We took part in the annual foot cleaning ceremony. It was about being in the now, cleansing and releasing, and I found it a really spiritual experience.
It occurred to me that it's actually an unusual thing during an ordinary day to stop and take a moment. Even if you attempt it there's usually a distraction of some kind; kids, noise, colleagues..
Does it take for us to be in a beautifully serene , peaceful place that is 'designated' for such behavior, like a church ( I always feel peaceful in churches) or peace gardens, meditation centre, yoga class... where it's seen as the right thing to do? We may make a choice to go to places such as this regularly, just to chill, relax and stop for a moment. That's fabulous and making it a routine works wonders!
My point, I guess, is that taking a minute , or more, out of each and every day can help calm and clear our heads. It can help us make sense of our day, our lives, of challenges we may be facing. I always find, on a trip away, or holiday, that I re-find my creativity, and I know it's because I've stopped for a while; I've got 'off the bus'!
So, how about we take a minute during our hectic days, wherever we are. At your desk, on a park bench, in a coffee shop, in the kitchen, on the bus... It doesn't matter. It's about being In The Moment, focussing on the here and now, just for a short while each day.
Block out everything around you, by closing your eyes and going inside. Smile, and relax your shoulders, release the frown on your forehead, let your hands/fingers go limp. Let thoughts come and go, don't try to block them. Just BE.
It really can give such clarity and the world seems a much better place.
Do it today... And every day, because you really are worth it.
Rx