Being Me: Week 12 (Both hands)

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly without rushing towards the future." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Being Me: Week 12 - Both hands

March theme - All you need is tea and warm socks

Mindfulness is more than just the latest buzz word. When slowing down to notice where you are brings calm to our body, being present is the first step to a mindful life. Changing our thoughts to be in the present will lower stress and as the body relaxes, the mind becomes calmer, and simple tasks more fulfilling.

When performing daily chores like washing the dishes, as you quiet your thoughts to be more aware, try to be mindful in the moment. I began by noticing the warmth of the water, recognizing the repetitive movement, and savoring the scent and sensation that this moment provided.

Even two to five minutes each day can be beneficial. It is the practice, not the duration, that improves well being. Just the act of slowing down to notice where you are or what you are doing. The washing of dishes, enjoying a cup of tea with both hands, feeling the warmth, noticing the aroma, all  the little details that keep you present and provide calm.

Bringing mindfulness to your day is simple when you add it to a task you currently do daily. Brushing your teeth, washing the dishes, even your morning shower can be the beginning of awareness and a chance to form a new way to be present in your day.

  Themes for each month to journal, create or contemplate on your journey

• January - The best time for new beginnings is now

1. Morning routine
2. Mission statement
3. Create your YES list
4. Goals, baby steps, tiny promises
5. Putting it in motion

• February - Before anything else, find yourself, be yourself and love yourself

1. Take care of your body
2. Meditation and solitude
3. Food choices and ideas for change
4. What makes you happy

• March - All you need is tea and warm socks

1. Enjoy the simple things
2. Letting go of thoughts and things
3. Both hands

• April - Water your roots so your soul can blossom
• May -  The difference between a flower and a weed is judgment
• June - Believe you can and your halfway there
• July - Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts
• August - We are who we choose to be
• September - Sometimes we can learn and study & know, and sometimes we have to believe, trust and hope
• October - We can't become what we want by remaining what we are
• November - Small seeds of gratitude will provide a harvest of hope
• December - Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of hope

Being Me links to weekly blog posts