I have been feeling a bit over-scheduled lately. Over-committed, over-socialized, over-stimulated, etc. I say this while also recognizing I do this to myself. (I promise complaining is not the point of this newsletter.)
One excitable part of me has a lot of interests and gets easily carried away. Another part of me craves quiet and freedom. They are not enemies, although sometimes they argue. The trick is helping them get along.
When I notice myself getting off-balance, it’s time to change up what I’m doing. Lately I have put a moratorium on future commitments, I have blocked off some days for alone time, and I’ve tried to slow way down. Pull back, slow down, check in. What do I actually need in this moment?
I practice this kind of mindfulness a lot with my clients. I think of mindfulness as a state of mind that we move in and out of throughout our days. Being mindful helps us see what is actually happening inside and outside of us, without judgement. By slowing down and being more present, we give ourselves the opportunity to choose how we want to respond.
I also like to remind my clients that mindfulness is a RE-centering practice. If we assume that getting distracted or off-balance is normal and inevitable (which it is), then the work is in the coming back. Every time we call ourselves back to the present moment we can consider that a win, rather than a failure every time we wander away. Learning to cultivate resilience, instead of perfection.
So I slow down and recenter. I come back to myself again, and I celebrate that as a success.
Take care,
Naomi
Announcements/Resources:
I have openings in my caseload for new individual clients. Sliding scale & superbills available.
I’ve been invited back by Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP) to facilitate a free online community workshop on Wed May 21st on celebrating our cultural heritage. After April 16th you can sign up here.
Some recent delights:
When I was in Portland, we stumbled upon a Clown March in defense of Joy. Clowns! Everywhere!
If you’re into experimental, ambient, psychedelic rock, check out Darkside.
This weekend I co-hosted a creative share party where every attendee shared something that they made. We sampled custom cocktails, heard about various art projects, and watched somebody create a beat live. What delight!