I have been pondering much on the subject of peace and mindfulness. I feel like I am always rushing, trying to be as productive and busy as I can be. I'm always saying to Mayumi, "Hurry!" and I have come to the conclusion that it is bad parenting and all-around bad living. As I re-examine my life and think about resolutions for this new year, I realize I really want zen. I want my home to be a haven and my life to be a reflection of peace.Go easy. You may have to push forward, but you don't have to push so hard. Go in gentleness, go in peace.~Melody Beattie
My friend, Teabelly, likes to start every January off with a theme that she centers her year around (this year is her year of LOVE). In that inspirational spirit, I am announcing 2011 to be a year of tranquility for me. I am going to put more effort into being mindful of all my actions, taking time to truly listen to and play with my daughter, practicing compassion in all of my relationships (especially with myself), avoiding over-scheduling and rushing around, and embracing the wabisabi moments that make up my days. I have already banished the word "hurry" from my vocabulary and I am shocked at the difference it has made in the atmosphere of my home and in my interactions with the people around me.
My mantra:
Let me know what your resolutions are, dear reader, and also be a good friend and remind me when I am exhibiting signs of pushing too hard. A gentle reminder here and there will always be much appreciated.To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with an open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden, and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.~William Ellery Channing
6 comments:
just a few months ago i made the same realization with my use of "hurry". this is a very true and very inspiring post. thanks!
Last year was the year of strengthen, and it worked in so many ways.
This year is the year of Happy. So far so good.
I love reading the blog and seeing your family's traditions and thinking. I'm learning a lot from you all.
You are amazing. I loved this post. I think that you are already so much of what you are hoping to make of your year and I want to follow that example. Thanks for a beautiful start to a new year.
What a wonderful word to embrace!
My word for the year is "become" as I intentionally work on finding the authentic life for me right now.
i like it...i have been working on becoming more peaceful. it's a work in progress...
I really needed to read this post right now. with 3 kids under 5, this year has been a bit rough so far. with a new baby in the house, my girls have been struggling a bit. Somehow we need to find some peace and tranquility in our home. Now I just need to figure out how to make this happen! Love you, mama Q.
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