Practice makes perfect
As I sat down to consider the theme for this month, ‘Habits’, I got to pondering on the word itself – its meaning or rather, its meanings and uses.
And there are a few of them:
- practice,
- tendency,
- trait,
- mannerism,
- addiction,
- disposition
- and garment.
State of Being
Whilst mostly they seem to have a commonality – garment stands out – the simple garment of a religious order, setting someone aside and showing a life of simplicity. In exploring the origin of the word, clothing was its first meaning and the gradual move in the English language to behaviour happened over time. The Latin route ‘Habitus’ means ‘state of being’ or ‘condition’ and hence we have gone full circle to our meaning of ‘Habits’ as one of our themes.
But I still couldn’t help pondering on the fact that those who wear a habit live a life devoted to conducting regularity and rituals. Whether they be study, silence or vows of dedication to a way of life – in itself a state of being or practice and so the meanings collide!
Helpful practices
At Fresh Air Fridays we have regular practices we facilitate as part of our sessions – either on a Breathing Space or as part of our 12 Week Programme. For example:
- ‘Checking in’ – which gives space for each individual to arrive and share what is going on for them, to be heard with no judgement.
- 7 /11 breathing – a practice that is extremely helpful to alleviate anxiety, stress or any time when you feel ‘triggered’ by something and you can find out more on that here.
- Gratitude – noticing what’s working well in your life supports you to feel happier.
Do more of what works
We do these as regular ‘habits’ because we know they support our wellbeing and really make a difference the more regularly we undertake them. In writing that statement, I’m struck with how often we can think about habits which don’t help us and that we wish to leave behind, rather than those which help us – we encourage you to continue with those or perhaps join us on a Breathing Space and bring in a few new ones. Or our ‘Simple Life Changing Ideas’ book or e-book gives many more to try.
Let’s clothe ourselves in those ‘habits’!