Meeting Laura Pickens
In the realm of full-impact mindfulness, I've always been a proponent of the power of words and connection. Speaking into existence the things we deeply need isn't just metaphysical mumbo-jumbo—it's about actively creating our reality. Today, I'm thrilled to share the magic of a recent conversation I had with a very good friend and like-minded soul, Laura Pickens. Laura, who shares my passion for genuine living but thankfully does not share my misguided attempts at golf, joined me to discuss the holistic approach to health and wellness.
Finding Your Authentic Self: Laura and I dove into what it means to live authentically. It's all about removing the clutter that blocks our path to being real, natural, and flowing with life. Laura's mission is clear: to help people strip away the distractions and barriers that prevent them from being their true selves.
The Journey to Helping Others: Laura's background as a massage therapist, energy practitioner, and health coach has uniquely positioned her to aid others in their transformational journeys. She's seen firsthand how stress manifests physically and how intertwined our mental and physical well-being are. By connecting these dots, Laura has developed practices that not only relieve physical tension but also foster mental and spiritual well-being.
Unsticking the Stuck: During our chat, Laura shared insights into how she helps individuals recognize and address their points of resistance. Many people, she notes, deplete their energy by prioritizing others relentlessly, neglecting their own needs until it's too late. This depletion isn't just a metaphor; it has real, tangible effects on one's health and happiness.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish: Are you aware of the necessity of self-care? During my chat with her, Laura pointed out the common scenario described in airplane safety demonstrations: you must put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. This metaphor is particularly poignant for mothers, who often struggle with feeling selfish when prioritizing their well-being. Laura works to shift these deeply ingrained beliefs.
Decluttering the Mind: It’s also important to touch on the mental clutter that so many of us experience. Drawing on the wisdom of Thomas Merton, Laura illustrates how our minds often become overcrowded nests filled with shiny distractions, making us uncomfortable and unable to focus on what truly matters. Her approach helps individuals recognize what they are holding onto that they need to let go of, much like the monkey trapped by its own grip on a desired object.
The Process of Emotional Realignment: Laura's method involves identifying and working through emotions that signal the need for change. Anger, for example, might indicate that something in one's life needs to shift. She assists her clients in using their emotions as guides to better understand themselves and the necessary adjustments to their paths.
Magic Math and Addition by Subtraction: One of the most profound concepts is the idea of "magic math," where you make additions to your life by subtracting the unnecessary. Whether it's taking a break from social media, decluttering your email, or simply recognizing and eliminating non-essential activities, the goal is to clear space to focus more fully on oneself.
Continuing the Conversation: The conversation with Laura was rich with insights and practical advice, and I'm eager to continue this discussion as we look ahead.
In this journey of mindfulness, it's crucial to remember that the path to finding and maintaining one's authentic self is not always clear or easy, but with the right guidance and a commitment to decluttering both our external and internal worlds, it's definitely attainable.
