Wisdom and insights from Mexico City

 

March 19, 2024 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Wisdom and insights from Mexico City Photo: The abbreviation "CDMX" (Ciudad de México)  Dear Empowered Reader, This week I am excited to share a few insights from my recent journey to the vibrant and bustling Mexico City.  From navigating the maze-like markets to finding moments of serenity amidst the chaos, Mexico City reminded me of so many well-being fundamentals.  Before you read on, what lessons have you learned from your travels? I would love to know, please share, email me at info@empowerpossible.com. Well-being Insights Embrace the Chaos:  Amidst the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, I learned a valuable lesson in embracing chaos. At first, I was overwhelmed by the intensity of the city. There were noises, smells, and sights that were unfamiliar to me and I was taken aback by it all.  Then we entered the markets. The massive markets within the city were a whirlwind of activity, with vendors bustling and shoppers weaving through the maze of stalls. After a few minutes of trying to center myself, I realized I needed to stop fighting the chaos. Amidst this chaos, there was a beauty in the energy and vitality of the city. Choosing to see chaos as a force of life helped me to feel less anxious about the intense energy I was feeling. Savor the Moment:  In a city where everything seems to move at lightning speed, (including the traffic-we were told traffic laws are suggestions not rules so get out of the way of oncoming cars!)  it's essential to pause and savor the moment. Amidst the rush, take a moment to appreciate the good that surrounds you—the laughter of loved ones, the beauty of a sunset, the aroma of street food wafting through the air. Every time I had one of these moments I intentionally took a deep breath in and out to say a silent phrase of gratitude.  Find Solitude:  Even in a city of 22 million, finding solitude is possible. We took time out of our trip to find a few local city parks. Mexico City is home to one of the largest and oldest city parks the "Bosque de Chapultepec" (Chapultepec Forest).  I was traveling with my husband, as a couple used to visiting National Parks within the United States during our vacations, making time to visit this city park seemed important. We were glad we did visit the park as it was full of beauty, and a lot less noise.  As we strolled the pathways throughout the park the pace of the city was left behind.  Whether it's escaping to a quiet park or seeking refuge in a tranquil café, carving out time for yourself is essential for well-being. Take a moment to be with your thoughts, reflect, and recharge your spirit. Appreciate the Beauty:  Beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, even in public bathrooms adorned with vibrant artwork. Everywhere I turned in Mexico City I could find beauty. Walking down the street the storefronts were painted with beautiful murals and the flowering trees lined the city streets all added to the experience of beauty in places you might not think you would find it.  In Mexico City, I was reminded to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, from the grandeur of historical landmarks to the smallest details of everyday life. Balance is Key:  Just as the spices in a salsa necessitate careful balance to achieve the perfect flavor profile, so too does our life demand equilibrium for holistic well-being. During a cooking class in Mexico, I found myself captivated by the culinary lesson on salsa-making. As the instructor expertly demonstrated the art of balancing the spiciness of peppers with the sweetness of tomatoes and the acidity of lime, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the broader concept of balance in life. It dawned on me that just as each ingredient in a salsa contributes to its overall taste, every facet of our lives—work, play, relationships, self-care—must be harmoniously integrated to cultivate a sense of wholeness and fulfillment. This realization served as a reminder that achieving balance is not merely about juggling responsibilities but rather about intentionally crafting a life that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Just as a well-balanced salsa is the perfect topping to tacos, so too does a harmonious life enrich the spirit, fostering resilience, joy, and a deep sense of contentment. Reflection Questions: How can I embrace chaos in my own life and find beauty in the midst of it? What moments of joy and gratitude can I savor each day, even amidst a busy schedule? Where can I find moments of solitude and reflection in my environment, no matter how bustling it may be? As we journey through life, may we embrace the chaos, savor the moments of joy, find solitude amidst the noise, appreciate the beauty around us, and strive for balance in all things.  Here's to cultivating a life of well-being, one moment at a time. Take care, dear reader, Julie Photo: The Mexican flag in the zócalo (city center) of Mexico City. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Apelación al solitario (Appeal to the Solitary One) by Rosario Castellanos Es necesario, a veces, encontrar compañía. Amigo, no es posible ni nacer ni morir sino con otro.  Es bueno que la amistad le quite  al trabajo esa cara de castigo y a la alegría ese aire ilícito de robo. ¿Cómo podrías estar solo a la hora completa,  en que las cosas y tú hablan y hablan, hasta el amanecer?   It’s necessary, at times, to find company. My friend, it’s not possible to be born or to die without another.  It’s good that friendship removes from work the appearance of punishment and from happiness the illicit air of theft. How could you be alone at that complete hour, in which you talk and talk with things until the dawn?

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. If you are interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes. I invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/  Photo: My husband and I enjoying dinner at Azul in Mexico City.

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Duluth, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission

Tools for Awakening

 

March 3, 2024 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Tools for Awakening Dear Empowered Reader, I'm excited to reconnect with you and share some insights that have resonated with me on our shared journey towards holistic well-being. Recently, I had the privilege of being part of a podcast conversation with Carol Mae Whittock on her podcast HER Conversations Tools for Awakening that gave me a chance to reflect on my well-being and I believe it will do the same for you. You can listen to it here.https://youtu.be/ywnKixMsHwk.  Key Insights Moments of Awe: The conversation begins with a discussion about awe. As a well-being specialist, I've had the privilege of witnessing transformative breakthroughs in organizations and communities. These moments remind me of the resilience of the human spirit. Similarly, as an aunt, I find awe in the simplest yet most profound interactions with my nieces and nephews—moments of joy, curiosity, and growth that enrich my own well-being journey.   Beyond Work Identity: During our conversation, we discussed how we define ourselves beyond work identity, a concept that has profoundly impacted my own life. For years, I defined myself solely by my professional achievements. However, this definition limited me to only one dimension. During the conversation, I was reminded that my journey has included moving beyond a single identity tied to my occupation. Noting the importance of embracing a multifaceted identity, nurturing diverse interests, and fostering a sense of wholeness beyond my career.  Navigating Grief: Another aspect we discussed was the theme of navigating grief with compassion and authenticity. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recalled that healing only comes from allowing myself to grieve fully and through seeking support during times of loss. This conversation reaffirmed the significance of honoring our emotions and seeking comfort in our community of friends and family during moments of grief. Grief can come from a variety of sources from loss of a job, dream, relationship, or lifestyle. Recognizing your grief is the first step towards healing. Authentic Presence:  Authenticity emerged as well as a recurring theme throughout our conversation, resonating with my belief in the power of showing up as our true selves. Whether in personal or professional dimensions, embracing authenticity fosters genuine connections and cultivates a profound sense of fulfillment. This dialogue served as a gentle reminder to prioritize authenticity in all aspects of life. It also helps prevent burnout. Recognizing Burnout: We also discussed the importance of recognizing signs of burnout—a topic that holds personal significance for me. As someone who has experienced burnout in the past, I found our conversation insightful in identifying early warning signs and prioritizing self-care practices. This dialogue underscored the importance of fostering resilience and prioritizing well-being amidst life's demands. Reflection Questions to Consider: How can you expand your identity beyond your professional roles and nurture other aspects of your being? In what ways can you honor and work through any grief or loss you may be experiencing? How can you cultivate authenticity and show up as your full self in both personal and professional settings? What are some early warning signs of burnout that you need to be mindful of in your life? Podcast Spotlight: Click Here to access the podcast episode that inspired today's reflections. Hosted by Carol Mae Whittock, this conversation covers topics ranging from mindfulness to navigating life's challenges.  Personal Insights:  These insights, coupled with my reflections and experiences shared in the podcast interview, serve as a reminder there are many paths in our collective pursuit of holistic well-being. As we continue on this journey, may we embrace authenticity, navigate grief with compassion, and prioritize self-compassion. If you are interested in the full list of podcast interviews go to https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/. Take care, dear reader, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Opportunity  By Berton Braley With doubt and dismay you are smitten You think there’s no chance for you, son? Why, the best books haven’t been written The best race hasn’t been run, The best score hasn’t been made yet, The best song hasn’t been sung, The best tune hasn’t been played yet, Cheer up, for the world is young! No chance?  Why the world is just eager For things that you ought to create Its store of true wealth is still meagre Its needs are incessant and great, It yearns for more power and beauty More laughter and love and romance, More loyalty, labor and duty, No chance—why there’s nothing but chance! For the best verse hasn’t been rhymed yet, The best house hasn’t been planned, The highest peak hasn’t been climbed yet, The mightiest rivers aren’t spanned, Don’t worry and fret, faint hearted, The chances have just begun, For the Best jobs haven’t been started, The Best work hasn’t been done.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.

Nurture your mind and soul

 

February 20, 2024 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Nurture Your Mind and Soul 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 Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Mindful by Mary Oliver Every day I see or hear something that more or less kills me with delight, that leaves me  like a needle in the haystack of light. It was what I was born for  -to look, to listen,  to lose myself inside this soft world  -to instruct myself over and over in joy, and acclamation. Nor am I talking about the exceptional, the fearful, the dreadful, the very extravagant  -but of the ordinary, the common,  the very drab, the daily presentations. Oh, good scholar, I say to myself, how can you help but grow wise with such teachings  as these -the untrimmable light of the world,  the ocean's shine, the prayers that are  made out of grass?

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  In this episode, on the podcast Not Just A Daydream with Kristi Winfree we covered a lot of topics including: * Recognizing and honoring the multidimensional aspects of your identity outside your job. * Seeing the impact of living in alignment with your core values. * Harnessing your personal power to shape the path to your future. To listen click here. Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/  UPCOMING EVENTS February 29, 2024, Care for the Caregiver, Leading Age Minnesota Institute and Expo I'm excited to share my passion for well-being at #Institute2024. Join me for a deep dive into Care for the Caregiver, and let's spark meaningful discussions together. Register now and join me there! https://www.leadingagemn.org/education-events/institute/ Spring 2024 Mountain 10 Workshop The Journey to Positive Change workshop will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at waypoints on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust.  Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. This workshop will be limited to 10 people.  Please email info@empowerpossible.com to register.

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Duluth, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission