Since Covid hit and lockdown started I dipped my toe back into the world of meditation. I had attempted it before but I never really got into the swing of it. I never felt like I could concentrate on it, my mind was always wandering and I didn’t feel like I was getting anything out of it. I always loved the idea but just thought it wasn’t for me. But then, I saw one of my lovely friends on Insta was starting a 21 Days of Abundance meditation group and it caught my attention. My first question to Lisa was, how long are the mediations – if they were any longer than 10 minutes I was out! So this little course was max ten minutes of guided mediation and then some journaling to go alongside it. (I have been journaling on and off since getting sick and it’s something I love to do and this was no different, especially since it focused you on a specific point to write about – it really made you think). So I dived right into the 21 Day of Abundance meditations and loved it – we had a little WhatsApp group for everyone involved and everyone seemed to be taking something from these daily rituals. So much so that after the group had finished the first 21 day block we decided to keep going and start a new 21 day block of meditations on Hope in Uncertain Times (apt or what!!) and I kept going with this one as well. I was loving it. Loving my little 20 minutes in the morning or evening set aside for journaling and meditation. Loving listening to Deepak Chopra’s calming soothing voice and then when Oprah comes to join him it’s like a double whammy of relaxation! Heaven!
So I was now hooked. They say it takes 21 days to make or break a habit and I am loving my new habit I have made. I found another 21 day block on YouTube from Deepak and it is all around Gratitude. Grace and gratitude, and how they are interlinked, with one you will always have the other. Today’s meditation was about living in the present moment and not always looking to what is coming and what plans you have made and what’s next. I am a divil for this, always looking at making future plans and what is coming down the line but this message today hit home with me. This time 3 years ago, I would have loved to be where I am now – happy, healthy and with no chemo and radiation hanging over my head. This time 2 years ago, I would have loved to be where I am now, in a strong mental headspace, having dealt with my mental health struggles that came from cancer and how I grew and adapted to my new normal. This time 1 year ago, I would have loved to be where I am now, happy and secure and knowing that the future is bright for me and Jonny with no trepidation on what ifs. It is so important to be present in the now and focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have. Focusing only on the big things in life and you are going to miss all the little things that make life what it is and as the saying goes, ‘Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realise they were the big things’. Enjoy being in the here and now and especially during this time of separation from all our loved ones, we really will be able to appreciate the little things in life more. Drinks with friends, coffee and catch ups with family, that first trip back to Penny’s! Getting dressed up for date night – whatever it is for you, enjoy the little moments. Enjoy the now! ❤️
