Soulful Sunday: Navigating Mindfulness and Meditation in a Boss Babe Work Life | EVENT RECAP
On Sunday, May 5 we held our second Soulful Sunday speaker series focusing on meditation and mindfulness in a boss babe work life. We’ve teamed up with the Wellness Warrior and Momentum Walk-in Counselling to launch this series in early 2019, with the goal of empowering women through wellness discussions with leading experts in an interactive panel style event.
Written by: Elisa Valade, Community Outreach Ambassador at YEG BOSS BABES
On Sunday, May 5 we held our second Soulful Sunday speaker series focusing on meditation and mindfulness in a boss babe work life. We’ve teamed up with the Wellness Warrior and Momentum Walk-in Counselling to launch this series in early 2019, with the goal of empowering women through wellness discussions with leading experts in an interactive panel style event.
Whether we are talking about meditation and mindfulness, coping with stress in the workplace, clean eating on the run, or tips for motivation and time management, the purpose is to create a supportive and non-judgmental space for women to come together and have intimate, soulful conversations. Our hope is that you leave with knowledge and inspiration that fuels your soul and helps you chase after your goals.
Our Panel
Jamie Bay, Owner of The Wellness Warrior and Head of Wellness at YEG Boss Babes, facilitated our amazing panel of women on Sunday, which included:
Mandy Trapp, Founder and Lead Educator at Lifestyle Meditation
Kim Knull, Registered Psychologist and Founder of Momentum Walk-In Counselling
Laurie Kellough, Director of Marketing at ATB; and
Shannon Droeske, Meditation and Mindfulness Coach and the Founder of the In-Purpose Brand
Our soulful discussion included a series of questions answered by our panel members through their expertise, personal stories and experiences.
Takeaways from our Meditation + Mindfulness Experts
Find your Point of Focus:
For many of us, the goal of meditating for 5, 10, 20 minutes can feel overwhelming. Even if we’ve created a calm space with no distractions, often it’s only a matter of minutes before our mind is racing with thoughts about our to-do list, what happened at work last week, and everything in between. Our experts’ advice: find your point of focus. Whether that is a mantra to repeat to yourself (it can be as simple as: I breathe in calm, I release anxiety) or staying focused on your breath as you inhale for 3 counts, and exhale for 5 counts.
Having a point of focus is what keeps those pesky thoughts at bay and helps to settle your mind into a state of calm.
Consistency is the Key:
Your mind is like a muscle; you have to exercise it in order for it to become stronger. Similar to a new exercise routine or the start of a new meal plan, for the practice of meditation to be effective, you have to show up. You must put in the work. Recognize that this work might look different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to incorporate meditation into your lifestyle. A few tips to set you up for success:
Attend guided meditation classes (we highly recommend Lifestyle Meditation)
Wake up half an hour early to integrate it into your morning routine
Create a space that inspires you. Incorporate the things that help you settle into a state of calm, whether that includes candle or essential oils, comfy pillows, natural sunlight – create that space that you can come back to consistently.
Get Creative with your Time:
As we said, consistency is the key! But our experts know, all too well, that in a busy boss babe world, sometimes that consistency does not look like a set daily routine. Life is busy on a day-to-day basis, but whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building an empire, or a mom boss taking care of little ones, there is always a moment to disconnect with your surroundings and reconnect with yourself – sometimes, we just need to get a little creative! Our experts recommend that you look for those golden moments where you can drop what you’re doing (for example, when you notice the kids are sleeping in the car seat) to just turn inward for a few minutes. Start watching for these golden moments regularly, and, over time, you’ll notice they pop up more often than you thought. Remember, the ultimate goal is to slow down and connect with yourself. Prioritize that quality time with YOU, even if it’s just for a few minutes. A little can go a long way!
You are not Alone
As we wrap up Mental Health Week, The YEG Boss Babes want to lovingly remind you that if you are struggling, you are not alone and you don’t have to go through your struggles alone. There are resources available to support you; there are friends, family, and experts that want to connect with you, hear your story and help you find ease in your struggle. We encourage you to reach out! For more information on resources visit https://www.momentumcounselling.org/
Special Thank you’s
To our panelists
MAD LOVE MONDAY | Katherien Lundin - Professional Clairvoyant
I am often asked what is a Clairvoyant and how does one become a professional Clairvoyant?
As a Clairvoyant I tune into your vibrational energy, and am able to see and sense images, colours, people, animals, buildings as well as objects that validate your being.
My name is Katherien Lundin, I am a Professional Clairvoyant and wife and mother of three amazing sons as well as one sweet golden retriever.
I am often asked what is a Clairvoyant and how does one become a professional Clairvoyant?
As a Clairvoyant I tune into your vibrational energy, and am able to see and sense images, colours, people, animals, buildings as well as objects that validate your being. I do hear spoken messages and feel emotions that are often channelled though spirit and your guides. I do use automatic writing, meaning I write and scribble words, pictures and shapes as I relay messages to my clientele.
To simplify I offer validation, perspective and messages with a glimpse of the past, present and future.
As a Professional I have a strict code of ethics, morals, confidentiality as well business hours with a business format.
I have always been connected to vibrational energy, meaning I have always seen, heard and felt things since I can remember. The journey to authentic self, being my current title, role, aspiration and career path was through the belief and push from my husband, Clint who is my best friend and my mom, who is also my best friend.
Support is essential in all that we aspire to do, we all need the offer of strength, compassion and yes sometimes just a shoulder and an ear.
Prior to my pursuit of my authentic self I had roles in management and administration. Yes, the 9 to 5 structured comfortable, conservative career path was my zone for many years until I had the push to take the leap towards the off beaten path and to be within my truth.
I truly love having the ability to help clientele through connection, messages as well as having the ability to give perspective and hope. The joy of connection and validation is the gift I receive from my clientele daily.
I do have one co-worker, business partner and therapy aid, my sweet golden retriever Buzby and those who have seen me in person have the privilege of his serene presence.
The one thing about being self employed and connecting with so many different energies is the need to schedule a break; to take time to distress.
I am a huge advocate of meditation and breath work. Using this daily for calming and centring of the self is my Zen. I also love my working meditation, my hot flow, spin class and walking my sweet Buzby! Yes, I am infatuated with lulu, sometimes too much! So having a scheduled day of semiformal business attire helps with the balance of too much home life vs., business.
I do hope to connect with all of you amazing woman at Yeg Boss Babes!
MAD LOVE MONDAY | Tanya West - Business Coach & Online Marketer
Hey I’m Tanya West! I am a business coach & online marketer for solopreneurs who want to go from overwhelmed with no plan to clear, productive and feeling great!
Hey I’m Tanya West! I am a business coach & online marketer for solopreneurs who want to go from overwhelmed with no plan to clear, productive and feeling great! How did I get to this point in my life? Well, it is a long story...the short version is that as a software developer on a pager, I was super stressed and not taking care of my health. It led me unexpectedly to being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 30. Wow! Did that rock my world!
After going through most of my treatments my mom’s breast cancer returned so I jumped on the internet and started doing some research on how to save my mom.
Unfortunately, I didn’t know enough back then to change the outcome but it did launch me into a side project...taking nutrition courses, working at a health store and eventually becoming a certified holistic cancer practitioner. I did this while doing a job change. I became a business consultant for new start ups and this was where my fire for entrepreneurship was ignited.
I worked with many entrepreneurs and some failed and some succeeded, it came down to how much they really wanted it and if they were actually WORKING at it.
After losing my dad suddenly to heart failure I didn’t know what to do with myself...I had to focus on something positive so I enrolled myself into a fitness competition. I knew it would be a lot of work and focus and that was what I needed at the time. This took my interest in health and fitness to a whole new level. I realized then that if I set my goal on something I could really achieve it and make it happen.
From there I went into online marketing so I could travel and work from home. Looking for a fresh start and to move away from some not so great memories, I moved my life from Niagara Falls to Edmonton to live closer to my brother and his family. I learned so much in 3 years working from home and 6 months ago I decided it was time for me to step up and take the leap of faith to go it...solo...gulp!
I had to do it...my insides were screaming at me to follow my dream. Now the question became what do I offer? I started with nutritional consulting and doing websites and online marketing and and and...and was getting nowhere. I had all the tools, my brand was on point but I got to the point where I was scared that each month kept going by and still my sales were minimal. Another month’s rent keep coming out of my bank account.
I decided that even with all my knowledge I was having trouble coaching myself so...I hired a business coach of my own.
Within a month I honed in on 1 focus, searched more specifically for my clients and started generating a REAL revenue. I had someone that believed in me, knew what I could do and kept me from going back and taking a J.O.B. and giving up on my dream. I had the skills, I had the knowledge but I didn’t have the confidence...in myself. Now I do. The more you do, the more you step out of your comfort zone and succeed! The more your confidence will grow. I promise!
Now I get to do what I love doing! Working with entrepreneurs to help them reach their goals. I have combined my love for health with my love for business and marketing and created one program. 12 weeks of coaching, planning and supporting those who really need not only business advice but marketing advice and nutrition too to support their minds too. I think it creates a powerful package together and I get to combine all my passions to help others succeed. My goal is to grow this business and create smaller online programs that people can also do on their own. I set goals for myself every month to work towards. As of January 2019 I am earning as much as I did working for someone else and there is no stopping me now! How awesome is that!
It is very rewarding being a boss babe! Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs for sure, however there is nothing like earning your own income. It feels truly amazing. If you would like more information about working with me, please visit me at www.tanyawest.ca and grab my free guide 50 WAYS TO CRUSH THE THINGS KEEPING YOU FROM HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS or follow me on insta @gowithwest. We can be friends on facebook too! I would love to connect with you!
It is so cool to connect with other boss babes and I find listening to everyone’s struggles and successes to be very educating. I love taking away some golden nuggets of wisdom after meeting someone new.
One of my favourite quotes is “Life isn’t happening to us, it is happening through us”. I’ve been through a lot but I am still here and use what has happened to me to be able to change others lives. I am very thankful to still be here and every day I start with 3 things I am thankful for and I end my day the same way. Celebrate every success no matter how small it is and you will find that as the days go by, you will have more and more things to be grateful for.
