Being Me: Week 17 (The 3 R's)

Plant the seeds of beautiful ideas in your mind and water them with belief

Being Me: Week 17 (The 3 R's of mindfulness)

April theme: Water your roots so your soul can blossom

For me, mindfulness has been a constant evolution from the moment I became aware of its power. Small changes have awakened me to the benefits as I discover the rhythm of mind and body. With slow and deliberate practice, I have chosen to unravel the path to a more mindful life.

When I recognize the old patterns that hold me back I begin the steps toward change. Like the necklace resurrected from the bottom of the jewelry box, I slowly pick at thoughts to untangle the reactions of the past by making purposeful choices in the present.

My three R's of mindfulness are: (refrain, relax, and  reflect)

First, I must refrain from reacting when strong feelings arise, it is a practice, easier said than done. But if I am seeking change, I need to recognize the feelings that bubble up since the mind returns to what it knows, past fear and judgment. When I refrain with a slight pause, instead of unconscious reactivity, I can retrain my thoughts in a new direction by choosing my response. Those "gut feelings" are the bodies reply.

The second R, another difficult response is to relax and breath. When tension is high and feelings are strong, that is the last thing you want to do. But with just a few deep breaths you can calm the nervous system providing the necessary time to think before you react. Relaxing is about accepting what is here and now and then being able to  let it go, recognizing the ups and downs of everyday.

Once in a relaxed state we can reflect on our response and discover the tools we need for a non-reactive choice. Choices that are  less traumatic to our mind and body, creating  new patterns of response.

 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
4. Mindfulness (social media and smart phones)
5. Setting intentions

• April - Water your roots so your soul can blossom

1. Water and other things we need to grow
2. Time to blossom
3. The 3 R's

• 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

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 Mission Statement:  I will improve my overall health and wellness, use kindness and inspiration with a vision that creates  a community of giving and in doing so achieve my purpose in this life.   

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