Special offer

Begin with a Break

By
Home Stager with Transition Stage LLC

Begin with a Break

For me, today marks the beginning of a week-long project that I am anticipating, yet know will be physically demanding. So, I've started out my day in what might seem like a counter-intuitive way: I've taken a break.

It wasn't an ordinary, lounge-around-the-house break, though. It was a meditative break to get my thoughts in order, to calm my mind, and set my intentions for the day.

Sunrise in India

 

Like to try it? There's no special preparation required - just find a quiet place to sit for about 5 minutes.

First, read through this entire scenario, knowing that you'll remember it all without having to refer back to it.

Sit upright, with your feet on the floor. You can relax your hands on your thighs. Let your eyes gently close. Take three slow, deep breaths, and let them out just as slowly. Feel yourself calming into this moment.

Continue to breathe in this way while you let your plans for the day unroll before you, like a piece of film. Envision the people and tasks you'll encounter, and see yourself handling everything smoothly and with compassion for yourself and the others with whom you're working. Allow each accomplishment to give you a feeling of well-being.

Envision coming to the end of your day feeling centered and good about all that you've done. Take three deep breaths and let them out just as slowly. Let your eyes gently open. Take a moment to look around you and get ready to get up.

Start your day with a feeling of being refreshed and ready for the gifts it will bring.


Photo Credit: Sunrise in India
   Note from the photographer: This photograph was taking during the sunrise at Kanyakumari. It is the one of the few spots in the world where you can watch the sunrise and sunset from the same area. This is the southernmost tip of India.


Begin with a Break

Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

Judy ,....good advice!    I know that when we have to face a daunting task half of it is just getting started!    With your scenario half the battle is won...by envisioning the task a head of time!  I like it!

Jul 06, 2011 01:36 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Deborah - Thanks! It does seem to help quite a bit when setting out on daunting days.

Jul 06, 2011 01:37 AM
Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

Judy - I try and do this every day and for me it's about prayer, having God set me on a good path with an open mind and heart. I always have a better day - it really does work! 5 minutes set aside in the morning to have a better attitude all day - totally worth it!

Jul 06, 2011 01:45 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Kristine - I'm glad that you've found such a good way to start every day. It really does set our attitudes for the day!

Jul 06, 2011 01:50 AM
Shar Sitter
Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN
Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

I start every day with about 30 minutes of quiet time with my Bible and prayer. It puts everything in perspective and starts the day out knowing I have help from above.

Jul 06, 2011 02:14 AM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Judy, What a great way to start the day.   I effectively do the same; before even stepping out of bed I'll mentally review all the things on my agenda for the day and create a game plan to accomplish them.  Of coarse I do that after a prayer of gratitude for all the gifts in life that I'm blessed with.

Jul 06, 2011 02:36 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Judy, when I feel the stress mounting I try to take my self to a happy place, like RainCamp AC with a lady with a big smile sitting next to me. Ahhhhhh!

Jul 06, 2011 03:19 AM
Lois Davies
Century 21 Birchwood Realty, Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral & SW Florida

In my hectic world taking a mental break in the morning is something I really should do more of.  Usually I end my day watching the sun go down from my dock, it's a great finish to a busy day.

Jul 06, 2011 03:56 AM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Judy, I have my own way of doing things, gets me ready for the day!

Jul 06, 2011 01:31 PM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Shar - It sounds like you've found a good way to ground yourself every morning, getting ready for your day.

Jul 07, 2011 12:18 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Leah - Yes, that accomplishes the same thing. Envisioning the day and setting our goals in order really helps, I find.

Jul 07, 2011 12:19 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

HI Ed - Another great technique! Happy memories of fellow Rainers - HELLO! - definitely can brighten the mood. Especially when they're AR guys with a terrific sense of humor.  ;-)

Jul 07, 2011 12:20 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Lois - Being able to look forward to that kind of beautiful finish to the day is a wonderful treat.

Jul 07, 2011 12:21 AM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Andrea - Having a routine is very helpful. I'm glad you've found one that works for you.

Jul 07, 2011 12:22 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Judy,

GTreat way to get started for a day full of opportunities. :)

Steve

Jul 09, 2011 06:13 PM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Steve - Yes it is! A little reflection and envisioning is a good thing.

Jul 10, 2011 01:21 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Judy,

This post is now featured on "Tuesday's Treasures." Congratulations. :)

Steve

Jul 11, 2011 01:49 PM
Judy Klem
Transition Stage LLC - Shelton, CT
Home Staging, Senior Move Management, Fairfield/New Haven counties

Hi Steve - Thanks very much! That is totally cool!

Jul 11, 2011 03:02 PM