Every morning  I awake, make coffee, let the cat in, the dog out, meditate, write my “Miracles Happen” list, respond to emails, comments etc., and write my blog, and when I have time, read other blogs and make comments there. And then, four days of the week, I get ready to leave the house to face my day.
That’s my morning ritual, except, lately, the meditation part has taken a back seat, it’s slipped from my mental landscape — and that’s not a good thing. I need to meditate. The world needs me to meditate. Meditation soothes my soul, raises my spirits and creates space for miracles everyday.
So…. what is it that keeps me from doing something that is good for me? Something I know makes a difference in the quality of my day?
Exercise. Meditation. Eating healthily. Calling my mother. Journalling. Taking my vitamins.
All of these things feed my soul. All of them use my time wisely. What is it that keeps me from spending time on them?
I read a story recently about a man who was a very ‘famous’ thief. During his career he stole an estimated $10 million in jewellery and other valuables from people on the social register. Unlike Robin Hood of eras past, he did not steal from the rich to give to the poor, he simply stole from the rich because they had more to steal. He was caught, spent 25 years in jail and when released, got a job in a burger joint. That was his life.
When interviewed by a reporter he said he realized, in hindsight, he didn’t just steal from the rich, he stole from himself. He stole his future, the things he could have done to make a difference in the world, the things he might have done to be different in the world.
And he couldn’t get that time back.
When I don’t meditate in the morning, or write in my journal at night, or take my vitamins or any of the other, good for me self-care things I don’t do — I can’t get the lost time, nor the lost benefits of the activity back. I am stealing my well-being from me.
And that makes a difference I don’t want to make in my life. Because when I don’t take positive care of me, I am not creating the greatest possibilities for awe and wonder and beauty in my world each day.
If you don’t meditate, or simply sit in silent contemplation every morning for a few minutes, try this…
Make a commitment that for the next week, starting right now — always begin where you’re at — that you will stop, close your eyes (if your hands on the keyboard simply leave them there, the key is to simply STOP what you’re doing and be still).
Now, deep breath. In. Out. Deep breath. In. Out.
Keep breathing. Relax your shoulders. Your neck. Your body.
Close your eyes!
Focus on your breathing. In……. Out….. In….. Out…..
Focus on the feeling of the air coming in through your nostrils, notice its coolness. Notice how it fills your lungs. Breathe. Slowly. In…. Out….
Count ten breaths in and out. Follow the flow of ten breaths in and out.
Now, open your eyes and continue on.
Do that every day — to begin with, once a day for ten breaths. But, try to add a couple of more exercises throughout the day. Do it three times a day if possible — but commit to doing it once a day for a week.
And then, next week, double the breaths. In….. Out…. 20 times
And if one day you forget, Begin again. Always begin again.
See. I just did it and I feel the benefits of the quiet flowing within me. I feel positive energy moving with grace and ease throughout my being.
Try it. It will make a difference.
and now, I’m off to take my vitamins.
Gotta go. The day is calling me to approach in wild-eyed wonder to the beauty of every moment unfolding with miracles of life all around.
Namaste.
Dare Boldly 
Not to worry! Even twenty seconds spent in quiet better than nothing! YOU’RE the BEST! xx 000 Dianne
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so true Dianne — a moment of silent contemplation feeds my soul, regardless of how long I spend in it! Hugs — missed you at the Peace meeting tonight. See you Thursday?! 🙂
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I have been trying this ‘stopping and breathing’ over the last week, once a day in the evening as a way to try and help me sleep better (or at all!). It’s not yet making a difference but I am trying to keep it up. It has had surprising results though, tears… (I hope to have a bit of time to sit and think about this/write later today.) but as someone who simply doesn’t cry, it’s been ‘interesting’ to say the least…
I hope that you have a good week and do have the time to have moments of quiet in every day.
Take care.
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Somewhere I heard Laura that ‘tears are the words the heart can’t speak’, and when we let them flow, we free our hearts and lighten our spirits so that we can hear our heart’s calling for us to be at peace. I am inspired by your tears — thank you for telling me that breathing opens your heart. Hugs and blessings to you
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It’s bedtime here in Aussie-land. I was about to shut computer off but then saw your post and have to say thank you. I still can’t do some of this stuff but am trying!
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thank you Juli! Hope you had a peaceful sleep, ( and you didn’t lose any teeth… — for those who don’t understand, check out Diana Schwenks — Stressed about Stress blog the other day (http://talktodiana.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/stressed-about-stress/)
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We’re almost in sync. I’ve scheduled for Thursday a “Metta” meditation from Sylvia Boorstein.
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Oooh — that sounds awesome Maureen! I’ll look forward to hearing all about it!
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Thank you Louise! Everything happens for a reason, and your blog today is the reason I was drawn to check it out! I have let a lot of things slip and have complicated my own life. A gentle reminder to keep it simple and it all starts with Breath! BIG HUGS beautiful lady!!
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Big hugs to you too Anne — I’m so glad you stopped by — it’s nice to ‘see’ you — though I do miss you. Any chance you’ll be in Saskatoon this weekend?
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I wish! We just got home from a quick overnight trip to Saskatoon again today! Miss you!
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Lovely reminder…thank you! I find that I often dismiss these simple practices as TOO simple when, in fact, “simple” is the point…consciously getting back to the breath, one inhalation and one exhalation at a time. Always beginning again.
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it is the simplicity that makes such a difference isn’t it? thanks so much for stopping by!
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You know I do just that most days not ever day but I do take my vitamins every day, only because I have them set out for the week along with my other meds and take them all at the same time every day…………..I am even converting my parents……….getting them to take some vitamins………..I also love to just sit on the side of the bed after my evening bath and do nothing for a few minutes just sit and breathe
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Ahhh, to sit and breathe Jo-Anne — the image of you doing that brings peace to my soul. Blissful!
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I recommend not doing this while you’re driving! It’s not my thing per se but I do get quiet and contemplative when I walk, so that’s what I do…..Do you think working on contract right now has forced you to cut back on some stuff?
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haha — not doing while driving. 🙂 I promise, I don’t!
And yes, I think there is some cutting back as I’m busier on contract than I was full time — go figure! I think it has something to do with not wanting to say…. no. 🙂
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It’s amazing how sometimes you write my words. I keep thinking I’ll do it tomorrow. The thing is, one day tomorrow won’t come. I’m working on restructuring my life so I can do it today because your words are so right (as always)
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Ah yes, Fi — the ‘tomorrow’ will be the time day. I have that one too…. 🙂 Hugs and LOL — I love being right! tee hee. Can I tell my daughters? 🙂
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they mean a lot to me! i am quite protective towards these moments
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