The end of March marks one year of Covid lockdown. We have all learnt something profound this past year. It has been not just one storm but a series of storms. Let us be mindful of where we have come from, where we want to go, staying true to our values.
Jay and I have felt a change in the air during the month of March. Despite fears of a third wave, most people are feeling a measure of optimism, or in the least some relief. Last weekend we went camping, no big surprise!, but despite that, it was quite a different camping experience for us, almost back to our camping origins as the site was totally basic with no power. There is no question that it was one of the most relaxing and connected camping trips in a very long time. It reminded us of the value of good old fashioned conversation, no electronics, no lights but rather human connection, unedited and real. Sitting around a fire, talking until early hours of the morning, laughing until you cry, debating and sharing, it was bliss!
This camping trip reminded us of a valuable lesson that we would be remiss not to share. Take time out and be truly present in those moments. Disconnect your WIFI, electronics and sit around your table , patio or garden and connect with each other. So please be responsible out there over the coming month of holidays, and when you connect with your family or friends, soak it in and be fully present.
We don’t know what is coming up over the next few months, times are continuously evolving. Reflecting on the last year, we do so with greater appreciation of our blessings and gratitude towards the unexpected gifts this year has brought us. We have so much gratitude for you ladies. You have all been our greatest inspiration and we feel so privileged to work with you and be part of your lives. Thank you!
“Not all storms come to disrupt your life.
Some come to clear your path.”
Education Focus: Mindfulness
“The basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we doing”
I am in no way a mindfulness expert, I will say that upfront. I do practice it and teach it to my kids in what way I can. For me it is part of who I am and my desire to live intentionally. I never considered it the practice of mindfulness until I read about it and identified with it. It is a big part of how I try to work, helping my clients cope with chronic pain or specific situation/injury, learning and teaching how to understand our connection of our mind and body, how to change what we can and how to find peace with what you cannot. It is a very trendy and current topic all over the internet with thousands of courses and articles. I will just cover the basics here and let you decide if you want to dig deeper into the topic.
Firstly, mindfulness is already present in us, like an instinct that kicks in when needed, those times when we are fully engaged in what we doing or an experience – like your wedding day or an emotional experience. The practice of mindfulness is when we choose to connect with that instinct intentionally, to be more connected to our present and therefor become better at it. Our family are a little hyperactive, some mentally and some physically, so trying to facilitate our kids to be more focused on tasks but also moments in time is important to us. I think it is a great life skill.
Mindfulness is bringing awareness to your experiences via your senses and emotions. I really believe it facilitates a healthy mind. Mindful.org has great resources and offer these tips on mindfulness practice:
Set aside time and space
Observe the present moment as it is, without judgement. The sounds, our breathing, our body position, feet on the ground, surroundings and senses.
Let judgement roll on by, acknowledge and move on
Return back to observing the present moment. Our mind will wonder off, this is normal, mindfulness is returning back to the present over and over again.
Be kind to yourself. Don’t get frustrated with wondering thoughts and judgements, it is the practice of gently bringing yourself back to the now.
It is easier said than done.
Meditation is exploring, venturing into the workings of your mind. In meditation you often focus on breath as it can anchor you to the present. Meditation can make the practice of mindfulness easier but is a whole other topic.
“In todays rush we all think too much,
Seek too much,
Want too much.
We forget about the joy of just being.”
Eckhart Tolle
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