An ordinary (creative) day…
Photo by Sandi Woo, Far North Queensland Residential with Performing Lines
Today’s tasks that are worth considering include meditation (as you like it, standing, sitting, walking), practicing gratitude (a proven activity that increases our sense of happiness and belonging), stretching, creative writing, engaging in our chosen arts practice, listening deeply, healthy/generative conversations, good food, walks and finishing with a Yoga Nidra.
MEDITATION
Image by Victor
To begin, here is a quote from Jon Kabat-Zinn’s wonderful book, Wherever You Go, There You Are (2005). I chose this passage because of its simplicity: “to observe the choices we make and their consequences down the road…” When we have this depth of focus our actions are more considered across time and space allowing for pause…in so doing, trusting the outcome to be generative rather than limiting. Wherever You Go There You Are review
“Part of mindfulness practice is to cultivate a trusting heart. Let’s begin by looking deeply into what we can trust in ourselves. If we don’t immediately know what there is to trust in ourselves, maybe we need to look a little deeper…perhaps its time to pay closer attention…to observe the choices we make and their consequences down the road…Perhaps we could experiment with trusting the present moment, accepting whatever we feel or think or see in this moment because this is what is present now”
WRITING TASK: MY RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE the healing power of nature
BREATHE. Spend a few moments focusing on your breath. After a few minutes, reflect on your relationship with nature: plants, trees, flowers, mountains, rivers, sea, lake, stones, grass, birds, animals, moon, sun, stars, wind, rain, sunshine, etc.
Studies “point in one direction: Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive function.” Benefits of Nature
Begin to write in your journal, (20 minutes) and try to include past, present, and future. Why Journalling is a good idea
For example, how much time do you spend in nature in the present? Were you ever uncomfortable in nature in the past? Where is the most captivating natural environment you have ever been in?
To get you writing, you may want to engage with some writing prompts we have used before:
Begin each sentence with “What I really want to say is…” (borrowed from Natalie Goldberg, Writer, and Coach, New Mexico). Article about Natalie Goldberg
After you have written a few lines you may like to use a variation of the Proprioceptive Writing prompt: “…and what I mean by that is…” A summary of Proprioceptive Writing
End your writing session with an acknowledgment of gratitude. The Healing Power of Gratitude
MAY YOU BE WELL AND HAPPY
MAY YOU BE AAT EASE IN YOUR BODY AND IN YOUR MIND
MAY YOUR HEART BE FILLED WITH LOVING-KINDNESS
WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS
MAY YOU LET GO AND BE FREE
MAY YOU LIVE IN PEACE
Jon Kabat Zinn's Loving Kindness Meditation