Julia Jones
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Mindfulness Matters - Interview with Sr. Adelaide Williamson

6/1/2015

 
Sr. ADELAIDE WILLIAMSON
CSJ, Former Art Teacher

Adelaide is a Sister of St. Joseph and has an absolutely beautiful spirit. A former art teacher, Sr. Adelaide's artistic abilities and creativity are inspiring. Sr. Adelaide's use of Mindfulness moves in harmony with her life and she uses Mindfulness as a tool to connect not only with herself, but others. 


1. What does mindfulness mean to you? 
Mindfulness is relinquishing the "doing mode"and the "thinking mode" for the "BEING mode of life, so that one is totally immersed in present moment awareness of things - external and internal conditions as they are - without judgment.

2. Describe your mindfulness practice or how you use it? 
Because I have an inborn nature that wants to appreciate and savor things, especially beauty, comfort and joy, I find mindful awareness enhances my gratitude as I live my ordinary daily life.

I'm grateful for my faith in a loving being I call God (Love with and within me) who is always caring for me and all of creation. When in the midst of the challenging aspects of life whether it's people,  places, things or conditions, I believe that these more challenging circumstances of life can work for my highest good. 

Mindfulness includes honoring (by acknowledging) my negative feelings and emotions so that they don't have to be stuffed only to erupt in unwanted ways.

3. What difference has mindfulness made in your life? 
The practice of mindfulness has heightened my sensory awareness so that I savor even more the gifts in my life - people, nature, pets, art, music, sounds, fragrant aromas, lovely  aesthetic things, comfortable circumstances, etc. I also believe it strengthens my conscious contact with God by way of gratitude.

4. How would you explain mindfulness to someone who is new to the concept? 
By sharing my responses to questions 1,2 & 3 above. 

I would let the person know that there is quite a bit of literature on the topic of mindfulness readily available if they are interested in becoming more informed. I would also let them know that the practice of mindfulness seems to have been very effective in helping people deal with chronic pain.

5. Is there anything else you want to tell me about your own mindfulness experience?
I believe mindfulness can best be nurtured by nonjudgmental practice.

Mindfulness Matters - Interview withTom Scarcella 

5/30/2015

 
TOM SCARCELLA 
Writer, Recent Wagner College Graduate

Tom is a recent graduate of Wagner College and has a penchant for writing. Serving as a Writing Intensive Tutor (WIT) at Wagner College, Tom helped students edit and enjoy their writing. His skills will serve him well as a copyeditor, but Tom's passion for writing has pushed him to pursue his PhD in Writing to ultimately research and teach at the college level. 



1. What does Mindfulness mean to you? 
To me, mindfulness is a way of remembering that you’re alive and experiencing things. We all know that we should stop and smell the roses every now and again, but how often do we really do this? One part of mindfulness, then, is taking the mental blinders off and bringing your total awareness to your actions and experiences. To me, it’s extraordinary that we can consciously send nerve signals to our hand to move a finger — little things like this are simple, but just seem so profound when you put your full mind to them. It’s hard to ultimately define, but I see mindfulness as the practice of being more in touch with our actions, thoughts and experiences in the present moment.

2. Describe your Mindfulness practice or how you use it? 
Meditation is a big part of my mindfulness practice. That is where I sit and learn to just observe my breath, acknowledging the mental chatter and letting it fade away as I become more in touch with sensory experience. Mindfulness is a way of carrying out this mentality through the day—attempting to be in tune with my experiences instead of just running on autopilot, cloistered in my own thoughts. I also have small practical techniques to be more mindful, such as brushing my teeth with my non-dominant left hand, or chewing food for longer so as to appreciate and savor the experience more.

3. What difference has Mindfulness made in your life? 
I have been practicing mindfulness for years now; and although I have been much less disciplined with it than I should be, it’s still made a tremendous difference for me. For one, it allows me to appreciate life so much more, because it has given me a greater capacity to get out of my thoughts and be in tune with my surroundings. It has also allowed me to observe my mind, and take a breath when I am feeling angry or sad or anxious. I go from being consumed by an emotion, to just breathing and acknowledging the emotion is there. In one way I am really allowing myself to experience the emotion, but that also helps me to let it go. So, mindfulness also allows you to be quite aware of inner experience, and this has helped me deal with my problems in profound ways. Mindfulness, in conjunction with meditation, has allowed me to live a more deliberate, but also more relaxed life.

4. How would you explain Mindfulness to someone who is new to the concept?
I would tell someone that mindfulness is something we naturally do at times, but that can be honed for a happier and calmer way of being. I might ask someone how they would would react if their favorite song came on the radio unexpectedly. While that special enthusiasm can’t really be replicated, the sudden mental switch—where you go from a hazy half-focused mind to an alert and engaged one—certainly can be. I would tell them it’s just bringing your attention to your experiences and really feeling things: really paying attention in a conversation instead of just nodding and yessing, really enjoying the lovely heat of a nice shower and becoming aware of the sensation of water on skin, and really feeling how extraordinary it is just be alive. I would also emphasize the application of mindfulness to one’s inner life as well, in its capacity to help one deal with their emotions.

5. Is there anything else you want to tell me about your own Mindfulness experience?
I would like to say that writing about mindfulness was much more difficult than I thought it would be (in an enjoyable way that helped me understand it better). While its fundamentals are straightforward enough, there always seems like something is missing when I am trying to describe it. It is a fairly elusive and difficult concept, so I can certainly see why it takes books and practice and discipline to really understand and achieve mindfulness. Yet, because the central practice of mindfulness—which I see as a rekindling of slumbered awareness—applies throughout, it is something anyone can start to do at literally any time.


Mindfulness Matters -     Interview with Susy Mateos

5/22/2015

 
I have had the privilege of interviewing numerous individuals over the past three months about their vision of Mindfulness and its impact on their lives. The response I got was overwhelming and inspiring. I put together a general set of questions which I shared with those who had spoken to me about their Mindful journey. Each post will feature a different individual and their story. Enjoy!

SUSY MATEOS 
CPC, ELI-MP, Life and Executive Coach & Yoga Instructor 

Susy, originally from Mexico, has a beautiful joy and energy about her that is infectious. She is a true listener and a wonderful coach. My mom, Anne Peterson, had Susy as a coach as she was completing her Life & Executive Coaching license. We visited Susy and her family in Arkansas and enjoyed a delicious meal of spinach salad, quiche and lime bundt cake, that ultimately sparked wonderful conversations about Mindfulness. Below is her story: 


1. What does Mindfulness mean to you? 
It is to be present

2. Describe your Mindfulness practice or how you use it? 
I practice yoga and meditation everyday and I try to be always aware of being present.  It helps me with my family, my work as a yoga instructor and life coach and with all my relationships.

3. What difference has Mindfulness made in your life? 
My life is happier.  I have less limiting beliefs, fears and negative energy around me.

4. How would you explain Mindfulness to someone who is new to the concept? 
I would say Mindfulness is "To live in the present moment"

5. Is there anything else you want to tell me about your own Mindfulness experience? 

Once upon a time, there was a girl that used to live very happily and safe with her parents and 2 brothers.  She was a shy, sweet, cute, lovable girl who dreamed of becoming a successful teacher, mom, executive woman and wife.  Her world was perfect and full of love, until one day when coming back from school, she discovered that her dad left her home.

That day her mom wanted to kill herself- her father left without explanations and this girl felt a deep sadness and loneliness.  On one hand, she got full of fears and insecurities, but on the other hand, her love and dreams always kept her happy and confident that life was good.  Everything changed.

“That change was inside myself, since that moment I understood that I couldn’t control the outcome but I was still the same person.  I still felt full of love and dreams, and that was what inspired me today to be a Coach. When your are faced with any stimulus, you have an energetic response to it positive (anabolic) or negative (catabolic).  This is called your Energetic Presentation. 

It fascinating for me to be with people, to support them to realize that we all have and unlimited potential, that the only thing we own is ourselves, our life, our desires, and what it really matters is the present moment, and our future is all about opportunities, joy and fulfillment.”

Susy is a certified coach from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC), BBA from Universidad Iberoamericana and registered yoga teacher (200 RYT)

She loves her life; to run, bike, SUP, practice and teach yoga, travel, cook, being a mom, wife, friend, daughter and always tries to be present.

Through the process of coaching, Susy supports to her clients to find their answers to be able to achieve their dreams, helps them to do things beyond what they thought they could do, from a place of confidence.

Susy is committed to help you be the very best you can be and inspire and champion you.  She will help you break through what holds you back from manifesting your dreams and will challenge you to focus time on what you want to do.  She will hold your agenda and help you be accountable for what you say you will do.

“Thank you for taking your time in knowing me a little bit more, and congratulations, this is the first step, being curious and open.  If it’s the right moment, please contact me for a complementary session!”

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Be Present! 

4/28/2015

 
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Gratitude & Joy 

4/6/2015

 
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All it takes...

3/24/2015

 
This humorous TEDTalk by Andy Puddicombe is fantastic! Just another source that describes how accessible and useful mindfulness can be in our lives.

Can mindfulness help manage pain and mental illness? 

3/17/2015

 

Can mindfulness help manage pain and mental illness? #mindfulness #missandover http://t.co/a9J2R98MoH

— Julia Jones (@juliaelisejones) March 18, 2015

WHERE ARE YOU NOW? 

2/24/2015

 
So I'm not feeling too hot today. I have been feeling my body trying to fend off an impending cold, fever and chills since Sunday and it finally gave in!! 

Even so, I refuse to be sick - I don't like being sick and after my two classes today, I spent time resting and trying to drink fluids.

What I do know, however, is that when I do get sick (which isn't often) my body is telling me that it needs to rest and rejuvenate. It's moments like these that I can really see my mindful practice at work. 

I try to practice mindfulness everyday and with that practice, my sense of self-awareness grows. I continue to strive to be in-tune with my body and its needs. That is an awesome feeling. 

Self-Awareness is just one wonderful outcome of practicing Mindfulness. 

Have you had a moment to yourself today? If not, why not now? I've posted a 
great 5 minute Breathing Meditation from UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC). Click here for more free guided meditations! 

Enjoy your mindful moment!!

Practicing the S.T.O.P Technique 

2/20/2015

 
TODAY'S GOAL:  you begin a daily practice of the S.T.O.P technique, to help recognize (without judgement) your needs in the present moment. 

Like many of us, I find myself trying to juggle a handful of daily tasks. For example: 
  • Staying focused and disciplined on my exercise and nutrition plan à la Mendy Lynn, my trainer. Check out Mendy's business Chic Clique Fitness! 
  • Taking two fantastic strategic communication classes
  • Working full time
  • Getting prepared for the Miss Leavenworth/Wooded Hills pageant...which I am SO excited for!
  • Networking and Searching for internships in PR/Strategic Communications
  • Finding acting jobs 
All of the above are things that I love doing, but sometimes I feel the weight of those tasks and find stress creeping in. It's in those moments that mindfulness plays a key role in my sanity. 

Below is a graphic of the S.T.O.P technique, told to me by Lisa Pinsker, MA, a wonderful teacher of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in Kansas City. 
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The S.T.O.P technique is simple and only takes about 30 seconds. You can practice it: 
  1. When you wake up
  2. Before you eat
  3. Right after sitting down to work
  4. Before you sleep
  5. When you feel yourself getting tense/stressed.

Take the opportunity to find moments of stillness in your day. Perhaps cultivate those moments by setting 'Reminders' for yourself on your phone. 

By taking the time to S.T.O.P and focus on our emotions, thoughts and body, we can learn how to support ourselves in that particular moment without judgement. 

That might be by taking a walk, stretching, reading a book or listening to your favorite song. 
There is no right or wrong. Just listen and focus with kindness on the moment. No judgement needed. 

Give it try!!

TODAY'S GOAL:  you begin a daily practice of the S.T.O.P technique, to help recognize (without judgement) your needs in the present moment. 
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Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran 

Mindfulness & physical health 

2/19/2015

 

MINDFULNESS and PHYSICAL HEALTH go hand in hand. Let's live mindfully! http://t.co/qVFzYK17Il @nytimeswell @MindfulOnline @MissKansasOrg

— Julia Jones (@juliaelisejones) February 19, 2015
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    Mindfully making a difference as a communicator, advocate and actress.  

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