Out an' About

It’s been a challenging weekend to say the least. Unrelenting rain in Melbourne, extensive flooding inside, saturated carpet, a punctured tyre, ripped couches and naughty dogs have tested my endurance.

BUT, believe it or not, amidst all this mayhem is a feeling of acceptance and quiet peace.

Okay, I’ll admit, initially I wasn’t so calm but it’s amazing how a big step backwards helps.

That shift in focus and the realisation that, for all of the hassles and inconvenience, these “things” can be fixed. All is well.

It’s amazing how a different perspective helps.

“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges. They are choices. “

90 days ago I decided to take part in Wendy’s Change a Habit Challenge at Brilliance Within. My challenge? To meditate daily for 90 days.

Roughly three months later this new practice of stopping for at least five minutes each day to quieten my mind has made such a huge difference to my mindset. It’s now a part of my daily routine.

What have I learnt along the way?

We are and we get what we think about. 

It’s cliche but so true. Think negative thoughts and they often spiral, believe all is well and all will be. Even when times test us and we can’t see the reason, there’s lessons to be learned.

It doesn’t matter where we meditate.

Contrary to popular belief it’s not necessary to sit and meditate in the same place at the same time every day.

However, what I’ve learnt is that committing to the practice of meditation is a bit like going to school, the important thing is showing up. 

No excuses, no forgetting, no wagging or skipping classes!

We just have to show up.

I didn’t miss any of my 90 days but I’ll be honest, some days my motivation was low.

There were days when things felt hard, when the thoughts swirled and wouldn’t stop but that’s when I knew I needed it most.

Sometimes as I sat quietly tears would unexpectedly flow but I realised it was okay. I learned to go easy on myself and to be kind.

We can’t turn off our thoughts and our emotions but we can acknowledge them and then gently release them.

Just let them go.

We don’t need to hold onto anything that doesn’t serve us.

And we don’t have to change anything – our thoughts, emotions, feelings – they are what they are, just like ripples in sand. They come and they go.

Just accept them and know they will pass, the good and the not so good. Life goes on regardless.

We find inner calm by focusing on the breath.

It’s at the core of meditation, our breath, that flows in and out and reminds us that we’re alive. Do it consciously and feel the awareness of energy and your inner strength.

We all have that strength within us, believe it.

Imagine it being like a serene new morning when we have another chance to get it right.

Regardless of what’s gone before.

Meditation doesn’t have to be boring.

Mix it up. It can be experienced in so many ways.

For me what works is visualising, breathing exercises, intention setting and guided meditations. I’ve embraced nature, listened to music, lots of YouTube videos, commentaries and mindfulness meditations shared by Bella at ThoughtsnLifeBlog.

Bella’s gentle meditation Being Gentle with myself is one that recently resonated with me. Try it and feel the peace.

Immerse yourself in what you love and choose your thoughts and words carefully. Make them work for you and see your life improve.

We all want to feel uplifted, not hindered, so allow your thoughts to help take you there.

For me the continual practice of meditation has fueled a sense of expansion and gratitude.

I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, keeping a positive attitude will see me safely through these testing times.

After all, in the end, meditation is really a state of mind.

“When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.”

Here’s to attitudes and gratitudes that move us into a place of inner peace and acceptance.

Here’s to 90 days of meditation turning into a lifelong new habit. One of living in the moment and being grateful for all we have and mindful of all that’s in front of us.

Thank you Wendy for the inspiration.

Wishing you all love, light and serene skies as we continue the journey.

Sharing for WPC: Serene and also for Debbie’s Forgiving Fridays

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