Wow! We’re 5 weeks in and things are really starting to roll! I absolutely love my mantra meditations and being able to go inward and just . . . be. I think having a mantra helps me block out the craziness and help my mind focus on one thing. I hope you’re enjoying your meditations and are really beginning to see and feel the difference they make! Now we’re going to work on including the rest of the world . . .
Week 6 really resonated with me and my journey of self-discovery, particularly paying attention to intuition, that inner ‘voice’ or ‘gut feeling’ that gives us what Sarah calls the “yum and yuck” factor. We can either use it to guide our choices – or ignore it and sometimes suffer the consequences. I’ve experienced first-hand how ignoring it can affect a life. It was the sinking feeling I got when I accepted a job because it was full-time, the money was needed to help put my kids through college, and everyone around me thought it was a good idea. The moment I accepted the job, I felt nauseated, my chest constricted, my heart pounded, and I could hardly breathe. I convinced myself that it had to do with the fact that I just hadn’t been in my own classroom for many years, not that it was the wrong decision. I then spent the next 6 years dreading going to work each and every day, dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, sleep deprivation, and cracking teeth due to stress. Once I made the decision to leave and start a new career, I vowed never to allow myself to be put in that position again – that I would listen to my heart – and I couldn’t be happier.
Sarah also talks about actively listening and being present when others are sharing their thoughts and feelings with us. That doesn’t mean that we’re just letting them go on and on, it means that we’re giving them our undivided attention and creating a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental space to express themselves which makes them feel important and heard. When we’re with others and texting, on the computer, or doing something else while they’re talking, we’re not really listening and therefore letting them know (unconsciously) that they’re not worthy of our time. And that, my friend, is one of the worst things we can do to the people we love. We want to be heard, don’t we? Valued? Then we must do the same for them. The “Listening with Love” exercise this week teaches us to recognize habits and behaviors that impede our ability to actively listen to someone and redirect our minds to the present moment. In other words, put the phone down or stop doing what you’re doing, take a deep breath, and give that person your full focus, love, and attention. They will appreciate it – and you.
I hope that you’ll take these lessons to heart and open yourselves up to true connection, honesty, and happiness – not just within yourselves, but with others. Continue to find the true you, follow your ‘gut’, and be mindful in the presence of your loved ones so that you can build a soul-centered and happy life.
I wish you peace and fulfillment.
Coming up next: Becoming “Soul-Centered”: Week 7 – Receptivity: Look for What Matters
The information and exercises listed above are from Sarah McLean’s book “Soul-Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation”. I have done my best to accurately quote Sarah as well as to adequately paraphrase and express my own thoughts regarding the information in her book.
The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
Wholeness Health and YOU! 