[CatherineR]

in reply to: Day 2 – Finding Happiness – a question #2604

Hi Harry,

I have absolutely not idea why your previous post was marked as “inappropriate”. All I can do is apologise.

It has now been changed back to how it originally was – very much “appropriate”. It is a beautiful and honest post. It’s lovely hearing about your music and how much it means to you.

What an achievement your violin being played in the Academy! You must be incredibly proud and now have a wonderful memory. It would be lovely to see a pitcure of this.

And you are very lucky to have friends with the same interest as you. (Or they are the lucky ones!)

Music really does feed the soul and we are priviledged to be able to enjoy it and immerse ourselves in it. We all need to take a leaf out of your book. Those who don’t are surely missing out in one of the beauties on Earth.

Thank you for sharing x

[CatherineR]

in reply to: What do you do to limit your own happiness? #2534

Being harsh on yourself is the worst. It’s so easy to fall into the trap!
It’s really important to just say stop and I’ve really enjoyed learning about self-compassion as it makes perfect sense. It’s not about over-inflating your ego, which would likely mean you’d crash harder when you make a mistake, but it’s about understanding and accepting and realising that you’re not the first one to mess up or struggle in whatever your circumstance is.

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Congratulations! You've made half way! How are you doing? #2228

If you have time for two meditations a day, Aris, then why the heck would not do two! :-) So glad that you feel like it’s been making a difference already.

Whereas, Geri, I’m with you with finding it difficult to find time to meditate (even the two minute one!) but using other moments, such as walking the dog, to reflect. However, it’s also important to enjoy those dog walking moments for what they are and to be in the present, focussing on deep breathing, and paying attention to your surrounding rather than letting your mind wander too much. I suppose that’s what meditation is particularly good for – it’s a chance to shut off (or attempt to shut off) our senses and our mind and focus solely on the breath, which does us a world of good.

Thanks for the feedback. Keep it coming x

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Small or large, what acts of kindness have you been getting up to? #2183

Hi Chris, I completely understand. I guess rather than being depressed about it try to think of this as an excellent opportunity for you to be a shining light in the Big Smoke.
Smile at those you do manage to make eye-contact with. Say “hi” or “morning/afternoon” to someone you walk past. Offer a seat up on the tube, even if it’s not for an elderyly person, pregnant woman, parent with small kids or someone with heavy bags, even if it’s just a Regular Joe. Have a chat to the personn you’re standing behind in a queue. You may get a few weird looks but usually I find people are plesantly surprised by the connection.
Let me know how you get on!

• This reply was modified 8 years, 9 months ago by CatherineR.

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Day 6 – Digital Detox #2181

Haha, good excuse Tim F.
Being away from the house for pretty much the whole of past three days meant I had an incidental (semi) digital detox. I may have used my phone a little to get directions, read a little news in the sunshine (I would have much prefered a newspaper if I’d had the choice) and make vital arrangements that couldn’t be put off but it felt glorious not having it on me during meals and really being able to be in the moment in conversations.
I’m definitely trying to implement no phone/digital technology areas and times in my house to create long term habits of not relying on it and to waste less time needlessly browsing. Now the challenge is to persuade my partner to join me!

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Day 1 – Gratitude – a question #2176

Harry – that’s so exciting the girls won the competition. What an amazing opportunity for them and hopefully it’ll open up many doors for them in the future.

It must have been wonderful for you to witness the event and hear the music! Music really is a lifeline in so many ways that has the ability to transcend cultures, ages, and historical periods. I’m definitely very grateful that we’re able to bring colour into our lives through hearing the art that others are able to produce.

And even though I can’t particularly play an instrument it is fun making music of my own, even if it’s just through playing with cutlery or attempting to sing along with the radio.

Sounds like you have a lovely day planned. And it’s great to see that you are able to be thankful for the simple things. The sun shining, visiting a beautiful location and fresh coffee are certainly some of life’s pleasures that put a smile on my face.

Hope you have a fab day.

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Meet Marta: Have any questions or comments on meditation? Write them here… #1841

Geri – which meditation is the flame mentioned in? I love the sound of this. What colours has it been so far and what do you think they’ve been representing?

Aris – my breath does exactly the same! It can be pretty staggered when I’m wanting it to flow. I have slight asthma so always thought it might be to do with that, somehow. Maybe something about me trying to make my lungs work better?? But maybe it’s more about practice or it’s my stresses being released..? Do you have any insight in to this, Marta?

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Day 2 – Finding Happiness – a question #1830

Dena, that joke has just cracked me up. Thank you. I think it’s time you dust off your dancing shoes and get back out there!

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Day Three! #1829

Morning Victoria!

That’s great news – it sound like a perfect start. (Although who doesn’t love the cross trainer occasionally?)

I too am pretty useless at leaving myself time for meditations in the morning but I’ve done the 10 minute one today. Success! It really helped just settle me and give me focus. It’s funny how resting your eyes and taking deep, slow breaths has that effect. It seems so simple yet it’s so easy to brush aside and forget how needed it is.

Can’t wait to hear about what other positive things you focus on today! x

[CatherineR]

in reply to: Welcome to Day 1 of the 21 Days to Happiness Reload! What is your happy number? #1754

Thanks for all of your honest responses. I keep on returning to this thought. It’s such a funny one because our moods and circumstances fluctuate so much that I’m finding it difficult to pin point my base level…

When I’m thinking rationally I would say I’m a solid 7, even possibly an 8, as I like to think I’m an optimistic person, with a lot of hope and love and general joy. But when I asked my partner yesterday, he immediately said 2! Yikes!

He was joking, slightly, but he had a point. Because he’s the person who sees me in my most vulnerable moments – when I’m tried, feeling overworked, feeling like I’m not living up to expectations – personally and professionally, worried that not paying my friends the attention they deserve, and feeling like the weight of world is resting on my shoulders (which I clearly know it’s not) – he is well acquainted with my anxious (and slightly impatient) side.

So that brings me back to: what is my ‘happy number’?

Am I being too optimistic in saying 7 when I know that more often than I’d like I’m in some sort of state that warrants my other half to jokingly (but not 100% jokingly) say 2?

Or does the fact that in my times of clarity – being well-rested helps (as does eating well, fitting in exercise and getting fresh air) – I’m able to be at peace with the going-ons in life, even when the circumstances aren’t the happiest or easiest, overrule these not so happy moments and make way for my number 7 to remain firm?

I like to think my optimism wins. So I’m sticking with 7.

[Author]

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