Spring Cleaning: March 16 - 22

Spring is here!

The tree in my front yard went from bare to bursting in pink buds overnight and the crocuses around the corner are in full bloom. Even my body feels the energy of Spring rising in my bones. This week's calendar marks the beginning of the season of newness. So let's clear out the old to make room for the new.

I'm beginning with my inbox. I'm overwhelmed by all the stuff cluttering my virtual world. I'm deleting and unsubscribing from newsletters and notifications that may have been useful in the past but I no longer have the bandwidth to read. You can do the same. Reply back to this email if you would like to remain on this Mindful Week by Week list or tell me if you would like a break.

You may recall I was recently on retreat. No talking. No phones. No email. What a gift. I recommend taking a moment to look up from the busyness of life and sweep out a little corner where you can sit and breathe. Turn off the noise and listen to the crocuses.

Practice

While on retreat, I was given a simple set of instructions called the 3 S's - Sensing, Softening, Smiling. The 3 S's can be used as a meditation guide or pretty much during any moment in the day.

3 S's

Sensing

Tune into the body. Follow the breath. Open up to each of the senses. Notice what is present here and now. Listen deeply.

Softening

As you pay attention, you might notice places in the body where you are holding tension. You might find yourself wrestling with thoughts. Unbidden feelings may surface. The natural tendency is to resist, to ignore, to push away. In this moment, we let things be just as they are. With each breath, relax more and more. Hold yourself with tender compassion. Gently remain.

Smiling

Allow the inner attitude you are cultivating to appear on the outside. Maybe gratitude shines in your eyes. Maybe a smile expresses the intention to show kindness to yourself and others. Maybe you laugh at your inner critic and dare to show joy.

Repeat sensing, softening, and smiling over and over again whether sitting in meditation, sitting at your desk, or sitting at the kitchen table. Keep on practicing.