Hello and welcome.
This is Jen,
And I'm so glad you're here.
On many days,
I feel like the day sort of starts without me,
And I'm just swept up in the current of what other people are saying or doing or needing from me.
And I feel pulled in many different directions.
And it sort of takes away my sense of control,
Intentionality,
Groundedness.
And a lot of times on days like this.
I get to the end of it and I feel like.
.
.
I didn't really do what was most important.
I didn't really spend my time and energy the way that I wanted or knew was best.
You know,
I have two young kids,
So oftentimes I'm jolted out of bed in the morning by one of them shouting,
Mom,
Mommy,
And already wanting my attention or wanting help with something.
And similarly,
When I sit down at my desk for work,
I often feel like at the moment I sit down.
There are already people waiting for me to do something,
For me to respond,
Answer a question.
And I feel this sense of urgency to.
.
.
Get back to everyone right away,
To be viewed as responsive and helpful.
And there's nothing wrong with that,
But it really can take my attention away from the things that I know I need to prioritize.
At a retreat that I went to earlier this year,
One of the very well-respected meditation teachers said that for many,
Many years now,
She has started her day by asking herself the question,
What is most important today?
What's the most important thing?
And spent just a few moments reflecting on this.
Before stepping into whatever's next.
I have begun to do this,
Not yet every day,
Though I will try.
But I've noticed on the days that I do this,
And it doesn't take long,
It can really change the tone and the feeling.
And my ability to show up throughout my whole day.
So let's give this a try together.
Settling in.
In a seated posture or standing if you wish.
Just getting comfortable.
Back upright but not too rigid.
Closing the eyes if they are open.
Just giving ourselves the ability to turn inward for a few moments.
Before stepping out into whatever's next.
Just connecting with ourselves and our breath.
Noticing what that feels like today.
Is the breath deep or shallow?
Fast or slow.
Not trying to change anything about it.
Or breathe in any particular sort of way.
Just noticing how it is today.
We might also notice any sounds around us in our space.
Maybe the sound of birds outside.
Cars driving by.
The hum of electricity,
Maybe from our computer.
Sitting with our direct experience.
What can we notice right now?
And then asking ourselves the question.
What's the most important thing today?
Noticing what arises as we ask that question.
What's the most important thing today?
It might be protecting our time.
For a task that requires a bit more attention and deep focus.
It might be resting.
If we're tired or maybe not feeling well.
Giving ourselves a little space to rest.
It might be facing that one thing we've been putting off.
Or maybe it's more of an energy.
Or a feeling.
Maybe being gentle with ourselves.
Or kind towards someone else.
Not judging yourself or trying to force an answer,
But just seeing what arises when you ask yourself the question,
What's the most important thing today?
In a moment.
I will ring the bell three times.
Signifying the end of our formal practice here today.
Just remembering to keep our answer to this question with us throughout the day.
It may be helpful to write it down.
And place it somewhere you can see it.
Maybe on a post-it note at your desk.
Maybe even setting a reminder on your phone.
So that it pops up right when you might need it.
Just remembering that a lot of things will demand our attention throughout the day.
And we can't always predict.
How our day will go.
Of course,
We need to be flexible,
But just keeping in mind what's most important to you today.
To give yourself a bit more groundedness,
Control,
And intentionality as you set out on your way.
Thank you for your practice.
