The Purpose of Heart 44

Attached is a video describing the purpose of my blog.  It explains why I speak of self care and why it is so important.  Creating the video was a huge learning curve for me.  I learned about green screens and other technology.  I am learning every day!

The Ocean

One of my favorite places I like to go to when I need to gather my thoughts is on a rocky setting overlooking the ocean.  It's a small rock but you do have to climb a little bit to get there.  (Dress shoes or flip flops make it difficult to climb.)  I go to the memory of this place when I really need to center.  As I look straight out, all I can see is endless ocean.  Looking towards my right I can see Boston.  Directly to my left is a small beach with smooth tumbled stones.  The waves crash on the shore, and as they return to the sea, the rocks make an awesome sound as they tumble upon each other.  I use all my senses when I think of  this magical place and it is one of my "go to" places when I need to center through meditation.  This place is forever in my mind and I can access it wherever I am.  I no longer need to go there physically to reap the benefits.

Do you have a favorite place or event that you can carry with you in order to bring a sense of calm?  

Self-Care, Passion and Purpose

Practicing self-care helps calm chaotic thoughts, whether it be  "sitting" in meditation, mindful tasks or being in nature.

Continued meditation or "being still"  helps open the heart. Listening to the heart allows one to  recognize the passion held within.

Sharing your passion with others and experiencing the joy this topic brings, often helps define your purpose.

We are all in a different place on this continuum.  Passion and purpose are also fluid and may change at various times.  Practice self-care, listen to your heart, recognize your passion and share it with others.

This is my favorite heart rock that I found on a beach in Maine.  Being alone in nature is one of the best times for me to listen to my heart.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

MBSR

I am writing this blog to give you information about things that have helped me and that you may find useful.  I want to share ideas, programs and information that have supported my growth along the way. Take what resonates and fly with it. 

I started my own self-care journey out of complete necessity of self-preservation. I was at an all time low and I needed help. I have great friends and family who supported me but I needed to do something for myself, on my own. I needed to take control and stop blaming my fate on others or situations.

I took a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class to start.  “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally,” says Kabat-Zinn. I should have done this years before I did! I wish I had known about it earlier. This class was the catalyst that helped me pursue self-care, positive change and spiritual growth. I highly recommend this program for all. There are programs for all ages starting at the age of 8. You can look for programs where you live, or take a class online. 
 MBSR online class

Attached is a research article about meditation and the brain.
 Stanford Studies Monks' Meditation, Compassion

Changes in my life occurred very slowly. It is a process that cannot be rushed. I’ve taken pieces of what I learned and infused them into my life slowly. As I grow spiritually, I return to lessons learned and re-evaluate. I try something new or add another modality that I find helpful.

The sky is the limit!

SELF CARE-This is the time to start taking care of yourself like you take care of others! Is there something you can do on a regular basis that is just for YOU? Start small and easy. Jot down a measurable goal that is realistic for you and give it a try. Maybe it is spending 15 minutes in nature, 3-5 times a week. Try it for a few weeks and then reflect about what happened. Don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work like you wanted it to. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend.
I found this very difficult when I first started practicing self care. I always came up with an excuse for not taking care of myself. One thing that worked for me was going somewhere for 15 minutes before I headed home from work. I live in a coastal town so I drove to the beach and sat quietly for 15 minutes. This helped me reboot for whatever was happening at home.
I would love to hear about the things you do to practice self care.