I just saw the movie Mary Poppins Returns with my sister Shell and her grandchildren. I loved it! So many incredible messages for all ages. Here are a few of my favourites:

“Everything is possible. Even the impossible.”

“Today or never. That’s my motto.”

“You’re too focused on where you’ve been to pay attention to where you’re going.”

“A cover is not the book. So open it up and take a look.”

“After all, you can’t lose what you never lost.”

When it comes to our own personal growth, we hear versions of these same messages over and over again and sometimes we benefit from hearing them in different ways, including from Mary Poppins :)
Mary Poppins is a take-care-of-business kind of woman. I like her style; she discourages over thinking, doesn’t get caught up in emotions, she defies the need for logic, and miracles happen in her presence. Phew! What a list. Perhaps her greatest ability, is she helps adults to reconnect to their childlike innocence and not be so confined by the limitations of their mind and the seriousness of life. A great inspiration!

Just think, what if we could have a clear intention and focus paired with a take-care-of-business attitude on our spiritual journey (it is required on this path if you want to go the distance) while letting go of the seriousness or need to be perfect or fix something?

When I embarked on the journey of spiritual growth it was because I wanted change in some way, shape or form. I didn’t really know what that would look like but I did know intuitively that something was missing.

Then the seriousness set in. I became consumed on fixing myself and ‘being spiritual’. I see this happening with others as well. It can be hard to look life straight in the eyes, feel feelings, and deal with our reality. What makes it even harder is adding judgment or the need to be perfect to this mix.

What I have grown to learn and appreciate is the difference between a necessary level of focus and discipline, and becoming so serious, that we lose the greatness and lessons that come with being curious, imaginative and light-hearted along the way.

What if we gave ourselves permission to make mistakes, to explore and be adventurous?

What if we committed to a mindfulness practice that works for us? That we enjoy doing.

I think a lot of people quit meditation or don’t explore mindfulness because they have the idea that they will never be able to do it as well as other people do.

There is no right or wrong. We can’t fail. We can sit however we like when we meditate and for as long as we choose. We all have time for mindfulness because mindfulness means we are being present with whatever we are doing or experiencing. Including watching Mary Poppins and eating popcorn. :)

Let’s make sure we find the fun along the way! I promise, you’ll enjoy the ride even more.

Diane xo