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“Can we talk?” I hope you heard my inner Joan Rivers voice coming through. I constantly hear about how we can accomplish this, that or the other and “it takes just 15 minutes a day” or do this for 30 minutes a day and you’ll be fit, wealthy, beautiful, happy or balanced.
As a Mom, I completely understand that some days are just busier than others. It would unreasonable to jump on that bandwagon that we all hear “it only takes a few minutes a day”. 10 minutes in the morning to wash and moisture your face, take at least 20 minutes to meditate, 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, take an 1 hour on Sunday’s to meal plan, write in your journal…etc. etc. the list can go on and on.
I always try to stress to others (as well as myself) that you/I just need to focus on the doing the the things that bring out the feeling of happiness and peace. I try to participate (even if it’s just for a few minutes) in what is most important for me and I don’t worry about how long I spend in the process.
Now what makes me happy is probably completely different then what makes you happy and that’s a good thing! If we all did exactly the same things, our lives and world would be dull and not creative at all. In my life, being balanced and happy always includes some form of Yoga and Meditation/Self Care and Reiki. A day without these items just doesn’t feel right but I always, always stress that it doesn’t matter how long your practice is, consistency plays a much bigger role in your overall feeling as well as your inner and outer connections – the people around you will feel the difference when you are not balanced.
Here are some of the things I do to bring myself into alignment everyday:
Give Thanks – First thing after waking up. give thanks for the day and for keeping me and my loved ones safe. I give thanks for not only the day, but for the ability to walk through it, the ability to feel it and the wisdom to embrace all that comes with it. If you can add in in a little overhead stretch in bed, do it! Follow it up with a quick balasana (Child’s pose) and you’ll awaken a beautiful energy and ground yourself in the process.
Smudge/Reiki – I take a few minutes everyday to smudge myself with some Sage and follow it up with some Palo Santo, while again saying a quick prayer, this time to release any negative or stagnant energy and infuse my mind, body and soul with positivity, joyful light and Reiki energy.
Drink water – Every morning I have a glass of water with 1 – 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. There are endless studies that prove just how effective and awesome the benefits of drinking ACV everyday are (but that’s for another post).
Coffee – That’s right, I said coffee. I love my coffee!!! (see the explanation points?) I know, I know…some people say not to drink it but honestly I like it and yes it makes me happy. I enjoy my time with beautiful cup of Joe every day, so there it is. If coffee isn’t your cup of tea…then have tea (Sorry I couldn’t help that one).
Focus on the day – As I am enjoying my morning coffee, I visualize my day. I see every part of my planned day with happiness and joy in every situation, in every action. It’s a coffee meditation of sorts. At this time, if I can or if I feel called to I write in my journal.
Meditation/Self Care/Reiki – Here is where you might have to get creative, on days when I have extra time my morning meditation consists of some or all of the following: Sitting in easy pose, focused, with candles, crystals, my Mala beads, Chanting a mantra, with music and essential oils and focus on my Reiki practice. Most days it’s much simpler than that. Just allowing the water to wash away anything that doesn’t serve me while I’m in shower can be my meditation. Seriously, get creative here. Meditation time could be while your in the car waiting for the kids to get out of school. walking your kids to school, packing lunches, washing dishes. Don’t worry about the vision of the yogi floating away on some clouds while they meditate. Just fit it in – somehow, someway.
Yoga – I would love to say I have a beautiful, flowing 60 minute practice all to myself, every single day but I don’t. I’m a yoga teacher, mom, wife, I cook, I clean, I go to the market, I’m on homework duty and make sure the kids are clean and get to bed on time…life gets busy. I have to admit there are days when I only have the chance to do Balasana (child’s pose) in bed or fit in a Uttanasana (standing forward fold) and Ardha Uttansana (half way lift) as I doing my hair or getting things out of the pantry or fridge but hey – It all counts! Extra tip here: I lay out my yoga mat in the living room and as I walk by it – I do a quick little flow or a quick pose as I’m getting things done around the house. It works for me and keeps me in my flow.
Learn/Read/Listen – I try to learn something new everyday. This old dog really can learn new tricks! With our phones in our hands and social media in abundance, we have amazing access to information. Use it to your advantage and subscribe to some great Facebook groups, Instagram pages or YouTube channels that post positive, uplifting, inspiring and educational content. There is always something you can learn or ponder.
Give hugs – You’d be surprised and how much a hug can affect your day or someone else’s day. There are people who don’t get hugs, so if you have the ability to do it – do it! It makes you and them feel better.
Smile and Laugh – nothing makes you feel better than a smile and a good laugh. Trying singing a song with a smile and then try singing it without a smile, you will feel and hear the difference. Share your light, it makes a difference.
