I woke up in complete overwhelm. I had more to get done in a short time than seemed possible. I told myself to relax because it always works out. But that didn’t help. I knew some of the things on my list were really important and I didn’t want to do them with this much tension in my body.
“Okay Carolyn, you know how to do this.” I went outside and put my bare feet in my little patch of grass and practiced one of the breathing exercises I know while watching the sun rise. Feeling the sun kiss my face I welcomed the new day and then in each direction I called in the energy that I knew would help me face the day in a calm centered way.
Instead of thinking I had no time for stretching or QiGong or any of my normal routine, I then remembered how much more productive I am when I actually take some time for self-care! Duh. I’m all about that and yet at times I fall into the old patterns as easily as ever.
That was yesterday. This morning as I am writing this just as I have gotten out of bed. And in a moment, when it gets light, I am going outside to put my feet on the chilly ground and give thanks for all that I am, for all that I have, and all that I am able to do.
PS I got a lot done yesterday, and by bedtime I looked back through my day and found a place of joy and of gratitude. That’s almost always possible when we look for it, and are able to recognize it. In most circumstances, even when grieving or experiencing other intense emotions, it is possible to find something, however small, for which to be grateful.
May it be so for you today every day.
