Welcome Back To Mindful Living by Andrea Bogart
Hi hi everyone, welcome to the new look of AndreaBogart.com —Mindful Living. What do you guys think? Take a stroll through the more solidified categories and hopefully you stumble across something insightful that uplifts you. What is keeping your spirits up right now– Reading, fitness, family time, work, music, meditation, food, connections… I’m curious what you’re leaning into that feels good, and I absolutely encourage you to keep doing it.
Spring has sprung and we are seven+ weeks deep into figuring out a new normal. It’s kind of a perfect time to spark that sense of renewal isn’t it? I’m grateful for buckling down during our ‘stay-at-home order’ to write and re-tool what was formerly “Inspirational Addict”. After handing it off to my awesome team at MMKCreative I couldn’t be more excited about their creative input and seamless transition to where we are now (thank you ladies)! I look forward to connecting through laughter, tears, great stories and experiences in this walk of life— together.
Speaking of walk of life… how are you all doing right now? Take a beat, sit up tall and breathe in fully through your nose and exhale out longer through your mouth… let me ask you again, how are you doing right now? That answer is probably subjective moment to moment isn’t it? Did that deep breath feel good—it sure helps me. Someday’s I’m doing really great and other day’s I pray that tomorrow will be better, sound familiar? I am absolutely using my mindful tool kit regularly to support the fluctuating emotions. Can I remind you, all feelings are valid. COVID-19 has certainly impacted us by varying degrees, but there’s no doubt we are ALL impacted in ways that may be difficult to describe. I know we are all eager to know what’s next and it would be nice if uncertainty wasn’t burdening our thoughts. I’m with you. Grab a notebook or journal… it can be really therapeutic to free write and just get things out. Top off your writing with at least three things you’re grateful for, it will give you that perspective shift you might not even realize you need.
“We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection”
I love support, of all variety’s; mindful practices, valuable friendships, intriguing books, positive podcasts, extra hugs from my family, awesome jams, nourishing foods, mindful brand collaborations… you get the idea. I get giddy over paying things forward I find useful and supportive. Do you have any specifics right now you know are helping you cope and possibly even thrive in our current situation?
I have a few to share
Unlocking Us Podcast by Brené Brown- If you’ve been with me for a minute, you all know my love for her research on shame and vulnerability and my adoration for her as a human. She launched her fantastic podcast in March. I love her voice, her demeanor, her honesty and complete transparency. Check out the one from March 26th titled Comparative Suffering, the 50/50 Myth, and Settling the Ball. This one opened me up with what we are all dealing with, it gave me some permission to feel things I was definitely pushing away.
Manifest Your Mission guide book– Various editions have been a part of my life since I joined The New Hollywood in 2015 and man is 2020’s my favorite yet. I’ve always been a datebook, journal “junkie” bursting with ideas and keeping busy schedules since I was young. My joy and love for; creating goals for myself, making to-do lists, feeling inspired by quotes, free-writing, manifesting and taking time to reflect on obstacles and opportunities is pertinent to my mindful lifestyle. Especially since moving out of LA and becoming a mother and wife, it’s so important for me to continue to thrive in my creative passions. Using this book effectively continues to be one of my favorite things to take time for myself and sit down and write in. It gives me clarity, appreciation, hope, acceptance and structure, which for me is huge for getting things accomplished and relishing in some self-love. So much of what I write down in this book are also the things I pray and meditate on… it’s pretty remarkable when you realize you are capable of MANIFESTING the life you want. I thank my dear actress friend and bad-ass change maker Brianna Brown Keen for putting her heart and soul into this precious tool and making it available to the public.
Esther Perel; Tactics for Relationships in Quarantine– The Tim Ferriss Show- My husband listens to tons of podcasts while he works and send’s one’s he loves my way (I’m so grateful). So this is a pay forward from him because I love Esther Perel (and Tim Ferris) and found this listen incredibly impactful. It’s awesome when you and your significant other can gain insight on the topic of relationships during quarantine… unless you were around during 1918 I’m pretty sure this is new for all of us and you may dig it too.
STRESS LESS, ACCOMPLISH MORE by Emily Fletcher. I am currently listening and currently LOVING this read on audible. I’m SO inspired by it. It’s a beautiful reminder of how beneficial my mediation practice I had prior to being a mom was and all the many benefits I reaped are one’s I want again. I have done an online course with Ziva Meditation as I deeply related to Emily Fletcher’s lifestyle which lead her to study and create ZivaMind. With mindfulness, meditation and manifesting being the structure, students get the tools to be at the top of their personal and professional game. I appreciate statistics & testimonials and really love her techniques which simplify the struggle most people find when starting a mediation practice.
Even if you try one of the above I think you’ll be inspired and gain something that supports you while we continue to stay home and save lives. It’s getting hard. I miss a physical hug from friends, we miss our parents who usually can hop on a flight to come see us and I’m crafting my brains out praying my little girl won’t remember the time she had to hug our closest friends from 6ft away, not interact with any other children for months and using the words “unicorn pink unicorn” as her prayer for the virus to go away each night. I said this in my recent post and I’ll say it again; I pray you are safe, healthy, happy and staying connected to your self-care habits and your cherished loved ones. Writing is one things that nurtures my soul. I love having a space to connect with YOU. Thank you for being here… I’m really glad you are. Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. I’m sending you all a bundle of virtual hugs and good vibrations to make you smile. Stay well my friends.