Skip to main content

Day 23: The Power of Pause and Reflection

A serene image of a woman about to enjoy a healthy meal at home. She sits at a wooden table, holding chopsticks over a bowl filled with an assortment of vibrant, steamed vegetables and rice. The soft lighting from a nearby window and lamp gives the scene a calm, inviting feel. A green apple, a small bowl of rice, and a glass of water complete the setting, symbolizing a balanced and mindful approach to eating.

Thanks for coming to see how I am continuing to embrace my wellness journey once again!

The Practice of Notice and Naming

Today's lesson introduced a profound yet simple concept: notice and naming. This technique serves as a mindful pause, a moment to reflect on the present and discern whether our actions are habitual or intentional. It's particularly resonant when applied to eating, transforming what could be a mindless act into an opportunity for awareness and enjoyment. The practice of checking in with the sensations and flavors of the food in our mouths, and dedicating a few extra chews to that moment, enriches the experience and fosters a deeper connection with our meals.

This concept is also something that has been part of my guided meditation sessions which helps to show how intertwined the entire program really is. 

Active Recovery and Canine Challenges

My active recovery day led us back to the lake, a familiar setting that never ceases to offer new experiences. Despite the challenges posed by my dog's random reactivity to other dogs, the walk was productive, yielding 18 minutes of zone minutes on my Fitbit during a 32-minute circuit. The day concluded with a satisfying total of 32 zone minutes, a testament to the value of consistent, mindful activity, even though it's not a formal requirement of the program.

Maximize your well-being with active recovery techniques—learn more.

A Community Reflection: Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth

The Facebook group's engagement with the day's lesson sparked introspection within our community, prompting us to consider our strengths and areas for improvement. The question, "What are you awesome at? What would you like to be a little bit better at?" initially met with silence, reflecting perhaps the challenge many of us face in acknowledging our own strengths and vulnerabilities.

My family's input during dinner offered a personal perspective, highlighting my proficiency in sous vide cooking and dog walking, alongside a desire to cultivate greater self-compassion. This external validation and self-reflection underscore the lesson's intent: to pause, recognize, and appreciate our current state while contemplating our aspirations.

Closing Thoughts

Today underscored the importance of mindfulness, not just in my eating habits but in my daily life. The practice of notice and naming encourages us to live more intentionally, transforming routine actions into moments of clarity and purpose. As I reflect on the day's achievements and the insights gained from both the program and my community, I'm reminded of the journey's intrinsic value: it's not just about reaching a destination but about growing, learning, and finding joy in the process.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Day 24: Valentine's Reflections and Embracing Every Moment

Welcome back, followers of well-being! A Surprising Lesson on Binge Eating Valentine's Day brought with it an unexpected lesson from the program, focusing on the concept of binge eating. The lesson didn't delve into definitions but rather suggested an intriguing approach: if binge eating occurs, do it slowly and without any guilt. For those who don't experience binge eating, the guidance was to maintain the practice of eating slowly throughout the day. This perspective offers a unique lens on mindfulness and self-compassion, encouraging us to be present and intentional with our eating habits, regardless of the situation. The Continual Growth Through Meditation Today's workout seamlessly blended meditation with walking, a combination that has become a cherished part of my routine. The guided meditations, each building upon the last one, have become a source of solace and anticipation. Their evolving nature keeps me engaged and hopeful that they'll remain a cornerston...

Day 27: Braving the Cold and Envisioning the Future

A Chilly Start to the Day Today's active recovery day took us back to the familiar yet frosty surroundings of the lake, with temperatures dipping to -15°C. Despite bundling up, the biting wind made our 20-minute walk more challenging than usual. The vast openness of the lake's paths and parks, usually a source of tranquility, today amplified the cold. To compensate for the lack of zone minutes on my Fibtbit, I added a 25-minute rowing session on my Bowflex Revolution in the afternoon, following a snow shoveling session under the watchful eye of my dog. Our day concluded with another walk after dinner, maintaining our routine despite the cold. Active recovery decoded and why you need it. Looking Ahead: The Maintenance Phase Today's lesson shifted our focus to the future, specifically the maintenance phase post-program. It outlined the gradual build-up of habits that will eventually become second nature, requiring no conscious effort to maintain. The lesson encouraged us to e...

Day 5 of Precision Nutrition Coaching: Transforming Desires into Actions

Welcome back, to all my readers! Today marked the fifth day of my journey with the Precision Nutrition (PN) Coaching program and like each day before, it was truly educational. The central theme of today's lesson was about transforming our "I don't wants" into "I do wants," a powerful shift in mindset that propels us from passive wishing to active doing. Flipping the Script: From "Don't" to "Do" It's easy to get caught in the trap of saying things like, "I don't want to be out of shape." However, this approach is often unproductive. Today's lesson taught me to reframe these thoughts into positive affirmations. Instead of focusing on what I don't want, I'm learning to focus on what I do want, like being in better shape. This simple flip in wording makes a significant difference in how I approach my goals. Vision Boards and Letters to the Future The course also introduced some creative tools to visualize an...