slowing down & savoring / communicating & community
Over the last 5.5 years of living in France, I’ve learned a lot about slowing down and savoring – especially as it relates to food (bread and butter soothe the soul).
And after the past election-related anxiety-provoking months (among other global concerns), we could all probably use something as soothing as a cozy French meal.
Here are a few ways to enjoy a French-inspired Mindful Morning – whether you’re somewhere in France (scroll down to read more about lessons on communication from living in a foreign country), or at home binging Emily in Paris.
(See also: Amélie, Before Sunset, Midnight in Paris, Moulin Rouge, Ratatouille…)
If you decide to try the Mindful Morning virtual workshop, you can schedule a 45-minute consultation with me to curate your own morning rituals to optimize your mood, energy, and physical / emotional wellbeing.
Either way – download my free Mindful Morning self-care ebook for more customizable recipes and morning ritual tips to nourish the body, mind, and planet.
(Fun fact: the word “mindful” in French can generally be translated as “reflection,” “full / complete consciousness,” or “attention.”)
What country or culture inspires you to slow down and savor your mornings?
And semi-unrelated (yet mostly very related) – as we come out of a torrential US election thunderstorm, I have heard a lot of people (myself included) say that they just don’t understand the opposing political party or their followers.
As someone who has lived in a country for almost 6 years without 100% understanding or being understood (a privileged choice), I’ve learned a lot about the importance of and compassion behind communication.
As the non-native speaker, I’ve had to adjust my words and concentrate on how to get my point across – even if it’s not 100% clear or not exactly what I want to say.
As the non-native listener, I’ve had to be super present and pay close attention to the speaker(s) – I’ve also had to learn how to be honest when I don’t understand and ask for clarification or move on.
Sometimes people (myself included) have been impatient or short with me and didn’t give me a chance, which either left me nervous-laughing or crying (often both).
But when both sides have been patient, receptive, as clear as possible, and have made conscious efforts to understand and be understood, it has left me feeling with so much hope, gratitude, and relief – like the gap of division was narrowed.
I don’t know what the future holds, I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t think moving to another country will solve all the problems (even though it’s great!), but I do know that community / human connection (and connection to nature) is vital.
My wish for the future of all people is to be willing and make an effort to communicate more clearly, listen more deeply, and find solutions / commonalities in differences that we’ll always undoubtedly have.
My wish for all of us who don’t understand – however we feel about the election results – is that we find a safe way to express our feelings, and do whatever we need to do to cultivate even a little bit of peace, hope, connection, and equanimity.
Life is a team effort – please don’t give up on each other.
Final notes: peace exists, and it starts within / with us (and, if anything, peace can maybe start with a French mindful morning…).
Take good care / prenez soin de vous,
S
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