Centering

I've decided to take time each Monday this month to center and set myself some simple, synergistic  goals.

My themes in May are Synergy and Simplicity. Writing of simplicity, Thomas Kelly reminds us, "Life is meant to be lived from a Center, a divine Center - a life of unhurried peace and power. It is simple. It is serene. It takes no time, but it occupies all our time." 

My feelings about synergy are very similar - the power of the group comes from the Center. 

Agenda:
1. Read "5 Resets"
2. Mediterranean diet

3. Synergy plan

4. Simplify the kitchen

1. Read "5 Resets":

I started this book for Lent: "The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience" (2024), by Aditi Nerurkar. I'm half-way through, and into the 3rd reset: 

Synch Your Brain and Your Body. Our mind-body connection is always running in the background, and plugging in to it with intention can help reduce your stress. 

Last week's technique was to take a twenty minute walk every day. This dovetails with my intention to get Sadie out for walks, now that the weather is better. The main instructions are to pay attention to my body in motion, my breathing, and my surroundings.

This week's technique is to lead with your gut: ie, pay attention to my nervous stomach. When I experience bloating, acid-reflux, etc., it could be in reaction to stress and the daily habits I use to sooth my stress, especially drinking and snacking. My gut's response is a double warning -  to reduce my stress and also improve my habits - in order to feel better and be more resilient.

 

2. Mediterranean diet:

This is the diet suggested for resilience. I already do many of the parts, but I plan to add some new bits this month:

1. 3 half-cup servings of fresh fruit per day (as snacks, to replace crackers and cookies!)
2. 3 servings of fish per week - especially fish rich in omega-3s, like salmon, sardines, herring, tuna and mackerel.

3. Synergy plan:

Early this week I have several projects to complete, and two grandson days; later, I have a committee meeting, a rally and Quarterly Meeting. My plan for the first part of my week is to write a daily synergy plan and checklist for my projects that will lead me to: 

1. Be prepared - have a plan and visuals, and gather supplies each morning for grandson time and projects. 
2. Inner synergy and full-effort - Engage all of myself (physical, mental, spiritual) in my priorities so that I create an explosion of power!

4. Simplify the kitchen:

This week our kitchen needs a little organization. I would love to have shelves that are less tightly packed. May simplicity is not only about less clutter; it's my goal to have order, to have a home for each thing, and put it back there every day. 

 

My plan is to completely empty one or two drawers or a cabinet each day, and put back only what we need. Also, find new, creative ways to store my stuff so it looks tidy and is easy to put away.

Clearing even a small space, like my spice shelf, gifts me with feelings of peace and joy. This week I plan to:

• Clear and tidy the utility cupboards and electrical supplies.
• Clear and clean my spice shelf and buy some fresh herbs.
• Clear and clean the food jars, and buy some new foods.
• Clear and clean the refrigerator and freezer.