The words above were found while I was scrolling through my Instagram. I am unsure of the author, but the post came from tinybuddha.com. The words resonate with me for many reasons. One reason is on a personal level, experiencing change and growth throughout my life, learning how to say goodbye to ways of being that no longer serve a purpose in my life, has led me to a happier life. From this growth and experience, I now offer that guidance in my Coaching.

The words "heartbreaking" and "scary" are feelings that we all have felt. Having the ability to learn from those times are the challenge. However, on the other side of the challenge is joy. Getting there is a painful and scary process, but a beautiful one. I always think of the process of how a butterfly becomes a butterfly. It starts out as a caterpillar, eating and doing what it can to survive, then decides it's time to change. The butterfly creates a chrysalis and goes inward, so to speak, to make the changes necessary to successfully become a gorgeous butterfly.

Adaptability is a benefit of Mindfulness. A regular practice of Mindfulness can help us become aware of our patterns. When a pattern continues to create "heartbreak" we become aware of that pattern, thus allowing us to change our perspective of it. Having the awareness and growing from this awareness leads us to a better life.

When we make the necessary changes and growth in our life, it reflects on everything around us. Think about how you feel when you see a beautiful butterfly fluttering around you. That's the feeling other's feel when they are around you because you have made the incredible changes in your life.

Sunday mornings, for me, have always been a time to reflect about life. A time to slow down and think about all the things in life that are true blessings. Of course, everyone has their view of what a Sunday morning means to them. 

This morning I drove about 35 minutes to attend a yoga class that was guided by a woman I met at a Thanksgiving gathering this past week. We immediately began talking about Mindfulness and yoga. The conversation went on like we had been friends forever. Walking away from our conversation, I knew that I would benefit from attending Lisa's yoga class despite the drive. 

This morning's class focused on gratitude and we worked on opening our hearts. The energy in the air was very peaceful and soothing. Throughout the entire class I felt a sense of connectedness with everyone in the room. Together we joined in being present and aware that without each other's presence the class wouldn't have flowed the same way. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity and to have made a new friend. 

Another magnificent benefit of Mindfulness is the ability to guide us towards experiencing more positive relationships in our lives. Mindfulness has been shown to increase empathy, therefore reducing conflicts. With an increase in empathy, there is a better understanding of others and their points of view. Our daily interactions are filled with a deeper sense of learning and we have a better awareness of how we interact with others.

As my Sunday morning began on a beautiful note, I hope that you all have a day filled with love! I am grateful for you for taking the time to read my post. Blessings!

Emotions are feelings that we have on a day to day basis regardless if we want them or not. In the movie, Inside Out, the main characters just so happen to be the main emotions that we experience in our lives. Featured in the photo to the left are the characters, (and emotions) of Joy and Sadness. When looking at the photo, one can see right off the bat that Sadness is frozen in thought and the feelings of sadness have taken over. On the other hand, Joy is waving, smiling enjoying the moment. She is standing in front and very confident in being present. Personally, I focus on Joy in the picture because she is energized and vibrant.

We have all experienced times of sadness in our lives. This emotion is inevitable, however understanding it, processing what caused it, and getting yourself to a place to let it go is a challenging but beautiful process. 

A benefit of Mindfulness is the ability to regulate our emotions. With a regular practice of Mindfulness, one can understand and allow an emotion to be present. By sitting with the emotion, one can be aware of it and be curious on how the emotion came about. Giving oneself the space to respond to it and take the necessary steps to figure out what is best to do in letting it go in a healthy way. By doing this, one works inwardly and doesn't create more sadness for themselves and others involved.

I find that thinking about all the things in my life that bring me joy helps guide me back to a better sense of awareness. Especially after processing pain or sadness. The feelings that arise in me when focusing on the  joy and things that I am grateful for in my life are the feelings that I prefer to feel. Thus centering me to enjoy what is in front of me at the present moment. 

There is so much to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving day. I hope all of you had a day filled with joy. 

Let's walk gently into this holiday season with our hearts filled with light and love.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by for a Mindful Moment!