Ever Wondered Why I Put 'Practice' in My Business Title? Wonder No More!
The start of this new year has naturally had me thinking about the term 'practice' and reflecting/remembering why I choose to put this word in the title of my business. It's a selfish move in some ways, a constant reminder I need of this very important idea in my life. Not only important for my wellbeing but important for me to share with others. I feel we could all use a little more practice in our lives.
Life is a Dress Rehearsal
I read a quote years ago that said something to the effect of “life is not a final performance, but one long dress rehearsal”. As a girl who grew up in the theater, the metaphor resonated, but I can’t say it’s how I have approached my life. In fact, I have spent so much of my life believing that each moment is some pivotal, final performance where I need to get everything just right or NOTHING will be ok. (#drama #theater). Unsurprisingly, this kind of thinking led to debilitating anxiety where I would quit or not do things at all, in fear that they wouldn’t be perfect.
Eventually, I grew tired of living on the outskirts of my own life. Sure I wasn't opening myself up to great failure, but I also realized I wasn't getting the experiences and the richness that life had to offer. It was around this time that I discovered Mindfulness.
No Wrong Way to Practice
Mindfulness opened my eyes to a different way to live. In meditation, we have a formal and informal practice. We can sit down on a meditation cushion (or our couch) to close our eyes and practice, we can open our senses on a walk with a pet to see the nature around us, we can notice the flavors of our food as we eat, or we can take a deep breath when we feel stressed. They are all very valid parts of the practice. I loved learning that there is no right or wrong way to meditate, there is no test to pass, no place to get to, just the chance to show up each day, in each moment and see what’s there. (You notice I didn't say JUDGE what is there but simply SEE what is there.)
Your Life as a Practice
I began to wonder what would happen if I took away that 'all or nothing' pressure, quieted the perfectionism, and did my best to treat each moment of my life as a chance to practice. Practice being in the moment. Practice being kind to myself and others. Practice giving and receiving love. And though it’s not always easy, it has been life-changing. What a relief to allow myself to be a human being and just show up to try things out! And, what a gift to come to know more joy than I thought possible through this practice. This is what I feel called to share!
Whether through helping you build a formal meditation practice, clearing out what’s no longer working for you with a Reiki session, or some combination, my goal is to help people let go of “doing it right” and practice what matters. Practice reconnecting to themselves and reclaiming their innate power and beauty.
Please reach out if you want to learn more about working with me! ❤️
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