Introduction to Phase Three Practices

Begin to practice what it means to thrive.

Before we begin the final session of this course, I want to congratulate you. Taking it upon ourselves to become the masters of our experience is a braver thing than it seems sometimes. It takes a bold person to reach for the possibility this program offers. I’m so grateful you are willing to share the journey with me.

I’ve included a few phase three practices below and in your topic materials, to introduce you to Phase Three Practices.

Learn the Active Listening Meditation Practice 

1. Philosophical writing – if you like to read self-help, educational or philosophical  books as part of your Phase Two practice, keep something for writing close at  hand. When a thought inspires you, don’t continue reading. Put down the book and begin writing. Exploring your discoveries is a powerful meditation practice. 
2. Contemplate Complex Ideas – another option for philosophical writing is to ask yourself big questions like; what is the meaning of life? Or what is the nature of the universe? Write or speak your answers aloud. Important note: you must make sure you write or speak. If you don’t articulate the idea, you don’t gain the benefit of developing improved brain function.
3. Creative movement. Exercise or dance, but don’t use predetermined,  choreographed movement. Pause and ask your body how it wants to move. Do you  want to stretch or do push-ups? Do you want to bend or bounce? Learn how to  listen to your feeling body and how it aspires to move.
4. Intuitive walking or driving – in this exercise, you’re going to ‘feel’ the way you want to go next. As you come to each crossroad, pause to decide the direction you will go by asking what “feels right.” It might be best to begin with walking, so you aren’t causing any driving hazards. As you become more adept at listening to the intuitive part of your brain, this is a great way to explore new places.
5. Doodle Art. Create art for coloring. You can do mandalas like or Zentangle or  random patterns and designs. Save the pages you create for your Phase One and  Phase Two coloring activities. If you would like to challenge yourself a bit, try  drawing your pictures with your non-dominant hand. This will increase the benefits of the exercise.
6. Finally, play with creation. Try new crafts, new arts, but don’t take classes, not for  this process. Learning something new belongs in Phase Two. Try your hand at self expression. It may take some time and some creations you don’t necessarily want to keep, but in the end, you will find a voice which is both inspiring and craving the next inspiration. It is within us all to be artists. It is the act of  expressing the self. 

I’ll go into each at deeper levels, along with adding some specific Phase Three exercises in the next class. For now, let’s try a practice.