I know that when my husband's voice gets soft and gentle, that he is going to ask something of me, and he doesn't want me to say no. "Baby, can you please do something for me…" Oh great. Please, add something more to my plate, because I'm not overcome with emotion and lists and tasks already. "Can you please go sit in the spare room, for 10 minutes? I've left it set up for you."
It's humbling, and downright embarrassing, to get caught in the act of not practicing what I preach. I know, absolutely, the great benefits of meditation. I know how calm and balanced I am after I've meditated. I know how good it feels to set aside some time for myself, with no distractions. Have I been doing it lately? No. Can I remember the last time I did this for myself? No. "Take your shoes off. Sit here, put the headphones in, and set the timer." My husband has created a daily ritual for himself. Even though I'm the one who teaches this on a regular basis, he is the one who's actually been benefitting from a personal practice. Instant relief, before I've even closed my eyes. Gratitude, at being offered these quiet minutes, rather than having to ask for them. Pride, that my husband 'gets it' and sees that I need it. I upped the anti, and took 15 minutes instead. What did I notice? *I'm constantly in a state of problem solving. Churning, listing, stacking, sorting, managing, cross-referencing, debating, planning. I know I do it, and it's exhausting. In the act of observing it, it's even more exhausting. I come back to my breath, over and over. *I notice that my posture gradually shifts forward, more and more over time. Leaning toward the future. I catch myself, and immediately shift back to my sit bones, and feel grounded, steady, and present. *As soon as I've had a few minutes of time to myself, I'm feeling the need to give, to offer, to share. I'm thinking of ways I can reach my community, my students, my family. I catch myself, and take a deep breath. Grounded again. 15 minutes was over before I knew it. My busy brain kept me in a constant state of checking in. I could have gone longer, which is a good way to leave it. I'm craving more, and there's a good chance I'll feel inclined to make time for it again, most likely tomorrow. This is my gentle nudge to you. Take 5, 10, 15, 20... heck... 30 minutes, if you can. Remove all distractions (or as many as you can), sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Follow your breath, and watch your thoughts as they come and go. When you follow one particular thought for longer than a moment, return to following your breath. There are plenty of apps out there too, if you want music, guided meditation, or a timer. The word 'meditation' might not jive for you. Then call it observation. Call it contemplation. Call it sitting-with-my-eyes-closed-and-watching-my-thoughts. Whatever. You are worth it, and you deserve it. I hope you take some time for yourself, and not wait until you're at your wits end. But even if you do, it still won't be too late. Onwards, fellow Humans. ❤️
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Who am i?I'm a busy gal with lots of things on the go. I'm a new mom, I'm a business owner, I'm a Canadian living in the Pacific NorthWest. I'm a wife, I'm a creative, free-thinking, wear-my-heart-on-my-sleeve Yogini who likes to write about whatever's on my mind. I carve my own path, and strive to live my life without permission or validation from others. I'm moved to tears when I get to witness those bold enough to step out of their comfort zones, and I'll passionately stand for anyone willing to be own their unique, authentic, genuine, vibrant self. Archives
September 2017
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