Quiet Mind

I just had to share this even though this was going on last night. I was too tired to type it up last night though!

Zumba class was great last night! What a good work out! Back home to get the kids from my friend's house, get them cleaned up for bed, and try to eat before it gets too late (oh well so much for eating!). Last night my boys were playing with a ball- it was sooo cute! I just let them play even though it was getting late. They had so much fun!!! Then I had to cut it off though because it was definitely getting late. The oldest got into bed with his book, while my youngest was with me in the rocking chair. As I sat in the rocking chair waiting for my little one to drift off to a good night's sleep, I tried to QUIET MY MIND! Ever tried it?

Since my youngest was not yet asleep (and it took a while before he actually closed those eyes!), I decided to try and shut off all thoughts (what my oldest will have for lunch tomorrow, choreography for new songs for Zumba classes, what clothes need to be washed next, and of course you know it goes on). Well that was VERY hard! The minute I would try and quiet the mind, I would start picturing the new choreography in my head! Crap! I said to myself. So I shut it off- then I tried it again, this time, saying, "Quiet mind...Quiet mind..."

"What time is hubby coming home? Did I put the clothes in the dryer? Was I supposed to e-mail someone?" Dang it! I did it again! MAN, I wish there was a power button inside my mind where I could just shut it off temporarily- you know how the computers will go into sleep mode? Heeeheeheeeee!

"Quiet mind...quiet mind..." Okay so the thoughts would just NOT shut down! I guess there is just too much going on in life right? At least I can say I tried. Yet for those moments that I did shut off the thoughts, it felt HEAVENLY! My little one was not making any nosise, he just sat on my lap as I tried to do this "Quiet Mind" exercise. Thank God he didn't make a sound!

Even though it was, but for a short period of time, I am pleased with the fact that I did try this exercise. Usually when I am putting my little one to sleep, I am stressed, frustrated, and thinking about everything I have to do after he goes to sleep AND for the next day! It felt so good to work on turning all that (those bunny trails of thoughts as my friend calls it) OFF for just a moment!

May I encourage you to give it a try? If you're at the office, try and take a few minutes (close your door, or if you don't have one go outside, just find a quiet space) and shut off ALL thoughts for as long as you can. Don't think about anything. Just breathe, smile, breathe, and smile!

If you are home with the kids and you don't have a moment- when they are watching television or are asleep- take a few minutes to do the same! If you are by yourself right now: do what Nike says, JUST DO IT! :)
Practice quieting your mind. Don't think about anything!!!! Just breathe and smile! I am confident you will feel a difference, even if you're only able to do it for just a minute!

Thanks Stephanie for giving me this idea as we talked the other day! Love you girl!

"A quiet mind is a time to reconnect with self..." Try it!

Peace, Love, and Smiles :)