I’m guessing I’m not alone in feeling there are times when my life seems to be on auto pilot. I can react rather than have thoughtful responses to events.
E + R= O: Event + Response = Outcome.
When I do become aware, it’s like a bright light on my dashboard. I realize I’m usually going a million miles a minute, and that it’s time to calm down my chaotic Monkey Mind.
To connect with myself I close my eyes and take 3 deep cleansing breaths and just let everything go. The past is just that… the past, and the future isn’t here yet. What I have is the moment, nothing more, nothing less. I sometimes I stay like this for only a few minutes, or if I’m wanting to it can last for a much longer period of time.
When I open my eyes I really notice what my body is telling me… I generally feel lighter and more relaxed. Colors are brighter and I have a very reassuring feeling all over. Go ahead, try it… “What is alive in You? ”
The question of “what’s alive” is one we ask in Non-Violent Communication language often, it means what are you feeling? Once you have connected with yourself you can then begin to be more fully aware of your true self and surroundings. This is the beginning of “mindfulness”, by not filling your mind rather emptying it…get rid of the monkey!
Certain words that we use on a daily basis have associations to them. Did you feel uncomfortable when I used the word “selfish” as a positive expression in the title of this blog? Exploring non-traditional ways of using words that have judgments attached to them may give us insight as to how we can create a richer human experience.
For me, this quote from Mother Theresa describes how being selfish might be the best course of action…
“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may just never be enough;
Give the world the best you have anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it’s all between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.”
- Mother Teresa
When we limit ourselves to conforming to society’s value systems, or ways of thinking of things, we miss the opportunity for awareness and self-care.
It truly is amazing how fast time flies. I was reminded by my brother, Clark today that it’s actually been two and a half years since we last were together. Where does the time go?… this statement is asked by many everyday and comes from being aware in that moment. What does it take to be more in the moment?
I have only one more day with Clark on this trip. I plan during our time alone tomorrow to see and remember all the little things about him. I will use my mind like a camera and capture frame after frame, all of his unique traits and nuances to play over and over until we are together again. I’ve decided to enhance my powers of observation, to see more detail, to become more Hi-Definition. Scientists tells us our brains record far more detail that we recall. I want to have choice in what I remember.
So…how about you? When you wake up tomorrow what will you train your camera on? Will you film whatever comes into view, or will you decide how your script might look in advance? Use your camera with purpose and have fun! Capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments in Hi-Definition.
Music takes us back in time and so does food… especially comfort food. Smart marketers know that in times of stress we will return to the familiar with very little concern for cost.
Of all my favorite snack foods, chips and salsa reign supreme! Because of this and being a graphic designer, I am very open to their homespun marketing message.
White Girl Salsa for me is comfort food. The combination of their retro logo and video, of founder Julie Nirvelli’s darling daughter, makes me feel like I’ve been a customer of theirs for decades. That kind of brand recognition is something big time marketers lust after and pay dearly to create.
Consider how your product or service can become Comfort Food.
Check out White Girl Salsa Facebook page and video …you have to see it!
