Practices and actions: Helpful practices

A global shift in consciousness takes place one person at a time. Ultimately it begins with each of us cultivating healing and peace in our personal lives. Each of us is a microcosm of the planet as a whole. The planet's current travails are suffered in an endless variety of ways by each of us individually. The “body” of humanity begins to heal as each “cell” in that body heals. If we are all deeply interconnected, then working on our personal peace is a gift to the whole of humanity. Our personal healing can have a ripple effect that we can't even imagine. As each of us develops more harmony in our personal life, we become an example for others to follow the same path. Then, from that centered place in ourselves, we have the clarity and inspiration to lend our help to healing the planet, whether it’s a simple act like recycling paper or getting involved with a local community organization that helps feed the homeless.

There are numerous practices and actions that can serve to align you with the shift in consciousness currently taking place. Only seven practical approaches are presented here, but each is described in sufficient detail to give you an idea of what is involved and how to proceed. Perhaps you have already embraced several or even all of them. More in depth descriptions are offered in the book, Global Shift.

The seven transformative practices described are:

	Simplify Your Life			Build Peace in All Relationships
	Care for Your Body			Practice Meditation
	Think Larger			Take Action to Help the Environment / Correct Social Injustice
	Finding Your Unique Purpose

These practices and actions not only create greater personal peace, they also align you with the larger evolutionary processes of the earth and cosmos. On a practical level, there are certain practices that are both personally helpful as well as helpful to the planet. For example, by simplifying your life, you can save yourself stress, giving yourself more time to enjoy personal relationships or simply be present (quiet) with yourself. At the same time, you will be aligning with the planet’s needs by consuming less, conserving resources, and lightening your environmental footprint. Or, by communicating in ways that fully respect the differences and unique perspectives of each individual, you model an approach for others that leads to greater interpersonal harmony and peaceful co-existence.

In brief, the above practices promote health and peace in your own life as well as helping align you with the larger needs of the planet. By undertaking each practice, you lessen personal stress while at the same time contributing to the shift in consciousness needed on the earth at this time.