If only I could remember what sparked it… My sister from another mister/ bff and I were having one of our beautiful and inspiring conversations-( it keeps her position and esteemed title intact and secure (solid job position)). Anyway we came up on little things we could do for long durations, in our lives, that could make a fair difference. I was talking about my terrible fear of commitment and what a good practice for myself and so many others it would be if we were to decide to do something every day, for an extended period. In my case, a year.
We started talking about all of these possibilities, and the conversation took a turn for the impossible, or, well, improbable… It was easy to set our selves up for failure. Reminiscent of New Years resolutions, anyone? We brainstormed and came up with a couple of ideas. But 1st, some back ground on my tendencies toward extreme challenges for extended periods; things that I would do that I am glad to have done, but could not imagine doing again.
About 10 or 11 years ago, I committed to buying only American made items- for an entire year. Needless to say I was not going on any major shopping sprees, let alone buying shoes. This was just as well for me at that point in my life, as I was in vegan-warrior, human-rights, anarchy activist mode. (The difference 10+ years will do!) I could be found dumpster-diving. Keyword- difference. Given my proclivities, it was still super challenging. Water bottles, the occasional cute garment spotted, worn out kitchen wear that needed replacing, electronics… It was a major exersice in discipline and I learned alot. Paying attention to lables for locations has kinda slipped through my cracks, but I still like to think of myself overall making informed choices.
Another thing that I did for an entire (arduous and extremely well planned-out-ahead-of-time) month I gave up purchasing any thing with disposable wrappers, containers, tags, covers, etc. Rough stuff! It basically means that each meal must be thought out well, take out is out, and snacky appetites meant you’re was pretty much S.O.L., unless, of course, I wanted a plain piece of fruit or a carrot or something. Sometimes, sure. Since then, I’ll take week breaks and it’s still hard. Dear reader, I challenge you to do it for a day (or longer, of course). One day alters our footprints… Im due for one of those weeks.
This time I decided to make a welcomed commitment that benefited myself an did not require any other resources/ lack there of. I decided, each day, to do a minimum of 1 sun-salutation. That’s it. It’s so doable. So peaceful. I am now on day 11, and it is easy peesy. It feels great to keep a promise to myself that has such lovely and well rounded health benefits, and that has potential for more at my liesure. Of course some days I will do entire yoga classes, but amidst a busy schedule it is nice to have a tiny bit of my own time (apart from walking the dog amongst the morning stars).
Examples of our brainstorming session: eating fresh fruit each morning, going on daily walks, playing an instrument for a minimum of 10 minutes each day. Doing a doodle (or more than that) a day. Repeating a positive affirmation to yourself/ being loving to yourself everyday at least 1x.
Any one out there have some other ideas that are something that some one can do everyday and witness the results? Share!
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Pigeon Heart Ponderings 