Being Content Is an Inside Job 🌟

Being on the road for most of the past month got me thinking even more about being human and our job on this planet. This week is the first in months when I can get back into a routine: add vegetables and fruit to the fridge, not worrying about leftovers, no rush with laundry and packing, and not having to figure out the airport status.

It almost feels relaxing.

What I am noticing is that we are seeking peace and contentment in something that's not at home. We believe somewhere else, life is better. It seems we feel more like ourselves when we are away and not focused on our day-to-day activities. We almost make it feel as if our work and mundane activities are not something we want. And what if that is our purpose? What if it's our perception of life that needs adjustment?

Many of the technological evolutions we use daily only push us further away from being present with who we are. You might be wondering in which way. For one, our brains are wired to find the least-resisting, least-tiring way to complete a task, which only leads us to become more sedentary.

Our phones, for example, have all the whistles and sounds you need. What would be the worst if you had to leave your phone behind for a day or a week? For me, it would be connecting to people and taking pictures. For others, you could add podcasts, music, and news. There is nothing wrong with using it. The only challenge is that we don't know how to be alive without it.

And most importantly, we will have a harder time knowing what we truly desire and who we truly are at the core. What our human body wants at the foundation is far removed from any materials, technological devices, and differences we are currently experiencing. Through all those travels, I have found that the only place contentment and peace reside is right here in our heart, in our body. Nothing outside of us can replace it, because as easily as it arose, it can as quickly disappear, but what's in us stays.

How do we build this inner peace?

Know who you are. It definitely sounds easier than it is. Societal expectations often overshadow us. Feeling that we can't be ourselves. And it doesn't mean we don't care about others, nor that we can behave disrespectfully. Being ourselves despite expectations can still be done with grace.

One way to start and find out whether you are on the right track to inner peace is to become still and quiet for a few moments, noticing how restless we are without external input. This alone takes practice and time until we don't need ongoing distraction. Practice, consistency, and discipline are key.

How do we keep it up?

Our level of contentment, due to life and physical changes, can vary. Just because we got the hang of it at some point doesn't mean it will stay that way for long. Hence, this is a practice of moment-by-moment experiences, and practicing the following will help us in a variety of situations.

• Focus on our breath

• Connecting to nature and real-life relationships

• Find a hobby or something we enjoy doing

Attending any of my offerings is also an option, especially the 4-hour retreat, which gives an extra opportunity to become more comfortable with discomfort. At the end of the day, finding our contentment is a unique journey and the only way life gives us purpose.

Spread our love. Our human existence depends on it 💕

#Mindfulness #breathe #bepresent #compassion #love