Dear Empower Possible Reader,,
As we journey through the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to feel like we're constantly caught in a whirlwind, spinning faster than ever before. That is why I am revisiting the topic of mindfulness.
During these chaotic times, have you ever felt the need to hit the pause button and simply breathe?
February is my birthday month and as I celebrate my birthday, I am also celebrating another milestone, this is the 50th Regenerate Your World newsletter! Thank you for your continued readership. I am honored to be able to be a part of your inbox  In this celebration, I invite you to join me in a moment of reflection, mindfulness, and gratitude.
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness, according to Thich Nhat Hanh, is the art of being fully present in the current moment. It's a practice that offers us the profound gift of authenticity and joy in our lives. Mindfulness is different than meditation although we can utilize meditation to be mindful. While mindfulness might seem daunting at first, with patience and perseverance, its rewards become evident.
My first introduction to mindfulness was through meditation. I remember the first time I tried meditation. I took a class in college called Suffering and Christian Healing. I felt the meditation practice didn’t go very well and I stayed away from meditation for several years have this experience. During my class in college, we would go to a small chapel on campus, lay on a woven mat, and listen to a guided meditation our Professor would read to us. Most of the time, as I lay on my mat I was trying not to fall asleep and did not understand the process of meditation.
After 50 minutes I got up off my mat feeling like I had just wasted my time doing nothing, I had so many other things I could be doing. It seemed like a waste. I didn’t know, that “doing nothing” and “just being” is the point. I am glad I had this experience because I know now how important it is to be patient and when teaching others there are many points to share that will help explain the process of meditation. Jumping right into a guided meditation without direction isn’t very helpful. When I teach others about meditation I often share this experience because I always felt meditation is just natural and I should be able to meditate easily. Meditation is far from easy for me however I can adjust a few things in my meditation practice that make it easier. For example, it is important to know meditation involves the breath, non-judgment, and releasing attachment to any particular outcome. Remembering to breathe and letting go of judgment helps me to stay in the present moment. While I still struggle with meditating for long periods I continue the practice because I have seen the benefits in my life when I incorporate it in my day-to-day life. Meditation has helped me become less reactive to situations. I pause before I respond instead of jumping to conclusions and making assumptions. I also try to meditate in the same space and I make it easier by determining what time and location I need to be in. For example, I know I need to practice meditation in the morning so I am not as distracted and not too tired. I need to be in a quiet space and it helps if there is a blanket available to keep me warm. I also always need to remind myself to breathe and relax my jaw and lower my shoulders. Once I get set up it is much easier for me to meditate for a few minutes.
Have you ever tried to meditate? If so, what works for you? How do take a moment to pause and “just be”? What types of meditation have you tried?
For some, meditation or a mindfulness practice might involve finding a quiet space in the morning, while for others, it could mean incorporating loving-kindness meditation into moments of challenge or disappointment. The beauty lies in discovering what resonates with you and allowing yourself the grace to explore.
In celebration of this milestone, I encourage you to incorporate a few acts of self-love and care into your day today. Whether it's a few moments of meditation, a walk in the woods, or simply savoring your favorite beverage, let's prioritize nurturing our well-being today and every day.
There are many forms of meditation. One that has been particularly helpful for me during difficult times with others and when I am feeling disappointed is a loving-kindness meditation.
Want to get started right now? Practice a loving-kindness meditation my gift to you for your readership!
To access your free loving-kindness meditation video, simply visit www.empowerpossible.com/p/loving-kindness-meditation-free-video.
Together, let's embark on this journey of self-discovery, mindfulness, and gratitude. Here's to another 50 newsletters filled with inspiration, growth, and moments of serenity.
With warmth and gratitude,
Julie
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