purposeful life — Blog — Athena Wellness

Thriving with R.A.I.N. in Times of Transition

No matter the territory you’re crossing, be it a professional transition or something more internal, like the head-to-heart journey I help my clients and students navigate, there will be highs and low that bring challenges and difficult emotions.

Here’s a practice I learned from a workshop I attended years ago that relates to the feelings that can arise when you claim ownership over your actions. It’s called R.A.I.N. and it's a Buddhist practice used by meditation teachers. It was popularized by Dr. Tara Brach, who is the author of books like True Refuge and Radical Compassion. It's a simple process that uses the acronym R.A.I.N. for the four steps: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture.

How to Recharge Your Morning Routine

I haven't met or read about someone I respect who doesn't have some sort of daily routine. As I studied their habits and lives, I understood that they built their realities deliberately and I began emulating their practices until I found a combination that worked well for me. But what I slowly realized once I brought my corporate career to a close and began my business, is the routine that supported me so well for years was no longer relevant.

I’ve come to learn that there are a number of reasons why your current routine may be feeling old and tired. Sometimes you just need a break to refresh your mind and body. Other times, changing things up a bit will infuse some much needed energy. Or it could be that a full revamp is in order. Pay attention to how you feel. If you’re unmotivated, tired or stressed, it’s probably time to make some changes.

Mind Mapping as a Transformational Tool

I’ve written about the importance of discovering and exploring a broad range of interests and how it can bring a sense of joy that spills over into other areas of your life. From a wellness perspective, learning new things is a wonderful path of self-discovery.

When I begin working with new clients, they usually don’t know how to discover what feels compelling. New interests can feel elusive. But a great way to explore such abstract ideas is through a process called mind mapping, a helpful technique to use when you are working through a life transition.

Inviting New Life Experiences

One of my favorite topics to explore with students and clients is how to discover and explore a broad range of interests in both work and play.

Why is this important? I've come to learn that creating a purposeful life based on what you love starts with learning how to spend time doing the things that bring you joy. And if you're anything like me, the many years you've spent building a career may have disconnected you from these activities and this feeling.

Carving out the time to explore doesn’t happen overnight. But when you start to make room, even a little bit, you’ll find delight in the discovery process as you cast a wide net to find the people, places and activities that call to you, whether they make logical sense to you at this stage or not. Being open to new and exciting experiences is part of living wholeheartedly. It becomes a new way of life.

BLOG