I know if I actually use the word “meditation” I might scare some of you off so I won’t! Keep reading… you’ll like it. Just STOP whatever it is you are doing. If you are frustrated or feeling overwhelmed, you obviously need to STOP! Now, I know there are things you have to do or that need to get done. But just take a moment and stop. Close your eyes – just for a minute or two. Try to push all thoughts away – just think about your breath – only for a minute or so. If thoughts come into your head – just push them away and come back. Give your mind a break – for a minute. Other 1 minute mindfulness techniques can be found in my new favorite book: Hot Mess Mom to Mindful Mom – Amazon (Can you tell, I love Amazon?). Today, RIGHT NOW, take a moment and just stop.
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I know, I know… what does that even mean? I know you might not like it – but here goes. Turn off the TV. Put your phone away. Turn off the computer. Say no to devices… just for a little while (5-10 minutes).
Mindfully listen: What do you hear, what do you hear that is a new sound?
Mindfully see: What do you see, what do you see that you haven’t seen before or didn’t notice?
Mindfully eat: What does it sound like, what does it feel like, what does it taste like? Actually enjoy it!
Mindfully move: What does each movement feel like, pay attention to every feeling?
For mindfulness courses visit: Mindful Life Today – Dr. Kristen Race
Today, RIGHT NOW, whatever you choose to do, do it mindfully.
I know, easier said than done. But think about it for a moment. What are you doing in life that you don’t HAVE to be doing? What could you say, “no” to? What could you get rid of? Activities, devices, televisions, clutter, toxic people? Are you overbooked? Are you saying yes to things because you feel guilty saying, “no”? Are you spending time with people that don’t make you a better person? Take some time to evaluate what you can or should give up. How can you simplify your life – just a little – so that you have more time to do the things that bring you joy. More time for the things you love. More time for you to do what makes you happy? Another all time favorite book – an oldie but goodie: Gift From The Sea – Amazon, can bring you a little perspective and make you want to simplify your life. Today, RIGHT NOW, push yourself to find something that you don’t need, and get rid of it!
A simple act of kindness can change your state of mind. As the giver of kindness, you get just as much benefit as the recipient of kindness. In my classroom, we call that “filling a bucket.” When you are kind to someone, you fill your bucket and their bucket. Win, Win! Simply witnessing an act of kindness is enough to change your state of mind. So in this crazy world, when you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, take a moment and think about how you can spread kindness. Pay it forward. Buy someone a Starbucks or their favorite snack. Write an inspirational message to someone or a “thank you for being you’” note. Grab these Kindness Cards from Amazon Kindness Cards Amazon and pass one along when you’re feeling down. Today, RIGHT NOW, find a way to show kindness to someone.
It’s like a little gift to yourself… thus the word “present.” Be present. What does that even mean? I’m here. I’m going through the motions. I’m getting through this thing called life – going to sporting events for children, working, taking care of the kids, cleaning the house/yard, dinner on the table every night. I’m getting it done – what do you mean I’m not present? Well, you’re not. Not if you are doing more than one thing at a time. I know. I know. You are saying, “Life is crazy. If I don’t multi-task, I will never catch up/get done with everything I am expected to do.” And I want you to know that I absolutely understand that. I am the queen of multi-tasking. I can get it all done – eight things at once – after all, I teach a room full of 6 year olds. I have to be able to do more than one thing at a time. It is my life – at work and home. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be multi-tasking. I’m saying that you must find times that you can slow down and be present. Find those times that make you joyful. Find those events that you won’t get back. Find those things that might be “a last time.” Those are the times you need to slow down. A book to remind you: Breakfast With Buddha. So today, RIGHT NOW, be present.
Life sucks sometimes. Bad things are going to happen. People get sick, people die, arguments happen, accidents happen. That is just life. But… focusing on the negative leaves no room for the happiness. Think of it like a garden. When you pay attention to something in your garden it grows (like giving it sun, water, soil) and visa versa when you don’t pay attention to something it can’t grow. In your brain, when you focus on the negative, it kind of makes WEEDS grow. You know how weeds are – they take over!!!! Well, if you’re constantly focused on the weeds, they overtake the space in your brain (garden). Then there is just not enough room for the flowers or “positive thoughts.” A habit of being grateful or finding the good will overpower these weeds.
Get into a pattern or routine of finding things to be grateful for each day and eventually, it will seem like second nature. I use this book to help me get into the pattern: The Magic (28 days of gratefulness) Amazon. You will be able to pull 3-4 things from your head at any given moment that you are grateful for. Then, even when things “suck,” you’ll begin to be able to find some good. So today, RIGHT NOW, write down at least 5 things you are grateful for and then… do it every single day!
As a mommy… sometimes I want to scream or just leave! As a teacher… my patience is tested (I mean really tested). We all have days, hours, or minutes of stressed out, completely overwhelmed feelings. Breathe. Take a moment and take five breaths. Inhale through your nose. Exhale through your mouth. Feel your belly move out on the inhale and in on the exhale. Any change in your breathing pattern for just 3-5 breaths will change your state of mind. Allow yourself a moment. Breathe in and breathe out. Practice different kinds of breaths: slower on the inhale and faster on the exhale (or the opposite), try a forceful exhale with your tongue out, three short breaths in and one breath out, etc. Love this children’s book (but for adults, too): Breathe and Be – Amazon. Mix it up and do whatever breath feels right but today, RIGHT NOW, take a moment and just breathe.
Click, listen, review, subscribe, and share, share, share!!!!!!! Here is the link to my latest episode of The Seven Year Bitch Podcast.
Me Time – Never Heard Of It!!!!!!!