Putting The “Over” On the Down Low
Do you feel at times your head is on a constant swivel? Responding to this and reacting to that. Being distracted and disrupted throughout the day. Having to be busy at all times!
I DO!
Technology is 365/24/7! Mobile devices, TV’s, electronic ads/billboards, etc. How does one handle and cope with that short attention span with a twist of instant gratification that is continuous and constant. How do become more mindful and present in that environment. Cutting through that clutter for more clearness in mind and being!
Do you feel like your mind and heart are in a race to see who is going faster?
I DO!
That is where mindfulness, being present, and/or focusing on the task at hand comes into play! It centers the mind and slows the being. It calms the stress, anxiety and tension. It can be something as simple as closing your eyes and taking three deep breaths. Taking a breather is like a reset for the mind and being!
You find that clarity, attentiveness and focus again! You process better, especially in decision making and problem solving. You may even discover that thing you were struggling with or being challenged by becomes a little easier to deal with. Take the time to re-focus!
Think about playing ball or putting a puzzle together! An activity that has you focusing more closely on the task at hand. It helps you build your capacity to focus if you continue to practice. It can also break the norm!
I recently read an article by Jillian Pransky and in the article she stated “We are zippers.”. Due to how hard we are always working. Like they say all work and no play . . .
“It’s like we’re in a motorboat noisily zipping around, trying to find a place that is quiet, peaceful, and still.
We’re solving a problem, responding to demands, preparing for what’s next, improving ourselves.
But we’re just making more waves and noise wherever we go. It counters all our ambitious conditioning,
but true freedom comes when we throttle back the motor and come naturally to stillness.”~True Refuge by Tara Brach
What happens when we slow down?
- Will we really miss something?
- Will we be failing?
- Will we be less than?
- Will all that pushing and pulling get everything done as well as right?
- Will we fall behind instead of getting ahead?
- Will we try to be better even when it comes to breathing, relaxing, resting, etc.?
That constant busyness is not healthy!
It is okay to take and make the time to relax and rest! To create that space for yourself to do what you need/want with it. You may find yourself scheduling more time for R&R!
- It can be calming and grounding.
- It can be freeing and rewarding.
- It can be an energy as well as a mood booster.
- It can be a way to connect and communicate with your whole being again (i.e. self check time!).
- It can be another great way to close out what is happening around you and just center on yourself.
What would you do if you gave yourself at least 30-minutes up to 2 hours every couple of weeks or every month?
A relationship with self is paramount in feeling good and living the life you need/want/crave/desire!
There is a disconnection at times either with yourself and/or with parts of what is happening around you! You put up blocks or create distance when it comes to that constant busyness. Especially with technology and the speed the information comes at you. You create your own escapism in order to deal!
You forget to make yourself a priority! Really think about what you want to actively participate in. What truly needs your time and energy. It is okay to say no instead of yes and go, go, go!
- How do you treat yourself?
- How do you value you and the life you live?
- How do you communicate and connect with your whole being?
- How are you experiencing each and every day?
- How are you meeting your needs?
Really think about those “how” questions and how you answer them too!
(Photos by RSheridan)
