Practice Island Time

Hello beautiful humans,

Recently I was able to experience a 'real vacation' on a gorgeous island in the Bahamas... no work, no worries; a serious unplug & reboot experience. Day one of eight days, I was surprised it was a such a struggle for me to settle into the rhythm of island life. Looking back I think I had technology withdrawal. Instead of feeling calmed by the wind, water, and sand, I was challenged by my own monkey mind. Don't get me wrong, I jumped right in the water and embraced 'vacation' full force but it was not easy to let go & flow.

Day two I woke up feeling out of sorts, not knowing where I was and what do do next. So, I did what is comforting to me in the am...I made coffee and grabbed a book (it's a title I have picked up countless times and could never quite get into.)  I knew I needed to read this particular book for some reason, so in the process of packing I took ONLY that one book which is highly unusual for me; I generally bring a mini-collection. Cracking open the book, I felt like I was cracking open my heart for the first time in a while. Why? I carved out sacred me time to read, reflect, journal & practice self-care, which has been pretty non-existent in my world as of late. As I began to dig in, the jewels of the text immediately began to present themselves as questions, challenges, & simple reminders that I needed to hear. 

The lessons: Be the gatekeeper of all thoughts. Speak intentionally. Give generously. Enrich the inner & outer self. Fix life, business & the world by fixing YOURSELF. Touche!

So, what did I do as a result with my unsettled beingness?? I hauled myself & my friend Jen's meditation pillow down to the Carribean & sat in meditation. Full on seated pose, hands in chin mudra, prayer beads, mantra & timer with my journal at the ready. I pulled out all the stops and I sat. I closed my eyes, turned inside, and instantly softened; my breath welcomed me back home. The outer waves of the ocean lapping helped calm the tumultuous surface of my mind, allowing me to go deeper into myself, connecting to divine presence. I thought it was going to be a mental struggle like it often is after I get away from my daily meditation practice, but I was met with a sweet surprise of calm, grounding, and beauty. Ahhh... time slowed down. I was in the present moment without stress, worry, or thinking about what to do next. I was in a state of simply being. 

Though I am no longer on the island, the vibe has gone with me. I remind myself anew each day to start intentionally, breathe deeply, pause in a mindful seat to set the platform of my day & reset my mindset & heart space. I make time to meditate again. Over and over again I must relearn that it isn't that I don't have time to meditate; it's that I don't experience real time until I meditate. 

What is the prescription for meditation you may ask? This one always makes me laugh because it's so true... "You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes a day, unless you are too busy — then you should sit for an hour."

So now I invite you to close your eyes, take a deep breath in and out, fill your heart with gratitude, and experience the miracle that is your human & divine self. How does that feel? It is my hope that you continually feel better because the world needs us all on our "A-game" to do good in a world that has such great need.

Go in peace my friends. Shine your light & share your life. Until we see each other again...

Namaste, 
Dana

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Upcoming Events

April 17, 2019 in Grand Rapids, MI 
Who: YOU and all your people!
What: Guest teacher Holly Haveman.
Where: Fountain Street Church Social Hall 
When: Wed April 17- 6:30-8:00pm 
Why: To feel better do good! 
Ask: To serve your community 4+ hours/month

April 24, 2019 in Grand Rapids, MI 
Who: YOU and all your people!
What: Yoga & meditation with Dana
Where: Fountain Street Church Social Hall
When: Wed April 24- 6:30-8:00pm 
Why: Dig deep with yoga & meditation!
Ask: To serve your community 4+ hours/month

In West Michigan:
Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan – BeNice. Stomp Out Stigma Walk
May 18, 2019 at GVSU Campus
8:00am check in
8:30am speakers & yoga opening with EmbodyGR Founder & ED Dana Christian Lee
9:00am 5K walk
​Join Team EmbodyGR to live out our "Feel Better DO Good" mantra

Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak. ~Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati