Ringing your bell

[axa]

The reading I listened to this morning I would like to share.  Basically it said choose one thing you do today and do it to the very very best you can.  It does not matter what it is.  So for me I decided to dry myself properly after my shower.  Now many of you may think this is rather strange but I find I rush anything which has to do with self care, usually end up putting my clothes on when I am still half wet.  Well, I took my time, dried every little bit of me and smoothered on some rather expensive but ancient body cream and if felt sooooooooooooooooo nice.

Any takers?  Not drying me but ringing your bell today and doing something so well you want to celebrate it.

xxxxxxx

axa

[Leah]

Dear Axa,

Love your 'self care' ..... have to admit, I have done the same myself, rushed and not bothered ..... so you have truly prompted me, especially, as I have been given a lovely after shower/bath skin care gift set for xmas, and it will tend to sit looking pretty on my bathroom shelf, unused.  Will open it up and start using it tomorrow 


Love this thread, Axa


Thank you.

Love, Leah

[reallyME]

Thanks axa, and no I don't think it's strange that you didn't dry yourself properly and now have decided to.  I say, BRAVO! It is a huge step to take time to care for the "self" especially if you tended to be more of a carer for others first.

Today I will pay close attention to my daughter, Randi as she is getting ready for school, attempting to converse with her and send her off in good spirits.

I will keep my promise to Amber, my 8 yr old, in making today "our play day" and I will put the things i wanted to do, like reading, typing, etc, on the back burner, since she goes back to school tomorrow.

~Laura

[Ami]

Great Thread, Axa. I will try to incorporate the concepts !.                                 Ami

[Gaining Strength]

Very good thread Axa.  I think this is an excellent way to overcome the dark, demeaning, degrading tranference from Ns.  I had been thinking about something similar this morning.  I love the way you have phrased it.  I can really get a handle on "Ringing Your Bell."

Today in particular I am thankful for your positive approach here on Voicelessness.  That is the way to move forward that is what I long for and truly come here for.  Thank you.  I feel that you are opening the door to a fellowship of seekers determined to heal rather than stay in the mire.  Thank you.

[Certain Hope]

Dear Axa,

Thank you for ringing my bell and helping me to switch gears!

I echo the words of Gaining Strength in appreciating your positive approach.

Today I will do my very best to smile at each and every person I encounter at work and to allow my thoughts to dwell on something positive about them, rather than the alternative.

(((((((Axa))))))))

Love,
Carolyn

[Lupita]

Doing nothing. I work so hard, that when I have the opportunity to do nothing, that is my bell.

[lighter]

I rush thorugh self care rituals most of the time too.

It's so wonderful to slow down and enjoy a hot shower, then shave slowly enough that there aren't any knicks left behind.

I'm usually leaving  a room, on my way to do 3 things, and I'm not even aware of what I just did in the room I left. 

That's not living in the moment....and I enjoy life so much more when I can flip that switch. 

[Hopalong]

Thank you, Axa.

Small as it sounds, your thread encouraged me to plan in the time for a walk around the block before work. And to take the time to eat my green stuff.

love,
Hops

[Leah]

If you really like this exercise, see if you can find a book by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  I love her books for ideas and inspiration on "ringing your bell".  This was life changing for me. 

Der CB,

Personally, love Sarah Ban Breathnach's : Simplicity of Comfort and Joy  and also  Gratitude

Love, Leah

[axa]

I am so pleased that this thread sent you guys off ringing your bells.  Lup I understand you work very hard but could you do one small wonderful thing today for you and enjoy it.  I met a woman over Christmas who told me she works very hard at enjoying everything she can.......even the the jobs she normally dislikes doing......interesting.

CB,

In France they eat choclate on their bread all the time.  My sweet daughter always liked celery with the inside of the stalk filled with choclate spread...........I had forgotten this, makes me smile to remember this.

Have you tried this one, one of my favourite deserts - strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar and caster sugar... at least a couple of hours then served with mascapone cheese on the side.  The marinate delicious and unexpected.  Also have tried strawberries with ground pepper!!

xxx

axa

[Ami]

Wow ,Axa,strawberries with pepper. I love different things!                                        Ami

[axa]

Summer 2006 one day as I worked in a restaurant the guy who washed the dishes did not turn up.......nobody available so I had to do it.  The saucepans and pots were huge and caked with food.  I knew I had to get stuck in and decided to wash them mindfully and you know what it was really fine.  I used a soap filled pad and watched the shiny pot emerge from the hardened food, it really was a good experience, learned a lesson. 

axa

[Certain Hope]

Dear Axa,

Well... I did it! Just wanted to thank you again for the inspiration... today I was sure to give a smile to each person I met at work and made a point of considering something good about each one... and it was a wonderful success! Even those who often appear a bit grumpy or withdrawn gave a positive response, so I am celebrating 

Now to continue my efforts with family here at home... lol.

((((((((Axa))))))) Will think of another one for tomorrow!

Love to you,
Carolyn

P.S.  I love to shine up my copper-bottom pans (not regularly, though) and watch that lovely sheen appear... ahh, simple pleasures!

[axa]

I am getting so much from this post..............ahhhhhhhhh those shiny copper pans.  I am so pleased you shared your softness with others today and they in turn reciprocated.




xxxxxxxxxx

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Axa cartwheeling and ringing her bell