Life is stressful
Not all stress is bad. Notice how you’re responding to stressors. The pull toward distractions is one way that stress shows up in our bodies.
What’s going on here?
You mean my whole purpose isn’t to just get through the day???? Could there possibly be more to life than getting through this day to repeat it tomorrow? Let’s dive into a bit about what’s happening here.
Unprocessed stress = Distraction
The latest research is clear: the state of our attention determines the state of our lives. Chris Bailey, researcher and author of Hyperfocus, talks about how our ability to focus is the key to productivity, creativity, and living a meaningful life.
Would you like to create a more meaningful life?
Notice when you are distracted. 2020 stress. A whole new level of challenges in an unfamiliar playing field. How are you holding up? Where is your mind? What’s going on in your body? What are you doing to help process the stress or are you simply carrying it by continuing to be distracted?
Are you fighting or waiting to get back the life you had, fretting about what may come, OR being in this present moment?
Sometimes when I look back on my day I think, “what the heck did I do today?”. The only answer I can come up with is, “everything but nothing”. It’s on those days that I’m pretty sure I was 100% blown by the wind. No particular direction other than away from what may be most helpful! Do you ever have those days?
Focused attention, Present moment awareness, Mindfulness, Meditation. So many different responses to each of the words we use to talk about it. Don’t get hung up on the terms and notice any generalized beliefs you’ve formed around it all. Use whatever term feels most inviting for you! Simply start paying attention. Tune in where you can in ways that help get the results you’re looking for.
First though let’s listen to the following quick 4 minute video that offers a simple explanation of the Neuroscience of Mindfulness.
Action
1 new daily action. Acknowledge the Wins. Own the Misses.
What can you do to take it up a notch?
Be more present in a way that works for you. Load up on some of that stuff that makes you feel alive! Mix in some new habits that keep you connected to your body. If you find yourself caught up in your own inner dialogue you likely could use a bit more attention given to your body to slow the chatter.
Movement - Exercise - Music - Compassion - Connection - Kindness - Laughter - Creativity - Time in Nature
With self and others.
These are a few words that come to mind when I think about tools I’ve used to bring more spark into my days. I’m not gonna pretend to know the magic formula for anyone! Guess what? I’m pretty sure there is NO magic formula for any of us. AND the things that work today will change over time while offering new layers of effectiveness as the practice of DOING these things continues. Stay engaged and continue to choose one new ACTION daily. Lots of action items to choose from that have the potential of being helpful. Ideas are endless!
What actionable items resonate for you?
Keep it simple! Start small and take on one new action at a time. Change that sticks takes time and practice. None of us navigate any of this perfectly. I can guarantee you will feel resistance at times. Notice it. Consider asking yourself what underlying fear may be hiding behind that resistance. Offer yourself some reassurance. Learn to forgive yourself, circle back to try again and NEVER take yourself too seriously!!! ALWAYS find ways to kindly laugh at yourself along the way:)
Let your mind wander as you simply sit and look around. Maybe on the dock of the bay. Maybe on the edge of a forest. Maybe on your own front steps. What do you notice? What do you see, smell, hear?
Here’s a little something just for fun:)