Moments Matter Most

“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” Jon Kabat-Zinn


Although the response to the Coronavirus has left people fearful, it is probably safe to say that many of you have had to re-evaluate how you live. 

For many it has meant a loss of income, especially those self-employed and/or service based industries as well as taking on new roles such as teacher for your children or working from home instead of an office and even having to change your entire job duties.

While these are huge challenges that even cause new problems, you can stop and reflect and decide if you are going to be defeated or if you are going to use this experience to make your life far better than it was before.

It is in times like this that you figure out what matters most. Your time, your money, your health (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual all matter), your career, your home, your hobbies and passions, and your children all need you to pay attention.

This is a lot to manage! So…take a moment. Just a moment and pay attention to that moment, to that one email, to that one child, to that one task at home. One at a time, one moment at a time. These little moments are all that matter.

You can’t stop this virus or the other thousands of ways you can become sick or die. But you can choose how you live in each moment. 

Remember to ask for help if you need it and to offer help where you can.

Message me to learn more about trainings and coaching. Your health and wellbeing matter!

Below you will find next week’s FREE, online, quick and simple, no experience needed meditation links. Just download Zoom and click the link. 

Sending many blessings, perfect healing, and peace of mind.

Amy McCae
http://www.amymccae.com

Mindful Monday Meditation
Liquid Sunshine Body Scan
Time: Apr 20, 2020 12:30 PM Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4955763850
 
Thankful Thursday Meditation
Creating Space for Freedom
Time: Apr 23, 2020 12:30 PM Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4955763850
 

 

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Mindful Resources

Mindful resources for personal development just for you!

I am sitting at my desk enjoying the sun shining through the window this morning contemplating what would be the most helpful and useful topic in mindfulness to write about today.

Mindfulness is fast becoming one of the most important skills you can have as research is finally catching up to what those of us who meditate already know, mindfulness and meditation matter.

Since I get asked for resources all of the time, below you will find some of my favorite websites, apps, resources, and books.

My favorite websites include:

*www.mindfulnessexercises.com This site has countless FREE options for you. Sean Fargo was my Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Coach several years ago. I highly recommend him!

*www.mindful.org This site has some fantastic articles and resources for all things related to a healthy mind and life.

*www.mindfulleader.org This site is all about mindfulness is the workplace. Their emails are awesome!

Although I am not a huge fan of apps, they can be helpful and these three offer some unique experiences: *Balance, *HeadSpace, or *Insight Timer

Several books I highly suggest:

*Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan -A HUGE favorite! This is all things mindfulness and emotional intelligence! Life changing…

*Difficult Conversations by Stone, Patton, and Heen. We all need this, too…

*Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hansen- The neuroscience of happiness, your default state.

*Becoming Super Natural by Joe Dispenza- The science of human potential.

*Brain Storm by Dan Siegel (all about the teenage brain…) and The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel (Younger kids). Excellent parenting strategies based on brain function for anyone with children or anyone working with children.

*Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson- The neuroscience of meditation and emotional intelligence.

Just for the kids:

Blissful Kids- Countless tips for fun self-awareness and mindfulness.

Mindful Schools of California- Training for adults working with children. The most well researched program for teaching mindfulness to children that exists.

Mindful Kids cards by Whitney Stewart and Mirna Braun and Yoga Pretzel cards by Tara Guber and Leah Kalish- Beautifully done as well as fun and simple ideas for children to learn mindfulness.

And of course you can always work with me! If you would like to learn more please set up a time to visit by phone https://amymccae.as.me/

Thank you,
Amy McCae
Corporate Wellness Trainer. Life Coach. Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. Holistic Wellness Expert.
http://www.amymccae.com
       



Free Wellness Audio

I want to make your life easier.

I am sitting here organizing my “to do” lists and reviewing my goals for the month. I have several sheets of computer paper that I fold up into 12 blocks and write intentions. Each sheet holds a different life aspect; one being personal, one for my life with my kids, one for business, and one blank one as I need to spend more time dreaming…

Wellness is a hot topic in January and I want to help you succeed with your intentions so… Here is a link to a free guided meditation on staying active and being healthy http://bit.ly/wellnessaudio  It is only 10 or so minutes so you can use it easily.

If you enjoy it let me know and remember you can always dig a little deeper into meditation and mindfulness by working with me! Schedule a phone consultation here 
https://amymccae.as.me/focussession

Some other options for seeing me and improving wellness include:

March 7 at Resolutions and Beyond from 9-12 (details to come)

March 27th at A View on State Your Second Season- Midlife Reinvention Summit 12:30-6:30 I AM SPEAKING HERE on how to reduce stress and sleep better with natural remedies and mindfulness based practices.
http://www.yoursecondseason.com/

April 3rd at Western Community College Health and Wellness Event (details to come)
Would like to learn more about programs that support you or your organization? Let’s chat!  https://amymccae.as.me/focussession

Sending you positive vibes and tons of gratitude,
Amy McCae Corporate Wellness Trainer, Life Coach, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, AND more. http://www.amymccae.com

FREE Meditation Resources

Happy Summer Solstice!

In this article you will find links to why meditation matters in the work place as well as ways to access meditations for free!!!

Check out these fantastic articles on the benefits of meditation in the work place!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-big-companies-who-swear-mindfulness-henry-stewart/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2015/04/27/future-of-work-mindfulness-as-a-leadership-practice/#2c8a96013e1c

http://contemplative-studies.org/wp/index.php/2017/08/10/improve-emotional-exhaustion-and-employee-retention-with-mindfulness/

One of my favorite testimonials came from Steve. He was brilliant man working in Omaha at Stratcom on a military contract. 

“Amy McCae is a dedicated professional, but she is much more that. She has a great spirit that comes through immediately when you meet her from her tremendous positive energy.

I came to her with what seemed like a very difficult problem without a solution. She showed me how to focus on the positive, and not on all the things that take me in a negative direction. I was able to figure out what I really wanted and then a plan to get there.

Amy has a wide range of knowledge and experience. She gave me several meditation techniques that have helped me considerably. She is very intuitive and understands what will help me specifically. She personalizes techniques so that they will be the greatest benefit.

One of the most important things I appreciate about Amy is that she is genuinely concerned about helping me. Her passion is rare, and I feel lucky to have met her.”

Click to schedule a phone consultation to learn how I can help you or your organization

https://amymccae.as.me/focussession

FREE MEDITATIONS (I am not an app fan but… people seem to to love these and if it gets you meditating…)

Insight Meditation- FREE APP

HeadSpace- FREE APP

Mindfulness Exercises – My teacher and coach

Just google them and see where they lead you!

Currently my services include Mindfulness and Meditation Training, Life Coaching, Seminars and Trainings, and Energy Healing/Balancing. 

I would love to work with you and support you on your journey!

https://amymccae.as.me/focussession

Thank you,

Amy McCae

Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher 

http://www.amymccae.com

Too Busy to Meditate? Take the two minute challenge!

This is something I hear often… 

What if I told you that even two minutes of mindfulness can help you recenter and recharge? If you are too busy scroll down to get right to the challenge.

Mindfulness means to pay attention on purpose in a particular without passing judgment. It means to be in the moment and be at peace. 

When you are in the present moment there is no regretting the past or fearing the future. There are things in this world that you have no control over. Mindfulness teaches you how to let some of that go so that you don’t feel so stressed and overwhelmed.

There are various practices that often support developing greater awareness or to train attention such as Mindful Breathing, Loving Kindness, a Body Scan and more. The benefits can be profound and more and more are backed by science. 

Often referred to as “practicing the pause” this little life hack will help you to make more conscious decisions that can support decision making and communication. Studies show that Affect Labeling (naming the emotion you are feeling) deactivate the part of the brain responsible for managing stress (amygdala) and allow you access to the part of the brain responsible for all higher levels of thinking (prefrontal cortex). This means that instead of emotionally reacting, you consciously choose your response.

Are you ready to take the two minute challenge?

Some time during the day, ideally during a transition time, stop. Just stop. You do not need lie down. You do not need any fancy pillow to sit on. You can sit at your desk or any place you like.

Always remember that thoughts and distractions are normal and especially common when you first begin. The idea is not to control your thoughts but for your thoughts not to control you. Sometimes uncomfortable feelings arise. Please know that you can always stop. If needed please ask for help.

Sit in a comfortable position with your feet on the floor. Your spine should be erect with your body relaxed. Notice how you feel right now and what is on your mind.

When you are ready close your eyes.

Bring your awareness to your breath. 

Inhale and exhale for a few moments.

Your attention will naturally fall in one of three place, either below your nose, at your chest, or at your belly. Notice this. 

For the next two minutes every time you have a thought or hear a sound or get distracted bring your awareness back to the area where your awareness naturally went. If it helps put your hand on the area or use a mantra such as breath in, breath out. 

Notice how you feel now. How does it compare to how you felt before? 

CONGRATS! Good for you! You have completed the two minute challenge. 

Want more of a challenge?

*Try Mindful Breathing before you check social media or email in the morning.

* Do this multiple times a day.

*Practice daily and extend the time by several minutes each week.

*Set up a free consultation to learn more!

https://amymccae.as.me/focussession

Many Blessings to you,

Amy McCae

Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher

www.amymccae.com

Gratitude a Side Effect of Mindfulness?

While studying with Mindful Schools of California I learned that there are nine aspects of well-being that are developed through pre-frontal cortex stimulation like that which occurs during mindfulness meditation practices. The 10th is thought to be gratitude!

Essentially when you get focused, relax, and allow your mind to be at ease you have access to higher levels of thinking as you are utilizing the pre-frontal cortex. Walking around stressed, overwhelmed, and in fight, flight, or freeze keeps you stuck in a reactive mode and using the part of your brain referred to as the amydala. Simple mindfulness techniques train your brain to not be reactive and then when functioning at these higher levels of thinking gratitude begins to happen naturally.

Even daily life proves this. Think about a time you sat in nature and felt the warm sun or smelled the fresh air. You slowed down and noticed what was going on around you and it felt good, right? How about a time when you watched a child playing and laughing? The innocent playfulness had your attention and it amused you. You naturally slowed down and noticed what was going on in the moment and you may have felt joy, peace, and part of what you felt is gratitude.

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Zig Ziglar

You can also rewire your brain by practicing gratitude. Gratitude requires a shift in perception. When you change your thoughts and your emotions you change your brain. Gratitude practices give you a shot of dopamine and of serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitters. Regular practice leads to naturally feeling more grateful because simply stated, neurons that fire together wire together.

It’s really just a choice to change your perception. To take your attention and choose to focus it on something good, that is gratitude.

There are countless articles exploring the science and benefits of gratitude. Here is one of my favorites:

According to the International Journal of Workplace Health Management (Vol. 2 Iss:3, pp.202-219) “Virtues, Work Satisfactions, and Psychological Well-being Among Nurses.”Gratitude was found to be a consistent predictor of the following: less exhaustion and less cynicism, more pro-active behaviors, higher rating of the health and safety climate, higher job satisfaction, and fewer absences due to illness.

At its simplest gratitude creates joy and that should be enough reason to practice. Personally I don’t do well with gratitude lists so here are a few new ideas for you:

  1. Get a buddy. Ask someone to listen to you be grateful each day. Writing or verbally are both fine. This isn’t just about accountability. I have never met anyone who did not want to be validated. When you allow someone to witness your experiences it insures what you are doing feels purposeful and meaningful.
  2. Start a Joy Jar. Get a basket or canning jar as well as cut up paper or sticky notes and a pen. Place them somewhere at work or home where you will see them regularly. Anytime you have an experience that brings you joy write it down and put it in the jar. Every week or every month reread everything. You will be amazed at what you forgot and at how much you have to be grateful for each day.
  3. Be of service. Volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Become a domestic violence advocate, knit blankets for cancer patients, feed the homeless, mow the neighbor’s yard, bake cookies for the neighborhood kids, or anything that uses your passions and skills for good.

Thank you for reading!

Amy McCae

Free Phone Consult https://amymccae.as.me/focussession

http://www.amymccae.com

Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher

Amy specializes in helping leaders overcome self-doubt and overwhelm so they can have clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for better health, relationships, and success. She offers Mindfulness Matters an accredited online course with or without Life Coaching to individuals and corporations. Amy also offers Life Coaching packages, classes, presentations, and seminars as well as several types of energetic healing.

FREE WEBINAR: How to use Mindfulness Techniques to Reduce Overwhelm

https://www.amymccae.com/pl/42075

Mindfulness Matters is an accredited, neuroscience based, emotional intelligence program created for developing visionary and conscious leaders. Many leaders struggle with self-doubt and overwhelm. This course insures you gain clarity, confidence, success, and will even help improve your relationships and health!!

Amy spent her childhood dreaming of being a doctor only to watch her mother die of cancer when she was 20. Her life took an entirely different direction after that and she spent much of her 20’s sick with chronic illnesses.

One day Amy was too sick to take care of her newborn baby and she had to crawl to the phone to call for help. Amy then went on a quest to heal and looked in places she never knew existed before that day. AND she healed largely through fitness, nutrition, and meditation.

Through that experience Amy rediscovered a passion for helping others. She is committed to excellence and to making a difference in the world.

Contact Amy today!!!https://amymccae.as.me/focussession

The Essential Guide to Happiness (but with a twist…)

I recall a day close to my fortieth birthday where I was scrolling Facebook and came across a blog for “Women Over 40.” I rolled my eyes and thought; “Oh good grief I am now in that category.” I spent my birthday at a fake 80’s big hair band concert wishing I was sixteen again.

Forty came and went and at forty-one I found myself divorced with three and twelve-year- old daughters. I had packed and left in a day only a few months before…Several months after I turned forty- two I noticed my body was changing, I received a break up text from someone I loved, and my thoughts and ideas on life and people were shifting. I was no longer so disconnected from myself or my feelings. This was both painful and empowering.

The following is something I found during those years and saved as I feel it still relevant to living happily.

” It has been one the greatest and most difficult years of my life. I have learned everything is temporary. Moments. Feelings. People. Flowers. I learned love is about giving-everything-and letting it hurt. I learned vulnerability is always the right choice because it is easy to be cold in a world that makes it so very difficult to remain soft. I learned all things come in twos “life and death, pain and joy, sugar and salt, me and you. It is the balance of the Universe. It has been the year of hurting so bad but living so good, making friends out of strangers, making strangers out of friends… We must learn to focus on warm energy, always. Soak our limbs in it and become better lovers to the world, for if we can’t learn to be kinder to each other how we will we ever learn to be kinder to the most desperate parts of ourselves. (Rupi Kaur)

As I approach 45 I realize I could write you 351 articles and guides to happiness, however…

The truth is your guide is simply to love. To love yourself, love others, and love your experiences. To love your so called mistakes and all your beautiful imperfections. To love those who hurt you. To love the ground below your feet, the stars in the sky, the bed that you sleep in…

Allow yourself to just BE.

The path to love is TO BE in this moment. Embrace it. Every. Moment. Allow love to flow from you. Hold the child, hug the friend, kiss your spouse, paint the picture, create the pottery, write the poetry, build the software, design the program, lead the organization, feed your body good food, move your body, use your skills for good, laugh, cry, be vulnerable, give compliments, plant the garden, see greatness in others, be kind, play.

Sending you all the joy, peace, and LOVE you can imagine and more,

Amy McCae

Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY. COMPLEMENTARY PHONE CONSULThttps://amymccae.as.me/

www.amymccae.com

www.creativewellnessomaha.com  

Amy specializes in helping leaders overcome self-doubt and overwhelm so they can have clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for better health, relationships, and success. She offers Mindfulness Matters an accredited online course with or without Life Coaching to individuals and corporations. Amy also offers Life Coaching packages, classes, presentations, and seminars as well as several types of energetic healing.

Mindfulness Matters is an accredited, neuroscience based, emotional intelligence program created for developing visionary and conscious leaders. Many leaders struggle with self-doubt and overwhelm. This course insures you gain clarity, confidence, success, and will even help improve your relationships and health!!

Amy spent her childhood dreaming of being a doctor only to watch her mother die of cancer when she was 20. Her life took an entirely different direction after that and she spent much of her 20’s sick with chronic illnesses.

One day Amy was too sick to take care of her newborn baby and she had to crawl to the phone to call for help. Amy then went on a quest to heal and looked in places she never knew existed before that day. AND she healed largely through fitness, nutrition, and meditation.

Through that experience Amy rediscovered a passion for helping others. She is committed to excellence and to making a difference in the world.

Contact Amy today!!! creativewellness@cox.net

Overcoming Racism and Hate. Finding Peace…

You don’t fight for peace, you peace for peace.

This week I am facing a challenging and painful situation where my white, 7 year old daughter was tormented and called a racists by multiple classmates. (She doesn’t even know what that means). My daughter was also blamed for something she didn’t even say. No child heard her, but a child made up a story that suited her and shared it. As the truth unravels I am seeing clearly the problems in our society AND it begins with the adults.

Children are not born hating anyone. They don’t even see skin color. They are taught to hate because of their parents. Parents projecting their own unresolved issues and pain on their children. And then… sadly these once innocent children believe that they are already victims and they in turn hurt other children.

If we as a society are going to fix the hatred that exists regardless if it be religion, skin color, sexuality, income level, or whatever…it begins with the adults being accountable for managing their emotions and choosing to heal so that all thinking, speaking, and acting originate from a peaceful place of clarity instead of a space of defensiveness and blame. You do not fight for peace, you peace for peace.

If you seek world peace or even peace in your house or neighborhood look past the differences, develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence. AND seriously just be honest and kind.

Mindful suggestions for overcoming hate and finding peace:

*Figure out what it is you fear and why.

*Find out what the story is you tell yourself about other races, religions, or anyone you don’t like? Is is true or are YOU the one passing judgement?

*Your feelings and experiences are valid. Your judgement and blame are not. Work them out and do not take them out on innocent people.

*Decide if you want to be a victim or if you want to heal. Victim or empowered change maker? It is your choice.

* Everyone has at least one story that will break your heart. Have some compassion.

*Consider that not everything is about you. The other person may have no idea and may have not even intended harm. ASK yourself; “Did they intentionally hurt me?” If not, go within, ask for help, and move on.

Peace, Blessings, Joy, and Love to you all,

Amy McCae

Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and MORE

http://www.amymccae.com

http://www.creativewellnessomaha.com

Amy specializes in helping leaders overcome self-doubt and overwhelm so they can have clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. She offers Mindfulness Matters an accredited online course with or without Life Coaching to individuals and corporations. Amy also as offers classes, presentations, and seminars and several types of energetic healing work.

COMPLEMENTARY PHONE CONSULThttps://amymccae.as.me/

Mindfulness Matters is an accredited, neuroscience based, emotional intelligence program created for developing visionary and conscious leaders. Many leaders struggle with self-doubt and overwhelm. This course insures you gain clarity, confidence, success, and will even help improve your relationships and health!!

Amy spent her childhood dreaming of being a doctor only to watch her mother die of cancer when she was 20. Her life took an entirely different direction after that and she spent much of her 20’s sick with chronic illnesses.

One day Amy was too sick to take care of her newborn baby and she had to crawl to the phone to call for help. Amy then went on a quest to heal and looked in places she never knew existed before that day. AND she healed largely through fitness, nutrition, and meditation.

Through that experience Amy rediscovered a passion for helping others. She is committed to excellence and to making a difference in the world.

Contact Amy today!!! creativewellness@cox.net

Too Busy to Pay Attention?

“Practice the Pause” is a common phrase in practicing mindfulness. This quiet moment is space of empowerment. It is where your ego and its incessant desire to control can take a back seat AND instead you are blessed with being gracefully and intuitively guided. The answers you seek are there if you simply become quiet and listen. BUT… odds are you avoid this, correct?

As I was “trying” to figure out what would be a good topic. I began to consciously set intentions in my mind to know what to write about. I asked for the ideas to be inline with my purpose of helping people to live healthier and happier lives, and to raise consciousness to create a better world.

FOR A MOMENT I PAUSED… and in that moment of silence realized all morning the same lyrics were running through my mind. So… I “Googled” the words to learn that the song was “What About Us?” by Pink. Being the curious person that I am I then read through the lyrics. Being the passionate person that I am I tried to research the song’s meaning. As it turns out the meaning, intention, or purpose of the song will not be revealed by the internet. The interpretation is entirely up to you.

The song asks a number of questions which inspire awareness. Awareness is key to absolutely everything. If you don’t know what you love you won’t make decisions that lead to happiness. If you don’t know what you are good at you will never be successful in business. If you don’t know what the problems are in a situation finding resolutions is going to be challenging. If you don’t have emotional intelligence your relationships will always suffer, including the one with yourself. If you don’t know what you are thinking you will act unconsciously falling victim to your own mind and the reality you create.

“Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our freedom.” Viktor Frankl

You develop awareness and lead an empowered life by asking questions and becoming still…

We live in a society where doing matters more than being. Your boss will reward you for your hard work that helped the company but not for you needing to take care of yourself. Women are admired for working full time and raising kids full time and doing them both well but all the while feeling exhausted and like a failure. Your health, the things you love, connecting to people, your dreams, and anything related to balance have been thrown out the window in exchange for being TOO BUSY TO PAY ATTENTION.

How much simpler would your life be if you didn’t work so hard to figure things out? How much easier would your life be if you just trusted that the answers are already there? How much happier would you be if you let you ego rest and instead followed your gut instinct and your intuition? How much better would life be if you knew what you wanted and how to get it easily?

Today take 5 minutes to check in with yourself. Yes, there may be voices in your head, but they calm down with acknowledgement and practice just like anything else. Make friends with the thoughts, make friends with yourself. Explore what your body is saying. Be curious about your feelings and desires. Develop awareness.

LEARN MORE by working with me or enrolling in my online course Mindfulness Matters!

I will write more on the neuroscience and biology of stress, relaxation, and intuition soon.

Sending you much peace, love, and joy!

Amy McCae

Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and MORE

http://www.amymccae.com

http://www.creativewellnessomaha.com

Amy specializes in helping leaders overcome self-doubt and overwhelm so they can have clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. She offers Mindfulness Matters an accredited online course with or without Life Coaching to individuals and corporations. Amy also as offers classes, presentations, and seminars and several types of energetic healing work.

COMPLEMENTARY PHONE CONSULThttps://amymccae.as.me/

Mindfulness Matters is an accredited, neuroscience based, emotional intelligence program created for developing visionary and conscious leaders. Many leaders struggle with self-doubt and overwhelm. This course insures you gain clarity, confidence, success, and will even help improve your relationships and health!!

Amy spent her childhood dreaming of being a doctor only to watch her mother die of cancer when she was 20. Her life took an entirely different direction after that and she spent much of her 20’s sick with chronic illnesses.

One day Amy was too sick to take care of her newborn baby and she had to crawl to the phone to call for help. Amy then went on a quest to heal and looked in places she never knew existed before that day. AND she healed largely through fitness, nutrition, and meditation.

Through that experience Amy rediscovered a passion for helping others. She is committed to excellence and to making a difference in the world.

Contact Amy today!!! creativewellness@cox.net



Time Does NOT Heal all Wounds

Not for one second do I believe that “time heals all wounds.” This catchy, all too often used phrase, intended to pacify someone in pain simply isn’t always true. True healing requires truth not time; truth about who you really are, truth about how you feel, truth about your relationships, and truth about your choices. Healing requires an entirely new level of self-awareness, a willingness to be honest, and a capacity to be receptive to change.

” Until you heal the wounds of your past, you are going to bleed with food, with alcohol, with work, with cigarettes, with sex; but eventually, it will ooze through and stain your life. You must find the strength to open the wounds, stick your hands inside, pull out the core of the pain that is holding you in your past, the memories, and make peace with them.” Iyanla Vanaznt

My chosen career field arose out my own suffering. I am no stranger to pain and my stubbornness and perfectionism have often proven to be less than ideal in numerous situations… Being in the business of helping people I still find myself seeking to help people feel better through inspiration and positivity. However, the truth is sometimes the truth hurts.

“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light but by making the darkness conscious.” Carl Jung

Carl Jung is/was a famous psychologist and psychiatrist who made numerous contributions int these fields of study. Jung proposed that everyone’s personality includes four Jungian Archetypes that help you understand your behaviors and they also influence the way you think and act. One of those aspects is referred to as “The Shadow” or the “the dark side of the psyche, representing wildness, chaos, and the unknown.” (learning-mind.com) Jung believed in the power of the unconscious mind and understood that repressing your desires or qualities you stifle your growth.

Uncovering your “darkness” will lead you to healing. These are aspects, ideas, beliefs, attitudes, traits, behaviors, and feelings that you are not aware of, have avoided or refused to acknowledge. It is through your acceptance of yourself wholeheartedly that you will find true healing, peace of mind, happiness, and freedom. AND you will be able to make conscious decisions!

As always, I am going to suggest meditation and mindfulness. You have to quiet all the chatter in your mind to get the truth. Silence speaks. ALWAYS. Mindfulness at its simplest means to pay attention on purpose and be at peace with the moment despite any “chaos.” They both lead to self-awareness which is an aspect of emotional intelligence desperately needed in our society.

In meditation you can ask for the answers. If you simply stop, notice your breathing for a few minutes, focus on your chest and then your heart, gently bringing your awareness back each time your mind wanders, notice how you feel, think of situations and then notice how you feel, think of certain people and ask questions and notice what comes to you. The idea is not to pass judgment on what you are feeling, thinking, or experiencing. Journal about these experiences!!! Please note that sometimes things or feelings come up that are bothersome if that occurs always ask for help.

During the day you can practice mini moments of mindfulness. How do you feel when you see a meme or post on social media? How do you feel when talking to your boss? How do you feel while cooking dinner? How do you feel in traffic? How do you feel when home alone? Are you emotionally reacting or consciously choosing your actions? What are the thoughts in your mind during these experiences? Sometimes when you can not get in touch with the feeling knowing the thought will lead you to the feelings. My awareness of my thoughts has often lead me to understanding my beliefs and my judgments. Not always easy… but so worthwhile.

Never fear the “shadows” as they remind you that there is light nearby. Remember that what you resist persists. Forgive yourself for what you didn’t know at the time. It is in your acknowledgement of ALL OF YOU that you will find healing.

Thank you,

Amy S McCae

Certified Life Coach and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher AND MORE!

http://www.amymccae.com

http://www.creativewellnessomaha.com

Amy specializes in helping leaders overcome self-doubt and overwhelm so they can have clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. She offers Mindfulness Matters an accredited online course with or without Life Coaching to individuals and corporations. Amy also as offers classes, presentations, and seminars and even energy work. 

COMPLEMENTARY PHONE CONSULT/https://amymccae.as.me/

Mindfulness Matters is an accredited, neuroscience based, emotional intelligence program created for developing visionary and conscious leaders. Many leaders struggle with self-doubt and overwhelm. This course insures you gain clarity, confidence, success, and will even help improve your relationships and health!!

Amy spent her childhood dreaming of being a doctor only to watch her mother die of cancer when she was 20. Her life took an entirely different direction after that and she spent much of her 20’s sick with chronic illnesses.

One day Amy was too sick to take care of her newborn baby and she had to crawl to the phone to call for help. Amy then went on a quest to heal and looked in places she never knew existed before that day. AND she healed largely through fitness, nutrition, and meditation.

Though that experience Amy rediscovered a passion for helping others. She is committed to excellence and to making a difference in the world.

Contact Amy today!!! creativewellness@cox.net