Facebook Fast Update!

Two whole weeks. (check out my original post on this topic here)

It hasn't been as hard as I expected, though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious what's going on in that world.  And seeing my notifications creeping over 100 as I supervised Gianna posting on my business page made my hand very itchy to start clicking away with my mouse.  But I restrained myself.  A deal is a deal.  And when I'm committed, I'm committed!

This week I have noted that I am not only more engaged in social situations, and more present in life in general, but I'm really feeling the love!  I went to a few parties this past weekend and everyone was so happy to see me and curious what I had been up to... When I was constantly updating as to my whereabouts, no one felt the need to ask, and I didn't feel the need to share.  Did I previously post everything that was going on in my life on Facebook?  No.  But it seemed like it to my "audience" at times, and what I wrote was what stuck in my head, so naturally, when people asked for an update, that was the first thing I thought of.  I didn't even notice what that little, quiet, insecure part of me (a resident in most people's subconscious, I suspect) had been saying about that until this occurred.  She was saying most people I knew didn't care or want to know!  What a mistaken assumption!  They just didn't feel the need to ask since they already KNEW! (That little voice can be such a pest sometimes, can't it?!)

My favorite realization of the past week, though, has been my energy and enthusiasm regarding the act of socializing itself!  I had been feeling so burnt out and tired at the end of the day that I wasn't very interested in going out with friends.  I felt like I needed so much "alone time."  And at the same time, there was this vague, nagging feeling that seemed to resemble loneliness.  I am pleased to announce that since leaving Facebook, that feeling is gone, and I am genuinely excited to go out with my friends again.  I realize now that I was on social OVERLOAD.  And I wasn't even seeing most of those people in real life!  I still loved my friends, but after attending the Facebook "party" the majority of the day, my social reserves were spent.  I guess it's simply another lesson in MODERATION.

In the meantime, and this couldn't come at a better time, I will be, yet again, participating in Chopra Center's 21-Day Meditation Challenge, and I encourage you to join me.  Let's see what we can learn together.  It starts Monday, but if you're a little late, don't worry!  You can still get in!  And it's completely FREE!

Whether it's taking a break from facebook, or starting a Meditation Challenge, I hope you're continuing to challenge yourself... What have you been up to this summer?  Leave it in the comments below!  Have you ever taken a break from social media or been tempted to?  Or are you one of the ones who have fought to urge to even start with it?  Share your thoughts! 

Mindfulness: Day 7

So... here we are.  Today, I'd like you to reflect back over the week.. What did you take from the experience? How have you changed?  Would you like more exercises like this in the future? Share your thoughts below... I'm excited to hear from you, and thanks for participating...

Mindfulness: Day 6

When we are talking with others, we seldom listen deeply.  We're more concerned with what we're going to say next.  Today, when you are engaged in conversation, just be there.  There's no need to fill the silences.  Just leave space for the other person to continue with their thoughts.  Just listen with heart and discover a new way to care for another person...

What were your observations?

Mindfulness: Day 5

Today, we're going to engage our sense of smell.  Unless something smells "bad, " we rarely focus our attention on it.  Today, start taking in deep breaths.  Take in the walls of your home, your office, your car... Even the street! Notice the difference in each place you go... no need to judge it... just observe...


What did you notice?  Looking forward to reading it below!

Mindfulness: Day 4

Today, we will taste and savor our food. This is a favorite exercise of mine, as well.

Pay close attention to the smell, texture, and the variety of tastes as you slowly roll each bite on your tongue.  This is great for weight loss efforts as well, since many of us gobble our food so fast, we don't even realize we're full until we're feeling like a stuffed Thanksgiving turkey.  There is no question that when we pay attention and slow the pace, we eat less.

When I took a mindfulness class last summer, we actually took at least 20 minutes just to experience ONE raisin.  And I use the word "experience" instead of "taste" on purpose.  First we examined it with our eyes and fingertips, observing all the qualities we could before smelling it and then eventually putting it in our mouth.  And we didn't just bite into it, either.

This can be a really enlightening experience... and as I did this with other foods, I learned a lot... including some foods I really didn't like as all, but had been gulping down so fast I didn't even realize it.  I encourage you to go as far as to think of where the food comes from, from farm to table, and all the people involved along the way...

What was your experience?  Tell me in the comment section below...

Mindfulness: Day 3

Today, just look around you.

When was the last time you noticed the unique features of your home, gym, office, car, etc?

Today, notice the colors, sounds, shapes of rooms, windows, blinds, floors, ceilings, furniture...  Check in with your senses in each location.  What do you feel, see, smell, taste, and hear? What have you noticed today that you never noticed before?  Share it below!

Mindfulness: Day 2

Today, your task is to people watch!  I love doing this. Look at the people close to you as if you have never laid eyes on them before. Note their unique way of walking, the cadence in their voice, their mannerisms, the crinkles in their faces...  Anything surprise you?  I encourage you to share it in the comment section below!

Mindfulness: Day 1

Your mission for today (or tomorrow, if you shower in the morning) is to be present in the shower.  The next time you shower, concentrate on feeling the water cascading over your head and body.  Pay attention to the scent of your soap and shampoo.  Notice the sensation on your skin.  Take note of your surroundings... the shower head, the tiles, the curtain, etc. This can be a beautiful, relaxing meditation, and a great way to start your day. And the best part is that it doesn't add any more time to your morning routine!

Update: 21 Day Meditation Challenge

I'm loving it!  I had really fallen into a rut with meditating... what a way to break free!  I have even expanded it further into my daily life by taking some time out from my triathlon training to become a regular at my local yoga studio again. I've also felt more energized and balanced in my daily life and I'm even feeling more productive! Did you sign up?  Share your experience in the comments below!

21 Day Meditation Challenge

I'm participating in this and welcome you to join me. You can still sign up.

Meditation has some wonderful health benefits. It can also catalyze a healing process in and of itself, and every time I have committed to a meditation program, formally or informally, I have always been impressed with how much I got out of it.  Sign up here:

http://www.chopracentermeditation.com/bestsellers/Meditation_summer/Meditation_summer.asp?id=5765

Happy meditating!