This last Tuesday of the month is time to talk about my progress with my one little word. As I explore the ups and downs of balance, I've learned a few new things about balance this month.
One of the things I've learned is that balance includes plenty of gratitude. Honore was kind, thoughtful, and generous and sent me this lovely reminder. Justin thought it would useful in several ways, both when I was feeling out of kilter or off balance:
and a beautiful sign when I had gotten myself back into balance.
Either way, I love it and thank you, Honore, for your help in my quest to achieve balance!
I've been practicing meditation daily as a way to maintain a sense of balance, and this has been helpful, but I've also begun feeling and listening to my breath throughout the day whenever I want to let go of mounting stress and focus on mindfulness. Poetry, stillness, gratitude, meditation, and breathing are all going a long way towards helping me find my own best ways of being balanced.
Oh, yes. It looks like you're finding great ways to get (and keep!) yourself balanced. I love Justin's suggestions for your new sign. :-) It's so nice to have your word "visible" like that, isn't it. XO
ReplyDeleteThose are great ways to stay balanced. I love the visual reminder of your word, too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've developed some great strategies to help you stay centered and calm. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteBreathe is my most favorite way to do so many things. I use a breathe-focused meditation to begin my day. It is such a help to center myself and focus inward rather than being distracted by outward things. (And I love that beautiful reminder of your word!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely surprise! (I especially love your word tilted against the flower pot.) You've established some great habits for keeping yourself centered Bonny - congratulations. I often practice my yoga breath when I wake in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep - it usually works.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've chosen the perfect word for this year! Good job on making it work and working new mindful practices into your day!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your Balance updates as it helps me think of ways to keep my own balance this year. You never know what's going to come along and undo the life you have. I'm learning to rebalance to keep things upright and not undo my mind.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful gift! I am sure it is a lovely reminder to keep up your quest. I have found that breathing exercises help me more than anything else to decrease my stress and regain my perspective. I have found them particularly helpful before going to sleep at night. I hope you continue to find strategies that work to help you maintain balance, Bonny. It's a tricky thing!
ReplyDeleteI need to be with you and breathe with you! I try to focus on the positive but I have a bad temper that just muddies all the good feels!
ReplyDeleteoh that Honoré is a dear one, isn't she! I love how having a tangible reminder of your word helps to make it real ... and I'm sure the new habits you're cultivating a huge help, too!
ReplyDelete