Archive for the ‘Power of Now’ Category
I was celebrating Hump Day today and catching up on my Social Media when I came across a very sad post from my colleague Mary Corbett Coaching. Her mum had passed away, and she had the intuition to accept the thoughts and challenges that came up for her during that difficult week. She wrote an inspiring letter and mentioned it on Facebook. I clicked the link curious and compassionate and was wowed by her ability to challenge the reader during what was a very personal journey. I travelled this journey and share it with you here.
It got me thinking (again) about what we wish to be remembered by – how we would want our Eulogy to resonate, and I realised I am not living all my values for the past few weeks. I have recently discovered doodling for the sake of doodling, thanks to Roisin Markham during her fantastic workshop “Creativity in a Coaching Context” last month.
I immediately chose markers and pencils at random and wrote the headings as Mary challenged them. Hard WorkHere they are, what would you write for each? Take just 10 minutes now or later and write them down, using different colours, being at one with the visual as well as the text. For each heading, write how you want to be remembered. Keep it short and sweet. It’s amazing what perspective may come up for you…
Imagine a world without stress. Imagine a world where no-one is demanding anything from you. Imagine you are the happiest you could possibly be. Can you imagine all that? I hope so, because if you cannot, that is a sure sign that you require some “ME” time.
If you can imagine all those things, then you are probably doing a lot of self-care already, as you appreciate the importance of looking after self. You appreciate and understand why it is imperative to look after your own safety on an aeroplane before your child, because if something were to happen to you first (like you do not get enough oxygen), then you are of no help to your child.
Now, just very quickly think of all the things that have been building up over the past year, and specifically those things that have spilled over into this year. Can you picture them? Has your mood changed? Is the weight of the world sharing its burden on you right now? It’s so easy to get caught up in the woes of the world, the media, our networks and indeed our own families. Is it over-burdening, over-whelming, too much to bear?
And my question to you is simply: Compared to what?
How do you know this is good for you? Are you coping with all the stress a new year can bring? On top of all the left over trauma of 2011?
Now, bear with me here and really think about the following. Write them down so you can check on them at the end of this post:
Think about the best thing that happened to you last year. Think about your greatest achievement of 2011. Think about your biggest learning for 2011. Think about the relationships you nurtured in 2011, new and old. Think about the single happiest thing that happened in 2011.
Now, pat yourself on the back, schedule some “Me” time for every day this year and plan for great things to happen, because then they will. If you write them down, and say them loudly to yourself, then you are setting the tone for your year to come.
And if you are overwhelmed just now, still reeling from the effects of 2011 and the holiday period, read this inspiring blogpost on starting your year in February, not January 
Happy New Year, and may 2012 bring you everything you plan for.
I came across this story recently and thought I should share it so it could gain a wider audience:
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers
walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the great & picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it. In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As so on as it seemed appropriate, the other m an asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his
first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.
“Today is a gift, that’s why it is called the present.”
The origin of this letter is unknown.
The Power of Now is more relevant than the power of the past or future. We can only dwell on the past and fear the future to maintain negativity. This can be powerfully turned around by simply focusing on the present and treating it so – as a gift (and a gift can only be positive).
Enjoy YOUR gift,
Namasté,
Elaine
Hi all,
I was sent this great link to help with your everyday issues.
This breathing exercise will help to increase energy, mental clarity, improve concentration, increase confidence in making decisions.
Try it out for yourself and let me know how you get on…
http://www.schoolforwarriorsblog.com/instant-clarity-concentration/
With increased confidence,
Elaine
Oh Dear, this is not good – I really need to get into the habit of blogging and sharing my great stories and snippets with anyone wishing to read.
Though I have managed meanwhile to start up with twitter: http://twitter.com/elainerogers.
Glad to be back and intend to blog weekly, if even to myself,
best wishes,
Elaine
“Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn” – Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi’s thoughts resonate with us every moment of every day – we quote him until the proverbial cows come home.
What do you think this quote means?
What does it mean for you?
I certainly believe there is always a different approach to the tomorrow – it links in with the POWER OF NOW. If something doesn’t work out today, we can try a different way tomorrow (after a good night’s sleep). Tomorrow always brings new things, fresh ideas. so if today doesn’t go too well, learn from it and build on it for tomorrow.
And get some sleep!
Talk soon,
Elaine
