WELLNESS--This theme seemed especially important to me as we near the holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it is a wonderful time of the year to slow down, enjoy the company of loved ones, and reflect on the year that has passed.
During this period, it’s a great opportunity to look at where we want to change and improve. One thing is certain, we are humans doing often more than we are humans being. Life is busy and I regularly hear my friends saying, “Where has the year gone?” I can relate. It seems like yesterday that I celebrated Christmas 2016.
My parents used to tell me that time goes faster the older you get. And while that may be true, I feel that it is our pre-occupation with social media, technology, and staying connected that speeds it up even more and has caused us to miss out on some of life’s most beautiful experiences.
So, as we go into 2018, I am proposing that we do things a little differently. Here are just some of my thoughts about how we might gently go from a human doing to a human being.
Disconnect: Consider taking one day per week or a few hours each day unburdened by technology. Perhaps make Sunday your technology-free day where you disconnect and get completely present with life. Focus wholly on your friends and family or your tasks at hand without constant distractions from your cell phone, computer or television. Be present fully and completely.
Time Out: Carve out space every single day to go inward. Be silent, reflect, give thanks, read, pray, meditate, journal, practice yoga, or paint. Do something that causes you to pay attention to your intuition, spirit and creativity. Nothing is more important especially in this busy world.
Nature: Schedule excursions in nature. Connect with the earth in ways that you haven’t before. You will notice that time will stand still and you’ll feel refreshed and centered. If you’re in a warm climate, walk barefoot every day. The practice of daily grounding is not only good for your health but also your mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
Mission: Begin to ask the bigger questions like “what is my life’s mission and how can I serve?” Then start to request guidance and clues as to how you might begin living it. Mission, purpose, and service are closely aligned and those who create this deep meaning in their daily routine experience a more fulfilling and joyful life even in the face of challenges.
Basics: More and more, we need to get back to basics like community, comfort, and celebration. Create a relaxing home and office. Light candles, read a book by the fire, take a bath, curl up with a cozy blanket, and invite your best friend over for a glass of wine or afternoon tea.
We see the signs all around us. People are yearning for connection and simplicity. Many are feeling the ongoing pressures of living a busy life often leading to emotional and spiritual breakdowns as well as illness.
We are in a time when living a good and uncomplicated life is vital. One with meaning, purpose, presence, and love. There is no other way. It’s a new chapter to shift our awareness and align with what it truly means to be a human being.
(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles. http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)
-cw
