Plunge into Calm
Happy Tuesday! Here is what is inspiring me this week...
Breathe.
I often feel compelled to discuss the science and health benefits of breathwork, but for me, the most profound benefit is the breath's ability to bring us home. The breath serves as an anchor, guiding us to the ever-present stillness within. You don't have to take my word for it or rely on a study; let experience be your teacher.
Try it: Join me tonight (7/23) at 8:30 PM CST on Zoom for a 15-minute practice. Register and get the zoom link here.
Move.
This weekend my husband and I travelled to the Bay Area for a quick getaway and meditation workshop with Henry Shukman, a Zen teacher and author I greatly admire. While we were there, I was reminded of how fun it is to explore a new city on foot. Although there is beauty in walking in silence, there is also something incredible about walking and talking. There is clearly something to it, as many therapists have started incorporating walking and talking into their therapeutic offerings. Now that I've ditched my Apple Watch, I also found it liberating to not track my heart rate, elevation, distance, or steps and just walk and be present.
Be Human.
It was an absolute joy and gift to sit with Henry this weekend. He is an incredibly captivating speaker with a great sense of humor. His writing and teachings are powerful and poetic, yet clear and relatable. Throughout the weekend he read passages from his latest book, Original Love, a secular spiritual handbook to "guide us back to the loving peace that lives at the center of things".
We also had the privilege of hearing some of his poetry, which, to my knowledge, is not published. I was deeply moved by so much of it and wish I had it to share with you. I do have his last remarks imprinted in my memory, though.
"Who do you want to be?
Thoughtless, heedless, busy—
Or happy to learn about the world,
Again, and again, and again.
I hope you get to slow down,
And look at the world you're in."
- Henry Shukman
Try it: Just simply notice when you are rushing through your day—for me, this happens a lot.
Upcoming Events
Plunge into Calm - August 4
Free Breathes on Zoom - July 23, July 30
+ more dates to come
** I really love doing Plunge into Calm and want it to be accessible for everyone. If the registration cost is a concern or if you are buying more than one ticket for your household, use PICFREE for free admission or HALFOFF for 50% off. No questions asked. ❤️
What I'm currently reading
The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You
Original Love by Henry Shukman
