If you’re here you’ve probably heard of, or are participating in, the current 21-Day Meditation Experience hosted by Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey via the Chopra Center Meditation organization.
This event is something that the organization hosts every quarter and one that we’ve participated in since its inception in 2013. Nearing their twentieth experience, we are always amazed at the timeliness and spot on themes offered during each event. This last experience of 2017 just kicked off on October 30th and we’re really excited with the theme: Making Every Moment Matter.
This theme is one that we can all relate to
Whether we’re striving to carve out extra moments for ourselves, our loved ones, our creative endeavors, or simply to find serenity and inner balance, we’ve all experienced the sensation of being overwhelmed. It often seems like there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all that we desire. However, the beauty of this experience lies in the fact that you can, and you are, managing everything that requires your time and focus.
In most cases, it’s our mindset that requires reassessment and adjustment. By aligning our thought process with our objectives, we can promote our progress rather than hinder it.
Here are a few of my personal reflections from Day 1 – Where Does The Time Go
I chose to answer the journal prompt of writing down how I could achieve a more fulfilling use of time while decreasing wasted time and came up with the following:
- It’s crucial to recognize that allocating time for myself takes precedence over the time I allot to others. This is a recurring challenge I face, one that I revisit frequently. The underlying motivation is clear: neglecting self-care leaves me drained, irritable, and unappealing to both myself and those around me. I cannot provide others with the essential energy required for my own well-being. Repeatedly, I would give until I became an empty vessel, which resulted in health issues, both mental and physical. I do not relish that state of being or mindset, so my priority is to prioritize myself.
- Request assistance when needed and avoid constantly volunteering to rescue others. I’m naturally inclined to be a problem solver, a helper, and someone who strives to make others feel better. However, many times, this tendency would have a detrimental impact on me or deplete my own energy. I seldom asked for help and always rushed in to be the “fixer.” I came to realize two things by doing this: a) My ego prevented me from seeking help because if I did, I wouldn’t have anything to complain about if I wasn’t handling everything by myself; b) I was denying other people the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Always wanting to fix things not only deprived me but also hindered the growth of others in a way.
- Spend more time actually living vs. desiring to live. I can daydream and yearn for things I desire just like anyone else. However, I’ve reached a crucial juncture where taking action must surpass daydreaming. Don’t get me wrong, I still have goals and bucket lists, including items that are currently beyond my reach. Yet, there are many things on those lists that I can engage in right now, and I’ve made a commitment to do them. It could be as simple as watching a sunset from a favorite spot or engaging in carefree activities with friends or my boyfriend. It doesn’t have to be an expensive or elaborate affair; sometimes, simplicity is the best approach. If I’m always waiting, planning, or second-guessing, when will I start living? The time to start living is now.
These are just a few of the thoughts that wriggled free after Day 1’s meditation. If this is an inkling of what’s to come over the next three weeks then I cannot wait to see what else blossoms from my time invested in this experience…my experience. I would love to hear what came up for you after the first day’s meditation – share your thoughts and feedback with us!!
