Week 42 – Open Mind?

My dish cloth

You can listen to this on my podcast – 7:05 mins or my YouTube Channel

My Grandma Honey taught me to crochet when I was young, not sure what age exactly, I suspect about 10 years old. I’ve crocheted on since the 80’s. In 2009 I discovered Creative Expressions Crochet Group, a monthly gathering of all levels of crocheters/crafters where I have found a community that inspires me to grow and learn even more and not just about crochet.  Most second Saturdays I will be socializing, crocheting and sometimes learning new stitches. 

In episode 40 I shared that self-care is not a One and DONE. My crochet group time is part of my ongoing self-care. At our meeting on Saturday we re-visited a stitch called corner to corner – and I have to tell you something. When we did this stitch before, I was NOT open minded about it at all. lol. 

While were learning,  I shut down and got extremely frustrated. I also had added extra pressure on myself because I was trying to make a blanket for a gift  so I needed to have it done by a specific date.  After our meeting I went home and tried to make a blanket using the stitch, it was awful. I regrouped and used a different stitch and the blanket I made was just right.

Pam, our facilitator brought three beautiful blankets she created using the stitch and I made a decision that THIS time I would open my mind and give it a try. I took a deep breath and started on the stitch as I sat with another of our members, who confirmed I was doing it right and encouraged me along the way. Before I knew it… voila! I had a dishcloth made with the corner to corner crochet stitch.

When I feel myself struggling I ask a few questions.

  • Is my mind REALLY OPEN?
  • Where am I getting in my own way?
  • What happens if I decide to not fight or struggle and go with this?

I’m quite proud of myself for getting out of my own way and opening my mind. My dishcloth is done and will get used.

Let me know what new thing(s) you’ve done. You may reply to this newsletter/blog post or you can reach me at barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com. If social media is easier for you to reach out, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are best.

Relax, Listen, and Trust Your Inner Guidance


The card I pulled for us today is the

#2 Relax – I TURN OFF my devices for 15 MINUTES

Take a tech break and during that time, just notice what’s happening around you. Tune into your sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.

Relax, Listen and Trust Your Inner Guidance Card Deck – ORDER YOUR DECK HERE.

Your support is always greatly appreciated… share a gift with a friend, family member or colleague. 🙂

My products include – book, e-book, audio programs, card deck, online meditation sessions and more. – Find out more at barbarafaison.com/store.

 

My Breathe with Barbara LIVE Sessions for the month start this week – we are live via Zoom from 8 – 9 pm eastern on this Wednesday, 10/18. Our group sessions are small and intimate usually less than 10 people. 

You can register at http://linktr.ee/barbarafaison.

  • Our Breathe with Barbara LIVE Sessions are the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8 – 9 pm eastern. My live sessions include gentle movement, breathing, meditation and silence. I would love for you to join me, the sessions are only $15. 
  • If you prefer having a teacher for instruction, I offer one on one sessions as well as group sessions (min of 3 people). Feel free to reach out to me via email or on my website barbarafaison.com/contact-Barbara, pick the option that works best for scheduling a brief conversation.
  • If you prefer using APPs, I encourage you to check out the Insight Timer app, it is the #1 app for free meditations for sleep, anxiety, and stress, and I have over 40 meditations, book excerpts, and my courses (for premium members) and more out there. The link is InsightTimer.com.
  • I have meditations on other APPS including Aura, Meditation Station, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon and more. Just search for Barbara J. Faison as the artist and you will find me there.
  • Check out the National Meditation Playlist on my YouTube Channel, I have continued to add new meditations there. It’s a great way to practice daily, there are over 33 meditations on the list.
  • You can also find links for upcoming events and where you can meditate with me. All the links are on my linktr.ee/barbarafaison.

I’d love to know about your experience with meditation. Are you new, or would you like to learn?

If you prefer having a teacher for instruction, I offer one on one sessions as well as group sessions (min of 3 people). If you know any groups or organizations who want to offer a session, perhaps a lunch and meditate, or a program, I love referrals and would be happy to speak with them.

Feel free to reach out to me on my website barbarafaison.com/contact-Barbara, pick the option that works best for scheduling a quick conversation. Or you can message me @barbarafaison on social media, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook are best.

All of the links are on my linktr.ee/barbarafaison.

If you need a quick breath break you can take one right here.

Thank you for your support and being on this journey with me.

Feel free to share your thoughts or ask a question – via email at barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com.

Keep breathing…
Barbara J. Faison
your mindfulness & meditation ambassador