June 10, 2024

Naked In The Now; Marijke McCandless

34 minutes

Marijke McCandless, author of the newly released book Naked In The Now, is a playfulness instigator and award-winning writer. She is recognized by prestigious outlets, including Spirituality and Health Magazine, Best Self, and Thrive Global. Through her dynamic online writing practice group, Write Now Mind, and a range of personal growth workshops, she empowers individuals to embrace the present moment with joy and authenticity. Her book, with the subtitle Juicy Practices for Getting Present, invites readers on an inner striptease journey towards self-discovery. With a passion for adventure, especially rock climbing, Marijke encourages others to step out of their comfort zones and live fully.

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Contact Info

Website: www.MarijkeMcCandless.com

Most Influential Person

Joel Morwood (author of the book called The Way of Selflessness)

Effect On Emotions

Mindfulness taught me that emotions can be separated into physical sensations and stories. Once I was willing to focus on the physical sensations and allow the story to go away, I could transmute the experience of a very strong emotion into its native, more pure energy.

So, for instance, more anger is actually a form of clarity, but we experience it as anger, and it's an afflicted emotion. So I would say coming back into the body and learning to uncouple the story that I had told.

Like, you know, the typical thing, a racing heart, maybe means I'm scared, or maybe it means I'm excited. So, I'm really uncoupling the physical sensations from the stories.

Thoughts On Breathing

After 30 years of coaching, I now love breathing meditation. It took me a long time to get there. I always slightly controlled my breath. One of the tricks I used to begin uncoupling the technique was secretly matching my breath to my husband's.

I didn't know what the rhythm of my breathing would be, so I had to pay close attention to another person's breath.

Also, I have done this with a pet. It taught me not to be in control of my breath. Then I started doing breathing meditation as if I were that other person. I had to completely follow the breath, and I couldn't be even a tiny bit ahead of it.

Bullying Story

I wasn't bullied myself, but I experienced childhood abuse at a very young age. My journey of healing has been alongside my husband, who was bullied. He often says that mindfulness saved his life.

Bullying can be an isolated incident, a weekly occurrence, or even a daily ordeal. The real challenge lies in how we internalize it—sometimes we take on inappropriate shame or hatred for the bully.

We often replay these painful stories in our minds.

While society must address bullying, it's also crucial for individuals to move beyond the victim identity. Focusing our thoughts and attention away from the negative energy—whether self-hate or hatred for others—can be liberating.

My husband, bullied for years, began to hate others and himself. Mindfulness taught him to sit with his feelings, no matter how difficult, and find peace in the present moment.

This practice helped him recognize that he also experienced love and kindness.

By bringing his attention back to the present, he could accept his past and choose to grow from it rather than remain trapped in a victim identity.

Suggested Resources

Book: There Is Nothing Wrong With You: Going Beyond Self-Hate by Cheri Huber

Book: The Direct Way: Thirty Practices to Evoke Awakening by Adyashanti

Book: The Way of Selflessness: A Practical Guide to Enlightenment Based on the Teachings of the World's Great Mystics by Joel Morwood

Book: The Way of Liberation: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Adyashanti

App: Insight Timer

App: Project Joy by Sheri Huber

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Mindfulness Through Gratitude; Frank Kilpatrick & Rayko

Offer From Bruce

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