Between protection and connection (Part 1)
The problem for many of us is that our nervous systems have become less adept at moving smoothly between a state of relaxation and a state of activation.
The luxury of paying attention
In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention.
Appreciative moments
Gratefulness has three steps: not missing the opportunity, appreciating the opportunity, and using or enjoying the opportunity.
Softening into the body
Do your shoulders ever feel like they’re literally carrying the weight of the world?
Just for now
It’s such a liberating phrase – ‘just for now’. We don’t say to ourselves often enough – ‘just for now, this is what I’m doing. Just for now, it is enough.’
Soft gaze
In meditation and Tai Chi, we often talk about using a soft gaze. This means that rather than intently staring at something, we open our gaze to include the full visual field.
Mindfulness anchor points
We’re probably all familiar with this scenario – we tell ourselves ‘from now on, I will be more mindful’/’eat more mindfully’/’do the dishes with mindfulness’/’take time to smell the roses’. And then, before we know it, we’re caught up in the flow of a busy day, forgetting all about our intention to be mindful!
Deep roots
An ongoing meditation practice can be like establishing a strong root system. It may seem like nothing much changes in our lives.
A source of joy
‘Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.’ Thich Nhat Hanh
On fertile ground
Just like gardening, meditation is usually not very glamorous, but over time, our lives can become ‘fertile ground’ for growing the seeds of what we value.