November 12

Hi Reader,

For thousands of years, men have been the custodians of the knowledge of meditation.

So of course it’s designed to meet their needs.

It was taught mostly by celibate, single Monks living in remote areas.

Sitting still in silence for hours was doable in those conditions.

Possibly even because they still had women who cooked and cleaned for them.

Who knows.

What I do know is expecting a woman in the thick of raising the next generation to meditate like a man in a remote village doesn't make sense.

Women require something a little different.

First, let’s start with how we see ourselves.

You're a perfect woman, nobly planned

In Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach said William Wordsworth wrote a poem about his wife calling her “A perfect Woman, nobly planned”.

Something she thinks all women need to know about themselves but most don’t.

To know this about ourselves we must nourish ourselves and remind each other of this daily.

Sarah prescribes at least three ten-minute timeouts daily for body, mind, and soul restoration.

She says, “Using our senses as a guide to rediscover the joy of breathing is a way to stretch our capacity for pleasure.”

Then her advice:

Other sensory ideas include lighting a candle, baking fresh cookies, simmering herbs and spices, or going outside and gazing at the stars until your breath feels expanded.

Setting the mood much like we do, without hesitation, for those we love.

Breathe throughout the day

Breathing isn’t only reserved for these three ten-minute breaks.

My therapist said doing this micro-mindful habit throughout the day is good for overall nervous system regulation.

I like to focus on my breath when I walk from one room to another like my desk to the kitchen.

Or if I notice my body feels tense I’ll stop whatever I’m doing to give my full attention to my breath and make sure I allow myself to feel the full satisfying peak before moving on.

Time to breathe can remind us how perfect and nobly planned we are.

Luxuriate in your sensory world

Camille Marine, author of Meditation Secrets for Women: Discovering Your Passion, Pleasure and Inner Peace, says:

Luxuriate in your sensory world.

Create literal space in your body.

Feel the inhale of air into your lungs expanding the belly and chest.

Enjoy not needing to answer any demands.

This in turn creates the emotional space we crave.

​
Francesca

What did you think of this? I'd love to hear your thoughts!​

Move up the ladder to higher vibrations by writing at the top of a blank page:
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How can I make time daily for three ten-minute breaks? What can I do during that time?
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and see what flows from your pen. No judgment or editing.

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