Baron Baptiste: Law #1

LAW 1: SEEK THE TRUTH

re·pent·ance  [ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuhns] 

1. deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing

2. regret for any past action

Baron teaches us the Laws of Transformation should be used as a foundation through which we rebuild our new self. Over the course of this journey, we will find ourselves reflecting back on each Law as a guiding principal though which we live our new life.  

Baron uses "repentance" as a way of helping us understand our Truth. We have been hardwired to associate guilt and regret with repentance – erase that from your head. Instead of dwelling on the bad and all the wrong left turns you've taken, "repent" in a different way. Have the courage to look deep within yourself; self acceptance and forgiveness will lead you into the right alignment. 

Looking inward isn't easy for everyone. Some people are scared to face who they really are because quite frankly, they might not like what they see! Facing your true self is easier said than done. As I've mentioned before, the greatest gift I've granted myself on this journey is the "Power of Solitude". Admittance of one's faults is powerful and cleansing. I now own my faults and honor my new self and my new direction – still growing and learning everyday. 

My alone time is sacred and gives me immeasurable contentment and peace. I recently met someone who shared with me that they've never been alone! Part of me finds this hard to fathom, but I think their scenario is more common than not. How many of us barrel through life without ever looking back at our wake. We're always racing toward the next the horizon never taking time to reflect on the truth of our past actions. Who are you, really? Are you happy? Do you really, truly, deeply like yourself? Is there anything you would change or do differently? Could you be kinder? Are you always making excuses to justify your actions so you don't have to face the truth? There are countless questions you should sit down and ask yourself. The answers may hurt, but it's only when you face your faults that you can repent to be rebuilt. 

Say a little prayer

I have been missing my boys so much lately; it hurts. Can't seem to shake the feeling that I've abandoned them. They know how much I love them and will do ANYTHING for them, but it's still hard to be so far away, especially on a day like today! A little after 11 am, Jenny emailed me to say Jermaine was in the hospital! Poor Jermaine (pictured on the left) was wholly neglected at the nursing home to the point his bed sores turned into a dangerous blood infection, then a bone infection, then CODE BLUE!

Beth Abraham Nursing Facility: YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES! Those bed sores should never have been neglected to the point of reaching a deadly infection! Jermaine does not have eyes on the back of his head, not to mention HE'S PARALYZED and can't feel anything! But he still knew something was wrong and told you. But you ignored him. The conditions these young people live in are outrageous!!! 

I called Jermaine immediately, and of course, he was smiling through the phone in pure Jermaine fashion. 

Jermaine's final words to me: "I'm so happy for you, Diana. I know you have to 'do your thing,' but I miss you soooo much! I can't wait to see you!" I can't wait to see you either, Jermaine! 

A little about Jermaine:  Jermaine is one of the sweetest young men you'll ever meet! A church-going, hardworking, happy young man, he was tragically gunned down (after being set up by a friend) for his jewelry. The spray of bullets rained down on him like a tsunami. He managed to survive, but barely. He is now paralyzed. His life has been forever changed since that fateful day. With a loving family but very little money, Jermaine had nowhere to go. His family simply couldn't afford the tens of thousands of dollars it would take to care for him. Thus, like Blake, he was forced to live in a deplorable nursing facility. No place for a remarkable young man with a once very bright future to live.

Although Jermaine seems to find himself fighting one complication after another, he is always upbeat and positive. He obtained his GED and is now going to college! I purchased him a new computer for his birthday this past December, and he's determined to graduate. 

These boys are constant reminders of how precious life is.  They are beacons of hope, love and optimism. 

JERMAINE (left), ME (middle), BLAKE (right)
LULU & JERMAINE! I snuck lulu into the nursing home to drop off some gifts and say "see you later" before we left!

Like so many countless others, Jermaine has been ignored by the system and fallen through the cracks. These kids just need a little help to make something of their lives! 

I'll be back to visit the boys again in April, but it doesn't seem soon enough!!!!

meta yoga studio | breckenridge, co

I've been taking yoga, pilates and Body Pump classes at the local rec center but figured it was time to buckle down and join Meta! Yoga at Breck Rec is great; however, they don't offer enough classes and I'd like more challenge and diversity. Also, from what I've been told, Meta poached some of the rec center's best teachers! 

Location: Meta Yoga Studios • 118 S. Ridge Street • Breckenridge, CO • Tel: 970.547.YOGA
 

Cost: $15 for a drop in class. I opted to spring for the one month unlimited yoga special for $99 ($125 per month regularly) + $2 for large towel rental or $1 for small towel

Venue: Bright studio, very warm and inviting!

Style: Hot Vinyasa Power Hour

Class size: about 7

Level: Intermediate (although beginners could take it at their own pace)

Summary: Leslie, the owner, taught a great, challenging workout in just one hour. My thighs were quivering at times, so you know it's good! So happy I joined. :)

Meta will be my home away from home during my 40 DAYS TO PERSONAL REVOLUTION!

baron baptiste

You can meditate and do yoga until your blue in the face, and all you will ever be is blue in the face unless you have the courage to open your heart, face reality, admit your mistakes, and take right action!

the twelve laws of transformation

According to Gandhi, we can trace any lack of health we experience to mental and spiritual causes, and that vitality and health can be transofrmed only when a person's entire attitude toward life is changed. In Gandhi's infinite wisdom he knew that what was necessary for pure health was to live by the laws of nature in relationship to diet, purposeful exercise, fresh air, positive surroundings, forgiveness, and a pure heart! ~ I couldn't agree more!

Guiding through principals allows us to live a more purposeful life.

LAW 1: Seek the Truth

LAW 2: Be Willing to Come Apart

LAW 3: Step out of Your Comfort Zone

LAW 4: Commit to Growth

LAW 5: Shift Your Vision

LAW 6: Drop What You Know

LAW 7: Relax with What Is

LAW 8: Remove the Rocks

LAW 9: Don't Rush the Process

LAW 10: Be True to Yourself

LAW 11: Be Still and Know

LAW 12: Understand that Whole is the Goal

40 DAYS TO PERSONAL REVOLUTION

WHY "40" DAYS?

Because the number 40 holds tremendous spiritual significance in the realm of transformation. Jesus wandered in the desert for forty days in order to experience purification and come ot a greater understanding of himself and his mission. Moses and his people traveled through the desert for forty years before arriving at their home in the the holy land. Noah preserved the sacredness of life by sailing his ark for forty days and forty nights.  According to Kabbalah, the ancient Jewish mystical text, it takes forty days to ingrain any new way of being into our system. 

40 DAYS to wipe out the old and welcome the new! In forty days, you can shift into a whole new way of living and being.

good "bloody mary morning" from vail! :)

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I guess Rio decided it was his turn!!!!!

breckenridge | mardi gras parade

What a fun time as we tossed beads to the thousands of spectators that came out for the Breck Mardi Gras Parade! And no, folks didn't have to show their b##bs for beads!! This is a super happy town and they know how to celebrate, in style! 

breck icebar ! too bad it's a work day !

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