Tip of the Week!
Be nice to yourself. While this may sound trivial, if you pay attention to all the self-talk you do during the day, you may surprised at what you hear. Are you overly critical of your body? How you look in your clothes? Your abilty to do your job, be a parent, a daughter, son, student, etc.? Do you play the "I should've/could've/ or oughtt" manta like a broken tape? These thoughts can be so toxic to every aspect of your life. So next time you catch yourself sinking into a negative tough pattern, simply tell it NO! Give yourself a positve affirmation and move on!
As for the medition and exercise. . .
The meditation went well. I've found with practice that all the meditative practices have become easier. I can clear my mind faster and stay focused longer now. I also discoved that I have to do these in the mornings. If I wait until late in the day or evening, I'm simply to tired to appreciate them and often to tired to stay awake! I have tried to put the loving-kindness practices into daily use. I've been instructing my family to try more positive thoughts within themselves and those they direct at others. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will ease the squabbling between my kids (I'm sure that is wisful thinking).
The integral assessement reinforced that I need to work on the spiritual aspect of my life. To do this I've been taking quiet time. I force myself to stop a few times during the day and simply breathe. A dozen or so deep belly breaths and some calming visuals and I find my focus increases and I don't feel so out of control. This has made a huge difference in my attitude at the end of the day. I'm not so frazzled by the time I get home and I find I have more patience. In the future I hope to add meditation to my day. I'd like to work on finding a sense of mental stillness and being able to quiet my mind without having to do an all out meditation. Hopefully soon....
I've been practicing Tai Chi as well. This has been great for me physically as if creates a better balance of activities for me. I enjoy running and it's very high impact. Tai Chi is not only 'no' impact but requires an entirely different mindset from running. These activities have helped give me a better balance overall.
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It is so true, we do have to be nice to ourselves especially if we want to be able to really be nice to others. The manta that you describe above is so easy to get caught up in, I was just thinking that it is so easy that we automatically get caught in this cycle and once again, society has made this a common event.
ReplyDeleteI too feel I have really grown in the aspect of meditation with the ability to stay focused or reign myself back in while meditating, with increasing sessions.
Also at work, our physical therapy department has started onece a week Qi Gong type of exercises and I hope to get the chance to join in!
Briana:
ReplyDeleteIt's true, we can find compliments to give others but often remain critical of ourselves. I will take your excellent advice and give myself a break.
I am glad to hear that the meditation practices are working well for you. I notice that it gets easier for me too, the more I do it, but relaxing enough to get into it is still my biggest challenge.
This is true. Mind over matter does set the pace for positive things or negative things in your life. And I know that I am my worst critic! But I will try to take your advice and give myself a break! Thanks!
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