Welcome!

We have the gift and privilege of being able to come together in community. Earlier this month a group of us got together for an evening of Mindful Self-Compassion. The photo above is the space we gathered in at ESG United Church. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to connect, learn, and share. It was a wonderful evening and so beautiful to share space with so many lovely people.

THANK YOU!

BIG NEWS TO SHARE! My new website is live and I would love you to check it out: https://www.doublejstrategic.com/​

Mindful Tip

"A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day.

A string of such moments can change your life."

~Chris Germer

Like anything it takes practice to build mindful self-compassion so it becomes a felt sense and lived experience. It takes time and intention. I know from my personal journey and discovery of it that it has the power to support you with healing, finding inner connection and peace, and discovering a stronger sense of well being. My path is not yours. Each of our paths is unique and we cultivate it in our own way. What I can do is welcome you to discover that path and to share with you what I've learned.

How do you build mindful self-compassion with loving kindness?

1. Close your eyes if you can, otherwise if it's possible soften your gaze.
2. Put down anything you are holding onto and take a seat, if that's possible.
3. Take a few slow deep breaths.
4. Place your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder. Let your elbows drop softly to your chest or belly.
5. Gently squeeze your fingers against your shoulders hugging yourself
6. In your mind say - May I be loved, May I be healthy, May I be at peace
7. Repeat 5&6 3 times
8. Pause and take another nice deep breath then notice: how you feel, the sensations arising in your body, any emotions?
9. One more nice deep breath and open your eyes.

Mindful Poem

Part One - Burnt Norton - T.S. Eliot
​
​Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past.
If all time is eternally present
All time is unredeemable.
What might have been is an abstraction
Remaining a perpetual possibility
Only in a world of speculation.
What might have been and what has been
Point to one end, which is always present.
Footfalls echo in the memory
Down the passage which we did not take
Towards the door we never opened
Into the rose-garden. My words echo
Thus, in your mind.
But to what purpose
Disturbing the dust on a bowl of rose-leaves
I do not know.
Other echoes
Inhabit the garden. Shall we follow?
Quick, said the bird, find them, find them,
Round the corner. Through the first gate,
Into our first world, shall we follow
The deception of the thrush? Into our first world.
There they were, dignified, invisible,
Moving without pressure, over the dead leaves,
In the autumn heat, through the vibrant air,
And the bird called, in response to
The unheard music hidden in the shrubbery,
And the unseen eyebeam crossed, for the roses
Had the look of flowers that are looked at.
There they were as our guests, accepted and accepting.
So we moved, and they, in a formal pattern,
Along the empty alley, into the box circle,
To look down into the drained pool.
Dry the pool, dry concrete, brown-edged,
And the pool was filled with water out of sunlight,
And the lotos rose, quietly, quietly,
The surface glittered out of heart of light,
And they were behind us, reflected in the pool.
Then a cloud passed, and the pool was empty.
Go, said the bird, for the leaves were full of children,
Hidden excitedly, containing laughter.
Go, go, go, said the bird: human kind
Cannot bear very much reality.
Time past and time future
What might have been and what has been
Point to one end, which is always present.

Community News

Check out this section to discover how to get more involved in this community through weekly yoga and meditation classes, monthly workshops and events and unique retreats.

WEEKLY MEDITATION AND YOGA

Weekly Yoga Classes @ YogaTree Studios: to register for a class, click below and find the class that suits you best. I teach at Richmond Hill on Sundays and Wednesdays.

SPECIAL OFFER ALERT: if you have never been to YogaTree before, please let me know if you would like to come and try my class, and I will get you a special class pass.

Do you wonder if meditation is for you? Do you struggle with meditation? Do you LOVE meditation and are looking for a community to practice with? Join our FREE online community. We welcome everyone.

Click this link and join us at 8 pm EST every Tuesday on Zoom:

Meeting ID: 294 977 6047 and Passcode: admit1

​https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2948776047?pwd=K09Za0ZqeURpWnNONFZadFV4eVI4dz09​

OUR PODCAST - The ADMITONE RADIOHOUR

Are you looking for a new podcast to listen to? Do you like to be entertained? Do you enjoy storytelling, audiobooks, but in short audio form? CHECK THESE OUT. There are more than 25 episodes you can explore...

Monthly Meditation

Do you wonder if you should fall asleep during meditation? Do you feel guilty if you do? It's okay. It happens to almost everyone from time to time. The good news is, when you fall asleep you are listening to your body. There are no rules for meditation other than being present and tuning in and if your body is telling you it needs sleep right here and now, perhaps that's what's best for you. If you want to try a few things to help you be more alert here's a tip or two:

1. Meditate standing or seated for a change.
2. Try some movement exercises before you meditate to stimulate mind and body.
3. Try breathwork to help activate your body and brain.
4. Keep your eyes partially open, not fully closed but not wide open and wandering.
5. Be comfortable but not too comfortable.
6. Don't meditate where you sleep. Why? It will trigger your body and mind to think sleeptime. (this was difficult for me, I used to love lying down to meditate and doing it on my bed...zzzzzzzz).

Let's meditate...here's a version of the body scan that I love.

​

It gives me great joy to share content with you and discover new ways to connect. Please feel free to reach out at any time.

With gratitude,

Jen James

jen@admitone.ca