As you know, I’ve been away from the computer for a while. I had the most amazing vacation with my family and I’m still trying to hang on to that feeling. You know, relaxing, smiling, having fun, spending time together, taking a few minutes out of your day to just be in the moment. Almost every day I took a deep breath and realized how blessed I was to have this opportunity.
Back in the real world, I have been meaning to send out a new blog post for a bit but nothing really struck me as ‘WOW’, until Monday. I read an article in “Spirit, Pursuit of Intuitive Living” called “The Art of Doing Nothing Three Times a Day”. I am going to post it here because I think it’s important for all of us to take time out of our hectic day and be thankful for what we have and be in the moment.
The Art of Doing Nothing Three Times a Day
By Dawn James
Can you imagine yourself, like a teenager, doing nothing? I can. I learned from my son. What captured my attention at first was the subtle, almost elegant manner in which he arrived home each day, slipped off his backpack and strolled onto the deck in the back yard. Each day after school he would spend half an hour or so just sitting there. At first with his eyes open, observing the trees, looking at the birds that randomly flew overhead and gazing at the lake in the distance. A few minutes later he would gently close his eyes, with an expression of reverence as the sun’s rays warmed his cheeks. This was his daily dose of ‘doing nothing’.
This was an “Aha!” moment for me and, thanks to him, I began to master the art of doing nothing three times a day. I learned to change my daily routine and began to appreciate ‘being’ instead of ‘doing’.
In the morning:
How often do we take time out of our busy day to appreciate the magnificence of life, to hold reverence and feel blessed for all we have now? Instead of jumping out of bed when the alarm went off, I stole an extra five minutes, lying on my back in Shavasana pose and set my intention for the type of day I wanted to create. How will I share my gifts and talents with the world today?
My morning Affirmation: I consciously choose to be peaceful and live in the flow of life today. So be it.
At lunch time:
I purposely left my wireless devices in my desk and headed to my car for quiet time. This was not the time to be reading, updating my never-ending to-do list or checking text messages or voicemail. Instead, I enjoyed a mental break in stillness and in peace, at least for 20 minutes, with the driver’s seat tilted back.
While in my car, I consciously connected with my breath in a rhythmic fashion called belly breathing. Inhaling for four counts, holding for two counts, exhaling for four counts. Allowing my body to re-establish its natural rhythms while calming my central nervous system. Belly breathing also improves mental clarity. This exercise can be performed several times throughout the day, especially when driving in rush hour traffic.
Another option at lunchtime is to go on a walking meditation or take your break at a later time when there is less chatter in the lunchroom. You can collect your thoughts and enjoy some reflection time.
Another favorite Affirmation: I choose to enjoy every moment of the day.
In the evening or before bed:
Just as I started my day in Shavasana pose, I also ended my day in stillness. I call this winding down gradually.
We have on average 10,000 thoughts per day. Our brains are in ‘beta’ mode, attentive and alert to external stimuli. It is vitally important to unwind the brain and shift from beta wave to alpha and theta wave before we fall asleep.
Take time to reflect and recognize the many blessings you received today. What positive things occurred? What synchronicities did you observe?
Reflect or think about half a dozen things you are grateful for and how each one has affected your life, well being and sense of purpose. Be thankful for being in this present moment in time.
When I take time to enjoy ‘the art of doing nothing’ I develop new levels of self-discovery and awareness. I also remember that I have choices.
Do you want to be a human ‘being’ or a human 'doing’? The choice is yours.
Back in the real world, I have been meaning to send out a new blog post for a bit but nothing really struck me as ‘WOW’, until Monday. I read an article in “Spirit, Pursuit of Intuitive Living” called “The Art of Doing Nothing Three Times a Day”. I am going to post it here because I think it’s important for all of us to take time out of our hectic day and be thankful for what we have and be in the moment.
The Art of Doing Nothing Three Times a Day
By Dawn James
Can you imagine yourself, like a teenager, doing nothing? I can. I learned from my son. What captured my attention at first was the subtle, almost elegant manner in which he arrived home each day, slipped off his backpack and strolled onto the deck in the back yard. Each day after school he would spend half an hour or so just sitting there. At first with his eyes open, observing the trees, looking at the birds that randomly flew overhead and gazing at the lake in the distance. A few minutes later he would gently close his eyes, with an expression of reverence as the sun’s rays warmed his cheeks. This was his daily dose of ‘doing nothing’.
This was an “Aha!” moment for me and, thanks to him, I began to master the art of doing nothing three times a day. I learned to change my daily routine and began to appreciate ‘being’ instead of ‘doing’.
In the morning:
How often do we take time out of our busy day to appreciate the magnificence of life, to hold reverence and feel blessed for all we have now? Instead of jumping out of bed when the alarm went off, I stole an extra five minutes, lying on my back in Shavasana pose and set my intention for the type of day I wanted to create. How will I share my gifts and talents with the world today?
My morning Affirmation: I consciously choose to be peaceful and live in the flow of life today. So be it.
At lunch time:
I purposely left my wireless devices in my desk and headed to my car for quiet time. This was not the time to be reading, updating my never-ending to-do list or checking text messages or voicemail. Instead, I enjoyed a mental break in stillness and in peace, at least for 20 minutes, with the driver’s seat tilted back.
While in my car, I consciously connected with my breath in a rhythmic fashion called belly breathing. Inhaling for four counts, holding for two counts, exhaling for four counts. Allowing my body to re-establish its natural rhythms while calming my central nervous system. Belly breathing also improves mental clarity. This exercise can be performed several times throughout the day, especially when driving in rush hour traffic.
Another option at lunchtime is to go on a walking meditation or take your break at a later time when there is less chatter in the lunchroom. You can collect your thoughts and enjoy some reflection time.
Another favorite Affirmation: I choose to enjoy every moment of the day.
In the evening or before bed:
Just as I started my day in Shavasana pose, I also ended my day in stillness. I call this winding down gradually.
We have on average 10,000 thoughts per day. Our brains are in ‘beta’ mode, attentive and alert to external stimuli. It is vitally important to unwind the brain and shift from beta wave to alpha and theta wave before we fall asleep.
Take time to reflect and recognize the many blessings you received today. What positive things occurred? What synchronicities did you observe?
Reflect or think about half a dozen things you are grateful for and how each one has affected your life, well being and sense of purpose. Be thankful for being in this present moment in time.
When I take time to enjoy ‘the art of doing nothing’ I develop new levels of self-discovery and awareness. I also remember that I have choices.
Do you want to be a human ‘being’ or a human 'doing’? The choice is yours.
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