Happy Monday!
This week I want to share how I accidentally began a meditation practice and how you can too, but before we get into that, let’s complete our Best Week Basics. Grab your notebook and spend the next 20 minutes laying the groundwork for having your best week ever.
🦋 Following the "Best Week Basics" is essential to having your best week ever. Use this time to really plan for the week ahead and think about what needs to happen for you to feel like you had a productive, fulfilling week.
🪞 Reflection: Reflect on last week. What went wrong? What went right? What can you celebrate? What can you try to do better this week?
✨ Intention: Set your intentions for this week. What needs to happen to ensure you have the absolute best week ever? Take a few minutes to do a brain dump and organize your to-do list if you feel overwhelmed.
📆 Time block: Review your calendar and make sure you have time blocked off to complete your most important and urgent tasks.
🔮 Every week I pull a tarot card to give us guidance for the week. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t.
Week of April 29, 2024: Queen of Wands (reversed)
Okay, confident queen!
The Queen of Wands reversed says you've got a solid sense of self-respect and confidence, knowing your own truth and what success means to you.
It might mean you're feeling more introverted than usual, preferring some quiet time over big social scenes. That's totally cool – listen to what you need and don’t feel pressured to be the life of the party when you're not feeling it.
If you've been doubting yourself, this card suggests turning your focus inward, rediscovering your strengths, and being bold in being yourself, even if it doesn't fit others' expectations.
Affirmation: I trust in my instincts and confidently express my true self.
☕️ Monday Musings are thoughts and stories from my own entrepreneurial and personal-growth journeys. I hope to eventually share more of your stories here, too. Grab your favorite beverage while you read, and please hit ‘reply’ to share your thoughts!
Monday Musings: You’re not meditating wrong
My journey into meditation began unexpectedly, right in my bathtub.
During a particularly intense phase of entrepreneurship, I turned to baths as a way to unwind. I'd retreat to the bathroom, dim the lights, maybe light a candle or incense, and simply aim to switch off my mind for about 20 minutes.
Little did I know, I was laying the foundation for a meditation practice during those tranquil soaks.
Every night, I'd fill the tub, submerge my ears under the warm water, and focus on my breathing, eyes closed, inhaling for counts of 2, 3, 4, and exhaling for counts of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. I'd lose track of time in that peaceful state until the water cooled.
My "nightly soak," as I fondly called it, unknowingly helped me establish a meditation routine long before I formally delved into the concept.
Sometime later, I began working with a coach who introduced me to formal meditation practices, leading me into the metaphysical realm.
While I could talk endlessly about the profound benefits I've reaped from meditation, I won't keep you here all day. What's crucial is knowing that meditation isn't a one-size-fits-all practice. If you've ever felt like it's not for you or that you "can't" do it, I understand.
Starting a new habit is challenging, and setbacks can be disheartening. But trust me, it's worth persisting. Here are some tips to help you embark on or renew your meditation journey:
Explore Diverse Methods: Try unconventional approaches like walking meditation or integrating meditation into daily activities like bathing, as I did.
Begin with Brief Sessions: Start with short meditation sessions and gradually extend them as you feel more at ease. There's no "right" duration; consistency matters more.
Use Guided Meditation: Utilize apps or online resources offering guided meditations. Insight Timer, for instance, provides a range of free sessions.
Experiment: Don't hesitate to experiment with various meditation techniques until you find what resonates with you.
Be Patient and Consistent: Remember, meditation is a skill that improves with practice. Be kind to yourself, maintain regularity, and find a time that suits your routine.
Remember, there's no wrong way to meditate. The key is to explore, be open, and allow yourself the space to discover what works best for you.
💰 Here’s where I shamelessly plug my business(es) and drop my affiliate links. I’ll never recommend something I haven’t tried and loved myself, but I might make a few bucks if you buy something.
📆 Pav*r - for Google Calendar users who have ever asked themselves, “where tf did my week go?”, Pav*r provides insights & analytics to help you know exactly how much time you spent, and where.
🐝 Beehiiv - It’s what I’m using to build this newsletter, and I’ve got lots of thoughts about the future of newsletters & email marketing. Beehiiv is the best place to be if you want to grow an email list with a purpose.
👯♀️ Are we following each other on Instagram yet? If not, let’s fix that.
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