A daily boost of motivation, specifically related to GuitarIn5minutes.com - the easiest way to learn guitar from scratch. Often discusses the concept of Beginner's Mind, the Zen precept of openness.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Taking Care of Ourselves, 5 Things That You Value, and 3 Rewards

It is so hard for us sometimes to do the things that nurture us.  We overeat, watch too much TV, stay up too late, and think we are rewarding ourselves.   To say nothing of booze binges, drug binges, toxic people binges, etc.  

These "rewards" drain our energy for the things we really want to do - the things that support us, that help us become our best, and give us energy for the tasks ahead.   And they all come with punishments - hangovers, fatigue, credit card debts, gained weight, and lost self-esteem.

Today, make a list of 5 things that you could do that express your most cherished values. 


These could be:

  • Spending time with your child, spouse, or other loved one (family)
  • Learning to play the guitar (music, art appreciation)
  • Cleaning the garage or spare room  (order)
  • Going for a walk, a hike, or a run (nature, exercise) 
  • Planning for and taking a long-desired vacation (travel)
You get the point.   What is it that you truly value?   What kind of person do you want be?  THEN (and the two lists may overlap), make a list of 3 ways you can reward yourself in accordance with those values.  It may include self-denial such as
  • skipping dessert
  • going to bed early to get up for a morning walk
  • going to bed a little later so that you can get in some reading time
  • making sure you practice the guitar 5 minutes a day 
  • doing yoga in the morning instead of surfing the Web
  • saving money in a jar for a trip to Paris
When we treat ourselves like we matter, the Universe responds in kind.  "Everything counts!" says Gary Ryan Blair.  "There will never be a day that does not require perseverance, dedication, discipline, and personal integrity."  

Practice Beginner's Mind!  

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