Informal Practice
Sometimes (like now) I get on FIRE about a new blog post, a new article, a new class, and I need to check myself. I find myself writing in my head while I also listen to the radio, or while meditating, or walking. I practice mindfulness daily, often by using "informal" practice.
Karen Kissel Wegela, Ph.D. describes "informal" 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 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
So today I will be kind to the drive that says this blog post is SO important, and I will take a break. I will hear the cat snoring, the kids playing, and notice my chest is tight with the anticipation of what people will think of this blog. And yes, there is a play date happening at my house right now, so it's time to be a present mom, a free from her computer mom.
I will do this knowing we all must juggle, balance, and craft these things the way we
can. We can take a moment to be grateful. Today I am super grateful for the opportunity to share new classes, groups, talks, and this site. Keep coming back to bridgetbertrand.com as there will be more soon.
Mindful Mondays will take place in September along with a teen group and more positive discipline on the weekends. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further referrals in the San Mateo area.
Author
I am Bridget Bertrand (any pronouns), a queer parent with training in expressive arts practice, mindfulness, and embodied social justice. I grew up in the U.S. South, attended undergrad there, and got a degree in Theater Arts with a minor in Education. After graduation, I moved to New York City, where I taught theater in four of the five boroughs and did a little acting along the way.
After years of parent meetings that felt a lot like therapy, I turned to a career in psychology while raising a child. I am thrilled to offer expressive arts and mindfulness sessions WORLDWIDE. It is an honor to walk along with clients, and I hope to inspire folks to find their own unique path toward healing.
I have completed 150 hours of coursework centered on social justice at The Embody Lab and on mindfulness with the folks at MNDFL. All these courses are rooted in somatic healing. I am committed to creating mutual aid relationships with members of my community.
Paying land tax to the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust as I live on their stolen lands.
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