I’ve been thinking a lot lately about beginnings and endings. Specifically how we don’t recognize or take the time to note them, savour them, celebrate them. For example, we recently visited an open house at what will soon be my oldest son’s junior high school. It was an exciting time, a milestone. When we got home we celebrated. My husband and boys cracked open a can of diet pop and I poured myself a glass of wine, lol. We toasted the event, marking it in the history of our family. Another example was a test I recently wrote. It was a lot of work and study leading up to it and a major stepping stone in my journey as a fitness instructor. When we got home we celebrated. Okay, I had a glass of wine while everyone enjoyed a night off. As I write this I just found out the results of my exam and lo and behold, we will be celebrating tonight!
I need to remind myself that before moving on to another goal or achievement, savour the conquering of one first.
A couple of days later I had the honour of facilitating a practice teach for some new yoga teachers in training, and when we concluded the day I told the students to go home and celebrate, mark the occasion.
When I’m teaching yoga students I often tell them to pause between the poses and note, don’t rush. The space between the poses is just as important as the poses themselves.
In life we rush from this to that, trying to cross off as many things on our list as possible with no time taken in between to “Just. Be Still.” Create some space in your life between the beginnings and endings. Maybe it’s simply sitting in the car for a few breathes before you go into the house and tackle some more of life’s jobs.
In a recent article (Hold onto Happy – April 23/18) in the Edmonton Journal, writer Rosa Silverman asked “How often during your day to you stop to notice a fleeting moment of happiness or positivity?” Even something small, she continued, “perhaps you finished a small task that leaves you quietly satisfied.”
In the same article, California-based psychologist Rick Hanson recommends staying with an experience for a breath or two longer. Secondly, feel it in your body “land”. According to Hanson, research shows that the more you do this, the more it will leave a lasting trace. Thirdly he says we can “notice what is rewarding about the experience – specifically what is enjoyable or meaningful. What feels good about it? What do I like about it? What is pleasurable? That, in turn, increases its registration.” This practice says Hanson, will train our brain to be resilient and help us cope with challenges. Lastly, as we focus on positive experiences more, rather than negative ones, we’ll experience less stress, irritation, suffering, anxiety and sadness.
Whether taking one moment to be satisfied that you put that load of laundry away, or finding something in your day to raise a glass to at supper, be sure to notice the highlights. You’re worth it and I’ll bet you’ll feel happier. Who couldn’t benefit from more happy?