mindfulness

Service, Rest, Discipline

If you don't have the Iylanla Awakenings app, what are you really doing? 

Just kidding, but I couldn't help myself. Seriously, the app is amazing. I use it some mornings to get focused and help me start my day. I try to listen to it completely without my mind wandering off. If it does, I refocus or listen to it until I can focus without thinking of something that is not related to the message.

I found a recent message is worth sharing. 

You can listen to the full message below, but I want to bring intentional attention to her message about discipline + worth was powerful. To paraphrase she says :: Get your mind, body and spirit in alignment that what you are working toward is worth it. It lead me to ask you :: What in your life are you working toward is worth it?

When you think through the answer, consider her other two principles and well ::

  • Service :: This isn't service to others, but service to yourself. How is the thing that is worth it a service to you? If you can't determine how it is a service to you, what are you really doing it for?

  • Rest :: Is what is worth it allowing you to get rest? When she speaks of this, it is not about sleep (though that is super important). Rest is about being awake, still and in the moment. Listen to the full message so Iyanla can tell you how rest supports you.

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Opportunity is Wealth

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Opportunities are wealth. Consider wealth in this case as more than just material or financial wealth, but wealth in health, relationships, etc. When you capitalize on opportunities that are presented to you have the ability to improve your quality of life and live out your true purpose. It is important to be mindful and present in each day and each moment so that you don't miss opportunities.

Use this worksheet below to determine if you are ready - mentally, emotionally, physically - for opportunities that may come or that you are actively seeking. Review this article on mindfulness vs. meditation. It will help you understand the difference between the two + provide resources to start you on your journey to be more mindful and present in each moment.

Opportunity is Wealth Worksheet

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Meditation vs. Mindfulness

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We hear about mindfulness and meditation all the time; but, what is the difference? Are they the same? Let me break it down for you.

Mindfulness is the awareness of something, while meditation is the awareness of nothing. There are many forms of meditation. 

Mindfulness Meditation is a form of Clear Mind meditation that helps to do just as the name implies - clear your mind. Attention is paid to the natural rhythm of the breath while sitting, and to the rhythm of slow walking.

Mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. Mindfulness techniques can vary, but in general, mindfulness meditation involves a breathing practice and awareness of body and mind.

You can be mindful and not meditate. This is the practice of sitting with your thoughts, asking yourself intentional questions about a situation to deepen your self-awareness, which will help you navigate difficult and triggering situations.

Mindfulness requires ::

  • Beginner’s mind :: Seeing things as a visitor in a foreign land, everything is new and curious.

  • No judgment :: Becoming impartial, without any labels of right or wrong or good or bad. Simply allowing things to be.

  • Acknowledgement :: Recognizing things as they are.

  • Being settled :: Being comfortable in the moment and content where you are.

  • Being composed :: Being equanimous and in control with compassion and insight.

  • Letting be :: Letting things be as they are with no need to change them.

  • Being self reliant :: Deciding on your own, from your own experiences, what is true or not.

  • Being self-compassionate :: Loving yourself as you are with no criticism or self-reproach.

Types of meditation ::

  • mindfulness meditation

  • spiritual meditation.

  • focused meditation.

  • movement meditation.

  • mantra meditation.

  • transcendental meditation

  • progressive relaxation.

  • loving-kindness meditation

How can these things help with stress?

  • Proactively manage stress

  • Reduce anxiety that comes from racing thoughts and projecting the future

  • Increase your self-awareness, which can improve relationships, help identify triggers and create strategies to support stress reduction and improved mental health

How + when to use them to help with stress.

Bio-individuality | Each person is different, but these are general practice rules

  • Begin your day | Center yourself and plan for your day | Help you anticipate stress of day

  • In the moment | Center yourself + stop racing thoughts and anxiety

  • Stop and ask questions to get to root cause + triggers