How do you re-align your self with the important parts of your life. Is it to always be in control or have your ducks in a row? Life is messy and beautiful and we sometimes look at the hype headlines, listen to the street gossip or crave our way through the latest instagram posts rather than listening to the inspiring ted talk or peaceful music. Our worlds are so big yet we can think in a small way leaving our better selves behind. How do you destroy the idea that you have to be constantly "on" in order to be successful.
The Thinking Chair
John Cullen, a highly experienced osteopath and dear friend (www.qso.co.nz) keeps me on my toes. Over coffee I was musing over my lack of direction. That I felt a little lost. I think it's fair to say that I was overwhelmed with life after lockdown. In his usual reflective style he leaned forward and asked me how often I was using my thinking chair. Seeing my look of confusion he explained, it's a comfortable chair that allows you to recline a little (not flat) and reflect on everything. Allowing time for ideas and inspirations to evolve in your mind. Embracing the concept that rest, recovery and reflection are an essential parts of a happy life takes little time, a bit of courage and a desire to be in each moment.
The Wonderwoman pose
I've had the great joy of working closely with Elizabeth Herr ( www.peopletoolbox.co.nz ), a body language specialist who has moved me through some anxiety I occasionally had when teaching. Standing in my wonderwoman stance to lower cortisol and increase my testosterone has been a fun and easy way to re-align myself with why I'm teaching. At the beginning of my workshops I laugh with my participants about what I'm doing - not to make fun, but to show how effective it is and how at ease I am and ready to begin.
Kindness and Non-Violent Communication
Do you want to be right or do you want to be loved. Sometimes it's about choosing not to engage. I don't mean not communicating. I'm talking about when you look someone in the eye and tell them that it's ok to agree to disagree or that you'll take some time to think about what they've said. A better and kinder way to communicate. The beauty of this is that you are not only being kind to the person you're interacting with, more importantly, you're being kind to yourself. Not re-acting, but engaging in a healthy way. Of course, being a falible human (as we all are), if you react first and then remember after you're in control of how you manage yourself, Forgive and be kind to yourself and engage in a healthy way when you're able.
My aim today...and most days... is to Re-align
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