I thought these didn't quite go with the previous post....
I read this somewhere recently and I'll be interested to see how it pans out.
40 Days of consistent practice, you change or break a habit.
90 Days of consistent practice, you confirm a new habit.
120 Days of consistent practice, the new habit is who you are.
1000 Days of consistent practice, you have mastered the new habit.
Also, I think I'm a phototactic organism. Seriously.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Gifts...
Day 25 and still going strong.
The last few days have been pretty busy and tiring at work and when I got home from work today I crawled right into bed for a little power nap. When I awoke, the coziness of my bed seemed so much more comfortable than stepping out the door. The wind has been howling through the valley for the past few days -- whipping and whirling about -- which makes going outside slightly less welcoming.
However, I donned my toque and scarf and headed out. I was rewarded a thousand-fold for my outdoor venture! Mother Nature put on the most beautiful display for me today. As I made my way from the lake back towards home, I was greeted by the magenta hues of the Shooting Star...bursting forth from the green grass. The crocuses are of course everywhere, and the other fuzzy flowers are starting to bloom too! Locoweed and showy locoweed...and even some Old Man's Whiskers. All of these wonders aside, the thing that absolutely made my day today was discovering a patch of Rock Jasmine. I fell to my hands and knees immediately to inhale the most beautiful scent. I think I could have lain there for a few hours were it not for the biting wind. It's like having an old friend return to the neighbourhood...I think I may have even exclaimed out loud with glee at seeing the perfectly tiny white blossoms.
So I have been gifted this evening. A little wander outside always turns into something more, and my soul awakens a little bit more every time.
The last few days have been pretty busy and tiring at work and when I got home from work today I crawled right into bed for a little power nap. When I awoke, the coziness of my bed seemed so much more comfortable than stepping out the door. The wind has been howling through the valley for the past few days -- whipping and whirling about -- which makes going outside slightly less welcoming.
However, I donned my toque and scarf and headed out. I was rewarded a thousand-fold for my outdoor venture! Mother Nature put on the most beautiful display for me today. As I made my way from the lake back towards home, I was greeted by the magenta hues of the Shooting Star...bursting forth from the green grass. The crocuses are of course everywhere, and the other fuzzy flowers are starting to bloom too! Locoweed and showy locoweed...and even some Old Man's Whiskers. All of these wonders aside, the thing that absolutely made my day today was discovering a patch of Rock Jasmine. I fell to my hands and knees immediately to inhale the most beautiful scent. I think I could have lain there for a few hours were it not for the biting wind. It's like having an old friend return to the neighbourhood...I think I may have even exclaimed out loud with glee at seeing the perfectly tiny white blossoms.
So I have been gifted this evening. A little wander outside always turns into something more, and my soul awakens a little bit more every time.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 11 -- Breathing Deep!
Another day of mindful time outside. I was out for a nice run/walk with C after work today and now I've got my cat curled up on my lap while I type...the computer keeps getting pushed further and further off my lap as Atticus gets comfortable!
Funny how some days its more than easy to be outside for hours...and others we find a million and one excuses not to spend a measly half hour in the great outdoors.
Like yesterday for example. Having been at our seasonal training workshop for three days, I arrived back to Bow Valley only to head straight to the office and spend the last few hours of the work day at my computer (ugh). I had my van of music gear and sleepover stuff to unload, a somewhat decent supper to make and needed to be leaving the house at 7pm to get to band practice on time yet I knew I still had my half hour to put in for the day. I thought "oh I spent lots of time outside the last 3 days, maybe that could just carry over." What?! No way...not allowed. So the minute I got home I just dropped all of my stuff, got bundled up and headed outside.
It was exactly what I needed. The brisk fresh air, a few flakes of snow and the moment of peace I felt as soon as I started walking were worth more than I originally thought. Not to mention the three elk I met along my way and the red squirrel I had a little staring contest with!
And when I got home, the un-packing was done, supper was made and I arrived into town with a few minutes to spare before my band practice. So far I'm being continually reminded that outdoor time, time in nature, breathing deep and being mindful is so valuable to my well-being. Thanks for that reminder Mother Nature (and Happy Mother's Day too!)
Funny how some days its more than easy to be outside for hours...and others we find a million and one excuses not to spend a measly half hour in the great outdoors.
Like yesterday for example. Having been at our seasonal training workshop for three days, I arrived back to Bow Valley only to head straight to the office and spend the last few hours of the work day at my computer (ugh). I had my van of music gear and sleepover stuff to unload, a somewhat decent supper to make and needed to be leaving the house at 7pm to get to band practice on time yet I knew I still had my half hour to put in for the day. I thought "oh I spent lots of time outside the last 3 days, maybe that could just carry over." What?! No way...not allowed. So the minute I got home I just dropped all of my stuff, got bundled up and headed outside.
It was exactly what I needed. The brisk fresh air, a few flakes of snow and the moment of peace I felt as soon as I started walking were worth more than I originally thought. Not to mention the three elk I met along my way and the red squirrel I had a little staring contest with!
And when I got home, the un-packing was done, supper was made and I arrived into town with a few minutes to spare before my band practice. So far I'm being continually reminded that outdoor time, time in nature, breathing deep and being mindful is so valuable to my well-being. Thanks for that reminder Mother Nature (and Happy Mother's Day too!)
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