|
 |
|
 |
 |
Regularly receive practical, usable tools plus
information to inspire, inform
and uplift you - with my compliments! |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Today is a Gift
How to focus on the present and be
flexible through change
“The only thing constant is change.” “Be
prepared.” “You never know what tomorrow will
bring.”
We certainly live in uncertain times – especially so
since the events of September 11, 2001.
With continuing shifts in our economy, downsizing and outsourcing
in business and readjusting the goal posts, I am increasingly
asked by my clients to equip their staff to deal with change.
Managing ourselves (and our businesses) requires high levels
of flexibility and tenacity. In developing these skills and
attitudes, there is, of course, no ‘quick fix’.
However, there are things we can do that will move us in the
desired direction.
Consider making these activities a
part of your Personal Development Plan:
1. Develop skills to deal with change by immersing yourself
in it regularly!
- Commit to doing something new each month – a new
hobby, sport, visiting a new place. With time, you will
become comfortable with being uncomfortable!
- Initiate conversations with strangers in lifts, shops
and while waiting for public transport.
- Take a different route to work once a week.
- Volunteer to work on a project you know nothing about.
- Change at least one of your routines once a week. Buy
your morning coffee from a different shop, brush your teeth
before breakfast, have a bath instead of a shower –
anything that requires a shift in your mindset and behaviour
is worthwhile!
2. Learn to focus on the present
- Meditate. Focus on the quality (not the quantity) of your
meditation practices. If closing your eyes sends your brain
wild with “To Do List Items”, look at a candle’s
flame or beautiful photo or painting. Concentrate on slow,
deep and rhythmic breathing.
- Do Tai Chi or Yoga. If sitting still drives you crazy,
you may find concentrating on easy, fluid movements and
patterns soothing.
- Creative Dance is whatever you make it! Recordings of
relaxation music and nature sounds can be the backdrop to
graceful stretches and gentle motion.
- Do something that you know from experience requires your
full attention. For me, counted cross-stitch (a form of
needlework) works well. It totally absorbs me and is a complete
change from my normal brain/body work. The key is to notice
the elements of this activity that make it so absorbing
for you. What’s the environment and the nature of
the activity itself? Are there aspects of this that can
be duplicated in other activities? What are your thought
processes and Internal Dialogue at this time?
- Hang out with kids – especially young ones. Children
have the delightful ability to fully and truly be in the
moment. There’s no ruminating over the past or worry
about the future. Get in there and join them – it’s
a wonderful space to experience.
“Yesterday is history – we cannot change it.
Tomorrow is a mystery we cannot know for certain. Today is
the only time we have – it is a gift. I guess that’s
why it’s called the present.”
© Sandi Givens, 2003
Permission to reprint this article is welcomed provided the
following:
|
|
