Moments of Zen: Taking a Step Back

These days, it seems like we all want to move forward. People are striving to push past their current situations and leave behind the issues that they face on a daily basis.

Credit card debt, mortgages, lay-offs, a not-so-lovely economy; the list goes on and on... and what's funny (and sort of sad) is that every single issue most people face, every issue they really want to clear up or tackle head on, is an issue that deals with the physicality of every day life.

I am no exception to the rule.

What I do understand, and what I think about as often as possible, is that these monetary issues are not what I should be focusing all of my energy on.

I like to take a few minutes each day to go over the things that are most important to me. My list is something like this:

1. Love (this includes my husband, my family, my pets, etc.)
2. Happiness (am I happy with myself and with others?)
3. Health (am I doing everything I can to ensure I'm healthy in body AND mind?)
4. Beauty (what have I done today to make myself feel more beautiful on the outside AND the inside?)
5. Peace of Mind (am I feeling negative about anything? Do I feel like I'm in a "bad place" and, if I do feel that way, what can I do to get myself out of that funk?)

I'm sure there are more on my list, but that will give you a general example.

Money isn't ANYWHERE in my top priorities, because the things that are most important to me can not be bought. This is the mindset that I try to keep every day.

While keeping a positive outlook and remembering the truly important and wonderful things in my life, I always try to push myself forward.

When I'm doing yoga, I stretch just *a little* further than my comfort zone. I find that, by doing this, I eventually become even more flexible and I don't have to put a large amount of stress on my body to do so.

I love to push myself just a bit past my limits.

This week, I have decided to take a very small vow of silence. This is something that will really push me a bit past my comfort zone.

I'm always talking, always saying the *first* thing that comes to my mind. I love to be real with people and I never hide when I feel something is wrong... I'll speak up. I love to compliment others, even if I don't know them.

But, I've noticed that *listening* instead of speaking really gives me a sense of enlightenment.

I'm part of an internet message board full of ladies that I absolutely love. It's a pretty nice community and I've found lots of friends through it. I'm going to not post ANYTHING for today (and possibly for the next few days... again, push past that comfort zone a little). For the next 24 hours until I feel as though I've learned a lesson in quieting the mind I will only "listen" and read their posts. It may seem trivial, but it's actually a pretty big deal for me. I love *talking* with my online friends... I'm sure listening will be just as fun though.

At home, I will think before I speak EACH AND EVERY TIME I want to talk. When my husband says something that makes me happy, I will *feel* the happiness before I react with words... if he says something that makes me feel negative in any way, I will evaluate those feelings prior to saying anything.

With all that said, I'd love to hear how you (my awesome readers :) ) achieve your Moments of Zen. Have you thought about what makes you happy? I'd love to see YOUR lists!