Be Careful not to get Burned by Your Mistakes
/How to stay focused on your end goal without getting distracted and burning out.
I have to admit: I ever rarely get burnt. Sunburnt, that is. My skintone tans and I increasingly get darker in a short period of time in the sun. That isn't to say I haven't experienced an actual burn. I recently tried turning on the BBQ grill at home (while aimlessly doing a handful of other things) and BOOM! The flames shot all up in my hair as I pushed the ignition button. It all happened in a matter of seconds, parts of my hair were singed, and my lips and right arm immediately felt tingly. Let me say the scent of burnt hair is something that I have memories of, and they are not very pleasant.
It's really my ego and self-confidence that I have to get in check in the meanwhile. I immediately tried to coax myself, reminding myself that I was still alive, nothing was blackened, my eyes were still intact, along with my clothing. But the full realization came down to slowing down and recalibrating my gears to focus on what I was doing in the present moment.
““I need to slow the fuck down and focus on what I’m doing right here in front of me...””
Why is slowing down so difficult to manage?
Energetically, we have to learn to withstand our desires, our momentum to move forward, and learn when to give in the towel. Trust me - it's not easy, especially in the summer. We run rampant, we want to do all the things, we think we have no time to reflect, slow down, re-prioritize and re-focus on where we are heading.
Why would we work on giving in and giving up when we spend so many months of the year, preparing, looking ahead, planting seeds, and nourishing ourselves to find our fullest potential?
Even as the summer months are perceived as being 'busy' and fully scheduled with weddings, birthdays, long weekend getaways, vacations, trainings, and more, it is important to stay grounded in fulfilling a small list of S.M.A.R.T. goals by the end of the summer.
S.M.A.R.T.:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Action-Oriented
- Realistic OR Relevant
- Time-sensitive
Here are some of my S.M.A.R.T. goals for this summer:
- Complete my Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor Training and 20 hours of practice teaching by the end of August
- Teach at least two weekly yoga classes outdoors and create more active community outreach
- Offer Reiki and journalling consultations in a private, one-on-one session
- Save up money to pay for Yin Yoga Teacher Training in the autumn of 2018
I've been reading a lot about the Third Chakra - (Manipura in Sanskrit) in the spiritual body and how we need to hold ourselves accountable, with discipline, stamina, and endurance in acts that scare us, trip us up, or creates instant flux in our routine.
Learning when to say no, to respect your body's energy, your ability to give back to yourself is incredible important and fulfilling.
I must admit I have been feeling like I want to become more distracted, more aligned with all the 'summer activities' that the pleasant weather and humidity has to offer. I want to sun tan, watch movies in the park, stay up until dawn, bike for miles with little regard for the destination, eat tubs of ice cream, etc. But holding yourself accountable, remaining re-directed to your goals, conserving energy, focusing on your long-term prospects rather than your minute, immediate gratifications plays out immensely in the long-run. Having to nurse my wounds (blistered lips and a peeling burn on my forearm) while staying indoors has definitely kept me more mindful of my energy levels and focus calibration.
We all have to take breaks, even in the act if it means doing absolutely nothing for ourselves.
At the end of the day, how do you stay grounded, and remind yourself to keep moving forward?
“It’s really my ego and self-confidence that I have to get in check in the meanwhile.”
Read more here:
Anatomy of the Spirit
by Caroline Myss
Explore the seven Chakras in relation to how they play a part in the emotional release of the subtle body with a series of transformational questions and activities in each chapter.
