Part 6 – 3M: Movement, Mindfulness and More than yourself!

After taking a brief pause from my personal mayoral agenda with the Pivot story, I wanted to wrap it up with the remaining items I previously mentioned. I am going to just touch on each one briefly, but despite the brevity, these have all been very important to me.

get Moving – there is all kind of research and data about the power of movement on your physical and mental wellbeing.? It is absolutely true for me, and it does NOT have to be long or extra strenuous.? Whether it is a walk, run, weightlifting, yoga, swimming, a boot camp, pickleball, sports or any number of other things, just get out and move.? It helps brain function, confidence, strength, heart health and much, much more.?

(for the skeptics like me) actually embrace Mindfulness – I am the first to admit I am not great with this one YET, but I am getting better and seeing the benefits.? First misconception I had, this does not mean that you have to do 45-minute meditation sessions every day.? That could be for you and I might get there one day, but that is not required.? To get started for me, it is about recognizing the power of pausing, taking deeper breaths and being intentional about the present moment (this can be a 2 minute break).? Trust me, you will thank you, and those around you will thank you for being more present.? Getting really practical, a couple of good exercises are:

• 5 senses – at this moment in time, take a quick inventory of things you see, things you hear, you smell, can touch and even taste.? You will be shocked how simple yet powerful once it becomes habit.? Do this anytime you feel absent from the present moment.
• When driving – instead of mindlessly driving, look for 10 squares, 8 words that start with “R”, 4 different out of state plates, etc.? You get the picture, make it up.? Of course, pay attention to the road first, but again, take the opportunity to train your brain to be more in the moment instead of being on auto-pilot.
• Look for hearts – you can learn more on this from The Mel Robbins podcast (mentioned in Part 4 of this series).?I really like this exercise.? Basically, the science around it is what you think about, you will find more often (case in point – how many of your current car do you notice as compared to other cars).? Look for heart-shapes all around you - billboards, commercials, in the clouds, on the ground, on the car in front of you, etc.? When you find the hearts, think about all the love in your life.? Over time, you will find more hearts, more love, more gratitude, deeper relationships, more... authenticity

MORE - as you get attuned with your physical self and environment, it is also appropriate to examine how the authentic YOU relates to things around you. For this, a few simple considerations:

• Consider a higher power – my personal faith has also helped me tremendously on this journey.? Whatever your religion, faith tradition, or lack there of is 100% up to you.? You might believe just in the “universe”.? For me, I have found that believing in something bigger than ourselves can help keep us grounded, give us direction and inspire us for more.? Be curious.? Explore.? Consider.
• Be Kind – do something for someone else each day.? Smile, help, thank, encourage, whatever.? Altruism is a wonderful kryptonite to anxiety, guilt and shame.? Enough said.

Remember, your Mayoral Agenda will be different than mine.? Find what works, disregard what doesn’t, don’t judge, have fun and keep creating new habits.? Biggest thing, do something each day that you are proud of. Also, be agile enough to adjust and evolve as you go.?

Please also take a moment to share what items are on your AuthentiCITY Agenda – what is working for you currently; where you have been successful/challenged in the past; and/or what is a goal for the future?? We can all help each other and hold each other accountable!

In AuthentiCITY, the only requirement for citizenship is the continuously renewed, refreshed and revitalizing commitment to embracing YOU.? Welcome home!

For additional reference:

• AuthentiCITY - Part 1
• AuthentiCITY - Part 2
• AuthentiCITY - Part 3
• AuthentiCITY - Part 4
• AuthentiCITY - Part 5