Tip of the Week!
Spring is here. . . for some people that means Spring Cleaning! If you're not the type that wants to clean the closet corners with a toothbrush, but are still looking to pare things down consider these ideas.
*When it comes to clothes . .. if you haven't worn it in six months and it isn't a seasonal piece- Goodwill will welcome your donations
*Towels and sheets with holes in them can become rags, but consider donating them to local animal shelters. They go through a lot of them.
*Kitchen gadgets are only useful if you use them. Otherwise they're just taking up space.
* Look in the pantry. Foods can get shoved to the back. Do you have extras of something. Many food pantries are low on stock now.
* Have kids? Get their old stuff together with friends and have a baby swap. Many children outgrow their clothes so quickly that they're often barely worn.
* Check your fridge! Believe it not, those capers and pimentos do go bad! Get rid of the stuff that you won't use, eat, or has expired- This also applies to much of what is in the bathroom cupboards- medications, cough syrups, makeup, lotions. . .
Recycle what you can, Reuse as possible, and don't sweat the small stuff.
As for the exercise of the week. The two I found most beneficial were the loving-kindness meditation and meeting Aesclepius. I did not like the loving-kindness exercise, but it seems to be the one that has stuck with me the most. I've implemented in my life entirely by accident. I find myself remembering its message often and reminding myself and others to project more positive thoughts and emotions. I find that it has made for gentler thoughts on my part and more patience with myself and others. When I get frustrated, I take pause and get myself together- particularly before I open my mouth. I'm much more conscious about what I say too. I'm not given to outbursts, but I'm pay more attention to what I say and consider the effects of my words.
The Aesclepius exercise I did enjoy. I simply found it healing and energizing. It has also acted as a source of inspiration. Mother Teresa has been my healing image each time and I like the attitude she put forth. I aspire to give of myself in such a complete and selfless manner. To implement the ideas of being our own healer I've simply taken my own advice and I'm being nice to me. . . I try not to be so critical and cut myself some slack as the situations dictate. I can admit that I'm not superwoman and I'm not perfect and that is okay! I remind myself that I'm human, but I'm also responsible for me. And by taking care of myself I'm not only happier overall, but I'm better capable of taking care the people who depend on me. I believe it makes me a better mother, wife, friend, and person.
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I can see that you would be a great mother with your positive attitude toward everything. Sometimes it seems people forget to take responsibility for themselves and what makes them happy and how to achieve that. Congratulations your family is lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteThe loving-kindness and meeting Aesclepius exercises seem to be the practices that I prefer as well....could it be because they are only two tracks that work on my CD????...perhaps. Regardless, I find that I am able to focus on my reactions to others and am more conscious of my thoughts. The second practice helps me visualize a person who I lost a couple of years ago. Both have a positive effect on my attitude and mood. Things I need to focus on in order to function as a mother, wife, and student. I am so glad you found practices that work for you and I hope you are able to continue even after this course is over!
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you have been able to use what you have experienced in this course to help you control your "outbursts". I know it is sometimes hard to not react right away. I also try to consider how my words will impact others before I say them but I am a work in progress.
ReplyDeleteI liked the loving kindness exercise because it was the first one we did and I can see what you mean when you say it sticks with you. Mother Theresa is a good woman to think about when it comes to wisdom.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I think the loving-kindness exercise has resonated throughout our entire class in that the key phrase is something we can carry in our pockets and use it when required. I too have begun to be critical of the words and attitudes I release into the world. I think if we treat people with loving-kindness, we too will be treated as such. Love the blog, keep up the good work :)
ReplyDeleteYou have done an awesome job with your blog! I wish I was as creative... I also like the loving kindness exercise, but find it more beneficial after I have completed the subtle mind exercise! I too wondered if this was because these were the exercises that worked on our CD that allowed a voice to flow along on our journey, maybe that is why I have not gotten as much out of the other exercises as I wanted....
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