Endings and Beginnings

December is a packed month isn't it? Trying to wrap up work projects and presents for the holidays, managing difficult emotions that may arise at this time and for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere - the weather. Everything combined together in one jam-packed month can be quite a heavy load on the mind and the body.

For many of us, we also begin to reflect on the year and take stock how things went. Out of habit, I tended to do the same thing but ended up focusing on what I could have done better, which goals weren't completed or what I would like to carry forward into the next year. Thinking back, I was not very mindful of how I would lose track of the positives and focus on the should have's and what if's. Have you found this too? I realized this isn't how I want to move into the new year, and began implementing four simple tips that helped incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine, cultivate a slower start to the morning and by becoming more mindful, help me stay more motivated!

For an end of year wrap up post, I would like to share four simple things you can bring into your routine and help you mindfully embrace a balanced and peaceful 2023:

#1 As you wake up, focus on your breathing.

Rather than grab your phone, hit the snooze button or start planning for the day ahead, take a few deep breaths and observe how you feel. Are you tired? Relaxed? Happy? Try and avoid judging. Practicing this daily will help calm your mind and help you avoid overthinking or falling into negative thoughts patterns. This is especially helpful on a Monday morning!

#2 Dance with wild abandon to your favourite song

Dancing is a really effective (and fun) way to release build up energy on those days when your mind is full to the brim. The gym might not seem very appealing and a run just seems boring so why not dance? Make some space, grab some water and turn on your favourite tunes. Listen to the music and let your body move. Try and avoid controlling anything - just go with it! If emotions start to arise, just observe the rising and passing of them as you dance away the tension of the day.

#3 Conscious breathing

I like to call this intentional breathing. It is such a simple and completely natural thing that our bodies were made to do. A wonderful grounding technique, intentional breathing holds you in the present moment, allowing you to be in the here and now with your body and your breath. Observing the rise and fall of your stomach or the warmth of your breath against your nose, intentional breathing is one of those things that can stop time and have a profound effect on your mind.

#4 Look out the window

Put down your phone, take out your ear pods and watch the world. You would be surprised at how many things we miss when we focus on our phones or get lost in thoughts about work or school. So, the next time you step out take a moment and try to observe your neighbourhood. What colours do you see? Is the air fragrant with the smell of roses from your neighbour's garden? Did you really just see a bright red bird? Not only are you able to appreciate the present moment, you actually help turn off the overthinking mind and give it a chance to rest. Now go forth and explore!

Thank you so much for being here on Satuppada's journey to share the joys of mindfulness with the world. I wish you a very happy and mindful 2023.

#mindfulnes #satuppada #2023 #newyearswinddown