Finding Time for J.O.Y. – Just for You
Back in January, ( I know that was just a few days a
But I will have to admit that I was
So the day of the event arrived, I got up and got ready and made my way in the Honda to the venue, The Firehouse where the event was
The event started at 9 am with Melissa Harrell, the workshop coordinator and owner of Resiliency Counseling & Consulting leading the first session, Breaking up with Stress: You are better off without it! She talked to us about taking the first step to embracing your mindful life. Melissa said that when we focus more on our mental health we respond better to our stressors. We can’t always get rid of what is stressing us out but we can learn to respond to them in a different way. She said the problem with most people in society, and I will admit that I am one of them, we are always on alert, worrying about things that we have no control over,
And that when we live in the state of Chronic Stress, we are breaking down our bodies. And mindfulness is learning to live in the present and training your mind to let go. Being out of control and feeling out of control makes us feel even more stressed out.
What I thought was really cool about this part of the workshop was a thing called the Egg Theory. Basically it is about making the choice what you let inside your little egg or bubble.
Subtle Yoga: No Mat Required!
I wish I could say that took a lot of notes in this session, but because it was about yoga, you can imagine that I was to busy concentrating between making the connection between mind and breath. I can actually say that this part of the workshop was really cool. I learned some techniques, I can do in the Blog Cabin that will allow me to release some of the stress over deadlines and tension that tend to happen in my shoulders and neck.
I can honestly say that even if you are not a fan of yoga, the techniques Cheryl taught anyone and I mean anyone could do. Plus after doing some of this techniques, I felt so invigorating going into the next session.
The Gift of Prayer: Ancient Prayer Practices that can change your life
In choosing my word Create this year, I also decided that I needed to create more time for God. So this session was right up my alley. Brad, the leader of this session have us three ways to pray.
- Centering Prayer
This type of prayer is when you stop and take a moment to breath. It helps you to receive things in a better way about will happen during the day. It offers you an opportunity to just be still.
- Scripture Reading 3X’s
Read a passage of Scripture 3 times not to analyze it but just to listen and feel the words. Because when you read without trying to figure things out you will connect with words in a better way.
- Prayer of Examen
Asking yourself the question, where did I see God day? each day. So that the next day you start your day differently by being proactive instead of reactive.
Brad stressed that during a busy day, take a minute to hear God Speak. One minute isn’t going to make a difference even if you are already late. And that if all we do is analyze scripture, we won’t hear it.
My Thoughts
I can honestly say, that I am glad that I went to this workshop and I am looking forward to attending their teen workshop, Resilient Teens with my daughters on February 23. There are still tickets available- both parents and teens will find something beneficial to them.
We all can benefit and need JOY time. This workshop sounds intriguing. As someone who practices yoga, I can agree that even subtle moves and stretches feel so good!
This sounds like it was a great time to focus on relaxing and reconnecting with God. Something so needed!
This sounds like such a great opportunity! I’m glad you decided to go and experience it. I would have loved doing the subtle yoga. Yoga is so good for the body.
This sounds like a really awesome workshop. I am a person who has anxiety – even though tI hide it wel – about new people and interacting with them. I think I would enjoy this format and the information shared.
This sounds perfect for the overworked mom who doesn’t take time for herself. Thanks for sharing.