This post comes with a heavy heart after the recent news that a dear patient of mine recently passed away. Our time on this Earth, in this body, is quite short and unfortunately shorter for some. My sincerest hope is for people to live a fulfilled and purposeful life, deeply experiencing the highest sense of love. This post is dedicated in memory to her.
I am one who ponders….a lot. I was that kid that couldn’t fall asleep because my mind was busy trying to comprehend infinity. As an adult one of my favorite pastimes is to marvel at life and be in awe of our collective existence. So in one of my most recent ponderings I came up with the ten actionable steps to live a fulfilled life. And because you are special and I want you fulfilled (if you are not already) here is my magic potion:
#1 Acknowledge your inevitable mortality. This is an un-budge-able number one; all the rest can go out of order, but this one is extra special. (Breathe) I know one day you will die (and so will I)– what I don’t know is when. This can be a really fear invoking realization that most people avoid thinking about. When you can recognize that you and everyone you love will die one day, the precious nature of your life can become more meaningful. And the choices you make day to day become more intentional and purposeful.
#2 Self-responsibility. When things go wrong how often do you first blame someone else? This isn’t to say that other people don’t affect our lives or that sometimes monkey wrenches get thrown in there. But more often than not you have a part that you are responsible for. Primarily you are responsible for your own actions, your own reactions, your own emotions. When you can own your personal “stuff” and respond with integrity then you can be at peace regardless of what life throws at you.
#3 Daily Gratitude. There are an endless number of experiences to be grateful for in any given moment. Right now as I type this I am filled with gratitude for the dancing leaves of green blowing in the wind outside of my window. Right now, at this moment what you are grateful for? Name it out loud and feel it in your heart. This single practice helps you to focus on what is good and beautiful in your life.
#4 Compassion. The key is compassion both for yourself and for others. Lousy days happen to the best of us. Sometimes we don’t meet expectations, sometimes we lash out at people we love, sometimes we don’t get the to-do list done, sometimes we indulge in decadent (and not so healthy) behaviors, and sometimes we just feel low. This is true for others too. Just like you can have tough days so can other people. Be gentle with yourself and also try to see life from someone else’s perspective. I have yet to meet a perfect human.
#5 Celebrate the miracle of your body and mind (and spirit if so inclined). This one goes hand in hand with #1. The fact that you and I exist, the plants exist, animals exist, this Earth exists, new life gets created, and for the most part We all live symbiotically feels like a giant miracle to me. When you can celebrate your thoughts and your animated body think of all the possibilities you have. Celebrate that miracle by using it, moving it, engaging it in new thoughts and experiences.
#6 Nourishment of your body , mind and spirit. We need whole body “nutrients” to thrive. Those nutrients come in the form of wholesome food and water, love, laughter, joy, reflection, connection, nature, movement, breath, and sleep. We can’t expect our mind, body, and spirit to perform without nourishment and sustenance.
#7 Love. for yourself and for others (including animals ☺). I particularly want to focus on self-love. When you actively love yourself then you can more deeply and selflessly love others. Self-love often requires discovery and cultivation. This means loving your body as it is, sincerely loving who you are and how you present yourself to the world, and engaging in self care. Self-love helps to soften judgment and criticism that you both internalize and project. With a full heart of self-love it will spill into the world and lives that surround you– which will surely amplify the love factor in your life. And self-love will help you to actually learn to deeply receive.
#8 Creativity. Through expressing your creative self you are reflecting how you notice your world. Creativity is your contribution to the world. This can be your work, your art, your word, your rhythm– your self-expression. Creativity is the outward expression that simply honors your internal and external vision. Creativity is how we share and make the world around us better.
#9 Generosity in time, love, care. Through generosity you get to share your internal (and possibly external) resources with someone or something in need. Generosity often carries with it a level of consciousness and being present– allowing you to deeply hold space for another. While the essence of generosity is a selfless act you will often find it is mutually beneficial and gratifying.
#10 Be curious. Ask new questions, seek different perspectives, be willing to change. Curiosity opens doors that have always seemed locked, it can knock down walls and limitations that other people have set for you, and it can help you be freed from patterns that do not serve you. Curiosity will help you explore new landscapes in life. One thing is for certain, there is more that you don’t know than that which you do. Curiosity is your gateway to expansiveness.
May your days ahead overflow with the delights of life. Do you want to explore these ideas more? I sure do. Click here to be updated when my next study group ignites.