It’s been spring for over a month now, but I haven’t talked about how I’m hygge-ing it this season like I did with my fall hygge and winter hygge. Also, I have no idea if I’m even using this word in its proper form, but I love how it sounds. So there.
Mindfulness for Adolescents (And the Rest of Us)
This is about gaining awareness of how important adolescence is to our human development and how mindfulness can contribute to being a healthier human being overall. This is useful whether you’re currently an adolescent, going to be one someday, interact with them, or were one and find yourself or others around you turning back into one when triggered.
What to Do This Earth Day 2019
Of course, every day is technically earth day since we’re living on this spinning planet every single day, but since we human beings like celebrations Monday, April 22nd is officially Earth Day!
Last year I provided a guide to Los Angeles Earth Day celebrations since that’s where I live. A lot of this has changed (For example Grand Park already had their earth day celebration.) so here’s 2019’s updated guide, as well as some links to other city’s earth day celebrations.
Mindful Monday: Walking Meditation
There’s some truth to the song lyrics “nobody walks in LA,” but I actually love to walk in this city. And everywhere else I travel. It’s a fantastic way to fully experience your surroundings while getting you to wherever it is you’re going. I wrote awhile ago about how much I love running as a way to explore areas, but I wanted to touch on walking today because I think that’s a less intimidating form of movement for many.
Social Media is Trying to Kill Us All (Aka How to Maintain Sanity Online)
Awhile ago, I wrote about my trials and tribulations with social media since I started using it for work purposes. This is something of an update/continuation on those thoughts.
Mindful Monday: One Thing at a Time
Mindful confession: I’m writing this as I watch the NCAA men’s basketball final. Or more accurately, I’m trying to write and finish this during halftime. I don’t have high hopes I can do that in 15 minutes, but I’m willing to give it a shot.
Starting to write while watching basketball got me thinking about the irony. One of the keys to practicing mindfulness is to do one thing at a time.
Mindful Monday: Just Breathe
I don’t know about y’all, but my Monday started with a bang!
I woke before sunrise and am booked straight up until well past sunset tonight with work stuff. When I’m this busy with little space in between activities, I don’t always function at my highest level. Knowing this, I decided I needed some intentional breathing during each transition today and I wanted to share one in particular with you.
Authenticity vs. Oversharing
We exist in a time where oversharing is the hot thing to do. Social media, the Internet as a whole, reality television. There are a billion opportunities to glimpse everyone’s every thought or hourly selfie. It makes me uncomfortable. Not because I’m against some good old fashioned sharing, but I think this oversharing is often cloaked as authenticity.
Mindful Monday: When It's Hard
On Napping
Mindful Monday: At the Gym
This morning I went to the gym. Not entirely unusual as I’m making it a habit to do so. Even though I despise gyms! Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration. I can think of worse places to spend my time. Jail. Nuclear reactors. Office meetings. But since I don’t own a bunch of weight equipment and I’ve realized the importance of body building (Or simply to build stronger muscles to avoid injury from other more fun physical activities.), I got a gym membership.
On Being with Butterflies (Or Ways to Live a More Magical Life)
The painted ladies have taken over Southern California! I’ve seen them flitting about, showing off their gorgeous wings all over LA. I can’t tell you how many times a day I’ve stopped whatever I’m doing to simply gaze at them and take this special experience in.
On the Messiness of Life (Or Being the Dirty Kid)
Mindful Monday: Body Scan Meditation
A body scan meditation is a mindfulness practice that brings awareness to the body in the present moment. It focuses on the physical sensations we feel in every part of our body. It can be done in a short amount of time if needed to reduce intense emotions. Or it can be practiced for a lengthier amount of time (30-40 minutes) to delve deeper into mindfulness practice and create more peace and awareness overall.
Don't Confuse Drama for Passion
Mindful Monday: Acceptance
On How to Not Feel Overwhelmed (At Least When Choosing Podcasts)
I’ve always liked having choices. I enjoy a lot of things so I want the option to experience all of those things. But I’ve gotten to a point in life where I’ve become overwhelmed with options and instead of making choices, I’m paralyzed by the thought of having to make a choice. Or maybe life has become overwhelming with options…