10 Ways to Bring Meaning to Your Life
Improve your life in 10 easy steps
Title: 10 Ways to Bring Meaning to Your Life
Author: Elisha Goldstein
Article:
10 Ways to Bring Meaning to Your Life
My life always appears to be so hectic. It's as if I purposely
overload myself with more things than I could possibly ever
accomplish. As I'm going to sleep I think about all the things I
need to get done And when I'm awake during the day I think about
all the things that need to get done. Take a shower, make
coffee, eat breakfast, brush my teeth, go to work, etc... It's
almost as if at the end of the day I can truly ask myself,
"where did the day go?" Enough of these and I can ask myself the
same questions in weeks, months, or even years!
So when I feel like these questions are coming up, I do some
brief exercises that help bring me to the present moment and
remind myself that I'm living. For 5 minutes: Whatever you are
doing, just do it slightly slower. At work we are all given
tasks to do. One time per day, for 5 minutes do that task a
little bit slower. Do not do the task in slow motion, or take
breaks from the task, simply do it a little bit slower. Take 5
minutes at lunch to notice what you're eating. You can actually
do this at an meal, or anytime you eat. You are going to notice
what your food looks like, how it smells, feels, and tastes. As
you pick up your food, notice the texture of it, is it bumpy,
smooth, wet? Notice what you smell. As you take it in your mouth
notice how it feels in your mouth, notice the tastes that are
coming out of it, how your teeth break it down. As you swallow
it, notice it going down your throat. Do the same with the
drink. Take 3 minutes to just sit and notice your breath. Sit in
a place of your choice, could be behind your desk, or anywhere.
Close your eyes. For 3 minutes simply pay attention to your
breath. For these 3 minutes your breath gets your undivided
attention. If you notice yourself thinking about something, even
the thought "why am I doing this stupid exercise", just notice
that your're thinking that and then gently bring your attention
back to your breath. Wash the Dishes. If you're not used to
doing dishes, there will be many benefits to this one. As you
begin to wash the dishes, notice the texture of the plate and
the warmth of the water on your hands. Inhale and notice if
there is any scent. Listen to hear the rush of the water or any
other sounds that are happening around you. Not only will you be
able to practice being in the moment, but many of your family
and friends will be thrilled with you. Take a Bath or Shower.
Preferably a bath if you have one, but even with a shower, you
can take your moment in the shower or bath to feel the warmth of
the water or feel how your body is immersed in the water. How
does your skin feel? Do you notice any smells? Is your hair wet.
Just be in the moment and notice all your senses....breathe.
Make Love Slightly Slower for a few moments. As you are making
love to your significant other, take a moment to purposely move
slightly slower. As you do this begin to mentally feel over all
parts of your body. How your skin feels when touching his/hers,
how are you breathing? Are you sweating? Is there a scent in the
air. Take a moment and really be there making love. Smell a
flower for an extra breath. This one I love. Often times I will
be passing by a flower and if I remember to smell it, I take an
extra inhalation to really get the full experience of the scent.
You will be surprised how much that extra inhalation makes a
difference in the experience. Be Silly. I'm serious;). Being
silly allows your creative juices to flow and your creative
juices is what life is all about. Letting yourself be silly can
also be very relaxing and create joyful situations that are full
of meaning. Write a letter to someone close to you... telling
them how much you appreciate them. This is not a new idea by any
stretch yet it is always worth mentioning since it is so
meaningful. A letter that that person will always cherish.
Remind yourself that you are a miracle. This may be the most
important. How they heck did any of us get here? When we break
it down to nanotechnology and quantum physics, scientists are
stumped to figure out the great mystery of us physically being
here and interacting and creating symbols and concepts and
communicating. It's boggling. That's why our moments on this
earth are so precious and it is a wonderful gift to attempt to
cultivate those moments in life that you consider to be sacred.
You get the idea...try it out.
About the author:
Elisha Goldstein is a 4th year doctoral student at the Institute
of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto. He is currently
exploring how the cultivation of sacred moments in daily life
affects well-being and stress. For more information go to
http://sacredmomentstudy.blogspot.com You can also check out
http://mindfulmoments.blogspot.com |
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