Mindfulness

Finding Balance: Excitement and Mindfulness

I am so excited about my new website! Despite the delay in getting licensed here in California, I continue crafting what I want this new career to look like.  

Updating this in 2025, the delay I was writing about was a backlog of processing associate therapist hours that took ten months to be approved to sit for the exam. We called the BBS, we emailed them and since I think most folks have never waited more than 2 months to be approved to take the licensing exam.

Ten months felt like ten years at the time! Sometimes (like now) I get absolutely ON FIRE about a new blog post, article, or class idea, and I need to check myself a bit.  The hyper focus within this ADHD queer brain is REAL! Keep reading and be in touch if you want to hop into a mindfulness group; all are welcome! Time is to be determined.

Practicing What I Preach

I do practice mindfulness daily, often through what's called "informal" practice. Karen Kissel Wegela, Ph.D. describes "informal" mindfulness practice this way:

  1. Paying attention to the moment-to-moment details of experience

  2. Paying particular attention to the body and one's experience of it

  3. Recognizing the experience of the mind and not getting caught in memories of the past or plans for the future

  4. Trying neither too much nor too little

  5. Letting go of distractions and paying attention to the present moment

  6. Noticing one's experience without judging it

The Balancing Act

So today, I will be kind to that inner drive that says "this is SO important" while also taking a much-needed break. I'm tuning in to hear the cat snoring, the dog barking, and the kids playing. I notice my chest is tight with anticipation about what people will think of this blog. That is a 2025 worry as well sometimes!

There is a play date happening at my house right now (2014) so it's time to go be a present mom—a mom free from her computer. We all must juggle, balance, and craft these elements of our lives in whatever way works for us.

Today I am super grateful for the opportunity to share new classes, groups, talks, and this website. Keep coming back—there will be more soon!

2025 Bridget signing off to say, I would love it if you poke around and tell me what you think. Sign up to join me in a video room soon to meditate, cultivate, and get to know each other. All of these groups are described on the Zoom sign-up.

Monday’s, Last Monday of the month, mindfulness for activists 12-1, register below

https://bit.ly/activistrestore2026

Tuesday’s: all are welcome, 12-1 PST. Register below. Cultivate creativity!

https://bit.ly/creative2026

Thursday’s:

https://bit.ly/queerconnection (professional space to connect 2-3 each week)

Love,

Bridget Bertrand (any pronouns with love)

Expressive Arts Facilitator - Creative Cultivator https://www.bridgetbertrand.com/

https://substack.com/@transformationcollectivespace

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