I’ve recently got back from 3 weeks of house sitting in Spain and I had another amazing holiday experience of wellness. In fact, what I was able to do, particularly in my last week, was so far above my normal, I’ve been asking myself how on earth it was possible and how I might continue it.
Unfortunately, since my return I’ve been dealing with a dip so I haven’t been able to keep the momentum going, but I’m really excited by what was possible and exploring how to bring that into everyday life as much as I can.
I went from doing an average of about 2000 steps/day before the break, to the final weeks average of 6800 steps/day. A couple of those days I’d done more than 8000, which I just couldn’t have imagined as possible before I left. Not only was I more active, but I socialized 5 days out of 7 that week too, as well as running 4 group coaching sessions. Ok, my socialising was quiet and gentle apart from a 3-hour girls’ lunch on my birthday, but even so, that was way beyond what I could have imagined in the week before I went away.
So, what were the magical ingredients of such a dramatic increase in wellness?
Absence of pressure and going with the flow
Each day I prioritized my house-sitting duties of walking the dog and keeping the garden watered, along with my online coaching sessions. But apart from those things, I completely let go of any pressure to do anything else and simply went with the flow of how I was feeling. Even with the dog walking, it was such a mindful experience that I varied the distance I walked every day depending on how I was feeling. Although I wanted to walk the dog as far as I could every day, I valued my own wellbeing and just did what felt comfortable.
When I got back from the walk and had breakfast, usually I would have thought about doing some work, but instead I listened to my body and rested when I needed to, only picking up my computer when I truly felt ready.
As far as my business is concerned, I’m usually pretty good at pacing and energy matching, but I’ve realised that there is always a little compulsion to take steps to grow my business and become financially independent. Whilst I was away, I gave myself permission to completely let go of the sense that I should be doing something that will help me be more successful. I simply allowed things to be as they are.
Presence and Peace
Giving myself permission to let go, meant it was really easy to simply enjoy the present moment. That presence led to a great feeling of peace and contentment and I’m absolutely certain that feeling peaceful most of the time, was what gave my body the chance to be so well. I didn’t even push myself to keep up with my meditation practise. I did it when I felt like it, but some days I didn’t and I think it was because I didn’t really need it on those days because I was so at peace in the moment.
Gratitude
Feeling peaceful and contented as I did, I was able to pay lots of attention to the gratitude I felt for all the little moment of joy that I was experiencing. Leaving the house to walk the dog, I first had to walk up a fairly steep drive, and every day I offered gratitude for how strong my legs were and how much energy I had, how much vitality I felt as I walked up that drive (even on the days when it felt a little steeper than usual). When I got to the flatter bit of the track, I offered gratitude for how good it felt to be walking with ease. I regularly offered gratitude for the animal love I received from the pets I was taking care of and for the opportunity to love them too. Over and over again throughout the day I felt grateful for the peace, the temperature, the relaxation and the amazing views.
I am convinced that this high vibrational boost of gratitude I felt was another key ingredient to the speed in which my wellness improved.
The key for me now is how to bring these ingredients into my everyday life? My intention is to let go of all pressure and go with the flow. Pay more attention to being present and enjoy the peace that brings and pay lots and lots of attention to every little thing I can find to be grateful for.
I’ll let you know how I get on. I’d love to hear from you too!
