Whether you are a medical professional, academic, executive leader, business owner, mom or manager, you are committed to offering care to those you serve.
While this is an enriching rewarding path, it can be extremely demanding, even draining at times. Where do you find support in face of depleting energy?
As a professional and a caregiver, I understand. My own journey through divorce took me to a place with having felt exhausted, yet unable to sleep well, overwhelmed by needs of those around me, and feeling as though there was no time to stop and restore myself. I was building a coaching practice, participating in training for furthering my education and raising two amazing sons. This life transition involved not only loss and grief, but relearning how to be in the world on my own. While my story is not uncommon in many ways; it has been expanding, heart opening and grown my compassion.
Initially, my unconscious “strategy” was to keep busy. I thought everything would be okay if I just kept moving forward and kept my head above water. Well, I was wrong. I couldn’t sleep. I became increasingly exhausted and agitated, encountering anger. I used to see anger as bad, as something to fear or push away. I now know it is a messenger, inviting one to look at something deeper that wants our attention.
One day, I realized…“I need to stop. I need to take a moment and take a breath.”
This was the beginning of my becoming mindful, taking time to breathe and hearing myself, finally, seeing what was truly important. My practice with Vipassana meditation introduced me to a new sweet spot inside, offering more clarity, focus and peace. There was a coming home to what I call the heartbeat of life.
One of the things I’m most grateful for in my own experience – both the good and the challenging – is how my mindfulness practice has grown my self-compassion, along with empathy for others. In fact, I really believe it has saved my life. How? As I’ve been faced with loss, grief and change, I’ve found mindfulness to be a gateway to joy.
Mindfulness has created a new place of freedom. Given the gifts of the practice and learning that keeps evolving, I am committed to serving other professionals and caregivers who want support for accessing their own peace, tools for greater well-being and leadership.