Quote:
“This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.” Maya Angelou
My Thoughts:
This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite people. Dr. Maya Angelou was a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Throughout her early years in the 1930s and 40s she endured all the things that you would expect of a young black person in the American south. Her fantastic book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is the story of those early years and is a must read. Please learn more about her story by going here: https://www.mayaangelou.com/
While our obstacles might not be as challenging as those of Maya Angelou, her response to the new day is one that we can hold dear. The fact is, we don’t know what today will bring. So we encounter it with hope, love, and the expectation that we will learn something new!
Intention:
“Today, I will be present and savor the new little surprises that come my way!”
Meditation:
Take a moment to and meditate on the larger cosmos and how a new day dawns for us here on earth. If you can’t see it where you are, imagine the sun peeking over the horizon and washing over you in light and warmth. Ground yourself in gratitude for the new day. Set your intention, perhaps the one above, that will give you energy and positive momentum forward. Embrace the inevitable surprises that await you. Radiate kindness. Always be present.
Cultivation:
What is the one thing you can do this week to cultivate mindfulness for you or your family? Can you play a game after dinner one night, leaving phones and devices in another room? Perhaps you can create some goodwill for a neighbor that needs it by delivering them a plate of cookies or another treat? Remember, the energy that we put into our relationships is the foundation for growth. Love and kindness are some of the most precious resources we have and, ironically, they grow by us giving them away.
Appreciation:
Each day this week tell someone that you appreciate them. Be specific. Tell them that you are grateful for the time they spent with you, or the help that they gave. Give your Amazon driver an acknowledgement for all their hard work over the holidays, or tell your pest control professional that you are truly grateful for their efforts in keeping your home safe. Tell your children that you appreciate the way that they help around the house.
In short, ground yourself in an energetic state of gratitude and you will find it will change your perspective over time!