Shakers & Movers: Meditation Matters

Sandy here, I wanted to take a moment to thank Ana and Matt for their sincere dedication our congregation. Rise Up Breathwork and Sound Healing is taking a pause for a few more weeks while Matt honors his other passions namely spending time in nature, hiking, rock climbing, and writing. If you haven't had a chance to check out Matt's new book, The Rhythm Beneath the Chaos, stop by Irie Bliss and snag a copy!

You may have noticed a slight shift in our Wednesday offering, for the last few weeks, Yoga with Ana has honored the season, as during the summer swelter sometimes we don't need a work-out, we just need to be still. Ana is a true student of life, not only is she a 900 hour trauma informed yoga therapist, she is also trained in meditation for the real world, which is where most of us reside!

Whether you want to call these modalities healing pillars, or anchors - depends on if you are all the way up - OR all the way down. Either way, showing up for each other to raise the vibration whether at Soul Saturday or karaoke is what this congregation is all about.

But I have a confession.

I am guilty. Guilty of saying, "I don't have time today."

Then i hear that voice. "Those who say they don't have time, probably need meditation the most." (Yes, Ana i hear your voice in my head.)

So.

When you are overloaded. When you are overstretched. When you are overworked. When.....when.....when...wait is time really moving faster? Or is it because the collective keeps echoing "Time is FLYING!" I mean I know I have been saying that for years. And as I get older it seems to go faster and faster until...we...wait...for....it......find those humans in the world, like Ana and Matt, with their gentle reminders. Who ask you to pause, to stop.....and hold on girl, BREATHE! ....despite everything else that is going on ask you to just BE. HERE. NOW.

The segments below were written by our beloved Ana DePaz, to inspire us all to embrace the magic of stillness. Join us each Wednesday on Twitch.tv/pcsmwellness at 1pm. Together we are changing the energy, vibration, and frequency of the world.

Why Meditation Can Help Burnout

Avoiding burn out; Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause. This is how the nervous system reset makes sense as your self care.

Our Minds Are Busy

“I don't have time.” “What's next?” “I have so much to do.” “I'm exhausted.” “I'm overwhelmed.” Maybe you've said these words out loud. Maybe they've quietly become the soundtrack in your mind.One minute you're making your grocery list. Next you're replaying a conversation from three years ago, wondering if you should have said something different... and somehow you've also started planning your next vacation.Meanwhile you're answering emails, checking your calendar, driving the kids, making dinner, remembering birthdays, trying to drink more water, trying to exercise, and trying to be everything for everyone. Somewhere in all of that, you forgot to check in with yourself.Burnout rarely happens all at once. It happens one busy day at a time.

Burnout Isn't a About Feeling Tired and Unmotivated

Many people think burnout simply means being tired, but it can also look like constant mental chatter, difficulty concentrating, emotional exhaustion, trouble sleeping, and feeling disconnected from yourself. When your nervous system stays in survival mode for too long, even simple tasks begin to feel overwhelming. That's where meditation can help.

Meditation Is Rest for the Mind

Meditation isn't about stopping your thoughts. It's about changing your relationship with them. Instead of chasing every thought, you begin observing them.Instead of reacting, you learn to respond.Instead of rushing, you begin breathing again. That small shift changes everything.

Think of Meditation Like a Snow Globe

Imagine your mind is a snow globe. Every responsibility, notification, worry, and expectation keeps shaking it. Meditation doesn't remove the snow. It simply gives it permission to settle.When the mind becomes still, clarity naturally appears.

Small Moments Create Big Changes

You don't need an hour of silence. Five minutes. Ten slow breaths. One quiet cup of tea. One mindful walk. Over time you may notice: • More patience • Better sleep • Less anxiety • Greater focus • A calmer nervous system • Greater emotional resilience • More joy in everyday moments

The Science Behind the Practice

Research continues to show that regular meditation can lower cortisol, improve focus and memory, support healthier sleep, strengthen the immune system, improve heart health, support brain health, promoting neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to create healthier neural pathways over time.

What If You Don't Have Time?

Ironically, the people who say they don't have time to meditate are often the ones who need it most. Meditation isn't another task on your to-do list. It's the pause that helps you move through everything else with greater ease. For self care, reframe, “I don’t have time.” to “I will make time.” Set a moment to catch your breath, before your start your car, pause or pause before you go to sleep.

A Gentle Invitation

You don't need to escape your life. You don't need to book a retreat. You don't need to meditate perfectly.Your mind doesn't have to be quiet to begin.You only need to begin. One breath. One pause. One moment of choosing yourself. You simply arrive.

With love,

Ana (@yogi_depaz)

Your Self Care Doula