Hey Friend,
Your attention is likely being called in many directions. (Mine too.) The pressure of the world, to be of service, to be a care-taker, to work, to care for yourself, to bear uncertainty, to be there in times of need for others, to take in the wonders and joys of life, to dream…this is the nature of our world. May this be your soft landing. A chance to gently move your focus to your breath for one inhale and one exhale. That’s it. Just one…
Sometimes a simple shift of attention (awareness) can help us through our more challenging and stressful moments. When I’m overwhelmed I carve out space for silence to feel my ribs expand like wings and watch air move through me. It’s my way of placing the world with all of its noise “over there” for a moment and connecting to my calm center. To regain peace (even if it’s momentarily) is available with awareness. This week’s meditation practice is called “Regaining Peace”. Listen here.
May we remind ourselves that the world will always hold contrasts. That in fact, we hold the same contrasts within ourselves. Love and hate, admiration and jealousy, worry and hope, upset and happiness, etc. When we lose our way may we remember a shift in perspective is never too far—it’s just one breath away.
Helpful Tip: For a quick and simple practice to become centered bring your awareness to your heart and chest. Breathe in deeply and feel the belly expand. Slowly exhale and pause at the end of the exhale and count 1, 2, 3, and repeat. This is vagal breathing and one of the most useful and quick ways to find your calm point.
Thinking of you all. Don’t forget the power of one person (like you) to remain calm. Not complacent or passive but effectively centered.
Love always,
Lauren
P.S.
In some cases, things are flat-out hurtful. You don’t have to wonder why with all your practices, training, and dedication to living a life of ease and joy you still find yourself unhinged by certain things. Some things just hurt. There may be a lot of people around you or it’s yourself that are feeling hurt right now (war, injustice, poverty, sickness, harm, etc.) and it’s okay to respect your feelings as they are— even thank them. You can offer yourself simple yet meaningful phrases like, “ I matter. I’m a good person. I’m good at what I do. I am lovable. I really belong.” and remember to reach out for help when you need it.
Join this week’s meditation practice here. 10-minute guided meditation practice to carve out space to regain your peace of mind. Sometimes just one conscious breath is enough to bring you back to your center.
“In, out
Deep, slow
Calm, ease
Smile, release
Present moment, wonderful moment”
-Thich Nhat Hanh
Inspiration: You. Every one of you. You inspire me to continue.
Insight: Gratitude. I see the seeds of gratitude take root in our daughter through a new nightly ritual to write about 3 people she’s grateful for and one person that brought her joy in her day. It shifts the entire energy of the evening. Pretty cool to watch those seeds grow in her (and us).
Interest: Rest. I’m dreaming of quiet sun-kissed summer nights. And always standing for women’s rights. To learn more about supporting women’s rights click here.
This week’s meditation practice is available here. Love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and connect with me at @laurenlee.love and @calmpoint_.
Thank you for being here and taking time out of your day to find your center. You are here because you truly care about yourself. That’s a beautiful thing.
You Can Rest Here <3