New Year’s resolutions usually are based on guilt over something you’ve done in the past. Maybe you ate too much or smoked or didn’t exercise or whatever you feel bad about.
How about if we turn it around this year and commit to doing something that nurtures your soul and lights up your being?
Think about that for a moment. What would nurture your soul and light up your being?
It’s different for everyone.
For me it might be like one of these:
Getting a massage
Putting on Queen songs (or the Beach Boys) full blast and dancing around the kitchen while I cook a favorite dish
Designating a NO-GO day when I curl up on the couch with the fireplace going, a cozy blanket, a good cup of coffee and a great book. That’s all will do. No cooking, cleaning or maybe even staying in my fuzzy pants all day long.
Talking on the phone with an old friend
Taking a nap!
I can probably think of a dozen more.
In today’s chaotic world where 75% of our physical ailments have stress as an underlying factor, stress relief is probably the single most important thing any of us can do to guard our health.
We all need a pressure valve, just like my Instant Pot. After the hubbub of the holidays, what better time than today, I mean RIGHT NOW, to do just one thing for yourself? Did that RIGHT NOW scare you? Maybe even stress you a little more? LOL! That was a test. If you are feeling so rushed that you can’t take a moment or 20 minutes NOW to do something for yourself, it’s an indicator that you are stressed. Now is your time?
Can you take a moment now for a little guided meditation? I promise, it’ll only take five minutes.
First, read through this and then do the meditation on your own.
Sit in your favorite chair, feet flat on the floor. You’ll probably want to cover yourself with a blanket keep your body temperature steady.
Take several deep, slow breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Re-adjust your position so no little aches or pains distract you.
Return your attention to deep, slow breaths.
Now just let your mind wander to the most beautiful place you have ever seen. Maybe it’s a mountain meadow a pristine beach or a lake in the woods. Let the picture of this enchanting place become fixed in your mind. How does it make you feel?
Now imagine yourself in that scene. What are you doing? Is anyone with you? Who?
Now imagine what you are doing. Are you moving? Or not? Being guided somewhere? Or are you content where you are?
Take a few minutes to let yourself settle in to the feeling.
When you feel that your journey is complete, gently bring your attention back to the room where you sit, your chair and your blanket. Stretch a little and open your eyes.
Now you have your answer. You have been in the most beautiful place ever. You have done exactly what your mind and body and spirit want you to do. Follow that deep inner direction. Don’t put it off. Don’t give in to negative self-talk about the needs of others or obligations.
At the end of this beautiful holiday season, give yourself a gift. Give yourself exactly what you need. Do something you love. Set aside the time for yourself.
New Year’s resolutions usually are based on guilt over something you’ve done in the past. Maybe you ate too much or smoked or didn’t exercise or whatever you feel bad about.
