A few weeks ago, I got the impulse to spend some time reflecting and getting clear on why I am doing what I’m doing.

Why do I teach mindfulness?

Last Wednesday I had the great pleasure of celebrating my mom’s 90th birthday together with her and our family. We had so much to celebrate! The incredible life she’s led these past 90 years, and all that she’s experienced.

A few weeks ago, I talked about planting seeds; taking time to reflect on what we want to focus on and nurture in our life. I mentioned how I want to play more and have more fun. So, in the spirit of play I started playing Pickleball! I’m taking lessons and playing with friends, and I love it.

One of the many gifts of being on this spiritual journey is I can say with sincerity I have become my own best friend. As I write these words, I feel a softness in my heart. A part of me is deeply touched by this truth.

Spring is a beautiful time of year.

After a long winter of resting, you can feel new life emerging.

Last week I went for a walk in Warbler Woods for the first time since winter. It’s one of my favourite hikes, and when I entered, it felt like reuniting with an old friend. We picked up where we left off and didn’t miss a beat. I felt the comfort of familiarity.

What part of us wants or desperately needs to control things?

There is a lot of unknowing when it comes to life. So much of ourselves and our lives is a mystery; weaving and unfolding in ways we may not plan for or expect.

Last week we explored self-compassion and how when we choose to be in the moment with ourselves in a gentle compassionate way, and to the best of our ability, how transformative it can be.

I wanted to check in with you. There’s a lot of fear, heaviness, and suffering being felt around the world as we watch the current state of war in Ukraine.

Today is my ‘unbirthday’. I’m a leap year baby born on the 29th so I only get a birthday every four years! Meaning I’m only 14 ½ years old wink, wink.

Last week I shared a bit about my journey with meditation over the last thirty years.

Through the years meditation and I have had our ups and downs. We’ve run hot and cold. Now, after years of trials and tribulations, I’m happy to share that meditation and I are in a really nice place.

Self-discovery is like an onion. As the layers of old conditioning fall away, the truth of who we are continues to reveal itself in the most miraculous and often unexpected ways.

Some weeks the topic I write about for Mindful Monday comes easier to me than others. What I’ve been (re)learning is, when I’m not forcing a topic to materialize, when I allow my thoughts some space to organically form, things flow with more ease.

For much of my life, I took my breath for granted. It was there for me 24/7 and I just went on my merry way not giving it much attention or thought, that is until I became really anxious.

I’m looking out my window. Snowflakes are falling gracefully, swirling here and there in a gentle nonsensical way, riding with the wind while the sunlight glistens upon them so beautifully.

Welcome to 2022. I’m deeply grateful to continue this journey with you.

So, what do you think? What can we expect this year?

It’s a big time of year for many who celebrate this holiday season, often accompanied by big feelings, and possibly big expectations.