Immersion…
I host a really cool Sunday morning power-up circle. We check in, meditate, and get resourceful for one another. We end by each of us taking on a goal for the upcoming week. I love each of my groups; it is a powerful place of growth and connection.
This past week, I committed to going for a power walk or hike at least 3 times, for 45 minutes each, in the upcoming week. Mind you, this has been a stretch for weeks, even months. Still, the goal is to keep aiming and achieving. Focus on what can happen this week rather than how many times I've failed.
On Sunday, we hiked as a family. It was a total hiking time of 20 minutes, max. On Monday, I did my thing: 45 minutes in a park. Yay!
Later on Tuesday afternoon, I planned to walk, bringing my 2-year-old along on his scooter while I walked. He usually loves scooting; he's a pro. However, the park also had a massive play area. My total walk time was 6 minutes each way, from the car to the play area and back.
Thursday, I made up for things.
I chose a hike, arriving to find a steep incline I wasn't aware of beforehand. Two minutes in, out of breath, sweating, and hearing "I can't" voices, I faced a 400-foot incline. There were two options: a cheat trail or straight up stairs (to heaven).
I started with the trail and noticed I was the only one. Encouraged by a stranger watching me look up at the stairs with fright, I took on her challenge and joined the masses on the pathway of stairs.
It was silent, filled with people but quiet. There was a rhythm to the silence, saying: "Just one step at a time is how we will do it." Slow and steady breathing led to a stunning panoramic view of LA (which was a surprise too).
I learned something:
“Immersion”
I didn’t plan on not using my phone. I didn’t plan on not taking photos.
Hours later, I realized I hadn't used my phone, though it was effortless. I was simply immersed in where I was: my body, my heart beating, the smells of the many plants and trees, the views, sensing the people silently around me.
I learned that one way to experience immersion is to push beyond comfort.
A steep incline… Five minutes longer in your breathwork or meditation practice… A real, vulnerable conversation… Feeling not great? Let yourself feel through it…
The intention is to do the next right thing fully. Try it—when the next thing in life comes about, something you want but have an “ok” relationship with—step in with intention, push over the hump of comfort, and see what happens.
I appreciate you ,
Motty
