“On this path no effort is ever wasted,
no gain is ever reversed;
even a little of this practice will shelter you from great sorrow.”
– Krishna counsels Arjuna in the “Song of the Blessed One” (Bhagavad-Gita 2.40, translated by Stephen Mitchell)
The wisdom of these words sinks into my heart as I reflect on the past year. It is indeed comforting to remember that no effort is wasted, that even when it does not seem so, I remain on the path of spiritual growth and evolution.
This week, my inspiration comes from all of the solicitations for donations I’ve received in the mail. One organization that called to me was Women for Women, helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. I’ve decided to sponsor a woman for just $27/month and I invite you to do the something similar. Even just writing a letter to these women is of immense value. I feel so grateful to be able to reach around the planet to extend a hand of friendship. If an ongoing contribution isn’t possible for you, consider a smaller donation. Together, we make a difference! 100 people giving just $5 each makes a $500 donation!
What are your intentions for actions to make a difference this week? How will you be the change?
Brook Montagna, Mindfulness Coach & Spiritual Life Coach
The time between Thanksgiving and New Years can be a whirlwind of activity, when shopping trips take three times as long as usual and every joyful cookie exchange means an extra hour or two in the kitchen. Mindfully choosing your activities can keep you grounded in the moment, but to truly enjoy the holiday (or any) season, you also need to create space for…nothing. When was the last time you turned off the television, turned off the list making in your brain, and simply sat on your couch?
I invite you to think about the mindfulness practice of Mindful InActivity. Taking time to be quiet, to reflect and recharge, will deepen your enjoyment of the season and your contribution to those around you. It will also help you enter the New Year with a fresh perspective and clear vision of things to come. What does it really look like, this mythical quiet time during the holiday season?
Take some time for meditation and journaling each day to listen to your inner guidance. You may be inspired to write in your Gratitude Journal during this time.
Include free time as one of your activities, time for being mindful and to just BE. In order to protect your quiet time, you may need to say “No,” to a few activities that do not align with your values. Mindfully consider each holiday activity and set your own pace.
Each day, several times a day, remember to slow down, take a few deep breaths, relax, and remind yourself to connect with inner peace in the midst of the commotion of the festivities and preparations. You’d be amazed how pretty your holiday decorations look from the comfort of your couch!
What can you cross off your schedule this week to take time for Mindful InActivity?
Brook Montagna, Mindfulness Coach & Spiritual Life Coach
Did you ever try to remember details about past holidays and find that they all blur together? When I noticed this, I realized it was partly because my family celebrated exactly the same way every year. More importantly, I recognized my tendency to become less mindful as I got caught up in the busyness and activities of the season. I seemed to go into ‘auto-pilot’ mode where I let myself be swept away by the tide of traditions and family expectations.
That’s when I decided to begin mindfulness practice to be more mindful and create something uniquely memorable about each holiday. To do this, I needed to SLOW DOWN so that I could consciously consider and wisely select each holiday activity. And I needed to remember to be more fully present for each activity that was so carefully chosen. This process of Mindful Holidays, the conscious choice of activities and participation in my own unique way, was quite liberating. With mindfulness practice, I am less concerned about appearances, judgments or expectations. By being mindful, not only have the holidays become more memorable, but they’ve also become a lot more fun.
Mindful Holidays are an avenue to greater meaning, creativity, and joy. As you enter you’re your holiday activities, I invite you to pause and find ways to participate with greater mindfulness.
You may want to start by giving yourself permission to live true to your values this holiday season. Set aside some quiet time to explore your own reasons for the season.
* Is this time of year important to you because of the spiritual traditions? How can you participate more fully in ceremony and celebration this year?
* Is this the time of year when you revel in parties and socializing? Would you have more energy and love to share if you chose to attend fewer (or more) functions?
* Is connection with family the highlight of your holiday season? In what ways can you engage more fully and authentically with every member of your family?
* Is your health high on your values list? In what ways will you take excellent care of yourself this season – physically, mentally, emotionally?
Take time each day to review your schedule and make sure that you are focused on activities that represent your values instead of blindly rushing from event to event.
If you feel that an activity you don’t usually enjoy cannot be changed, then set the intention to deepen your mindfulness and attention to experiencing the activity fully, rather than getting stuck in negative thoughts about it. You will experience the activity differently – who knows, it might even seem fun again!
What will you choose for yourself this holiday season? Give yourself permission and freedom to make it your own. Make it the best holiday ever! Why not?
Brook Montagna, Mindfulness Coach & Spiritual Life Coach
“Is what we call our full potential anything but being fully alive this very instant with all there is? Our “bliss” is living immediately, undefendedly open – in touch. Is this love?”
Toni Packer
Yes, Toni, I believe it is. Love is all around us, within us, and IS us. My work as a Mindfulness Coach and Spiritual Life Coach is helping my clients, and myself, use our mindfulness practice to access this great love.
This is the season when we are reminded to give thanks. In the whirlwind of family events, how do we take time for mindful gratitude? One way is with a Gratitude Journal, a special book devoted to listing the things, large and small, that enrich our lives. If you have one that you’ve been neglecting, now is a great time to revisit it. If you don’t, consider finding a few quiet moments each day to list ten things you are grateful for. Choosing to focus on your gratitude list first thing in the morning creates a positive outlook for your whole day.
Another place where we focus on our gratitude is at the Thanksgiving table. This year, I invite you to slow down. Ask each member of the family to express their gratitude for one small blessing. Look at the food on your fork and express gratitude for that bite of food. This mindfulness practice brings you into the moment and centers you. Look at the person next to you and express gratitude for one of their special characteristics. Sharing small, simple thoughts of gratitude can help unify the people at your table and deepen the experience of eating together. And you probably won’t overeat if you are practicing mindful eating!
Today, my gratitude list includes ‘Bighearted Friends’ and ‘Good Health.’ Next week, Kathy Hartley, my friend and owner of the Lavender Inn in Ojai, CA, is generously dedicating 3 days at her beautiful bed & breakfast to support 10 women, all undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. The women will be treated to gourmet meals, spa treatments, massages, workshops and support for moving on with their lives. I will be providing personal life coaching as part of the program and, as I prepare to meet with these women, I am reminded of the preciousness of life and to take time to be grateful for each moment.
What are you grateful for?
Brook Montagna, Personal Life Coach & Spiritual Life Coach
I’m glad you’ve found my mindful living blog! Here you’ll find inspiration and guidance for everyday mindfulness. As a life coach, I work with clients to develop positive patterns of thought so they can get the results they want out of their lives. My goal here is to provide readers with some of the same tools. This blog will help you create a life that matches your inner truth, goes beyond ego struggles, and rests more peacefully in the present moment. I’ll address relationship issues, spirituality, a mindful approach to social and environmental issues, career issues, health and wellness and mindful living, staying present in your daily life. Enjoy!