| The theme of this month is using mindfulness to create greater balance. Originally it was going to focus on another topic all month, yet all around me I kept hearing from loved ones to slow down and I kept receiving messages from the universe to slow down or else! I heard the warnings, and I even felt some- yet I did not head them So as nature would have it, I piled up a bunch of consequences as I just pushed on ignoring the signs, the signals and the pleas of loved ones. Today when I sat in meditation I asked a simple question, “what have I been ignoring?” What arose was the instant replay of the messages I have been getting and ignoring….SLOW DOWN! Restoring balance to my life, my relationships, my bank account all require me to slow down. So I want to share the decision that I made today because I trust the wisdom of balance and know in my wise mind that I am far from my middle path. I gave myself permission to move through the day like a turtle, starting first with my choice of morning beverage, continuing with my breakfast, my walk, the choice of activities and so on. By mid day I had finally slowed down enough to relax fully into a day of being slow, on purpose, to reset my mind, my body, and my soul. You are receiving this email much later than usual because I chose to slow down and rebalance my energy today. My intention is to take a few more turtle days until I can revamp my schedule and reassign some responsibilities and redesign a life of balance. A few questions to ponder….. 1. Am I moving to fast through my life? 2. Do I cram too much into my days? 3. Am I adding more to my to do list than I am taking off? 4. Am I occupying myself all day with busy work? Perhaps…. 1. Am I laying in bed all day convinced there is nothing worth doing? 2. Do I avoid my tasks until it is five alarm fire? 3. Do I attempt to get others to do things while I lay listlessly on the couch? 4. Do I put off living waiting to have teh energy to move? Maybe…. You are living balanced, moving fast when you need to catch teh garbage man or slow when you empty the boiling pot. The wisdom in action of moving and living in balance can grow from our meditation practice and also requires incorporating supportive daily habits. For me, slowing down has been a lifetime of work, and I am pleased to support others in doing some inquiry this month about your current state of balance and how you can restore if needed. Join our facebook group and share what you discover and do not hesitate to reach out if you need support getting back to the middle. With love and gratitude for all those who keep nudging me, Patty and The Sacred Treehouse Faculty |
Patty Thomas Shutt, founder of Sacred Treehouse, is a licensed psychologist and co-owner of Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches . Dr. Shutt is passionate about helping others discover the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. She offers Beginner Meditation & Advanced Meditation classes at Sacred Treehouse, in addition to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion and various book studies throughout the year.