By Cathy Burns
Master Facilitator for The Virtues Project
Master Facilitator for The Virtues Project
I recently attended an online webinar based on the book “A Pace of Grace: The Virtues of a Sustainable Life” by Linda Kavelin-Popov. A sustainable life is about doing more of what I choose to do and less of what drains me. It means taking the time out each day to recharge and keeping self-care at the top of my priority list, not the bottom. Sustainability is about moderation and focusing on your passion. Here are 5 of the strategies I’ve found the most helpful.
Meditate
Even brief meditation has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve working memory and executive function. Too busy to meditate? How about mediating in the shower? Savor the feeling of the water cleansing your body and spirit. You can even meditate while driving – with your eyes open! Focus on breathing in and breathing out. When a thought comes, acknowledge it and return to your breath. This type of mindfulness mediation has been shown to reduce anxiety.
Meditate
Even brief meditation has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve working memory and executive function. Too busy to meditate? How about mediating in the shower? Savor the feeling of the water cleansing your body and spirit. You can even meditate while driving – with your eyes open! Focus on breathing in and breathing out. When a thought comes, acknowledge it and return to your breath. This type of mindfulness mediation has been shown to reduce anxiety.
Connect with Friends
According to researcher Emma Seppala, strong social connections improve mental health, boost the immune system and may even help you live longer. Connecting with friends is more than sending a text or “liking” their Facebook status. It means real connection. Got 5 minutes? Call up and say “Hey, I only have a few minutes, but I was thinking of you and just wanted to touch base.” Ask them how they are and really listen. Schedule face time too. Meet for coffee or setup a lunch date (you gotta eat).
Play
What gives you joy? What brings meaning to your life? These are just a few of the questions from “Plan a Sustainable Life,” a handout from my POG Webinar. Until I thought about it, I realized I hadn’t done anything “just for fun” for months! So I schedule a board game night with the gals (hey, it’s my idea of fun) and laughed for hours with them! Bonus: This satisfied both Play and Connecting with Friends. (Here is the handout for "Plan a Sustainable Life."
Create a Sacred Space
For many of those who live in my home state of Florida, this is paradise. Just going outside is being in a sacred space. Not so for me. I don’t dig the tropical climate, the palm trees and sandy beaches. I long for cool weather in the 50’s, beautiful tall trees and forest paths. So I created a sacred space in my home office. It’s where I meditate, work, and sometimes daydream. I keep live plants in my office, as even a glimpse of nature is enough to have a positive impact on health and life satisfaction. Whether a place in nature or a corner of your room, find or create a space that soothes and nourishes your spirit.
According to researcher Emma Seppala, strong social connections improve mental health, boost the immune system and may even help you live longer. Connecting with friends is more than sending a text or “liking” their Facebook status. It means real connection. Got 5 minutes? Call up and say “Hey, I only have a few minutes, but I was thinking of you and just wanted to touch base.” Ask them how they are and really listen. Schedule face time too. Meet for coffee or setup a lunch date (you gotta eat).
Play
What gives you joy? What brings meaning to your life? These are just a few of the questions from “Plan a Sustainable Life,” a handout from my POG Webinar. Until I thought about it, I realized I hadn’t done anything “just for fun” for months! So I schedule a board game night with the gals (hey, it’s my idea of fun) and laughed for hours with them! Bonus: This satisfied both Play and Connecting with Friends. (Here is the handout for "Plan a Sustainable Life."
Create a Sacred Space
For many of those who live in my home state of Florida, this is paradise. Just going outside is being in a sacred space. Not so for me. I don’t dig the tropical climate, the palm trees and sandy beaches. I long for cool weather in the 50’s, beautiful tall trees and forest paths. So I created a sacred space in my home office. It’s where I meditate, work, and sometimes daydream. I keep live plants in my office, as even a glimpse of nature is enough to have a positive impact on health and life satisfaction. Whether a place in nature or a corner of your room, find or create a space that soothes and nourishes your spirit.
My sacred space in my office.
Cut Back on TV
Research shows that watching too much television is associated with obesity in children and adults. Watching too much TV also increases our chances for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Besides, if you’re watching TV, you’re probably not interacting with your loved ones. Planning a sustainable life is about having more time for the things that matter.
The average American watches 5 hours of television a day! Even if you only cut back by 1/3, you’d have around 11 extra hours a week to do things you enjoy!
I’m grateful I was able to take this webinar. In fact, I’m thinking of offering a Pace of Grace webinar myself.
Even adopting a few of the tools has given me more peacefulness and Grace in my life. How do you plan a sustainable life?
Virtues Reflection Card Courtesy of The Virtues Project
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