~~What’s New?~~
Spring is on its way! A dear old friend posted this on his blog page last Thursday:
“March 4th = MARCH FORTH!!! You dig?”
I dug it (thanks for being you, Damon) and I chuckled to myself. It seems to me that March is the time when we begin to dig ourselves out of the snow (and often the psychological hibernation that comes with it) and give ourselves a fresh beginning, renewing our commitment to health and well-being. Today’s article about a simple but powerful principle called “Kaizen” will help you along your way!
But first, some updates on 2010 news from Centered Living:
If you’re curious about Mindful Eating programs for weight loss, visit my website or simply click here. I’ve designed a new “packaged” program for you, combining education and private sessions with me to further support your path toward Intuitive and Mindful Eating. You can participate no matter where you live, so please do email or call me if you’re interested in exploring possibilities!
And, if you live in the Traverse City area, I’m teaching a two session introduction to the principles of intuitive eating and mindfulness through Northern Michigan College’s Learn for Life program on April 29th and May 6th. Stay tuned for more details!
In other news, I’m on Facebook, with a page newly dedicated to Centered Living. To find it and become a “fan”, please click on the icon below, or simply do a search on Facebook using the terms “Centered Living Lori Boothroyd”. I hope you’ll join and connect!
Centered Living, PLLC
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I welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey!
~~Feature Article: “March Forth, Kaizen Style!”~~
As I mentioned to you in my last newsletter, I’ve designated 2010 to be a year of deepening my understanding and experience of Mindfulness. As we “March Forth” into a new season, let us also be aware of the present moment. Every step of the March can be one of awareness, joy and empowerment.
We can always begin with what we already know, breaking it down into small steps, which is the “Kaizen Way”. Here is a quick intro to Kaizen for you to consider as you make the transition into spring:
Recall the quote I’ve shared with you previously from Lao Tzu:
“The Journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.”
The “Kaizen Way” literally translates into “Small Steps” and has been used in Japanese management for many years. Only recently have we considered its value as an approach for our health and well-being. Kaizen offers us a sane, simple and powerful strategy to change and grow.
Consider for a moment how we usually consider making change. We tend to think very big, creating pressure on ourselves to alter too many things at once. When we feel the emotional overwhelm this approach creates, we have a tendency to drop off and feel discouraged. Kaizen offers an opposite strategy: Simple, small steps that point us toward success.
So, here are some comparisons:
Rather than changing every aspect of the way we eat, what we eat, how much we eat, etc., just choose one small thing you will do differently this week around food. You might choose the small step of sitting down and breathing deeply before you begin eating a meal. That’s all. What difference do you predict this would make? Over time and with consistency, this small step would likely transform your relationship with food. One small step of success would lead to another.
One small step.
Here’s another example:
Rather than telling yourself that you must force yourself onto the treadmill daily for an hour, you choose instead to simply march in place as you watch TV each day for 5 minutes – again, what do you predict would happen as a result of this tiny step?
I had a client who used Kaizen to cut a serious dependency on caffeine. He succeeded by letting go of one sip of coffee a day (literally) until he’d moved from drinking 10 cups a day…..to nothing. One sip at a time. That is the Kaizen Way.
So, whether you’re interested in losing a few pounds that were gained while you hibernated this winter, or you’d like to shift how you experience food, or you’re tackling something that creates emotional pain in your life such as depression or anxiety, you can do it utilizing the principle of Kaizen.
Think of the journey of 1,000 miles……..then back it down to the present moment. And then, imagine the smallest step that points you in the direction of success.
And take that step. Then, begin again in the present moment. Take another small step.
Small steps lead to giant leaps!
If you’re eager to learn more about this simple yet powerful principle, I highly recommend the book “The Kaizen Way: One Small Step Can Change Your Life” by Robert Maurer. And drop me a note to let me know what you think!
The philosophy and practice of “Kaizen” combined with mindfulness of the present moment helps us to choose the single steps that matter most as we “march forth” (or skip, or walk, or meander, however you choose to move) along your journey toward authentic wellness and centered living.
Wishing you Many Bright Spring Blessings.
Until next time,
Lori
Dr. Lori Gray Boothroyd is a fully licensed psychologist and a professional certified coach, specializing in whole health psychology and facilitating retreat experiences. She is dedicated to helping women eliminate emotional eating and banish “yo-yo” dieting forever! Lori co-authored the book “Going Home: A Positive Emotional Guide to Promote Life Generating Behaviors” with her husband, Dr. Gregory Boothroyd. They reside with their furry family in Traverse City, Michigan.
