Mirror Mirror of my heart, show me where I need to start…
Life is fun to re-arrange, it keeps me light when I need to change!

Taking a break from planning the next part of our trip, I went and sat by the soothing duck pond to give myself time off – to go into silent reflection, to meditate. (see post ‘Reflections’ on our tour blog – tourofsustainability.com.au). Since change starts with my own reflection, what did I see in the reflections of that rippling water pond? What reflected back at me that needs changing?

Meditation has become such a major part of my life, it’s become like breathing to me. When I forget to meditate – go into silent reflection; contemplate; consider; think; it’s like forgetting to breathe. The body becomes acidic and illness is highly possible. Stress, anxiety, depression becomes ‘normal’ and life becomes heavy. Giving myself regular time out to breathe – to be silent and turn inwards, I can recharge. This gives me a chance to check myself, enabling me to turn negative into positive and so uplifting my own health and relationships.

No matter what I am doing, regular self reflection is fundamental if I am to make permanent positive change in my life. It helps me recognise my own value and where I may be giving away my own power. Our values are like a compass – they keep us on track. Remaining loyal to our values (consistently applying them in life) is essential for any success to be experienced. When I choose to use my compass, life unfolds in wonder-full ways. Using my compass I feel safe, allowing me to let go of any fear while releasing pain and clearing a passage for peace, harmony and contentment to enter.

Silent reflection is essential for strengthening the mind, it brings realisations to the forefront and gives me clarity to value time.  Regularly stopping throughout my day to breathe and reflect on how I’m going is a powerful exercise… Am I getting caught up, angry, stressed, worried, frustrated, depressed?… Am I remembering to take care of myself?… Am I remaining positive and uplifting? Am I applying my power?…  Giving myself regular opportunities to make instant corrections, saves me a whole lot of unnecessary angst and upheaval.

What stops you from giving yourself this valuable time out?

Activity: Throughout your day practice ‘traffic control’ of the mind. Regularly apply a firm brake – just 60 seconds at a time. Stop, breathe and check yourself – change what needs to be changed, then keep going. This powerful, simple, practical, meditative exercise helps you to recharge, like plugging into a powerpoint several times a day. Regular recharging  gives clarity to what must be done and gives you strength and courage to do it.