understanding mindfulness, present

RESET: Embracing Growth Through Present Discomfort

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Embrace growth through discomfort.

“Embrace growth through discomfort” is a powerful concept that challenges us to step out of our comfort zones in order to achieve personal and professional growth. Megan discussed the importance of embracing discomfort as a means of pushing ourselves to new heights and reaching our full potential.

 

She explained that growth often comes from pushing ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of, and that this can only be achieved through discomfort. When we are comfortable, we are stagnant. We are not challenging ourselves or pushing ourselves to grow. It is only when we step outside of our comfort zones and embrace discomfort that we are able to truly grow and evolve as individuals.

 

Megan shared personal stories of times when they had to embrace discomfort in order to achieve her goals. She talked about the fear and uncertainty she felt, but also the sense of accomplishment and growth that came from pushing through those feelings. It was a reminder that growth is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

 

She also discussed the importance of seeking out discomfort in our daily lives. Whether it is trying something new, taking on a challenging project, or having difficult conversations, embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth. It is through these experiences that we learn more about ourselves, our capabilities, and our potential.

 

Shift “SHOULDS” to more empowering “COULDS”

Megan Bayless-Bartley discusses the importance of shifting to an empowering could in order to foster personal growth and self-empowerment. She emphasizes the negative impact of shoulds, which are limiting beliefs that often lead to feelings of guilt, judgment, and self-criticism. By replacing should with could, individuals can open themselves up to a wider range of options and possibilities, ultimately leading to a more positive and empowering mindset.

 

The concept of shifting shoulds to empowering coulds is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-empowerment. Shoulds are often rooted in external expectations, societal norms, and past conditioning, which can limit our ability to make choices that align with our true desires and values. When we constantly tell ourselves what we should be doing, we create a sense of obligation and pressure that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

 

Megan Bayles Bartley suggests that by embracing coulds, individuals can break free from the constraints of “shoulds” (shoulding all over ourselves) and embrace a more balanced and fulfilling life. By acknowledging where “shoulds” may have originated from, whether it be societal expectations, family influences, or personal beliefs, individuals can begin to challenge and reframe these limiting beliefs. This process of self-reflection and self-awareness allows individuals to take ownership of their choices and actions, and to cultivate a sense of agency and empowerment in their lives.

Listen to Season 4, Episode 5 of the Shifting Our Shit Podcast HERE!

past, honor, celebrate, honor the past

RESET: Honoring The Past

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Reflecting on the past year, we begin to reset.

 

Megan emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the past year in order to reset and move forward. This process allows individuals to assess what worked well for them, what didn’t, and what goals or intentions they set for themselves. By examining these aspects, individuals can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about their future actions.

 

Megan encourages listeners to think about three or four words that describe or sum up the past year for them. This exercise helps individuals to distill their experiences and gain a clearer understanding of the overall theme or essence of the year. For example, she shares that she felt a sense of balance in the past year, which was a goal she had set for herself. This reflection allows individuals to celebrate their accomplishments and identify areas for growth or improvement.

 

She also encourages listeners to consider what worked well for them in the past year. This could be anything from implementing a new routine or habit to achieving a specific goal. By identifying these successes, individuals can build on them and continue to incorporate them into their lives moving forward. For example, she mentions that she successfully slowed down during the summer and felt a greater sense of balance as a result.

 

Megan encourages listeners to reflect on what didn’t work well for them in the past year. This could include external factors such as economic challenges or personal responsibilities that hindered progress. By acknowledging these obstacles, individuals can gain clarity on what may need to be addressed or changed in order to achieve their goals. It is important to note that she emphasizes that these experiences should not be labeled as good or bad, but rather as learning lessons.

 

Megan wants individuals to consider the goals or intentions they set for themselves in the past year, even if they were not fully accomplished. This exercise allows individuals to reassess their priorities and determine which goals or intentions they still want to pursue in the future. It is important to recognize that progress is not always linear, and sometimes goals may need to be carried over into the next year.

 

She also highlights the importance of celebrating accomplishments, both big and small. By acknowledging and appreciating one’s efforts and achievements, individuals can boost their self-confidence and motivation. Megan encourages listeners to be proud of themselves for what they have accomplished and to show gratitude for their growth and progress.

Listen to this episode of the Shifting Our Shit (SOS) Podcast, HERE!

forgive, love, kindness

Actions Speak Louder than Words

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Action Speaks Louder than Words: The Power of Intentions

In a world where words are often used to deceive, manipulate, or simply lack sincerity, the proverb “Action speaks louder than words” holds immense significance. This timeless adage emphasizes the importance of actions as a true reflection of one’s intentions and character. We will explore the profound impact of actions and how they can often surpass the power of words.

Actions Manifest True Intentions:

While words can be easily manipulated or insincere, actions have an inherent authenticity that cannot be easily dismissed. Actions are concrete manifestations of one’s beliefs, values, and intentions. They have the power to reveal the true character of an individual, as they require effort, commitment, and consistency. For example, a person who claims to be environmentally conscious but fails to recycle or reduce their carbon footprint demonstrates a lack of genuine commitment to their stated values. In contrast, someone who actively engages in sustainable practices and consistently supports environmental causes through their actions demonstrates a true dedication to their beliefs.

Actions Inspire Trust and Confidence:

Actions have the power to build trust and confidence in relationships, whether personal or professional. When individuals consistently follow through on their promises and commitments, their actions validate their words. This alignment between words and actions fosters trust and reliability, enabling healthy and meaningful connections. Conversely, when words and actions do not align, doubt and skepticism can arise, eroding trust and straining relationships. For instance, a leader who consistently makes grand promises but fails to deliver on them will eventually lose the trust and confidence of their team. In contrast, a leader who takes tangible steps to fulfill their commitments will inspire loyalty and motivate others to follow their lead.

Actions Drive Change and Impact:

While words have the potential to inspire, actions are the driving force behind meaningful change and impact. History is replete with examples of individuals whose actions have shaped the world. Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance movements, for instance, demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and inspired a nation to fight for independence. Similarly, the actions of civil rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. transformed society by challenging racial inequality and discrimination. These influential figures understood that their actions would speak louder than any words they could utter, and their legacies continue to inspire generations.

Actions Overcome Communication Barriers:

In a diverse and globalized world, language barriers and cultural differences often hinder effective communication. Actions can transcend these barriers and convey messages that words alone cannot. A simple act of kindness, a helping hand extended to a stranger, or a charitable donation can communicate compassion, empathy, and goodwill without the need for verbal communication. Such actions create a universal language that unites people from different backgrounds, fostering understanding and connection.

Resetting for success and mindfulness.

One area where this alignment between words and actions is particularly important is in the pursuit of success and mindfulness. In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, constantly striving for success without taking the time to pause, reflect, and reset. True success cannot be achieved without a mindful approach that considers not only the end goal but also the journey and the well-being of oneself and others.

One key aspect of resetting for success and mindfulness is the practice of practical mindfulness. This involves being present in the moment, being aware of one’s thoughts and actions, and intentionally slowing down to assess the situation before diving in. Megan acknowledges her own tendency to jump into things without reading instructions, leading to mistakes and inefficiency. By practicing practical mindfulness, she has learned to be more methodical and intentional in her approach, resulting in better outcomes and a gentler attitude towards herself and others.

She also highlights the significance of doing and being. Megan describes herself as a doer, someone who takes action and gets things done. She recognizes the value of being present, of just being in the moment without constantly striving to do more. This balance between doing and being is crucial for success and mindfulness. By taking the time to just be, to pause and reflect, individuals can gain a fresh perspective, see things with beginner’s eyes, and open themselves up to new possibilities and ways of thinking.

The concept of resetting for success and mindfulness is not about following rigid step-by-step guides or adhering to strict rules. Instead, it is about embracing flexibility, curiosity, and the rainbow of options. Megan encourages listeners to think differently, to challenge black and white thinking, and to explore new ways of approaching tasks and routines. By making small changes, such as sitting in a different spot at the table or taking a different route to work, individuals can cultivate a more malleable mindset and create momentum for positive change.

Megan emphasizes the importance of choice and the ability to change one’s mind. Success and mindfulness require individuals to honor themselves, to give themselves the space and time to reset. This may involve pausing, reflecting, and checking in with oneself. It may also involve acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the things one is grateful for in life. By focusing on what is going well and what one is grateful for, individuals can shift their perspective and approach to life, setting themselves up for success and a more mindful existence.

Listen to this Shifting Our Shit (SOS) Podcast episode HERE!

Practical Mindfulness for Everyday Life!

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Mindfulness is empowering and freeing.

Mindfulness is a practice that empowers individuals and sets them free from the burdens of stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. It allows individuals to awaken from the autopilot mode and become conscious of their thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. By being aware of the present moment, individuals can choose how they want to think, feel, and act, leading to a sense of control and empowerment.

 

One of the key aspects of mindfulness is letting go of things that are beyond our control and not attaching unnecessary meaning to situations. This helps individuals to release the burden of trying to control everything and allows them to focus their energy on things that truly matter. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can experience a sense of calmness and peace in all areas of their lives.

 

Mindfulness is often associated with meditation, but it is important to note that mindfulness is the first and most basic step in meditation and other stillness practices. It is about becoming more aware of the present moment, cultivating a nonjudgmental mindset, and creating space for stillness. The approach to mindfulness could be practical, down-to-earth, and accessible to all individuals, even those who think they could never do it. Mindfulness can be integrated into everyday tasks such as driving, doing chores, and eating meals, making it a part of one’s daily life.

 

It is common for individuals to worry about their ability to sit still or quiet their mind during meditation or stillness practices. However, it is important to understand that the mind’s natural tendency is to wander. When the mind wanders, it is not a sign of failure or inadequacy, but rather an opportunity to practice mindfulness. By gently bringing the mind back to the intended focus without judgment, individuals can cultivate a curious and compassionate mindset towards themselves and their thoughts.

 

Practicing mindfulness allows individuals to be more compassionate with themselves and others. It encourages them to let go of self-criticism and high expectations, and instead embrace self-compassion and acceptance. This shift in mindset can lead to a sense of freedom from the constant need to prove oneself and a greater sense of self-worth.

 

Mindfulness is a practice that empowers individuals by allowing them to awaken from autopilot mode, be present in the moment, and choose how they want to think, feel, and act. It is a practice that sets individuals free from stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns, and cultivates a sense of calmness, peace, and empowerment. By integrating mindfulness into daily life and practicing self-compassion, individuals can experience the freedom and empowerment that mindfulness brings.

 

Listen to Season 4, Episode 1 of the Shifting Our Shit (S.O.S.) Podcast HERE!

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