Barbara Schmidt's Blog, page 41

5 Self-Sabotaging Habits

The theme of this blog came to me the other week when I was in a real funk. I felt unmotivated, uninspired, had low energy, and felt like I was in a major rut. When I finally recognized that I was being a major bummer, I started to notice what exactly I was doing, feeling, thinking, and saying that contributed to my sad state. I began to notice the habits that were leading me down a rabbit hole and keeping me stuck there.

I started to write them all down because if I’m doing these things and feeling this way, chances are you have (or currently are) as well. I discovered that I was sabotaging my own happiness with these little habits that I didn’t even realize I was doing. Here are the top 5 habits that really brought me down, and what you can replace them with if you’re feeling down or upset.

Self-Sabotaging Habit #1: Subconsciously Comparing Yourself

While I know comparison is a true buzz kill, I noticed that I had started a non-stop comparison reel in the back of my mind. This is a true step to anxiety and unhappiness. We are all on different paths in life and there is no need to compare ourselves or our journeys with anybody else’s. Instead of comparison, honor where everyone else is, and most importantly, honor where you are right now.

Self-Sabotaging Habit #2: Pushing Down Your Feelings

I sometimes get on this kick that I have to be happy all the time, so when feelings of unhappiness or sadness come around I start to stuff them down because I believe I should be past these feelings already. Feelings are apart of life! The more you push them down, the more they will return, and sometimes with a vengeance. When you are feeling something, allow it to come up, notice what it might be trying to teach you, honor it, and then allow it to pass. Don’t try and force yourself to be happy 24/7. It is in the contrast of our feelings that we are able to be truly grateful for the happiness and joy that can be a part of our lives.

Self-Sabotaging Habit #3: Multitasking

When I’m not truly present (aka multitasking), I start to feel down. When my energy is spread all over the place, I start to feel exhausted, unclear, and lacking in the confidence that I truly desire. Sometimes we can get so caught up in being on our phones, while watching TV, while eating dinner and chatting with friends (all at the same time) that we forget that we aren’t being truly present. Make the conscientious effort to do one thing at a time. You’ll feel better instantaneously.

Self-Sabotaging Habit #4: Overthinking Everything

When you’re not feeling your best, you tend to overthink every single thing. Your mind goes into overdrive on how it can fix something, or how you can mentally plan your way out of whatever you’re going through. Our brains are incredibly powerful and useful, but sometimes they just need to take a break. Instead of trying to plot your way out of something, try saying a simple prayer, asking for help and guidance, and releasing the need to control everything. The universe will do for you what you cannot do for yourself, promise.

Self-Sabotaging Habit #5: Not Remembering to Stay in Faith

Faith is huge. Believing that all is well and that everything is working out for your highest and greatest good is what transforms people’s lives from mediocre to extraordinary. I believe that even all the self-sabotaging habits and challenging times were given to me for a reason. Having faith will lift you out of any rut and bring you back into the light.

I hope shedding some light on these habits will help you to staying positive on a daily basis! Remember, that even the difficult times, too, have purpose, even if you can’t see it while you’re in it, try to take heart that it will pass and you will see the light.

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Xoxo, Michelle

8 Important Reminders When You Are Finding it Hard to Forgive

This week we are going to talk about my favorite F word. . . forgiveness! I think we must always remind ourselves the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness can bring us some of the most life altering and block busting lessons of our lives, but it is also the one thing that many of us resist. Forgiveness essentially is releasing someone or something that you perceive has harmed you in someway; it is a form of letting go, which we know can be very challenging. Forgiveness is also a massive form of healing and the ultimate act of love. As I was in the process of writing this post, I heard this quote from one of my favorite teachers, Gabby Bernstein, “Forgiveness is a gift you bestow upon yourself”.

Many of us know in our hearts that we must forgive our past, our harmers, and even ourselves, but our minds may tell us to hold onto grudges for protection. If you are in need of reminders on why forgiveness is so important, here are some I have for you:

1. Remember that we are all just doing the best we can with what we have been given.

2. Remember that holding on to grudges keeps you stuck in the past; release what’s happened and be hopeful for the present and the future.

3. Remember that things happen for us not to us. Dive deep into what you can learn from the troubling situation.

4. Remember that resisting forgiveness is a version of fear. Ask yourself, “What am I afraid of?

5. Remember that forgiveness sets you free; you are strong and capable of letting go of the things that don’t serve you.

6. Remember that forgiveness is a journey that takes time.

7. Remember that even if you feel like you can never forgive, the simple act of being willing is enough.

8. Remember that sometimes the biggest gift you can give is to forgive yourself.

I hope these little reminders help you! Also remember how much you are loved! If there is something you would like to forgive and share with us for support, let us know in the comments! Sending lots of love your way!

xoxo Michelle

June Peacemaker Spotlight: Q&A with Quentin Vennie

This month’s featured Peacemaker is Quentin Vennie. He is a writer, speaker, wellness expert and author of the forthcoming memoir The Hardest Truth (Rodale, 2017). He continues to share his experiences growing up in Baltimore, the impact poverty has had on his life, and how he overcame addiction, an anxiety disorder, and depression using his personal ‘Trinity of Wellness.’

Through his many philanthropic efforts, coaching and speaking, he aims to continue motivating and inspiring people to rediscover their truth, while helping them uncover the tools needed to rewrite the story of their lives. He is living proof that it’s never too late to become a better version of yourself.

PMPL: What does the phrase Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life mean to you?

QV: The phrase Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life speaks to the consciousness of our being. It represents purpose and intention. We cannot truly have one, until we have first mastered (or at least practiced) the other. Without a peaceful mind, how can anyone truly have a peaceful life?

This also lends itself to the concepts of happiness and success. All three are things that we strive for daily, yet so few of us are able to adequately obtain. They are all one in the same. While many of us spend time chasing them separately, we miss the realization that each one is merely the byproduct of the other.

So in a way, it’s the simplistic complexity of their relationship that makes them all seem evasive. However, in order to acquire any of them, one must be intentional in their beliefs, words and deeds, while remaining faithful and in-line with their purpose.

PMPL: At Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life we encourage people to find their daily practice, and practice it. What are your every-day must do’s to stay balanced and centered?

QV: I believe that consistency is key, no matter what the desired result. My non-negotiables are morning meditation and a daily green juice. They set the standard for what my day is going to ultimately become, both mentally and nutritionally.

I find that I’m less likely to get irritated or make irrational decisions if I begin my day mindfully. The same way that I’m less likely to eat poorly if my day starts with a nutritional boost. I think they are both of equal importance.

As you know, anxiety and stress are major issues for many people right now. What are your top tips for reducing anxious thoughts and managing stress?

I’ve battled anxiety and clinical depression since I was 14 years old, and was officially diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorder at 27. It’s a daily battle to manage, but the one thing I realized on my journey that completely changed my relationship with it was: I accepted my worst case scenario.

Chronic anxiety is a bully. It feeds off of the fear it projects. It causes the sufferer to not only fear the attack itself, but also fear its impending return. What I’ve learned to do is adjust my reaction to it whenever it is present. Instead of running from it, I speak to it… I acknowledge it… I stand up to it, and by accepting my worst case scenario, I take away its power. What is there left to fear if I’ve already accepted my worst case?

PMPL: You often talk about your struggle with addiction. What gives you the motivation to stay on course in your sobriety?

QV: What keeps me on course in my sobriety is the fear of returning to who I used to be. So many of us look at fear as a negative thing, and it can be in many instances. But in this one specifically, I’m using fear to my advantage. I know what it feels like to not want to live anymore, to be confined to a hospital bed, to have your loved ones look at you in disappointment. But most importantly, I know how it feels to grow up with a father on drugs and I refuse to have my children experience that. My desire to give my kids better than what I had is what fuels my fight to remain sober.

PMPL: What is your best piece of advice for someone to overcome obstacles to inner peace and happiness?

QV: My best piece of advice for anyone trying to overcome obstacles related to inner peace and happiness is: if you can’t change the circumstance, change the way it affects you. Happiness is relative and obstacles are inevitable. We all experience them in some way or another. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to prevent them. However, we can change how we allow them to impact our lives.

The only thing we have dominion over is ourselves— thoughts, words and actions. It’s important to utilize that control in order to manipulate obstacles to work in our favor. Obstacles aren’t designed to prevent us from happiness, they’re designed to make us strong enough to maintain it once we get it. Anyone can find happiness, but how many of us can keep it? Once your perception changes, so does the rest of your life.

PMPL: What is your favorite inspiring quote?

QV: Wow, I have quite a few. The one that really stands out to me is, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” by Haruki Murakami. That quotes speaks to how we live our lives. We can’t avoid pain, but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer. We can either survive or really know what it’s like to live— and I choose to live.

Letting Go of Romantic Relationships

Let’s be real. Romantic relationships are really challenging at times. We have talked a lot about how relationships (and especially romantic ones) are our biggest platforms for spiritual growth and teachings, but one of the true challenges in relationships is letting go when the time comes.

They say that it never gets easier to recover from a broken heart or dissolution of a relationship that we once cherished, but as seekers of inner peace and fulfillment, there are ways to let go with grace and find meaning and purpose in the pain. Often the biggest disappointments and heartaches lead us to breakthroughs and transformation. Believe me, I say this from my personal experience.

I went through a romantic relationship and subsequent breakup that completely changed me. It was dysfunctional, co-dependent, and at times abusive, AND it was also the most transformational relationship I have ever been in. Why? This relationship forced me to look at myself and to truly understand, love, and connect with me. This relationship, that took me so far away from who I truly was, is ultimately what brought me back to my own self-discovery.

The period of letting go is what brought me so much reward, and as time passed, I ultimately was able to see the value, the lessons, and the growth from the pain. Here are some of my biggest takeaways in letting go and how to find the silver lining during difficult times.

– Remember that this too, shall pass. Just like the relationship that ended for you, so will this time of struggle. When I was going through my difficult time, my mom gave me a bracelet that had “this too shall pass” inscribed on it. I wore it always, and it was a beautiful reminder for me and became my affirmation; “time changes all.”

– Don’t be afraid to feel. Often we want to appear strong and unaffected by the end of a relationship, which is not real. Relationships are huge parts of our lives! Do not rob yourself of the time to grieve what has ended.

– Take note of your role in the relationship, and what you learned moving forward. Relationships end for a reason, whether there’s dysfunction or it simply wasn’t meant to be, find the lesson from each one. Honor the relationship for what it was, and have gratitude for what it taught you. Allow it to empower you as you move forward with more knowledge and strength than before.

– Resist the urge to fall back into unhealthy patterns to avoid feeling alone. I clung to dysfunction for five years of my life because I was terrified not to be in a relationship. I was scared of being alone, of feeling rejected, and of looking at myself and figuring out who I was and what I wanted. True growth comes from resisting the familiar and the comfortable to find something even better that’s on the other side of your fears.

– Find relief in things that bring you joy. The loss of a relationship can leave holes in our lives. What a wonderful opportunity to fill those holes with people, hobbies, and activities that bring us pure joy. Choose to look at this time as a gift you are giving yourself; a return to happiness.

– Jump into a love affair with yourself. Ultimately, letting go is about connecting back with YOU. It involves picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and cultivating a deeper sense of who you are as you step back out into the world. The road to self-discovery is a lifelong journey and oftentimes is painful and challenging. But oh, is it worth it. Take comfort in knowing that we all go through times of letting go, and find peace in knowing that it can be such a gift. What better present to give yourself than space from a relationship to truly master who it is that you really are.

I hope these takeaways are helpful for any of you going through a difficult time. I would love to hear your thoughts on letting go! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!

xoxo Michelle

Feeling Your Way to Feeling Better

How are you feeling? What are you feeling? Do you know? Are you able to tap into your true feelings at any given moment? I’ve recently noticed in myself that I have been living very surface level with my feelings. I will feel the general variety of feelings, but don’t always dive deeper to truly feel. Deep down, I think we tend to avoid our feelings because of fear. We fear what the feelings truly mean.

Feelings are your radar; they are a signifier of what is going on for you. When we push down and close out our feelings, we disconnect from ourselves. We may think that feeling certain feelings makes us weak or less than, but when we allow the feelings to actually come through, recognize them, work through them, and release them, we come out stronger, wiser, and more in-tune with ourselves.

Being in tune with your feelings is a constant practice (like most things in our lives!).

We must set the intention to desire to know our feelings and ultimately truly know ourselves.

Though feeling your feelings is a practice, it is also very simple and can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Intend to feel

2. Be present in each moment

3. Notice how situations, people, places make you feel

4. Journal or jot down any common thought patterns or emotions

5. Sit in loving contemplation on past situations that trigger these feelings

6. Have gratitude for yourself, honor yourself, and love yourself regardless of the feelings you are feeling

7. Ask for any feelings blocking you from true happiness be dissolved and released

Put this on repeat as often and as much as necessary.

We are human beings; we have been through a lot of difficulty, trauma, and strife. We are not made of stone, and thus we are meant to feel. Don’t deny your humanness, and don’t deny yourself the feelings that come through that ultimately will bring you healing.

How do you manage your feelings? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!

xoxo, Michelle

Noticing What We Take In

I really love sharing what helps me feel good every week in hopes of helping you feel great as well! One of my biggest passions is to talk about the mind, how our thoughts affect our reality, and what we can do to be a powerful creator for our own lives.

While we all know that we cannot control what goes on around us or how other people act, I firmly believe that we can manage what happens internally, in our own minds, which ultimately influences our mindset, our outlook, and our life path. The mind and the thoughts we think are everything. We can meditate, repeat mantras and affirmations, and focus on the breath daily, and still have a sense of agitation and unease. Have you ever taken the time to stop and evaluate what you are letting into your mind on a daily basis? Though the tools we use to clear out the toxins of the mind are important, it’s equally as important to filter what we bring into our minds as well.

There are a few areas where we tend to allow negativity and toxicity in without even realizing it. As we know, acknowledgment is the first step! I have broken it down for you here to give you the awareness so that you can make conscious choices for allowing what goes in to your precious minds!

Entertainment: Including music, books, television, and magazines, we spend so much of our time watching and reading for pleasure. How does the entertainment you choose affect your mindset? Have you ever watched a scary movie and then had nightmares that same night? This is the perfect example of how the entertainment we choose affects what goes on in our subconscious. Choose wisely!

Internet: Including social media and news outlets, the Internet has become a huge source of how we keep in this world. Do you follow people on social media outlets who secretly make you cringe or uneasy? Do you constantly click refresh on your favorite news site to keep tabs on the latest heartbreaking newsbreak? While I value these outlets for making friends, family, and breaking news available, remember to notice how these things make you feel, and to remember that you can choose not to participate. un-friending, unfollowing, and closing the browser is an absolute act of self-care!

Socialization: We are the company that we keep. Do you have people in your life who tend to put a negative spin on absolutely everything? Do you have friends who encourage negative behaviors? We have all been there. Take a stand and choose to be around people who lift you up, inspire you to be the best version of yourself, and who talk about issues, ideas, and dreams that light you up and that matter in this world.

Are there other areas of your life that could use a detox? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!

xoxo, Michelle

Celebrating Wayne Dyer: 15 Favorite Quotes

Today is Wayne Dyer’s 76th birthday. I say is because this giant of a man still lives on in the energy of this planet, with the legacy of his work, and through his beautiful family. He has been referred to as the “father of motivation,” and when I hear this today, I focus squarely on the word father. I was privileged to attend Wayne’s memorial service, and one by one his children came up and shared personal stories about their dad. We all laughed, cried, and were inspired by the unconditional love and care that poured out of each story. Each one was authentic, personal, and loving. I left there feeling that I had just been with a family who deeply love each other. I believe Wayne’s true gift to the world is a loving, giving, caring family.

We would like to honor Wayne on his birthday with some of his family’s favorite quotes and stories, as well as some of our own favorites.

Love,

Barb

1. “Love is my gift to the world. I fill myself with love, and I send that love out into the world. How others treat me is their path; how I react is mine.”

This quote is a favorite quote of Skye Dyer‘s. She shared why it is meaningful to her: “I can’t control what other people think or do, but I can control my thoughts and actions. I want to always act and think from a place of love.”

2. “Don’t look for reasons to be upset.”

Marcelene Dyer explained why this is one of her favorites: “I think all of us can stop and be aware of changing our view point and choose peace. We know how precious life is, and this reminder brings home our awareness of honoring life.”

3. “You have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now.”

Michelle and I founded Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life to inspire all beings to find their source of inner peace, love and happiness, feeling empowered to live an inspired life. This quote of Wayne’s embodies our mission and vision perfectly.

4. “You’ll see it when you believe it.”

Michelle Maros chose this quote because it has helped her shift her view on life, and it has encouraged her to believe that anything is possible. She refers back to this quote often.

5. “The ultimate ignorance is the rejection of something you know nothing about, yet refuse to investigate.”

This quote is important to Skye Dyer. She explains what it means to her: “I think most of the misunderstandings in life stem from our lack of investigating what we don’t know or understand. This makes so much sense to me, and I see it happen all the time. We judge people or a situation when we don’t have a connection to them/it. When we take the time to learn about someone or something, that is when we truly grow.”

6. “Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves, without any insistence that they satisfy you.”

Skye Dyer wrote, “I love this quote so much. The first time my dad said this, it resonated with me. I was a person trying to control my loved ones, and that is not real love. Hearing this quote changed my life. All my relationships flourished when I stopped interfering, and it also freed me from my need for control.”

7. “When the choice is to be right or to be kind, always make the choice that brings peace.”

8. “No one can create negativity or stress within you. Only you can do that by virtue of how you process your world.”

9. “If you believe it will work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you’ll see obstacles.”

10. “Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed.”

11. “You cannot fail, you can only produce results.”

12. “When you stay on purpose and refuse to be discouraged by fear, you align with the infinite self, in which all possibilities exist.”

13. “Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.”

14. “Each experience in your life was absolutely necessary to have gotten you to the next place, and the next step, up until this very moment.”

15. “Banish doubt. When doubt is banished, abundance flourishes and anything is possible.”

Serena Dyer explained that when it comes to her father, she can’t think of him in terms of just one quote or piece of advice. Serena shared:

“To put it simply, for me, my dad has been the single biggest force of love I have ever encountered. He always looked within himself to change, even when situations were tough, rather than looking outside of himself and expecting the conditions that were making life tough to change for him. He didn’t judge. Period. I mean he really didn’t judge and that was so comforting to witness. He never compromised on what his dharma was- even if it meant having to miss out on family things or personal relationships. He came here with a purpose and he never allowed anything to get in the way of his ultimate calling. I find that so inspiring.

He loved me and I felt his love every moment we were together, every time we spoke, even every time I screwed up. I really, really felt his love, and that has always been the best feeling in the world to me. The amount that I miss him is so vast and indescribable. So privately painful. The longing to have him back in the way it was is so great, and yet I also find peace in his absence as I always knew I wouldn’t have him forever. He talked about death so frequently and I know he looked forward to shedding this coat for the next one.

I feel so grateful he is my dad. I don’t have any favorite advice, But I have 30 years of watching a master at work. A master of love. He just wanted me to always come from a place of love. To always find a way to love, even in the most difficult of people or circumstances. I guess that really would be his greatest lesson to me. To love. That is what I could boil it down to. Love.”

Happy Birthday, Wayne! Thank you for all you have taught us.

With love,

Michelle and Barb

If a certain quote, teaching, or memory of Wayne comes to your mind today, please share with us in the comments below.

May Peacemaker Spotlight: Q&A with Ziva Meditation’s Emily Fletcher

In celebration of May’s National Meditation Month, I thought it would only be fitting to go straight to the mediation source for this month’s Peacemaker spotlight. It is our true desire for everyone reading this blog to incorporate a daily meditation practice into your lives. This month’s Peacemaker, Emily Fletcher of Ziva Meditation, was a catalyst to truly cementing my meditation practice into my life.

About a year ago I felt called to sign up for Emily’s three-day meditation course. I truly knew it was everything that I needed, and what I was looking for to benefit my spiritual practice. The three days I spent with Emily in this training changed my life. Emily’s charisma, wide-ranging knowledge, and crystal clear guidance made meditation something I was excited about, and something that I truly wanted to stick with for the rest of my life. This is why i just had talk with her and get some wisdom to bring to you. She’s life changing, and you must get to know her!

PMPL: What does the phrase Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life mean to you?

EF: If you have a peaceful mind, then a peaceful life will follow. The body is a physical out-picturing of every thought that we think, so is our life. It is impossible to live a rom-com of a life when you have a horror flick playing inside your mind.

Meditation is the fastest tool I know for creating a more peaceful mind. Interestingly the technique we use at Ziva has nothing to do with “quieting the mind.” Thoughts are not the enemy of meditation, effort is. So if you have ever tried meditation and felt like a failure because you couldn’t quiet your mind, then you may dig the style we teach.

PMPL: At Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life we encourage people to find their daily practice, and

practice it. What are your every-day must do’s to stay balanced and centered?

#1 is obviously meditation. I do 20 min twice a day, non-negotiable. Sometimes more if I am teaching a lot. If you don’t yet have any training yet that amount may feel frustrating. If you are starting out on your own I would begin with about 5 min before breakfast or coffee.

I eat a lot of raw fat to keep my brain happy, drink hot water in between meals to reduce the acid in the system and I spend as much time as possible with my dog Mugsy.

I also have a morning routine that has been revelatory for me, you can see here.

PMPL: You often say that you should practice meditation to get good at life, not to get good at meditating. What are some of the most profound life benefits that you’ve

experienced since incorporating your meditation practice into your life?

EF: Meditation cured my insomnia of the first day of my first course. That alone was game changing. Since then it has reversed my gray hair, I haven’t been sick in 8 years, and I am happier than I have ever been.

PMPL: What is your best tip for carving out time in your schedule to meditate and what has been the key to keeping your meditation practice consistent?

EF: Make sure you start with training from someone you respect and find a technique you love. Many people think meditation is hard, those people usually don’t have any training. Meditation is like any other skill, it takes a bit of practice and a good teacher and then I promise it can be enjoyable.

The other not-so-secret secret is to schedule it! Put it on your calendar like you would a lunch date with your best friend or a meeting with your lawyer.

Take out your planner and schedule your meditations for the next 30 days. When your reminder goes off, treat it like it’s a work meeting: don’t press snooze or try to push it off. Just take the time for yourself, knowing that you’ll be refreshed— and in fact, more productive— on the other side.

PMPL: Anxiety and stress are major issues for many people right now. How does a meditation practice help counteract these feelings?

EF: The style of meditation that I teach at Ziva was actually designed to remove stress from the nervous system. When we meditate we de-excite the body, which has the opposite neurochemical effect of the stress response. So it dissolves physical sensations of anxiety and stress in the moment, but it also begins to remove the buildup of stress that we’ve accumulated over a lifetime. As we shed all of that accumulated stress, we start to feel a lot more capable of handling challenging situations. It’s not that the situations themselves are any different; it’s that our response to them is less stressful. I have many, many student who came to meditation specifically because their stress and anxiety were getting in the way of their lives, and today they report a drastic difference in how they experience high demand situations and day-to-day life.

PMPL: What is one of the more surprising benefits of a meditation practice?

EF: Believe it or not: great sex! Stress chemicals put a damper on your sex life. Meditation not only combats this by lowering cortisol levels, it helps heighten your senses, strengthen your sense of connectedness, and be more present in the moment. All of those things help kick your sex life into high gear. It can also make you more fertile. We have zivaBABIES popping up all over the place, so if you are not looking to get pregnant then take care.

PMPL: What is your favorite inspiring quote?

EF: What you seek is seeking you – Rumi

More About Emily:

Emily Fletcher is the founder of Ziva Meditation and the creator of zivaMIND, the world’s first online meditation training. Emily was inspired to teach after experiencing the profound physical and mental benefits meditation provided her during her 10-year career on Broadway. Now regarded as one of the leading experts in meditation, Emily has helped over 1,600 high performing individuals integrate this practice into their fast-paced, modern lives.

How to Incorporate Meditation into Your Daily Activities

By now you know that it’s National Meditation Month. Hopefully along the way this month, you’ve received some insight on the benefits, importance, and tips on incorporating a meditation practice into your life. One of the biggest blocks that hinders people from sitting down to meditate is the lack of time. We are busy people with busy lives. It can feel like time is this elusive treasure that we are constantly chasing, and we are constantly looking for more. While I always recommend a dedicated, sit down, traditional meditation practice, I do believe there are other ways to incorporate a meditative mindset into our lives. Meditation can be beautifully woven into our day-to-day activities, if we give them the attention and presence they deserve.

Ultimately, meditation is about bringing us back to the present moment. Though we are taught that multi-tasking is the best way to be, living presently and focused is the true path to inner peace and outer success.

Here are some ways you can incorporate meditation into daily living, without any extra time out of your day!

Eating— Many of us eat while reading the paper or watching TV. However, you should give the food that nourishes your body attention and love! Not only will you feel more centered, you’ll also have more awareness of signals from your body telling you you’re full, what you’re craving, and much more, which ultimately leads to better health!

Driving— We all know the perils of distracted driving. When I was a kid learning to drive, my mom never let me listen to the radio while behind the wheel. She had a good point. When operating heavy machinery at high speeds, it’s so important to be mindful and fully present. Your safety and the safety of those around you depends on it!

Socializing— When you’re with other people, are you truly with them, or are you distracted? Make a dedicated effort to truly be with others. Look people in the eye, let them know that their presence is important to you. I promise you, your relationships will drastically improve.

Exercising— Allow your physical fitness to be your moving meditation. Connect with your mind, body, and breath.

Sleeping— Allow yourself to go into your sleep in a peaceful, present way. Try dropping technology or other distractions, and be with yourself as you let go of your day.

How do you incorporate meditation into your daily life? Let me know in the comments below!

How Meditation Changed My Life

In honor of National Meditation Month, on this first day of May, I want to share with you my personal experiences with meditation, how it has changed my life, and the practice I use on a daily basis. I remember not too long ago when I was a kid, my mom would tell us every morning and every evening that she was going to the back room to meditate. At this time, meditation still seemed very woo-woo and strange. In fact, my dad and I would tease her, asking her what she really did back behind those closed doors. Though I didn’t understand what it truly was at the time, I have been aware of the importance of a meditation practice for the majority of my life, and I am so grateful for it.

Even with this long history of meditation in my life, I didn’t decide to incorporate the practice into my own life until pretty recently. While in my 200-hour yoga teacher training, I started to hear more about meditation, my teacher preached the benefits, my classmates discussed their practices, and I began to realize that this practice that my mom had been doing for years wasn’t so foreign or woo-woo at all, it was legitimate; it was a true way of life.

Now, I meditate everyday, twice a day. It is a true part of my daily routine like brushing my teeth or eating meals. Since incorporating my meditation practice into my life I have noticed:

– A stronger connection to myself and to the world

– More self-confidence and self-awareness

– Less stress and anxiety

– A deeper sense of knowing and stronger intuition

– Stronger feeling of guidance and living life in the flow

– Confidence to say no to people, places, and things that don’t serve me

– Clarity to know what I want

– Drive to go after what I want

– Willingness to forgive and release those who have hurt me

– Surrender to the unknown

– Find peace with my physical form

…to name a few.

If you are new to meditation, take it day by day. Spend a minute of silence each morning before getting on with your day. My teacher Gabby Bernstein always says to those who say they don’t have time to meditate, “Do you have time to feel like shit?” And it’s true. Take the time for you, for your practice, so that you can be the best version of yourself daily. Don’t try to be the best or compare your practice with others. Cultivate the practice that works and feels good for you. When you’re intimately involved in your daily practice, you want to practice it, and you enjoy the time spent in stillness. You grow to truly love and cherish it.

If you already have a meditation practice, I would love to hear your daily rituals and routines in the comments below!

Happy meditating!

xoxo, Michelle