A few weeks ago, I made the decision to commit to a morning walk for 28 days.
Research has shown when we do something consistently for 28 days, we have created a habit.
So, I felt inspired to give it a go!
There was resistance for the first few days but now at day 18, I can’t imagine not doing it. I love it! It’s peaceful, grounding and has become a special part of my morning routine.
As I’m walking, I focus on things I am grateful for. I thank my healthy body; my feet, my legs, all parts of my body, and this feels amazing. I’m aware of the colours, the textures, the smells, all the beauty I see around me.
It is very meditative.
In these moments of gratitude, there is no longing for anything else.
How beautiful that a simple choice to be grateful can provide such fulfillment.
When I get home, I then do my eyes-closed meditation. For me it’s the perfect combo to start my day.
In the morning, our mind is most open to new impressions. How we start our day has a big impact on the lens of which we see ourselves and our world. This is true for me.
What we focus on grows.
When we are in a moment of gratitude, there is a fullness, no sense of lack.
When you are in a state of wanting or needing there is a sense of lack. We need something in order to feel whole, complete, happy.
A busy mind is focused on the past or the future.
It is focused on needing or wanting.
It is grasping for something on the outside to feel whole, happy or fulfilled.
Sometimes when the mind is busy, and life is busy, it can seem complicated or next to impossible to make a positive change.
It is possible when we keep it simple.
Anytime we become aware we aren’t present, we are present.
In this moment of awareness, we can choose to ‘change the channel’.
To pause. Take a breath. Think about what we are thankful for.
We can even think the thought, ‘I’m ready to change the channel’.
This calms the mind and body and realigns our focus.
Like anything, consistency is the key. The more we practice the more natural it becomes.
When we are consistently worried and stressed, this feels natural (I’ve been here before and I’m not going back).
When we are consistently grateful, breathing and being present, this becomes a habit and a natural way of being.
During this pandemic there have been so many things we can’t do or can’t have. It’s easy for the mind to start focusing on the negative; what we don’t have or what we want to be happy, feel whole, complete.
For me, self-isolation has caused me to be even more grateful for things I assumed would always be there.
I am experiencing the fullness of simplicity in my mindfulness practice and in my life in a new, refreshing way.
In this space I am able to hear what my soul truly longs for.
How do we know what we need if we don’t take a break from what we want?
Right now, pause…
Take a breath.
What is 1 thing you are grateful for?
Breathe.
What is this moment like with nothing to want?
Feel that.
As the pace of life and it’s demands begins to pick back up, or when any sense of overwhelm starts to creep in, keep returning to this. There is no need to over-complicate or overhaul your way of doing things.
Keep it simple.
Diane