more with the noticing

Havi of The Fluent Self talks about the Book of You - useful information about yourself.

I plan to create an actual Book of Me as soon as I buy a notebook. I've been noticing things about myself for a while now, but I must confess that post-it notes inside one's brain are not the most useful things ever. For one thing, they seem to disappear into the ether. (Apparently there is a lot of free space up there, which seems odd, because I often feel like I've run out of space altogether.) For another thing, they are hard to sort or flip through - and it's really hard to add new information to existing notes. All of this means that I cannot refer back to them very often, and find myself learning the same lessons over and over.

This week, I am noticing things. Things that I might jot into my book, if I actually had one. Things like:

When I do not eat grains, I do not have a lot of energy in the afternoon and evening.

When I eat something with white flour, within 10-15 minutes, I have this insane need to lie down right where I am and take a very long nap.

When I do yoga or meditate in the morning, the rest of the day just goes better. I can't explain what "just goes better" means exactly, but there is an ease and a flow and a calmness to the day.

When I read something and it makes me take a long, deep, indrawn breath - the kind that feels like an inward sob - there is something in there that is true for me.

When the sight of yet another grey rainy day makes me feel seriously gloomy (much like Eeyore, I imagine), if I go outside in it anyway, I feel much better. Especially if I walk in the woods. Even if it's only for a few minutes. That being said, if it is actually pouring outside, I am not convinced this is still true. (The pup is pretty positive it is not.)

If you would like to join me in the noticing, please feel free! I love company. And it is always useful to know more about yourself.

Comments

[steph]

Just last night I put some loose-leaf paper in an empty 3-ring binder I'd set aside for that very purpose. There will soon be a Book of Stephi here at my house.

For some reason I feel like I can't start using it until it has a cover/title page, though. I think part of it is that the process of creating the cover/title page feels like it will crystallize my intent in creating this book.

I love how there are always things to notice! :)

This week has been very much a back-to-basics for noticing with me. I've been noticing things like, I get a headache if I forget all day to drink water; and Eating sugar really doesn't make me feel any better, in fact often it makes me feel worse; and When I don't pay attention to my body and skip meals, my emotional balance is affected (plus I end up feeling cruddy physically); and When I'm sick and tired, taking a nap significantly improves both my outlook and my productivity.

[Josiane]

That's a really fabulous start to the Big Book of You you've got there, Elizabeth!

One thing I've noticed lately is that I have trouble keeping up-to-date the idea I have of myself in some areas of my life. I mean, by the time I refresh my mental picture of myself regarding for example some aspect of my health, things have already changed and my perception is once again lagging behind. I need to find a way for my brain to refresh those pictures faster and more often, or to accept a mental picture that's in constant flux.

[Rose]

I started reading this post thinking "yes, I'm going to start one and I've been noticing things..." and then realized I can't name any. So I'll be back :P I have a similar thing about books. I can usually find something that resonates with me in the books I read.

Thanks for sharing,
Rose.

[elizabeth --]

@Rose: they're probably filed away in your brain somewhere. Much like mine. ;)

@Josiane: that's a great observation! That seems like something that would be difficult - in many ways, we really are always changing. I like the idea of having a mental image that's constantly changing too.

@Steph: thank you for sharing those items - I kept saying ditto. Now, if only I had that notebook. I knew there was another reason I meant to visit the bookstore today .. Happy creating!

[Tami]

I recently started my Book of Me too. Havi sure knows how to inspire!

I started with a brainstorming session on the computer and made a numbered list. Which I have not added to since I started it, however I think I'll put that on my list of things to do today.

I'm thinking about taking the list into a book form over summer break.