The First Day of the Rest of My Life…Continued

 I got home from my “missed appointment” and debated: 1)getting right to work on my personal experiment paper; 2)hitting a yoga class then getting to work on my paper; 3) napping; 4)going for a hike now, paper later. I chose the hike.

I headed up to Matthews/Winters Park, adjacent to Red Rocks. It is possibly my favorite spot in Denver, maybe even Colorado, maybe even the world. J I was once asked, “Where do you feel most alive? Where do you feel you are your best self?” It is this place. At the top of the wind-swept mesa, looking out at the Hog’s Back, part of a red rock ridge that stretches from Wyoming to Mexico; Green Mountain across the road, Mt. Evans in the distance. And most striking for me, an amazing view of Ship Rock and Creation Rock, the anchors of the incomparable Red Rocks Amphitheater. This is where I came to meditate before I “knew how” to meditate: sitting on a weathered rock, under a limber pine, observing my breath and feeling my heartbeat.

So today I took my seat, softened my eyes and breathed in the power, timelessness, beauty and vibrations of this spot. I exhaled my remaining, resentment, frustration, confusion, and anger toward my old job, old relationships, and their worn out stories. The first day of the rest of my life was looking up!

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Living on the Brighter Side

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. This Axis Yoga Teacher Training student writes an account of the power of recognizing our choice to shine rather than hide in the clouds. The results of this light-hearted experiment show us the exponential impact that these choices can make as we inspire others to smile.

 

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Living on the Brighter Side: Moving the Clouds

Throughout my life I have dealt with depression. Not a constant feeling but on and off over the years. I especially feel down around the female fun time. Not only then but I especially get negativity flowing pretty forcefully when I drive in heavy traffic. Considering I live in the city, I drive fairly often. When in doubt, I try to walk or ride my bike as much as possible. When your job requires you to drive 50 plus miles, riding a bike is not always the best option. This experiment was for me to replace any thoughts, expressions, and verbal negativity with positivity. It was time to not dwell on the negative things that happened to me or around me.

 

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Living on the Brighter Side: Finding the Smile

I knew that I was going to have to play tricks on my mind, in a sense. I wasnʼt going to be able to just think happy thoughts. Happy thoughts are definitely a good start but I was looking for something with a quicker effect to the body and brain. My first night on the transformation, I prepared my tools. I made what I like to call a Smile Jar. In this large jar I typed up and cut out strips of positive affirmations, fun facts, funny rules, and other sayings that would make me smile. Once everyday I have taken a note out and read it. Sometimes I would put it on my fridge or place it somewhere in my car to read. This morning task was not only fun to make but has put a small enjoyment into the beginning of my day. I also encourage visitors to take a positive note from the jar. The rule though is if they take one, they must write down a positive note of their own and place it in the Smile Jar. I apparently have inspired others with this idea after posting the idea online. Which in return has made me feel great because who doesnʼt want to inspire others in a positive light.

 

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Living on the Brighter Side: Embracing the Happy

Smile Jars are great way to start the day but what could I do through evening rush-hour? I downloaded an app to my phone called Happier. Itʼs a social media site where people post only positive things that they are feeling or that they have experienced. I heart this site! Not only is it wonderful to read other strangers positive life events but it helps me think of something good that is going on in my life.

 

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Living on the Brighter Side: Honoring the Beauty

A few other tricks that I did was, anytime I felt down I would say out loud four things I was grateful for. This training of the brain works wonders! I always felt good after taking a few moments to remember the good parts in my life. Preforming yoga and meditating on the daily was also an important factor through this journey.

Living in this society, sometimes life can get a little bit bumpy. We just need to remember to think of the positive things that surround us. Beautiful life surrounds me like the sun hugs a flower. This experiment really enlightened me and I will continue to do all of these positive mini experiments the rest of my life. I cannot be engulfed in negativity that is around every corner. Instead of seeing negativity I will only let myself see the positive beauty that lies within and ahead of me.

 

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