I appreciate how many of you supported and encouraged my following my heart and taking a vacation in Kauai. I looked forward to it for so long, and it seemed like it was so short. You know what they say — time flies when you’re having fun. I’ve been back in the office a couple of days now and am struggling not to let my time in Hawaii become just a distant memory. How can I hold onto some of what nourished me while I was there?
On vacation, it was easy to do the things that I know are nourishing for me. I walked at least two miles on the beach every day, ate delicious local foods, read a couple of books, watched some movies, and got my daily quota of Vitamin D from the sun.
Now that I’m home again, my challenge is to bring some of the fun and self-care that was so easy in Hawaii into my daily life. I need nourishment on a daily basis. A friend suggested that rather than making a major effort to change my habits or patterns, I experiment. I’ve discovered that it’s easier to try something new if I call it an experiment.
In one of my Daily Om emails last week, it said:
“When we allow ourselves the freedom to do whatever brings us pleasure, five minutes out of 14 wakeful hours can brighten our lives immeasurably.
It is often when we have the least free time or energy to devote to joy that we need to unwind and enjoy ourselves the most. Making happiness a priority will help you find five minutes every day to indulge in the things that inspire elation within you. Eventually, your happiness breaks will become an established part of your routine.”
I’m going to experiment with this idea — 5 minutes a day (minimum) for a happiness break. It doesn’t seem like much, but it’s something. Today I sat in the sun for 20 minutes while I ate lunch.
Leave a comment, or read comments left by others.
In the spirit of healing,
Jan Adrian, MSW
Founder and Executive Director
Hi Jan so happy you got to Kawai. Happy Happy Birthday. I love the 5 minute concept. What I did this week was sweet. I took a picture of Tim Lincecum, Giant’s baseball pitcher and hung it on my wall, something I never got to do as a kid. I love his pitching. Glad you had such a wonderful time.
It is imperative that we re-treat (to treat again) ourself on a daily basis. I call my retreat mind “island time.” To remember daily to s-l-o-w down. Even stop for a minute. It really helps to tune into nature, hear the birds, observe clouds or stars, feel the temperature of the air on your skin. Take the time to let in “I am blessed to be alive.”
Also to take a regular “Sabbath” day – anyday. To not be structured or playful, but simply let the day unfold, helps keep me balanced and restored.
Listen to Hawaiian music (you can stream it on the web). It really helps me stay in touch with the spirit of Hawaii after I return home!! Glad you had a good time.
My recommendation is rent “Blue Hawaii” an Old Elvis Flick! “BEAUTIFUL” views of the islands and ocean are in this film. when I think about my mexican cruise back in ’08 I take out the photos i shot and so many warm wonderful memories come back to me….
Have a Wonderful Day Jan, Cheryl
Way to go, Jan! Yes, indeed, the “experiment” approach is one I find very helpful (myself, and with clients) when dealing with all those “should” voices inside. (Just for now, just for this moment, what would it be like if…) Thank God/dess many of us really finally seem to be GETTING that it’s more than just OK – it’s essential and ultimately altruistic to BE…… HAPPY……. NOW!…..in the midst of the to-do lists and demands. Know you are HIGHLY supported in doing so – and you may need more moments than you think to balance out for awhile. Please follow your heart. It’s a huge and wise one. Let it care for YOU. Namaste and blessings………Nancy Hopps
Love it. I like the 5 minute thing as well. I loved when my surgeon put his hand on my knee, prior to breast cancer surgery, said “I want you to do me a favor, go home, find a quite spot, think about what you are going through, then get up and get on with your life.” So……… many times this comes back to me in the business, and then I breath, go outside, look at all the flowers and birds and my soul is quiet and filled again. I love the fact that today all it takes is a few minutes to be in that place of peace and calm. So glad you had a great time thanks for the reminder to take care of oneself.
Thanks, Jan, you remind me to lift my eyes from the computer screen. I look out the two story full length window and am in the elm tree that graces our backyard. It’s coming into full leaf now. The spaces fill in with green. The brown/gray limbs hold strong. The branches arch. A center of air two stories above the ground becomes the home for my spirit to rest. I smile a soft half smile and relax. You are welcome in my life, dear tree. Watching the leaves grow, my heart is calm.
I love the ideas you have been giving me for daily self care. I’m happy there are so many different ways and that many of them are so simple. Nature and music are biggies – languages of the spirit. Thank you for sharing. Feeling connected to you is another source happiness for me.
I love this experiment! I’ve noticed recently the value of taking “5-minutes” throughout the day…to just breathe deeply, stop and gaze…whatever I do helps me remain in the now and apprecicate it…an on-going practice and experiment. Thanks Jan!