Hello Reader,
Confession time: Like many of us, I’m guilty of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning. It’s a habit I’ve come to call “meeting my monkey mind halfway.”
Despite knowing the importance of setting boundaries with technology, I find myself endlessly scrolling through emails and social media updates. But amidst the chaos, I’ve discovered a precious morning ritual that grounds me for the day ahead.
Each morning, I make coffee for my husband and me, and we enjoy it together in bed. It’s a simple yet cherished practice (I’ve talked about before) that allows me to savor the present moment. Afterward, we read a daily quote from Cheri Huber’s Project Joy App and silently meditate. After sitting, we take some time to physically connect – skin to skin. It’s a grounding practice that sets us up for the day ahead.
But before diving into our morning routine, I give myself a few guilt-free minutes to indulge in my phone. It’s my way of appeasing the restless chatter of my monkey mind and setting the stage for a more mindful day.
I’ve seen the monkey mind as akin to a playful puppy, eager to tug us in different directions. By acknowledging its presence and offering it a brief distraction, I’m better equipped to steer my attention toward what truly matters.
As my book launch approaches, the monkey mind grows louder, urging me to rush and fret over endless to-do lists. But I’ve learned that urgency is often just the monkey mind’s way of asserting itself. True wisdom lies in maintaining the rituals that bring us peace and clarity.
So, I’ve committed to charging my phone outside the bedroom and resisting the urge to check it right before bed. It’s a small but significant step towards reclaiming control over my mornings and, ultimately, my life.
As I navigate the whirlwind of emotions leading up to my book launch, I remember taming the monkey mind and staying grounded in the present moment. I continue to learn this lesson each day, one coffee cup at a time.
As I navigate the ups and downs of the monkey mind, I find solace in the practices that keep me grounded and present. I’ll keep reflecting in these weekly emails, striving to be vulnerable while I share ways to tame the restless chatter and cultivate deeper mindfulness. Next week, I want to talk about all my failures in marketing my book – sometimes there has been too much promotion, and sometimes not enough. Plus, there have been lots of technical mishaps! We’ll look at a new favorite saying: “Don’t’ be afraid to take imperfect action!” That’s me in a nutshell, lurching from one imperfect action to the next—it resembles how I feel hiking back out of the mountains after a rock-climbing session, tired and happy but stumbling along!
I’d love for you to order my book “Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present” as I genuinely believe its lessons can make a meaningful difference in your life, just as they have in mine. But, mostly, I am just happy you are here.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I’m grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to explore this inner world with you.
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Meeting another monkey mind halfway! |
Smiles,
https://marijkemccandless.com
PS Feel free to write back sharing any of your own perspectives and experiences!
Kirkus Reviews endorses Naked in the Now!
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