MORNING MUGS: Coffee + Journaling, 'In Good Company'

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

-Anatole France

In this episode, we explore the "gray" areas of our lives. We spend so much time trying to catapult our way out of the no longer, into the change. And we can’t wait to get to the new next. But we spend so much of our time in the space between ‘ no longer and not yet’.  It made me begin to think - how long is this space? Is this the space before the next new or is this the space we really live in? The present. The life we are in.

How do we live in the current but yet move consciously forward? I think many of us are anxiously looking for what's next without even knowing what next looks like. Perhaps it's the societal natural next step, college, career, retirement etc. But I think there can be so much more in the space between. We may not even know what we can offer in this space because we are too busy waiting for the ‘next’. 

"Don't you see how much you have to offer? And yet you still settle for less."- Marcus Aurelius

In this episode, we look at what keeps us feeling stuck. Often this comes from the doubt that things can't change. We either feel stuck in our circumstances or within ourselves. Good news- you don't have to sit by and settle. We are our most powerful vehicle for change. Neuroplasticity allows us to change bad habits and create new ones. It's not too late. Have a listen and just begin.

In this episode, we explore how our thoughts can beat us to the punch. Our bodies react to our thoughts and sometimes those thoughts- are habitual and primed for the stressful season we expect to be in. Although we may not be in a stressful situation at the moment we feel angst -we respond like we are. Our thoughts are too busy concerning themselves with the future to-do's or have-done's. Let's take some time to check in before we swirl into the Holidrama.

"Failure is a loaded word."- Ed Catmull, Pixar co-founder

In this episode, we explore the importance of fostering creativity and allowing yourself to"fail" . More importantly, allow yourself to dream. We should be curious, we should experiment, and when we do "fail"- consider it information. Reframe "I tried and failed" to "I'm learning and growing". Being afraid to fail is where dreams go to die.

Andréa is the founder of The Art of Circling: A group mindfulness practice that uses ancient ritual in a modern setting to empower individuals, strengthen communities and enhance group productivity.   Through sharing stories, deep listening and interconnected meditation, The Art of Circling empowers, heals and transforms lives. With the impact of the global pandemic, The Art of Circling shifted to virtual offerings with weekly Women’s Empowerment Series and a monthly Community Connection Circle bringing Andréa’s friends, personal healers, teachers and practitioners to women around the world. Today, Andréa reaches countless women from all over the world and continues to expand with in-person circles, retreats, private sessions, workshops and virtual offerings.  She has made it her lifelong mission to share The Art of Circling with as many women as possible as a way to bring peace, harmony, and divine balance to the world. She is also a certified council carrier from the Ojai Foundation in Ways of Council.   She has been featured in publications such as People, Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, and Self Magazine, as well as numerous spiritual and self-help blogs, podcasts, and IG Lives.    She lives in Los Angeles with her two children, Tennessee and Strummer.   “When women gather, shift happens”

In this episode Andréa and I discuss the significance and importance of the practice of circling, emphasizing its role in honoring experiences and seasons of life. 

Andréa explained her concept of 'the art of circling', a group mindfulness practice that can be done virtually or in person and is accessible to everyone. 

We also discussed the importance of self-care and women's circles for improving the lives of women. We discuss the equitable nature of a circle, where everyone is of equal importance and there is no hierarchy. We also touched on the benefits of women's circles, such as fostering connection, reducing isolation, and providing mental health benefits. 

We chat about the significance of social connections. Andréa highlighted the importance of sharing stories and experiences in circles, leading to self-empowerment and self-awareness.

IG @andreabendewald

Website : https://theartofcircling.com/