The art of purposeful living begins with a single breath

Welcome to MindfulMornings. We hope you’re looking forward to the week ahead! 

Here are 2 quotes, 2 tips, and 1 question to help with your mornings this week.

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by Wai Lana Yoga. Embrace the gentle power of Wai Lana Yoga and discover a path to vibrant health, inner peace, and joyful living. You can learn more in the P.S.

2 Quotes

1. "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." – Lao Tzu

    

2. "Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change. Embrace the power of self-study and consciously create the life you deserve." - Jim Rohn

2 Tips

1) Discover Your Ikigai: Your Path to Purpose 

Why: Ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-gai) is a beautiful Japanese concept that roughly means "life's purpose." It's where four important things come together:

• What you love 

• What you're good at 

• What the world needs 

• What you can be rewarded for 

Finding your Ikigai can lead to a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and balance in life. It's like finding the sweet spot where your passions, talents, and the world's needs all meet.  

How:

1. Start by taking time to think about what you love and what you're good at. These are your foundation! 

2. Not sure where to begin? Here's a list of verbs to spark your thinking. Use these to guide you in thinking about what you love to do.

   • To serve

   • To create

   • To delight

   • To nourish

   • To provide

   • To teach

   • To heal

   • To connect

   • To build

3. Each morning, set an intention to engage in at least one activity that aligns with what you love and are good at.

4. Slowly weave more of these activities into your daily life. Start small, including these activities outside of work hours. 

5. Take time to reflect. How do these activities make you feel? How do they impact your overall well-being? How could others benefit from this? As you reflect on them, you might see how they can add value to those around you. 

6. Remember, when you provide value to the world, rewards often naturally follow. 

7. Be patient with yourself. Your understanding of your Ikigai will grow and change over time. 

8. Share your journey with others. It's a great way to stay motivated, get new ideas, and maybe even inspire someone else to find their Ikigai! 

2) Try Forest Bathing: Embrace Nature for a Healthier, Happier You

Why: Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku as it's called in Japan, is a gateway to mindfulness and well-being. It's all about soaking in the atmosphere of a natural environment. Connecting with nature brings so many benefits: it boosts self-awareness, melts away stress, gives your immune system a lift, and brightens your mood.

How:

1. Find Your Spot: Look for a local park, forest, or nature preserve where you feel safe and can fully immerse yourself. Websites like AllTrails or your local park services can help you discover great spots nearby.

2. Plan Your Visit: Set aside at least 30 minutes for your forest bathing session. Remember, it's not about how long you stay, but how present you are. Wear comfy walking shoes and dress for the weather.

3. Wake Up Your Senses:

   • After you arrive and have settled into the environment, take deep, slow breaths. What scents do you notice? Fresh air, flowers, earthy aromas?

   • Close your eyes for a moment. Can you hear leaves rustling, birds chirping, or water flowing?

   • Look around. Notice the shades of green, how light plays with shadows, and the tiny details on leaves and flowers.

   • Gently feel the textures around you - rough tree bark, smooth stones, soft petals.

4. Stay in the Moment: Keep your thoughts anchored in the present. If your mind wanders, that's okay. Just gently bring your focus back to your surroundings. If you get stuck on a thought, don’t fight it, let it come, let it be, and then let it go.

5. Reflect: After your session, sit quietly and think about your experience. You could even jot down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. This helps deepen your connection with yourself and nature. Who knows? It might even spark ideas for your ikigai!

Want to dive deeper? You might enjoy "The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative" by Florence Williams.

1 Question

• If you could design your ideal day from morning to night, what would it look like? What activities, people, or experiences would bring you the most joy, fulfillment, and meaning?

Remember, when thinking about your Ikigai, your life’s purpose, it is not just about introspection, but also about experimentation and play. Allow yourself to explore different possibilities and find what works best for you.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy your week.

With gratitude,

MindfulMornings

If you found this newsletter helpful and would like to support us please forward it to people you love 😊 

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Wai Lana, a beloved yoga teacher with decades of experience, has created a unique approach to yoga that's perfect for women who want to stay active, flexible, and balanced - both in body and mind.

Here's why Wai Lana Yoga could be your new favorite way to nurture yourself:

1. Gentle on your body: Wai Lana's techniques are designed to be kind to your joints while still giving you a great stretch and workout.

2. Stress-melting routines: Learn simple breathing exercises and meditation techniques that can help you find calm in the midst of life's chaos.

3. Flexible practice options: Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, there's a Wai Lana routine that fits your schedule.

4. Community support: Join a welcoming group of like-minded women who are on their own paths to wellness.

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