Hi Friend! Thanks for opening this today.

I hope this message finds you well and thriving. As we close another invigorating week, I’m excited to share some thrilling updates and dive into this week’s topic, which is close to my heart—balance. 

(👉🏾Make sure you Practice with me this week - I created a Mother’s Day Practice download here. Not a mom? It’s okay; you can share it with your mom or a mom you know.)

📚 Book Update & Upcoming Projects

First— I’m thrilled to inform you that Tamar and I are in the final chapters of our eagerly anticipated book, Sobriety For Dummies. We are wrapping up Chapters 19 and 20 and can hardly contain our excitement! You can preorder it and show our publisher that it’s a book worth sharing. (Thank you.) This has been such a journey of passion, dedication, and patience! Soon, we’ll transition into the next phase…our beloved podcast! Stay tuned.

This Week’s Theme: Finding Balance ⚖️

Balance in life is analogous to the equilibrium that keeps an ecosystem thriving. We need it. Science tells us that balance is not just a lofty goal but a fundamental need. My friend, it’s about homeostasis—the body's relentless quest for physiological balance. Just as our bodies subconsciously regulate temperature and pH levels, we must consciously strive for balance in our daily lives to optimize our mental and physical health.

Often, I think I’m talking to the void when I talk about balance. I teach this in every session: balance is key to a healthy life! Your vitality depends on it. YET, when I ask my students who practiced week after week, typically, 10% of my class will raise their hand. This tells me that humans often don’t prioritize what is good for them, which leads to a LACK of BALANCE, unhealthy habits, and mood swings!

Okay, I’m going to be really honest here. CHECK YOURSELF. If you’re not practicing every day—while living in the world that we live in, you are most likely struggling and perhaps have become so accustomed to it that you’ve checked out! FACT. This is where most of my clients are when they land in my office.

Maybe I’m being too honest, and you’ve sent this email to your trash… but for you, you who is still reading, I want you to ask yourself these three questions:

Psychologically, balance is tied to the 'hedonic treadmill,' where we continually adapt to changing circumstances to maintain a relatively stable level of happiness. Notice I used the word' relatively.' Is that enough for you?

It’s not for me.

Today, I want to share an old—yet new concept that may help your mindfulness practice this week and support you in achieving greater sustained balance and health!

Let me introduce you to my 'micro-moments of balance exercise. ' By implementing these throughout your day, you can reframe your experiences and create a buffer against life's stresses.

Instructions:

1. Identify some of your 'micro-moments': Recognize daily activities that you can transform into moments of mindfulness. Here are some ideas:

• Brushing your teeth for 20 seconds longer

• Holding and smelling your cup of tea

• Embracing your dog, cat, or animal for an extra 20 seconds

• Watching the wind blow the trees in your yard

• Letting the water wash over your hands for an extra 20 seconds

2. Make space for them: Deliberately create brief pauses in your day to step back and experience these moments.

3. Reflect on the experience: Consider keeping a journal to note any changes in your mood or stress levels.

These brief snapshots of mindfulness can boost your levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for feeling happy and calm. Routine acts of mindfulness, like enjoying your morning beverage or a few mindful breaths, help anchor you in the present. They can be seen as daily rites that honor the necessity for pause and tranquility, acting as the counterweights to life's ceaseless momentum.

Stay Connected and Engaged 🌐

I encourage you to visit the links I shared above and explore what these communities offer; I am loving them. Engaging with these communities can significantly enhance your recovery and personal development journeys. I have seen my MOOD change SIGNIFICANTLY!!!

Remember, you have the power to manifest a fulfilling, centered life no matter the chaos around you; you’ve got this!

Looking Forward 🔍

I am looking forward to covering more ground with as summer approaches…. BUT I’m out again next week in writing mode, my assistant, Ava will be back… she wants to know:

Cup of Yum: Recipe for Relaxation - Anti-Stress Drink

To support your commitment to an alcohol-free life and manage stress, here's a calming beverage recipe to end your day:

Soothing Lavender Lemonade:

- 1 cup fresh SQUEEZED lemon juice

- 2 cups of water

- 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)

- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender

- Ice cubes

- Additional lavender sprigs for garnish

Heat half of the water and dissolve the honey in it. Remove from heat, add lavender, and let it steep as it cools. Strain into a pitcher, add lemon juice, water, and ice.

This lemonade is refreshing and packed with lavender's relaxing properties—a natural approach to easing stress.

Joke of the Day

To wrap up, let's lighten the mood with a little laughter - good for the heart and stress levels!

Why did the smartphone go to therapy? Because it lost its connection to the network and needed to find itself again!

That’s a good one, right?

Let’s remember that disconnecting occasionally is a healthy way to reduce stress and recharge our mental batteries.

Wishing you tranquility and balance,

Lane ✌🏻

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None of this is medical advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not medical advice or a solicitation to buy any supplements or medications or to make any medical decisions. Always be careful. Always consult a professional. Please don't sue us. 😇

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