Focus on Being OK with Just Being

Are you okay with Just Being?

I stumbled on a video this week by author Elizabeth Gilbert.  She talked a great deal about the pandemic and the status of our world; then, she said something that stuck with me. 

She said, “we have to learn to be okay with just being.”

This did not sound so profound on the surface, but as I reflected on this statement, I realized that this is precisely what I have been trying to do. In the last couple of months, I have been very fortunate to spend some time in the mountains where I feel like I have been “nesting,” eliminating clutter and searching around my beautiful property for some meditation spaces. 

When I mention meditation, I really mean a short meditation followed by a much longer nap. So, you can see that the proper location is paramount to the success of my meditation practice. While my way may defy meditation logic, it does allow my mind to be still and my body to become quiet.

Interestingly, I have found that my most profound meditation moments have come when I am sharing space with my horse, G. 

I realized this summer instead of focusing so much on doing, doing, doing, I would try to focus on being.  Thank you, Elizabeth Gilbert, for making it okay to just be.

Horses always live in the present moment and are happiest when they are with others who appreciate being and not doing.

Spending time with horses, in the present moment, allows your mind to quiet, your heart rate to slow down, and your ability to detect subtle energetic shifts in the environment becomes more apparent.

When was the last time you felt okay with just being? Do you know what that feels like, or do you remain in constant motion to gloss over any actual body sensations you might experience? My challenge to you as we move into the holiday season is to take some time to rest, restore, and rejuvenate.
For today, try to spend 5 minutes in meditation (or quiet reflection) and ask yourself:

1)        What matters most to me today?

2)        What energy, thoughts, emotions, or feelings would I like to
            let go of today?
3)        What core value do I choose to express and live today?

Next, take a few minutes to write down a few thoughts about any or all of these questions. Take time throughout the day to review and reflect on the intention you set for your day. 

I find that doing this daily keeps me focused on what is most important to me and helps me select my thoughts for the day.

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