Good or Bad or...?

A benefit  I love about working with clients are the valuable insights they bring to my life. In this way I am empowered even further in my daily practice. Today's insight is one that has shown up several times this week. 

As we continue to focus on the areas that bring us greater self growth and increased joy in living, one may find that they judge their own progress. 

How often have you said, "Today was a good day." or "Today was a bad day?"

I have done this only to ask myself, my clients and friends what was good or bad about it? This is invaluable in getting to the truth of what your day or other experience truly offered you. 

I keep reminding myself that every experience has a gem hidden within. These gems can be difficult to find when we limit our defining moments to good or bad. We lose connection to our awareness as well. 

Here's an example: "I had a good afternoon."
When I ask what was good about it, I stepped into the energy of what I gained from the experiences.

I accomplished the work I set out to do. I reached out to a friend and discovered how much I needed to connect with them. I enjoyed a walk getting fresh air and a break. I truly enjoyed cooking a meal that was full of flavor and nutrients.

Now I truly sense what my afternoon was for me. I embody it on a cellular level.

Here's another example: "Yesterday was a bad day for me."

Going to the question, "What was bad about it?" I explore and be with all that those experiences were for me.

I found myself feeling sad about the world and where we are in these times. I was frustrated as I navigated my way through traffic and crowds. I felt anger and impatience towards a loved one for not doing what I asked. I had a difficult time getting to sleep. 

All of these are acknowledgements of how I felt and what I experienced. With these I can gain further insights into what I would like to do about them, approach them differently, be aware of any other elements that were affecting me. There is a gem or two hidden within that will give me great insights for the next time I have these feelings. I may ask more questions to deepen my awareness and my choices. 

The other issue I have found with using good or bad is that we tend to stop there and live in the energy or lack of energy that those two words bring. We miss the opportunity to go deeper and connect with ourselves on a higher level. 

As you go through this week, be aware of how often you use the words good or bad as a way of describing your experience. Notice how often others do too. Discover what gems are waiting for you to receive when you go deeper. 
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 Now go explore...

Empowerment Tools

Going beyond the Good and Bad in life is this week's tool. Explore what is beyond those descriptions.

Be willing to tell yourself, "If the word good (or bad) didn't exist how would I describe this?" Expand your presence with the experience. Write down the gems that you discover.

A further challenge might be to ask a friend or family member, what they mean when they use the word "good'' or "bad" to describe their day/experience.

Below I have gifted you a recording of one of my favorite meditations. It expands on what it means to approach the day to receive the goodness of each day. ​

For Parents

How many times have you asked kids how their day was and they gave you that one word answer- Okay or Good?

Some may tell you that they had a bad day.

Asking them what was good/bad about it allows them to share more with you.

Depending on the age of the child, they may prefer to not share much with you.

It may be valuable to begin to tell them what was "good" or "bad" about your day. Give them an example of what it is like to connect and discover those gems.
​Here's an added resource that will give you some more ideas. Going Beyond Good for parents.