​Happy Mindful Monday, Phoenixes! This week we'll be focusing on breath-work. When you're stressed out, you tend to take quick, shallow breaths. This affects your nervous system, your emotions, and how well your brain functions. Do this breath-work activity to help slow things down so you can feel calmer and more focused.

​Listen to your body... if you feel light-headed, take a break! If you are a person who meditates or prays, I recommend spending a few moments in stillness after this activity... enjoy the peaceful environment you've created within!⁠
 
Breath-work exercise: Straw Breathing

• Sit or lie down, and get comfortable.
• Close your eyes and slow your breathing.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your diaphragm with air so your belly rises.
• Purse your lips together in a small “o” as if you have a straw in your mouth.
• Exhale through your mouth, putting pressure behind the breath as if you are blowing through a straw.
• Repeat for a total of 10 breaths.

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​Happy Mindful Monday, Phoenixes! This week we'll be tuning into our auditory senses. When we get busy, we tend to block out all the little sounds around us. So take a few moments to truly listen... what do you hear? ⁠
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Mindful Listening Activity:
-Sit or lie down, and get comfortable.
-Close your eyes and slow your breathing.
-What sounds do you year? Maybe chirping birds? The whir of a laptop? Chatter from a co-worker or housemate? The breath of a pet?
-Spend a few moments just noticing the sounds that you normally block out.

Happy Monday, Phoenixes! I’ll be doing a weekly Mindful Mondays post... some on mindfulness, some on self-care, some on breath-work, all on helping your Mondays be a bright spot in your week! ❤️
 
This week’s focus is on forgiveness and release. Holding a grudge does more harm to you than to the other person. The third quarter moon is all about release and letting go of what’s holding us back, so this is a great week to let go of any toxic situations you’ve been holding on to. I suggest doing this release/forgiveness activity once a month (more if needed).
 
Release Activity:
-Grab a piece of paper and a pen.
-Sit comfortably and relax. Notice any tension, anger, or frustration you may be holding in your body.
-Make a list of people and situations you choose to forgive.
-When you’ve finished your list, go through one-by-one and release them. Picture the person in your head in a loving light, or picture the situation resolved in a healthy way.
-When you’re done, crumple or burn the piece of paper.
 
You may not feel that forgiveness instantly, and that’s ok! Make it a daily choice to release it again.
 
Interested in more info on the moon and how you can use its cycles to feel more balanced and find the flow in your life? Stay tuned for our Lunae classes, coming this January!

xoxo,
​Jenni
 
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