Navigating Life's Snowglobes - Finding Clarity Through Mindfulness | Mindful Musings 11

Dear Readers,

My apologies; this may be late.?In fact, I am pretty sure I was supposed to release this a week ago, but somewhere among my commitments, projects and life, I missed my self-designated deadline.

So now, as I sit here writing this instalment, I am reminded of one of our Mindful Paths Podcast episodes, in which we explored the concept of mental pathways.?As we often say on the show, "Whatever your objectives, we're here to help you silence that inner voice of doubt and uncertainty that lives within us all".

So, what is our podcast all about??Fair question – I'll give you the CliffsNotes version.?Mindful Paths is a show where "we explore the thought pathways that exist in our minds to help you unlock your full potential".?With my co-host, Hari Kalymnios, MSc. by my side, we get honest about wellness, fitness, and personal growth, never shying away from the tough questions, our vulnerabilities or from the victories. We talk, we share, we learn, we grow.

Grounding ourselves in the present is a journey, and our most recent episode walked you through exercises that involve the five senses.?Mindfulness steals us from the frenzy, guiding us back to our centre when life gets wild.

Mindfulness is built on a bold idea that we, (not circumstance), are the architects of our lives.?The future is ours to craft, and every decision we make is a brush stroke on its canvas.?As Hari often says on our podcast:

"If we train the mind, the rest will follow."

Recently, I found myself walking through the woods with my mini Dachshund, "Coco", at the bottom of my garden during a much-needed break.?I decided to practice mindfulness in the moment - five senses exercises, beginning with what I could see, then what I could hear, and so on.?I was struck by how this simple act of mindfulness grounded me in the moment.?

Clarity hit me because reader, I believe that in our fast-paced lives, we need this grounding now more than ever.?We need stillness to slow our racing minds and ground us in the present.?We need to "slow down to speed up".?And yet, rarely do we take the opportunity.

I must have walked that wooded path over 1000 times, yet I don't think I ever really noticed, heard, touched or enjoyed the aroma of the surroundings until that moment. It made me wonder, what else am I (or we, reader) unwittingly taking for granted daily?

Life moves at breakneck speed.?One minute, we're ticking along; the next, we're swamped under a tidal wave of commitments, obligations, and what-have-yous.?You're cruisin' along, feeling like you've got the lay of the land, and then - BAM!?- life suddenly sideswipes you with something you never saw coming.?I have faced so many curveballs over the past 18 months that I am starting to wonder if it may be time I took up baseball!?It is as if someone from the "other side" is giving me a sign!

Our lives can become so cluttered by thoughts and emotions that we begin to cloud our judgment and increase our stress - as if we are living inside snowglobes that have been shaken so hard we start to wonder if the snow will ever settle.

However, by turning inward and reconciling our thoughts we can begin to regain our confidence and find clarity regarding what it is we're really after. Mindfulness can be a wonderful tool to help us on this journey. The practice can help remind us about what is important, to see the world with fresh eyes. It reminds us to be thankful and it can rewire our often dulled senses to the beauty of the environments that surround us.

This approach aligns with my co-host, Hari's BEAT model, which I've discussed in previous newsletters.?By focusing on our Body, Emotions, Actions, and Thoughts, we can manage our energy more effectively across all aspects of our lives.?

After all, I agree with the late, fabulous Sydney Banks, who said:

"wellness is innate"

However, sometimes we need help unlocking the wisdom to believe it.?At least I do! What's astonishing is when we turn to nature, how nature can respond repeatedly with answers that provide us with that missing key that we need.

So buckle up reader, because inevitably, at some point, you will stumble again into those achy, unhappy places that make us wonder if it's all worth it.?Grief, for instance, can still sneak up on us when we least expect it (at least it does me).? For others, living in a world of comparison can lead us to live a life impacted by low self-esteem.?The list goes on.

In these moments, I find comfort in mantras such as "this too shall pass" - an anchor that keeps me grounded even under challenging moments.?I remind myself that life is an "infinite game" (not a finite one), which means I don't yet know if what I am faced with is good or bad about the final result.?Finally, "the grass is greener on the side I choose to water" which reminds me that before I criticise, compare and complain, I must nurture, reflect and be grateful for what I already have.

A Task for You Reader

My task for you, then, reader, is this:?As you glance over your daily schedule, ask yourself:?Where can I slip in some mindfulness to help me stay on track and find my balance??Perhaps it's through the five senses exercise during your commute or by practising letting go of unhealthy attachments to outcomes in your workplace.?Start small, be patient with yourself, and trust the process.

As Lao Tzu said:

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".

Remember, everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about, so let's strive to be more kind - to thers and ourselves.?When we mesh awareness with compassion, life's surprise parties – the good and the bad – become less intimidating, and we emerge with open hearts and minds.

If you have stories to tell, share them – the good, the tough, and the triumphant.?Imagine overpowering that nagging self-doubt and rising as conquerors of our deepest vulnerabilities – that's the power of collective support.

May the moments of quiet reflection stumble upon you today, and may you emerge from life's obstacles a little wiser and a little more whole.

Mindfully yours,

Nick Day

Founder of T4M Coaching

Founder of JGA Recruitment Group

P.S.?Feeling inspired??Take a minute to forward this newsletter to someone who could use a boost or a fresh perspective.?Our Mindful Paths Podcast is your go-to resource for staying present and focused - grab your headphones and prepare to reshape your daily routine!?You can find us by searching for "Mindful Paths with Nick Day and Hari Kalymnios" on all major podcast platforms."