A start with a difference…
It is almost the end of January again. And here we are, risking to slip into the same patterns as last year, picking up speed with the risk of thinking “same old, same old”. But it doesn’t have to be that!
Remember what Tony Schwartz said:
“We live in a gray zone, constantly juggling activities but rarely fully engaging in any of them – or fully disengaging from any of them. The consequence is that we settle for a pale version of the possible.”
Take a few moments today, when you can, to pause… (if not now, come back to this later, but do come back).
Take a few deep breaths and become aware of the you that are present in this moment. Do not try to DO (think) anything profound – just give yourself a few moments to BE present. What is it that will drive you this year and what expectations will the ego place on you which will create pressure? How can you be good to yourself, how can you give yourself space? What is it that keeps you from fully engaging or disengaging in a specific moment?
Remember that change (shift) happens through small, practical, sustainable steps, not big leaps. And as we come to the end of the first month of this year, it is a good time to stop and think which small changes you can make this year that will keep you from the “same old”, “same old” patterns? Think small. How can you make sure that you do not settle for the pale version of the possible?
Here’s a question: If there is one thing that you could do this year (or not do), that will create space for you to be more engaged what would it be? Think small. It might be a moment or space every day to take a deep breath. It might be to be more aware of a specific tree or hill that you pass every morning on your way to work. It might be to be more present when you watch your children play or to listen better in a specific relationship.
Awaken to what is emerging for you…
How do you respond to this awakening? Write is down, put a reminder on your phone or share it with somebody to make yourself more accountable. You are not doing it for anybody else – do it for yourself!
May 2017 be a year with small sustainable and aware steps, with lots of soul, where you won’t settle for the pale version of the possible!
Go slow!
