A Mindful Spring Gift: Cultivating Presence & Peace with Meditation
Hello and Happy (Unofficial) Start to Spring!
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for you being a part of this powerful community. Your commitment to growth, mindfulness and self-awareness is truly inspiring, and I’m honored to be part of your journey.
As a small token of my appreciation, I’m want to share something special with you today. Below you’ll find a link to my recent meditation, Body Scan for Deeper Connection, which I recorded for Insight Timer. It’s designed to help you cultivate presence, grounding and self-acceptance. I hope it brings you peace and helps you stay grounded amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This Week’s Mindful Musings: My Personal Meditation Journey
Meditation is a journey, not a destination. For me, it’s been a path to self-discovery, healing, and finding stillness in a chaotic world. My meditation practice started almost 7 years ago as a way to manage anxiety and support my sobriety journey. It began with just a 3-minute session and, over time, I gradually increased my practice from 5, to 10, then 15 minutes. Now, meditation is an essential part of my daily life, helping me stay grounded, regulate my emotions, and reconnect with my authentic self.
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that the process of meditation is never linear. Some days are smooth while others feel challenging, and sometimes it’s as if I’m learning something new. However, one thing has remained constant: each meditation session is a gift. Even on the days when my mind races, the practice of showing up for myself, without judgement, is always worthwhile.
As I’ve deepened my practice, I’ve also witnessed how meditation supports the nervous system, helping to co-regulate and find connection when shared with others. This insight led me to incorporate grounding techniques and body scans into coaching sessions and movement classes. The shifts I’ve seen in others during these practices have been truly magical—and it’s this growth that inspired the meditation I share with you today.
Meditation 101: Simple Tips to Get Started (or Refine Your Practice)
If you’re new to meditation, or find yourself feeling stuck in your practice, here are a few tips that have helped me stay grounded:
Start Small: Begin with just a few minutes. Even 3 minutes of focused breath-work or mindful awareness can make a big difference. There’s no "right" way to meditate—just show up and be present.
Create a Space: Whether it’s a cozy corner or a dedicated cushion, having a quiet space can help signal your mind that it’s time to pause, reflect, and reset.
Focus on Your Breath: Notice the rhythm of your breath—Is it quick or slow? Where do you feel it in your body? Just observe without trying to adjust.
Reflect After Your Session: Take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Jot down any thoughts or feelings in a journal to help process your experience.
Don’t Force It: Meditation isn’t about achieving perfection - it’s about practice. Some days will feel deeper than others, and that’s completely fine. Be kind to yourself through the ebbs and flows.
A Few Extra Tips:
Awareness: Meditation is about allowing thoughts, feelings, and sensations to arise without judgment. When your mind wanders (and it will!), gently return your focus to your breath. Maybe label your experiences as “thinking” or “feeling” to create some space and curiosity.
Audio: If you find it helpful, try listening to binaural beats or calming music to support your focus, or implement it for your journaling session afterward.
Consistency: The most significant benefits of meditation come from regular practice. Even a few minutes each day can have a profound impact over time.
Affirmations: Simple affirmations like “I am showing up with curiosity” or “I am learning and growing” can be an additional layer of support during your practice.
A Gift for You:
As a thank you for being here, I invite you to explore Body Scan for Deeper Connection—a guided meditation I recently shared on Insight Timer. This short meditation is designed to help you approach each moment with a sense of curiosity, kindness, and acceptance. I hope it offers you a grounding and nurturing experience.
More to Come…
I’ve got some exciting things planned for Spring, including more meditations and mindfulness tips. Keep an eye out and, as always, thank you for your continued support and commitment to personal growth.
Sending you peace, presence, and gratitude.
With love,
Angie
Even Freda, my comfort cat, is a fan of meditation! You never know who might benefit from a little moment of stillness. Freda’s favorite post-meditation activity? Purring beside me, as we both soak in the calm and peace.
Did you visit the meditation above? If so, did you find that it supported you in your practice? If so, please share it with others who may benefit on Insight Timer. I’d love to hear how it resonated with you!
Questions about meditation or curious about how it can support your growth? Feel free to reply—I’m here to help and would love to hear from you!
