I’ve been tagged by the lovely Maya at Urban Organica to write about some of the things I do daily to keep my mind healthy. This is a meme started by Mindapples. So, here we go!
1. Meditate. I certainly don’t do this every day, but it’s a goal. I usually end up meditating three or four times a week, and I have found that it makes an amazing difference in my mood. What really got me hooked on meditation is a technique from Martha Beck that is really more like a visualization exercise. Basically, you identify what you really want to accomplish/have/change, and then vividly imagine that you’ve already done it. Really savor the moment and feel what you would feel if you accomplished all of your wildest dreams. It’s really quite amazing, and you can do it in about 5 minutes! Now that I’ve been doing it for a while I include other meditation techniques, but if you are just starting out I highly recommend this exercise. My meditation practice makes me feel happy, optimistic, and satisfied with my life as it is.
“Ocean Sunrise” by Stevenson Marie
2. Eat a nice big breakfast! When I take the time to start off my day with something satisfying & healthy like yogurt with honey, fresh fruit, and whole grain toast, I feel energized. It also has a sort of ripple effect on my eating habits for the rest of the day as well.
3. Appreciate something in nature. It’s quite cold here in Providence right now, so I don’t always get outside for a walk, but even stepping out for a moment to observe a squirrel digging up nuts in the backyard or a cardinal perched on a snowy branch connects me with the world and makes me feel peaceful.
4. Read. I love reading, and even if I haven’t gotten in any reading time during the day, I always end my day by curling up with a good book in bed or snuggled up on the couch. Right now I am reading an amazing memoir, On Hitler’s Mountain: Overcoming the Legacy of a Nazi Childhood by Irmgard A. Hunt.
5. Connect. Just sitting down with my husband after work, before either of us start rushing around making dinner/phone calls/checking email/etc. is a little breather I really need every day. Just sharing a few nice words makes such a huge difference!
I invite down to earth, Crunchy Domestic Goddess, Operation Nice, Jane Brocket, and Posie gets cozy to participate in this meme because you are all such amazingly creative ladies!
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wow, thanks for playing! i’m loving your resources, & can tell you’re having fun. there’s already quite a few great ideas you’ve given me!
maya’s last blog post..bento love: how to make sushi rice balls