Daily Intention Setting: Day 11

January 11

“Today I will meet myself and others with compassion.”

Short, sweet, and simple. Be compassionate – to everyone. Kristin Neff reminds us that it’s easy to be kind when everything in your world is rosy. It’s when things are a mess that we have to remind ourselves to have patience and compassion toward everyone, including ourselves. Even though that’s easier said than done, we have to remember that we’re all just trying to get along in this big ol’ world and I believe it would be much nicer if we were kinder to each other.

Kristin leads us through another breathwork exercise during which we imagine breathing in kindness and understanding, letting it fill us up with warmth and goodness. Then as we exhale we breathe out those same feelings, sending them to everyone else. Breathe in compassion, then send it into the world.

Inhale . . . exhale . . . inhale . . . exhale . . .

Sending you good vibes as you go about your day. Hope it’s a good one. 🙂

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#becompassionate

#bekind

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 10

January 10

“Today I will trust my calm more than my fear.”

I’m going to admit that this intention didn’t quite sit well with me so I modified it a bit. Today I will trust my calm. It feels better.

Jack Kornfield’s voice and speech cadence remind me of Mr. Rogers. That kind, calm grandfather figure we remember from our childhood. He tells us that real strength is something that comes from within, where it already resides. We can call on it any time we need it. When we’re sad or worried, even when we’re happy. He says, “Each time you choose calm and strength over reactivity, you choose patience and steadiness over panic.” He then invites us to take a couple of deep breaths and simply sit with ourselves and just notice how we feel. How our bodies feel. Our emotions. Are we joyful? Nervous or anxious? Whatever the case may be he wants us to witness it and wrap it in kindness. That’s it. No need to fix or change anything. Just notice it. Take it in and make space for it. Be kind to it. In doing so we are coming back to the strength we have inside of us. He tells us to trust it.

This reminds me of a calming technique I learned long ago: when faced with something that makes us uncomfortable or takes us by surprise, etc. take a deep breath or two before reacting or responding. That extra few seconds helps us quickly channel the inner calm that we need to face the situation with a level head rather than overreacting or acting with heightened emotion. It’s made a big difference in how I handle situations – and people. Do I always remember to do it? No. Of course not. But it’s something I actively try to practice so that I can be the person I want to be.

What helps you channel your inner calm? How do you tap into your strength?

Happy meditating and I hope that you have a great day!

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#trustmycalm

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 9

January 9

“Today I will remember that I am in control of my own life.”

Hmm . . . well, let me see here. I’m having some trouble with this one. Not gonna lie. Maybe it’s because I slept terribly last night and started my day as a grumpy lump. I woke up, panicky and terrified, from a dream I don’t remember. I finally fell asleep only to wake up at 3:37. That’s when the hamster wheels in my brain spun out of control. I fell asleep just before the alarm sounded at 4:30, then I fell asleep again. Twenty-five minutes later I jumped out of bed and nearly fell over because I was off balance. I felt like I had no control whatsoever of my body but I knew I had to do my meditation before I got ready for work.

And here he was, Jamie Clements, talking about “purpose” and telling me that I am in control of my own life. Ha! Yeah, right. I wasn’t feeling it.

He started the session by saying that we’re told that purpose is some kind of external ‘thing’ and once we find it, everything will be peachy which, obviously isn’t really true. But he says that, to him, it means that it’s what happens when we’re tuned into our true selves, when all the noise is shut off and we let the truth come forward. He says that, once that happens, we no longer have to live life “on autopilot” and can set our own terms for living. Ha! Yeah, right. (Wait, did I already say that?)

By this time I’m prickly and ticked off but I settle in and follow his instructions through the breathwork so that I can create a safe place for my truth to come through. I inhale deeply, take another quick little breath, then let it out as if exhaling through a straw. I do that a few more times and feel myself relax into the moment. Then, with a hand over my heart, I repeated the intention.

And I felt like a complete liar.

I won’t go into detail but suffice it to say that the past couple of years have not been easy. The things I want to do have taken a back seat to more important, much more urgent matters. As a result, I’ve felt that my life has not been my own. So to say that I am in control of my own life seems a bit of a stretch at the moment. But I suppose that I’ve made the choice to help family rather than pursuing a hobby or another job. So in that respect I have been in control – just not the kind of control I would have hoped. Still, I’ve taken away some very valuable lessons from these choices which have shaped how my husband and I will move forward in life.

So therein lies another lesson, doesn’t it? Though I may not feel like I have had control over my life, it affects how I move ahead and the decisions I make in the future – which I do have control over – and while I may not be doing all the things I want to do right now, I know that if I keep moving forward, being true to myself, and living mindfully I will create the life that I envision for myself.

I hope you have a wonderful evening.

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#betrue

#Ihavecontrolofmylife

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 8

January 8

“Today I will choose the simple way without guilt.”

Oh holy cow . . . the intention says it all. What a wonderful way to go about the day. Every day. Kirsty Lyon nails it on the head when she says that simplicity is the key to clarity. We tend to try to do too many things and, as a result, life gets ‘loud’. We’re pulled in too many directions, all of which take us away from ourselves. Our center. When that happens, it’s difficult to hear our inner voices and even harder to actually listen to them – even though they know what we truly need. Kirsty says, though, that simplicity is what brings us back to ourselves and helps us to see things clearly.

How can we do that? How can we come back to ourselves? How can we find center?

Breathe.

It’s that simple. (Pun intended.)

Kirsty leads us through a quick, easy breathwork session during which time we focus on our breath. Where we feel it the most. Witnessing the rise and fall of our chests or bellies. Noticing the feel of it as it enters and exits. She invites us to take a few deep breaths, letting go of tension and noise. Then, when we breathe normally again, she encourages us to focus on the pause between the exhale and the next inhale. She asks us to notice the stillness. The quiet. The best place to just . . . be. Rest there.

Then she tells us to ask ourselves, “How can I keep things simple for myself today?” She encourages us to let the answers come naturally – and what she says next nearly floors me. “. . . gift yourself permission to trust and follow it.”

How wonderful! Give yourself permission to trust simplicity and follow it. No guilt required.

When we’re over-scheduled and over-busy, we obviously get overwhelmed. But what’s worse is that when we don’t have something to ‘do’, we suddenly get anxious because we don’t know how to just ‘be‘. And, for me, that’s the one thing that helps me the most. Be present. Be here.

I hope you find this session as inspiring as I do! Just keep reminding yourself that it’s ok to just be.

How will you keep things simple today?

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#keepitsimple

#simplicitywithoutguilt

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 7

January 7

“Today I will look for something that makes my heart smile.”

Yesterday we expressed gratitude for something in our lives. Today we look for the joy in the world. As Darius Bashar tells us, “It’s everywhere!” Joy happens to be his favorite topic. He refers to joy as a paradox, a “cosmic riddle . . . sacred and silly, fleeting and abundant, simple and profound.” He says it’s inside our hearts – and has been all along – and now is our chance to let it out. Experience it. He asks us to let go of expectations and discover joy whenever and wherever we find it.

So I set my sights on finding joy throughout the day. Here’s what I’ve found so far:

  • my morning meditation (#221! Yay!)
  • giving my husband a kiss as he went off to work
  • sailing through most of the lights on my way to work and making great time
  • the smiles on my clients’ faces as they greeted me
  • a simple “thank you” from a friend for helping her out
  • the sweet taste of one of my favorite teas (green tea with elderberry!)
  • wearing the super comfy sweater I’ve had for, like, 15 years
  • having one of my old favorite shows on in the background
  • guacamole

It’s only the middle of the day. I’m sure there will be more to come. Even in times of darkness joy is there – when we choose to see it.

Where will YOU find joy today?

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#findjoy

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 6

January 6

“Today I will notice what’s going right instead of what’s missing.”

David Ji was our teacher today. This dude is so chill. I love it. His lesson is about gratitude. Simple, pure, gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Whatever those might be. The big. The small. And everything in between. The everyday miracles that we so easily overlook.

He asks us to place our hands on our hearts and think about something that’s going well in our lives right now. He encourages us to bring it into our hearts with each breath and hold on to it. Let our gratitude flow through our hearts and into the rest of our bodies. That’s what we need to take with us throughout the day.

For me, something that’s going really well is my return to meditation. As of today, I have a 220-day meditation streak. I’m incredibly proud of that. But more than that I’m grateful for how it makes me feel and how it helps me to face each day with intention and mindfulness. It has changed how I approach different situations and how I face each day. And I hope to carry it with me for the rest of my life.

What’s going well for you? What are you grateful for today?

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#gratitude

#whatsgoingright

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 5

January 5

“Today I will move in a way that is rooted, clear, and open to what is possible.”

Alex Elle said something pretty cool during this session. She said that, instead of a list of goals for the new year, she was going to focus on the energy that she wants to bring throughout the year. She said she’s going to trust in herself, not force things, and that she’s going to focus on being present. She said she’s going to make sure her “yes is clear” and her “no is clean and kind”.

She asked us to think about how we want to be. How we want to show up. She also reminds us to let go of the pressure to be perfect and just be present, honest, and follow what we feel is right.

Then she asked us to choose a word to carry into the new year. Hers? Alignment. It took me a bit of time to discover my word. I took a few deep breaths, calmed my mind, and suddenly it came to me. Soul-centered. Something I learned from Sarah McLean. It’s how I want to show up this year. To me it means being present, being honest, thinking and acting from my heart and soul. I’ll do my best to set that intention every day and keep it with me all year long. All my life.

What’s your word?

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#whatsyourword?

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 4

January 4

“Today I will live from here.”

Oh. My. Goodness. Love, love, love this one! So simple, yet so true. In this session, Charles Freligh asks a very simple but straightforward question: “Where do you come from?” And what if the answer is even simpler? “I come from here.” Charles talks about how we sometimes get caught up in the future or stuck in the past. We think about what we want and fret about what may or may not happen. Or we remember the past and get bogged down by memories. Today’s lesson reminds us that the only time that we can act on anything is . . . now.

Charles describes the image of being on a sailing ship. He says that there’s usually a destination. In fact, that’s what gets us to act in the first place. Then he says, “. . . you can only get there by adjusting to what’s here.” It reminded me of a quote by Dolly Parton: “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” We have goals for ourselves. Dreams. We have to work toward them – they won’t happen instantaneously. But the steps we take to make those dreams come true can only be done in the present moment with the information we have.

The question is can we do that? Are we able to live from here?

We can’t change the past. We can only work toward the future by the actions we take right now. And if something veers off course, we can adjust, keeping our eye on the goal.

“Today I will live from here.” That’s the intention for the day. But, quite honestly, it sounds like a wonderful intention for life.

Happy living!

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#livefromhere

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 3

January 3

“Today I will remember who I want to be.”

Stuart Sandeman says that we all have a version of ourselves that we aspire to be: kinder, more patient, more energetic, etc. What happens, though, is that “life gets noisy”. We get stressed out, we’re pulled one way or the other, and/or we react instead of calmly dealing with a situation. We forget, he says, that we have a choice about how we show up and who we can be.

In order to get back to the person that we want to be he leads us in a 4-4-8 breathing activity. We begin by imagining a beautiful, cleansing light. Then we breathe in that light for 4 counts, hold it for 4 counts, the let it all out for 8 counts. We do it a few times so we can create a safe, calm space in which to focus on our intention. Then he asks us to place our hands on our hearts and ask it to show us a word that represents who we would like to be today. He offers things like calm, clear, patient, etc., but reminds us not to force it. Let the word come to us. When it feels right, we’ll know it.

Mine? Confident. It just kind of popped in there. And it was the right word for me today. I needed it. I wasn’t aware of it at the time but it was appropriate and every time I looked at my phone I saw my intention and remembered my word. Tomorrow I may need a different word. I don’t know. But today I was confident. And it felt good.

Who is it that you’d like to be? What word did you see?

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#rememberwhoyouwanttobe

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.

Daily Intention Setting: Day 2

January 2.

Day 2:

It’s getting late in the day. I got home not that long ago. I ate dinner and now I’m in my pajamas. I’m tired. But there’s something a tiny bit different today. I’ve set down a stone or two – and I feel lighter. I’m not carrying the weight like I once did. Amazing what one day will do . . .

Sarah Blondin is today’s teacher and she sets our intention for the day: “I will put down what I no longer need to carry.” What she wants us to do is let go of what we don’t need to hang on to, to release the story, the pain, or whatever weighs us down.

She tells the story of a young person who carried a stone thinking it would make them stronger. A wise, older person asked why they thought they had to carry it around and said that everything that we experience has a purpose but if we don’t let go of it, it doesn’t become ‘medicine’. We don’t learn the lesson. So the young person put the stone down and felt their true strength.

This meditation shows us that we are actually stronger when we let go of the weight we unknowingly carry with us. Nature sounds help to soothe us as she guides us through a vision of the stones we pick up and carry, asking us to clench our fists, feeling the tension it causes, then tells us to relax our hands and put the stone down. We don’t need to carry it anymore. By letting it go we discover just how strong we are.

And so I put down a stone today. I let go of something that no longer serves me. As a result, I felt calmer and more ready to handle what came my way. It also prompted me to choose not to pick up another stone that was at my feet. I left it alone and I felt so much stronger knowing that I didn’t have to carry it around.

Did you put down a stone today? How do you feel?

#31dayintentionsettingchallenge

#putthestonedown

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. 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.