Читать книгу Going Back to Basics - Marcia Wieder - Страница 4

I meet so many people who have developed simple daily regimes they follow to help keep them balanced, happy and focused on the things that really matter. They follow them not because they have to or because they should. They use these daily pleasures as a way to honor themselves; their bodies, souls, hearts and minds. I recommend you do this for one main reason: Honoring a simple regime and keeping your personal agree ments will help you feel good about yourself and keep you “pres- ent” in life. The opposite is to check-out, give up, give in or just not care. Being present and accounted for is how we demon- strate to ourselves that we are important, special and deserve the best. Think of it as a way to salute your place in the world, wher- ever and whatever it may be...it’s yours.

Funny, as we treat ourselves this way, others begin to follow suit, treating us in a similar manner. It’s even possible to have this rub off on family and friends. We can experience the simple delight of taking good care of ourselves and notice that we actually have extra time for each other. See what it is that you need.

Here is my short list: every day I try to spend at least a few minutes outside, preferably somewhere more green than gray; eat healthy, breathe deeply, and do some form of exercise. Now, exercise doesn’t have to be a dirty word. All it means is doing something physical to increase the amount of calories (which are really just measures of heat, i.e. energy) burned. Many of us take in more calories than we need, and what hap- pens? Our bodies, smart as they are, intuitively store them for

us in the form of fat. Great. Thanks. But if you’re not concerned about weight loss, consider all

the other benefits to adding at least a few minutes of exercise to your life: reducing stress, lowering your heart rate, reduc- ing high-blood pressure, increasing stamina, and so on. Besides, sweating can be liberating!

You don’t have to join an expensive gym or a trendy class. Just be creative and mindful. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Park a bit farther out in the parking lot. Throw a Frisbee with your kids. Save twenty bucks and wash your car on a beautiful sunny day listening to the Beach Boys or any other music that invokes the feeling of Summer. Walk the dog. And if you have it in you, walk the dog uphill. As Nike® says, “Just Do It.”

This is a daily agreement that I have. I relish it and am grateful that I have found a simple way to put my needs first. Sound selfish? By indulging in yourself a little, you will have extra energy, love and time to give to those around you. The writer Anne Shaw said, “Fond as we are of our loved ones, there comes at times during their absence an unexplained peace.” It’s amazing how taking the quality time for ourselves, can create more to share with others.

Whatever daily practices you employ, here are some really simple suggestions to help maintain them for the long-term:

• Check in with your daily needs.

• Write them down and keep it simple.

• Practice keeping your agreements, especially with yourself.

• Be aware and notice life.

• Notice how you feel.

• Notice what you’re thinking.

• Stay in communications by sharing what’s up.

• Listen carefully and actively.

• Have fun, notice when you’re not and make a shift.

• Read this list.