Blog

  • Mindfulness

    Hello Honeybees,

    What does the word MINDFULNESS mean to you?

    Last month I attended a seminar hosted by Methodist Lebonuer Hospital. The guest speaker was ABC news correspondent Dan Harris. Dan talked about the time he had a panic attack on live television. He had become so overwhelmed with life and work that his body, mind and spirit started to betray him. After seeking help for his panic attack Dan learned the importance of meditation. He shares his story in his book 10% Happier. It’s on my nightstand.  I’ll let you know what I think in a later post.

    Most of us don’t reach our breaking point on national t.v. but we all can reach that breaking point. As I begin the next century of my life, yes I said next because I’m claiming 50 more years, I have a lot of moving pieces.  To help me cope with all of these moving parts I have started meditating.  I meditate in the mornings before I say my morning prayers.  I typically meditate before my morning prayers because it helps me to clear out all the thoughts that try to interrupt my quiet time. I can go to the Lord with a calm spirit ready to receive Him in. 

    I use these apps to help me when I want a guided meditation.

    I also like to do yoga. Yoga is a great way for me to relax, engage and exercise.  It is a great release. One of the best things about yoga to me is the community. Practicing yoga with a group brings about a sense of belonging & harmony. If you are looking for a yoga class in Memphis be sure to check out my friend Jackie O!

    Jackie has several different way for you to connect on the mat:

    Yoga 4 Life is a beginner-friendly class that nurtures the spirit, mind & body with a focus on mindful breathing, stretching, body awareness & relaxation. Each Wednesday, 6-7 pm at Co-Work Memphis, 902 Cooper St., 38104. Pay what you can love offering accepted. Sapphire Yogi Jackie O on Facebook for class & event updates. 

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    Mindfulness – Knowing what’s going on in your head and not acting on it

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    Yoga Honeys is a Memphis-based health & wellness group for women of color specializing in beginners yoga with a focus on restoration and healing. Monthly class & event schedule available on the Yoga Honeys Facebook page. Group is by membership request.

    I encourage you to stop and take some time to center yourself. Take some time to connect with your inner you. Try meditating and or yoga. The results can be life changing. Your mind, body & spirit will thank you for it.

    Namaste

    Belinda 

    Beewisdom- “In today’s rush, we all think too much — seek too much — want too much — and forget about the joy of just being.” ~Eckhart Tolle

  • Open Mosque Day

    Hello Honeybees,

    It’s always a good idea to expand your knowledge about things that are different. I’m talking about people, places and things.  I’m so glad that I learned to not only seek diversity but to embrace it. I’m also glad that my children are able to do the same.

    As part of his Bridge Builder experience my son choose to spend part of a Saturday morning learning about the Muslim faith and I was happy to accompany him.  This was the first time that I was able to share his Bridge Builder experience with him.

    I am a Christian and have experienced several different forms of religious expression. My first church experience was as a member of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Chicago, then the Catholic Church which is where I practiced most of my religion, in college I went back to the Baptist church then back to the Catholic Church where I was married.  I am now a member of the Disciples of Christ.

    Having the chance to visit a Mosque was a learning experience for both of us. On the way home he said it best: we all believe in God but we just express it in different ways. I was so proud that he received that message. Spending the day learning about the Muslim faith, culture and customs was an experience that I will always remember.

    Before our tour we put on shoe covers or you had the option to go without shoes

    Wearing a Hijab, for modesty, was a new experience

    This is where the men wash before prayer, the ladies had a separate area upstairs

    Having the chance to ask questions was part of the activities

    There was also food and drink.  I must say the tea was delicious

    This year is the 15th Annual Muslims in Memphis Celebration.  There are planned activities & events all month.  To learn more you can visit www.MuslimsInMemphis.org .

    I encourage you to get to know your neighbors. We all share this earth together.

    Belinda 

    Beewisdom- There is unity in diversity

  • 4 Lessons Learned in February

    Hello Honeybees,

    Last month I shared the lessons I learned in the month of January . Well I’m still learning and here are the lessons that I learned in February.

    Lesson 1:

    Your tribe is important

    I have always known this but for 24 hours towards the end of the month I was in #Blackgirlmagic heaven. I spent Friday night happy hour with my high school tribe.  Our graduating class was small, 54 total I think, so it’s not unusual that lifetime bonds were formed.  Taking the time to actually sit still and enjoy a drink and a meal was just what we all needed. Saturday I had brunch with a new tribe. Getting like-minded women together to share, inspire, uplift and encourage one another is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

    Girl, get you a tribe!

    ic-tribe

    Lesson 2:

    Don’t be shy about promoting yourself

    It’s not easy for me to promote myself. I always feel a little, NO a lot of, awkwardness when I’m saying “look at me, look at me”! You would think that in order to blog & put myself out there that I wouldn’t have an issue with self-promotion. Believe me I am working SO HARD to move past this.  In order for me to take my blog to a certain level I’m going to have to be the first person to say “Look at me”. So if you get tired of seeing me or hearing about me…….that means I’m doing it right.

    promote-yourself

     

    Lesson 3:

    Reading is fundamental

    People, people, people…. PLEASE pick up a book!!!  It won’t bite, I promise you.  Try it…you might learn something.  Enough said.

    books

     

    Lesson 4:

    Millennials, I truly love you guys but you WEAR. ME. OUT!

    I say this jokingly but in all seriousness, they really do make me tired.  I truly enjoy the go getter spirit, ready to change the world, full of unique ideas, ready to get things done like yesterday. I do love it and them but man they make my head spin sometimes.  Millennials…it’s ok to stop & think before you act.  It’s ok to ask someone that has been there & done that. It’s ok that you didn’t that promotion in 6 weeks….who knows what week 7 has waiting for you.  Chill for a minute…please!!

    mill-meme-copy

    Bet you can’t wait for what happens in March

    BelindaBee pic

    Beewisdom- “It is not so much about what life hands you,                                                                                       but what you do with what you get.” –  Idowu Koyenikan