Daily reflections for a life that matters.
Going deeply but gently into your inner space.
An inner space where you come into harmony with your sense of self and soul.
Here you are in your own sanctuary of self.
And here you can reflect on the day that was and ask meaningful questions.
Your responses can not only tell you whether or not you are living a meaningful life,
But it can help you get back in touch with what matters most.
The first question is,
How did I intentionally care for others today?
What were the caring things you did for others that went beyond a salutation of how are you without time to listen,
Or an obligatory bye I love you.
But where did you intentionally care for someone by offering thoughtfulness,
Empathy,
And a desire to understand?
Today I took time to let my daughter explore nature on her own terms.
Today I gave my partner whose back was hurting a massage.
Today I took time not only to give some money to someone in need,
But to hear their story and affirm their dignity.
What was it for you?
How did I intentionally care for others today?
The next question is,
Today was I truly present and did I really listen?
Was I truly present and did I really listen?
There can be so many interesting happenings in my life every day that I could learn from and appreciate that pass me by.
Things pass me by when I'm in a place of being overly controlling or managing of my day,
When I'm caught up in a story or stress.
But when I'm fully present,
Really listening,
Amazing things can happen.
Today where in your life were you truly present and where did you really listen?
I was present in the morning during my meditation and writing in my journal.
I was present in listening to my friend who needed an ear.
When someone gave me a compliment today instead of quickly dismissing it,
I took some time to gracefully allow it to settle into my heart.
How about for you?
Today was I truly present and did I really listen?
Next question,
Did I do my best to choose compassion and forgive today?
Did you do your best to choose compassion and forgive today?
The Dalai Lama said,
Love and compassion are necessities,
Not luxuries.
Without them,
Humanity cannot survive.
I know in my experience my biggest regrets at the end of the day have not to do with decisions made but instances where I could have been more kind and compassionate.
When I dominated the conversation with so and so in our meeting.
When I gave that sensitive feedback without cushioning it with positive feedback first.
When I was sharper with one of my kids than I needed to be.
Sometimes I didn't do my best and now is a good time to forgive myself for that.
Yet part of reflection is noticing where I did do a good job.
Where in your life today did you do a good job of showing compassion and practicing a spirit of forgiveness?
Today I let something go quickly after I spoke unartfully.
Today receiving someone's feedback I didn't take it as personally as I might have several years ago.
Today I spent more time listening to my wife when I really just wanted to go to the kitchen and grab something to eat.
Did you choose compassion and forgiveness today?
Next question.
Did I have a moment of awe today?
Did you have a moment of awe today?
What is a moment of awe?
It's a soul encounter.
A moment of awe reminds me there is something bigger going on than just what I have to do today.
A moment of awe reminds me there is a splendor taking place beyond even what I can comprehend always all the time.
A moment of awe reminds me that all the beauty in nature and in people and in life itself is in me too.
When I don't have a moment of awe it means I'm lost in my own reality tunnel.
So caught up in my way of seeing life as I think it is that I've lost conscious touch with what it really is.
And that awe,
When I have it,
It expands me.
When I don't have it,
I'm missing out on life entirely.
What was your moment of awe today?
This morning my daughter crawled into bed with mom and me and I got to hold her.
And just be in awe that I was a part of the creation of this incredible human being.
Today was beautiful and fresh green is everywhere in this spring.
What was it for you?
Your moment of awe?
Was I grateful today?
It's one thing to at the end of the day make a list of things you're grateful for.
That's all good.
But what I mean is were you grateful not just when you wrote that list but throughout your day?
Were you conscious of the blessings of your life and acted accordingly in awareness of those blessings?
Were you grateful today and how did that show up?
I was grateful to see and be with friends.
I was grateful to have books to read and to be present enough to read them.
I was grateful to share sacred time with family and have our dinner in the backyard.
Were you grateful today?
Last question,
Did I have fun?
This is another way of saying did I enjoy life today?
And yes sometimes something happens that makes it not so great a day.
But to the conscious person I don't think there is any excuse to not live at some level of joy.
If I didn't have fun I didn't really live.
Or accept that I live in a universe filled with so much potential to enjoy or to laugh or to even rise above life's sorrows if only for a moment.
Did you have fun today?
I played catch with my daughter.
I played video games.
I watched and rooted for my basketball team.
A good life is lined with fun.
Did you have fun today?
As we complete this meditation I challenge you to take a week and listen to it each day.
These questions not only focus you on what's most important in your life but they'll help align you with that so that you can live it even better tomorrow.
