Around a week ago after a busier-than-usual month, I noticed I was becoming a little short tempered. I had less concentration, was feeling sluggish (when I woke up), I found it hard to think straight or concentrate for any length of time and so on. I proceeded to look back over what seemed like an average few weeks for me and noticed a subtle pattern that had crept its way into my life, or rather the dark side of my life. Each night, on a regular basis, I was barely getting 7 hours sleep, usually less. Now you might think “hey, that’s not so bad, I can survive on that” but over time, repeatedly depriving myself of my natural requirement began to take it’s toll. Lack of enough sleep and quality rest was slowly but surely chiselling away at my natural defenses and ability to function properly. I was mildly zombie-fied (if that’s a word)
So, I made decision and I implemented a change. I knew for a fact that personally I couldn’t get off to bed at 10.30pm each night, as I enjoy some evening before the next day, to read, watch a film, socialise etc. I knew I didn’t want to alter my life style to something as drastic as this anyway. It had got to be realistic, knowing full well that if it felt imposed whether by myself or somebody else, it wouldn’t last (typical Aquarian spirit).
What I have done is hit the hay at 11.30 instead of my usual 12.30/1.00 and, within two days I noticed a difference. In just 5 days of adding an hours extra sleep to my nocturnal slumber I feel vastly different. I feel sharper, have a much higher tollarence to everyday challenges, am able to concentrate and connect to my clients, friends and colleagues on a deeper, more focussed level. I feel a distinct increase in my optimism (especially noticible as it’s plunging into the darker half of Autumn here in the UK at the moment). Amazing stuff really and so, so simple.
I think it proved to me that my body (when I slowed down enough to listen to it) knew exactly what to do and exactly what was needed. Even when I consciously didn’t realise or rebelliously chose to ignore. I now feel a darn site better for it.
I’ve gone on and taken this one step further, maybe because I have the additional energy to do so! I’ve started blocking out regular time in my calendar for “Recharge” this recharge time should consist of nothing but that which will allow my energy levels to increase, good old r & r!
So anyway, I would love to carry on but I’ve just noticed, it’s 11.30pm and we know what that means huh? ;-)
I’d love to hear how sleep has effected you, both the lack of it and what it has enabled you to do when you have allowed yourself your required amount.
- admin
- Creative Exploration and Tools
- Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
One of the things I really love indulging in (and it really is indulging) is Photography. There’s something about the medium that’s always fascinated me. Creatively, I find tremendous self expression in taking photos, it’s my meditation if you like-albeit an expensive meditation!
Feel free to jump on over to my Flickr page where I’m uploading new shots when I can. I’d love it if you added me as a contact and said hi, checking out other peoples work and collaborating is of real interest.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/philluminous/
- admin
- Creative Exploration and Tools
- Sunday, June 21st, 2009
I find mind mapping to be a really gratifying and more importantly, fun way of capturing and exploring an idea. It’s a great way of untangling an issue or looking at something laterally instead of the usual step by step analytical “problem solving” method. It offers you an alternative way to unwind the tangle of wool and come up with some surprising alternatives in the process. As well as mind mapping for myself, I frequently introduce mapping sessions to my clients, either there and then in the coaching session or as an inquiry for homework, it’s a great way to get exploring a metaphorical concept visually and feels much more fun than taxing.
There are numerous ways of creating mind maps, I use two. Pen’s and paper and software, both on my Mac and on my iPhone. I recommend playing with a combination that suits you most effectively. The current set up for me allows me to explore a thought or idea stream whenever I get the calling to do so. When at home, I suggest a nice big pad of paper, A3 minimum and as many coloured pens as you can lay your hands on! When the idea strikes, grab your pad and start mapping. On my Mac, I use a great piece of software called “Mind Node” which is free and incredibly easy to just jump into and get going-this is the essence of great mapping software, simple and powerful software that isn’t going to slow you down. Go grab a copy. On my iPhone (can’t always cart my A2 pad around with me on the train) I use a fabulous application called “Simple Mind” which again, is very simple to just dive straight into when inspiration strikes. Simple Mind is responsive enough that you can just fire it up and begin in seconds. Check it out here.
If you want to play with some other software, there’s a plethora of wonderful mind mapping and brain dumping title’s out there and lots of them are free: Click here
Here’s a few different styles of mind maps to get you all inspired, don’t feel limited to these though, devise your own too!
Finally, one of the beautiful things about mind mapping is that there are no rules. It doesn’t have to make sense, imagination is at play and there’s no right or wrong, this is incredibly liberating when we are so used to problem/solution thinking patterns. Have fun with it, it’s amazing what unexpected clarity and alternative idea’s sprout from these beautiful tree like structures.