At the same time as writing this new post, I began a popular challenge called 75 Hard about two weeks ago.
The challenge is to go 75 Days doing specific tasks that will turn into habits after about day 66 (according to James Clear – author of Atomic Habits).
I modified the original version to my liking with a great app called ‘75 Days Challenge’ which is among many that serve the same purpose. The habits I have set out to ingrain over the next 61 days are:
- Do a small act of kindness
- Meditate for at least 10 minutes
- Do a workout routine (30 push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and squats)
- Read for at least 20 minutes
- Write a full page journal entry
- Cook a healthy meal
- No Buy Challenge (only purchase necessary consumables)
As I began and modified this challenge, I came across a set of principles that I would like to guide me. Those principles are the building blocks of character, and so this post is all about that intersection.
Defined through the lens of mindfulness, character takes on a deeper meaning: the consistent outward and inward expression of virtues in right thought, emotion, and action.
To be consciously aware of how and why our inner self impacts our outer actions is no easy task. It is in fact a very rare task, especially consistently.
What this looks like day to day is someone who habitually responds to life’s ups and downs with clarity, integrity, responsibility and compassion rather than judgment, reactivity, and impulse.
Meditation, when paired with these subtle character choices, may just change our very being.
Below are principles in mindfulness that can change the very nature of our egos, or as my mom likes to call it, edging God out.
Intentional Choice:
Mindfulness creates a small yet powerful space between stimulus and response. I want to yell at this person and I am yelling at this person or I want to buy this car and I am driving off the lot in this car.
To be the backseat rider of our own emotions, sensations, and thoughts really is a super power. Most people live in a dream state, momentarily aware from time to time, but never fully awake.
Take consumerism for example. Most people, including myself, fall victim to indulgent spending, racking up credit cards, not realizing all they have spent until they gawk at the bill.
Self-awareness:
To know oneself is to know the secrets of the universe. See your intentions, biases, and habits as they rise and fall without denial or distortion. Call them out in a kind and loving way. Write them down in order to see their frequency.
We cannot know a mind that is clouded in judgement, especially towards ourselves.
This takes a gentle practice of noting. All while being attentive to context and consequences.
Ethical Presence:
The practice of ethics was once very commonplace, but seen more than we recognize today: opening the door for someone, helping someone with their groceries, or my favorite, giving the endless gifts of a smile and a compliment.
Ethical Principles such as kindness, honesty, and fairness exhibited each day, naturally, grow within us the seed of happiness.
Happiness is when our thoughts, actions, and speech are in harmony.
Emotional Regulation:
Our character is not defined in the absence of difficult emotions, in fact, it is sharpened through them.
Character is defined through meeting our emotions with steadiness and wisdom, rather than allowing them to dictate our behavior.
Compassion & Interconnectedness:
A character defined by mindful living recognizes the shared humanity of all living things. It forces us to act with empathy, care, respect, and yes, awareness (especially under stress, tiredness, or in conflict).
I can’t think of a more mindful act than to be shown disagreement and yet still be warm and kind, unconcerned with right or wrong.
And so, I think I’ll just leave it at that!
Three More Things!
- Read – The 7 Principles of Mindfulness
- Listen – Wake Up / Wind Down Series
- Watch – Poverty isn’t a lack of character