Daily Core Routine
Our Daily Core Routines are as
important as ever and consist of three elements: Silence, Movement &
Gratitude. Think of it as a solo adaptation of our morning circles. Please use
your journal to keep notes on your experience on each of these elements during
this process. This will provide a record of your experience which can be used
during on-line discussions and for evaluation. Please also make sure you let
someone know where you are going and that you utilize proper social
distancing.
SILENCE
The practice of silence will
take place at our Sit Spot. Simply put, this is a special place in nature that
you visit regularly to cultivate awareness as you expand your senses and study
patterns of local plants, birds, trees, animals, etc. And this is something
that can be done almost anywhere, anytime. While even spending 10 minutes at
your sit spot can be beneficial, we encourage you to be there for an hour per
day. The key thing to consider when selecting your spot is to make sure it’s
close to your house. You want to be able to get there quickly.
A sit spot is really about giving yourself the opportunity to quiet your mind and intentionally focus your senses on nature (rather than technology or any other distractions). By visiting the same place in nature many times, a relationship is developed; you get to know the place in all kinds of weather, many times of day, throughout the seasons, and from a variety of your own states of mind.
A Sit Spot can become like an anchor in your life — a place to settle down, cultivate present-moment awareness and a quieter mind, and to observe the flow of reality occurring around you. In its most basic form: Find a place in nature to sit down. Practice opening your senses & observing nature without distraction (devices, books etc).
MOVEMENT
It is important to get some physical activity everyday, especially during this time. This can be an hour
long walk to the beach or forest, going for a 30-minute run, turning on your favourite music and having a dance party in your kitchen, following an online yoga class, biking to the store to pick up groceries for your family or neighbours…etc. Research shows that exercise can support our immune system and exercise is proven to support our mental health. (Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence).
GRATITUDE
People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, are less materialistic, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, have stronger immune systems and greater resiliency. As part of our Daily Core Routine we take the time to reflect on what we are grateful for and document this in our journals. Practicing Gratitude.
