Yesterday, my morning mindfulness practice focused on acceptance. I left the practice feeling ready to embrace the present reality. Then, the governor of Virginia announced that in response to the rapid rise of coronavirus, mandatory stay-at-home orders would last through June 10. Although we had already been practicing stay-at-home for more than two weeks, aContinue reading “On Acceptance”
Category Archives: Daily practice
RESILIENCE IN THE MIDST OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS: Breathe
This is the eighth piece in an ongoing series on topics relating to how we cope personally and collectively in the midst of this health crisis. For questions, topic suggestions, resources, or other, please feel free to reach me at rb@reneebranson.blog Today is Friday and for most of us, it is the end of the firstContinue reading “RESILIENCE IN THE MIDST OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS: Breathe”
Resilient Rituals
Each of us have our daily routines. I do the same thing every single morning when I wake up. I walk directly to the coffee pot, and stand trace-like in front of it until the it’s ready. Pavlov’s dogs had nothing on me. Those are key ingredients to me starting the day off on theContinue reading “Resilient Rituals”
Living Ourselves Into A New Way of Thinking
Years ago in grad school, my counseling professor said to me, “Renee, stop thinking so much. Allow yourself the ability to react authentically in the moment. Trust your emotional response.” I had two reactions to that. First, this was graduate school; I thought I was suppose to be thinking! Secondly, I was studying to beContinue reading “Living Ourselves Into A New Way of Thinking”
On beginning
Yesterday, at the age of 83, poet Mary Oliver died. This month, as we focus on meaning and purpose, her passing gently yet insistently reminds us that it is never too early, nor too late, to do what we need to do. It requires us only to begin. THE JOURNEY One day you finally knewwhatContinue reading “On beginning”
January’s Resilience Focus: Meaning
I am thrilled to begin this six month journey cultivating resilience with you. Each month our practice will center around one pillar of resilience. You will discover soon enough that even as we practice in one area other pillars will be discussed and strengthened as well. This month we will be concentrating on MEANING. ThatContinue reading “January’s Resilience Focus: Meaning”
Keep Indulging!
Happy New Year! And yes, you read that headline right. Keep indulging! I know it’s January 4th and if you are like me, you are sitting somewhere back at work, slightly dazed, and craving fondue and a cocktail even though it’s just 11:15am. We’ve indulged and partied and celebrated and taken naps and lived inContinue reading “Keep Indulging!”
Deck the Halls with Expectations! Fa-La-La-La-La Let’s Take a Breath!
It snowed in Charlottesville all day yesterday. When it finally eased off around 10pm, we had close to 8 inches of snow. The white blanket looked festive and sparkling surrounded in the neighborhood Christmas lights. I had been slow to feel much in the holiday spirit this year, but having “real snow” in Virginia beforeContinue reading “Deck the Halls with Expectations! Fa-La-La-La-La Let’s Take a Breath!”
Integrity
Giving Yourself the Apology You Didn’t Receive
Apologies. Making amends. Asking forgiveness. We have all been there on both sides of the “I am sorry.” If we are on the side of asking forgiveness, it means we have recognized a person’s pain and our part in that pain. At its core, saying “I am sorry” means “I see you.” Receiving an apologyContinue reading “Giving Yourself the Apology You Didn’t Receive”
Renee Branson 