MAKING BETTER CHOICES
I recently went through a tough break-up that kicked up my bad habits. One night I had a dream in which my sub-conscious mind was repeatedly telling my conscious mind to “make better choices, make better choices.” I awoke feeling a little more fresh that day. I had received the gift of guidance and it was simple enough for my mind to understand and seemed easy enough to at least try to follow. Just to see.
START WHERE YOU ARE
There is no pressure, only opportunity, no judgement if you don’t make a change, only a lightness from trying something new.
Some of us are working on long deep seated habits that formed before we were out of high school, like smoking or drinking, eating fast foods, binging, or other overt self destructive behaviors. Others may be working on other levels, such as trying to stop participating in the gossip-go-round, or trying to think more of others. Still others may be wanting to make better choices for their health, spiritual life, family time, financial awareness or a more fulfilling use of their free time. No matter where you are at, we can all continue to grow, refine our character and develop compassion and deeper wisdom. So, start where you are.
Pick one thing, and let it bubble up from deep in your belly, this one thing, and make one choice that feels better to you in some real way. Give EXTRA ATTENTION to that point of feeling better. Let it work it’s wonder.
Everyone I know could grow in their self-love, refining their character or developing best practices. Even the most balanced, healthy people I know continue to distract themselves for dropping in. Drop in.
HABITS/SPONTANEITY
Are you acting out of habit? Most of the time; we are. Drop in to your authentic self with loose belly breath and empty yourself a moment. Then see if a new spontaneous option arises. Choose that.
BOREDOM/CREATIVITY
Often we move in ruts formed from our habits. When we find a new spontaneous option (tea instead of coffee) another is right around the corner. One way to foster the flow is through creativity. Art, dance, movement, exercises and journaling are great ways to spark your shakti (life force energy.)
HIDING/PRESENCE
This is not so much a question of introvert/extrovert as much as covering or revealing our authentic selves. Drop down into your authentic self, again with deep loose-belly breathing and allow yourself to empty. Release anxiety, pretense, the need to interject or be heard and just be present. Listen for birds.
IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY?
If it was, everybody would be doing it. And, the world would be a much different place… At the same time, its as easy or difficult as we want to make it. If we want to continue to play small, it will feel difficult. If we want to grow and heal, change becomes much easier. So, reflect deeply on what you want. It will make all the difference.
STOKING OUR STRENGTH!
That said, waking our spiritual warrior after a long time of grief, dullness or slumber (very Kapha Dosha) may require some summoning of our greatest-yet efforts. Make the efforts joyfully!
Instead of looking at your choices as chores, look at them as opportunities. It is a blessing to be able to take out the trash. Use yourself and your body wisely.
May this article bring you inspiration to find something new to invite into your day!