Hi Reader,

In another effort to create an atmosphere of calm (and not the usual one of panic and overwhelm) this season, I’m leaning heavily on my mindfulness practices.

Typically, the more stressful a time is, the more I need meditation, breathwork, mindful coloring and general stillness. The less time I have to do it, the more necessary meditation becomes.

It helps with the anxiety and gives me a better ability to focus and concentrate (which makes it easier when things get added to my days, as they do this time of year).

And it helps with everything else that I am always working on: patience, intention, compassion.

Mindfulness, of course, is difficult on its own for many of us 🙋🏻‍♀️. But, it is a key piece in simplicity, slowing down, intentional living.

If you don't have a mindfulness practice, I invite you to consider developing one.

The research is solid. Mindfulness is great for almost every part of our lives: increased patience and compassion! Better sleep! More focus! Reduced stress... the list is lengthy. It helps our bodies, our relationships, our work.

Starting your practice can be difficult, but embrace that discomfort. It’s part of the benefit.

And, if meditating isn't for you, a few other practices that will cultivate the habit including:

• Practicing observation. If you're waiting somewhere, look around and see what you notice. What do you see, hear, smell, feel?
• Breathwork. Even deep breathing in the shower each morning will help. But a formalized breathwork practice is amazing.
• Yoga or any other exercise without distraction, even a walk (without a podcast!)
• Get outside and notice the sun.
• Listen to music. Make this the only thing you are doing.
• Single-task a usually mindless task and focus on the sensations. I love to do this when I wash dishes after the kids go to bed.
• Play with your kids. Put everything away and focus on the play and their conversation.

If you'd like a year of prompts to get you started and help develop your mindfulness practice, I invite you to take a look at A Year of Mindfulness, 52 weeks of guided mindfulness practices.

Each Monday, you'll receive a gentle nudge, some guidance, along with themed exercises and a reflective journal. You'll also receive additional resources to support you along the way.

I’ve been working on this over the past year and have deepened my own mindfulness practice. Join me, and together we'll see transformation, we'll come home to ourselves, we'll savor the joy and heal the hurts.

Yours in peace,

PS Yesterday, I mentioned that since I published my Everything page, I want to tell you about it.

So, each day for the next week or so, I’m going to highlight a product that I think you’ll love in hopes that you’ll check it out.

If you use the coupon code FALL24, you’ll get 20% off everything. Including A Year of Mindfulness for just $19.20.

PPS If you purchase A Year of Mindfulness this month, and want to upgrade to the Raising Slow Membership, you’ll get your first month free (and get it for $19/ month instead of the $29 it's listed at). You can read more about it here.

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When you're ready, here are a few way we can work together:

- Looking for an all-encompassing way to find the presence, connection and joy in motherhood you've been searching for even when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and pulled in every direction? Join Peaceful Mamas here.

- Interested in leveraging the power of breathwork for calm, creativity, and energy? Get on the Breath to Bloom waitlist here.

- Curious about all the ways to embrace mindful motherhood, slow down, find ease and a little fun? Click here for everything I offer to go from overwhelmed to thriving.

- If you want access to all of it, join the membership here. You'll get every single thing I offer at your finger tips. Cancel anytime.

Let’s nurture a peaceful and present path together!