#92: Shedding

A BRIEF MEDITATION

You are a caterpillar, weaving a cocoon—a container for transformation.

Consider all that feels old and heavy, anything from dusty clutter to worn beliefs no longer serving you.

Use your exhale to invite release. Shed your outgrown layers. Feel the weight lift, breath by breath.

Your energy shifts and realigns. Your wings unfurl. More of who you are emerges. The air crisps against your newfound lightness.

As you soar above, colors are more vivid, scents more intoxicating. Carry this lightness and vibrancy into your world.

➜ Go to your dashboard*

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MANTRA BREAKDOWN

In life, we're led to believe that things, sometimes their mere presence, have value. That can be a material object or something conceptual, like information from a blog or video.

This belief encourages us to consume more and have more. More is more is the subconscious message that drives our behavior.

What we don't see is the more we pack into our brains, the more our attention is compromised. Our ability to be present is challenged. (Not that we can't be present when we have more on our plate, but it requires more mindfulness.)

Like a beautiful art exhibit displayed in an empty room, the value of space and silence – a cultivated absence of things, actions, or thoughts – enhances what is there.

Therein lies the best opportunity to shed what you've outgrown – the old sweater to the limiting belief that drains your energy – to create more space.

You'll not only lose what's burdening you – you'll strengthen a brighter and more intentional version of yourself.

QUOTES TO HELP YOU EMBRACE LESS

• "In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself." – Deepak Chopra

  "Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything—anger, anxiety, or possessions—we cannot be free.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

  "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be" – Lao Tzu

➜ Go to my dashboard*

_{*Add mantra (or quotes) to your dashboard by going to Settings (gear-shaped icon in the lower left-hand corner) > choose Mantras or Quotes > Add Mantra/Quote. Don’t have Plus? Start a free trial here!}

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READER Q&A SPOTLIGHT

Hey Momentum readers! We're thrilled to roll out a fresh, interactive section – Reader Q&A Spotlight!

This week’s question:

"What are ways to navigate information overload when there is so much I want to absorb? There are so many articles and reports I'd like to read related to my work and interests, but I get overwhelmed by them all, and other tasks tend to get priority first. Thanks!" – Sarah

Dear Sarah,

Information overwhelm is something most of us can relate to, especially when we’re hungry to learn.

When you encounter something enticing, pause and ask why you want to read it. Sometimes, we're consuming just to comfort a little anxious voice telling us we don’t know enough or we’re running behind. (The distinction between this voice and genuine curiosity is the former feels a little needy and restless. Curiosity’s a bit more relaxed.)

To neutralize the overwhelm, remind yourself:

• You're exactly where you're supposed to be.

• Your brilliance doesn't hinge on an unread article.

• When you mentally slow down, you have enough time for what matters.

Once we’re centered, we can take action! 🤓

1. Start by setting up a low-effort system for yourself. How about blocking a tiny amount of time (15 minutes!) to read after your usual work hours?

2. Use Pocket to bookmark, or keep it super simple by creating a custom "To-Read" list on your dashboard.

3. Take 15 mins to read ONE thing. The quality of attention is what unlocks deep learning and actual application to your work/life. 🙂 

HAVE A QUESTION?

Hit reply on any newsletter, or send an email to [email protected].

You can use your real first name, a pseudonym (fake name), or remain anonymous. Even if we don't answer your question next week, it might be the highlight of a future issue!

MOMENTUM TIP OF THE WEEK

Is your focus feeling wild and scattered? The less stuff crowding our headspace, the more our concentration (and energy!) intensifies.

The decluttering process starts with your browser, a natural extension of the mind.

Turn on Tab Stash (either within Focus Mode or on its own) to vacuum all the tabs, storing them for later – nothing is lost!

What's left? Empty mental space. And your focus? Dialed into that one key task in front of you. 🎯

IT’S ALL GOOD (NEWS)

Here are a few stories that may spark curiosity and wonder. ✨

• ☀️Sustainability: Pennsylvania’s Largest Solar Farm Will Replace Its Largest Coal Plant

• 🎨 Art & Culture: Oregon’s Art Groups Get $52M To Revive After Pandemic Shutdowns

• 🐐 Happy Life: Can a Picture Make You Happy? Here’s What Photographers Sent Us.

• ❤️ Health: Breast Cancer Drug May Help Thousands More Women Than Previously Thought