It takes practice. A lot of it.
Somedays you’ll feel the benefits of your practice full force, and you’ll easily radiate the connection of your mind, body and soul. While other days, you’ll fall off track. Life happens. The reality is you won’t always be able to put your practices first. The key is to keep at it. Keep practicing whenever you can. And don’t be down on yourself when you can’t accomplish it all.
When time is short, even a small commitment can make a big impact as far as getting grounding into your body, clearing your mind and expressing your soul. Here are a few practices you can do in about 5 mins. Try to integrate them into your day (hopefully several times) on a regular basis.
- Conscious Breathing– close your eyes and pay close attention to your inhale and exhale. Don’t attach to any thoughts –just stay with the breath at least 10 rounds.
- Fire Watching — light a candle. Stare at the fire with soft eyes and try not to blink. Do this for several rounds of breath. Then close your eyes and keep the image of the flame in your memory. Slowly open your eyes.
- Words to the page–as writers/ bloggers this one may appeal most. Sit down with a notebook (old school!) and write the first thoughts that come to mind. Keep writing until you’ve said it all. (Extra Credit: once you’ve reached this point of clarity you are primed for the next practice.)
- Mantra Meditation — close your eyes, focus on the breath. With each inhale say the word Let. On each exhale say Go. (feel free to fill in any other mantra or words that resonate with you). Become a witness to the thoughts as they move through the mind.
- Gratitude List– create a list of all the things in your life you’re grateful for.
- Dance Party — put on your favorite song. Shake it off and let loose!
There’s no right or wrong way to live your essence. These practices are for expression, not perfection. By connecting the mind, body and soul, you’re on the path of the true you.
What are some mini-practices you incorporate into your day?
Reblogged this on View Pacific and commented:
I like this list of simple practices to bring us back to the present, and towards living fully again.
Several years ago I shared a long list of steps towards building a more spirit-filled life along with a pool, and it got a lot of votes. You might enjoy the list, and may be surprised which ones were favorites (as well as which ones didn’t top the list)
http://viewpacific.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/daily-necessities/
Playing and keeping things light works well for me. Joining some classes on improv comedy can cultivate that playfulness into being a practice that can be done every day and in all kinds of situations.
Several years ago I shared a list of practices to enliven the spirit along with a poll. I’ve been delighted with the results, and a little surprised, too.
http://viewpacific.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/daily-necessities/
Thanks for the reminders.
I’ve heard others says improv classes work wonders on breaking down the barriers + as you say cultivating playfulness. I’m a huge fan of playtime for grown ups — such a fun way to express your soul. Thanks for sharing your extensive list of practices, and also for the reblog 🙂
You’re welcome. Thanks for your inspiring list.
I’ve found improv comedy classes to be almost a spiritual practice. Also, I recently came across a wonderful book by a long-time improv teacher at Stanford. Called “improv wisdom” by Patricia Ryan Madson, she combines her experience and I think Zen teaching.
Such a helpful list … and I LOVE the photograph. May we all continue to connect with our essence in our practice 🙂
YES, keep practicing!! Thanks for your kind words, Val.
These are wonderful – thank you so much! I’m having a delicious day of inner reflection and I had already done almost everything on your list before reading this just now. Reading inspirational/spiritual literature is a valuable part of my day also. It lifts me out of my own thoughts and reminds me who I really am, and who we really are.
TT, Terrific, wise post, my friend. You remind me that I had promised myself to sit and watch the candle’s flame earlier today–maybe it can happen later. Yes to the breathing practice, and, of course, M O V E M E N T!!! Even if it’s a 2-minute walk, or a few sun salutations, or dance jam. And a corollary, especially after this dark winter: sun breaks. Going out onto the front step when the sun comes out and breathing in sunshine. xoxo
Great suggestion, Kelly. Spiritual literature can definitely be on the list as it too instills self inquiry/ awareness. Thank you!
ST, I agree with you about moments in the sun. And I think we could do the same with the moon. Such a powerful way to align with nature. Thank you always, my dear friend. XOXO
Oh, right. Come to think of it, I do the same when the stars and moon come out (wish upon a star….). YES: NATURE! Have a lovely day, TT. xoxo
possibility, hope, strength and love all intersect here … i’m very happy i found you today. tony
Me too! Thank you, Tony.