Midsummer check in...

Summer always flies by. We are already halfway through July. Now is the time to enjoy being outside while keeping safe. For me, that means slathering on sunscreen, always having my hat nearby, ensuring I have my sunglasses and a big bottle of water, and packing up everything the dogs need to be with me. I find myself wanting, needing, balance and time now more than ever. The moments I have with my hubby (the love of my life), friends, family, and work partners are all precious to me. I am grateful for the time I have and get to spend. My want to be present in these moments feels greater than ever. It tugs at my mind and my heart. Perhaps it sounds easy. If you want to be present, be present. I know, from experience, that it isn't always so. Being present takes practice and is the foundation of mindfulness. I have returned to the basics of my mindfulness practice over the past month, reconnecting to the present moment and cultivating my awareness. We know based on research that mindfulness has the power to change our brain and the physiology of our bodies in positive ways resulting in improved mental and physical health (American Psychological Association, 2019).

Below, I will share a few ideas on how you can be more present...

Mindful Moment

Tips for Building Presence

1. Try single-tasking vs. multi-tasking: believe it or not, statistics confirm that multi-tasking increases stress and the likelihood of errors and lower productivity (this includes media multi-tasking) (Becker et al., 2013; Mindfulness Educators, 2019)
2. Small dose the future and the past. The past is part of our story and our experiences, making us who we are. Think of it like a vacation; visit for a little while and come home to the present moment for long durations. The same with the future.
3. Savour. Practice savouring moments; each part of it.
4. Try letting go. The big and the small. Challenge yourself to walk away if it's not significant. Challenge yourself to allow yourself to move forward.
5. Breathe. Whenever you need to, no matter where you are, connect to your breath. Focus on it. Let it be an anchor for you.

Mindful Poem

Linger Even A Little by Grace

Let the lilt of the falling water call,
Let the sudden birdsong still me,
Even for a moment.
Linger a little, notice the exhale,
Notice the bare feet on the good earth
And go with the impulse to smile.

Maybe a kindly thought will arise,
A recollection spark gratitude.
Maybe this faithful friend Mind
Will whisper which lovely companion
needs a word, a touch, a shared laugh.

Dear Heart, linger a little
At the end of the outbreath.
Maybe a magic will happen
Life living, flowing, illuminating,
Till every common thing sparkles,
Even me!

Monthly Mindful Meditation

We find our way back to the present moment by cultivating awareness of breath.

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It gives me great joy to share content with you and discover new ways to connect. Please don't hesitate to reach out at any time.

What's up and coming...

Join me for my monthly mindful meditation to practice your present-moment awareness in community...you can find more information about the upcoming session on my website here: https://www.doublejstrategic.com/classes/online-classes​

With gratitude,
Jen James
jen@admitone.ca
​https://www.doublejstrategic.com/​

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