Dear :

Geesh! How are you holding up?

Some friends have logged off social media. Others increased the miles they run, while another group is diving back into frantic sourdough baking to ride this out by carb loading.

Me? I'm still running, posting, and writing, as well as meditating for 30 minutes each day. These practices continue to hold me together right now.

What about you?

Wellness Tip

I recently posted this in the Mind, Mood & Movement group: 

I haven't been sure what to say about what's happening in the U.S.A. right now. When I'm not doomscrolling, I use it as a time to really notice my thoughts and body sensations.

I tweeted this a few days ago. It's true every day, but especially now:

I hop on here [Twitter] to vent, then remember myself. I notice the urge in my body and the thoughts that tag along. Then I take the dog for a run, do a ten-minute writing practice, or sit in silence and notice the urge. After, I might still vent, but it's a choice not a reflex.

You, as someone drawn to the material I offer, probably already "practice the pause." No need to dishonor your feelings. They are real and valid. Meanwhile, our current situation offers extra-powerful bonus lessons for deepening that "pause" practice, possibly in preparation for mindful action.

Will you step into the opportunity to pause?

As always, no judgment. No good. No bad. Only what is.

Mental Health

I'm always looking for ways to give back. This article offers options about how to support your local mental health movement.

Meditation Books

Here's a list of some of my favorite meditation books. I'm currently re-reading Jon Kabat-Zinn's Full Catastrophe Living and finding so much great science behind mindfulness practice.

This is My Brave 5k & Guest Post

In November 2019 (the before times), I participated in a live show of performances by people living with mental health challenges put on by the nonprofit This is My Brave. To announce their annual race, the Brave the Storm 5k, the group invited me to write this guest post: "Maybe I did Just Need to Break a Sweat."
 

I Say This Every Month

And I will continue to say THANK YOU to every reader who leaves a positive review of Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing. It continues to floor me as the stars pile up. I can't thank you enough!

Events & Classes

If you missed "Brave Women" Revelatory Memoirs" with Marlena Fiol and I at the WNBA-SF event, you can watch it here: 

Everything is (still) online for the foreseeable future so no matter where you live, you can join me for a class or event:

1/29/21: Leadership Goes Beyond Virtual Conference

2/10/21: OMTimes Radio with Melisa Caprio - Save the Date

2/22/21: Mindful Writing

3/8/21: Blogging for Authors

3/11/21: CLE on Meditation

3/12/21 (Noon PT/ 3pm ET): WNBA-SF "Where Do you Get Your Ideas?" - Save the date

Last But Not Least

If anyone says they're not frazzled, they're either lying, in complete and utter denial, or fully enlightened. All the recent images posted by The Latest Kate on Instagram and Twitter make me smile. Please check out her work.



 

If I can help in some way, please let me know. Email is always the best way to reach me.

Take care. Be well.