Labyrinth

The image above is a finger labyrinth similar to a labyrinth you might find to walk in a cathedral or out in nature.   Using the finger labyrinth is a mindfulness practice you can print out and carry with you.  Simply use your finger to trace the path beginning at the opening at the bottom.  

The labyrinth differs from a maze in that you do not need to figure it out.  Simply by being present to the path you will arrive at the center, the core.  Enhance your mindfulness experience by using conscious breathing, being aware of your breath as it moves in and out.  

The labyrinth can be used over and over as a daily practice or at a time when you feel you need to re-center.  

This and more printable labyrinths can be found at http://www.quietmeadows.org/finger_labrynth.htm

Kindness

In the political climate today, heck, lots of days I thought reposting this quote was a good idea.  I think it speaks for itself.  Thank you, Lori and Susie for inspiring me.

Enough

One way I like to bring myself back to center is to read a page or two in a book that I love and then take something from the reading into a mindfulness moment.  Maybe just a few minutes or longer if that feels good.  The image above is from one of my all time favorite books, Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh.  A friend gave me this book 22 years ago and I have read and re-read it several times.  It nourishes my soul and always provides for some great re-minders.

I came across this 30 day - Be More Positive Challenge by Les Naly on Pintrest and liked it so much I decided to takethe challenge and invite you to do the same.  I am starting the challenge February 9th.  I am sharing a Complimentary Couch Coaching - group tele-coaching call on February 8th, 7-7:45pm. (Contact me for more information on that).  

Bring something to write on, and your thoughts and ideas!

Here is a list of the challenges for each day.  Looking forward to brainstorming with you on the 8th and hearing your thoughts as we go!

Day 1. For every worst case scenario worry you think of, imagine the best thing that could happen.

Day 2. Spend 5 minutes imagining your dream life and write down what steps you need to take to get there.

Day 3. Have lunch with someone you admire or just someone you run into today.

Day 4. Do 3 things to cut out negativity from your life. Unfollow an account on Instagram, delete an app, or do something else to remove negative feelings from your life.

Day 5. Choose a positive mantra for the day. You can even google for mantra ideas.

Day 6. Give a genuine compliment to 3 people.

Day 7. Think about the best parts of your life while you’re waiting in line or stuck at a stoplight today.

Day 8. Take a few minutes to write down your values. What is most important to you in life?

Day 9. Whenever you have a minute, take 3 full deep breaths to get your oxygen flowing.

Day 10. Dance, run, jump on a trampoline. Get out there and get your endorphins going for at least 5 minutes.

Day 11. Do something nice for someone unexpectedly. Keep your eyes open for someone who could use a boost!

Day 12. Share a good memory with 2 friends and reminisce over good times.

Day 13. Learn something new from someone today.

Day 14. Remember that other people’s opinions say more about them than you. Make this your mantra.

Day 15. Keep good on your promises to yourself. Do at least 1 thing to work towards a goal and pat yourself on the back.

Day 16. Make eye contact and smile at everyone you walk past today. Bonus for saying hello!

Day 17. Laugh for no good reason. Laugh at silly, annoying things that happen today and move on. Life’s more fun when you’re laughing.

Day 18. Meditate for 5 minutes. That’s it!

Day 19. Think about what you can learn from the challenges you’re currently facing. What are they teaching you?

Day 20. Question negative thoughts you have today. Could the opposite be true?

Day 21. Do one simple thing that fills your heart with joy – painting, biking, singing in the car, whatever!

Day 22. Learn more about a cause that’s important to you and brainstorm what you can do to help.

Day 23. Fill your feed with positivity. Follow someone or an organization that inspires you.

Day 24. Go for a walk and admire the world around you.

Day 25. Print out a positive quote you love and put it on your bathroom mirror or by your desk.

Day 26. Create a positive thinking playlist that instantly makes you smile.

Day 27. Call someone that you haven’t talked to in a while.

Day 28. Write yourself a love letter. Wax poetic about how amazing you are.

Day 29. Look for the good in every single person you see. Compliment the people you really admire.

Day 30. See how many of these positive thinking challenges you can complete in 1 day!

Seeing BEauty

If you accept people just as they are they will show your their beauty.

Accepting them doesn't necessarily mean liking their choices or even spending time with them but rather accepting what is. In doing so you are expressing your beauty. In doing so you create a safe place for them to express their beauty.
It may take time. It may take patience. It may even be a long and difficult journey. You may get to experience the parts of yourself you don't yet accept and love unconditionally. It is a process. Eventually the beauty that was always there will emerge.
Have eyes for that.

This is one of the most helpful and most difficult things I have ever learned.  It is incredible how powerful it is.  It isn't in our nature to lean towards discomfort of any kind.  What I have learned is that it is the quickest route through the pain.

Use the Tools You Have

We are equipped with many tools to help us navigate our lives.  We have the ability to develop new tools and update old ones.  Sometimes it seems like the tools we have aren't working.

When you are experiencing a challenge and you start to work with the tools you have and it doesn't seem like they are working, keep trying.  Keep working the tools you have until you find the one that works. It is possible they just aren't the tool for the job. Using a hammer when a screw driver is needed doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the hammer.

Recently, when I was having trouble sleeping I tried taking a hot bath, I tried journalling, I tried meditating, I tried reading and even some yoga.  These are all things that had worked very well in the past and were not helping at all in the moment.

When we aren't sure what tool we need at a particular time, we can ask for guidance.  Guidance is always available to us.  Sometimes we just need to listen.  I have experienced "hammering" away at something so loudly I couldn't hear my internal guidance.

The night I was having trouble sleeping, I finally got quiet and realized I had thoughts and feelings of fear coming up. Then it occurred to me that I was trying to get rid of them. I asked myself, "What if I just lie here and feel the fear?" I was overwhelmed with the idea but decided to try anyway.  I barely remember what happened after that as I feel asleep quickly.

Our internal guidance is always right on.  This is one tool that is fail proof when used.  Sometimes it will guide us to an old tool.  Sometimes it will guide us to a new tool.  Whatever we need our internal guidance is always guiding us bit by bit. #OneDegreeOfChange2018 #BabySteps2018