The dichotomy between living and being alive is grand. To live we eat, drink water, attend to our job, support our dependents and self, shower and recommence the next day. This cycle becomes a habit, a routine, and often rudimentary. Being alive is the higher aspect of living. Being alive is taking charge of our life. Making choices that define who we are either big or small. Being alive is the act of mindfulness that enhances our existence in our daily life by aiding others, living in the present, seeking habits to unearth happiness, balance, and self-worth. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” When we just live, we go about our day ignoring moments of gratitude and purpose. So, starting today, let’s alter that pattern and take back our existence!
Grab a pen and write down three good and tangible things that happened to you today. How did they come about? How did these moments transpire? On challenging days, you’ll find this daily exercise profound as it will train your thoughts to weave in a positive direction. Our mind is wired to gravitate and find solace in negativity whereas projects on self-awareness enforce our psyche to acknowledge the splendorous gift of being alive.
I have a penchant for mindfulness practices that ease the brain to a slower pace, allowing the heart to think, feel and act with increased love and awareness of self and others. When we take the time to realize the magnificence of our life, we organically being to relish the smallest positives in each day. Becoming optimistically aware of our daily activities transforms the perception from just living to feeling abundantly alive. When you practice the self-awareness exercise, it will become more formidable, and by repetition, it will naturally partake in your regime augmenting joy over pessimism.
Together, let’s reclaim our existence by focusing on three positives each day and commence the journey of being alive.