Mindful Practices

I am really trying to embrace the "Work hard. Play hard." philosophy. All too often I don't give myself permission to rest, relax, and just enjoy being present until I come up with an undeniable excuse that makes me feel I can fully relax - like oral surgery that fully permits not working for a week. I have gotten much better at being present, residing in the moment. I've spent the last year embracing and fully utilizing the practice of meditation. The nurturing, healing, and present state of mind I've gained from this is invaluable. But, it's just one aspect of rest. And (like what I have to say or not), it does have limitations. Even though the benefits of the practice vibrate into every corner of the rest of my life, it's fullest offering resides within the act of meditating itself. And such an offering should not exist only in one aspect of a daily life. Or, at the very least, of a weekly life. There should be various practices through out one's life that offer such healing, such connection, such abundance in self love. Allowing my self to sit and not analyze, to not be consumed by or with work is one of the hardest practices I can ever participate. Harder than meditating. Because I can give a plethora of reasons why I need to meditate.

I can also give a plethora of reasons why I should be working...on something. A day (or more) of rest is a good thing. Give yourself something you want, you desire. Read that book or magazine. Create that art or craft piece you've been considering all week (or longer). Binge watch a show you haven't had a change to sit and enjoy because work has kept you too busy. Take that walk in nature and spend more time than your usual jaunts if this is part of your daily practice. Enjoy life. Because then you'll be ready to work hard when it's time to work again. Work hard. Play (rest) hard.