Alliance for Catholic Education
Greetings, Remick Leaders!
As I look out of my kitchen window, the sun is coming up over the frozen farmland I see. The sky is a blend of amazing colors: orange, deep blue, purple, and dazzling white. Despite the challenges I will face in my day ahead, I cannot deny that God is the brilliant author of our days and He provides abundance even in the face of -15 degree temperatures. I hope you can look outside, or inside, and see God in the beauty of your life too. If you struggle, or forget, to see the beauty, I have good news for you: 1) you are not alone; 2) you can take concrete steps to train yourself to tune in to the beauty.
Some of you (RLP 12) may recall that I spoke to you last summer about Mindfulness. Jim Frabutt told you a little about the science that is behind it, confirming the power of our minds. MRI and CT scans are providing even more data, showing how the brain is effected by various practices of mindfulness. Today I am going to offer you four easy steps you can do, that take less than two minutes, to begin your day mindfully and actually "wake up" the parts of your brain that attend to beauty and gratitude.
When your alarm goes off, and before you check any electronics and before you even get out of bed:
1. Take a deep breath in for 4 counts, and exhale slowly for 8 counts.
Commit to this breath. By that I mean, notice everything about it. Pay attention
to it. What does it feel like in your lungs, nose, shoulders, etc.
2. Think of one thing you are grateful for. *
3. Make an intention for your day.* (Yesterday my intention was to look for God in people I encountered at work. I paid attention to this throughout my day.)
4. Put both of your feet on the ground and pay attention to that moment. Feel your feet hitting the ground and starting the day. Do not take that moment for granted.
A quick note about checking email and social media before you begin your day with mindfulness and prayer: When you grab your phone or ipad or whatever device wakes you up and immediately open your email or Facebook or other social media, you are beginning your day with someone else's story. Perhaps it's your principal needing you to do something, or a parent, or a news story that draws your attention. Whatever it is, it is not your story. Chances are, you are responding to other people's stories for the rest of your day. So grab that new day you have been granted and be mindful of the gift you've been given. Don't give it away.
* MRI's and CT scans show different areas of the brain "lighting up" as different parts of the brain "wake up." You can deliberately wake up gratitude and intentionality through this practice. These neurological changes follow you throughout your day.
You are in our thoughts and prayers and we continue the selection process for other amazing transformational Catholic school leaders. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you.
- Judy