Dear friend:
I have the opportunity every two to three weeks to sit down with a wonderful “presence” coach who has studied with Eckhart Tolle (www.eckharttolle.com), author of best-selling book “The Power of Now.” I relish my visits with her and look forward to this dedicated time for reflection.
Being more present in my life is something I’m continually working on and it’s one of the four legs of my “balance stool” that I talk about frequently in “The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal.” The other three legs --and I believe keys to balanced living--are: taking time for self-renewal, managing our energy and setting life priorities, and building a strong support network. You can read more about my “inside out” approach to balance in Chapter Eleven of the “Guide” here.
My coach and I recently discussed how powerful it can be for many of us to have “anchors” in our life and how this can positively impact our ability to stay in the here and now.
Anchors are people, rituals or practices that help you stay grounded, and often, help you find your way home. Some of the anchors that I rely on to stay centered and on-track are: a morning mediation practice, spending time in natural settings, being with my spiritual community on Sunday mornings, journaling, seeing my presence coach, visits every three months or so with key mentors in my life and taking regular life planning retreats.
Who or what anchors you? Weekly yoga or movement? Daily prayer? Affirmations or intentions posted to your bathroom mirror or computer? Monthy check-ins with your coach or therapist? Regular dates with your partner? Walking? Regularly scheduled time alone? Monthly girls—or boys--night outs with friends? Playing a musical instrument?
I believe we’re all doing the best we can in the moment. But often we don’t take the actions needed to support ourselves to be the best we can be. Or, frankly, to just stay sane!
Schedule some time this week to think about what anchors you. What feeds you, nourishes you, gives you energy, helps you maintain perspective and access your wise self or challenges you to look at things in new ways? (Check out my latest blog posting “The Journey Continues” to hear more on this topic.) And then, take baby steps to ensure you begin integrating at least one to two of these anchors into your weekly/monthly routine.
I think you’ll be astounded at how much this can impact your mood and day-to-day experience. Thanks for your support and I hope your summer is fruitful, relaxing and filled with opportunities for unscheduled time!
Warmly,
Renée
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