Project Awareness (Our Effort-Filled Existence with thoughts for the New Year)

Given the innumerable factors that we can’t control in life, it behooves us to make our lives easier,

more enjoyable and healthier in the New Year. A small adjustment can make a huge difference.

To change and simplify our lives, we can think in terms of increasing awareness on the level of body, mind, and feelings or spirit. A change for the body impacts the mind too.

As the song says, “Little things mean a lot.”

 Here are some examples of simple changes on the physical level:

Ms. H. lugs heavy packages and groceries. Once she becomes aware of the unpleasantness of this self-imposed chore, she shops more often or pushes a cart. The change lessens the stress on her body, and she notices her mood lifts too.

A compulsive gymgoer, Mr. C. discovers ways to exercise at home on freezing days when ice covers the ground. He learns stretching exercises he can do at home.

He also focuses on the muscles used in performing the activities of daily living.  The simple act of walking involves attention to the entire body: 

*He concentrates on keeping his shoulders back and down.

*Standing straight involves holding in the stomach to engage the core muscles.

*Paying attention to the leg muscles, he stretches the Achilles tendon.

*He focuses on the foot muscles, making sure the heel strikes the pavement and the movement rolls through the foot to the toes,

*He decides to climb the stairs at every opportunity, which is, in itself, an aerobic exercise.

Confined to a wheelchair, Ms. K becomes aware that rotating her head and the joints of the wrists and the ankles,  lifts her mood.

Isotonic exercises-- that is, tensing muscles without applying weight-- can be performed many times a day.

Regarding diet, Ms. M. focuses on becoming aware of the sugar in her food. She realizes the less sugar she eats, the sweeter vegetables taste. For the “empty” calories of a breakfast of toast and jam, she decides to substitute oatmeal (to lower cholesterol) and fruit (to add fiber) and nuts (for energy).

On the mental level, a single thought can obstruct daily progress, even to the point of destroying a life. For example, blaming oneself for the loss of a job instead of recognizing the external, economic factors involved.

Along this line, Mr. P. discovers that he has the power to re-frame and replace any negative thought with a positive one and this in turn, lifts his mood.  One thought makes a huge difference on his world outlook.

Mr. L. resolves to lessen stress by not overbooking his schedule this year. He decides to reward himself with a movie after he performs an onerous task, like cleaning up his cluttered apartment,

Conclusion: Each of us can examine our lives to find ways to increase comfort in the New Year. Resolving to become more aware of our body, our thoughts and our feelings offers the opportunity for great change.

Dear Reader: Please share your thoughts and experiences. jsimon145@gmail.com