Our recent EWC gathering ignited conversations and actions that mattered. Inspired by UCLA Professor Cassie Holmes's soul-stirring TED Talk on Happiness, we explored the impact of dedicating our time and how it affects our overall sense of joy and fulfillment.
Contrary to popular belief, happiness isn't necessarily linked to having more free time or acquiring more material possessions. Instead, it's about embracing the ordinary moments and opportunities for connection in our lives.
This deeper truth filled us with hopefulness, excitement, and unbridled optimism as we recognized the transformative power of women sharing their collective wisdom. Through our intention and attention, fueled by a deep desire to create a more equitable, just and compassionate world, we realized that even the most mundane moments can become extraordinary.
We opened our circle with a land acknowledgment and grounding "Bodyfulness Practice." Then, we shared our small delights and moments of flow where time seemed to stand still.
These moments revolved around connecting deeply with our values and loved ones, being of service, and engaging the senses with delectable cuisine, music, movement, touch, art, and literature.
We discovered that these experiences ignited awareness of our connection to something greater than ourselves and expanded our sense of capacity. This led to an honest conversation about the challenges we face personally and collectively. We discussed how building resilience requires us to tolerate frustration and persist in the face of adversity.
Our struggles ranged from overwhelming emotions about the state of the world to everyday obstacles such as missing out on opportunities, overextending ourselves, and facing health setbacks. We acknowledged our challenges and reflected on our strengths and sources of support to help us build resilience and increase our ability to handle life's inevitable stressors.
Through our discussion, we discovered that acknowledging and expressing our feelings can help us feel more grounded and at peace. We realized that connecting with what we love and accepting reality, rather than resisting it, are crucial in navigating difficult times. We also recognized the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care and that prioritizing our needs and rights is key to achieving radiant health and happiness.
On April 18th, we're excited to delve deeper into Rituals of Replenishment and learn a powerful Boundary-Setting Practice. By honouring our values and boundaries, we can shift from overwhelm to being present, empowering ourselves to show up more joyfully and authentically in the world.
At EWC, we believe in practicing authenticity, alignment, and intentionality. Here, your wholeness — big and imperfect — is welcomed and celebrated. Together, we're not just managing time; we're managing energy and embracing inspired actions that ripple into the world, making it a better place for all.
Our EWC membership reopens soon! We’re waiting to weave you into our tapestry of joy and resilience to experience a Summer of Vitality where we’ll discover an evidence-based path to shift from BURNOUT to Balance Beauty and Bliss. Stay tuned for more whispers of wisdom, laughter, and transformation. Let’s continue this journey together.
Inspiration: Watch Cassie Holmes' TED Talk
Cassie Holmes is a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, an award-winning teacher and researcher on time and happiness, and bestselling author of Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most.