Finally took a pause. You would think starting my day off with a self-love guided meditation, that it was going to go swimmingly. Well, not exactly. Seems like having a day off, my mind is on, on, on. Addressing things, some more important than others, stressing over details, bathing myself in negative forecasting, when what … Continue reading When Anxiety Gets the Best of Me
Tag: spirituality
Feelings Are Fleeting
One of the main lessons of mindfulness is that feelings, as well as thoughts, are fleeting. We must learn to ride their waves, instead of being engulfed by them. I found it interesting that on Saturday as my daughter and I did art together, I had the desire to paint my nails—letting one layer dry … Continue reading Feelings Are Fleeting
The Riches of Childhood
I often think back to my childhood and miss how nurturing it was, how safe I felt. In comparison to how daunting adulthood can be—when all the responsibilities lie on us. I miss the house, not only cuz it was safe and full of love, but because it was substantially bigger than what I can … Continue reading The Riches of Childhood
Squeezing the Life out of the Lemon
This afternoon I was making breaded chicken. Cooking more elaborate recipes is a new coping mechanism developed by pandemic-related stress. Yes, breaded chicken is fancy in my book. I also first made challah last spring, also related to being stuck indoors and needing a pandemic-friendly outlet, as well as a toddler-friendly activity for my daughter. … Continue reading Squeezing the Life out of the Lemon
Setting Intention for Self-Compassion
My initial thoughts about having a new employee observe me today were, “I hope I don’t get too self-conscious and mess up.” I noticed the incessant thoughts projecting what it would be like to train a new employee again. I observed the tension I felt in my heart. The pressure. Pressure. Like I need more … Continue reading Setting Intention for Self-Compassion
When Past and Present Collide
I had a dream last night which featured characters from my current life in Atlanta merged with those from my childhood. The Atlanta doctor who delivered my daughter 4 years ago had a house that was a remodeled version of a notable landmark on my childhood bus route in Westchester, NY. There was a last-minute … Continue reading When Past and Present Collide
Self-Love in the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book)
Being raised as an Orthodox Jew, the Siddur (Jewish prayer book) played a prominent role in my education. As a young adult, I paid even closer attention to the words of the prayers and their historical context and significance. In later years I became less by the book, literally, and didn't recite them regularly. Instead, … Continue reading Self-Love in the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book)
Mindfulness and the Tree of Knowledge
After Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge, they saw reality in terms of good versus bad. They had a subjective opinion about how things were going. Prior to that, they were solely objective, seeing things as G-d did, living in alignment in action and thought with G-d. If we think about the … Continue reading Mindfulness and the Tree of Knowledge
Phone Down, Hand on My Heart
How many times do I reach for my phone to distract me from an uncomfortable emotion? A lot! That’s why I’m taking yet another mindfulness course to remind me to take a breath, put my hand on my heart, and feel the sensations of the emotion in my body. Instead of being overwhelmed by the … Continue reading Phone Down, Hand on My Heart
The Road to Work is Paved with Good Intentions
This morning I did the mindfulness practice of RAIN, a mnemonic discussed by Michelle McDonald and Tara Brach, which I learned with my mindfulness instructor Yael Shy. It is used to help someone be present with their emotions. It stands for: R: Recognize A: Allow I: Investigate with Kindness N: Non-Attachment/Nurture Recognize is to name … Continue reading The Road to Work is Paved with Good Intentions
Mindful Nuggets 