Yearly Theme Update #2
In the recent episode of Cortex, Myke and Grey gave an update on their Yearly Themes. This prompted me to pause and do the same. Here is an assessment of my Yearly Theme based on the data I am generating in the Daily Themes section of my Theme System Journal. I begin with the metrics I set for myself followed by a brief statement on how I think I'm doing (and whether or not a correction is needed to the metrics) based on my analysis of data. I use the term "correction" as I am coming to realize (as I write) that there are not enough minutes in the day; at least based on my current daily routine, to "hit" each of the time based metrics I initially established.
Yoga 5-10 minutes daily-1/2 circle, 10+ minutes daily-Full circle
Meditation 5-10 minutes daily-1/2 circle, 10+ minutes daily-Full circle
Writing 5-10 minutes daily-1/2 circle, 10+ minutes daily-Full circle
Reading 5-10 minutes daily-1/2 circle, 10+ minutes daily-Full circle
Walking 5,000-7,999 steps daily-1/2 circle, 8,000+ steps daily-Full circle
Affirmations 1-2 times/daily-1/2 circle, 3+ times/daily-Full circle
Marriage (dependent on daily focus) 1/2 circle, Full circle
Music 30 minutes/daily-1/2 circle, 30+minutes/daily, Full circle
Yoga...I'm not doing it daily. I am however listening to my body and mind and doing it when I feel out of balance. For example, this was a particularly rough week at work so I made sure that I did some yoga 3 out of the 5 days. I think the metrics I initially established need to remain the same so that when I do in fact do some yoga it reminds me of its importance!
Meditation...I meditate for at least 11 minutes daily, without exception! No changes needed here other than the consideration of increasing the minutes.
Writing...I'm not "writing" daily. I put the word writing in quotation marks because for me, writing includes my Morning Pages routine and working on posts for my blog. I'm trying to figure out how I feel about this as well. My daily Morning Pages practice, like my writing for my blog, has gone from daily to the weekend. I do write in my Theme System Journal on weekdays (mostly Monday through Thursday). Each entry takes about 3 to 4 minutes. That doesn't sound like a lot of time but it is still writing...right? Maybe I need to edit my Writing daily theme to just YES=I did write=Full Circle and NO=I did not write=leave circle empty. If I consider reflecting in my Theme System Journal "writing" then I would always be able to fill the circle in.
Reading...I am definitely reading more this year and I have really enjoyed it. I feel that the metrics I initially set for myself are fair and should be kept.
Walking...I recently made the decision NOT to start my mornings (during the workweek) on the treadmill. Staying in bed longer has proven to make me feel more rested. It has also motivated me to walk outside more when I get home from work either alone or with my wife. I've also recently downloaded the Gentler Streak app which promotes a more, shall I say, chill approach to fitness. One of the coolest features is that the app allows you to take breaks during the week so you don't feel compelled to workout everyday yet still maintain the fitness goals you have. Over time this app has helped me realize that it is ok to take a day or two off during the week. It has also helped me realize that I do not have to go for a walk each day. If I know that I am not going to get a walk in and I still want to workout I do a 20 minute yoga (see above) session and am able to maintain my fitness goals for that day. I feel the metrics I have established here need to remain the same.
Affirmations...I have widgets on my phone that I access throughout the day, both at work and at home, that enable me to "hit" my metrics. That's not really the point here though. The affirmations have a calming impact on me; which is very important when I am at work.
Marriage...I've come to see this one simply as, "Was I a good husband today or was I a jerk?" I'm keeping my metrics the same here.
Music...I feel like I am not listening to enough music. It feels like most, if not all music consumption is happening on the weekend. I listen to podcasts during the week. I feel that keeping the metrics "as is" is not helpful. Like Writing, I feel like the metric here needs to go to YES=I did listen to some music=Full Circle and NO=I did not listen=leave circle empty.
