"Optimal living" is about gaining the momentum to overcome the the influences and forces that are holding you back from personal development or transformation. We call the idea of overcoming these obstacles "achieving escape velocity". Optimal Living is the practical side of achieving escape velocity. It's about the changes you can make in your environment, relationships, living arrangements and your approach to solving the survival needs you have in life.



The main focus of Optimal Living is about creating a firm, stable and sustainable foundation from which to launch your foray's into the mysteries of transformation. In other words, an "optimal situation" that will greatly enhance your ability to achieve your personal development, transformation or spiritual growth.

The blocks or obstacles to achieving self actualization / realization seem to be centered around three arenas of our life. These three arenas are interdependent. First, in order to do or achieve anything, we need energy. This is the first and most foundational arena. We call it your "Energy Reservoir". We also need time and the ability to pay attention to what we are trying to accomplish or create. This is what we refer to as the "Freedom Factor". Thre are many things in life that can rob us of time and attention if we let them. The third factor we need to look at is what we call "Memetic Undertow". Memetic Undertow is a general term that covers all kinds of ideas, emotions and beliefs that can stop us from achieving "escape velocity". Let's look at these one at a time.

Energy Reservoir

Physical energy, mental energy and motivational energy are the three main types we have to deal with. If we are lacking in any one of the three, we won't be able to accomplish much. It makes sense to insure yourself against "running out" of any of these fuels. The best way to keep your physical energy up is to eat well and stay fit. Also, don't overdo it on heavy working out because this could be counter productive. Remember we are shooting for "Optimal". This means you try to get the most gain with the least amount of energy. One method I have found that works well is the "slow burn" method. It is simple and quick.

Mental energy is the ability to think clearly and face reality instead of falling into confusion or negative thinking. The best way to get clear on what is going on in our minds is through self inquiry and contemplation. Two other forms of mental work are: Questioning and Mindfulness. Also, you need the proper rest if you use your mind to solve problems in a stressful environment at your place of work. Try meditation, or you may want to think about finding a less stressful job.

Motivational energy has to do with our emotions. Enthusiasm is a highly energized emotional state. The best way of insuring you have this motivational energy is to work on eliminating the negative emotional reactions you experience that seriously sap your energy level. Emotional reactions and negative emotions come from unresolved issues that are hidden away in your subconscious mind. Emotional Clearing is the most powerful method I know of to deal with these issues. You will be amazed at how much energy you gain by working with your negative emotions to resolve them.

Dissipation is the antithesis of Optimal Living and will seriously thwart your ability to achieve escape velocity. There are many things that will steal your energy and I think you know about them. But let me remind you anyway. Television, drugs, alcohol and any activity you find yourself addicted to. If you have compulsive addictions, you can deal with them with Emotional Clearing and Self Inquiry.

Freedom Factor

Freedom is a wide subject. It comes down to decisions. Think before you make commitments like creating a family, buying a car or a house. The principle is: simple is better than complex for our purposes of achieving "escape velocity". Almost anything you do can help you "gain energy or drain energy". Always measure the consequences of life decisions and choose simple over complex, conserving over wasting. The object is to gain energy and free up your time.

Relationships can be nourishing or degrading and stressful. If you find yourself in a stressful relationship, step back, step away or get some quality help now. How is it to be around your family? Do they wear you out? Do they press your unconscious buttons and drain your energy? Take some time to reflect on it.

Memetic Undertow

You can see the effect of memes all over the place. You have beliefs that have been programmed into you that do not serve you. Society has placed certain "expectations" on you that you may be blindly expending energy to meet. Your family may be exerting emotional pressure on you that steals your energy and time. When you are serious about self development, transformation or spiritual growth, there can be no "sacred cows". You must learn to question everything. The key words here are: "conscious or unconscious"? Carl Jung stated that enlightenment is "... bringing the darkness to the light." Or put another way, making the unconscious conscious. Self Inquiry and deep reflection are the tools that can help you do that.

The basic principles of Optimal Living for achieving "escape velocity" are simply stated. Least energy most gain. Simple verses complex. Nourishing vs degrading. Conserving vs wasteful. Reflective vs projective. Conscious vs unconscious. Reactive vs responsive. At cause vs victim hood. Learn to apply these clarifying questions to your life on a continual basis and you will automatically find yourself moving rapidly ahead on your journey to self actualization / realization and wholeness.