Back to Reality 

from and to, who knows where…

I write this returning from a rather special wellness retreat in Ibiza with an amazing yoga teacher Christie , Ruddie’s delicious food and inspiring, gorgeous women. I’m sat in the airport departure lounge. Anticipating what I hear of many people say “now back to reality”.

Let’s think practically about reality.

At times, when we slow down and give ourselves time and space to do something we love like a weekend break or holiday it may seem like this (and we) we are separate from our daily routines. Our “normal reality” or life. I’m not sure we are. It’s just different. 

A break from daily routines gives us space to unwind, pause, rethink, refuel and reset. We can start to notice our familiar patterns and the comfortable stories we tell ourselves (not always positive). Entrepreneur, mindful golf expert and teacher Vin Harris suggests our stories become our identity, especially if we don’t challenge our habitual patterns and self-talk. Vin says by bringing our stories, and our ways into awareness and curiously challenging our thinking (with kindness, rather than criticism) we can discover new ways to be. Our reality can soften or shift.

We can start to notice the intensity of speeding up of time or slowing down. Remember what it’s like when finishing a deadline or project? Our perception of time can feel quick or slow like waiting for an important result or phone call.

A different pace of life whether it is faster or slower can bring discoveries, new insights and ideas, self-awareness, and more understanding of how to live well. 

Noticing (being present) be that connecting with the faster or slower flows of our life experiences brings awareness. With awareness, we can work out what’s important, and start to appreciate what we value and love (health, downtime, exercise, pets, family) weaving it into our everyday existence. Hebb’s Law suggests ‘neurons that fire together, wire together,’ and as “Energy follows focus” what we pay attention to becomes stronger. I encourage you to make time paying attention to what is important for a few minutes a day, then do more of it.

Mindful Breathwork, yoga, Tai Chi, sports, walking in nature, exercise and kindness can bring spacious moments and glimmers of awareness into daily life. It’s an approach that I specialise in when coaching business clients. Together we find their motivation and integrate positive healthy new habits and patterns into their daily lives naturally.

As I bid farewell to the beauty of Ibiza I’m going to bridge the gap. I’m feeling more connected to myself emotionally and physically. I’m taking with me the habit to refuel by practicing yoga, swimming, eating nutritious food (less carbs), dancing and laughing more with likeminded souls. Rested, I’m motivated and confident, I’ve already got my love of swimming habit firmly secure in my life… a new weekly yoga group booked, some recipe ideas on the horizon, with motivation to integrate my jigsaw pieces… 

So next time you find yourself saying “now back to reality”. Stop, take a breath and think about your values and the small habits that you can bring to your day to day life to help your gently flourish all year round.

Make a commitment to yourself, with an intention (the what) , your motivation (the why). Write it down, put an alarm on your phone do what you need to do to bring your awareness, attention and positive attitude to live it fully every day, little by little. 

And as I board the plane I’m chatting to a lovely lady telling me about her Ibiza family wedding adventure. I pause as she says “… and now back to reality” and offer her my sincere heartfelt smile and inner knowing…