Observing things about ourselves can easily become harsh. Mindfulness can become one more thing to impose on ourselves, even if we practice it for our own wellbeing. It's worth noticing all the different, occasionally sneaky, forms self-criticism can take. Are we judging ourselves if we don't get things right? Are we giving ourselves enough time? Is there a hidden "should," "I'd better", "have to" in our thinking? Maybe we hear the theme of the day being shouted, or with a frustrated sigh in our mind's ears?
📖 I have caught myself many times sitting on the bus, trying to think of a helpful direction in order to "sit better" because "I oughted to, I was an Alexander trainee." As a teacher, I have become better at spotting this "ought to" that still sneaks in my thoughts, and I reserve the right to tell my didactic self to shut up and just be, in those cases. Real change will not come by covering what's still there in another layer of "shoulds". When mindfulness turns into that, I find it's better to have some cake and try again later.
10 minutes of mindful movement a day 🍂
For the month of October I will be posting a different thought/theme each day to bring some Alexander inspired mindfulness into daily activities.
To follow along, simply
🚴 Choose an activity. It can be the same one or different each day
(the more inconsequential and boring the better)
🔍 Use the activity as an opportunity to explore the theme
📖 Take note of anything interesting (I will be sharing some of my own notes/observations as I follow the themes too)
If you have any questions, thoughts, observations, disbeliefs, challenges, I would genuinely love to discuss it, so feel free to reach out.
Disclaimers:
1. These are some thoughts I have found helpful during my Alexander journey. They are definitely not all the technique is or has to offer.
2. ⚠ Health and Safety ⚠
Don't choose an activity that requires you to handle a vehicle or sharp object, or can put you or others in danger.
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