Sitting with What Is

I woke up at 3:30 this morning . . . wide awake.  Annoyed.  But after tossing and turning with frustration for some time, I was able to quiet my mind using some mindfulness techniques I learned this week.  And once I relaxed into the situation, I was gifted with three hours of reflection, writing, reading, and just "being" cozily wrapped in the darkness.  And it was not only okay, it was delightful, insightful and peaceful.  While I am hoping for more sleep tonight, I am grateful that I went to bed last night with mindfulness on my mind.  Last night was the Q & A from the second session of our 6-session Stepping Into Your Power tele-workshop, which was on mindfulness.  And part of our discussion was on living conscious, being truly present to our own lives, not judging what’s happening but relaxing into “what is.”  Because in that “what is” place is where peace resides.  And that’s what I found well before daylight this morning.  If you have an interest in the topic, I highly recommend any of the following books: The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher Germer, Coming to Our Senses:  Healing Ourselves and the World Through Mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn.  

Getting to know you . . .

In the most trying times (actually particularly in those times) it is vital to connect with things and people that bring you more alive!
One of the things that brings me most alive is the amazing women I meet through A Woman's Way . . . it continues to be an honor and a joy to talk with, meet and get to know so many extraordinary, delightful, beautiful woman from all over the country and the world.   

I'd like to share many of these shining stars with you.  So every month I will introduce you to one of my A Woman's Way friends.  This month it is Gloria Valentino.  Take a moment to read about her and you'll know why she is so special to me . . . and to anyone who meets her!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MEET GLORIA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gloria believes that "age is only a number; it's the attitude that matters."  In April she will be 74 and defines herself today as "alive, adorable and amazing."   

 

Gloria has participated in two A Woman's Way programs: A Sedona retreat in 2010 that "provided a revealing time for me and made me look at myself and what I like to do.  The other women were fascinating and supportive and I've kept all the material from that program." 

 

And then the "frosting on the cake" for her was joining the 2011 I Have a Dream Tele-group.  "That was the push I needed to decided what I really wanted to do with my life - move to Carmel by the Sea.  It wasn't overnight but by the end of 2012 I was on my way and knew that it was the best decision of my life." 

The single most important thing she'd like to share is "This is it!  Have fun doing what you love."

 

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ESCAPE:  If you'd like to meet wonderful women like Gloria (and me!) AND get away from the horrific winter weather, then click on details about one of my upcoming retreats.  Both gloriously beautiful venues, filled with wonderful women and devoid of snow and cold!

BIG SUR, CA: March 9 - 14 at the Esalen Institute
For Women Who Dare to Dream:  Finding Meaning and Passion in the Second Half of Life 

SEDONA, AZ:  March 28 - 31 at the Briar Patch Inn
Inspired Living: Creating a Life you Love!

With gratitude . . . 
Karen