Dec 17
Love0

Monkey Chatter

By Mindfulness No Comments

The Monkey-Chatter in Your Head

We all have negative voices in our head. For some they are subtle, passive, and even deceive us into thinking they are there to protect us and keep us safe. For others, they are much more aggressive, and downright mean. Sometimes we are aware of their words and influence. Most other times we are oblivious to their destructive messages, and they impact our beliefs, sense of self, motivation, and happiness.

During busy times particularly Holidays, we can get frazzled, self-critical and unrealistic in getting stuff done.  It is possible to catch oneself and come back to center where the calm voice of reason can ground us and quiet the monkey-chatter in our heads.

One of the best ways to become savvy to the negative inner voices in your head is to practice mindfulness. To be more mindful means to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions in the present moment.  Try one of these mindfulness tips;

Mindfulness Tip #1 – Stop and take a deep breath as you say to yourself ” breathing in love, breathing out joy”.

Mindfulness Tip #2 – Stop and take three deep breaths and with each exhalation say to yourself  “peace”

Mindfulness Tip #3 – Stop and remind yourself of three things you are grateful for today and notice how your shoulders drop and your breath becomes deeper and slower.

 

Dec 16
Love0

Immerse Ourselves in Life

By Blog No Comments

Immerse Ourselves in Life

            Resting and recovering from severe bronchitis and a nasty flu virus this time afforded me the opportunity to practice extreme self-care and the luxury of catching up on my reading.

            I came across Mark Nepo’s book “The Endless Practice; Becoming Who You Were Born To Be”.  I turned to the chapter entitled “To Immerse Ourselves” and it reminded me of why the Holiday Season might be difficult for many folks because it reminds us of those loved ones who have died or strained family relationships.  

            I turned to this quote from Nepo’s book; “No matter what we dream or plan or think we’re doing, we’re all longing to make friends with being alive – to feel completely here, with nothing in the way.”   “Life keeps happening and once we’ve lost someone who can’t be replaced, we carry this world and the next, with us always.” The call to action for each of us is to embrace the sadness and befriend life with greater devotion.  To show up, put aside our
history, listen, feed each other, love, give and share with one another helps us center into the ordinary and so precious daily livingness of now.  

           Can you name one small gesture you can act on today that will bring you closer to your own sense of being alive?  For me, it was the ability to take a deep breath without constriction or coughing.  I fully appreciated my healed lungs and sense of returning to my healthy self.  Everything around me seems brighter and lighter, filled with life energy and possibility.  

           Is there something you can do, be or give to your life that brings more aliveness to your sense of self?   Befriending life is an art we must stay devoted to, though we will probably never master it, it is why we are here.  Know that I am here to help you on your life’s journey and bring your heart more into the open.  Blessings today and always.