Personal growth can mean so many things. I think that dealing with an internal or external challenging situation is growth, trying something new, whether failing or succeeding, is growth. I also believe that growth is daring to lean towards love instead of fear, going on purpose for discomfort rather than staying in a cushy comfort zone, and changing habits. I can see that these examples mix into each other and that they are part of the same thing.
I am really into growth at the moment. Some might call it self-development, I prefer to call it growth. I want to grow as a human being and become more conscious and aware.
Lately I have noticed that I am doing a lot of the same things every day and that disturbs me. Contentment is an important part of yoga philosophy and I don’t enjoy thinking that I am not content. At the same time, bringing acceptance to where you are is, in spiritual terms, a powerful place to be: It allows you to take inspired action. Contentment and acceptance do not exclude action.
I have been reflecting on daily changes I could add to grow further. Over the last few years I have implemented new things that I know have been beneficial. I am not perfect in any of them, and aim at continuing to do the best I can. The times I “fail” I acknowledge what happened and smile (maybe not immediately…). Can’t be too serious when I am learning all the time! Here are the current changes I try to be consistent with:
- Daily movement practice, with kindness
- Spiritual practice through meditation, presence and teachings
- Breath awareness in the morning
- Legs up the wall before sleep
- Looking for the good and feeling grateful
- More appreciation for all experiences (whether pleasant, unpleasant or neutral)
- More intentional healthy eating (although that can always, always, always be improved haha)
- Regular cold exposure
- Aiming for responding to a situation instead of reacting. This is a big (mindfulness) one!
In order to change things up and grow further, inspired action towards sleep is next on my list. To be honest I probably sleep just over 6 hours a night at the moment. I sleep well. My big challenge will be to go to bed earlier! I would love to get to 7,5-8 hours per night. I know how good I feel when I wake up having slept for 8 hours. (No resistance or complaining but) why is it so hard for me to do this??? I am starting today and feeling excited.
I wish you well! Annette X
