Think Simple Now — a moment of clarity

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A Time of Reflection

Christmas photo of Tommy, Tina and Blackie.

Happy Holidays to you and the ones you love! Thank you for being a part of the Think Simple Now community, and welcoming me into your lives.

Looking back on the year, didn’t it seem like it flew by in a blink? While it is easy to point out missed goals, time wasted, and many of life’s other disappointments, it is also just as easy to choose to see the beauty, the blessings, the gifts and the miracles we’ve received this year. If you find yourself at this crossing, choose happiness.

Let’s take this opportunity to take a few deep breaths and reflect on the year’s many gifts. Here’s a simple meditation I like to do:

  1. Find a comfortable place to sit where you won’t be disturbed.
  2. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths then breathe normally. Completely put your focus on your breath, for a few minutes.
  3. Bring your attention to the top of your head. Do this for 10-20 breaths.
  4. Bring your attention to your heart or the center of your chest. See if you can sense your heart gently pulsating.
  5. Put your hands on your chest, and feel your chest expanding and contracting as you breathe.
  6. Using the power of imagination. Think of, or imagine, or hear all the things you are grateful for. It can be anything: people, experiences, compliments, material things, gifts, surprises, relationships, opportunities, and simple things we take for granted – like our home and health. Be as specific and as detailed as you can.
  7. As we visualize or hear each thing we are grateful for, feel the feelings of love expanding from our hearts. Don’t worry too much about doing this perfectly. Just do what comes naturally and go with the flow, enjoy the experience of love within you.

How did that feel?

During this time of reflection, I like to ask myself two questions. I have found that writing them down can be quite powerful in acknowledging all the gifts I’ve received this year, and in solidifying my dreams.

1. What are you grateful for this year? What are some things you are grateful for from 2008? What miracles, blessings and gifts popped into your life? What did you learn that contributes towards your personal wellness? What did you gain that can benefit you and your family?

2. If you could have one wish come true for the coming year, what would it be?

Here are some answers from my own family.

Tina (picture: center):

1. This year, I’m thankful for: having freedom of time, seeing India, surviving and then thriving through tough decisions, finding Blackie, spending time with family in China, meeting Derek, simplifying my life, experiencing true love, and having the support of incredible readers who move me to tears.

2. One wish: Spiritual growth and a consistent routine to commune with my inner self. A prolonged state of inner peace, wisdom, connection and clarity is what I am seeking.

Tommy (picture: left):

1. This year, I’m thankful for: regular trips to the beauty parlor (aka the bathroom) for grooming, and spending time with Helaina and her family (aka Tommy’s heavenly resort) while mommy was traveling.

2. One wish: Blackie would disappear so I could have all the attention again.

Blackie (picture: right)

1. This year, I’m thankful for: Emigrating to America into a warm home. For having treats and toys. For the opportunities to pick on Tommy and lick his face.

2. One wish: To perfect potty training, so I’m not spending as much time in the crate.

** What about you? What are you thankful for this year? What is your one wish? Share your thoughts in the comment section! Can’t wait to see them!

Happy Holidays, From My Family, To Yours.

 

christmas-08-2.jpg
The Think Simple Now team at home.

 

Think Simple Now’s Greatest Hits (2008 Edition)

To celebrate a great year at Think Simple Now, here, are the top ten most-visited (based on traffic) posts of the past year:

High traffic isn’t the only measure of a good article. Sometimes, a great article just doesn’t cater to a large enough audience, but truly matters to a few. Here are the ones closes to my heart:

Elsewhere Online:

I look forward in supporting your journey as we welcome a new year filled with opportunities for massive change, exciting transformation and an abundance of joy. Life is so beautiful… as long as we choose to see it!

Wishing you a safe, warm and happy holiday break!

Before we go, show me that beautiful smile of yours! :) Thank you.

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About the author

Tina Su is a mom, a wife, a lover of Apple products and a CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) for our motivational community: Think Simple Now. She is obsessed with encouraging and empowering people to lead conscious and happy lives. Subscribe to new inspiring stories each week. You can also subscribe to Tina on Facebook.

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35 thoughts on A Time of Reflection

  1. Hi Tina,

    Happy New Year! And thank you for sharing with us all the very empowering lessons on this blog. I’m looking forward to more in the year ahead. :)

    The one wish I have is very simple. To laugh more often. I love a good laugh. But not just a laugh over a joke or a comedy, though that would be nice too.

    I love a good laugh with great company like my friends and family. Not only is it more fulfilling to share a laugh with your loved ones, it also means that your loved ones are living well and happily.

    Isn’t that what you also want to see?

    And I, too, hope you’ll laugh more often in the year ahead, Tina.

    Cheers~

    Mark

    P.S. And hopefully I’d also laugh all the way to bank in 2009! Hahaha…… :D

  2. Hope your holidays were happy and your new year inspiring Tina, thank you for your never ending good attitude!

    -Syd

  3. Hao

    Happy New Year!

    It’s nice to know that you traveled so far, and it’s incredible how much this blog grew. What could await for the year 2009? :)

  4. It’s a bit late, but all the best for the new year!

    I’m sure many others, like myself, will be looking forward to seeing your site grow to even more astounding heights, and become even more valuable to the community.

    Patrick
    veryevolved.com

  5. WOW, your second photo is excellent, congr.
    I admire your work, and I have simple blog, hope one day will become like yours, :)

  6. After reading this post I close my eyes and tried to remember all those I can be thankful to. This tactics really works. I am grateful to all my relatives that helped me not an easy period of my life, my friends who are always next to me ready to listen to. And the major wish I have is to make my baby happy.

  7. Hi Tina,

    Being grateful is one simple way that makes us happier & healthier.

  8. TheOne

    ….this year Im thankful for my life with my girlfriend together
    ever again ^_^

    …One wish, I wish I would be able to be with her again aboard next year, somewhere with happiness ^_^

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