TotD: Gentle Redirection

So this "Thought of the Day" stuff is becoming more like a "Thought of the Week." Isn't it funny how something as simple as committing to writing daily, can seem challenging? The problem is that once I miss a day, I feel like giving up.

'What's the point? I've already missed so many days? Anyone who was reading them will be disappointed and won't read any more. I should just quit.'

But, it's this kind of thinking (this pessimistic stuff... remember I'm starting a club), that makes it so hard to keep trying. Life becomes: accept victory or accept defeat, but don't keep struggling on. Well why not?

It is in our attempts, that we learn!  

So, I thought of what my yoga instructors have said while we are attempting to meditate and keep the mind focused. They say:

"Each time your mind wanders, gently redirect it to the breath."

One of the most important things that I have learned is that punishing yourself-banging your head against the wall- will never help you. The only way to affect a positive change in your self or your routine is to gently redirect:

'What you're doing right now is okay, but it could be more productive to explore this other option, so lets try it for a while and see what we think.'

I know it sounds like psycho-babble, but what I'm getting at is that punishing yourself just makes you more resistant. No one wants to do what makes them feel bad; it's a natural human reaction.

So be gentle with yourself today, and see where it takes you!