Check in with your Past

In Yoga we so often hear, "Be Present" "Let Go" "Let Your Mind Be Silent"  "Just Be," and although I think this is a wonderful way to live and is how I live the healthiest version of myself, there are times when reflection is greatly needed.  There are times where I take some time to just sit with my past and explore it physically, emotionally and mentally.  I'll visit a place I've been to before because I have a happy memory there, or I'll look at pictures of an event in my life that has made me a better person, or I'll read my journal or notes I've taken on a certain experience in my life and I'll enjoy it.

There is nothing wrong with taking some time to appreciate the value your past has on your life.  The people you've known and the places you've been have brought you to who and where you are today.  Be grateful for your past, for it has provided you a stepping stone to your present life.  And, although sometimes life may be dreary or frustrating, there are many experiences left ahead of you that you are better prepared for because of your past.  Recalling your past can help you make better choices today.  So reflect.  Give yourself a couple of minutes, experience what has passed and find a way to appreciate the the lessons you have learned.  Then "Let Go" "Be Present" and "Let Your Mind Be Silent" for you are ready to take on your future.

By Yourself

I have not had a true day off in over a month, (maybe even 2 months).  Now, given, I tend to like to live my life that way, but sometimes I just need a day of  pure rest.  Usually on my days off I make plans with friends, go to a museum or a beach I've been wanting to see, plan to get certain tasks done that I need done, etc, etc.  A day completely off is hard to come by.  When it finally happens, it is a true gift.  Finally, for me, it has come.  Tuesday is my day of rest.  Tuesday is my day of nothing.  Today is Tuesday.  Ahhh... today is here.

I made no plan.  Sure I have some things I can do, like give a little love to my blog, but I didn't plan anything that I felt I absolutely must complete in order to feel good about my day.  I even cleaned my living space yesterday, so to be sure it was welcoming to me when I woke.  

This morning I kept my eyes closed and lay in silence. I stayed in bed until I was absolutely sure I was ready to get up.  Oh, how I love my bed!  I made myself a warming and healthy breakfast and gazed out the window as I ate.  I had thought perhaps I was going to go for a bike ride in the Province Lands, but the weather has been dark, cold and very wet all day.  Oh goodie!!!

Hmm... meditation?  Curl up with my kitten and read?  Practice Yoga for myself?  I began to slowly separate from the world, hearing my needs.  I closed my curtains, cranked up the heat to be toasty warm, put on some calming jazz, turned all clocks around and put my cell phone on silent in a different room.  There I was.  What shall I do?  I sat with myself and listened.

So far, it has been a marvelous day and rather surprising as well.  I am so grateful to have given myself this time.  And I will make sure to give myself this time at least once a week, as I am a better person when I can rest and listen to my own needs.

Now what about you?  Look at your schedule.  When is your next day off?  Why not give yourself that day to be with you?  Explore your needs on your own.  Check in with who you are and the life you've made for yourself.  Find what is working for you in your life and what isn't.  Let go of the things that make your life too messy.  Surround yourself with love; love from yourself and love from those around you.  You can make your life the way you want, if you'd just listen to yourself by giving yourself time and space to truly feel and be who you are.

Explore

So often we find ourselves in the same situations with the same people in the same place.

This week, challenge yourself to get out and explore something new.  Meet a new person and go somewhere with them that you've never been; take your pup for a walk in a new park you've always thought would be fun but seems so out of the way; involve yourself in something you've wanted to join in on, but just never thought you had the time; explore something brand new and see what it gives back; move to a new place, if the opportunity knocks; take a new job, if you're interested and it's available to you; imagine yourself taking a direction in your life that you never thought you'd take; give yourself the opportunity to dream -- then notice what happens.  Does it scare you?  Does it feel like the chains have been lifted?  Do you have a little more space to breath?  Do you feel like an idiot for wasting your time dreaming about things that will never happen?

Stop listening to the voices in your head and start listening to your heart.  What do you really want?  Put yourself out there.  Send your hopes and dreams out into the universe and believe they will come true.  In the meantime, try something new and see how you feel while you're trying it.

Exploring ourselves can be the most playful and telling things we can do.  It can stimulate creativity and intrigue.  Try it.  You never know what you may gain from the experience.  Hopefully, with a positive outlook, it will be something truly great!

Living Longer with Love

How much love do you have in your life?  Do you live in isolation and loneliness?  Do you you have so many friends you can't find the time to create deeper bonds with a few specific people?

Find love in your life.  It's easier than you think.  Place yourself into your community by involving yourself in things you love to do.  Join the community garden, take a weekly yoga class at the same place and same time, meet the "regulars" at your neighborhood bar, join a club or attend church on Sunday mornings.  Whatever it is you love to do or want to do (besides your job), set some time aside for it and do it.  You will begin to meet like-minded people and start to form bonds.  Not only is it healthy to be out and active, the people you meet may become a significant part of your life.  Perhaps you'll even meet your future partner or best friend.  If you live in an isolated place (or even if you don't), get yourself a pet to love.

It's worth a shot.  You'll be healthier for it.  Your life will be longer if you give and receive love regularly.  Feeling isolated and rejected triggers the creation of inflammation in the body and compromises immunity.  Feeling loved and honored regulates the body and makes us feel good.

Honor your friends and family.  Tell them you love them.  Express your gratitude for having them in your life and anytime they do something for you.  Forgive them.  Be quick to apologize.  Laugh a lot.

Namaste.  
"May the goodness in me greet the goodness in you, always."
With Love --