Worth Attending

19/08/2016

Here is a wonderful new online mindfulness program called Mindfulness Daily. The first lesson is free. Check it out here:

http://www.soundstrue.com/store/mindfulness-daily

Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield continue to be highly influential teachers in my ever evolving mindfulness practice - as they are with many others around the globe. Both clinical psychologists and world renowned leaders in the field.

I am looking forward to my next 40 days of practice which now includes this program. Check it out if you are interested in guided teachings/practices of less than 15 minutes a day.

Hope you are travelling well on your journey.

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

Melody

10-Day Online Event to Deepen and Expand Your Meditation Practice with 30 of the World's Leading Teachers

08/08/2016

~ NEW Mindfulness Workshop ~ I'm excited to be kicking off the latest Women's Wellness series run through Camden Community Connections. Bring a yoga mat/blanket/towel and a small pillow if you would like to lie down. All welcome. Contact CCC to book. Love to see you there! Breathe, notice, be kind. Melody :)

21/06/2016

New blog post "Winter Solstice" over on the blog:

A note from my heart as I sit in reflection on this glorious Winter Solstice, 21st June 2016: Shortest day present with the sun lowest at noon Or Longest night present with the majestic moon…

14/06/2016

New blog post "Not Knowing" over on the blog:

A note from my heart today, direct from the corridors of Campbelltown hospital, where loved ones have taken their first and last breaths, and currently heal: Tears flow as head bows Hands cl…

06/06/2016

Heart swelling like the mighty Nepean
Lifeblood of our South West home

Banks bursting as the heavens open
No use resisting the natural flow

Rising pulse of our whole community
Banding together in loss and love

Sun streaming with rays of hope
Mother nature we are listening

A note from my heart as I sit silently by the flood waters in my home town today and listen: Heart swelling like the mighty Nepean Lifeblood of our South West home Banks bursting as the heavens ope…

03/06/2016

Right now this is my theme song. The lyrics and melody pop into my head every now and again and have been so helpful. Holding the bitter and the sweet in loving awareness. Knowing I have the ability to make conscious decisions in each new moment and act on them. Today is one of those days where I can honestly say "it's good to be alive today". Can you? xo

31/05/2016

No truer words spoken today as I sit in front of the fire, just as my dear Pop did as his heart gave way two years ago. My heart has grown every day since. Love you Pop

31/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 21 of 21 ~

"The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough" ~ Rabindranath Tagore

Mindfulness practice:

Rub your hands together vigorously so you can feel the heat and friction generated. Release gently and let them rest palms facing up on your thighs. Or allow your palms to rest on any part of your body that feels right for you right now. Mine are resting over my heart and lower belly for example. Softly close your eyes and turn your attention inward. Breathe, notice, be kind.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we be enough just as we are in this moment"

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to share this series of mindful reminders filled with inspiration, guidance and loving-kindness. I hope you continue to cultivate mindfulness and compassion in your own way, in your own life. You are worth it. Until next time ...

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

30/05/2016

New blog post "May we..." over on the blog:

As the month of May now nudges us toward the end of another season and beckons the new with the impending arrival of June, I sit wholeheartedly in reflection. I consciously move toward the sun, all…

29/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 20 of 21 ~

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change" ~ Carl Rogers

Mindfulness practice:

From this place of presence right now, what is your next conscious move? Notice the space created when you slow down and pay attention to your moment to moment experience. Does this space allow for conscious decision making? Notice what it feels like to react on autopilot versus respond mindfully. When do you feel most awake, most alive?

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we live consciously"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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27/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 19 of 21 ~

"The quieter you become, the more you can hear" ~ Ram Dass

Mindfulness practice:

Can you listen with your whole body, your whole being? Can you hear deeply what is being said with open curiosity and without judgement? Next time you listen to another, notice any urges to interrupt or moments where you are caught up in what you will say next. As soon as you notice, gently bring your attention back. Can you listen to yourself in this way? Can you hear deeply?

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we listen with love"

Have a wonder filled weekend!

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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25/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 18 of 21 ~

"This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!..."
~ Rumi

Mindfulness practice:

Take a deep, conscious breath (or three) right now and notice the guests who come and go. Notice the space in between. 'Name them to tame them' without judgement, eg "thought" "feeling". Notice the guest house. How spacious, still, expansive, calm, quiet is your home?

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we be the welcoming space in between"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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25/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 17 of 21 ~

"Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we already are" ~ Pema Chodron

Mindfulness practice:

Close your eyes and notice any pushing away, pulling toward, any craving, striving for some experience that is not here with you right now. How do you feel in these moments? Is it hard work? Is there room for acknowledging these human tendencies, holding them gently too, and allowing it all to pass through your awareness? Like the still, expansive ocean beyond waves lapping at the shore.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we befriend who we already are in this moment"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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24/05/2016

Can't wait to be in the presence of the prize one winner, and see the real winners here achieve their goal of treating Tobias, opening a clubfoot clinic in Nepal and raising worldwide awareness. Proud of be part of such a worthy cause

* KICK ARSE RAFFLE for Macarthur Woman*

Following on from the Sunday Night story that recently went to air, this fabulous raffle is the final step in the fundraising efforts for children born with clubfoot in Paraguay and Nepal. We are SO close to having not only funded little Tobias’ treatment in Paraguay, but also to opening a new miraclefeet supported, fully operational clubfoot clinic in Nepal. Grab your tickets and be in to win one of three amazing prize pack’s from our local Macarthur businesses’. Nearly $2,000 worth of prizes have all been donated by people I either know personally, or have purchased products or services from myself. They ALL come highly recommended, so please consider using them in the future.

Details on how to grab your tickets, more info on the prizes, as well as some helpful links are all in the comments.

With many thanks to:
Ash and her team at Eden Spa, Cassandra from Mali Flores, Melody from Worth Attending, Renee and Deb from Epicure Store Camden, Tania from Delight & Delirium, Stephanie from Life Wellness Co. Michelle Jack and the Bertolli crew, Nicole from Ready, Set, Toned - Personal Training, Amanda from Ivy Rose Designs, Jess from Bespoke Moments, Bethany from Bethany Tara Photography, Face 2 Face Makeup Artistry- Amy Wallace, The Italian Food Project and Emma P., author of ‘The 7 secrets to getting sh*t done'. Love to you all

24/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 16 of 21 ~

"I love the gentle kind of sadness like a reminder that I can feel" ~ Marianna Paige

Mindfulness practice:

Where do you feel emotion? Be curious. In/on/around your body or mind? Is it different for different emotions? When you notice a feeling (be it pleasant, neutral or unpleasant) can you breathe into it and create space for it to be just as it is? With difficult emotions, try placing your hand on the area for gentle support and anchor yourself with short phrases like "It's okay", "This too shall pass", "Breathe".

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we all feel alive"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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23/05/2016

New blog post "Grateful" over on the blog:

A note from my heart as I take a break from completing my tax return (deep breaths!): Grateful for clarity of mind Right now Able to attend To the days ‘to do’s’ Ever thankful for the Flow of Unive…

23/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 15 of 21 ~

"Do small things with great love" ~ Mother Theresa

Mindfulness practice:

Hold your own hands right now, as you would hold a person or pet you loved. Gently close your eyes for a moment or lower your gaze and notice what thoughts, feelings, images, sensations pass through your awareness. Be mindful of any desires to push away or hold on tight to any part of your experience.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we hold ourselves with great love"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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20/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 14 of 21 ~

"Be mindful of your self-talk. Its a conversation with the universe" ~ David James Lees

Mindfulness practice:

Notice how you talk to yourself. What words and tone do you use? Notice any desire to hold on or push away thoughts, to add self talk upon self talk. Thank your mind for its input "Thanks mind!". Try saying it with a sense of humour and a light heart :) Experiment with short phrases like "Ouch!" or "Nice one!".

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we speak to ourselves with love"

Have a wonder filled weekend!

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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18/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 13 of 21 ~

"The words you speak become the house you live in" ~ Hafiz

Mindfulness practice:

Notice the words you speak today, and notice all the thoughts you don't speak. Notice any patterns or themes. Close your eyes and notice that part of you that can notice all of this, without judgement. Like the sky never judges the clouds.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we speak from the heart"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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18/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 12 of 21 ~

"When I'm anchoring, I miss chasing stories in the field" ~ Lisa Guerrero

Mindfulness practice:

Where can you anchor your attention right now? Breath, sound, feet or hands? No right or wrong. Traditionally we anchor our awareness on our breath, however this can be difficult for some of us particularly if we are anxious or have breathing difficulties. If so, experiment with other anchors for your attention. Whenever you notice your mind has wandered off 'chasing stories' of past or future, gently guide it back to your anchor, over and over again.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we anchor our attention here and now"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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17/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 11 of 21 ~

"Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet" ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Mindfulness practice:

Notice the points of contact between your feet and the earth/floor right now. Can you notice both connection and space present? Move them up and down slowly as if walking on the spot. Heel to toes. Notice without judgement what you are imprinting on the earth - physically, psychologically, energetically...

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we walk kindly, gently on this earth"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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16/05/2016

New blog post "Surrender" over on the blog:

Sleep eluded me last night. Every which way I turned, agitation seemed to find me. Relentlessly hunting me down until it was satisfied it had exhausted me to the point of surrender. My body writhed…

15/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 10 of 21 ~

"One thing at a time; one moment at a time" ~ Melli O'Brien

Mindfulness practice:

As you are reading this email, where it your attention? Is it fully here right now or attempting to attend to other things also presenting themselves to you in this moment? Notice your ability to be aware, and let go of any judgement.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we give the gift of our full attention"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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12/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 9 of 21 ~

"The practice of mindfulness begins in the small, remote cave of your unconscious mind and blossoms with the sunlight of your conscious life, reaching far beyond the people and places you can see" ~ Earon Davis

Mindfulness practice:

Take your mindfulness practice into nature. Practice here under the sunlight and moonlight, even if you can't see it.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we all blossom into our true nature"

Have a wonder filled weekend!

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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12/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 8 of 21 ~

"If you think of your body as a house, the body scan is a way to throw open all the windows and doors and let the fresh air of awareness sweep it clean"
~ Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness practice:

Without moving a muscle, can you systematically and intentionally sweep through the body with the mind; with kind curiosity? Start with the soles of the feet and scan your attention upward throughout the body to the crown of the head. This can take the length of one in-breath or out-breath, or whatever time you choose. Lying down, sitting or standing; be creative. Can you notice and feel whatever sensations are already present moment to moment, without judging or reacting?

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we embody here and now "

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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10/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 7 of 21 ~

"Writing is about learning to pay attention and to communicate what is going on" ~ Anne Lamott

Mindfulness practice:

Next time to pick up a pen, bring a beginner's mind to your experience, as if it is the first time you have ever experienced this object. What does it look like, feel like between your fingers, the connection with the rest if your body? What does it say to you when you roll the pen near your ear, and put pen to paper? You may notice texture, temperature, colour, pressure, space, connection...

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we author this life with love"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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10/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 6 of 21 ~

"There is no life without breath...to half breathe is to half live"
~ Ancient Saying of Chinese Masters

Mindfulness practice:

Where do you notice your breath right now? Not where you think it is, but where it actually is. You may be able to feel sensations at the tip of your nostrils or upper lip, chest or belly. Place your hands on your your belly and chest so you can feel the act of breathing. Can you feel the expansion of chest and belly on the in-breath, and contraction on the out-breath? What happens when you let go of tension held in your stomach muscles/diaphragm? Experiment. Explore.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we breathe fully"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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09/05/2016

New blog post "Mothering" over on the blog:

A note from my heart on Mother’s Day 2016: Mothering Ourselves, each other The world around us. Held by her loving Embrace. Room for all In her open heart. No strangers here Grounded in her presenc…

09/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 5 of 21 ~

"Everyday mindfulness involves maintaining an open, accepting, present focus of attention during day-to-day life. It seems to be a life enhancing approach"
~ Rachel Collis

Mindfulness practice:

Every time you open or move through a door way today, pause for a moment to check in with what is. Where is your body and mind in that moment? Can you expand your attention as you move through the door way? Notice the position of your feet, spine and eye gaze.

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we find presence in our day-to-day, door to door"

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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05/05/2016

~ Mindful May with Melody: Day 4 of 21 ~

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future; live the actual moment. Only this moment is life" ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Mindfulness practice:

Tune into all of your senses next time you make you make yourself a cuppa. What can you actually see, feel, hear, taste, smell, inside and outside of your body moment to moment?

Loving-kindness well wish:

"May we slow down and notice"

Have a wonder filled weekend, with lots of mother love!

Breathe, notice, be kind :)

In loving kindness,
Melody

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