Week 3 of 90 day meditation challenge

Week 3 – Turns out I am not excellent at making time to meditate. I see how people get frustrated with guru’s who tell you how easy it is. Of course, it is easy to do. What is not easy is finding the time to truly do it!

I did take some time yesterday over my lunch break to meditate for about 15 whole minutes. I tried my friend Stacy’s mantra of “I easily release what no longer serves me.” I felt lighter and I felt emotions move as tears rolled out the side of my eyes.

Yesterday was a very emotional day. I felt defeated after a long day of work that is not valued. I know that this is a feeling many people experience at one time or another in their lives. I know a lot of women who call that everyday Mom Life. I can usually take those days in stride. I don’t need an applause for my work, and most the time I don’t even need to be appreciated although it is always nice when it is.

Yesterday I found out people who haven’t stood in my shoes were making judgements out loud, discounting my efforts which I found to be a slap in the face and very disheartening. I began to wonder why I even tried or if I should continue to keep trying?

Knowing in my heart that I am doing 100% more than the nobody else who wanted to step up and try. All my effort, time, and energy were feeling futile and unappreciated and by someone who is supposed to be on my side. Which made me feel crummy, sad and frustrated.

I needed to meditate so I could clear this negative energy and melancholy. I ended up shedding tears and letting the feeling pass.

It was just a reaction to my feelings, I know it was not my truth, so I released this bad feeling of betrayal with meditation. I know that I am working hard, and I am doing my best. I won’t give up because I know what it is I am working so hard for. I know that people say thoughtless things all the time with only one side of the story to express opinions about. I have done it, it’s a human thing to do.

Anywhoooo… I did not meditate every day this week. What I did do was use meditation as the tool that I needed to help me move those big emotions on a really bad day. This was one of the crappiest days I have had in quite a while and meditation helped me move through those emotions in a real and healthy way.

All in all, I like that when I needed to reset I have a tool within me that I can utilize for my greater good. I did not have to go anywhere, it did not cost me one cent and I can use meditation as a holistic remedy at any time.

Although the challenge was to meditate every day, somedays I just do not remember, or I only had time for a very short attempt that just does not do what it is intended to do. It did give me practice for when I truly needed to let that shit go.

Does anyone else use meditation to help bring you back to basics of life, to remind you what is real and what is your truth? It was a very healing meditation even if it was the only one I accomplished this week.

I hope for you the best today and every day.

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

www.savetheboundarywaters.org

 

Nature is calling!

As an Adventure Sister, I can feel safe in saying. This girl NEEDS some adventurous activity soon! I need to get into the wilderness and on to the water. My nature loving spirit feels the absence of Mother Nature acutely. I have vacations planned this summer and I am looking forward to them already. Yet until then, I cannot just ignore this craving for wild countryside and watery adventures happening inside of me right now!

I live in a beautiful wooded area, yet I crave floating on the water as much as possible during our short Minnesota summers. My husband does not enjoy water activities leaving me to count on myself and other friends to paddle with. The kayak is still in the garage and has not had it’s first voyage of the season yet. So sad!

I know it would be easy to toss they kayak in the truck and go, if I was able to just made the time. I also like to go out on the lake with a friend, it seems more enjoyable when you can share the moments. I am not afraid to go kayaking alone however, I have not gone this summer yet.

What I crave is a connection to Spirit that I can only feel when immersed in the outdoors. There are factors besides my time that keep me active around the house checking off my to-do lists. As most people can attest, we can rationalize anything. I tend to put my desires on the back burner when busy. What is it that really keeps me from soaking up the beauty of nature while hiking, camping, swimming, and kayaking?

These are some of my very favorite activities. Why don’t I put them on my list of priorities too? I know that I must make sure I get my work done and keep up with my responsibilities. Yet isn’t keeping my spirit centered, connected and happy part of my responsibility as well? I think it is. If taking an hour or so to float my boat is what I need, I must do it.

My Adventure Sister Stacy seems to be able to get more nature therapy into her schedule then I, even though she is on the road almost all the time. I love how she makes time to do so! She and her husband just purchased a houseboat in Florida and to get out to enjoy it regularly. I think that’s a magnificent way to make sure you get some environmental healing. Although the boat is a fixer upper and they spend just as much time working as playing. I find her dedication to adventure and exploration admirable and I like to do the same.

Stacy seems to go through life lessons just a few years before I do, and I see how she manages them. I look up to her in a big sister kind of way. I see that even though Stacy schedule is just as demanding as mine if not more, she knows that spiritual connection to the Earth/Mother Nature is very important. I see how she finds wonderful friends who enjoy the same types of activities which gives her more opportunities to explore and have great company while doing so.

I have been on the lookout for other local adventurous and outdoorsy people to spend time in nature with. I did not know that I am so unique in my love for the great outdoors, or maybe my obsession with water is also not shared? I find this hard to believe. Clearly, this not true because it is a bond Stacy and I share.

Sometimes going on the water by yourself isn’t ideal or not safe, so I find myself feeling stuck in the house or stranded on dry land! But it is just a feeling and not always true. I can choose to change those feelings into action and purpose. That’s what feelings are for right?! They guide you to what it is that you desire.

Does anyone else find it hard to fit in adventure or connect to nature when you hear the call? I trust that one day soon I will manifest an abundance of water loving adventurers to join me.

Until then, I must go solo!

Into the water I go. To free my mind and heal my soul.

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

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Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

Week three / 90-day meditation check-in

This week has been just about as hectic as the previous, this is becoming a normal state of being lately. For this reason alone, I see the need to mediate even more. I have been doing my best to sneak quite time and some deep breathing. This is not the same as meditating and I can tell the difference. Yet I feel that I am consciously still working on managing my stress in small ways.

I was at the doctor this morning and did have some weight loss. I lost almost 4lbs! Although, I cannot say for certain it was because I am meditating and reducing stress hormones. I am more likely to think that I am just extra active in the summer months then in the winter. Spring weight loss is kind of normal for me. That and thanks to the very warm and humid temperatures all week I am sure I could have also lost a lot of water weight due to perspiration.

I find I can relax much easier when I have had a good day of checking things off my to do lists. Seemingly each day this to-do list gets longer and longer because of additional campaign duties. I don’t mind the extra work, I do have some moments that I find overwhelming. This is when I must do better at being kind to myself and recognize the need for a break.

I have a feeling that the life lessons I will be learning this summer will be teaching me how to rest instead of quit. Trust me there are times I want to quit. There are times I wish for my peaceful, serene and sometimes boring life back! Yet I know this is not what I truly want. I have no desire to live a hum-drum life that looks the same every day! Been there, done that.

That’s why I am working so hard. I wish to change my life in magnificent ways. I wish to surround myself with wonderful friends and family time. I just miss the extra time to myself that I used to have to take care of my own needs. Who would not miss such important time? I know this feeling is normal and I let is pass as quickly as it comes.

I felt the urge to share this picture of my African Violet. It was a gift from a wonderful neighbor recieved just last month. Taking this picture felt like an intuitive compulsion so, it got me wondering the meaning behind the beautiful and finicky flower? I like to listen to my intuition for reasons just like this. I believe Spirit talks to us in many ways, it’s up to us to disypher its messege.

I did some research and found the Violet is a symbol of loyalty, strength, courage, devotion, deep love and commitment. African Violets teach us less is more, strength is in the spirit, and helps us to understand balance. It is said to nurture the violet will teach balance in health, love, commitment and longevity. Doing so will fill your home with joy, love and solidarity. How fitting!

I needed to hear this today. Even though I have much to do, to do, to do! I must keep making time for my spiritual and mental health and happiness. I just wanted to update you on the progress of the Adventure Sisters 90-day Meditation challenge. Have you been trying to meditate more? How do you fit time into your schedule for yourself? I would love to hear your ideas!

Wishing you an abundance of joyful blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

Week 2 meditation update

First of all… Really?! This is only week two? It feels like it’s been a month. So, clearly. I am failing forkin’ miserably at this meditation stuff. No meditation for me! I ain’t got time to bleed, my friends! I know you feel me. I could really use several more volunteers for the Emy for House Campaign. I could use an extra helper or family nanny too!

Is it too much to ask someone to take care of things around the house including me, while truly loving my dogs and sing to my birds while I’m gone?! P.s. I miss time with my husband and daughter. This is a lifestyle change I did not expect. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying the people I meet and all I learn immensely. This change is exciting!

Yet, I spent many years constructing my beautiful life of simplicity on purpose. I love working at home, I get to bring my dogs to work with me every day. I like eating lunch on the deck between clients and sneaking in loads of laundry. I also have filled my home with lots of plants and things that take my attention. And what else…. oh yeah, my family, working and writing! These things all need my attention every day.

These ‘things and duties’ are my life that I love! I worked hard to build this simple rural life, and I will not sacrifice the life I love. I am working on fitting the responsibilities of campaigning into my life, as opposed to fitting my life into the campaign. I refuse to let it consume all my time. I know what matters most in this world and it is not a job title.

I want this opportunity to represent my community fiercely because I want to fight for my beliefs. I want a thriving community, I want a clean environment, I want affordable healthcare and so much more for everyone! Yet, I do not feel it would be fair to ask me to sacrifice my health, love and family for the opportunity. I know others agree, but there are a few who seem to expect I put my life on hold to get this position.

This political position does hold immense responsibility. I know this, but if I don’t have family to fight for, if I don’t hold on to the intention to protect what I love; that’s when corruption, self-interest, and debauchery take hold. It is why I consider the love of my family and simple life style so valuable and important.  I hold on to my intention to fight for what I love.

I suppose they don’t tell you this part on purpose. People in congress encourage you to run alongside them. Most of them are wonderful people who have embraced me and try to help me succeed, because the more people you have on your team the easier it is to ‘win.’ Although, I don’t view it as winning. I believe we are all on the same team even if others don’t know it. I do feel like I am being guided to my purpose. I love every opportunity in this life that I have been blessed with!

At the end of the day, I try not to complain. I am a good kind of tired.

A good tired means I worked hard and was purposeful today. It means I feel like I accomplished something, and I believe in everything I did. It means I can sleep peacefully and soundly because even though this exciting time in my life is kinda kicking my butt… Life is darn good!

I am thankful for this good tired, I am also thankful that my days are full of things I love. I will figure this work/life balance thing out like we all must.

Realizing this internal struggle, I see I must make some sort of spiritual practice mandatory in my day, I know it is important. I can tell, and I miss it when I slack. I agree with my Adventure Sister Stacy, that when I try to meditate while laying down before bed, I seem to sleep better. Although then I miss the sudden insights of wisdom that seem to download during some meditations. Divine guidance is so much easier to hear when you are tranquil and awake!

Stacy and I took 2 minutes out of our busy day yesterday to speak to each other and do different sort of meditation. It was short, thoughtful, specific and powerful. We sent our meditative energy towards a specific purpose of love, community, harmony and abundance for everyone. It was almost like praying together but slightly different with the same intention.

This short meditative timeout purposely raised our vibes to love and peace. It was almost like hitting the reset button on my mind. When we were finished we felt lighter, less stress and connected to each other and the Universe. This feeling of peacefulness is how I know and why I know, I must make time for meditation and other spiritually lifting practices in my daily life.

Meditation does help me feel better it keeps my intentions pure and my mind focused.

I will check-in again with week three, I know I can do this! I can find time for everything that is important to me! Mind, body, spirit balance here I come!

Have you been following the Adventure Sisters 90-day meditation challenge? How are you doing with it? I’d love to hear from you!

Remember please check out Adventure Sister Stacy’s blog at www.StacyCrep.com! She has plenty of help and advice to get you started and keeping you on track! Please follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook with the link below!

Sending you love, luck, and most of all JOY!

Wishing you an abundance of love and blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

What if?!

What if’s can be exciting, concerning, scary or life changing. So, when I get to imagining the future it can be extremely exciting or scary depending on how my emotions are at that moment. I have been thinking about where I am putting my effort and energy, it feels exciting! I am putting in a great deal of time, energy and creativity into moving forward to the future I hope to create.

I would love to have a chance to facilitate change in my community as the Representative for my district. I love my community, I love the small towns with great people. I love how everyone I meet truly cares about each other and bettering our rural way of life.

The books Stacy and I are writing have been a big part of our lives for the past several years. We have invested a large chunk time pursing the dream of helping others. It took time to define the purpose of the message we wanted to convey. We did it by supporting each other and fostering strong relationships not only with each other but in all our relationships.

We want the Adventure Sisters philosophy to be defined as nurturing. By learning to love ourselves as we are, leveling up, and encouraging others to be authentic while accepting everyone for who they are too. We promote Learning to love others because of our differences, not in of spite them!

We are all different for a reason, celebrating uniqueness helps others believe in themselves. When you believe in yourself, you believe you can do things others may not be able too. When people are encouraged and supported they try small things to better life, this benefits everyone around you.

These small acts of bravery, kindness, and love multiplied by everyone in the world could and would make the world a better place for all of us. The Adventure Sisters know that even just a little effort helps the world be a better place.

Yet when my imagination gets going, I think what if?! What if I do all this work, invest all this time, money and energy into pursuing my dreams and… I end up being exactly where I started this time next year? What if we don’t end up where we thought we would? Will I be able to handle disappointment if I fail? I will.

What I know is at this point in my life, is that it is scarier for me not to try to succeed doing what I love, then to worry about failing. I have this opportunity to reach for the stars while being brave enough to be authentically me. Choosing to level up by doing more then I thought I could.

I know I must accept the outcome as it is, not how I thought it would look. The thing about life is you don’t know how it will look when you get where you are going. Then when you are finally ‘there’ most of the time you are already reaching for something else.

Is this the point in my story where I talk myself out of the negative what if’s? Is this when I give myself the advice I would give to a friend and say,

“This! This is where you are supposed to enjoy the moment. Enjoy today as it is! Choose to really take in the excitement and emotions of how it feels to take baby steps in the directions of big dreams! It is okay to be terrified and excited all at the same time.”

The uncertainness of my future concerns me. Most days I talk myself into believing I will reach these goals. I tell myself I am emotionally strong, hardworking, kind and big-hearted woman that can do anything I put my mind to.

On the days when I don’t see any progress, reward or feel unsupported, those days feel very different. That’s when the what if’s sneak in. Today I won’t allow my active imagination to scramble the energy of my big beautiful dreams of a healthy happy life, community and world.  The Universe is listening to my vibration, I know it’s best to keep my thoughts positive.

What if I do succeed? What if I do win the election? What if we do get a publishing contract? What if I get the chance to be the change I wish to see in the world? What if my dreams come true? What will I do with my life then? I would then be starting two new careers both very different but truly having a direct impact on the world around me. Holy Moly…. What if?!

What if I get to live the life of my dreams right here in the community I love? Doing exactly what I like to do, by just being authentically me?! That would be exactly what an Adventure Sister would do!

And so, it is.

p.s. We did not win the publishing contest, but we will not let that keep us down. The Adventure Sisters will keep on putting one foot in front of the other until we get to where we are going! Once we get there, well that will be the beginning of yet another adventure!

Wishing you an abundance of love and blessings,

Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

https://emyminzel.com

@emyminzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com