Will this ever end? We are living in uncertain times. Between the political landscape, Coronavirus / COVID-19, global economics, and even the simple, everyday things, people are worried. And worry brings stress. Words and actions become frayed and chaotic. We begin to forget who we are.
How can we change that? How can we bring compassion and understanding to the front, to be better than we think we can be?
Live in the moment. It sounds simple enough, but, what does that mean?
And, more importantly, how do you do it?
Perhaps by focusing on one thing you can do each day. Just one thing.
As a Reiki Master-Teacher, I often look to the Reiki Principles as inspiration. These principles are not just for Reiki practitioners, though. In truth, anyone can use them as a starting point, and see where they take you.
Reiki Principles for the everyday person. These “principles” are simple and straightforward. By focusing on one thing every day, we can grow our personal tools and bring some calm to our chaotic lives. Below, I’ve listed each of the 5 principles, along with some tips I hope you will find helpful. Remember that you are human, and that perfection is not required. Simply try.
Just for today, I will not be angry
Anger can be a catalyst, but if you spend most of your time angry, it can adversely affect your health, especially your stress levels. How do you deal with anger? Do you have a healthy outlet for it, or is it something you need to work on?
Today, when you start to feel angry, breathe. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Slowly breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Do this as much as you need to. You can also take a walk, outside, if you can. Being in nature has a way of calming us down that can’t be beat.
Just for today, I will not worry
Worry and anxiety affect so many people in our society. It can be a daily battle to pull away from worry. Whether it’s about relationships, work, or any of the thousands of things we can worry about, this kind of stress impacts us the same way anger does.
When worry overtakes you, bring your focus back to the moment. Get completely involved in what you are doing. Instead of allowing your brain to play the “What if…?” game, immerse yourself in your current activity, allow your mind to blank out everything else. Remember to breathe.
You can also find something to count. This should be something concrete, such as photos hanging on the wall, windows, the number of chairs, etc. This can also be a helpful technique when you have to go to the store, or other places.
Each time you find yourself falling back into a state of worry, endeavor to try one of these techniques, and you will begin to train yourself to change your focus away from worry.
Just for today, I will be grateful
It is amazing how grounding and calming a gratitude practice can be, even when it is a simple, personal exercise. Focusing on gratitude helps you remember the good things in your life and can help relieve worry and anger.
I find that picking one thing, and journaling on all the ways it brings me happiness can be the change in perspective I need to lift my mood and get me out of a negative loop.
Whether you hold the thought in your heart, say a prayer of gratitude, write it down, journal about it, or share it with others, the effect on you is the same.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly
We all like a lazy day now and again, right? Sometimes we allow ourselves to be distracted and procrastinate. So today, challenge yourself to staying on task and getting that project done. Turn off, or walk away from those distractions, or set a timer to limit your time. Put on some motivating music and get to work.
A few things that can help:
- Turn off Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social media.
- Set a time to check emails, stick to it.
- Turn the phone off, or to silent while you’re working.
As you limit your distractions, you will find it easier to get your work done more quickly and efficiently.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing
How we react to things says a lot about us. Take a moment to reflect on your reactions to things and consider how you might add more compassion into how you interact with others.
Make a point to thank people, especially those in often thankless positions: waitstaff, cashiers, receptionists. If you find yourself getting angry, pause, breathe, and ask yourself if it’s truly worth getting angry over, or if kindness will get your farther.
The more you practice this kind of mindfulness, the easier it becomes. It’s not about being a doormat, either. Do protect your boundaries, but remember to respect other peoples’ boundaries, as well. Most importantly, remember that we can only control our own reactions.
Kindness and compassion go a long way to soothing everyone,
whether it’s a normal day, or in dealing with crisis.
May your days be filled with peace, adventure, and joy. Personally, I am finding moments to get out into nature – my backyard and greenhouse, play with the cats, interact with my muggle students via OneNote & Zoom, and work on projects I’ve not had time to pursue.
This is a surreal time, and I am curious to see where it takes us.
If you’d like to try a distance Reiki session (I offer Usui, Kundalini, or a blend of both), I can help with that. If you’d like to learn how to do Reiki, I teach the Kundalini Reiki (online for now!), and can hold classes via Zoom.
You can find my Herbal Insights, Mindful Mandalas, and Inspirational Messages on my Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter pages, so remember to like & follow!
Click here, If you’d like to get a personal consult. I offer a 15 minute free consultation to see if working together would benefit both of us.
To book a Reiki session or Intuitive Reading from me, click here.
Disclaimer: Linden Tree Intuitive would like to remind you to consult with your doctor for all things medical. We do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness or disease. All material in this blog is for informational purposes only, and you are encouraged to do your own research and question everything!
