Cheryl Besner: The Four Rs

As I mentioned in last week’s “Sweater Weather” post, winter is the perfect time to devote to introspection. The cold temperatures and shorter days mean that we’re not spending every available moment on a terrasse with friends or basking in all the social opportunities that summertime brings – and that’s not a bad thing! Everything in life is about balance, and these are the months when we swing the pendulum back to ourselves. Whether you’re snuggled in a cozy blanket or walking in a winter wonderland, focus your mind on what Dina Kneller Gold calls the four Rs: Relax, Reflect, Rejuvenate, and Re-Emerge.

RELAX:

We’ve all made the same excuse to ourselves: There’s no time! The world is spinning too quickly around us, we’ve made too many commitments, there are too many people and things depending on us! But you’re no good to anyone unless you’re good to yourself, so take some time – even if it’s just an extra five minutes over your morning coffee – to RELAX and be present in the moment. Listen to your breath as it goes in and out of your body. Watch the snowflakes fall outside your window. You may not believe that everything else can wait, but it can! Forget about having the time – MAKE the time. It’s easier than you might think!

REFLECT:

Once you’ve allowed yourself a moment to RELAX, give your mind the space it needs to do some very important work! Without the pressures of life distracting you, your thoughts can begin to turn inward. Think of it as check-up, just like you have with your doctor, except you’re reviewing your own dreams, goals, accomplishments, and actions. Were you harsh with a loved one, but you were so preoccupied that you didn’t notice it at the time? Take this opportunity to think about what you would do differently, and how you will act going forward. Have you experienced a big change in the last few months? Examine how you’ve been affected by it, and the progress you’ve made in dealing with it. The act of reflecting can be a deep and humbling experience, but full of the potential for growth!

REJUVENATE:

When we REFLECT, we often feel that the wisdom we’ve gained has led us to a place of renewal. We are bursting with fresh energy and new intentions, and we want to act on it! Luckily, there are so many options available for people who want to make the most of their REJUVENATED state of mind. Many (including myself!) take on a new fitness and nutrition regime, so the outside reflects the new inside! Others go back to school or sign up for a course, hungry for a different kind of knowledge. Some travel, and some get creative with painting, writing, or dance! There’s nothing more invigorating than deciding to walk a new path in life.

RE-EMERGE:

Making a change is one thing – seeing the change through is another! Once you’ve made the move to REJUVENATE, it’s all about how you RE-EMERGE and integrate your new intentions into your everyday life. Are you making that effort to go to the gym, or to prepare healthy meals when takeout seems like the easier option? Does what you’re learning in class push you to look at the world differently? Are your dance exercises helping you stand taller and move more gracefully? Are you more patient? Are you speaking up more? Or do you simply feel better in your skin? These are all amazing steps forward in the forever-a-work-in-progress that is YOU, and you should be proud of yourself!

Join us on Solo in the City Radio this week as we speak to Dina Kneller Gold about her concept of the four Rs. We’ll be exploring her philosophy and discussing the importance of nourishing our souls.  Remember to also check out the latest events on our KISS calendar – even when you’re focusing on yourself, you should always make sure to Keep It Simply Social!

– Cheryl xo