Cultivating Calm with Sunday Softening Practices

Last year’s unpredictability led my focus to waver; my essays, meditations, and Instagram feed transitioned from careful curation to something more spontaneous and less intentional. Despite the time constraints that challenged my efforts, my desire to maintain a presence remains strong, as I aim to share creations that, in turn, provide others with glimpses of the peace I have discovered through various mindfulness practices.

Finding Stillness

I am shifting back towards more deliberate, niche-centered posts that enable not only myself, but readers and viewers as well, to find that still point amidst the unpredictability of life. Although this unpredictability remains unchanged, my experiences over the past year have taught me patience and provided the wisdom to accept life’s inherent uncertainty.

Allowing Flow

We often hold assumptions and expectations without justification, which can cloud our judgment and hinder personal growth. This journey leads us to realize the significance of flow—not just as a concept but as a transformative experience that allows us to engage deeply with the present moment.

Reflection

It is a topic I’ve explored extensively in my essay, Open Awareness: The Gift of Gracious Acceptance, where I delve into the nuances of being open to life’s unpredictable nature. Embracing this mindset can lead to profound insights and inner peace. To complement these reflections, I invite you to explore the meditation below, which serves as a practical guide to cultivating this sense of flow and serenity in your daily life.

Gentle Reminders

I often revisit my own writings and meditations as life becomes overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain a sense of peace. We need gentle reminders and practices that we can slip into during hectic moments. Over the past few weeks, I’ve actively engaged with the basics of meditation, yoga, and lymphatic flow movement, aligning my mind, body, and spirit energetically to a state of calm amid the chaos. From this still point, I aim for my work to feel deeper, more genuine, and authentic.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Work Week Flow

I am on an inviting journey that embraces the comforting essence of Sunday softening. For many, including me, Sunday is that cherished interlude before the hustle of the workweek kicks in. It’s a day infused with serenity and anticipation. While meditation and writing ignite my creative spirit, I work full-time as a professional in chemistry and geology. This unique mix allows me to relish my Sundays as the slow day before diving back into a more technical workflow. This path not only enriches my experience but also offers you a touch of softness and warmth as you prepare to face the new week ahead.

Sunday Softening

Sunday softening invites you to take a moment to feel your breath and your body, actively noticing tension and where emotions reside in your body, and allowing for a gentle release. As you breathe in deeply, envision the air filling your lungs and nurturing your spirit, while you exhale, let go of the burdens of the week behind you. It serves as a small reminder of who you are beneath the labels, revealing the essence of your true self, which gets overlooked in the busyness of life. In this sacred time, allow yourself to reconnect with your inner being, appreciating the stillness and presence that is always available to you. Recognize that you can return to this mindful space at any moment, embracing the peace and grounding it offers, cultivating a sense of calm that can guide you through the challenges ahead.

These posts will be shared each Sunday on Instagram, Facebook, and right here. I warmly invite you to share your word in the comments, and together, we can create a safe space to hold those thoughts.

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A post shared by 𝖪. 𝖬. 𝖲𝖨𝖬𝖮𝖭𝖣𝖲 – Meditation Teacher || Reiki Master (@dandelion.doorways)

#bodyAwareness #bodyScanMeditation #breathwork #cultivatingCalm #dailyMeditation #dailyMindfulness #digitalDetox #embracingUncertainty #emotionalFlow #emotionalRelease #feltSense #findingStillness #gentleReminders #goWithTheFlow #graceAndAcceptance #graciousAcceptance #grounding #healing #holisticWellness #innerPeace #innerStillness #intentionalLiving #intentionalRest #lettingGo #meditation #meditationTeacher #mentalReset #mentalWellBeing #MindfulLiving #mindfulMoments #mindfulness #morningMindfulness #nervousSystemRegulation #nonAttachment #openAwareness #peaceOfMind #presenceOverProductivity #reikiMaster #releaseTension #selfCare #slowDown #slowLiving #slowLivingMovement #slowSunday #slowSundays #somaticBreathwork #somaticExperiencing #somaticGrounding #somaticHealing #somaticMindfulness #somaticPractice #stressManagement #stressRelief #sundaySoftening #weekendReset

"Lake Ontario, from Toronto Island"

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/119129368740/lake-ontario-from-toronto-island

The first image feels like where I currently am - mentally; stepping off a known and stable edge into the unknown.

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

Lake Ontario, from Toronto Island

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"Excellent craftsmanship, Charlotte."

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/93494517490/excellent-craftsmanship-charlotte

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

Excellent craftsmanship, Charlotte.

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The week was a blur of glowing screens and "interesting things"—intellectual gymnastics that leave you electrified but hollowed out. By Friday, the digital world feels too abstract.

Time for the transition. The weather is awesome, and I’ve got a power washer ready. I’m trading logic for a physical delete key, washing away the cognitive clutter with a rhythmic arc of water.

Unplugging the Fortress to scrub away the digital noise. Ready for the sun. ☀️💦

#MentalReset #WeekendVibes

"Small towns are serious about festivals. #PotatoFest "

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/57919574164/small-towns-are-serious-about-festivals

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

Small towns are serious about festivals.

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"Gibson Hills trail"

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/93729093120/gibson-hills-trail

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

Gibson Hills trail

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"Watch for Pedestrians..."

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/84348180350/because-we-are-invading-your-neighbourhoods-one

"...because we are invading your neighbourhoods, one sidewalk at a time..

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

because we are invading your neighbourhoods, one sidewalk at a time.

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"...the Eau Claire Gorge trail..."

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/127277466545/i-went-hiking-in-calvin-ontario-on-the-eau

Nothing quite like this in my own area, but I just returned to hiking after too long a hiatus, and yes, it is beautiful.

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

I went hiking in Calvin, Ontario, on the Eau Claire Gorge trail and it was incredibly beautiful.

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"Do candle wishes work on non-birthday kind of days?"

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/46336838747/do-candle-wishes-work-on-non-birthday-kind-of

I turned 59 today. My birthdays are bittersweet for reasons that make it difficult to celebrate.

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

Do candle wishes work on non-birthday kind of days? 

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"Places, revisited"

From #TheMerryPedestrianArchives courtesy of my friend #AbigailDoris.

https://the-merry-pedestrian.tumblr.com/post/80717788392/places-revisited

I don't believe Ms. Doris is on this platform, but I visit her blog each Monday for a #mentalreset. I share her posts with hope that just as she inspired me to reconnect with my outdoor surroundings, others too may be so inspired. #MyMondayVisits

THE MERRY PEDESTRIAN

Places, revisited

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