Embodied Practices With Marlo

  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...

  I was waiting for the train to go to work a couple of days ago + as I was standing, I decided to do an informal + quick mindfulness practice.  This is a great informal practice that you can do anywhere as a way to reconnect with yourself. And remember, this is an informal practice, you can do this for 30 seconds, 1 minute or longer + all dependent on you and your needs!  Here are the steps/suggestions/directions: Take a moment to notice where you are right now.  Are you in line at Starbucks or waiting for your train to arrive. Just take a moment to notice where you are.  What do you see? Do you see buildings, trees or other people? And now slowly + mindfully notice how you are sitting or standing. What is your posture? Are you standing tall or sitting down slouched over. Notice how you stand or sit.  And now, notice your feet. Feel your feet. What sensations do you notice? Are your feet achy, tired or sore? Do you feel tingling sensations or no sensations...

We can use any of our sense perceptions when engaging in a mindfulness meditation practice.  I created this Sound Awareness Meditation recording because sometimes it is really hard to connect to our breaths in a mindfulness practice. I know what that feels like. Sometimes doubt festers in my own mind and I find myself asking the question, "Am I purposely changing my breath?" For others, a breath practice may not be conducive due to respiratory issues, health issues or some may just find the breath claustrophobic due to past or recent trauma. Sound Awareness Meditation Suggestions to better guide you when doing the Sound Awareness practice Listen to the sounds without labeling them or needing to identify with them. If you find yourself identifying or creating a compelling story, kindly take note of it and come back to listening. Notice how the sounds and pitch feel in your body. Sometimes a good question to ask to get you back in your body is, ...