TammieWhy Mindfulness?
I feel as though Mindfulness is the cure to our hectic modern lives. Changes are occurring in our lives at an ever-rapid pace. Our roles as parents, partners, caretakers, employees, etc., all vie for our time and energy. We become even further stretched as we encounter life transitions such as separation, career change, loss of a loved one, health challenges or identifying our life’s purpose. The need to slow down, reconnect with ourselves is a form of self-care that has become crucial to our well-being.
How do you come back to your inner peace?
Mindfulness brings me back to my inner peace of course 🙂 I have to remind myself throughout the day to stop and be mindful. I do this by using triggers to bring me back to the present moment. For example I have a post it on my computer that says breathe. I also have a small Kuan Yin statue on the dashboard of my car so every time I get in the car I am reminded to be compassionate. In a busy city full of road rage this is a must! (Although I did once nearly throw it at someone, heee heee works most of the time) I also use transitional events as well as objects to bring my attention to what I am doing. When I close the garage door at home I remind myself as I cross the threshold that I am home, just be home. Too often I/we bring other issues home with us, or we use up our best selves at work. I try to save some of my best self for home and just attempt to be there and not think about other things when I’m having quality time with loved ones.
Your top Wellness tip?
Identify and prioritise what’s important. Palliative nurse, Bronnie Ware recorded the most common regrets of the dying and put her findings into a book called “The Top Five Regrets of The Dying.” It’s not surprising to see what made the list as they are all things that touch each of our lives as we struggle to pay attention to and make time for things that we truly love. This is a gift to each and every one of us not to waste our time, especially when so many people don’t have the gift of another day, it’s up to us to make the most of every opportunity. They are: 1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. 3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
Sometimes undertaking the exercise of writing your own obituary can help you clarify the legacy you want to leave behind which highlights what’s important to you. I can also recommend two books, “The Passion Test” by Janet and Chris Atwood, and “Authentic Happiness” by Martin Seligman, to help you clarify your purpose and meaning in life. When you are living your life in alignment with your true purpose you feel energised and alive and more able to give to yourself and others.
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