So David and I (and the girls, too, actually) recently started seeing a Maximized Living chiropractor. In a very basic nutshell the premise is this: take care of getting your spine and neck properly aligned, support maximum health through food and exercise and your spiritual life, and your body will then take care of healing itself of the aches and pains it uses to signal disruptions to its optimum state. Maximum Living chiropractors treat the whole person within the whole family. So far we’ve had good results from being treated consistently, but we’re at the very beginning of our treatment.
As part of the plan I’m reading a book called “Maximized Living Makeover.” Most of the book explains the theory behind the treatments, and the rest of the book details day-by-day action plans. Right in the middle, however, is a section which deals with making sure your spiritual and mental health is aligned. Great stuff hiding in there! Almost worth the price of the book to get their persepctive on why building “Peace” into your life is necessary for optimal living. I am, believe it or not, a chronically disorganized person. I have to struggle to build systems and people into my life who can keep me on track. This is probably common amoung people who live in open community, like we do! So I was intrigued with this list of “Lives” the Maximized Living book details. Lives are the components of your life, components which all need attention each week in your life.
Your Nine Lives
- Mental health life
- Family life
- Personal health and fitness life
- Financial life
- Purpose life
- Recreational life
- Relationship with friends and coworkers life
- Community obligations life
- Education and personal growth life
The principle is to intentionally schedule “boxes” of time into your week to address each one of these areas. Some will require more attention than others, of course, but all of them need thought and intentionality. And while you are focusing on one of these areas, exclude all the others for the time being. Each deserves your full attention!
Anyone else convicted by that thought process? Anyone else liberated by that thought process? I am! reading this little section in the book last night freed me to be fully in the moment here at the lake, as we focus on life #6, our recreational life and on #2, our family life. This morning there are moments available for writing and reading (Lives 1,4,5 and 9!). Living fully in the moment frees me to stop worrying about the parts of my life I can’t focus on right now. And it also inspires me to keep growing and changing in all the areas of my life. I leave you with an interesting quote from the book.
“Do not confuse contentment with complacency. It’s easy to get comfortable. Because of this, many have lost jobs, lost famiies, and gained large waistlines. You’re either growing or dying, so in order to keep the mission alive, plan daily and weekly growth. Many people look at guidelines for living as a lawful, dry, and boring existence. But they are not. Far from it! The life that is inspired is an exciting one. It is a life that goes beyond simple happiness to an inner sense of peace and fulfillment.”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
wow! You have actually taught me something about MaxLiving that I didn’t know! I need to read that part of the book again! So happy to see this working in your life!
Always happy to help!!
I couldn’t be happier for you an the family! I am beyond thrilled that you are taking everything to heart! Just so you know I live to see this happen in people’s lives and you have made my week! I am really looking forward to seeing all the growth and changes! You an the entire family are awesome! If you ever need anything let me know. I know vacation is going well, enjoy it and we will see you soon!