Taking good care of ourselves, acts of kindness, and other ideas worth pondering

Sunday randomness as we unplug this holiday weekend

Last weekend, we were leaving a campground near Acadia National Park when Kristen, the woman in the campsite nearby, bid us farewell. She offered pancakes, then added something striking. “Take good care,” she said.

We hear “take care” thrown around as a goodbye, but the sincerity with which she said it was noticeable. There was a genuineness in her voice. Yes, take good care, we will. Thank you. It’s easy to get away from taking good care — of ourselves, our homes, the people around us — especially when we’re away from home or tied up with work or overwhelmed with long to-do lists. But let it be a reminder: Let’s take good care of ourselves, of our possessions, of our planet and of one another. Let’s not take ourselves too seriously, and let’s not be too hard on ourselves. Let’s sort through life consciously, question what we’re doing, stop skipping walks/workouts/meditation/yoga, and give ourselves the breaks we need to prosper. 

Please take good care, everyone. Each day, we owe it to ourselves and the people who love us. 

Forest bathing

One way to take good care of self: forest bathing. Being in nature can help us feel good, and forest bathing — the Japanese art of  taking in the forest through our senses — is a profound exercise for the body and mind. As Time Magazine says: “This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.” The average American spends about 93% of their time indoors. But even a little more time outdoors in nature can help bring us inner peace and improve our mental well being. 

Mindful rocks

A few years ago I adopted a strategy where I would find a few rocks, place them in my pocket and take them out anytime I felt the urge to scroll on my phone. It cut my screen time by about 20%, which adds up to many hours over the course of a year. The idea is to feel the rocks mindfully and truly appreciate the Earth. Last week, for this reason, I picked up these four rocks on a New England beach.

Act of kindness

I’m on the hunt for random acts of kindness, or memorable moments that come to mind that don’t necessarily involve an act of kindness. Perhaps, moments when you were struck by the beauty of life. Some situation or instance, however brief or fleeting, that warmed your heart.

I recently heard the story of a man who fell to the ground on a busy street, hitting his head on the pavement. He was unconscious and there was blood. Then something happened that might restore one’s love for humanity: A local shop owner, hearing a call for help, ran out and dialed 911. A nearby deli worker rushed out with towels to mitigate the bleeding. Another person came by to make sure traffic was rerouted. A lovely team effort.

With this in mind, here’s a Google form to fill out if you have anything to share for a project I’m working on (TBD). Leaving your name and contact info is optional. Here’s the link.

A thoughtful meditation:

Every day we have more and more to be grateful for.

Breathe gently, freely, and deeply.

Breathe without fear, without resistance, and without attachment.

Breathe to heal, to visualize, and to rejuvenate.

Breathe to reconnect with this present moment.

Breathe because you can and have the gift of life.

Everything will fall into place. Right now, just breathe.

--Source: The Daily Coach

Another meditation

Posting less, doing more

Comparing less, reflecting more

Complaining less, doing more

Discussing less, accomplishing more

Donating blood

Here’s my quick ad on giving blood: Donating blood is an easy way to give back to your community and doesn’t cost any money. There’s also platelets, which is more time-consuming (2.5 hours) but you can sit in a comfy chair, watch Netflix and then feel really good about how you just helped someone. Nearly half of all platelet donations go to help treat people with cancer. 

Not only does donating blood make many people feel good about themselves, but you get a free checkup too. They take your temperature, measure your blood pressure, etc. The basics. Donating blood is one way many (myself included) find peace. Plus, the Red Cross usually gives out $5 to $20 Amazon gift cards after you donate.

No phone Saturday

On Saturday I set a goal: Spend no more than about 40 minutes of the day on my phone. I turned off my iPhone in the late morning and didn’t check it again until before bed, accomplishing my goal, designed to free up myself and my thoughts. What I learned: I saved time. I was less anxious. I was more present. I was more at peace. 

I’ve read about people who devote one or two days per week (or month) to being totally unplugged. No phone, no computer, no social media, no Netflix, no TV. The process works. Starting with this weekend, I am aiming to devote one day per week, likely Saturdays, where I turn off my phone and just focus on living. At the end of the day, I didn’t miss out on anything. Most things can wait. Will write on this more another time.

In the meantime, who will join me in taking time away from their phone this week?

Photo of the week: Visited Acadia National Park for the first time. A beautiful collection of trails, water, hills, hikes and fresh air in Maine, a wonderful place this time of year.

Three thoughts I’m pondering:

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on.” ~ Robert Frost

“Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility." ~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.24

Be joyful and celebrate your gifts,

Matthew