Stepping into the New Year brings a possibility of BEING in a new way. My intention this year is to really embrace this to move closer to living the life I envision. So thought I’d share some insights of what this means and invite YOU to begin a journey of being instead of constant doing.
We all have an inner guide or deep knowing inside of how to BE, however often we don’t give ourselves time or permission as, in our ‘ busyness’ and doing life, we keep repeating old patterns or simply don’t take the time to be still and really listen.
WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS NOT HUMAN DOINGS.
Our lives have become so full of distractions, to do lists, goals and non-stop technology that we have lost connection to ourselves and others. This has resulted in an increase in mental illness, depression, stress, anxiety, addictions and chronic illness. So how do we get back on track?
STOP, TAKE STOCK AND BECOME AWARE OF HOW YOU ARE LIVING LIFE
1. AWARENESS:
This means becoming conscious of how you are thinking, what you are saying, how you conduct yourself especially in relation to those you connect with, your loved ones, friends, family,colleagues and others like the cashier or homeless person on the street corner.
2. COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTION:
Each connection is an opportunity to take the time to really be present, listen fully and observe consciously, choosing your words or response. Communicating with a compassionate and loving heart not only improves your connection to others but yourself.
Tips:
- When connecting with a person make eye contact, smile and then communicate, note the difference when being fully present.
- Try too, to make a conscious choice to switch off all technology for periods of the day, especially in the evening to make space to grow face-to-face communication and thereby connection to yourself and others.
3. SHIFTING FOCUS TO WHAT MATTERS MOST:
As we live our lives the focus often is on working to bring in an income, the next material acquisition or simply surviving till the weekend. We wait until crises of illness, trauma or death before we shift our lives in the direction that highlight what matters most.
Tara Brach suggests a method to find what matters most, is to ask yourself the questions:
- If you had one year to live, what would matter most?
- If you had one month to live, what would matter most?
Now, how could you shift your way of BEING to align with what matters most?
4. JOY, HAPPINESS, CREATIVITY, PLAY:
Part of being is to incorporate the things that bring joy or a spark in our lives. Remembering to play, explore with curiosity, be creative in your own unique way are all activities that bring lightness, laughter and fun which is an essential part of what being alive is all about. Give yourself permission to go out and ENJOY LIFE!!!!
5. CONNECT TO NATURE:
Connecting to nature is a perfect place to start whether it is in a forest, next to the ocean, the local park, your garden or simply a tree nearby has been proven to have multiple benefits to your well-being. For a greater connection take your shoes off and experience the difference. This is called grounding or earthing and can, if done just for 5 minutes a day or more have a profound effect on your health both physically, mentally and emotionally. Spending time with nature could also be an opportunity to practice turning inwards, being still, meditating or just be with no purpose. When we allow the chatter to stop, our innate wisdom or deep inner knowledge has time to come to the fore to guide us, to help finding clarity and purpose.
JUST BEING IS BEING ALIVE !!!!!!
My challenge to you is to make the time to being in a new ways, connect to nature as often as possible and notice the difference! Consider joining us for the next Mindful Walk in Nature which will give you an opportunity to experience all, awareness, grounding, fun, connection, calm and a feeling of well-being!