| Gratitude Lists |
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 "Not what we have .. but what we enjoy .. constitutes our abundance." ~Epicurus
The past few months have been so busy and engaging .. amazing new opportunities, exciting projects, a full diary of events and meetings, a welcome return to warmer weather and being able to enjoy meditation classes in some truly inspiring locations. Times of feeling completely 'in the flow' .. joyful and energized!
Then life throws an unexpected 'curve-ball' and a sense of disconnection arises. I am temporarily unbalanced and uncertain of the way forward .. doubt has arrived and brought along some of those nasty little negative-speaking voices!
Well, today the sun is shining and the sky is a soft Mediterranean blue .. again I feel blessed and connected to life! In recent weeks I have returned to the practice of journaling and closing each day with a Gratitude List (something I used to do for many years but somehow lost track of). There really is so much to be grateful for .. every day in so many different ways.
When we rest our attention on the abundance of joy and good in our lives, and live with a 'spirit of gratitude' .. then we reconnect with the richness of life and all that is good. This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the fact that we have a choice on where we rest our focus .. "which candle we light on our altar".
A Gratitude or Happy List is a magical exercise for opening ourselves to the abundance of all that we already possess.
Today I am truly grateful for:
*The sunshine that encouraged me to go to the park with my dog, niece, sister and daughter .. to play in the fresh air and laugh out loud at mischievous children and funny games
*My beautiful home made coffee (just the one) that I lovingly prepare each morning .. a sacred morning ritual .. ahhh the aroma!
*Taking that country pumpkin and making a big, hearty batch of lentil and pumpkin soup .. and then taking it outside to enjoy in the sun
*Friends who email and call and laugh and support and encourage
*Being able to now work from home .. to follow my dream
*Fresh sheets and four loads of washing .. blowing in the wind, smelling of sunshine.
What are you grateful for today? |
| Noticing Doorways (A 'Spot' Meditation) |
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 Learning meditation is like any other skill, it requires practice;and remembering to practice can sometimes be a real challenge. The power of creating good habits lies in tying certain behaviours to habitual cues or triggers.
Noticing Doorways:
Taking the time to notice doorways can provide us with a wonderful cue, to just stop and bring ourselves quickly into the present moment.
When you find your self approaching a doorway .. simply stop .. note that you are 'here' .. be aware of your feet and how well supported you are .. balance yourself, internally and externally for a moment .. find your breath then follow one or two complete breath cycles (with all the attention you can muster) .. smile .. then purposefully move forward to the next room.
In this practice we PAUSE to acknowledge that we are moving from one place to another.. from one task to another.. from one thought to another.
Acknowledge to yourself .. "I am now walking through this doorway" .. aware that you intend to bring all your attention to the new situation just through this doorway. Smile. Step through. Engage fully in the moment.
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