A moment of pause in nature

To escape to nature is like the taste of candied ginger or an after dinner mint. A pause outside is a witnessing of flavors that dance upon the spiritual tongue and delight the senses, in turn cleansing the palette and readying the mind to one’s next adventure.

Thank you Mother Nature for your comfort, serenity and reminder to look and listen to all that you have orchestrated for all of us to enjoy. 🙏❤️🥰 

Self Work: Pause (Day 2)

Last night when I got home, I put on my workout cloths, leashed up Kip (my pup), and grabbed my favorite playlist and we headed out the door. We made it a mile-which considering I hadn’t run in over a year felt great!

We serendipitously met up met up with one of Kip’s best bud and his dog mom during our cool down walk. The puppies romped and we chatted outside (while maintaining our 6’ of Social Distancing). Kip and I eventually headed home minds cleared and legs tired, we both were so much more relaxed because of our dedication! Fresh air and pause points to laugh and smile had made all the difference.

This morning on my way into work, I felt the rainy mist on my face and the sweet morning songs of the birds as they began to wake and I realized that life is so very valuable when you stop and are present to yourself and the world around you.

So my goal is to continue those “pause” moments. I will reduce the use of my technology and spend more time being present to my senses (another therapist tip) and the world I’m actively living in.

Cheers everyone!
- Kate

And in case you need it, here’s some puppy cuddles from our sweet Kippers!

Self Work: Distract (Day 1)

Many of you may not know, but I am a person who has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, a symptom of which is anxiety. I am a weekly work in progress with the help of a therapist, with self inner work being focused on daily.

In honor of homework from my video conferenced therapy session yesterday, I am sharing one of my anti-anxiety techniques: Distraction (with a side of laughter).

Per my mindful coach, pausing when you feel your body tighten or when you realize your holding your breath is very important.

Step back for a moment and let your mind release that tension. Today’s homework technique, Distract!

Play the following video if you need a mini-laughter break today:

https://youtu.be/Jr7bRw0NxQ4

If you need to follow this up with holding space and honoring the emotion that you were feeling by: recognizing it and breathing through it- letting it wash away like a wave back to the ocean, or take your journal and write it out, or another favorite dance it out! You do you, friend! There’s no “wrong” way to be YOU!!!

Love and laughter to all!
Kate

(The non-therapist but coached by one, constant learning-recovering psychology minor)

Love Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Breathing in New Intentions

While finding my breath this afternoon-almost literally as I think for the majority of 2019 my body had forgotten what breathing meant- each sip of oxygen into my lungs offered an echo of space in my heart and mind as well.

I paused and smiled with a sunshine-filled-gratitude, that Yoga with Adrienne was not only holding space for this breathwork that my lungs and spirit so desperately needed but the meditation she shared was also allowing my body to stretch and move with her in my inhome yogic practice. Who doesn't love having the opportunity and resources to practice in home self care on one's own timeline, am I right?

As Adrienne guided me through the New Year practice I found myself daydreaming about yoga with Jessy (and Raquel and Paul) across the ocean back to India. Where the warm salty and floral breeze blew past our outdoor practice as we stretched our muscles and joints in the heat of Alleppey. 

The rest of that trip, two short years ago, was filled with plentiful laughter and frequent (abet obnoxious) sarcasm of Rob and my (much less obnoxious) beloved roomie of that time (and Rob's girlfriend), Christine, and memories of the fast friendships I made with their friends Morgan and Tarun. And of course I cannot forget my friends I met in Alleppey (Jeffin, Tinu, and George). What a wonderful adventure that trip was, filled with sunshine, delicious food and incredible tea and juice!

I think often of my other roommates over the years: Kim (and a second Kim!), Justina (again two of them), Sarah, and so many more college roomies. As well a those years of adventures with Tamara, Mark and Katie, Jean and Christine, then finally onto the last several years of adventures with my number one roomie (for life), my handsome fella, Shaun. Each one of you has been a mirror to my heart and soul in so many wonderful and beautiful ways. Thank you for all that you have shared with me. Your grounding energy and heart-filled hugs are deeply woven into my memories with each of you.

In 2020 I hope to see much more of each of you! Along with my extended family (the Wolfes, Fagans, Fitzgeralds, Willards, Ratcfliffs, Hawleys, Egans, and those who are family though not by blood all of those incredible Mother Hens and so many beloved friends). The nostalgic memories with each of you are closely entwined with the memories of Mom and all the more precious because of that.

This year I will spend more time in conversation, enjoying in person reunions, taking long dog walks and hikes, enjoying nature and yoga and road trips, and sipping delicious teas or coffees or beer and wine with each of you! And most importantly focusing on self care and creative passions-thank you for the consistent nudges and support (Kerry and Shaun)!! I adore you both so much! Cheers 2020 and may this year bring with it so many more memories and adventures to cherish in the years to come!