The central theme of the recently held Rx for Renewal Retreat was CONNECTION. Through the various workshops, we explored our relationship with ourselves, others, nature and our breath. Through completing a pre-retreat survey, the average self-reported work/life balance score was 5.2/10. This survey also revealed that most participants were seeking a day of relaxation and balance. A key question prompted by Caroline during the day’s opening session was,
Is it true that the balance is not already here?
The exploration of this prompt led us to realize that balance is always available to us, even when we are seeking it at a retreat. Attendees shared how they could feel this balance without changing anything other than their focus and perspective. It is up to us to peel back the layers of the onion so we can come to this realization. Going on a walk through a beautiful, lush forest has the same trees that you can find in a park down the street from your house or work. It all comes down to the level of awareness we bring to each moment.
What I’m Thinking About…
Split-Second Choices
The split-second decisions we make in our fast-paced professional lives can have a profound impact on our career paths. Research suggests that embracing uncertainty can lead to remarkable outcomes including new partnerships, ventures and unexpected opportunities. You can be pleasantly surprised by what happens when you shift your mindset to embrace the unexpected with open arms.
How can we harness the power of these quick decisions? We need to trust our instincts and cultivate a mindset that welcomes change. Networking, attending events, and staying open to opportunities is like priming the canvas for luck to strike.
In a world where split seconds can redefine our professional trajectories, let's not shy away from spontaneity. Embrace the unexpected, seize opportunities, and witness how seemingly small choices can shape the extraordinary. This is where brilliance often resides -in the blink of an eye.
Quote I'm Thinking About...
Bad things can happen fast, but almost all good things happen slowly.
Kevin Kelly
In the blink of an eye, your life can change. Years of hard work can go away with a road rage event or a comment made under the influence. Conversely, the daily effort you put into reaching a long-term goal can finally materialize when you get 'the call' of congratulations or approval. The key learning for me is to remain balanced during times of stress. This can help prevent the unravelling of hard work or give others a reason to move in a different direction. This transitions us nicely into this week’s breathing tip.
This Week’s Breathwork Tip...
If you are struggling with getting out of your head and into the present moment, bring your senses together with this week’s Finger Breathing Technique.
1. Sit in a comfortable position.
2. Place your left-hand palm up on your lap.
3. As you breathe in through your nose, use your right hand to trace your thumb with one finger.
4. As you breathe out, trace your thumb in a downward direction.
5. Trace through all five fingers until you feel calmer.
ACTION ITEMS
Think back to a fond memory of connecting with nature. This can be seeing the sunrise in Hawaii, exploring a hiking trail last fall or remembering as you playfully danced in the rain as a child. Consider how lucky you are to get to appreciate the sunrise every single day, to be mindful as you walk to work, and to be amazed at how raindrops fall from the sky. Start saying ‘wow’ to the nature that is all around you.
When making decisions, cross reference your gut feelings with the ultimate impact of your decision. Start tracking this. Dig into how you felt during the decision process and write this down. By checking back on how you felt and what the ultimate result was, you may be pleasantly surprised by how many times your gut got it right. This requires some practice and somatic training, but the results are worth it.
To join our next Virtual Somatic Breathwork Session on Wednesday, March 28th at 8:30pm EST, register HERE.