Life has a way of seemingly taking us of track, or so we think. Getting back on track is easier than you think. And the first step is to take a moment to breath and give yourself some space. That’s where we ‘notice’. The things that happen in life are happening forus, not to us believe it or not. How often do you think to yourself ‘why does this keep happening to me’? Well, sometimes we are in the flow of life and sometimes we are in the ebb of life. It’s the ebb that gets our attention because it doesn’t feel as good.
The energy we give off and that which is reciprocated to us feel in balance at times and polarized at others. You know, when you’re in the grocery store and everyone smiles and is polite to each other; or conversely you’re not in the best mood and you feel like everybody is as tense as you are. When I notice less than content happy feelings seeping in, ‘I turn in to check in’ because I know my reactions and responses to life start with me. And the key for me is the noticing and how long it takes me to notice.
The ebb and flow in life is also reflected in the collective relationships around the world. We just have to turn on the news or listen to the concerns of others to know what effect people have on each other and how energy travels and shifts perspectives. The beauty of having a TV remote is that we get to turn it off in our homes when we feel the need to insulate ourselves. The message here is to nurture yourself.
Its cliché but in the interest of being more in flow, strive to be the difference in the world we want to see. We must be aware of ourselves, our actions and our thoughts if we want to experience personal peace. For me, it’s being aware of what I am giving to or doing for myself so that I respond to life with open ease. We are emotional beings that need to be cared for and it’s our own responsibility to nurture ourselves. Sound selfish? Try it. Nurture yourself by getting up early and exercising, taking a walk, meditating, having a bath with music or doing a yoga class. Whatever it is, commit to it regularly for a couple of weeks and then ‘notice’ if you are responding to life and your relationships differently.
Believe me, I’ve tried every excuse not to take ‘me’ time. But they were excuses. I’ve personally learned we can all make time to do what is important to us. Look to see where in your day you have ‘waste’ moments. Add them up and there is your time to use, to truly make yourself feel better while spending more of your time in the flow of your life.
Embrace Your Joyful Self
Elaine
