Monday Morning Realignment

Last night was movie night. Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons was on AMC, and I couldn’t resist an evening with Tom Hanks and a bowl of caramel popcorn. But it wasn’t quite as good as I hoped — the caramel popcorn was so sweet, I could feel the sugar coursing through my veins all night. The movie was fun, but I could not stop readjusting myself on the couch — my neck hurt, my back was achy, my hips were sore.

The thing is, caramel corn wasn’t my first indiscretion of the weekend/week/month. And my body always twists itself into knots when I spend more time sitting than I do moving. I was thinking about all of this as I popped an ibuprofen — something I rarely do — and headed to bed.

It’s time to re-align myself. Get back on track. You know…do those things I know I need to do to keep myself healthy and feeling good.

For me, that means reining in my sugar fetish and paying attention to the types of food I put into my body. It also means moving that body, stepping away from the computer and moving it on a path in the woods or a yoga mat.

There are other things, too — more water, less coffee, more reading, less TV, more dreams, less worries.

But you know what I’m talking about, right? Being mindful of that higher self we strive to be. Taking care of our selves—our bodies, our minds, our well-being.

So this morning I decided I would try a little realignment—a resetting of my intentions, if you will. And I thought I’d invite you to join me…because, well, who doesn’t need a little realignment?

Ready?

Sit back in your chair and relax.
Take your glasses off. Let your shoulders drop.

Take a couple of nice, deep breaths.
(Let’s do three.)

Now, rub the palms of your hands together until you feel them get warm, and cup your face with them for a few moments.

Keep breathing and think about your healthy self.
Think about how good you feel when you’re taking care.
Remind yourself it’s not a “have to” but a “want to.”
Say a prayer or ask for help.

And when you’re ready…look up, smile, and have a great (refocused) day!

With love, Jen

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©2013, Jen Payne

IMAGE: Morning by Nicholas Roerich, 1931.