Thursday, May 2, 2013

Be a Tree: 30 Days to Higher Performance Through Nature

Last night I went to a drumming and crystal bowl session for May Day (organized by Regina Wright and Katie Power from Alive Adventures and Discovery).  I arrived excited and I left with my mind buzzing.  It was truly magical.  When I arrived home, my husband wished he came with me - he was bogged down with work and felt wound up.... bogged down and wound up.  Not a great place to be when you have a lot to do and it seems you don't have enough hours in the day to do it.

Well, there is another kind of bogged down that could help with that feeling.  It's the real bog.  Natural bog.  Nature.

Yesterday, I committed to taking on David Suzuki's 30x30 Challenge - 30 minutes in nature every day for 30 days.  I said I'd share my journey with you.  So here I am.  Sharing.

My morning started late.  My toddler woke an hour later than usual and was up through the night.  As a result, if all went well, I would sit at my desk an hour late.  It was rainy.  And cold.  I have three deadlines over the next week and I've taken on so many things for the month of May that I don't know how I'm going to get it all done.

But I committed.

So I decided to take on an easy nature walk for 30 minutes to start my day - otherwise, I probably wouldn't get my 30 minutes of nature in!  Then I'd be out of integrity, guilt would seep in, I'd be less productive..... and on and on.

I started my walk excited!  I was out in the rain.  It was cold.  I was pumped.  I felt fantastic that I was doing what I said I'd do AND who else was out there??  I passed two people, a dog, numerous ducks, two crows, and a squirrel.  They all seemed perfectly at peace with the weather.

As I walked quickly (may as well get my heart rate up!), I decided to squeeze my butt cheeks.  Yes!  Another challenge from my fitness group (Far Out Fitness) getting done!  Accomplishing two things at once!  My mind raced with ideas for my business.  I was loving the rain on my face.  Life was good.

I was almost back to where I started and realized only 17 minutes passed!  Eeep!  So I slowed down.  And that's when it hit me.

The trees were drinking it in.... just being.  They grow strong and can weather any storm.  And all they do is 'be'.

I walked slowly... sauntered down a path to a bench near a pond and simply watched the rain land in the water.  I spent my remaining time just being.  My mind cleared.

I started my 30 minutes in nature excited and enthusiastic.  I created tons of ideas.  But how can I perform when I'm in that state?  You need the excitement and high energy to create and even execute at times.  But you need the calm and peace in order to execute with intention... to be aligned with your vision... to know what is a priority and what you can delegate or let go of.  I finished my 30 minutes in nature at peace and REALLY ready to take on the day (and wet from the rain:).


Today, I challenge you to BE A TREE in order to have a higher performance at work.  Get out there in nature and get to a tree-like state.  Then go back to work and perform with intention, passion, and clarity.  (Let me know how it goes!)

Namaste


4 comments:

  1. I love it! When I'm a tree, I'm a better me.I'm more productive, I'm happy, I calm down, I get rid of the mess in my head, I see what is really important. When my hubby, little boy and puppy are trees, we are all so happy. No grumpys around at all, especially if we have snacks too.
    I'm so happy you posted this and did your Butt Dance at the same time. Way to rock great challenges momma! Thank you for this moment. xo Cindy

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  2. Thanks for the mention Tina!:))
    Also I started walking/jogging last week everyday and then meditating for 15 minutes on my return. I also struggle with the "wild tree syndrome" I'll call it, all wound up, sometimes stressed sometimes excited and not able to focus with intention. The walk/jog, fresh air, river, sounds of birds chirping, trees, sky, and then the meditation does the trick everytime. It helps with the calm & focused Tree you speak of for sure.

    Thanks for coming up last night!

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  3. Om Shanti Om

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