Development Digest - August 2024
“Mindfulness begins with noticing the world around you. Start with your senses –they’re your most immediate connection to the here and now.”
– Gretchen Rubin, Life in Five Senses
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with the present moment. We often find ourselves caught up in our daily activities and responsibilities, barely aware of the sights, sounds, and sensations around us. But what if there were some simple ways to ground ourselves and bring more awareness and joy into our lives? This was the focus of our Morning Intentions Community Podcast in July, using Gretchen Rubin's book, Life in Five Senses, as our guide. It truly was a life-changing month!
Our senses are the gateway through which we experience the world, yet we often take them for granted:
We eat meals without really tasting them.
We move through our environments without truly seeing or hearing what's around us.
We overlook the textures and smells that could enrich our days.
By intentionally engaging our senses, we can reconnect with the present moment and turn ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones.
When we focus on what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, we naturally draw our attention away from distractions. This sensory awareness helps us break free from the cycle of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By simply noticing the colors in a garden, the rhythm of a song, or the warmth of a loved one's hand, we can immerse ourselves in the moment and find a deeper sense of peace.
The benefits of this practice also go beyond simply feeling more present. Mindfulness through our senses can lead to reduced stress, greater emotional resilience, and improved overall well-being. When we are fully present, we respond to challenges with calmness and clarity rather than reacting out of habit or anxiety. Engaging our senses allows us to experience more happiness and satisfaction in everyday life, making even mundane tasks feel richer and more meaningful.
It is important to recognize that mindfulness doesn't require grand gestures. It can begin with something as simple as pausing to experience the world through our senses. These small moments of sensory engagement can anchor us in the present and enhance our connection to life.
The next time you find yourself rushing through the day, take a moment to pause, breathe, and engage your senses.
You may discover that the present moment has more to offer than you realized!
If you would like support becoming the best version of yourself, please contact us!
Are you a COURAGEOUS LEADER?
This month on Morning Intentions Community Podcast, we are exploring the powerful theme of Courageous Leadership. Our view is that leadership isn't confined to boardrooms or titles, it's a role we all step into more often than we realize. Whether it's guiding a team at work, making decisions for our families, or simply leading by example in our communities, leadership is about taking the initiative and inspiring others.
August is the month for learning the core elements of leadership!
As a member of our podcast community, you will learn tools to recognize and harness your leadership potential in everyday situations.
Get ready to be inspired and empowered to lead with courage in all areas of your life!
Join us for a brand new 20-minute episode each weekday, and reflect with us on Saturdays
Our Day Is Better Because YOU Are Part of Our Day!
Self-Care Tip of the Month:
Engage in a Daily Sensory Check-In
Take a few minutes each day to perform a sensory check-in!
Find a quiet and comfortable place, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Slowly bring your attention to each of your five senses:
Seeing: Open your eyes and observe your surroundings. Notice the colors, shapes, and patterns around you. Pick one object to focus on and appreciate its details.
Hearing: Close your eyes again and listen to the sounds around you. Identify the different layers of sound, from the obvious to the subtle. Allow yourself to be fully present with the auditory landscape.
Smelling: Take a deep breath and pay attention to the scents in your environment. If possible, bring a pleasant scent (like an essential oil or a favorite perfume) to enhance this part of the check-in.
Tasting: Take a small sip of water or a bite of something flavorful. Focus on the taste and texture, savoring each moment. Notice how different flavors interact and change over time.
Touching: Finally, bring your awareness to the sense of touch. Feel the surface you are sitting or standing on, the texture of your clothes, and the air on your skin. Engage in a gentle self-massage, paying attention to how your body feels.
This daily sensory check-in helps ground you in the present moment, reducing stress and enhancing your appreciation for the world around you. It's a simple yet powerful self-care practice!
Life in Five Senses
If you're looking for a way to bring more mindfulness and presence into your daily life, we highly recommend Gretchen Rubin's Life in Five Senses. We found this book to be an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of how reconnecting with our senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching—can truly transform the way we experience the world around us.
What really stood out to us was Rubin's ability to make sensory mindfulness both accessible and deeply meaningful. She doesn’t just suggest being more mindful; she shows us how with practical tips and exercises that are easy to incorporate into daily life.
Whether you’re new to the idea of mindfulness or a seasoned practitioner looking to deepen your practice, this book is a valuable resource.
Late Summer Veggie Frittata
Annette was kind enough to make this for Sunday family dinner!
Ingredients
12 large eggs
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 small yellow squash, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small purple onion, diced
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion starts to soften. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper, sautéing for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs together. If using cheese, stir it into the egg mixture.
In an Oven-Safe Paella Pan: Heat a good splash of olive oil until it begins to foam. Then, add the egg mixture to the pan and evenly top with the sautéed vegetables. Slowly move a spoon around the egg and vegetable mixture for about a minute on medium heat.
Cook: Let the frittata cook on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set. Then, transfer the paella pan to the preheated oven.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the frittata is fully set and lightly golden on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the frittata cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Yum! 🤤
