Friday Fun: The "Fiver" List

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Lists. Most people make grocery lists or "To Do" lists. Some people make "honey do" lists. Lists can be a great way to take stock of different areas of your life - and for those of us who may not have the time to write more or who want to write but aren't sure how to start, it's a great, fast way of expressing ourselves. Also, the focus you put into writing helps you focus on other areas of your life - it's a big manifestation key.

I created something I am having a lot of FUN with and I'd like to invite you to join me! See below.

Step 1: Devote five minutes to YOU: Oh, you know you can. I know you can. Even if you're busy with kids and partners and laundry and the Full Stress of the Universe, you know you can take five minutes (that's only 300 seconds) to try this. If you can do more, wonderful.

Step 2: Find paper and a pen: Pretty simple so far. I find journals are better because they help create space to get in the habit of writing more...and more...and more. :D

Step 3: Sit and breathe: In for a count of five, out for a count of five.

Step 4: Find a category and write five things on your paper.

Sometimes these lists are small and fun. Sometimes they are more intense and serious.

Some sample "Fiver" lists might be:

Five Things I Enjoyed About Today

Five Things That Are On My Desk At Work

Five Feelings I Have When I Interact With ____

Five Ways My Body Shows Me I Am Upset or Angry

Five Fears I Have About _____.

Five Things I Can Do To Take Care of Myself

Five Reasons I Am Glad I Am Writing

Step 5: Enjoy the tiny act of writing down how you feel. For only five minutes, something this small can turn your entire day around. I find that, when I don't want to write pages on how I am feeling (or for those of us who are new to writing), the organization of the "simple five" helps me to get things out in fun, bite-sized little bursts.

Here's two samples of my "Fivers", a slightly serious one and a more silly one.

Five Signs My Body Is Trying to Tell Me That I Need More Rest

  1. I feel tired.

  2. My body feels "thirsty."

  3. My tummy feels clogged.

  4. I have a headache

  5. I need to stretch


Five Things I Like About Taking The Time For a Bath.

  1. Looking at the cabinet that I painted white.

  2. Realizing how much one change to a room can change my feelings about it.

  3. Smelling the sage and candles that I've lit.

  4. How new everything feels. Hello, washing off the day and spending quiet time with my thoughts.

  5. Rubber Ducky, you're the one!


Enjoy your Fivers and enjoy creating them - and feel free to share yours on the Happy Ganesh Facebook Page! I'd love to hear them!

Hodgepodge

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First of all, a shout-out to all the people who came out to Modern Zen's Round Robin event. You may be reading this because you added your name to my mailing list that night. We had a fantastic time. Intuitive messages get the energy moving and it's a (trick or) treat to meet so many new people.

The four-Monday astrology class goes into its second evening on November 1. We'll be talking about Venus and Mars signs. Local and want to sign up? Contact Modern Zen. To see the class schedule, go here. Want a private astrology session? Contact me.

BOOKS!!

If you like reading fiction or nonfiction books about spirituality, check out our Facebook page to join the new Happy Ganesh Book Discussion Group! The HG Book Discussion Group focuses on fiction or nonfiction books about inner growth, spirituality (of ALL denominations), the creative process, spirituality/travel, intimate relationships, and being more present in life. These are topics that I love to explore.
Right now, The Cloister Walk by American poet Kathleen Norris is a new favorite. Award-winning poet Kathleen Norris lived with monks for a year and in that time, explored her own sense of creativity and the Divine. She discusses in the book her own growth as a poet in the silence and schedule of living within a religious community. She also goes into how this year-long experience helped her to see her marriage in a new light, as well as her relationship with her creative forces. Norris's other books are "Dakota: A Spiritual Geography" and "Amazing Grace".

Have you read this book too? What do you think? Thoughts welcome.

What are you favorite books on these subjects? What books have opened you to new ideas? To joy? To challenging yourself? To creative exploration?

Have a safe and happy halloween.

In friendship,

Marissa,

Happy Ganesh President

Image Credit: lobo235