In the last module, I used daily meditations that focused on relieving anxiety. In this module, I chose to focus on gratitude through my daily morning meditations. I found the 7 Days of Gratitude on the Calm app in the Personal Development section. I found that these meditations were even more powerful than the anxiety-focused ones because they gave me a positive to remain focused on in my life rather than a negative. I really liked how each day focused on a different area in my life through which I could find gratitude.

I was very intrigued when I heard about this podcast that combines meditation with prayer and biblical practice. I often listen to podcasts while driving so I thought I would try listening to this on my way home from work. I find it difficult to find a whole lot of time to devote to something like this so driving was the best option. While I can't close my eyes and be fully present in the meditation moment, I really can focus in on the message, feel the calm and moment of peace even as I'm driving home. I've found that when I listen to this on my way home from work, I greet my children with a much calmer demeanor and uplifting spirit than on other days when I end up coming home feeling stressed, overwhelmed and hurried. I really like how I can add the element of prayer into my daily routine with this meditation.

During this module I found that I'm using deep breathing more naturally throughout my day. I no longer have to set aside a specific time of day to do this rather I've gotten more adept at doing this whenever and wherever I most need it. I even felt comfortable enough to start to teach my students about mindfulness and follow up on our "Mindful Monday" activities with each of my groups throughout the day. I look forward to continuing this myself and with my students. I feel like this has been a useful tool that I've added to my "back pocket" for coping with the stressors of daily life as well as a tool to help my students learn healthy ways to regulate their actions and emotions.

I was finally able to try this at home with my family. It was a bit tricky because I had to ask that no one interrupt me and set a timer but it was worth it. Sitting there, taking in every detail of my surroundings, really made me see all that is around me that I neglect to take full notice of. I noticed the paint on my walls, the intricate design of a painting, the woodwork on the mantle, the fake flower buds poking out from a tall vase. I heard the heater running - I never realized how loud it is!. I heard the ice machine drop another set of cubes into the freezer box. I could hear the dog's paws scratch across the carpet in addition the the thundering footsteps of my children as they ran through the room. I don't see myself doing this in a formal way very often but it has made me stop and take note of my home much more than ever before. I'm always in a state of "I want to change this or make this better." when it comes to my house. I'm hoping this awareness, combined with gratitude will help me to live in the present moment, accepting all of the little intricacies that make my house a warm and comfortable home for my family.

I really wanted to have more sessions of Yoga this week but I had family visiting and didn't have the private space in which to practice. Right now I'm using the Yoga practice as a substitute for my morning runs/walks when the weather does not permit me to go outside. Both being outdoors and doing Yoga give me a sense of calm and focus for the day. I was able to do 2 yoga sessions this week. The first focused on feeling each part of my body, bone and muscle as I moved into and held the poses. I really like having this focus as I breathe and tune out what's ahead in my day. The second session was focused on "flow" and how the breathing should flow into the movement. It was really helpful to focus on my breathing, especially as the intensity of the yoga practice increases.