Take In The Small Movements

 

The swell of the holidays and winter breaks has subsided and now we are here in the thick of winter. Stores are jumping on our need to have a new thing to get ready for, as if we must have something to excite us next. They are showering us with everything red and pink and aisles full of hearts. But it's likely what our hearts need to carry us through to the shore of spring isn't wrapped in a bow. It is more likely to be found in acknowledging the small steps we are taking that we can so easily overlook.

The initial inspired drive that comes with the first week of the year and the renewed sense of starting fresh can quickly wane if we don't sense ourselves making progress or moving in the direction we want to go. We are quick to dismiss ourselves as not doing/being enough only a week or two into the year and then start to lose sight of our intentions. I'm not talking about goals, but those things we named for ourselves that we really want to nourish.

But, I am happy to remind you of what I have been reminding myself lately --though big sweeping steps are enormously fulfilling, it's the small, more humble everyday movements where we need to focus our attention. Each time we do one seemingly minor thing in a direction we value, it is worth explicitly noting it to ourselves. We have to give our brain and body a chance to take in what we did so that we stay inspired. Recognizing them is vital in helping us to feel full, capable, enough right now. 

My invitation this week is for you to note to yourself each positive choice you make. Don't downplay it, don't compare it to yesterday, or to someone else, don't cancel it out with something else. Be present to it now and let that seed get watered in recognition so that it flourishes more. All the small things you think, say, and do are worth noticing. See how it feels different if you do this explicitly for a week. For example, if your intention is to exercise and you did today, then note it for yourself. If it is to drink more water, when you drink even a sip, note it. If you had a kind thought about yourself or someone else, note it; if you dropped a habitual perspective and brought in a new one, note it! These are no small things.

It is said in meditation practice, no matter how long our mind wanders or how often, that moment of recognizing that we have drifted and choose to return to our breath is the most important moment. That's the awakening. That's the moment of choosing. Noting each positive move we make that is aligned with what matters to us, no matter how minor we think it is, is an awakening. 

Wishing you a week where you take in all the beautiful movements you make.

❤️❄️
Jean