March 2004
Practicing Pleasure
by Minx Boren & Marsha Lehman
We all know that life is short. The question is how to make it sweet. There certainly is no shortage of views on all the ways you should be taking care of yourself. But, instead of revitalizing you, these "shoulds" usually drain your energy — either because you do it reluctantly and joylessly or because you procrastinate, fostering a sense of guilt. Still, although you lack the enthusiasm and motivation to move into doing it on a regular basis, you probably recognize its worth. So, here are some ideas on how you can transform those "shoulds" into pleasurable experiences:
1. Contemplate the components of pleasure. Consider what brings you joy, feeds your soul, soothes your spirit, engages your mind. It might be peace and quiet, time in nature, creative time, or alternatively, lots of movement, sharing in community, or vigorous stimulation might be key.
2. Create your potential Pleasure Practices list. From your deep authentic self decide which disciplines you might want to include in your life but find challenging to incorporate. For example — eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, drinking enough water.
3. Now comes the magic. Think about ways to transform a dreary task into a pleasure practice. Perhaps eating veggies might be more enticing if you prepared a delicious dip and munched while curled up with a book... or a friend.
4. Find an inspiring metaphor to expand the meaning and value of each practice. While exercising, celebrate all the ways you are moving forward in your life. As you replenish your body with something as simple and life sustaining as water, notice things you may be taking for granted...and offer a prayer of thanks.
Start enjoying vital aliveness every day by becoming a connoisseur of pleasure practices!
Minx Boren & Marsha Lehman, professional personal & business coaches, offer programs focused on pleasure practices. Visit www.AuthenticWoman.com.
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