Submitted by: Suzanne Beckett, HPEC Treasurer
During these trying times, it is important to take a moment to remind yourself there is still so much good in the world and within ourselves. Try this little exercise, adapted from, Breath Like a Bear by Kira Willey, to help reset your soul and refocus your mindset to one of gratitude and kindness.
Imagine you’re a tree. You have roots growing down into the earth, holding your trunk steady and strong. Your branches are reaching up high.
As we perform acts of kindness for others, our branches spread out and grow. As others perform acts of kindness for us, our roots grow stronger and hold us steady.
Spread your arms tall and wide like branches as you think of something kind you’ve done for someone. Maybe you helped someone in your family with something, or you helped a colleague at work.
Press your feet into the ground, like roots pressing deep, and think of something kind someone else did for you. How did it make you feel?
Now think of something kind that you haven’t done yet, but you will, the next time you have the chance. Is there someone you could help, or say some kind words to? Doing so will make your branches spread even wider, and may encourage others to be kind as well, growing their trees.
Take a deep breath and one last stretch of your arms and pressing down into your feet. Relax and shake it out.
