Tuesday Turnaround

Following a day like Monday, I convinced myself that I needed to be proactive with preparing myself for what may occur later in the day. Following my typical 5am alarm, I used two rounds of snooze alarms to gradually bring myself out of slumber. At the arrival of the third snooze, I was awake enough to be able to lie in bed for the next 10 minutes for a brief time of meditation. I completed a body scan in order to get a reference of how I was feeling. I was tired. My stomach had the subtle feeling that it had not felt sustenance for at least 10 hours and needed to be appeased. My knees and ankles were tight from being used extensively the day before, followed by hours of inactivity. After 5 minutes of lovingkindness meditation, I finally rolled out of bed, made my way to the shower, and then finalized my preparation for my hour commute into DC. The morning was off to a good start.

Upon arrival to the office, the day began a flurry of activity with my brain shifting between emails, phone calls, meetings, and client files. In order to maintain a level of sanity and presence, I focused on utilizing the 4x4x6 breathing method to calm myself and remain focused. This practice is extremely useful in the midst of an office meeting with 10 other individuals. Unless you're gasping for air during its practice, one can practice without disrupting others in public. Extremely beneficial.

Overall, the day was considerably less hectic than the previous, but it made no sense to change the course of practice at this point. Following lunch with my coworkers, I took 15 minutes prior to my next home visit to sit for a period of meditation in my car. With only the air conditioner running, I used it as an anchor for the period, focusing on the constant whir of the internal fan. This session focused on the idea of wind and the refreshing breeze that it brings. Sitting in the car with a light movement of air across my face added to feeling of refreshment. By also focusing on sensations moving throughout my body that were "alarmed" from the 95 degree weather and sleepiness that was beginning to creep in, I began to reassure myself that all was well, and that I would be refreshed. For the next 4 hours of client contact, I was at peace, relaxed, and maintained it throughout the time at home.

I found the above quote when I was looking for an image to best represent the experience of peace that I held this day. It defines my experiences of this day. Aside from the few moments of meditation that I brought into this day, I found myself possessing this peace within the work, noise, and difficulties of my encounters. I felt that time with my clients was richer, and I was able to be even more present and aware of details. It was a good day. A total turnaround.