When trying to build a new habit, consistency is key. This is why we build routines around the habits we want to live by. Morning and evening routines are so popular because they help us show up and do the work consistently. If you want to be good at anything you have to do it consistently. If you want to feel the benefits you also have to do the work consistently. Someone who wants to get fit has to get into the habit of working out consistently. Working out once in a while is not going to change your life unless you show up for work every day.
When we are trying to build habits, routines are key. What happens after though? What happens after you’ve mastered consistency towards building your habit? I believe after consistency, comes consciousness. This opens up a whole new realm of experiences, responsibility, and awareness.
Let’s say you started by practicing yoga every day for 30 to 45 minutes. You did this 6 days a week for an entire year. You became stronger in your body and mind. You feel better physically and mentally. You are used to getting on your mat every day and practicing asana. You mastered building a consistent and routine practice. When you start thinking about consciousness you open up a whole new portal and your next level.
Being conscious of a habit or routine is all about being able to meet every day and every moment with awareness and curiosity of what is needed. In reality, not every morning is the same and when you are conscious of your morning routine you need to be able to ask your body and your mind what it needs in that present moment. When you start doing this the focus shifts from simply trying to tick things off your routine checklist to being completely present with the moment you are in.
Consciousness comes after consistency because it needs a foundation to stand on. When you are trying to build a habit just showing up is important. Once you have that though, remember your growth is not over. Meeting yourself exactly where you are can change your life.
Being conscious starts with asking questions and gauging what we need. The person who was used to practicing yoga every day now gets to consciously ask themselves what their body needs. Does it need strength practice or flexibility practice? Does it need to simply lie down and be ground into the earth? Does it need to shake out the tension?
When you are being conscious it stops being about routines and starts being about the present moment. Being present with your body and mind is the beginning of a whole new way of living for you.
Vanessa Seymour is a Mindset and Embodiment Coach who works with female entrepreneurs and soul-seekers on making their dreams their reality through personal development and business growth. Contact details: vanessaseymour.com, email@vanessaseymour.com; Instagram: @vanessa.seymour
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