Explore the interconnectedness of the heart and mind

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Explore the interconnectedness of the heart and mind. It is between the two that we discover wisdom, peace, and purpose.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Giulia Bertelli

Since Covid, we have traveled considerably less than in previous years. We’ve continued to schedule trips, only to cancel many for a variety of reasons.

Staying close to home used to be very frustrating. These days, we realize checking certain destinations off our bucket lists is far less of a priority.

Exploring what it means to be modern elders and investigate more matters of the heart has enriched us in many ways we never expected.

EXERCISE:

How much time do you take these days to explore the interconnectedness of your heart and mind?

What does this special connection have to teach you about leading an even more meaningful life?

Friday Review: Thinking

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Friday Review: Thinking

How often do you think about the way you (or others) think? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“The ability to perceive or think differently is more important than the knowledge gained.”

 

 

 

“If you see the world in black and white, you’re missing important grey matter.”

 

 

 

“We are sitting under the tree of our thinking minds, wondering why we’re not getting any sunshine!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

People hear what we say but they see what we do and seeing is believing

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“People hear what we say but they see what we do and seeing is believing.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Amazon

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my favorite books. I’ve read it many times over the years and very much enjoyed the audio book read by Peter Coyote.

Among the four agreements, being impeccable with your word stands out for me.

In a world where there are countless examples of folks who are all talk and little action, I crave associating with people who walk their talk.

Examine the people in your life who demonstrate the character traits you most admire. How do their actions — and not just their words — inspire you to be a better version of yourself?

EXERCISE:

What do people hear and see when they observe your words and actions?

Where might an upgrade of impeccability with your word be in order to make more believers of the people in your life?

Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments

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“Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments.”

—Neil Strauss, American author, journalist and ghostwriter.

Image from Amazon

Where in your life do you harbor resentments towards others?

Who are the people that make your blood boil — or just annoy you — because they let you down or fall short of your expectations?

In arguments with our significant others, it is not uncommon to hear the phrase “I’m not a mind reader” used to express our frustrations.

To avoid or lessen the occurrence of such interactions preempt them by speaking up early with direct and specific requests. If accepted, you have a clear promise — and if denied, you can always try negotiating an alternative path forward.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life are you silent about your expectations of others?

How has any underlying or overt resentment affected your relationship?

Consider reading Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott for many productive ways to speak up and listen better to improve your future interactions.

Talent and potential mean nothing if you can’t

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“Talent and potential mean nothing if you can’t consistently do things when you don’t feel like doing them.”

—Shane Parish, Athens, Georgia based guitarist

Image from Unsplash by Rachel Sanner

Consistency is a superpower.

Putting in your steps when the weather is mild and sunny is easy. Doing so when the skies are grey and there is a chilly wind in your face is another story.

What percent of your talent and potential have you realized?

How does it correlate with your attitude and willingness to push through the challenging “I don’t want to’s” in your life?

What habits have you developed that channel the discipline to push through the resistance that often blocks your way?

EXERCISE:

Consider reading and applying the many nuggets of wisdom from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits. Over 120,000 5- and 4-star reviews are on to something!

Beautiful things come together a stitch at a time

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Beautiful things come together a stitch at a time. Pace your efforts and watch the tapestry of your life unfold.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Barbara Krysztofiak

Where do you find yourself rushing through your days, or adding a level of urgency to areas of life that are clearly unimportant?

Where did all this striving to keep up or get ahead originate?

Where do the concepts of peer pressure — or the fear of missing out — have you trying to pack twenty pounds of potatoes into a ten-pound bag?

Years ago, my wife belonged to a needle craft club where she created various works of art a stitch at a time.

Sometimes a two-hour session would result in only a few square inches of her evolving masterpiece. Years later, these pieces have become increasingly meaningful because of how her meticulous efforts led to a one-and-only creation.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world would a slower pace help you seek, find, and stitch together a more beautiful and meaningful life?

Friday Review: Self-Image

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FRIDAY REVIEW: Self-Image

How has your self-image shifted over the last year? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

 

 

 

 

“When science discovers the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to find they are not it.”

 

 

 

 

“If you run out of kind words for yourself stop talking.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You might as well fall flat on your face as lean over too far backward

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“You might as well fall flat on your face as lean over too far backward.”

—James Thurber, 20th century American cartoonist, humorist, and playwright

Image from Unsplash by Vitolda Klein

Today’s quote offers us alternative ways to fall flat in life.

The first choice involves being a leader in our own life and charting our own course through the world.

The second involves the impossible task of always trying to please others.

In the first case we get to pick ourselves up and start over whenever we wish. In the second, our backs never seem to straighten and it can eventually break you.

EXERCISE:

How often do you find yourself bending backwards to please others?

Where would listening to your inner voice and forging forward be a better approach for successful living no matter how many times you fall?

To achieve great things, two things are needed

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“To achieve great things, two things are needed: A plan, and not quite enough time.”

—Leonard Bernstein, 20th century American conductor, composer, and author

Image from Unsplash by Alvaro Reyes

What significant tasks or projects have you always wanted to tackle?

How often do you use the lack of time as the reason for putting them off?

How often do you see an empty calendar when all the stars align for you to begin?

When such rare days appear, how frequently are you diverted into some other far more pleasant venture?

What would happen if we simply used the small blocks of time we do have to first plan our efforts and then nibble away at our elephants, one bite at a time?

EXERCISE:

Schedule 5 to 15 minutes today to create a plan for a small or modest size project.

Allocate 5 to 15 minutes each day this week to execute the items in your plan. Take note of the momentum created by just being in action.

Using this approach, what will it take to create something great?

You can spend a lifetime prioritizing safety and security, but the world

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“You can spend a lifetime prioritizing safety and security, but the world comes alive when you consciously and selectively loosen your grip on the two.”

—Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood blog

Image from Unsplash by National Cancer Institute

A few weeks ago, my granddaughter had an accident at her playground. During a trip down the slide she bumped her mouth and lost one of her front baby teeth.

Following a visit to the ER, the dentist, and some time to let everyone’s emotions settle, she is back to her usual playful self.

Although parents and grandparents want to keep their little ones safe at all times, this may not always be the best way to help them venture out and grow.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life have you prioritized safety and security?

Where might loosening your grip on the two offer you far more rewards well worth the possible bumps along the way?