det.social is one of the many independent Mastodon servers you can use to participate in the fediverse.
Mastodon Server des Unterhaltungsfernsehen Ehrenfeld zum dezentralen Diskurs.

Administered by:

Server stats:

1.7K
active users

#practice

6 posts6 participants0 posts today

I’ve been trying over the last few days to get some new piano licks under my fingers in an effort to expand my soloing vocabulary. This is Bill Evans-inspired one over a ii-V-I.

I’ve usually found practice with a metronome and working through different keys a fairly tedious process but this has been a surprisingly fun and satisfying process as I feel like I’m starting to see some results and starting to hear new lines in my head.

How To Raise a #Reader in an Age of #Digital #Distraction - When we #read, we’re essentially performing a complex #neural symphony. Our #brains must coordinate #visual processing, #language comprehension, #memory systems, and #abstract thinking—all in milliseconds. This isn’t something that happens automatically. It’s built through #practice, #repetition, and what Wolf calls “deep reading circuits.” lithub.com/how-to-raise-a-read Please keep reading yourself, and to others of all ages. Unbreakable bond

Literary Hub · How To Raise a Reader in an Age of Digital DistractionPeople make certain assumptions about you when you’re the CEO of a children’s book company. Some assume I must have spent my childhood summers in a hammock reading Rebecca of Sunnybrook…

7 Practices to Make Life Feel Sacred

I’ve been reflecting deeply on the sacredness of life lately and how this profound concept permeates a myriad of experiences, both joyous and challenging. It has the remarkable power to elevate our awareness to something deeper and more meaningful, inviting us to appreciate the beauty in the mundane and the lessons hidden within adversity. As we navigate our daily lives, recognizing the sanctity of each moment allows for a transformation in our perspective, fostering gratitude and a sense of connection to the world around us. This realization serves as a reminder that every encounter, every breath, and every heartbeat carries an inherent value that enriches our existence.

Photo by Bella White on Pexels.com

Embracing the Sacredness of Everyday Moments

This nuance has slipped away. It comes back to me in quiet moments, my morning coffee in hand as I look out over the peaceful yard full of wild plants, insects, rabbits, squirrels, and the occasional deer. I find myself captivated by the delicate dance of nature, each creature playing its part in this beautiful tapestry of life. I appreciate the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, the soft chirping of birds welcoming the dawn, and the mesmerizing movements of the squirrels as they navigate the branches above. I am at peace in these moments, fully immersed in the happenings that we call life. It’s as if time stands still, allowing me to appreciate the intricate details that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily living. In these serene spaces, I recognize the importance of slowing down and embracing the tranquility surrounding me, fostering a deep connection with the world in all its vibrant forms.

Rekindling the Flame

So now, as I begin to heal and become more in tune with my natural rhythms, I desperately want to rekindle this awareness of the perfection of each moment. Each breath I take reminds me of the intricate beauty and life surrounding me, urging me to pause and reflect on the miracle of existence itself. Creation is not an accident; it is an ever-ongoing experience, a happening that unfolds continuously, inviting us to explore its depths. With every sunrise, there’s an opportunity to witness the world awakening, orchestrated in harmony with the universe’s grand design. As I embrace this journey, I find myself more connected to the present moment, relinquishing the hold that the worries of the future may have on me.

In Practice

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

Practicing this awareness allows me to be more present in daily tasks and conversations, thereby cultivating a deeper connection with the task at hand or the person I am speaking with, ensuring they have my full, unwavering attention. When we give our full attention, we are recognizing the sacred essence of the other, acknowledging that their life is filled with joy and sorrow, rich with experiences that have shaped them and will continue to shape them. This recognition transcends simple communication; it fosters empathy and understanding, creating a space where both parties feel valued and seen. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to learn and grow, as we uncover the layers of each other’s stories. Recognizing every moment as a precious gift filled with possibilities inspires and uplifts the spirit, encouraging us to be more mindful and appreciative of the present. In this way, our conversations transform into meaningful exchanges that connect us on a deeper level, reminding us of the beauty inherent in each individual’s journey and the intertwined nature of our experiences.

Join me on this journey of sacred discovery with simple ways to make your life sacred.

Simple Ways to Make Life Sacred

Photo by Anna Urlapova on Pexels.com
  1. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to be fully present. Focus on your breath, sensations, and surroundings. Whether you’re walking or sitting quietly, embrace the present moment with intention and awareness. Allow yourself to notice the thoughts that come and go, acknowledging them without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help cultivate a deeper sense of peace and clarity, enhancing your overall well-being.
  2. Create Rituals: Incorporate intentional rituals into your daily routine to foster mindfulness and presence. This could be as simple as lighting a candle during meals to signify a sacred time of nourishment, journaling your thoughts in the morning to set a positive and clear intention for the day, or dedicating a few moments to deep reflection before bed to process the day’s events and cultivate a sense of gratitude. These small acts can create a powerful anchor in your day, helping to promote a sense of calm and purpose.
  3. Nature Connection: Spend time in nature to truly appreciate its unparalleled beauty and intricate details. Regular walks in a local park, tending to your own garden, or simply pausing to observe the natural world around you can help foster a deeper sense of gratitude and awe. Engaging with the sights, sounds, and smells of different environments not only calms the mind but also enriches the soul. Whether it’s listening to birdsong, feeling the texture of tree bark, or enjoying the colors of a sunset, these experiences can ground us and remind us of the wonders present in our everyday lives.
  4. Express Gratitude: Begin or end your day by listing several things you are grateful for, whether they are big or small. Taking a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your life can shift your focus from what’s lacking to the abundance that surrounds you. By cultivating this practice consistently, you may find yourself feeling more connected to the world around you, making life feel that much more sacred and enriching.
  5. Infuse Love into Daily Tasks: Approach mundane activities with intention and allow yourself to become fully present in the moment. Whether cooking a meal, cleaning the house, or organizing your space, do these tasks mindfully and imbued with love. Treat each task as an opportunity for connection, not just with yourself but also with those who will benefit from your efforts. Consider how your actions contribute to a harmonious environment and embrace the small moments of joy that come from pouring your heart into daily chores.
  6. Create a Sacred Space: Designate a small area in your home where you can retreat and reflect, allowing yourself the necessary time for introspection and relaxation. You can fill it with meaningful items, such as photos that remind you of cherished memories, candles to illuminate the space with a warm glow, or inspirational quotes that resonate with your personal journey, all of which serve to inspire a sense of peace and provide a tranquil environment for meditation or quiet contemplation.
  7. Cultivate Community: Engage with others who share your values and interests. Join a group, whether it’s a book club or a hobby circle, or gather with friends regularly to discuss life’s meaningful aspects, providing support and reflection on your journeys together. Consider organizing events that bring people together for deeper conversations and shared experiences that foster growth and connection.

By integrating these practices into your life, you can begin to experience the sacred in everyday moments, fostering a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.

Photo by Tobi on Pexels.com

Do you have rituals or practices that help you recognize the sacredness of life? If so, I invite you to share them to foster a ripple of present moment awareness that radiates outward, creating connections among individuals and communities. These rituals can be as simple as a daily meditation, an act of gratitude, or moments spent in nature, allowing us to pause and appreciate the beauty surrounding us. By sharing these practices, we enrich our experiences and inspire others to discover their unique ways of embracing the wonder of existence, thus nurturing a collective consciousness that honors each moment and breath.

I invite you to listen to “Discovering Your Sacredness.” When we pause to take in each moment fully, we open ourselves to the enchantment surrounding us, delighting our senses and renewing our spirit. Allow yourself time to invite stillness and sacredness into your day by traveling within as we touch the infinite with meditative practice and affirmations.

As always, I am grateful to have met you on the path.

Namaste