Came across this little spring time fairy garden on a walk today. Needs a little bit of love but it gives life to a small piece of grass which otherwise l would not of stopped to take a picture and share with you.
Little things can make a big difference, just like this little garden made to me today.
Notice what’s going on around you, acknowledge other people’s efforts and share the appreciation.
Give yourself permission, regardless of what is going on, to stop spinning the plates and just focus your attention on one thing.
Perhaps it can be one part of your body, your breathe or somewhere in the location you are in.
No need to force it just let it flow and if your mind wanders, which it probably will, then just say to yourself, “Return” and refocus again.
Try it for two minutes, then another two, then another two until you feel the time is right to come back to conscious awareness and continue with the rest of your day.
Although we are nearing the end of the year and we reflect on the past and look forward to the future; how many of us take the time to be in the present?
We can only be physically in the present so let’s bring our minds there too.
On an island with the Atlantic to the West and the Irish Sea to the east September brings in many changes. Not only the weather as who can tell the variables of such a potent force? But more than this for us as people. Our lives change back to the normal, back to the routine- school, work, commuting, and so on.
Another year has passed, some people have gone, some have arrived , that unstoppable circle of life that the seasons only provide a marker to what time it is. The Sun’s casting shadow getting longer, if indeed you’re lucky enough to see it (remember it always shines above the clouds) as we tread further into our daily life.
Like I said at the beginning I like September as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the summer gone, even the year that has passed but more importantly take notice of what’s going on now. A moment to plan for the winter ahead on how we are going to protect ourselves, physically from the elements and mentally from the stresses and anxieties of daily life.
So as the sun sets on summer what are you going to do to protect yourself perhaps some of these tips will help:
Keep connecting with your family and friends
Get active, move more
Make time for yourself doing something that you want to do
Smile and be grateful for what and who you are
Take two minutes to be mindful (I can send you on my two minute sessions for you to try)
Whatever it is you choose remember the sun is going to set anyway, your not alone, the seasons will come and go , we all go through it, but we can go through it together.
How often have you felt little, unexplained feelings of happiness popping up from time to time.
I like those little, unexplained feelings . It’s like getting a free hit of feeling happy without having to do anything to get it.
Do you get them too? Mine don’t last too long but that’s ok for l don’t expect them to, but I do like to notice and enjoy them when they arrive.
When we stop to think about it, are we too busy trying to figure things out, getting caught up in the noise that we diminish these happy moments as a distraction and getting in the way of how we really feel?
It’s strange how we try to force feelings as opposed to accepting them for what they are. Sometimes I just feel happier not because my life got better or sometimes I don’t feel so happy but again not because my life got worse. It’s just where I am at that moment and I realise like all feelings they will pass.
For me the important factor is to be mindfully aware of the good feelings when they come along. Where in my body do the feelings manifest, is it just a simple need to smile, no matter what or where, I can allow the feelings just be what they are.
And be wary of denying the good feelings as you think you should be worrying about something, Just let the moment in and go when it does.
We can spend a lifetime chasing happiness yet miss those little moments of unexpected happiness which just pop up now and again. Watch out for them and when they come, accept them and let them go when they do.
We all deserve a little happiness no matter how fleeting.
With the easing of restrictions and suggestions that we are closing in on the final chapters of the pandemic, there are numerous reasons to feel optimistic that we may soon return to a ‘normal life ’.
Just imagine no face masks, no Covid tests and no more social distancing, sounds good , right?
Taking off a Face mask
However it’s understandable to feel nervous and anxious about this new transitional stage and the changes associated with it. Trust me you are not alone if you feel this way.
Our minds and bodies have been on “Red Alert” for a long time now about protecting our health and any sudden changes to our behaviour may cause fear and confusion and an increased risk of social anxiety.
We may feel that we are under scrutiny and overthink our interactions with others around us leading to even more anxious feelings.
Here are my 5 top tips for coping with the easing of restrictions:
1.Drop feeling guilty
It’s okay to feel anxious and by acknowledging and accepting this it will free up your feelings instead of bottling them up. Changes are going to happen and you don’t have to be ecstatic about it. Chat to friends and colleagues you may be surprised to find you are not alone feeling the way you do.
2. Pace yourself
It’s going to be strange for all of us for a while as we meditate our way from where we were to where we are going. Others might be happy to jump right back into work, pubs and clubs whereas others might not be too keen.
What is important is that you increase exposure at your own pace and find what is comfortable for you, such as , continuing to wear a mask for a while. Furthermore be honest and open about how you feel in a non judgmental way. It’s not about being right or wrong, it’s just the way you feel.
3.Dealing with peer pressure
It can be difficult to hold your position when others around you are doing something different and you are getting pressurised into conforming. However a good way to deal with this is to explain how you feel and that you appreciate the way they feel and all you are asking for is reciprocation. Just be like one of the dragons on “Dragons Den”, when they don’t like the deal on offer they say, “I’m Out”.
4.Be present focused
Our bodies are always present however our minds can be in the past, present or future.
Using mindfulness techniques such as, 54321, can really focus our minds on the here and now. This can be easier said than done so practice is key , the more you practice being present the easier it will become.
54321 mindfulness
5. Recognise your achievements
The last two years have brought on many changes, requiring adaptive behaviour at every turn. Just take time out to reflect on how you have managed this by being flexible in your work, family and social life. Nothing worthwhile is easy and by recognising you have come this far, all you need to do is trust yourself to keep going and be open about getting professional help to see you through to the finish line.
Anxiety Clinic Dublin 