Checking In - A Practice

Selfie in San Mguel de Allende, Mexico October 2023

Seasons have changed since my last posts and I thought I’d checkin with you hoping you’re well in all ways. It is undeniable that much has happened near and far as time that has passed.

In this post, I’d like to share a beneficial practice . I’ll start by first asking if you’ve taken time to checkin with yourself. Have you checked in to guage how you’re doing in the minutes, hours or days that come and go?

What’s “Checking In”?

Checking in with one's body, mind, and spirit can offer a myriad of benefits. On a physical level, it allows us to become more attuned to our bodies, recognizing any signs of stress or tension. By listening to our bodies, we can address these issues before they escalate, promoting overall well-being. Mentally, checking in can help us gain clarity and focus. It allows us to acknowledge our thoughts and emotions, creating space for self-reflection and personal growth. Additionally, checking in with our spirit helps us connect with our true selves, fostering a sense of inner peace and contentment. By nurturing our body, mind, and spirit, we pave the way to a balanced, fulfilling life.

The Practice of Checking In

How are you feeling? Have you checked in with your emotions and your body? These are the question I ask the wonderful virtual community of journalers who login or scroll through to “Journal With Me” on my morning Tuesday and Thursday virtual Youtube/Facebook journaling sessions. The questions are posed for preparation, grounding, settling in and intentionally reflecting on oneself before the actually journaling takes place.

Another related question for settling in is to ask the question “what is your weather report?” One’s “weather report” is the internal feelings that may also be described as:

• I’m feeling like sunshine

• I’m gloomy and gray

• I’m feeling warm and comfortable

This strategy allows one to utilize language in a different way to describe how they’re feeling. This concept was taught to me in my Breath for Change - Social Emotional Learning and Facilitating (SEL*F) yoga teacher training and is commonly used in yoga, meditation and other somatic practices. Weather reporting has been inspired by the mindfulness book Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel and used for adults and children to express their emotions in community settings.

During the Journal Wiith Me sessions, the checking in practice is used briefly but is a wonderful practice to incorporate into your morning routine as you awake, during mid-day after some activity as well your rest practice. Setting aside time during even the most hectic times is key to your clarity, awareness and wellbeing.

Join the 10 Day “I Am Feeling Good” Challenge

Affirmation - I am feeling good!

The 10 Day I Am Feeling Good Challenge begins tomorrow, November 20, 2023! This challenge is free and calls for you to take account by documenting, journaling or proclaiming aloud how you have taken action to feel good. It’s that simple!

This challenge was introduced last year and was received well by those who participated. It was offered during the traditional holiday season which can be a stressful period for. It was my thought based on past and present experiences during the months of November, December and January, that I’d have to create good, happy and joyous experiences for myself. It is with a focus on gratitude that I realized that taking action and intentionally creating goodness - I can proclaim, “I Am Feeling Good!”

How to Participate:

For the next 10 days starting November 20th,

• 1) either check in with yourself and document how you’re feeling. You can also check on and take weather report (see post above).

• 2) if you’re check in reveals that you may not be feeling so good, great or joyous take small or large steps to create something that will making you feel better, good or great.

• 3) once you’ve felt even a spark of a happiness, goodness or joy document, journal or state aloud I’m Feeling Good!

• 4) Checkin and affirm yourself throughout the day and smile!

Good feelings come and go during stressful times. It’s beneficial to grab goodness when you can.

I’ll be posting daily for 10 days in the Wellside Retreats blog, Wellside Retreats Facebook page and Instagram page about this challenge. On this week’s upcoming YouTube Journal With Me sessions - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. EST, I’ll focus on the challenge as well.

Feel free to comment and engage on these platforms if you’re willing and able about your progress during the challenge. You can also email me to let me know how you’re doing at info@kathyahampton.wellsideretreats.com

I feel good when I walk around my neighborhood under these majestic trees! - Kathy Hampton