Freedom Friday – Mindfulness and Meditation Practice
Getting better, but MY INTENTIONS do not always get MYATTENTION.
Three weeks ago, I committed to writing a weekly post for Freedom Friday, hosted by imaniking, to document my 8-Week journey toward managing and controlling a long-term chronic pain condition through Mindfulness and Meditation Practices.
I successfully completed and posted for Week 1. Even though, I did the reading and meditation/mindfulness practices for Week 2; I will do a repeat and write a post about this experience on Friday, July 17.
Instead of Mindfulness and Meditation Practices, I gave full ATTENTION to family and friends during my mini-vacation to Wisconsin for five days. Everyday, I met face-to-face with friends and family that I, usually, communicate with via E-Mail, Facebook, or telephone.
While I love my new life, as a retiree in Florida, I miss the personal connection with the special people in my life. I enjoyed being with them to:
see their smile,
watch their body language, and
listen quietly while looking into their eyes.
But, the highlight of the vacation was being in the presence of family and friends at our Annual Summer Family/Friend Gathering.
(Photography Credits to Friends, Jane and Cebby)
Cupcake said, “Let’s Get This Party Started.”Three-Legged RaceWater Balloon TossThe Golfers said, “Let’s Get A Little Putting In.”The Young Men said, “Let’s Shoot a Couple of Hoops.”Avi said, “Look At My Moves.”Cupcake, Kertagje and George said, “We Got This Dance Down.”Avi said, “I Won A Medal.”Lyric said, “Forget the Bouncie House, Watch My Somersault.”SeasonedSistah2 said, “Talking with Family and Loving It.”Hubby (White Shirt) said, “Having a Great Time with Family and Friends.”Damien said, “I Had Fun, But It’s Time to End This Party.”CJ said, “I Am Tired and Damien is Right, It’ Time to Rest Up for the Fireworks Tonight.”
During this final season life, I am going on a journey to define "ME." Opening up and going outside of my comfort zone to redefine ME.. Exploring and pursuing new interests that will lead to personal happiness, serenity, and tranquility.
In undertaking this mission, overcoming the FEAR is my greatest challenge. Fear has played a large role in my life, but I overcame the FEAR of breast cancer, chronic pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Apnea.
My new mantra: FEAR has two meanings: "(1) Forget Everything And Run, or (2) Face Everything and Rise. The Choice is Mine."
Blogging here I come ready or not!!!
View all posts by SeasonedSistah2
19 thoughts on “Freedom Friday – Mindfulness and Meditation Practice”
I’m glad you have so much fun in your life. You have an awesome family!!!
I like your priorities too. Being mindful of the importance of your relationships is as important, or even more important than a few days of mindfulness and meditation practices. Actually, I think it is just a different form of mindfulness and meditation! 🙂
Thank you, Karuna. I appreciate your lifting some of the guilt I felt for not living up to the commitment to post about my mindfulness and meditation training each week. I am still learning to let go of what I wasn’t able to accomplish and to be aware and receive what is happening in the present moment.
There is no rush. Every moment has its own purpose. You will accomplish your goals in their own time. From what I can see you are not a procrastinator! At a church I used to go to, when the first lady (minister’s wife) made the announcements she would always preface them with “If the Lord shall say the same we will…….” Sometimes divine timing is different than ours.
What a beautiful family and group of friends! Thank you for sharing your wonderful family. I agree my life gets in the way of my intentions too… but isn’t that what mindfulness is? Living in the moment? ❤
I felt like I was there. Enjoyed your article and loved the fun I saw in the pictures.
So sorry I didn’t check on you, though I wondered why you didn’t write on Friday but then neither did I! I have something in my head and when I do write it today, I will link yours.
I had a great vacation and enjoyed every moment of it. But, when I got home, the body crashed and it took a while to regroup and recover. I am still struggling to get back on track. This week either Hubby or I have medical appointments everyday. The appointments are all relatively short, but they all far away and it’s a long drive to get to each one of them. I anticipate things will calm down a bit next week. Hugs.
Yes, Beverly, I had a great, but extremely busy time. It’s going to take me a while to recoup from all the extra activity. But, I am getting through this restore and recover period quite nicely since returning home.
SeasonedSistah 
I’m glad you have so much fun in your life. You have an awesome family!!!
I like your priorities too. Being mindful of the importance of your relationships is as important, or even more important than a few days of mindfulness and meditation practices. Actually, I think it is just a different form of mindfulness and meditation! 🙂
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Thank you, Karuna. I appreciate your lifting some of the guilt I felt for not living up to the commitment to post about my mindfulness and meditation training each week. I am still learning to let go of what I wasn’t able to accomplish and to be aware and receive what is happening in the present moment.
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There is no rush. Every moment has its own purpose. You will accomplish your goals in their own time. From what I can see you are not a procrastinator! At a church I used to go to, when the first lady (minister’s wife) made the announcements she would always preface them with “If the Lord shall say the same we will…….” Sometimes divine timing is different than ours.
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What a beautiful family and group of friends! Thank you for sharing your wonderful family. I agree my life gets in the way of my intentions too… but isn’t that what mindfulness is? Living in the moment? ❤
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Thank you for the comments. I always enjoy this annual gathering of family and friends. The memories and photos are my go to when I get homesick.
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The photos are lovely. You are truly blessed. 💗
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Love this!
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Luved spending time with you. Next year, I am going to plan a day in Madison.
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So glad to see you having fun.
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Thank you. A short visit, but a great time.
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Your pictures of family having fun make me happy. You express in every way the unmistakable and intangible feeling of being Family. ❤
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Thank you. A short vacation, but the memories and, of course, the photos will be with me forever.
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I felt like I was there. Enjoyed your article and loved the fun I saw in the pictures.
So sorry I didn’t check on you, though I wondered why you didn’t write on Friday but then neither did I! I have something in my head and when I do write it today, I will link yours.
Memories are a lifetime.
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I had a great vacation and enjoyed every moment of it. But, when I got home, the body crashed and it took a while to regroup and recover. I am still struggling to get back on track. This week either Hubby or I have medical appointments everyday. The appointments are all relatively short, but they all far away and it’s a long drive to get to each one of them. I anticipate things will calm down a bit next week. Hugs.
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Good to have you back. Much grace and renewed strength to you and your SH. Wish you didn’t have to drive so long but then, it is well. Big hugs ❤
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But our Tribe are a group of amazing people who we should always find time to be with. Looked like you had a great time too!
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Yes, Beverly, I had a great, but extremely busy time. It’s going to take me a while to recoup from all the extra activity. But, I am getting through this restore and recover period quite nicely since returning home.
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It is all about being in the moment and listening to what our bodies are telling us. Enjoy your restorative period.
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