Hello all!
Today’s offering is a Meditative Journal Prompt.
Moving forward I’m going to regularly send both written prompts and recorded audio prompts. One week will be a written prompt, the next will be recorded audio prompts and so on.
I find my meditation practice is enhanced by having a written record of my thoughts and feelings, but I don’t always know what to write. My hope is that these journal prompts will give us all a bit of structure for our continual practice of embracing the now.
As the week comes to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on balance.
This is such a simple concept that it is easy to lose sight of its importance.
In truth, we are intrinsically capable of finding equilibrium. Our body is constantly adjusting in small, unconscious ways to maintain homeostasis.
To achieve homeostasis, all our cells and organs take specific actions to positively affect the body's interconnected regulatory systems. When a small part of the body falls out of rhythm for a prolonged period of time, it can affect the wellness of an entire body.
Our very survival depends on these interconnected processes.
We must honor our body’s need for stability by looking for ways to create it in the physical, mental and emotional realms.
In many ways, it may seem selfish to place life balance as a top priority.
At any given moment, there are a dozen things asking to be done. Everything is meant to feel pressing. But our mental state is not separated from the body’s wellbeing.
We must surrender to the non dualistic reality of our existence.
This can be as simple as taking a week spending a few minutes a day stretching before bed. Doing so will loosen up tight limbs that grow even tighter from working at a desk. It can also release lactic acid stored in the muscles after an intense workout.
Recognize your needs. Giving your body a moment of intentional softening can be incredibly potent.
Perhaps you wish to go a little deeper and examine your mental patterns. Consider the standards you’ve set for yourself. How are you thinking about the progress that you’ve made? Are you giving yourself enough respect? Are you thinking only about how far you need to go and not how far you’ve come?
These repetitive thought processes need to have their own counterweights. If we are only critical of ourselves (even for the sake of self improvement), we will never measure up to our unmeasurable notions of success.
I understand the desire to always improve, to always think about the ways you can be better, do more or advance your craft. But sometimes it’s most important to soak in the joy of who you are.
If we don’t take the time to do this, we can’t expect our energy to align with the bigger version of ourselves. Especially if we are always thinking how can I get… the energy will always be in that pocket! If we take the time to celebrate what we’ve already achieved, our energy will continue to expand because we affirm we are comfortable with growth. We recognize our abilities and our worth.
Here is a suggested structure for this journal prompt:
Consider these three areas of life. It is helpful to start this exercise with the Physical Realm, as we can usually see those patterns with the most ease. The Emotional Realm might bounce you back to certain actions in the Physical or Thought realms, but addressing it last will prime your mind the most complex realm.
Write as much or a little as you’d like. If you find a realm that has balance, don’t just skip over it, use this time to celebrate that.
PHYSICAL REALM
Suggested Questions:
What do we put our body through in our daily routines?
Are we pushing it to a certain limit?
How can we counter our indulgences in a healthy, compassionate way?
THOUGHT REALM
Suggested Questions:
What stories are we telling to ourselves?
Is there a way to reframe them?
Have we blindly accepted a truth that doesn’t reflect our dynamic reality?
EMOTIONAL REALM
Suggested Questions:
How are we feeling?
Is there something we want to feel more of?
What can we do in the physical and thought realm to influence this?
Looking back on everything you’ve written may seem overwhelming.
BUT see if you can pick out a couple of essential things to focus on.
Give yourself a time frame, especially if it’s from the Physical Realm.
Don’t overload yourself, just see if you can commit to taking a week of practicing awareness in a certain area.
By doing this, it will help you unlock the actions you need to take to create balance.
Do this gently, softly and lovingly.
xx
James