Judy’s February bliss byte

If you’re interested in starting a mini meditation practice, it is much simpler than you think.

Find a seated position, or lie back on your yoga mat or on your bed. Set a timer for three to ten minutes and just begin by following your breath. A great way to do this is to breathe in through the nose and breathe out through the mouth. Inhale in through the nose, exhale out through the mouth. And one more time, inhaling in through the nose and exhaling out through an open mouth.

When your mind starts to wander, just gently bring your attention back to your breath. Aim to practice for a few minutes each day. Slowly add a few minutes each week and notice all the wonderful benefits.

Because I love meditation, here is a simple and easy one:

I am safe.
I am warm.
I am cozy.
I am prepared.
I am exactly where I need to be right now.
I needed this reset.

Here is a Finding Your Bliss affirmation:

I take a deep breath and trust myself. I step out of my comfort zone with courage and curiosity. I give myself permission to do what lights me up. I do not wait for perfect. I choose progress. With every brave step, I move closer to my bliss.

Joy does not always happen automatically. Sometimes we have to invite it in.

Choose joy on purpose

Laugh whenever you can.
Play music that lifts your spirit.
Create small rituals that feel comforting.
Be fully present instead of rushing from thing to thing.

The most beautiful moments are often the simplest ones.

Take care of you

You are not here just to give. You are here to enjoy too.

Move your body, even gently.
Drink water, rest, and nourish yourself.
Say no without guilt.
Release the need to do it all.

A happy, calm, and rested you is the greatest gift you can offer anyone.

You have already made it through the darkest weeks of the year, and there is so much light ahead. Sometimes what we need most is not productivity. It is a reset. A few quiet minutes. A deep breath. A moment of courage. A conscious choice to invite joy in.

In the end, meditation isn’t about changing who we are or escaping our own mental chatter. It gently invites us to pause, to breathe, to notice. and to return to ourselves with a little more kindness and more compassion . Maybe  the practice is simpler than we think - worry less, breathe more, and trust that all will be well. And maybe, in the end, that is the practice: to soften, to let go, and to come home to the present moment. Worry less, pray more. Fear less, and create space for more clarity, wonder and joy.

And in that quiet returning, you take one step closer to finding your bliss.