Reflections: Learning Mindfulness

Gordon's Bay

I was sitting on a bench, sea-side, watching the sky change into the most amazing colors. I was drinking in the smell and sound of the ocean lapping against the shore and the feel of the air growing colder on my bare skin. Enjoying the natural wonder of it all, I guess you could say that I was being "mindful". I was in Gordon's Bay at dusk, watching the moon glowing in the lavender sky. I was free. I was me.

I spent six weeks living and working at the Celtic Manor Guesthouse and spa in Gordon's Bay, South Africa. It was a gorgeous place high up on the mountain with majestic gardens and an incredible view.

For more pictures, please scroll down.

The view from the Celtic Manor is pictured above. Pictured to the left is one of the guest rooms. How fabulous would it be to wake up here every morning?

Pictured below is the pool and one of the beaches, which was in walking distance. It was truly a paradise. I treasure my time there, even though the work experience left something to be desired. Tune into my video log for details!

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Learning Mindfulness

Today I am feeling anxious. Anxious because I was mindful of my body and spent the weekend resting. I didn't do the millions of things on my to-do list, including school work, so I'm anxious as I have to play catch-up all week. But I am more rested than I've been in a long time and I feel as though I can accomplish what I need to this week. It's helpful, this mindfulness. Perhaps there is really something to it. I will continue to explore this practice in hopes it will do as it promises: reduce anxiety, relieve stress and improve sleep. Lord knows I need it!

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M'Hudi Wines

Lastly, some pics of the champagne-tasting event that I planned and hosted. What an awesome success that night was! It gave me back the confidence that I lost during the failures of the first two jobs.

Pictured above with me and the other young lady (who has become a great friend of mine) is the owner of the club. Pictured below, with us, is with the club owner and the young owner of M'Hudi wine farms.

I hope you've enjoyed this more visual entry. I've loved going back and remembering through these wonderful pictures. They bring back all of the emotions of the time that I've discussed on my video journal.

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