Managing change

My goodness I have enjoyed this spring. The desert is so colorful and awe inspiring. On my drive to work, I drove through this tunnel of yellow blooming palo verde trees that looked like fluffy yellow clouds every day for the last few weeks. I can’t help but be a little sad as it comes to an end and the bright colors begin to fade. I try to embrace change but often struggle with letting go. When you have kiddos you are constantly reminded of the passage of time, mainly as you need to buy new clothes. But things can slip past me without my even noticing if I don’t meditate and slow down.  I allow myself to reflect on the continual letting go process we are in. Sometimes that brings sadness but usually not for long. The reward is a general evolution of savoring my life and the people in it for which I am so grateful.
As I was growing up much of life’s focus was on achievement, so there was an almost constant look forward at goals and what was coming next. That has been one of the hardest habits for me to break. I LOVE SETTING GOALS and that has served me well in many ways. But it is when I am more focused ahead and forget to be in the moment that I get a general feeling of life passing too quickly. Finding that balance is a continual process for me.
I work daily on a mindfulness practice with the “goal” of savoring each day more.  Try it during your self-care activities. For example, when I wash my hands, I really stop and feel the water, notice its temperature, etc. Also, I really take in how Jaxon’s little hand feels in mine, usually kind of sweaty and sticky and how Kade’s hugs are slightly tighter than is comfortable but always make me smile.
Remembering to slow down is hard but rewarding. Now when I find myself walking fast and I pause and ask, “Do I need to rush in this moment?” Sometimes the answer is yes and I keep going with a little smile of “oops I did it again” in my head. But sometimes, more and more often, the answer is no. So I stop and physically slow my walk and just meander even if for a few minutes.
Life is quick and constantly changing so starting a mediation practice has been a life changer for me.  The technique I use most was developed by The HeartMath Institute called Heart-focused breathing. I ideally do at least once a day for 5-10 minutes. I connect into the area around my heart and bring all my attention to the breath going into and out of that area. Sometimes I think of something or someone that brings me joy or peace etc.  Then try to recreate that feeling in my heart. What is your favorite mediation practice? How do you help yourself slow down? I would love to hear from you on my facebook page or email me at [email protected]. We are all in this together and I’m grateful for you.

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