M2 Mindfulness Blogs

From SWAT to Sit

Aug 14, 2019
2 min

From SWAT to Sit

Sometimes careers take an unexpected turn. Ed Morales, Gilbert police officer and former SWAT team member and U.S. Marine, spent most of his career embedded in highly dangerous, adrenaline-fueled, critical situations. He was professionally successful and trusted by his peers and superiors to get the job done. But over time he noticed his health and personal relationships deteriorate. He describes barely being able to move when he got out of bed in the morning, his muscles and

Let's Make This the New Normal

Apr 30, 2019
2 min

Let's Make This the New Normal

May is Mental Health Month. 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime. But despite its prevalence, many of us are hesitant to prioritize our mental well-being. That could mean reaching out for support when you’re going through a challenge, recognizing you need a break or taking a class to improve the way you handle stress. One of M2’s intentions is to bring people together to support and enhance their mental health and capacity for resilience. “Mind a

Gratitude Practice Twelve Years in the Making

Nov 21, 2018
3 min

Gratitude Practice Twelve Years in the Making

I have always loved Thanksgiving. Growing up, we didn’t observe many of the typical traditions. My Chilean parents never watched football, and no green bean nor sweet potato casserole, stuffing of any ilk, nor pumpkin pie ever graced our table. The giving thanks part wasn’t prominent either. But turkey and potatoes were easy to adopt, as was the custom of gathering with the families who became our tribe in the U.S. The holiday felt warm, inclusive and accessible. To me Thanks

Pay It Forward Day

Mindfulness Summit ASU

Apr 24, 2018
1 min

Mindfulness Summit ASU

Honored to contribute to the first annual ASU Mindfulness Summit. I laughed and was inspired by Dr. Michelle May from Am I Hungry and Dr. Barry Kerzin from Altruism in Medicine Institute, and met old friends and new. Thrilled to see how mindfulness invites more curiosity and enthusiasm each day here in the Valley of the Sun. #awareness #mindfulness #meditation #community #wellbeing #wellness #mindbody #amihungry #altruisminmedicine

Go Red for Women

Apr 13, 2018
1 min

Go Red for Women

Beautiful setting inside and out. M2 was honored to recognize the 2018 Executive Leadership Team for Go Red For Women at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. In addition to the full agenda they are already juggling, these business leaders carved out the intellectual and heart space to make a huge impact on their community. #goredgetfit #community #compassion #leadership #inspire #mindbody #wellness #wellbeing #selfcare

ASU Students De-stress with Mobile Mindfulness Truck

Mesa Community College Wellness Day

Mar 29, 2018
1 min

Mesa Community College Wellness Day

Had an amazing day Mesa Community College. Lots of people dropped in, from first-time practitioners to retreat veterans. It was a great wellness event that also included a nature walk, yoga and rock wall, among other things. MCC is fortunate to have faculty who have worked consistently to make mindfulness part of the dental hygiene curriculum. Students here practice mindfulness and use it as a tool to enhance their personal well-being as well as apply techniques to help patie

ASU Grad Week

"Mental Training Changes Brain Structure and Reduces Social Stress"

Oct 10, 2017
1 min

"Mental Training Changes Brain Structure and Reduces Social Stress"

There are a few things about this article that caught my eye. While it underscores the power of meditation to build cognitive function, it also highlights the potential of practicing with others in "contemplative dyads" to build compassion, gratitude and perspective. The researchers studied different practices in addition to classical meditation exercises. They measured significant differences in cortisol levels among participants who practiced in pairs, vs those who practice

"The Benefit of Meditating Alone Together"

Aug 23, 2017
1 min

"The Benefit of Meditating Alone Together"

Community can be a source of inspiration and support to help you build and maintain your practice. While I love the convenience of an app (most often it's Headspace) designed for solo practice, I also appreciate the reinforcement, validation and even occasional commiseration I get from sharing experiencing with friends who practice too. This article from Mindful magazine thoughtfully articulates why it's true for me. #meditation #mindfulness #community