I've been speaking about relief, the theme of this week's FREE group meditation and healing, and how my practices have become a big source of it for me over the years. That said, when I was in the early days of grief a few months ago, I was totally unable to sit down for my regular meditation and healing practices. My consistent twice-a-day practice went out the window in a matter of minutes.
Read MoreBalance has been on my mind a lot the past month. As an idea, a theme, and a practice. I, like many people, often view the world through "black and white" thinking. Things are good or bad, right or wrong, hard or easy. But the truth I've come to learn is that most of life and our experiences live in the grey. The in-between. The both/and. It's all so much messier than my control-seeking brain wants to believe.
Read MoreSelf-kindness can be a foreign idea to many, and I know I am not alone with the experience of not learning how to be kind to myself growing up. Based on the messages of our society I did learn to see all the ways I should be different/better and beat myself up when I didn't accomplish that or live up to whatever standards appeared right. I internalized the idea that I would be worthy of kindness/love only when I got _____ (insert any achievement, change, accomplishment).
Read MoreTrusting the beautiful process of life has been something I’ve reflected on a lot over the past week (as evidenced by my last two posts on Instagram). Right outside my office window is a nectarine tree that is currently flowering. The vibrant pink flowers are opening and the bees are doing their work to pollinate. Nature is always such a grounding reminder of the process of life, and how I have no part in most of it.
Read MoreThe more clients I've worked with over the years, the more clarity I've gotten on the purpose of my work. While everyone has a different reason for coming to a group or 1:1 session with me, the core of what I feel I'm called to share remains the same. My passion is helping others create better internal environments mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to thrive in all areas of their lives.
Read MoreWe finally got our wedding photos back (we had our wedding in September after a year-long covid postponement) and it's causing me to reflect on the long and winding path to that day. I did not expect the path to my wedding to be one of the deepest healing journeys of my life. And though I didn't always feel it at the time, I am so grateful for all of the growth & expansion personally and in my relationship--and for the incredible support we got along the way.
Read MoreI've developed a series of mini-mindfulness practices during my day where I take a breath and check in with my body. And more often than not, my sweet little left shoulder is tight. I'll relax, lower my shoulder, and then keep moving on with my day.
Read MoreI can feel the energy in myself, my business, and life in general ramping up right now as we enter the holiday season. There's so much going on--things that bring joy, celebration & fulfillment as well as things that bring stress and anxiety. I have been noticing the tendency to want to ramp up with the energy (there is so much to DO!) this week, but I am doing my best to intentionally slow down when I want to speed up.
Read MoreIn my group healing all about finding balance this week, this theme of embracing darkness came up and I wanted to share some of the highlights with you. Energetically the invitation was for all of us to explore darkness and our shadow sides in a way that feels safe, and maybe even fun.
Read MoreWarning: I am on a self-kindness kick these days! Last week I shared the meditation concept of "tend and befriend" where we turn towards ourselves to offer the nurturing we need and even go so far as to befriend ourselves (even those messy, icky parts we like to hide or stuff down). It's so simple and yet so radical in our times, with all of its pressures and anxieties. Working harder, pushing more, and striving further are often celebrated no matter the expense to our wellbeing. What if kindness was valued as much as achievement? Health and wellbeing valued as much as status? A girl can dream.
Read MoreI wanted to share a theme that's been coming up for me this week that's captured by this quote from American nun Pema Chodron,
"Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we are already."
It reminds me of a saying an early meditation teacher of mine said during class, that during our practice we work to "tend and befriend". It's simple, but profound, and has always stuck with me.
