“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
As has been noted repeatedly and at length just about everywhere you look or listen, the past year has been a time of widespread stress. And with COVID restrictions, we are pretty much on our own to deal with it.
In my own battles with grief and isolation, I have turned to meditation as one of my numerous practices. It has been life-changing.
For the February podcast, I invited Juan Alvarez, my own meditation teacher, to share his wisdom and clarity with our Women on Fire circle.
If you are new to meditation, Juan recommends this basic book to learn a meditation technique — and I heartily endorse his selection. I am pleased to announce that our February Book To Live By is:
Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment — and Your Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn (*paid link).
Mindfulness is one of many forms of meditation, and Jon Kabat-Zinn is its leading proponent. He is a scientist, teacher, and founder of the Stress-Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He also has authored numerous books on the subject.
In clear and eloquent language, Kabat-Zinn guides us to use our focus and senses to defeat our dependence on distraction. He asserts that mindfulness is a trainable skill that offers the resources needed to achieve growth, healing, and transformation.
He describes the mindfulness practice as “something subtle and, at the same time, potentially huge and important, which just might change your life.” He reminds us that, when we are fully present, anything and everything can become a teacher in the moment.
Mindfulness for Beginners (*paid link) is available on Amazon. The audio book, with narration by Kabat-Zinn, is highly recommended. Print versions include a link to download his five guided meditations.
Wishing you peace, calm, and transformation,
P.S. Every day at Women on Fire, we offer inspiration, useful strategies and woman-to-woman support. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us today!
*As an Amazon Associate, Women on Fire earns from qualifying purchases.
