It’s been a lot lately… a LOT. Roe vs Wade was overturned, Highland Park shooting on July 4th, Jayland Walker, Uvalde, EPA, January 6th hearings and on and on…. it is simply too much for our human brains and hearts to process and bear. So in these times of grief and anger, I am always reminded to turn inward. To remember my TRUE nature as a human being is to stay connected to the Divine - both in my outer world through nature and also WITHIN me.

Connection to truth and healing is always available to us if we stop looking outside of ourselves and instead choose to turn inward. This is why ‘Introspection’ is one of the 4 Pillars of the MINDful Method for Self-Care (created by yours truly).

MIND in the MINDful Method stands for:

Movement

Introspection

Nourishment

Downshifting Practices (or down-regulating the Nervous System)

And given all the chaos that surrounds us in our world, I thought it might be helpful to provide you with some of my favorite journal prompts to help you turn inward an in effort to cultivate more inner peace:

• I feel most at peace when...

• I feel connected to the Divine/God/Universe/Spirit when...

• One way I show myself care and kindness is when…

• What am I in control of at this moment?

• What are 3 small, but joyful things I can do today?

• One thing I can do to infuse my day with more peace is…

• When I am at peace, my body feels…

Putting pen to paper is such a powerful way for us to check in with ourselves to create a touch point for reflection & recalibration.

Another strategy to help me recenter and find some peace is through meditation. I know, I know. You are probably rolling your eyes but finding a meditation teacher who’s voice and style really resonates with you is a powerful way to help you reset, tune in and gain perspective. My current favorite guided meditation comes from Andy Hobson via Insight Timer. You can download the app for FREE (iOS & Android) or check out Andy’s Mountain Meditation here.

Here is a note from Andy about this meditation:

“Bring the qualities of a mountain to your meditation practice and life. Life can send us all sorts and at times it can feel too much. But deep down our beautiful hearts can hold it all, the pain and darkness, the light and joy, as well as the mystery and wonder if life unfolding. May your inner mountain be your guide. Take care and go well. -Andy”

Sending you so much love, peace and hope.

And don’t forget:

Take time for yourself. It matters.

Right there with you,

Sondra