For One Brief Moment☄

Dec9

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It’s easy to forget what an amazing gift life really is. Our lives are nothing but a cosmic blink. Even our seemingly all-encompassing world is just a tiny blue dot circling an average sized star spiraling around a galaxy of 200-400 billion stars, which itself is just one galaxy among billions more. Yet for one brief moment, we get to experience the wonders of existence, of consciousness.

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Our brains are wired to find things we’re looking for – if you’re always cynical or waiting for things to go wrong, then your life will reflect that. On the other hand, having a positive outlook on life will bring you joy and provide you with inspiration when you least expect it. (www.keepinspiring.me)

 

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One of my favorite quotes is “We are what we believe”.  Some days we all could use an extra dose of positive energy. On those occasions, I find reading and sharing inspiring quotes helps me re-focus and affirms my belief in the power of our thoughts.

So, as we trim the tree and wrap our packages, let’s remember to give thanks and treasure each precious moment as we reflect on our blessings from God. 

 

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“Best and Worst of Times” A Reflection

Dec4

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My Very First Post

I believe new information, unlikely events, and seemingly out of the blue opportunities are put in front of us for a reason. They can reveal just the information we need to move forward with an idea or plan, an event that demonstrates or inspires up to do what’s been in our head, and opportunities to prove that we can do this; act on our dreams and take advantage of the situation to make them come true.

 

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I love FaceBook memories because they take us back to a particular point in time, a viewpoint we had at a snapshot moment in our lives. This recollection took me back to my very first post and the need I had in that instance to verbalize what was going on as my world was turning upside down.

 

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The impetus to re-post this piece, I believe, presented itself for a reason; to remind me where I’ve come from. By revealing my experiences it allows an opportunity to reach out to others and perhaps shed light or make a difference in my audience’s perspective.

Thanks everyone for reading, sharing, and following Livinginthemoment2015, you’ve made a tremendous difference over the past year with your encouragement and positive feedback. 💖

 

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First published on Blogger.com October 13, 2009

“Best and Worst of Times”

Husband laid off after 20 years! Starting our own business!! Moving to Charlotte!!!? What??

These are the “out of left field” string of events that lead to this blog. Even though I didn’t even know what that term “blog” meant until about 8 months ago, I knew I had to share my vision and excitement about what I believe is the rebirth of the entrepreneur.

 

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When I first heard the news about my husband’s layoff after 20 years of the same company, the first thought that hit me was “Yes! Now I’ll finally be able to get out of this freakin’, frozen tundra.” That reaction might sound odd but I looked at the layoff as an opportunity not a source of distress or panic. It felt like freedom to me and a chance for us to do something for ourselves, something we felt passionately about instead of giving our talents away to a company that viewed us as “just another body on the assembly line.”

 

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We can no longer rely on “The Corporation” to take care of us and guarantee retirement and pensions and stability. All our beliefs about the safety net of “The Corporation” have been turned inside out. It doesn’t matter what level – management to mailroom- all bets are off! No one is safe. We are all vulnerable. But, if we’re not afraid and have heart, we can beat the system at its own game.

Somewhere along the line, we forgot that it’s the small, mid-sized businesses and entrepreneurs that are the backbone of this country and our economy. We forgot that “we the people” have the power to direct our own destiny and we don’t need to rely on “The Corporation” to fulfill our “American Dream.”

Corporations may be slashing the positions of their “best and brightest” for the sake of the shareholders and the bottom line but in the end, it will come back to bite them. More and more of us are starting our “own thing”. With social networking and media, we’re tapping into alternative methods to realize our potential and thinking in terms “outside the box.”

 

 

These are truly the “Best of Times and Worse of Times.” The best of times because of the chance to get back to basics. To create our own blueprint of the future. One that advances our society to the next level. But it can also be the worse of times if we don’t take advantage of this moment to reach for new heights and change our shared destiny.

 

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Re-reading a piece or thoughts you had in the past can be very eye-opening and an opportunity to reflect on your life since then. How have you changed? Do you still feel the same? Or, think it was utter nonsense and naivete?

Reading this post again after several years, my first thought was I still believe every word and subscribe to that optimistic attitude on life. Use chaos as an opportunity to change, move forward, and create a new opportunity.

 

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Faith and Dreams of a Lifetime🙏🏽🛫

Nov29

 

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I never cease to be amazed by the blessings in my life. The lessons I learned during my battle with Colon and Breast Cancer on patience and being present in each moment have deeply affected my concept of what it means to be. Each second is so precious and to under appreciate that fact robs you of the truth of happiness.

 

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On March 22nd, the date of my final Chemotherapy treatment, I made a promise to myself to fulfill a lifelong dream of experiencing the beauty of Florence, Italy in the Spring.

Well, as I often say, God is good every day, because not only will I embark upon my Florence adventure in the Spring of 2017, but, as the cherry on top, I also snagged a killer deal on 2 tickets – 2 ROUND TRIP TICKETS to Italy for less than $1,000 dollars! Am I blessed or what?

 

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Florence, Italy

At first, I just sat on my sofa and stared at the numbers on the computer screen. Did I enter the wrong destination? Is this fare for Florida? No! After calling Delta Airlines, who confirmed the legitimacy of the price, those bad boys were mine. And, today I sit in anticipation of this amazing gift while researching day trips to Venice, Tuscany and Rome!

 

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I’m still pinching myself and giving praise. Thank you, Lord, for your love, your grace, and your favor.

One of the reasons I share my journey is to serve as a living testimony to the power of Faith. When you pursue your goals with Faith, you can live the life you desire and witness your dreams come true.

 

Keep the Faith!

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Thanksgiving Prayers🙏🏽🦃

Nov24

 

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Every morning I thank God for the blessing of rejoicing in another day. And, every night I pray for God’s grace and favor and protection for family and friends. “Safe, healthy, and happy”. My nightly mantra.

Image result for prayer handsSharing a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones is a blessing in and of its self. Having food on the table and a roof overhead is a luxury not everyone can look forward to. As we bless one another let’s remember those without. Reaching out and sharing should be part of our consciousness as I believe that we are our brother’s keeper.

 

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My cup runneth over sharing another Thanksgiving, this time cancer free. Looking back over the past year I celebrate from a joyous and “woke” state of mind. No matter how dismal and bleak the world may seem, it’s always important to remember that we are only here as flesh and blood for a blink in the Universe of time. 

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Our spirits can soar and our lives can be rich. It’s all us to us. What we believe becomes our reality. This Thanksgiving and every day let’s embrace love and compassion. Live each moment with mindful purpose and set free positive energy into the Universe; for the benefit of all, reaching out and understanding that we are one. Let’s make it our mission to look beyond our facades into the hearts and dreams of all humanity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Blessing as Angels Abound🙏🏽

Nov17

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One of the truths I’ve learned and continue to experience is the presence of Angels. Walking the path of my cancer journey, I have encountered beautiful Angels sent to guard and support me every step of the way. My first Angel appeared not an hour after I was told of the Colon Cancer. She called to let me know everything was going to be alright.

On that life-changing day as I sat on my sofa with pen and paper in hand trying to figure out my next move, God had already handled it. My Nurse Angel proceeded to set me up with a Second Opinion Clinic and shared the much-needed news that it was covered by insurance. As the process continued, she scheduled appointments with my Oncologist and after the devastating news of my Breast Cancer diagnosis connected me with my incredible, talented breast surgeon.

 

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Going into the unknown of my first Chemotherapy treatment I met two more Angels who wrapped me up in their wings and supported me, made me laugh, and provided comfort and continued faith that I had this. Absolutely! I had no doubt this was the case because God held my hand and had indeed sent them as gifts from Heaven.

My surgeons, medical personnel, and fellow cancer patients have all proved to be smiling Angels that remain influences in my life and commitment to living mindfully with a positive attitude.

 

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Today I’m moving forward with my life cancer free and celebrating the dawning of each new day. Regular massages used to be a part of healthy pre-cancer times but sadly had to be put on hold since traveling the cancer road.

Recently, I took advantage of a great Groupon deal for my first massage in over a year. My body was so tight and has been in such need of the release of tension and toxins that were pumped into my body. Entering the calming, aromatic environment I instantly felt relaxed and welcomed. 

 

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Once again, Angels abound in my incredibly blessed life as I encountered a kindred spirit who walks in the light of positive energy and sees her Purpose as reaching out with healing hands to extend a heartfelt message of love and compassion.

As she relieved the knots and massaged the bubbles of toxins from my body, this Angel also fed my spirit. We chatted about love and our collective souls. How significantly a simple smile or gesture can impact another person’s day; she believes as I do, our unified love is so much stronger than the toxicity of hate.

 

 

Maybe the world we find ourselves living in at this moment can be used as an opportunity to have a revolution of Love. To embrace one another no matter how familiar or foreign. We are more alike than different and maybe these times are a slap in the face to say WAKE UP! Don’t take this life for granted. Be a vessel of light and compassion. Believe in the power of  Love.

 

Angels abound and Love is their message.

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Faith + Strength + Action = Power ✊✌🏼

Nov12

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Growth can come when we feel we’re at our lowest point. Finding myself fighting colon and breast cancer strengthened my resolve and faith, allowing me to put fear aside and trust in the power of prayer and God’s grace.

 

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Faced with devastation and shock, a period of mourning is an inevitable conclusion. However, like my cancer journey, we must respect our feelings of sadness but ultimately get back up and go forward with the fight. This is where I find myself today, dealing with recent events, my first step of picking myself back up.

 

It may not always be easy, but this is where the opportunity comes for growth. 

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We must not give up or give in. Fight from a place you never knew existed and know that the struggle is real.

 

The struggle continues.

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Let Love and Compassion Lead the Way💞

Nov7

 

One of the promises I made to myself and the Universe during my cancer journey has been to broaden my scope of awareness. That’s not always easy. In living our day to day lives we can get caught up in the grind and mundane routine of getting up in the morning, going to work (whether inside or outside the home), trying to check off all the items on our to-do list, going to bed and waking up to perform the entire exercise all over again.

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We want the best for ourselves and our families and in trying to achieve our goals can start to take a very myopic view of the world around us. I have been blessed for the positive by my fight against colon and breast cancer. Every morning I shout out, thank you God for waking me up to see another day and curing my body of cancer. Material possessions don’t have the same meaning anymore. At the conclusion of every day, I pray for the safety, health, and happiness of my family and friends. 

 

Love and compassion, as the Dalai Lama said, is essential for humans to survive. Once we lose the ability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and realize that just because it doesn’t affect us doesn’t mean it’s not important for those affected. I am a proud, progressive, liberal and want the best for mankind. People have the right to live their lives the way they want and it’s not my job or right to dictate for others.

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Love and compassion mean respecting the rights of others and not placing judgment on our fellow man and woman. If what you want hurts someone else it’s unacceptable. Plain and simple. Your rights do not trump the rights of others and being inclusive is an essential requirement of being human.

 

We can’t survive living in a world of hate. Hate is about fear of the unknown. Fear of others and sadly about hating oneself. I believe it all boils down to this quote from Buddha:

 

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So, in the name of Love and Compassion, let’s reach out a helping hand and pray for the mercy and grace of us all.

 

 

Girl Power – ROAR!🦁✌🏼

Nov2

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Ideas for my posts are an organic experience which I love. The revelation, the elation, and joy at sharing ideas and thoughts with you.

This time while I was on my daily walk and listening to music, which I always do, Katy Perry’s tune “Roar” came on my playlist. I’ve heard it before, even at a rally for Hilary Clinton with President Obama but this time was different.

Like many others, I’ve been feeling beat up by the news, this election, and all the hate speech on social media. But suddenly, I felt this revelation. In one week, this country is going to elect the first woman President of the United States. That’s big time incredible!

 

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The lyrics to “Roar” are perfect for Hilary’s lifetime experience of being in the spotlight and enduring unending scrutiny. She is a fighter and has gotten knocked down but gets back up and brushes off the dust. My successful fight against colon and breast cancer is all about this fighter spirit.

 

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Women stand on the shoulders of American suffragists, social activists, abolitionists, and leading figures of the early women’s rights movement like Elizabeth Cady Stanton (November 12, 1815 – October 26, 1902).

 

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Her Declaration of Sentiments, presented at the Seneca Falls Convention held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, is often credited with initiating the first organized women’s rights and women’s suffrage movements in the United States. She was president of the National Woman Suffrage Association from 1892 until 1900. (Wikipedia)

Stanton and the suffragettes took the vote. It wasn’t given. Women fought and died for the right to voice opinions and have a say over our destiny.

 

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Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) an American politician, educator, and author took up the mantle and in 1968 became the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress. She represented New York’s 12th Congressional District for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. (Wikipedia)

In 1972, she became the first black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. In 2015, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Women are badass! We have to do everything not only backward but in heels. We give life, we make a home and make a way out of no way. There are men who fear us and to this day still don’t want us to have a voice or control even over our reproductive rights.

 

An African American chapter of the Suffrage Women’s League
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So, let’s not get caught up in all this hype and drama. This is happening. She will be elected and on November 9th we’ll look back over the past year and a half and finally be able to celebrate this historic accomplishment and let out a collective ROAR!

 

Mindfulness-Meditation-Affirmation🙏🏽

Oct29

 

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My experiences fighting colon and breast cancer played a tremendous role in my consciousness. My self-awareness was heightened by coming face to face in a real way with mortality.

 

But the fact is, you don’t have to experience some tragedy or moment of truth to start living a mindful and conscious life. The purpose of this post and the current series – “Mindfulness and Meditation” by Dr. Richard J. Davidson is to provide a life opportunity to learn to appreciate the silence in meditation and the awareness it brings.

 

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My wish is to be a conduit for making it a practice to live in the here and now, not the past or the future. Realize that NOW is the only reality there is.

So, as I promised in my previous post, this lesson’s Meditation Technique is:

 

“The Body Scan”

A Sensory Experience of the Body. 

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This practice will focus on:

• The systematic review of regions of the body.

• Connect the mind to what we’re experiencing physically.

• Improve our Focus and Intention.

 

Guided Meditation

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Led by Beverly Hays Center for HealthyMinds

University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Make yourself comfortable. Sit in a chair and allow your back to be straight, but not stiff, with your feet on the ground. You could also do this practice standing or if you prefer, you can lie down and have your head supported.

  • Your hands could be resting gently in your lap or at your side. Allow your eyes to close, or to remain open with a soft gaze.

  • Take several long, slow, deep breaths. Breathing in fully and exhaling slowly.

  • Begin to let go of noises around you. Begin to shift your attention from outside to inside yourself. If you are distracted by sounds in the room, simply notice this and bring your focus back to your breathing.

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  • Slowly bring your attention down to your feet. Begin observing sensations in your feet. You might want to wiggle your toes a little, feeling your toes against your socks or shoes. Just notice, without judgment.

  • Perhaps you don’t feel anything at all. That is fine, too. Just allow yourself to feel the sensation of not feeling anything.

  • Move your attention up to your ankles, calves, knees, and thighs.

  • Continue to observe the sensations you are experiencing throughout each region of your body. 

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  • Let your attention expand out to include the entire body as a whole. Bring into your awareness the top of your head down to the bottom of your toes. Feel the gentle rhythm of the breath as it moves through the body.

  • As you come to the end of this practice, take a full, deep breath, taking in all the energy. Exhale fully. And when you are ready, open your eyes and return your attention to the present moment.

 

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When we ground ourselves in meditation practice it benefits not just us but others as well. It reminds us to take the time to ask – “How am I feeling today?” What emotions am I aware of?

The practice of self-awareness in our physical body helps us better connect with our emotions. 

I love the idea of Meditation without judgment as a basic premise. Knowing that it’s okay to accept what is and move on. Understanding that loving oneself is paramount to loving others. We are all connected and when we reaffirm love for ourselves it can allow us to embrace and forgive others.

 

The Universe dictates that Love, Compassion, and Empathy are the essence of what our lives are meant to be. As John Lennon once wrote:

 

“I am the Walrus”

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Cultivating Well-Being With Mindfulness Meditation🌞🙏

Oct24

Mindfulness and Well-Being Techniques to build Compassion and Empathy

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What’s Your Emotional Style?

Being diagnosed with both Colon and Breast Cancer at the same time heightened my self-awareness big time! It slapped me in the face and said, “girl, you better appreciate each precious moment you’re given because this fight is fluid as is life.”

I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone but facing your mortality can be seen as a blessing. It affords you a second chance to treasure your life, family, and friends, like never before.

 

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Since then, I’ve made it a priority to cherish the time spent. Heck, I even named this blog, Livinginthemoment2015, marking my year of living with cancer and its impact.

However, you don’t have to wait for some tragedy or moment of truth to start living a mindful and conscious life. Take advantage of this post and the current series – “Mindfulness and Meditation” by Dr. Richard J. Davidson and use it as an opportunity to learn to appreciate the silence in meditation and the awareness it brings.

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Make it a practice to live in the here and now, not the past or the future. Realize that NOW is the only reality there is.

 

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“Certain meditation exercises have been proven to lower stress, anxiety, and depression. They have also been shown to change the self-awareness, attention, and resilience dimensions of emotional style.” Dr. Richard J. Davidson

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The goals of Dr. Davidson’s meditation techniques are:

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° To foster a routine of daily practice for cultivating well-being.

° Establish a simple meditation process taking a few minutes a day.

° Recognition that one size does not fit all.

° Making meditation work for you.

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This lesson focuses on the technique of “Mindfulness Breathing Meditation”

 

 “If we can pay attention to our breathing, we can pay attention to almost anything.”

Guided Meditation

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Led by Beverly Hays Center for HealthyMinds – University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Sit comfortably, spine straight and strong but not rigid, body relaxed. Release any tension in your jaw, shoulders, neck or anywhere that you may have the habit of holding stress. 

  • Breathing through your nose, take a gentle but deep inhale. And as you release the exhale, allow your eyes to drift closed, or if you prefer, just lower and soften your gaze. Begin to turn your attention inward, taking a moment to notice your inner landscape, the state of your mind.

 

 

  • Are there emotions present? Are you sleepy or energized? Mind buzzing or calm? Without forming an opinion or passing judgment, just notice this.

  • Now, with a deep inhale, imagine that you are gathering in any mental residue from your day. Any problem or unfinished business that is tugging at your attention. And with a complete exhale, release it, and see it all drop away.

  • Notice your breath as you set your intention to be present for this meditation.

  • Letting the breath come to you, without attempting to change or control it. Just notice as it falls into a natural rhythm.

  • Breathe in, breathe out. When thoughts arise, which they will just notice them, and let them pass away.

  • Gently return your attention to breathing. Calming, centering, constant. There is only this moment, this breath; connecting mind and body.

  • When you’re ready, take a deep, intentional inhale, and with your exhale, release your attention to the breath, and open your eyes.

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“As you move through your day, it may be helpful to remember that breath is always with you and can be used, in the moment, as a method to calm and focus your mind.”

 

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I use this Breathing Meditation to take myself out of my surroundings and re-focus on feeling centered and present. Taking a body scan* is also an effective way to gauge your emotions. Do I feel anxious, tension, pain? Being aware of your emotions helps with empathy and compassion. Often times we lash out at others when feeling anxiety or anger. Recognizing this internal state can allow us to halt the impulse and take a breath.

 

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Why are we feeling this way? A lot of times our anger has nothing to do with the moment or the person on the receiving end. I know I’ve been guilty of holding onto anger until finally exploding over something that has nothing to do with the current situation.

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* “The Body Scan Meditation”

Next time we’ll delve into this technique to garner a further understanding and awareness of self; using the silence of meditation to practice being in the moment and your present self.