Everyday Care of the Soul
- Sit in silence and meditate for at least 30 minutes each day. (All at once, or two periods of 15 minutes each.) This purifies your nervous system, helps you to connect to the deepest part of you, and helps you to “re-source” your energy. Your brain has the ability to rewire itself with meditation and this can support your increased self-awareness, a reduced stress response, and an increased compassion for yourself and others. Keep up your practice; it only works if you do it!
- Become more mindful of the present moment, this moment right now is when your life is taking place and everything unfolds. If you bring your attention to your breath and body, you’ll likely be more anchored to this moment right here.
- Life is not an emergency. Slow it down. Do one thing at a time, mindfully. Whether taking a shower, driving, or walking, break the habit of rushing. It’s more sustainable and it’s easier to enjoy your own life in that way.
- Get in the habit of asking yourself, How do I feel right now? And feel—rather than think—your way to the answer. Meet a stressful moment with any of the Peacefinder Practices such as relax your body and give yourself three long, slow, deep breaths. Notice—rather than judge—how you feel, emotionally and physically. This is called bearing witness.”
- Approach life with a beginner’s mind. Rather than making a judgment about everything, or having to know what is happening next, meet each moment with an open heart and mind. The same is true for being with people. Even if you know them, don’t assume you know how they’ll react or be. You’ll become more intimate with life in this way.
- Walk in nature daily without talking on your cell phone. Sense and explore all the colors, textures, shapes, temperature, sounds, aromas, space, light, shadows, movement, and stillness in nature as it sweetly meets your senses. Now notice your own presence. Consider this: you are the one being observed and loved by nature. It’s likely not only the other way around.
- When you notice you repeatedly have the same thought over and over, and it stresses you out, ask yourself who you would be if you didn’t believe that thought. How would you live your life without the thought? You might find a moment of peace.
- Notice how you feel when you hear about someone else’s success. Does it trigger happiness or fear? Do you believe that there’s enough for you even if someone else has it. Mudita is a practice of being sympathetically joyful for another.
- Be kind to yourself, say nice things to yourself and mean them. Practice loving and appreciating your body. Your body responds to everything you think, say, and do.
- Give yourself permission to do or receive what nurtures you, whether it’s singing, listening to music, dancing, volunteering, watching funny movies, painting, journaling, cooking, being with friends, playing or watching sports, gardening, taking a nap, walking the dog, deep breathing, prayer, helping others or having them help you.
- When faced with a choice, pay attention to how you feel, notice the sensations in your body. Use your inner compass and live with integrity. There’s no need to manipulate yourself. Ask yourself, Is it a yes or a no, or a yum or a yuck? Move toward the yums and away from the yucks.
- Say what you mean. Say yes when you mean yes, and no when you mean no. You’ll make it easy on yourself and everyone else and you’ll save a lot of time.
- When making a choice or taking action, relinquish your need for approval from others. You are the wise one. You usually do know best. You are soul-centered.
- Be in circle with those you love. Be present for another as they are interacting with you. Get comfortable with silence.
- Ask yourself what you really want. What is my heart’s desire? The answer(s) will meet the question (in a word, sound, visually, or in a feeling) eventually if you are paying attention.
- Accentuate the positive. Pay attention to what you are paying attention to. And make a shift if it isn’t nourishing. Whatever you put your attention on grows.
- Practice receiving what others and the universe provide in each moment.
- Each night before you go to bed practice gratitude. Think about three things you are grateful for. Or simply say, thank you, as you reflect on all that supports you in your day to day life.
- Nourish your body and mind and spirit. Choose nourishing food, environments, and relationships. Eat slowly and mindfully. Get to bed early to get a good night’s sleep.
- Whether for an hour a day or a weekend, treat yourself to an extended period of silence. Unplug from everything and give yourself a mini-meditation retreat.
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