Have you ever noticed how small things, done regularly, can make a big positive difference in your daily life?
I was recently speaking with a friend about the importance of staying grounded, optimistic and inspired inside of myself, regardless of outer circumstances.
We all know that many things can impact our mood, our joy, our focus, and our well-being. Lots of these things can be out of our control. I have learned that tending to both my inner world experience, is just as important as tending to the various external circumstances in daily life.
Both our inner worlds and outer worlds are constantly in a state of change. You can wake up feeling peaceful in the morning and by noon, maybe enough stressors have happened that you can barely recall that feeling of peace you felt earlier.
3 Daily Habits That Make a Positive Difference …
There are 3 things I do every single day to help me stay grounded and inspired – these things also help me stay productive, focused, and happy too (most of the time!)
1. Write in my journal
I start every day with a cup of coffee made in our favourite Bialetti espresso maker. While it heats on the stove, I do some morning stretches and drink a glass of water. After I pour my coffee, I head to the love seat in our living room where my Sadie girl (Golden Retriever) hops up on the couch beside me. For the next 1/2 hour, I drink coffee, rub her belly with my left hand and journal with my right hand. I then take a few minutes to meditate, either silently or with a guided meditation. I set intentions for my day in my journal. I write about what I’m grateful for. I free write anything that is on my mind and heart.
This time spent journaling always feels like a purposeful and enjoyable way to start each day!
2. Walk in nature
Sometime during every single day, rain or shine, I take Sadie and myself (and lately we are joined by my 19 year old son, Jackson, which is wonderful), for a walk in nature. These are mindful walks where I pay attention to my breath entering and leaving my body, giving me life. I notice the temperature of the air on my skin. I feel my feet making contact with the earth beneath me. I touch the smooth bark of the arbutus trees growing near the shoreline. I smell the spring blossoms in full bloom on the trees. I do this while walking and talking, or enjoying the silence.
In the presence of nature, I come into contact with my own inner nature. The vitality and beauty in nature, always nourishes my spirit and helps me be present in the moment where all things are possible.
3. Read poetry
I love writing. I also love reading. I especially love reading poetry. I like the sound and feel of poetry, the heart of it. I have books of poetry on my shelves and I can also quickly look up a favourite poet online. It only takes a few moments in my day to be inspired and nourished by their words, thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Today, I read something short and poignant by Rumi (I also shared it with a dear friend who is going through a challenging time)…
“Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently
sweeps everything of your house, so that
new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the
yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so
that fresh, green leaves can grow in their
place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new
roots hidden beneath have room to grow.
Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far
better things will take their place.” ~ Rumi
Journal Prompts
What is one thing you do each day that helps you stay grounded, happy, healthy, productive, optimistic, and/or hopeful? Maybe it is something that helps you do all of these things!
How do you nourish your inner world?
Please share in the comments below. We can be inspired by each other!
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Author: Lynda Monk is the Director of the International Association for Journal Writing, an inspirational and creative community for journal writers worldwide.
Like Lynda, I journal, ground (bare feet in the grass) and walk with my dog in nature every chance I get. This time of year is extra-special because the male birds are in full breeding plumage, and birdsong is at a high. Spring migrators are about to come through (in Western WA 5/10-20 is peak birding season, just around the corner) and I’m out leading hikes and connecting with nature. It never fails to cheer me up to walk in the woods, hike a trail, spot a bird. My go to as an introvert.
Great, Courntenay! It’s fun to see our shared passions and practices.
I agree! I like the three W’s: Writing, Walking, Water. That is usually enough and water includes hydration and hot baths at night.
Thank you always Lynda.
I agree! I like the three W’s: Writing, Walking, Water. That is usually enough for me and water includes hydration and hot baths at night.
Thank you always Lynda.
Hi Beth, I love this – the 3 W’s – writing, walking, water. You are a poet who I love to read. I still have the beautiful 11’s inspired poem you wrote me for my birthday. :)
I relate to all of you, although after journaling on the above prompts, I realized that some of what grounds and nourishes me is seasonal. The most steady habit is saying good morning to the sky – I step out in my backyard, look up to the sky, and then, weather permitting, do some sun salutations. A glass of water first thing in the morning feels like saying good morning to my body. Although I am not a morning person, I am working on making a short morning walk my new habit.
Hi Vi, I like this: “A glass of water first thing in the morning feels like saying good morning to my body.”