Every Sack Lunch Mini-Retreat that I have been holding since 2010 centers around a theme. For the most recent one held earlier this month I wanted to offer a rest from summer. September is a time of transition, endings, beginnings and a wonderful opportunity to reassess our priorities. Holding a Full Cup – Make Yourself a Priority as our theme invited reflection, reclaiming, and rejuvenation.
September 13th Sack Lunch Mini Retreat attendees.
I invited the attendees to imagine what holding a cup meant to them specifically and to visualize what this looked like. First, each woman got clear on her values–knowing your values establishes what types of action fill your cup. (See list of values at the bottom of this post.) I guided them through a meditation that focused on a typical day in their life but in this guided visualization they were to see themselves holding a full cup. This activity gave clarity and sparked inspiration of how to honor their values.
It is common to put off soul care, waiting for the right time. That right time never comes and we all know this. It is then essential to make yourself a top priority. I start my day filled up by nurturing my soul before the rest of the family wakes up. One way I do this is through meditation. It is the first thing I do each and every morning and some days it happens in my bedroom in my favorite chair and on other days in the living room on my meditation cushion. If the day has started at full speed ahead without me creating this time, I meditate in the car after dropping off my son at school. After years of practice this priority is second nature and the family expects it. I’m filled spiritually, emotionally and mentally with this practice.
If I have something in my tank at the start of the day I’m clear headed, ready to give to others, and I’m more likely to be productive, focused and happier throughout the rest of the day. As demands, responsibilities and unexpected happenings call for my attention I can greet them with my best self, grounded and full. This reflects my mood which effects my energy which ripples out into how I show up in the world.
Making yourself a priority with action begins with identifying your values. When you are clear about your values, naming your needs is much easier. I invite you to circle your top ten values from the list below. Then create a list of actions that correspond with your values. For example, I value spiritual connection and that is fulfilled by meditation and going for a walk in nature. Once you have your list of cup filling activities you have options. Pick one to practice for starters. Have it be simple yet satisfying and preferable something to do at the beginning of your day.
Write that activity on your calendar. Show up to it. As you make yourself a priority, valuing your life begins to take on a shape that allows you to hold a full cup–from which EVERYONE will benefit.
Cheers, Jenny
P.S. Next sack lunch mini retreat will focus on Mindfulness and Meditation: Friday November 15th, visit my website here to sign up.
Values for Holding a Full Cup – Circle your top 10 values then list activities that support those values. Then pick one activity and start playing with it being your top priority. Go, Have Fun, Fill Your Cup!
- Accomplishment
- Authenticity
- Achievement
- Adventure
- Balance
- Beauty
- Compassion
- Community
- Competency
- Connection
- Contribution
- Courageous
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Determination
- Discipline
- Faith
- Freedom
- Friendships
- Fun
- Grace
- Gratitude
- Growth
- Happiness
- Honesty
- Humor
- Independence
- Inner Harmony
- Integrity
- Intuition
- Joy
- Justice
- Kindness
- Knowledge
- Leadership
- Learning
- Love
- Loyalty
- Meaningful Work
- Openness
- Optimism
- Peace
- Pleasure
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Security
- ADD your OWN value to the list if one of yours is missing from this list.
- Self-Respect
- Service
- Spirituality
- Spontaneity
- Stability
- Structure
- Success
- Trustworthiness
- Wealth
- Wisdom
