caregivers
• Peers
• Girlfriend/Boyfriend
• Partner (wife / husband)
• Business Colleagues
• Society / Groups
• The Church
• The Universe (God)

 
However, when we pause and recognize that it is this external pursuit of happiness (achieving the goal of life) that is responsible for (or the cause of) the problems we experience in life, we can see that we create the suffering ourselves.
 
THE ANSWER TO THE CESSATION OF SUFFERING:
By learning the internal path of acceptance & recognition, we cure our suffering.
 
We learn to focus our attention internally, by recognizing the full physical & spiritual existence of what makes up this thing called Self.
 
It is through the practices of awareness of Self that the riddle begins to be solved.
We cease using external physical transference, as we develop the knowledge of universal oneness (we are a part of the universe, not separate to it) or (we are a part of God, not separate to it).
 
Through the practices of self-awareness we begin to witness that we are contributing toward the existence of the universe itself (or God) by developing the individual Self. We begin to understand that it is essential to be perfectly imperfect; and therefore we cease seeking validation from the external objects of transference from which we have been seeking validation. The imperfections, or our inadequacies, are a necessity for growth, rather than an obstacle toward it.
 
We start to recognize the Self in its entirety; the good, the bad, and the ugly all exist in each and every one of us, and therefore we are not imperfect – we are being given an opportunity to live and witness the matrix of potentiality (the opportunity to move toward whatever we choose to move toward in life) through the continuation of the cycle of evolution, by being perfectly imperfect.
 
THE SIMPLICITY 
In learning that your role is to be who you are (in each and every changing moment), one ultimately recognizes it is the journey of uncertainty that brings us joy, not the destination of certainty.
 
Simply put, as your journey unfolds before you, “Your job is to be you”.
 
 
 
 

THE FORMULA
There exists a formula that is available to all souls. Once understood, this formula removes emotional suffering & opens the gateway to happiness.

The formula of which I mention, in relation to emotional suffering, is not unlike any mathematical formula, although it uses experience instead of numbers. Akin to any mathematical formula, this formula is never exhausted; it creates clarity, certainty in uncertainty, and known from that which is currently unknown. 

The formula is objectively & subjectively universal. It transforms circumstances into experiential knowledge.
Any circumstance, whether pleasant or unpleasant becomes an opportunity for emotional suffering to cease.
By using the formula you emotionally take back control of any outcome, and ultimately of your life in its entirety.

Why haven't you  learnt the formula yet?
What is stopping you?
These two questions are gifts in themselves. When you make the effort toward investigating the answers to the questions, with curiosity, you are already on the pathway forward.

Learn HOW to process each gift (each circumstance) that is offered to you in life and you will be forever moving forward toward happiness; but keep resisting the offer and you will always end up exactly where you are today, continually living in the past results. 
www.paulpettit.com

RESPONSIBILITY
What emotions come up for you when the word Responsibility is presented?
Do you immediately go to the past & check-in with those moments that shine the flashlight onto mistakes? You are not alone if this is what occurs; in fact the majority of people view Responsibility in this manner, and associate the unpleasant emotions that arise as negative.
 
However, when you learn the practices that develop awareness of the brain’s negativity bias, and its habitual behavior to view unpleasant emotions as negative, you discover that they are actually not negative – they are positive.
 
Through learning mindfulness practices you also develop the practices of Acceptance; knowing that when the brain is not focused it moves into the automatic mode of survival. Therefore when the word Responsibility is presented to the brain it goes into FFFF (Fight,Flight,Freeze, or Fawn) mode.

THE CYCLE OF EMOTION
By understanding what takes place (the cycle of an emotion) you are better prepared to view every emotion as a gift, even unpleasant emotions. When you know how to process emotions you recognize them as a vehicle to move you forward, as opposed to keeping you ‘stuck’.
 
Therefore Responsibility can be viewed as an opportunity to move forward, when the brain is focused by the mind. In other words, viewing Responsibility mindfully, offers you the opportunity to accept what transpired in the past, & relinquish the past, leaving you free to take Responsibility of the future.
 
When is the only moment that you can make an active difference to the future? The present!

• Responsibility can be the vehicle to transport you toward the preferred future.

 
Responsibility does not need to be viewed as an onerous task; it can be viewed as a gift that leads to the uncharted future-matrix of potentiality; you can take Responsibility & move toward actions that offer you the preferred emotional freedom you seek.

Sacrifice & Worship   
Mythology & Religion share the stories of sacrifice & worship, in order to achieve meaning.
But what does that mean in modern day times? The short answer is to sacrifice the safety of known, and begin to worship the potentiality of the Unknown.

When I awakened, like many, I did not realize I was asleep - until I woke up. My true journey began; I took the first step forward toward the discovery of living life with meaning & purpose as opposed to simply existing in the known.
I discovered that the Unknown becomes known, when you move toward it. 

Responsibility & Meaning are entwined.
In seeking meaning, I discovered that wanting something 'more than this' in life meant taking responsibility; I needed to move toward something better. I needed to release the fear of the unknown, and move toward it.
‘Responsibility’ is a massive unknown; and the brain, due to its primary function of survival, has a habitual aversion toward the unknown. To the brain, survival is achieved in the arena of known, not unknown. Therefore I had a constant battle subduing the fear the brain created of the unknown.
 
This is where the Mind became my greatest weapon. The mind offers the opportunity for voluntary exploration of the unknown by using curiosity over judgment. In other words, the mind allows you to drop judgment of previous perceived shortcomings & replace this judgment with curiosity – curiosity as to why previous results did not give you the desired "better than this" that you seek.

I learnt to capture & control time & space.
 
Time & Space
When we concentrate on time & space alone, awareness rises; and with it an understanding that the Mind has the capacity to overrule the brain’s habitual behavior of survival & the need to cling to certainty of the known.

The known can only be found in the present moment, therefore it is imperative to rule over the brain, keep it focused in the present moment, while gently moving it toward the unknown future.
How often is your brain focused in the present moment?  (I would suggest rarely).
Take 60 seconds to pause, and witness where the brain takes you. Keep a finger on the pulse of how often it goes to the past or the future, and how little it remains in the present.

The mind is the vehicle of Imagination
The power of this formless part of you (the Mind) is beyond anything known to mankind. 
The Mind has the capacity for imagination. Imagination is no less real than perception (how you view the current moment).

The Mind has the capacity to create an image (thought), and this image is given to the brain to process (the brain does not know the difference between a thought & reality). The brain will accept any image the mind offers, and will commence the process of creating a reality from the image. It will then flood the body with related chemicals (neurotransmitters/neuropeptides/hormones) in order to move toward the goal of the image.

In order to live with emotional freedom
Sacrifice the habitual behavior of the Brain, and worship the ability of the Mind, this is the first step toward emotional freedom.

​
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Paul J Pettit
Born in Sydney Australia in 1963.
Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays
Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices.

* Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions.
For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com

You are not faulty; it’s all about the chemicals
Does life feel like it is out of control at times?
Well, that feeling is not unique to you alone.

Human beings are a capsule of chemicals that are activated by an energy source; and sometimes the alchemy of it all is simply out of alignment.

Our Brain continually seeks certainty in places where it does not exist; it views chaos as something to be avoided at all costs, and therefore we try to control our lives, circumstances, and those 'other' people & things that we misguidedly think make our life miserable. This is damage control.
 
The term damage control is not only relevant to moments of unpleasantness, it can occur during moments of pleasantness too. One moment everything seems to be fine, you act in ways that are 'freeing' and without any concern, but then without any notice, your circumstances change. You find that once again you had a little too much 'fun'; a few too many drinks, drugs, or perhaps too much food, partying, or care-free activity.
You have been engaged with the world at such a level that your existential concerns disappeared (but they did not actually go too far).

Why do you keep doing this?
If you are truly interested in something that will give you a chemical release that is associated with positive affect, true confidence to be recreational drug /alcohol free, develop increased immunological functioning, better memory functioning & learning capabilities, then you need go no further. You have the ingredients inside of you - but you haven't been shown HOW to tap into this amazing opportunity to live life fully.

So why are you avoiding the opportunity to become optimally tuned?
Because you didn't know you were asleep until you woke up.
Are you awake???

When you know how, you get to choose.
Now is the time to move forward to a better life...

Click Here to learn how to live life fully

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Paul J Pettit
Born in Sydney Australia in 1963.
Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays
Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices.

* Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions.
For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com