The Biggest Lesson I Learned In 2020

Fear of the unknown, untreatable illness, constant change and the loneliness of isolation are just a few of the obstacles we faced this year. You may have also had some pre-existing struggles or issues you’ve been sidestepping, which quickly became unavoidable in the light of a quarantine pandemic. (I sure did!)

From all 2020’s issues - I mean, opportunities for growth - the biggest lesson I learned this year was that mindful self-care is not optional for sensitive, empathic or instinctive people.

Yes, it was a stressful year for everyone in so many different ways. However, for those of us whose nervous systems deeply process and are constantly attuned to other people’s feelings, this year was exhausting. 2020 was the year where having a restorative mindfulness practice paid dividends. And to my fellow pragmatists, I’m not talking about practicing mystics or woo-woo. I’m talking about processing stimuli, clearing your mirror neurons and resetting your senses so you can stay grounded and present.

This year, I saw how mindful self-care is necessary to stay focused and move forward despite circumstances beyond your control. It is not just a new-age indulgence.

I know that I wouldn’t have been able to gracefully close up the studio that I had worked so hard in plus process everything else about 2020 without having a well built mindfulness toolbox. 

But let me back-up and quickly recap how I got here. I started practicing mindfulness in 2010. First it was to improve my confidence and professionalism and then to implement better boundaries in my relationships. Next it was to quit smoking and then to catch my breath and feel like myself again after unexpected traumas and devastating losses. 

I spent the last decade getting really good at surrendering to "what is". I’ve (mostly) wrangled my intense stubbornness and become a master of calming my disappointment and sadness so that I could move forward. And yes, 10 years of inner-work sounds daunting but here’s the thing: I felt the benefits of calm consciousness the entire time, not just in the later years. In fact, there were only 2 differences between mindfulness at year 10 versus year 1 and they have nothing to do with getting results and feeling a deep relief. At year 10, I can now:

1)      practice mindful self-care easily and consistently on my own, with minimal support from my teachers and mentors

AND

2)      be more proactive to prevent, avoid or minimize stress and struggles instead of just regrouping and self-regulating after an issue arises.

Does any of this sound like something you may need in 2021? Would you really love more inner balance but can’t be still? Or have you practiced meditation for a while, but aren't certain you're making progress? 

If so, I invite you to join us for the Observatory in January and start at the beginning. We'll be learning and practicing basic skills to recover from the arduous holidays while also identifying your personal anchors to stay focused all year.  While you can jump into classes at any time (for now), January is the best time to try it out. Each month builds on the previous making it easier for you to keep pace and see measurable results with skill development.

If you’re ready to:

- stop losing your temper when you know better

- stop wondering if you’re doing mindfulness correctly or if you’re making progress

- stop struggling to figure out self-care and how to keep at it

- build a toolbox that helps you to go with the flow even in circumstances beyond your control

- better understand your nervous system and new ways to manage what triggers it

- enjoy a  connection with a like- minded community with anonymity to suit your comfort level

click here to join the next class.

And if you’re ready to start off with a small commitment to take better care of yourself in 2021, check out The Observatory Membership or The Observatory For Beginners Membership (coming soon). In these monthly programs, you’ll get bonus mini-sessions, learning tools and class discounts of up to 50% off in addition to the classes.

So if 2020 has showed you one thing, my guess is that you’ve seen how stress management really and truly comes down to you. And while you alone are responsible for your own inner balance, you don’t have to do it alone.

Until next time, stay kind to yourself and remember relief is within.

Aimee