Take Five - Day 2

Someone once asked a sage what would be the most profound wisdom he could share with the world.  After an extended silence, the old man finally replied.  "Only one thing is constant, and that is change."  Yet, change is the one thing we do not do easily.  We are creatures of habit. We love our comfort zones. However, change can be very good for us. Change brings us new opportunities. In the process, we experience growth and more insight into ourselves and the world around us. Change has the power to transform us. It can take us from living a caterpillar life to the life of a beautiful butterfly.  Talk about radical metamorphosis!

Today, we are going to address three areas of our lives.  The spiritual, relationships, and environment. Firstly, take ten minutes today and find a quiet spot. Clear your mind.  Yes, I want you to meditate.  Fill those ten minutes with calmness.  Let the worry and stress slip from your body.  Fill your lungs slowly with air.  Breathe deeply. Let the air replace the tension in your body.  Slowly breathe out.  Feel how all the negative thoughts flow out of you...

Next,  think about all the people you know.  Which person have you lost contact with? Is there someone you have not spoken to for a long time?  Why is it that you have lost contact?  Was it a dispute or a misunderstanding?  Maybe you simply never had the time?  Reach out to that person today.  Phone them, or send them a nice message.  Don't expect anything in return.  Just reach out and send them caring vibes.  You might just be the reason they smile today.

Our environment can play a large role in the way we feel.  Most of us function better in an orderly and comfortable environment.  When we are surrounded by clutter it works on a subconscious level.  It can add to our stress.  I want you to identify one area of clutter.  It could be your desk, a room, or a drawer.  Sort everything into three piles.  One pile is for recycling and one for donation. The third one is for keeping.  Ask yourself if you really need to keep it. Are you actually going to use it?  Even just the action of de-cluttering helps us to regain our focus.

Three small changes, yet it could open up new opportunities.  Try it.  Have a fabulous day!

Peace to You

This year I am sharing some thoughts or ideas  to help us live this year to the fullest, to make this a year of remarkable living.  Join me here for an astounding journey through 2015.

This past week I have been listening to what people are saying to each other about their lives in general.  Many people are talking about the issues they have with the government and even more people are lamenting about the cost of living.  However, the theme that seemed to come up most often is about them not having enough time, and about how hectic their lives are.  This year is still in its infancy, yet they are already feeling exhausted.  Calmness, peace and quite seem to be in short supply.  The question that came up in my mind was how could we address this problem, after all there are only so many hours in the day.  So I started experimenting and found that it is not about finding extra time somewhere, but rather a question about how to recharge your batteries effectively and thus having more energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead.

It all came down to taking 10 to 15 minutes OUT of your day.  Yes, taking 15 minutes out of your busy schedule. "Where must I find those 15 minutes?" I can hear you cry out.  The good news is that we all have 15 minutes spare in a day, whether it is those 15 minutes we are awake before the alarm goes off in the morning, or 2 o'clock in the morning when we find ourselves suddenly awake for no reason, or before we settle in for the night.  Wherever you find those 15 minutes, book them as exclusively YOU time.

Ok, so what do you do with those 15 minutes?

Spend them being still.  Here on the blog I have put a link for some soothing instrumental music.

Find a quiet place, in the house, the garden or the attic.  Close the door, ban all outside interference and put the music on to play softly in the background.  Put a timer on for 10/ 15 minutes so that you do not have to worry about the time.  Sit down quietly, and comfortably and close your eyes.  Empty your thoughts of all your worries, your deadlines, the staff meeting, the chores awaiting you for the day.  Focus only on the music flowing around you, through you and in you, if you want to, you may think of a verse of scripture or an encouraging quote, but do not allow any worries or fears or the pressures of everyday to hijack these 15 minutes.  Just listen and feel the gentle melody touching you, and lifting your spirit...

When the alarm rings.  Switch off the music and carry on with the rest of your day, refreshed and recharged.

For centuries, many cultures have realized the benefits of meditation, yet most of us believe it to be hocus-pocus.  However, studies have shown that there are several benefits of meditation.  Just like a calm, peaceful body of water, a lake or river, best reflect the images of nature all around, the same way we are able to focus better when we are internally calm.  It is this calmness that can bring greater clarity to issues we might be struggling with.  Meditation can refresh our minds and bodies and fill us with energy and enthusiasm which in turn help us to perform better and faster.  Meditation can also help to calm us down after a stressful day, it can help us to relax and sleep better.  Meditation can create feelings of peace and happiness, and in turn we can pass these feelings on to everyone we come into contact with.

Still sceptical? Try it, even if only once a week, you will soon realize that you start to look forward to those 10-15 minutes just clearing your mind and letting the music soothe your soul.  If you want to share your experience with us, please feel free to do so here on the blog.  I would love to hear from you.

Here is the link for the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnfj6QCGLyA