Happy Monday!
How are you? Are you ready for the new week ahead?
I had a moment of tension this morning as I was making my coffee. Even before fully awakening, my mind raced through the upcoming week’s tasks and engagements, leaving me overwhelmed and anxious about how I’d manage it all. Then it dawned on me that this anxiety stemmed not from the volume of tasks per se, but from the feeling that they all demanded immediate attention simultaneously. Yet, in reality, none of them required immediate action; I was simply making coffee. Recognizing this, I consciously pushed aside the mental clutter of my to-do list, allowing some of the tension to dissipate, enough for me to proceed with my morning routine.
Being present in the moment aids in discerning what truly demands our attention and what can wait. While it doesn’t magically erase the to-do list, it empowers us to prioritize effectively. Today, I propose we redirect our focus to a more tangible practice.
Grab a pen and paper, and let’s embark on this journey together.
Start by jotting down all the days of the week, organizing them as you would in a planner.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
Then for each day, write down the tasks that require completion. I’ll share my week as a template:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
| -Meditation Zoom -Acupuncture Office Hours -Pick up Apparel -Networking Meeting -Meet the Candidates meeting | -Plant vegetable garden -Family night Ticket pickup -Meditation Meet-up | -Record Meditation -Chakra Class -late pickup at school -Spring Concert | -Volunteer at school -Volleyball -Art show |
Now underneath each item – write the most important things you need to do.
For Tuesday’s Meditation Meet-up I need to:
– send out reminders
– print a sign-in sheet
– make sure I have a sitter
On Wednesday, we have our daughter’s Spring Concert.
I need to:
– make sure she had her clothes and instrument ready
– review where she needs to be and when
– remember that I’m just a guest and not performing
I wrote that last to do in there because I have a tendency to feel anxious for my children when they have to perform. I want to remind myself to stay in the moment and enjoy the experience as a spectator and proud parent.
After mapping out my entire week, including tasks for each day, I noticed something surprising – my schedule wasn’t as packed as I had feared. And some of the events I’d been stressing over were actually scheduled for next week. This realization instantly eased my mind, offering a welcome sense of relief.
While I do still have numerous tasks like grocery shopping, laundry, social media posts, and personal projects looming, having a visual of my week provided clarity. Now, I have a clearer picture of what lies ahead and can allocate time for these tasks accordingly. There’s a sense of assurance in knowing exactly what needs to be done, eliminating the worry of forgetting something important, and knowing that there’s nothing I’m not capable of completing.
This exercise serves as a valuable habit, one that significantly reduces weekly stress. Moreover, it enables me to recognize when my plate is too full, prompting me to reschedule or even cancel non-essential tasks to maintain balance and peace of mind.
If you frequently find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks, I highly recommend adopting this weekly habit. Taking the time to organize your schedule can reveal that you’re more in control than you realize. It helps gain a clear understanding of what lies ahead, and better prepares you to tackle challenges as they arise. You’ll face each week with more confidence and composure, knowing that you have everything well within your grasp.
Of course it’s always helpful to also take a few moments before this practice to ground in the present. This morning’s group meditation can help you do just that!
Join our Facebook group to watch the replay!
I also have another opportunity to practice LIVE and in person this week.
Tuesday, May 14th at the Seaford Historical Museum, we’ll continue our conversation about mindfulness and cultivating our practice. All are welcome.
The following Monday (May 20th) at Fire & Ice Wellness Lounge I’m offering a Sound Bath and Meditation Group Session. It’s a perfect opportunity to offer yourself some self-care and surrender into the moment. There are still a few spots left! Sign up today!
And finally, in case you missed it, here’s last week’s guided meditation. Click this image to play on YouTube.
Well, that’s all from me today. I hope you have a beautiful week. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions or would like to work together!
Bye for now!