PICTURE IT WELL: gaining more clarity
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Burrowing owl. © given photography 2018
How often do you feel uncertain about things? Or, maybe you want to feel more satisfied, more fulfilled, more content. Do you pack your day with busyness to soothe the unease that surfaces at random times?
It has been my experience that not knowing my personal priorities makes for fuzzy thinking and doing. I easily get distracted by things that are really none of my business or I might say yes when I really want to say no. So how do you clearly know your priorities? Priorities that resonate on a deep level.
According Deepak Chopra, who along with many other experts, teach and write that regular meditation is one way to gain a natural level of clarity that is effortless. He says that a daily practice will help you become more conscious of your own feelings, desires, beliefs and motivations.
Through my own experience of meditating for 10 years, I have found this to be true. A daily practice has helped me align my life with priorities and/or goals that provide me much satisfaction. My fuzzy thinking is not so fuzzy anymore. Don't get me wrong, this is a work in progress, but I do have much more clarity and peace these days.
Starting a meditation practice might sound daunting, but it really isn't. I often meditate for a few minutes in nature and leave with new insights or feeling inspired. A perfect place to try this is next to a rushing stream, waterfall or ocean. The sound of water works well to quiet the mind. (You can even simulate this with water-type white noise from an app). Start by closing your eyes or gaze softly at the moving water and listen to the sound for a minute or two. Then focus inwardly on your breath for about five minutes. If you become lost in thought, gently refocus on your breath. Then ask yourself, "what do I want." It's that simple. The answer may not come immediately, and it can come in many forms, but with continued practice it will come. And trust that your inner wisdom will recognize the answer. Over time, I have used this simple nature meditation as my go-to for many life questions. I think you will, too.
PICTURE IT WELL photos from givenphoto.com symbolize some aspect of well-being. The brief text is meant to inspire you and demonstrate the uplifting power of nature.
