mindfulness – 60plus and loving life

Embracing Reflection and Kindness as We Step Into a New Year

By 60plus&lovinglife December 31, 2023 0

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s only natural to find ourselves in a reflective state, contemplating the journey we’ve traveled in the past twelve months. The highs and lows, the moments of triumph and the challenges overcome – each episode contributing to the rich tapestry of our lives.

This is a time for introspection, a time to look back at the person we were and consider how every experience has shaped us, molding us into a better version of ourselves.

Reflecting on the past year, I find myself acknowledging the highs with gratitude and approaching the lows with a newfound resilience.

Life, after all, is a series of lessons, and each triumph or stumble is an opportunity for growth. It’s through these experiences that we discover our strengths, understand our weaknesses, and emerge wiser and more compassionate.

As I bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, I am reminded of the incredible blessings that surround me. I am loved, not just by those close to me but by life itself, which presents opportunities for growth and connection in the most unexpected ways.

My beautiful family and friends, the anchors of my life, have been my unwavering support, sharing in the laughter and wiping away tears when needed.

Waking up each day with gratitude in my heart has become a ritual, a conscious choice to appreciate the simple joys that often go unnoticed. It’s about finding beauty in the mundane and recognizing that life’s true treasures lie in the relationships we nurture and the moments we share.

As I step into the new year, I carry with me the essence of loving kindness. It’s a mindset that extends beyond personal reflection, encouraging us to approach the world with empathy and compassion.

In a world where chaos can often overshadow goodness, choosing kindness becomes a revolutionary act. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected by our shared humanity.

In the coming year, let us strive to be a source of light and positivity for ourselves and others. Kindness is a currency that knows no bounds – it costs nothing, yet its impact is immeasurable.

A simple gesture, a kind word, or a thoughtful act has the power to brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of positivity.

So, here’s to the new year – a blank canvas awaiting the strokes of our experiences, lessons, and moments of kindness. May we embrace the opportunity to let go of the past, to forgive ourselves and others, and to look forward with a heart full of loving kindness.

Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful and happy 2024. May it be a year filled with growth, joy, and an abundance of kindness.

imagecredit:Hope_KlisaLange

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health and fitness

Healing Energy: Nurturing Well-Being on the Cancer Journey

By 60plus&lovinglife July 7, 2023 0

It’s been a little while since I gave you all a health update 😊

And I’m not entirely sure what to say. I have good days and days where I’m just really super tired and a bit emotional. But that’s normal for my new normal. Today started off good and now it’s not so great, that’s the way it goes.

I had to go back to my Haematologist a bit earlier than planned for my follow-up. I have been quite unwell over the last month and that ended up with a visit to the ER and a CT scan.

On that scan they picked up that the Lymphoma has gotten worse.

I’ve had more blood tests, yet another CT scan, and another PET scan.

I get the results and discuss treatment options/plans this coming Monday.

Then I will know the next stage of this rather strange and fascinating journey that I am on.

All in all, I am deeply grateful for the support of my beautiful and loving daughter and the care and love of my partner. I have not enough words to express the depth of love I feel for these special people without whom I would be lost.

Now onto the main topic – meditation & mindfulness and how these two practices are shaping my life:

Dealing with cancer is undoubtedly one of life’s most profound challenges. The physical and emotional toll it takes can be overwhelming, leading to a rollercoaster of good and challenging days. In the midst of this turbulent journey, however, lies the transformative potential of meditation and mindfulness. Personally I find that these practices offer solace, strength, and a renewed perspective, reminding me of the privilege of life and the importance of valuing my health and well-being.

Navigating the Ups and Downs

Living with cancer can be an unpredictable journey, with good days and challenging days intertwined. On the good days, when energy and optimism surge, it’s essential to embrace them fully. These moments allows me to savour life’s simple pleasures, appreciate the beauty around me, and strengthens my resolve to fight.

However, I’ve found it’s equally important to acknowledge and honour the challenging days when fatigue, pain, or emotional turmoil loom large. These moments can be disheartening, but they, too, hold valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.

The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness

I have found that both meditation and mindfulness are invaluable tools for navigating the peaks and valleys of my cancer journey. By training my mind to be present and aware, these practices have enabled me to find inner peace and resilience amidst uncertainty.

Here’s how they can make a significant difference:

Cultivating Inner Calm:

Through meditation, I have learned to focus my attention on the present moment, allowing worries and anxieties to fade into the background. By observing my thoughts without judgment, I have been able to reduce stress and foster a sense of calm, even in the face of adversity.

Enhancing Emotional Well-being:

Cancer can bring forth a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to anger and frustration. Mindfulness has helped me to improve my emotional intelligence, allowing me to acknowledge and process these feelings without being consumed by them. By cultivating self-compassion, I have found solace and acceptance within myself.

Building Resilience:

Meditation has really strengthened my ability to respond to adversity with resilience. It has absolutely helped me develop a deep inner wellspring of strength and equanimity, enabling me to bounce back from setbacks and face each day with renewed determination.

Connecting with the Present Moment:

Cancer can disrupt my sense of time, pulling me into thoughts of the past or worries about the future. Mindfulness always brings me back to the present moment, helping me appreciate the beauty and wonder of life that exists in the here and now. It allows me to experience moments of joy, love, and gratitude amidst the challenges that I currently face.

Embracing Life’s Privilege

The cancer journey inevitably confronts us with the fragility and preciousness of life. Each day becomes an opportunity to cherish the gift of existence and to honour my health and well-being. Meditation and mindfulness serve as gentle reminders to value the present moment and nourish my body, mind, and spirit.

By incorporating meditation and mindfulness into my life, I have cultivated a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. I have become more attuned to my body, listening to its needs and responding with care. I have learned to appreciate the small joys and find beauty in even the most difficult of circumstances. Ultimately, I have recognized that every breath is a privilege, and every day is an opportunity for growth and gratitude.

As cancer presents its myriad challenges, the power of meditation and mindfulness shines through as a beacon of hope and strength. These practices provide invaluable tools for navigating the unpredictable journey with grace and resilience.

By embracing the good and challenging days alike, I find I can foster a deeper appreciation for life’s preciousness.

Let us remember to value our health and well-being, cherishing each moment as a privilege and a gift.

image credit: RizelleAnneGalvez. Words my own.

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Relationships

Mindful March and what the heck is closure?

By 60plus&lovinglife March 4, 2023March 21, 2023 2

An interesting thing came across my radar today.

It’s “Mindful March” from the Action for Happiness website (click the link for more detail). It’s a downloadable and printable calendar that has a mindfulness reminder for every day.

I’ve downloaded the calendar and put it up on my fridge as a daily reminder for myself, I’ve even added it to my Google calendar on my phone in case I need a reminder during the day when I’m at work or out and about!

Today (March 4) is “notice how you speak to yourself, and choose to use kind words.”

It is too easy to be self-critical and speak poorly of oneself or have negative thoughts. I regularly hear friends berate themselves for something they feel they have done wrong (regardless of if they have or have not), or feel that they have caused to be done wrong to them.

If someone has done you dirty, that is entirely on them. Not you. Be kind to yourself and recognize that you are worthy of kindness and respect.

It reminds me of a friend of mine who recently went through a relationship breakup. Every time I see her she is wondering what she did wrong, she berates herself for her perceived failings. She is stuck in a spiral of regularly texting this man that left her and receiving no reply. She constantly states that she wants “closure”, she wants to understand what went wrong. She is stuck in a negative downward spiral of self-doubt, recrimination and sadness.

My feedback to her is to stop texting. Just stop. That she should block or delete his number from her phone. I have said that you cannot ask for “closure” from the person that has caused you pain. She literally wails that she must have closure.

The thing is – closure from a relationship breakdown is a myth. The person who broke it off is never the one you should reach out to for closure. The minute that person walked away from your life is when closure happened. It’s done and over.

What my friend wants is to understand. However, there are things in this life that we will never understand. We can only process our feelings and understand what it means to ourselves and from there move onwards into a new life. It is not easy and sometimes you may feel you are stumbling rather than progressing forwards, but you have to keep moving and trust me, it will get better.

My friend says that she wants to be like me. Strong and certain and with a clear forward focus. It’s lovely of her to say, but it’s not always easy for me either. I tell her that she does have that inner strength, she is an amazing woman worthy of love and kindness and more recently I have seen her smile and she said that she feels something has shifted within her in a good way. There is that glimmer of light that it will be ok for her.

For me? I am my mother’s fierce daughter. I have been forged in the fires of life’s trials. I always emerge at the other end stronger, more compassionate and having learned something valuable about life that I can take forward with me.

Be kind. To yourself and to others. And if someone does you dirty, do not blame yourself. It really was not you, it was them!

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health and fitness

Mindful eating…

By 60plus&lovinglife February 18, 2023 0

Before I begin, check out this article from Harvard University for more information on the philosophy behind mindful eating (click the link). Then come back, I’ll be waiting for you!

I have a well known reputation for being fit and healthy, I have also studied nutrition and wellbeing, so I have both a grounding in and a reasonable understanding of the topic.

This is not about weight loss, however if that is your goal, then mindful eating well help you get there. For everyone else, it’s just about eating healthily, good food choices and making sure you are actually present in the moment whilst you are eating.

I was out for dinner with a date the other night. He was saying he loved that I am committed to my fitness and health journey. He said he was looking to drop a couple kilos as he felt he needed to for his own well-being. Then he asked my advice. I must say I do find it amusing that it’s often when eating that folk seek my advice, clearly it’s some sort of trigger for health conversations! He regularly goes to the gym and cycles several days per week, but as he put it he “loves food.” Well, don’t we all love food?

Mindful eating “focuses on our eating experiences, body-related sensations, and thoughts and feelings about food, with heightened awareness and without judgment. Attention is paid to the foods being chosen, internal and external physical cues, and your responses to those cues.” [Harvard, 2020]

Here are three steps you can consider following to help you stay focused and in the moment when eating:

1. Don’t gobble down your food

Put your fork/utensil down between bites. Take it easy, slow it down and just appreciate your food.

2. Pay attention to what you are eating

Enjoy the flavours, aroma, taste and texture – especially if you cooked the meal, admire and enjoy your creation!

3. Focus on what you are eating

I know it’s easy to eat in front of the t.v. or your computer, hell I for sure have done that often enough. However, I know personally that if you become engrossed in the screen, the food vanishes before you even realize. Slow. It. Down. Focus! Enjoy! Take it easy! Eat at the table, focus and concentrate on what is on your plate and enjoy your meal.

Also, if someone takes the time to cook a meal for you – respect their effort and appreciate what you have been offered. Eating is a reverent experience and you honor the person who went to the effort to make something to nourish and please you if you slow it down and focus on the meal.

As for my date, he looked down at his plate and seemed a bit surprised to actually notice the food and the presentation, the mix of colors, the different textures and flavors and he slowed it right down. Hopefully he can take that mindfulness into his next meal and hopefully you can too!

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Tag Archives mindfulness