A Self-Love Practice: Mindful Pleasure, Gratitude & Fun

Lately I’ve been playing with the idea of  just “being”.   Vague right? 

It’s commonly known that mindfulness during any endeavor is an effective practice of “being”.   And sure, we can practice this concept when we meditate or relax with a book or watch Netflix.  One can also practice being with their emotions during breathwork or yoga. 

Recently I had a free day, and as an entrepreneur every free day is a potential “crush my never-ending-to-do-list” day.    But this day instead of filling it with a long list I chose to listen intently to my body and my needs, allowing myself to make my state of being a higher priority than my task list. 

I filled my day with a few of my favorite things: a zoom date with a friend in Latvia,  an afternoon nap, singing my lungs out to “The Greatest Showman”,  preparing healthy meals,  raking leaves in the sunshine,  dancing as though I was on a grand stage…feeling the bliss and joy bubble up within me,  allowing my body and my face to move and express without any fear or judgement…btw wish I had captured it on film,  it felt like some of my best dance moves. 

I chose to enjoy the simple things,  like the vibrant teal and coral decor I’ve filled my home with,  and noticing how adorable my dog is,  like all the time he is so cute I can hardly stand it.  I chose to enjoy how it felt to breathe easily,  to walk and move my body without pain,  to feel the sensual nature of my feminine essence,  to feel the resonance of my throat and chest as I sang. 

My audience included the spirit of my mother and my ancestors,  my guides and guardian angels,  my wise adult self and of course my inner child.  My protector parts were present as well,  but they were quiet,  keeping their judgements and their fears to themselves.  This was the safest place for me to be completely free and open,  embodying my inner artist and performer without any expectations. 

It felt glorious and so much damn fun. 

Not to mention what a fantastic workout!

I share this as a living example of what it means to choose self love and to live a life of health and wellbeing.  For you it may look different.  

I encourage you to practice taking time out of each week to simply “be”.  Maybe it includes a nap or a bubble bath with epsom salts,  or maybe you spend some time getting lost in the flow of a hobby you love.  Maybe it looks like getting into nature or playing your favorite sport.  Whatever you choose to do with your “being” time,  add a gratitude and mindfulness practice,  noticing the simple pleasures of the experience,  and looking for things to feel grateful for.

If you can prioritize this more than once a week,  go for it!  I believe the most successful and fulfilled people in the world do a version of this practice daily.

It’ll be good for your body,  for your soul,  for your heart and your mind;  and that to-do list will always be there waiting for you.  Trut me, it’s like scratch 2 off and add 3 more…never ending!  Let me know in the comments which day/time of the week you are going to commit to this practice of being and enjoying the simple things with pleasure, gratitude and fun!