Embodied Practices With Marlo

So I had this lofty goal of doing some landscape paintings this weekend but I never got around to it. Instead I did paint swatches of what I have in my watercolor palette.  And I realized something. I realized that sometimes we can't force a goal or an outcome. We can want it, but we can't force it especially if maybe we are too tired or we are simply aren't motivated or inspired to do it. So what does this have to do with mindfulness? If you are thinking of having a mindfulness practice, whether traditional in the case of sitting meditation or your form of mindfulness is painting or drawing but you can't seem to do it that day. Then don't do it.  One day of no practice isn't actually bad for you. Just acknowledge that's happening + don't force yourself to feel like you should.  I think part of being mindful is wanting to do it. Feeling inspired to do it as opposed to adding a check mark to that goal. So if this how you feel today much like how I've ...

  My needs have changed when it comes to my mindfulness practice.  There I said it. A part of me has felt guilty in some ways but I'm also thinking that if my needs have changed over the course of time, why do I need to berate or make myself feel guilty for something that can come naturally? Do I still meditate? Yes but most of my meditation practice is doing self-compassion breaks via through Kristin Neff or Chris Germer. The practice is short, sweet + gets to the heart of the situation + that matches more my personality. And what do most of my mornings look like then if I don't meditate? I read! I read books that make me happy + put a smile on my face because life has been hard at times + reading for the mere pleasure of it is good enough for me. When I'm struggling somehow, then I do a self-compassion break + I simply make a point to listen to what I need in that moment.  So if your needs have changed + you feel like you are "failing" because you aren't doi...