by Leigh White
Each day we get up, get out, get hustling and bustling.. but does this routine leave you feeling overwhelmed and somewhat anxious at times?
It’s a big question because if you aren’t feeling happy, then your wellbeing is not in good shape either. To begin improving your happiness and wellbeing, you have a say and a lot of choice too, but the first step is awareness. I remember in my 20’s I became aware of how busy and stressed I was. Although I was having a ball working in book publishing and very fortunate to work on all the natural therapy, healing and ‘new age’ author’s books, I was in overload mode.
At the time, I did not learn much about mediation or mindfulness, except I picked up that I was stressed and ‘breathing’ was an important part of the solution. I made a screen saver ‘pause … breathe… begin’ or something like that. It was great, just a 10 second reminder on my screen and it was a good start because my work day was so busy!
Later I learnt to be less busy by being ‘in the moment’ and to do this with even the simplest tasks, like making a cup of tea or brushing my teeth. So, instead of looking elsewhere around a room, oblivious to the tea I was making I began learning how to appreciate the tea for a few seconds and it became a beautiful moment in the day – one to pause, breathe and then begin again.
Brushing our teeth each day is for some a rushed task, scrubbing our teeth instead of gently polishing them and all last minute, before flying out the door in the morning! If we flip it around and take our time, it becomes a subtle and valuable part of our self-care and self-love practice.
So I had unwittingly ‘allowed’ myself to foster an ability to be ‘in the moment’. The 10 second routine grew into lots of times throughout the day or week, and I’d find myself observing beauty in nature, appreciating those around me, or noticing things that would have passed me by if I’d continued approaching my days with haste, not my heart.
You can build on being kinder to yourself in small ways. For example, if you are a busy parent of young children, and would love to bring more peace into your life but meditation sounds too hard, just finding a few moments to sit back and close your eyes is enough. Literally a couple of minutes, I know, I remember my children being toddlers! To ‘allow’ yourself to become aware of your breath for just one or two minutes and while doing so be aware of your breath entering your mouth, your body and then releasing it again.
Given that a try already? Then get daring while you are doing this mindful breathing, let every thought float by, without going into the thought, just acknowledging it and letting it go, with focus on breath. This one or two minute break from chaos will refresh and uplift a busy parent quickly, and especially if you are having ‘one of those days’!
Pausing and switching off our ‘auto-pilot’ way of life is the first step to becoming more aware. Awareness supports us in coping better with what life brings us, and bringing more happiness into each day. After all, life is to be experienced, not controlled.
The Practice
In my Holistic Coaching practice at Transform Yoga & Pilates, I facilitate identifying and clearing blocks to client’s happiness, and gentle ways to bring more awareness into their lives. As an energy intuitive, I facilitate clients getting to know who they truly are and coming into alignment with their authentic self. A client recently said “Through Reiki and coaching, Leigh has been a great help in uncovering my next career move by focusing on what I’m passionate about or interested in as well as how to take the necessary steps required to make it work. Also, Leigh has helped with my overall health, wellness, achieving personal goals and overcoming fears. I’m glad we’ve met! She’s also a friendly, empathetic and compassionate person with great advice. Highly recommended!” D.S.
Sessions are available in 30-40 minute Reiki Treatments ($45) or more in-depth 60 minute Holistic Coaching ($105) can be booked on some Sunday afternoons and every Monday. This offer expires 31 May 2016.
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