I just love this time of year. A time for new beginnings and of course ending things that just don’t fit into the next highest version of yourself.

Since the beginning of this year I’ve been making a conscious effort to let go of some things. Specifically my need to be doing something ALL.THE.TIME

In the past I’ve bought into the notion that in order to be a “good” mom, I had to be doing something productive to prove my good mom worth.

Can you relate to this feeling?

But I’m (slowly) learning that that’s not true. As a mom, as a woman, as a human being, you are valuable JUST because you exist. There ‘s no need to earn your worth. No need to work hard to be valuable. I’m pretty sure your children love you even if you don’t earn “x” number of dollars, or keep the kitchen squeaky clean. Your value to them is simply in how much love you show to them.

Over the years of my yoga practice I’ve picked up a few “habits” that help me to BE more often and shifts my attention from constant doing! And I’d like to share those with you.

1. Start Your Day In Silence

I get it mama. We feel like we need to watch the news and be up to date on all the local and global happenings. We at least need to listen to the weather report right? Or maybe you are jarred out of your sleep by a crying infant or a bigger kid sticking his finger in your nose.

Mornings can be hectic times. But I’ve found that just making the effort to set my alarm 10 minutes before I anticipate the rest of my family to get up sets a peaceful tone for my day.  And helps me start in a state of “being”.

You don’t even have to get out of the bed. Just wake up and feel the way the sheets feel on your skin. Feel the movement of your breath. Or watch the ceiling fan rotate. All these (non-doing) things allow us to come fully into the moment and BE.

2. Listen To Music AND That’s It

Yelp! I’m guilty of using music as background noise or as a way to propel me into action. (like when exercising or cleaning up the house). But you know mama, music is good and entertaining in and of itself. So try sitting down sometime and just listen to the music. Don’t busy yourself with laundry or a good jog. Just listen. Feel the way the music feels in your body. Feel any emotions that come up and just enjoy doing nothing!

3. Cultivate a Mindfulness Meditation Practice

I have to admit that I’m a natural born focuser. I love to occupy my mind with something, which is why mantra meditation is easier for me. (Even though it frustrates me). Mindfulness on the other hand requires “less” of you. It doesn’t ask that you memorize a complicated mantra. It doesn’t even require that you focus on a particular thing.

What it does do, is give you a specified time (that you schedule of course) to sit down and do nothing at all. To have no expectations of yourself in that moment. And to just be still!

And what mama couldn’t use more stillness?

Do you have a “being” practice of your own that you’d like to share? Let us know about it in the comments!

Here’s to a mindful week Mama!

Xoxo~Keya

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