The Daily Llama, by Staci DesRault, brings you short, one-word meditations and a corresponding quote plus a reflection for your complete wool-being (#seewhatwedidthere?) for Monday, October 23rd – Friday, October 27th, 2023.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23rd
WORD OF THE DAY: ASSERTIVE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
In his book The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, Nathaniel Branden defines self-esteem as “the disposition to experience oneself as competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and as worthy of happiness.”
He identifies the six pillars as:
1.) Living consciously, which is the practice of being aware of what one is doing while one is doing it (a.k.a., the practice of mindfulness)
2.) Self–acceptance, which is the practice of owning the truths regarding one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as being kind and compassionate toward oneself with respect to them ( in other words, being “for” oneself in a fundamental sense)
3.) Self–responsibility, which is the practice of owning one’s authorship of one’s actions (whether positive or negative), and of owning one’s capacity to be the cause of the effects one desires (e.g., faith in one’s competence)
4.) Self–assertiveness, which is the practice of treating one’s needs and interests with respect and of expressing them in appropriate ways.
5.) Living purposefully, which is the practice of formulating goals, as well as formulating and implementing action plans to achieve them.
6.) Personal integrity, which is the practice of maintaining alignment between one’s behaviors and convictions.
What limiting beliefs are blocking you from treating your needs and interests with respect? What limiting beliefs are making it hard for you to advocate for yourself?
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24th
WORD OF THE DAILY: BOMBASTIC
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Let us aim to avoid being bombastic or grandiose in anything except self-acceptance and self-love. Additionally, let us build our self-respect based on internal truths, which we discover when we dare to look inward and own the truth about our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Let’s have the audacity to validate our core needs at the root of every behavior, whether or not that behavior served us well. Let us not depend upon material things for our sense of self-worth. Let us strive to be our friends first.
You are the only person who is required to live with you for your entire life. You might as well learn to like yourself.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25th
WORD OF THE DAY: CHARISMA
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
In its most basic definition, Charisma means “personal or spiritual power or energy or quality that gives influence or authority over others.” People make different assumptions or determinations about what spirituality or spiritual energy means. Today’s meditation does not focus on defining what spiritual energy is but rather to encourage reflection about the things that either nurture or deplete our spiritual energy.
If charisma is the sparkling spiritual energy within you that cannot be bought, what things nurture it and make it grow and shine stronger? What things deplete your spirit and dull your shine? Maybe make a list. Safeguard and nurture your sparkle, little diamonds.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26th
WORD OF THE DAY: DEDICATED
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Dedicated means “wholly committed” and “set apart, reserved for.” When we are dedicated to something, we focus on it, which becomes our top priority. Thus, there cannot be very many things to which we can physically and emotionally dedicate ourselves because, by definition, dedication ceases to be dedication when attention is divided. Therefore, we must be selective and cautious about making commitments and entering into agreements without first reflecting on whether the thing asked of us is aligned with our purpose. If you cannot give an enthusiastic yes, saying no is probably more loving (both toward yourself and the other).
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27th
WORD OF THE DAY: ETHICAL
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Personal integrity develops when we align our behaviors with our values. Having integrity implies that we aspire to improve how we think, feel, and behave. This may mean we work on changing our behaviors to match the core values we deem excellent and essential. But it may also mean we must examine and renovate our value system before improving our behaviors.
It’s always difficult to change a long-held habit or behavior. But it is much more difficult to change a behavior if one does not believe change is needed.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
