M2 Mindfulness Blogs

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

It's National Meditation Day!

May 31, 2018
1 min

It's National Meditation Day!

It's National Meditation Day! Did you know? 47 clinical studies validate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation programs to diminish anxiety and stress. Want to give it a shot? Here's a few guided practices you can try for free, courtesy of UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. #mindfulness #mindfulnesstraining #meditation #neuroscience

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

ASU Students De-stress with Mobile Mindfulness Truck

ASU Grad Week

Auspicious Beginnings

Jan 14, 2018
2 min

Auspicious Beginnings

After putting on the final, finishing touches Tuesday morning and crossing my fingers that the rainstorm would hold out until after 4:30pm, I drove the truck to Squaw Peak for a photo shoot (note: the threat of rain was actually a boon, because I found parking spaces together and few people were around). I was waiting for the photographer to arrive when a car pulled in behind me and a man got out. He introduced himself, said the truck caught his attention and asked could he p

"Meditation Brings Calm to CEO's"

Dec 1, 2017
1 min

"Meditation Brings Calm to CEO's"

The Wall Street Journal reported on the increasing acceptance and impact of meditation in the workplace. A few highlights from behind the paywall: Tupperware Brands Corp. CEO, E.V. "Rick" Goings meditates for 20 minutes each day at work, because he says it "helps him avoid bad decisions." The software company, Salesforce, offers "mindfulness zones" in 14 of its office buildings “When you meditate together, there’s a sense of connection you have. We execute better as a team wh

"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

What is the Difference between Meditation and Mindfulness?

Jul 3, 2017
1 min

What is the Difference between Meditation and Mindfulness?

You might notice that the terms mindfulness and meditation seem to be used interchangeably. If you search online, you’ll find different definitions for each. Here’s our interpretation: Mindfulness is awareness of what you are feeling, sensing or thinking, and accepting that that’s the way it is right now. Meditation is a mental training technique. There are many kinds of meditation. Some are aimed at focusing attention, by concentrating on breath, sound, or repeated phrases,

Mind the Gap

Jun 22, 2017
1 min

Mind the Gap

Earlier this month my family went to London for vacation (a Harry Potter-inspired pilgrimage), which was awesome in many ways. My husband, mother-in-law, kids (ages 8 and 10) and I took “the Tube” most days to get around, a welcome change from our car-dependent, Phoenician lifestyle. Today when we boarded the train I observed other passengers notice our family. Several riders immediately got up, repositioned themselves to fill empty seats closer to other riders and create a g

Pause to Run

Jun 14, 2017
1 min

Pause to Run

I listen to a lot of podcasts. And then I quote them. And then my husband rolls his eyes, "...another podcast story..." One series I really enjoy is "How I Built This," which tells the stories of successful entrepreneurs. Last week I listened to Blake Mycoskie, of TOMS shoes fame, describe how he has moved through his career and life, and a few mindful attributes and practices stood out to me, though he never used the word "mindfulness." Above all, he used the word "curious."