Stress!

Stress is an essential part of the human experience. The goal is not to eliminate stress – we can’t eliminate it – and we don’t need to either. The goal is to learn how to be present in the midst of the stress and that can happen when we practice mindfulness. Mindfulness isn’t just about “being calm” or enjoying the moment – it is about becoming aware of what is happening inside of you. With mindfulness we can navigate stress, so we respond to life rather than react to it.

Stress, Awareness & the Power to Respond

Last week, we talked about purpose, and how it lives in the present moment. But there’s something that often pulls us out of that moment…Stress. We all experience stress. We all feel it.

What is Stress?

Stress is mental tension caused by a difficult situation.

Something happens…
You don’t like it.
You resist it.
You worry about it.

And that creates tension – not just inyour mind, but in your body.

What’s Really Happening?

At a deeper level, stress is your body responding to a perceived threat.

We are wired for survival: Fight. Flight. Freeze.

This system is incredible when we’re in real danger.

But today? It gets triggered by:

• An email
• A conversation
• A deadline
• Something someone said

But… your body reacts as if you’re in danger.

Reaction vs Response

In these moments, we often go into autopilot and react.

We say something we didn’t mean.
We overthink.
We do something we wish we hadn’t done. We shut down.
We spiral.

And later, we think: “I could have handled that differently.”

What changed? Your nervous system calmed down. And when that happens – clarity begins to seep back into your brain.

This is Where Mindfulness Comes In

Mindfulness isn’t about being perfectly calm or “zen.” It’s about: Becoming aware of what’s happening inside you — without judgment.

Your thoughts.
Your feelings.
Your body.

Because when you become aware… You create a choice.

Instead of reacting…
You can respond.

The Practice: A Simple Reset

In moments of stress, you don’t need to fix everything. You just need to pause.

1. Pause & Notice (No judgment — just notice)
What am I thinking?
What am I feeling?
What is happening in my body?

2. Breathe
Bring your attention to your breath.
Inhale deeply… Exhale slowly
Let your breath become your anchor.

3. Return to Your Body
Feel your feet!!!
Feel your body supported.
Come back to this moment.

Why This Works

This simple practice helps you:

• Calm your nervous system
• Shift out of reaction
• Create space and clarity

And in that space of clarity… You can choose how you respond.

This is a practice. Practice it often, and when you aren’t dealing with a stressful situation.

So, when you do find yourself reacting to a stressful situation – and you will – because you are human, you have a practice to help you create some clarity and space to respond instead of react.

Because in that space… Lives your power.

This Week’s Intentional Practice

Stress is part of being human – we don’t need to eliminate it.

Instead, we learn how to be mindfully present within it.

When you feel stress, notice your pattern:

• Fight?
• Flight?
• Freeze?

Then gently try some mindfulness:

1. Pause and notice
2. Connect to your breath
3. Return to your body

Then respond – with intention.

Even if it’s after the moment.

It still counts, because you can’t change what you aren’t aware of.

So start there. One breath at a time.

Give yourself the space to respond… instead of react.

Namaste my friends,
Leslie 💙🙏