Awakening Possibilities: A Mindful Start to the Season
This week has been an unexpected slowdown. We live in Bluffton, SC, where snow is a rare sight. In fact, I’ve been here for exactly three years this week, and I can still remember my first week—spending time at the beach in 75-degree weather, a far cry from the snow we’ve had recently.
In years past, I would have been overwhelmed by this. The constant need to attend to small children, feeling over-touched, over-exerted, and underappreciated. I would have made it my responsibility to entertain them for the entire time, getting frustrated with their boredom, and feeling envious that they could even entertain the thought of being bored. Can I even remember the last time I felt bored?
But something shifted this time. The first three days of being snowed in were actually amazing. It was such a relief to slow down—forced to do so, really—and surprisingly, the kids entertained themselves and each other for much of those days. It wasn’t until the evening of Day 4, when the reactivity kicked in, and I found myself in desperate need of a break.
That evening, my youngest decided to skip tissues altogether, opting for my shirt and pants instead. By the 10th time it happened, I was seething with frustration. But here’s the difference: CURRENT Jess has done a lot of work and has plenty of practice in deactivating from a reactive state. I immediately excused myself and tagged in my husband, for whom I am so grateful—he truly is the definition of a partner in every sense.
I ran off to my bedroom, closed the door, and practiced 4x4 breathing (also known as box breathing). After a few minutes, I repeated my chosen affirmation: “I am calm, I radiate love & compassion.”
When I returned to the family, I had a moment of deep gratitude. I realized how far I’ve come. A few years ago, I would have stayed in that reactive state, gone down a rabbit hole of self-loathing, and let negative thoughts spiral. But now, through consistent practice and repetition, I’ve learned that I don’t have to stay in that headspace. I can meet myself with compassion, remembering that I’m simply human—just stardust in a meatsuit, held down only by gravity.
This shift in perspective got me thinking: What other possibilities are there?
So, as we embrace this new season, I invite you to plant some seeds of intention for yourself. What possibilities are waiting for you to explore? These can be small shifts or big changes, but they all start with intention and mindfulness. For me, this season, I’m focusing on three seeds of intention:
Cultivating Self-Compassion: I will continue to practice meeting myself with love and understanding, especially in moments of frustration or challenge. I want to honor my growth and embrace imperfection without judgment.
Expanding Creative Expression: I will explore new ways to express myself creatively, whether through art, writing, or other outlets that feel authentic. I want to deepen my connection to creativity and use it as a tool for reflection and growth.
Nurturing Balance and Boundaries: I will honor my need for rest and boundaries, making sure to prioritize my well-being and create space for both work and relaxation. I want to maintain a healthy balance that allows me to show up fully for myself and others.
Reflective Exercise: Take a moment to reflect. Write down three new possibilities you’d like to explore this year. These can be related to creativity, personal growth, or simply areas of your life where you feel ready to make a shift.
Breathing Exercise: Now, let’s take a moment together. Close your eyes, sit comfortably, and practice a short breathing exercise to release limiting beliefs. Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. Repeat this four times, focusing on each breath as it clears away any resistance or negativity.
As you breathe, let go of anything holding you back and make space for new possibilities to blossom.
If you're looking for ways to nurture your creative potential this season, I’m here to help. Join me for one of my upcoming workshops or yoga classes, where we will explore creativity and mindfulness together. These spaces are designed to help you reconnect with yourself, express freely, and open up to the endless possibilities within.
I’d love for you to join me on this journey of awakening possibilities!
Promotions:
Freebie: Check out my freebie offering, designed to inspire and help you set intentional goals for the new season.
Workshops: I’m hosting various workshops this season, where we’ll dive into creativity and mindfulness in a supportive community.
Yoga Classes: My yoga classes are a great way to nourish your body and mind, helping you stay grounded while you explore new possibilities.
Remember, this season is all about planting seeds of intention. Let’s nurture them together. 🌱
