We enjoyed the beautiful weather by the lake and took in the sounds of nature as we meditated with Michelle Brown LCSW guiding us. Meditation is the practice of disciplining the mind and engaging in reflection. We also discussed how different activities can count as meditation – cooking, walking, and sitting on the grass for a moment of reflection. When doing these activities, you’ll want to be intentional, being aware of what you’re seeing and feeling. After the meditation, we shared how each of us felt, and many of us were in solidarity with the sentiments shared:

– It was hard to concentrate on just my breath.
– I often struggle with meditation and beat myself up for not fully getting rid of my thoughts.
– I used the post-it note you left near my mat as a guide for how I stayed focused during my meditation. I took a breath in for “All is well” and breathed out for “in this moment”.
– I’ve been having a lot going on in my life right now, so doing this made me feel at ease.
–  It’s so nice to be in nature and when Michelle said listen to the sound of the lake and the birds, I took my focus right back to being present.
– While you’re meditating, don’t listen to the negative voices. Listen to the soft, gentle voices inside your head. That’s the real you! –Michelle Brown LCSW

We learned that there’s no wrong way to meditate and the more we do it, the better our minds become. Why is meditation so important? It is powerful and highly beneficial for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. It directs our brain patterns in a positive direction and makes us remember to stay present, no matter our anxious thoughts or worries. The benefits of meditating in nature include improving our mood, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, sharpening our mental focus, and boosting our creativity! If you like reading meditations in the mornings, this book: Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much is lovely!

Thanks again to those of you who joined us last week! Special love to Michelle Brown LCSW for co-hosting with us! She is currently accepting new clients if you’re in need of a therapist. She specializes in supporting clients through navigating life changes, healing from trauma, perinatal mental health, stress and anxiety, and interpersonal relationships. Shout out to the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce for including us in their Health & Wellness Weekend! Thank you Carmen Henry for capturing us so beautifully!

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