There's A Universal Truth For That

When it comes to a crisis in the public relations industry, you're taught to stick with the universal truths. Don't fluff public statements or press releases with what could have or should be done. Stick with what has and will continue to be true instead. This lesson is much applicable to the crises-prone cycle known as life. Whether it's a break-up, new job opportunity or emotionally straining time, know what truths you stand for and amplify the hell out of them.

What are universal truths? Universal truths are beliefs and/or values that you choose to live by. They are statements about yourself and your perspective on life that are displayed through your actions and words. They are anchored principles that do not shake or dismantle under any circumstance. The best universal truths are applicable to any situation because that's exactly what they're used for: your approach(es) to life.

Today I'd like to share 5 of my most used universal truths. I encourage you to develop your own universal truths to see how life transforms around you and how you transform life.


1. Take a deep breath. Then take another.
My mama taught me to think before I speak. I daresay yours taught you the same. Of course this advice is unfathomable to a child, but there's wisdom in this maxim. The ego often speaks before the heart, so take a deep (literal) breath before jumping to conclusions or making decisions. The extra oxygen to your brain will allow you to think lucidly and concisely, which will come across in your response. We take about 20,000 breaths a day, so it's a fairly useful habit anyway. It takes practice, but replace your "ums" and stutters with a complete inhalation and exhalation. The pause will hardly be noticeable and quickly forgotten with your stellar response. As Anna Nalick says, "Just breathe."

2. Expect nothing, receive everything.
You're probably thinking, "Of course! If you don't expect anything, you won't be disappointed in anything you receive." Well, kind of. This is not to say don't set goals, but instead allow situations to occur naturally. What's the last event or circumstance that you forced? Did you receive what you wanted out of it? Are you happy with the outcome? Chances are that you aren't. If you decide to fill your basket with brown eggs only, there's no room for anything else. You have predetermined your fate by limiting the possibilities. Be open and you will receive.

3. If you can't change it, change your perspective.
I consider this one of the most valuable and frequently used truths. There's plenty of things I want to change from the legalities of medical marijuana to my cat's vengeful littering in the bathtub. This is NOT to say that political advocacy and cat training are useless, but short-term approaches can often be as useful as long-term approaches. If I alter my perspective of medical marijuana use, my opponents' viewpoints clearly surface. This allows me to advocate the health benefits of cannabis with others' fears or concerns in mind, thus making my argument more convincing to both sides. Perhaps this isn't the best example. In other words, situations that you have no or limited control of are danger zones. They challenge your well-being and clarity of thought all because they aren't congruent with your point-of-view. Changing your perspective can alter your attitude, thoughts and opinions so that you are working towards a goal with a positive purpose, not an obstinate objection.

4. Under-promise and over-deliver. 
One of my bosses taught me this one. It's way, way, way easier said than done. With that being said, perhaps try saying little to nothing at all. I'm going to use a cliché here: Actions speak louder than words. Making promises is an incredibly memorable practice for both the promiser and the promisee (yes, I coined those words). A promise is a powerful word that contains even more powerful intentions. Promises are sometimes easier to recall than one's actions, so let your actions act as your promises and never disappoint. 

5. Laugh about it. 
Lately I've seen several articles about the oldest people alive--all over 100. Want to know what each and every one of them says their secret is? Laughter. Laughter is a physical, emotional and mental medicine. Laughter literally boosts the immune system, triggers the endorphin system, elevates pain tolerance, stimulates circulation, reduces stress-related hormones, improves respiration and the immune system, and increases virus-killing cells. Another cool fact? We laugh 30x more in social settings than when alone.* It's not a terrible idea to let out a giggle or full-on explosion of laughter as part of your daily regimen.

How can you apply laughter to real-life situations? If I find myself in a stressful situation, I ask myself, "How is this situation funny right now?" I may not laugh, but I'll crack a smile or pay more attention to my exhalations (which is known to release toxins). If anything I realize how temporary or insignificant the situation is and allow myself to level out my emotions and make better decisions.

*Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-awesome-facts-about-laughing-and-why-you-should-do-it-more.html

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Stretch of the Month: Hip Opening

Shakira said it first: my hips don't lie. Have you ever squatted or bent over to find yourself feeling suddenly angry or frustrated? Not to sound like an anti-depressant commercial, but you're not alone. The anatomical significance of hips is evident, but the emotional implications are not always. Hips can be thought of as a basin for negative emotions. We women especially store years of frustration and negative emotions in those junk drawers known as hips. I've attended several hip-opening yoga classes and almost every time afterwards, I witness a woman or two crying with both relief and gratitude. I have to admit that Pigeon Pose sometimes makes me feel like I need to scream and just let it all go. So I do.

No matter your age, sex or degree of flexibility, it's never too late to stretch your hip flexor muscles. You'll also find yourself with improved mobility, flexibility and stability by practicing hip-openers bi-weekly or so. Some of my favorite asanas that are guaranteed to do the trick are High Lunge, Lizard Pose and Lotus Pose. This week I'd like to share a stretch with you that I recently learned. It has done a wonder on my hip flexors and shoulders. Be aware that this an intense hip opener and may require moderate stretching prior to attempting. Also, please excuse my goofy facial expressions!

Hip-Opening Stretch

1. Sit with your feet crossed and let your legs fall to either side at about a 45 degree angle.

2. Place your thumbs under your pits and place your hands on your chest, fingers pointing upwards. 

Make sure your elbows are outside of your knees.

3. As you inhale, keeping your spine elongated, squeeze your legs together.Your knees can be used as leverage to push your elbows closer together. This motion should cause your shoulder-blades to push outwards and the front of your shoulders inwards. Hold this pose for 3 seconds as you hold your breath.

4. Exhale and release to the starting position. Repeat 3-5 times.

The morning after this stretch, I find my hips fairly sore from all the release, so please keep your body in mind when practicing. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If it does, try gradually increasing the number of repetitions of this stretch. After a few stretches, like Shakira, you'll start to feel it's right. ;)

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