My sister is a fan of Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul podcast. From time to time, she sends me links to episodes she finds particularly relevant or inspiring. The one she sent the other day really made me think. Honestly, they all make me think, but this one inspired a new idea for me.
Oprah’s guest was Deepak Chopra, an alternative medicine advocate. In the episode he said (I’m paraphrasing) that we have a thinking body that creates chemicals as a response to those thoughts. Good thoughts, good molecules. Bad or sad thoughts, bad chemicals. He even went so far as to do an example of that by having Oprah move a string with her mind. Okay, sounds crazy, when you hear it out of context and without all of his information. And I’m not here to convince you he is right.
What the podcast made me realize is that I have a platform. My blog, my newsletter, social media, etc, is my platform. Even if there are only five people in the world who take the time to read what I share on those accounts, it is still a platform where I can spread positive thoughts and maybe have a positive impact. So, I want to carve out a space in (on?) my social media accounts to share positivity. I don’t know exactly what that will look like, but it will be my intention to make you smile or think or act in a positive way.
This world is crazy! There is a ridiculous amount of stress for us live within. We are in control of how we internalize those outside influences. My goal will be to help you to take a moment away from that, so that when you turn back to your life, you can approach it from a stronger position and be in a better place to let those stresses roll off - like water off a duck's back. Let’s call this the Duck Movement. When people start asking you what you are doing different because you seem more at peace, you can say, “It’s the Duck Movement.” They’ll think you’ve taken up waddling, but you’ll know that you’re just taking moments at a time to step out of your day-to-day in order to be better equipped to step back in.
Start by carving out time to listen to the podcast. It’s just shy of an hour, but there are some good thoughts to internalize. I'm not suggesting you buy whole-heartedly into the concept Deepak Chopra is sharing. I just want you to listen and consider. I'm sure you will find at least some inspiration. Find the podcast here on Spotify.
In less than a year, 98% of the atoms in your body replace themselves. Let’s train ourselves to replace them with healthy atoms, instead of bad chemical-filled, shriveled, stressed-out atoms. Be an active participant in creating your own peaceful inner-strength. The beauty of knowing that the body is always regenerating is that if you fall victim to the stresses around you instead of letting it roll off your back, you can leave that moment in the past and work to do better with the next stressful moment. You don’t have to punish yourself for a weakness you just have to work to do better going forward so that your regenerating body replaces itself with healthy, positivity. Always look forward. Always.
My first “take-away” message for my brand new Duck Movement is to take intentional moments – as many as you need – to slow your mind. When I mention someone meditating, what do you picture? I picture someone sitting criss-cross applesauce, eyes closed, as they breath deep, and let go of the world around them to look within themselves. I challenge you to take frequent mini-meditative moments. You don’t have to drop to the ground and start omm-ing. Simply stop. Take a deep breath. Concentrate on the action of taking a deep breath. Feel the intake of breath through your nose. Feel your lungs expand. Notice the refreshing amount of oxygen you are taking in and how you can actually feel it nourishing your body. Hold the breath within your lungs for a beat or two longer than you might ordinarily and then let it out slowly. Not dramatically. Not even audibly. Allow the breath to seep slowly back into the world around you and then continue with your day. Try it now. Feels good, right? When you focus on the action, it makes it so much more rewarding. Do that as often as you need and know that each time you stop and breathe, you are helping your body to regenerate a healthy, calmer you.
After a few days of intentional mini-meditative moments, please reach out and let me know if you feel a difference in your stress level, or in the general health of your body. Are you starting to allow some high-level stress to roll off your back? Are you perhaps carrying yourself a little taller? Facing the stress with a bit more confidence? How do the intentional moments impact your physical being and your psyche? I want to know.
If you want to join the Duck Movement, subscribe to my newsletter to receive Duck Movement content and motivation. I’m not an expert, I’m just like you. A person trying to make her way through this life the best way I know how. We can do this together!
Until next time, live in peace.
