Living consciously. I've been thinking about this concept in very specific terms lately, and as I have been integrating a more quality approach to meditation each day (
Headspace is my guide!), I have found myself stepping into a different level of appreciation, a different level of calm and a much desired but not until now achieved state of being in each moment. Even those moments when I catch myself thinking something unproductive, these last but a mere moment as my mind is capable of catching itself and refocusing.
Living mindfully versus living mindlessly sounds quite minor on the surface, but there is a chasm of
difference regarding the quality of one's life between the two. I have by no means conquered and habituated living mindfully. The definition itself states it is being conscious, present and not blinding going through the motions. To live mindfully isn't easy initially, but it does become easier as we are awoken to what our lives can become by putting in the effort to understand how to move past what we once thought was unsurpassable: our worries, our fears, the false limitations we've
placed upon ourselves and the world.
The past week I have had the opportunity to work solely on the blog, and thus have had more time to contemplate how to approach the holiday season with this spirit of mindfulness. What I have discovered this week is that society can work very well together, and in times of holiday traditions such as Thanksgiving, it is easy to do what everyone else is doing: give thanks, cook and share the bountiful harvest with friends and
family. Such wonderful practices and habits have been engaged in by so many during this time of year.
What's not easy is stepping back and not going with the flow when it doesn't suit you. Maybe you're not a fan of the shopping craze that takes place kicking off today (or technically last weekend as the competition is fierce this season as critics are expecting this year to be the strongest shopping season in quite some time), or maybe you don't enjoy the large
gatherings. Stepping away and being honest about why is difficult at first, but when you recognize why you aren't comfortable with what the masses are doing, that is when you begin to find the answers, that is when you are capable of building what does work and communicating with those who you want to continue to celebrate the occasions with.
As I mentioned above, living consciously will deepen your experience and the quality of your life. The past week to
just slow down, reflect on what I am grateful for and not feel hurried rushing around buying gifts or food has been quite restorative. But I recognize this is my personality, this is what energizes me. Others will take the same week and travel and explore. Both choices can demonstrate one's ability to live consciously, so long as it begins with understanding why you do what you do. Even if you don't know what will happen (and who does?), at least you know why you have chosen how to spend
your time rather than doing what you are "expected" to do. After all, this is your life, and if you listen, your life will speak to you helping you to navigate through the many options presented.
Speaking of options, there were more than a few extra posts this week on the blog. An entire Thanksgiving menu was shared from appetizer all the way through to dessert, a new shopping app was shared to help you save on the items you love and for Francophiles, a new French
Inspired post finally went live on Wednesday.
Lastly TSLL Holiday Gift Guide just went live on the blog, and it is full, larger than any other TSLL Guide in the past, of items for those you love. Carefully picked these past few months, I am excited to finally share with you what can be very thoughtfully chosen gifts for that special someone may they be a foodie, a tea lover, a traveler or a very organized and goal oriented individual. These are
just a few of the types of gifts you will find.
Before I forget, if you're looking for all of the sales and promo codes for Black Friday shopping, view this week's This & That post for clickable links and codes in nearly 20 different shops and businesses.
Wishing you a wonderful kick-off to the holidays season. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog!
-Shannon
