I was recently listening to an amazing podcast by John Eldridge about the power of micro practice and how to find God in tiny intervals throughout the day. This podcast really struck me because I can become so consumed by the constant rush that seems to revolve around tasks.
In the midst of business, I tend to miss out on little opportunities for joy scattered throughout my day. Here are seven little ways to set your mind right and enable you to embrace the adventure and beauty of life even in the midst of the chaos.
1. Don’t walk so fast from place to place
Now I’m not saying to meander to the point you miss appointments and other obligations, just put a little bit of mindfulness into your routine and take notice of the little things as you go about your day.
2. Pause in your car to reflect before you go inside at the end of a day
This is one I’ve started to do more, and it’s crazy how in just a handful of seconds or minutes you can set your mind back on track. Even if you’ve had a difficult day, this moment of pausing and revisiting your intentions for the day can really put things into perspective.
3. Set an intention for your day
The intention doesn’t have to be anything massive or groundbreaking, you can set it while you brush your teeth in the morning. It can be anything from smiling at three strangers to choosing not to let negativity rule your thoughts. It's really easy to become almost disconnected with ourselves in the midst of business. Simply give yourself a little task or a word that will permeate and challenge you throughout your day, grounding you and reminding you of what your goals are.
4. Write down three things you’re thankful for every day
There is nothing quite like jotting down gratitude to pull you out of a bad day or set a good day on an even better trajectory. I try to journal every day, and I've found it super encouraging to go back and look at old thanksgivings in the midst of difficult times.
5. Give a compliment
Never underestimate the power that giving someone else a compliment will have on your own mental state. You never know how much saying something kind to a stranger may impact them. One of my top love languages is words of affirmation, and I know that when I receive a random compliment I never really see it as strange. So don't worry what the other person may think of you, and, instead, pass out those compliments!
6. Stretch
Your body is constantly on the move, incorporate some light stretching even if it’s just in your car as you’re sitting at a red light. Stretching also forces you to slow down a bit and really take stock of your body and mind. Give yourself that freedom.
7. Close your eyes and take a deep breath
Right now, as you’re sitting reading this, close your eyes and fill your lungs with a breath that permeates throughout your body - The type of breath that you can feel moving and rejuvenating each of your cells. Take a breath filled with intention. Your life is filled with purpose. You are filled with purpose. Don't doubt that or take it for granted. Breathe in life.
Now, I don't, by any means, remember to do all of these every day, but simply being more mindful as we go about our days will change the tone of how we look on the world.
