My mind is a puppy...literally🐾

One of my favorite analogies for learning to meditate is comparing the mind to a new puppy.

You sit down, close your eyes, and almost immediately the mind wanders off. A thought! An idea! A sound! Something you forgot to do! And before you know it, you're mentally halfway across the yard chewing on something you probably shouldn't be. 😂

So we notice, gently bring our attention back, and begin again.

Which, when you think about it, is a little like bringing home a brand-new puppy and saying, "Okay...Sit. Stay." Good luck with that.

Of course, that's why we call it a practice. We notice when the mind wanders, gently bring it back, and do it again. And again. And again. Over time, it gets a little easier.

It has been a while since I've felt quite so personally connected to this analogy. But after approximately three days as the proud parent of a new puppy...I GET IT.

Introducing...Berty! 🐩

I first met this little lady while I was pet-sitting for my parents, and those tiny tan eyebrows absolutely stole my heart.

Her parents named her Liberty, a name that means freedom. And something about that feels especially right for this chapter of my life. Not freedom from what came before, but the freedom to keep growing, to open to something new, and to discover what comes next.

So I've shortened Liberty to Berty...and it seems to fit her perfectly.

We have big plans for this future therapy dog, and I can't wait until she's ready to come around and meet all of you!

While we still have plenty to learn about each other, I can confidently tell you that she is curious, feisty, and has very strong feelings about ponytails. Does she love them? Hate them? Unclear. She mostly wants them in her mouth.

So secure your hair, friends...Berty is in town. 😂

Feeling spontaneous? 👀

This might just be your lucky day.

I can't quite believe I'm saying this with the retreat happening NEXT WEEK, but there is still space for you to join us for the Midweek Reset Retreat at Ottine Mineral Springs!

Picture this: a comfy queen bottom bunk all to yourself, sharing a room with me and a few other fabulous ladies. Two nights away to soak in the mineral waters, move, rest, eat delicious food, play, and make a little space for yourself.

If this sounds like exactly the kind of last-minute decision you could get behind, click below to get the ball rolling!

A fall reset 🍂

And speaking of resets, save the date for our next Yoga + Sound Experience with Cherie on Saturday, September 26!

We'll welcome the new season with an all-levels yoga class from 1 to 2 pm, followed by a sound bath experience from 2 to 3 pm.

The autumnal equinox arrives just a few days before our gathering, making this a lovely opportunity to mark the transition from summer into fall.

After the movement, activity, travel, and hustle-bustle of summer, we'll spend an afternoon intentionally slowing down...moving, breathing, listening, and making a little space for whatever this next season brings.

If you need me between now and then, I'll be over here practicing patience, presence, and non-attachment while simultaneously defending my ponytail from razor-sharp teeth attached to the softest puppy paws you've ever seen. 😂

Apparently Berty and I both have some practicing to do.

With love,

Monica

(reply to me HERE)​