The 30-day Challenge for March is a continuation of the challenge for February. Keep on going.

Also, remember to be kind to yourself, have courage, and be open to the world.

The only reason that we don’t open our hearts and minds to other people is that they trigger confusion in us that we don’t feel brave enough or sane enough to deal with. To the degree that we look clearly and compassionately at ourselves, we feel confident and fearless about looking into someone else’s eyes. – Pema Chodron

30-Day Challenge for March 2014

This month’s challenge is a practice that I have been doing on and off since last May. I can tell you that when my practice is consistent, transformation happens with ease. I also know that when things get moving in my life, I tend to get lax on the practices that make my days go a little more smoothly. So, I am bringing this one back into my life and am sharing it with you because it’s a lovely practice.

I learned this practice from Deepak Chopra.

This is a meditation practice that can be done in as little as ten minutes. You will need – a place where you won’t be disturbed, a writing utensil, and a notebook or journal. Have your writing tools close by.

To begin, bring your self into a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling through the nostrils while allowing the belly to expand, and on the exhale, allow the belly to move back toward the spine. Then, say to yourself,“Who am I? What do I want for my life? What do I want for my life today?” At first, you may get a few images or have a few thoughts that answer these questions. Just notice them, and then let go. It is a meditation, so continue to breathe and focus on the breath, without thinking about the answers.

Set a timer for five minutes. Meditate for five minutes.

When you are done meditating, get your pen and notebook immediately, and write, Who am I? What do I want for my life? What do I want for my life today? at the top of your page. Set your timer for 5 minutes and write whatever comes to you as quickly as you can.

Let this be playful! I have found that the responses to the questions become an exploration about how I view myself, what I want in my life, and how I would like my day to go. Since the answers are quick – 5 minutes is not a lot of time to think much, it is all first response – they are honest. Also, the quick responses don’t give you a chance to wallow in what isn’t working in your life, so more often than not, you wind up with a flash visualization for what a great day would be like.

By doing this meditation and writing, you set into motion an intention for your day, and for your life. Don’t think too much about what you wrote, just put the words down and get on with your day. At the end of the day, review what you wrote. Note how your day went compared to your written desires.

You may begin to find that you begin to effortlessly take the actions needed to steer your day (and life) toward your written desires and dreams.

Of course you can do the meditation and the writing for longer – up to 20 minutes a piece. At least try it for a minimum of five minutes each and see where it leads.

Good luck! I’d love to hear how it goes – feel free to share in the comments.

Om shanti,

Holly