- We create a relationship with ourself, and not just any relationship, but a strong, loving, and supportive o
ne! - We increase our ability to focus. So many of us grew up with the idea that multi-tasking was good, and it may still have its time and place now and again, but for the most part, it’s not good! That’s why we feel so distracted…
- We slow down. We’re living in a world of information overload, where we are go-go-go. Eating and walking, walking and talking, and talking while doing lord knows what. Just stop! for 20 minutes a day… what do you notice happens?
- We unlock other levels of consciousness. The act of writing is conscious, but it’s what happens when you let your mind be calm and words start to appear on your paper without even thinking. That’s the sweet spot. That’s the magic.
- We develop an attitude of gratitude. When we write about what we are grateful for as part of our daily journal exercise, we will start to attract good things. Sounds like a bunch of hoopla, I know, but what have you got to lose?
- We start to live with abundance. Living in abundance is not about having lots of things – it is about living a life that is bursting with joy in mind, body and soul; it’s intentional self growth.
- We gain greater self-awareness. Self-awareness is the first step to understanding our own needs and desires, our failures and triumphs, our habits and tendencies, basically what makes us tick. It’s a window into our emotions and how we operate.
- We gain peace of mind. When we give ourselves the space to have an inner dialogue about worries, things we need to do, or ideas that we have, we also give ourselves permission be free of those thoughts in our mind.
Now I know you’ve probably heard the word ‘mindfulness’ about 20 times today already, and in the event you have not heard this word, that makes me happy because I get to be the one to tell you what it means: mindfulness is being present. It’s being aware and accepting of our thoughts and feelings.
Simple right? It’s just starting to gain traction because people not only need to be more mindful, but we are also craving it. Why? Because we’re adapting to the tremendous impact of technology. I mean, they don’t call it the digital revolution or the age of technology for nothing.
Maybe I’m being biased, but I’m really glad I grew up in my generation because as much as I appreciate technology, I appreciate how things were before technology even more – we grew up without iPads, iPhones, or laptops. We grew up with hand-written notes, cassette tapes, and computer class where we learned to type and about this new thing called ‘the world wide web’ – netscape anyone?
If we were curious or had to write a paper, we used books not websites – researching in high school was so different than researching at university, let alone grad school… and when I wanted to call a friend, I called their parents’ landline and would say ‘Hi Mrs. Wilson, it’s Natalie calling. Is Dennis there please?’
What I’m trying to say is instant access to people and information has led to us to be disconnected – disconnected with ourselves, with each other and with our world.
I mean, when was the last time you were out with friends and one of you didn’t look at your phones? I dare you to do it at your next brunch. or work meeting.
If any of this is resonating (ok, minus the netscape reference), and you don’t have a journal practice, start one. You’ll be amazed at what unfolds as you practice.
Until next time!
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