When asked what small, simple
step a woman could take to make lifestyle changes, I envisioned a woman who
pleases herself. As women, we are in an ongoing dance of pleasing others
through our multitude of relationships and roles we play. In some sense,
equality has amounted to women over-doing. Not only are we now raised to
support ourselves, but are expected to juggle family, beauty, health, whilst
maintaining a serene attitude conquering the world and the work place, with
just the right sense of humor, surrounded by our tribe of equally fabulous
women. All this, plus, oh yeah, finding ways to be in some version of an
evolved relationship.
As I move through my life, I
find myself more frequently asking, am I doing this for me? Who is this for? Is
this a desire coming from within, or an expectation I am living up to? The
answer to this question is so faint, that the place where I find it is in the
quiet stillness of my heart. The absolute best way for me to hear that truth is
through meditation. Meditation can sound daunting, but let me make this
accessible to you. Sitting in stillness and observing the present moment, which
does include the nature of the “monkey mind”, is just another muscle. As going
to the gym and engaging new muscles is, at first, a challenge, when the magic
of repetition forms a new daily habit, like brushing your teeth, sitting and
becoming present as you focus on your breath is simply a trip to the inner gym.
Your meditation muscles will strengthen and you will soon go from 5 minutes
being a struggle, to sitting for 20 minutes, or even an hour.
Following the call of your
inner truth allows you to be an activist for all women. Taking time to connect
with your inner compass is a lifestyle change I recommend, and I plan on
following in 2015. That, and drinking more water.
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