How has your Stretching Challenge been going? Have you been able to work in five minutes daily so far? Or have you skipped a day or two? If you have been stretching, did you find it easier to do in the morning or in the evening? Did it help you to wake up, or did it help you to relax and fall asleep more easily? Or did you not do it at all and learn that you really don’t give a rat’s patoot about stretching?
No matter what your experience has been with the Stretching Challenge, I hope that you have made some realizations about yourself, either physically, mentally, or emotionally. Experience is the best teacher, I think.
On to the next part, then. This time, rather than adding something in, let’s take something out. Call this phase Project Simplify.
In this age of technological overload and Faster-Better-More, it is all too easy to chase one’s tail in the pursuit of some perceived need. Or to fill a perceived void. And so, for the next five days, I suggest that you take a break from some form of Distraction or Convenience.
Perhaps you find yourself always grabbing fast food on your way home from work. Perhaps you spend hours on Facebook sharing the latest pictures of your beloved doing something adorable. Or perhaps you fill your time by focusing on perfectionist details meant to impress others when in reality they are done out of a need to redeem yourself and feel worthwhile. But really, are these the lasting, important, and valuable things that a Warrior on the Path of Learning needs to do?
Slow down for the next five days. Cook fresh, whole food with your kids and teach them healthy habits. Unplug and read a book instead. Sit and be still for 15 minutes. Find ways to let go.
At first, it might be difficult to have stillness and quiet and simplicity. And in this discomfort, you may learn a few things about yourself. Hang in there for the full five days. Find a place of Quiet Confidence inside yourself.
aim4wisdom 