The difference between a retreat and a vacation.

Right about now you’ll probably do just about anything to be on a vacation. The stress of your life is just weighing you down a bit and the idea of relaxing on a beach or something sounds really appealing. 

Vacations are great, however, retreats are way better and let me share with you why, along with a few frequently asked questions we’ve received when facilitating Mariposas Retreats.

Vacations	Versus	Retreats
Planning.	VS.	Facilitators plan it for you.
Go to restaurants.	VS.	One place to eat, variety of home cooked meals.
Alone or with loved ones.	VS.	Alone or with loved ones, meet like minded people.
Look for different activities.	VS.	Facilitators planned it for you.
Relaxation fades away.	VS.	Learn new skills to incorporate self-care.

Taking a break from your day to day is a necessary aspect of self-love. Perhaps you find an hour here or there to reconnect – whether that be stretching in a yoga class, taking a walk outside, or dropping in to my meditation events live on Instagram or monthly Reiki share.  This kind of self-care is vital for you to maintain your physical and mental health, and I applaud you for creating that necessary space in your life.

I have found that often, it takes 15-24 hours for your mind to slip into “vacation mode.”  You know the mind-state I mean: the one where you stop worrying about checking your phone or email and become fully present in the moment.

That’s why Libby Creagh and I co-created the Mariposas Reiki Retreat for Self Care & Healing which we offer at least once a year.  Within this retreat we wanted to create an oasis for you to slip away from your busy schedule and reconnect to your bliss-filled authentic self where everything is taken care of for you.

All you have to do is show up.

Have you been wondering if this retreat is for you? 

Read on for frequently asked questions and their responses.  

1. What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese word which means spiritual healing and is a form of stress-reduction energy work.  This hands-free technique helps bring your body into a deep state of relaxation that allows you to access your natural healing ability. Meaning you slip into a meditative state much easier as your monkey brain begins to quiet down.  

Reiki has recently begun to be recognized by the mainstream medical establishment, and is offered at many hospitals and rehabilitation centers, such as Moffitt Cancer Center.  

2. Meditation is hard for me, is this Retreat right for me?

Within our retreat we’ll be sharing with you numerous ways to benefit from meditation which can fit easily into your lifestyle when you return home. 

Our intention within the retreat is to create the space for you to realize the benefits of meditation through meditative yoga practices, ancient rituals, dance, and by listening to singing bowls to name a few.  You will also have periods of free time to wander throughout the ashram and may choose the time to explore silent, seated pr walking meditation if you wish.   

3. Do I have to take part in all of the activities?

No.  If you find that you want to spend some time by yourself, or would like to skip an activity, that is fine.  We just ask that you let one of the facilitators know so that we are not waiting for your presence to begin.

4. Is this a women’s only retreat?

At the moment it is, as we have only women signed up so far, but men are welcome and encouraged to come.  

5. Can I bring children?

There is no childcare on site, so if you choose to bring your children, we ask that they be at least 15 years old and interested in participating in the majority of activities with you.  

6. What kind of food is available?

The location will be serving vegetarian meals with allergies taken into consideration. I hope that helps answer some questions you might have been considering.  We have limited availability in single rooms.  

Deadline to register is October 23.  

We hope you will join us as we incorporate amazing ways to embrace self-care into our daily lives!

Embracing Your Purpose (4 Spots Left)

      Mariposas Transformation Online Program

Imagine what your life would be like if for 6 months you stepped out of your comfort zone as you shared your truths with others.

Imagine if by speaking authentically you were supported and appreciated.

I guarantee…

You would open up more.

You would feel more powerful.

You would experience an energy surging within you.

You would try new and fun activities.

You would learn tools and techniques you could apply every day to release stress.

You would connect with others struggling with similar feelings.

Say yes today and give yourself the gift of joining a small group of individuals ready to push through limiting beliefs and step into the light via a confidential online program.

Learn how to set specific and small goals that you will accomplish along with accountability.

Join me in the launch of my new online group program, May 21, as together we transform with love and empowerment.

Doors close Friday May 11, 2018

To learn more, I’ve opened up my schedule to offer 20 minute discovery calls to verify if this is the right program for you! Click here to schedule the discovery session.

Love and hugs,

Paty,  La Mariposa  ​​​​​​​

Putting Yourself First Is A MUST

Transform Your Life and Balance Your Life Holistically

Mariposas Transformation Online Group Program 

Do you ever feel like you are:

– Isolated and trying to do your personal development all alone?

– Going from workshops to books to audios, without a foundation or scalable plan for your holistic wellbeing?

– Walking a path yet unsure if it’s the right direction for you?

– Feeling frustrated because your thoughts seem to overwhelm every step you take?

– Running around in circles, feeling like you’re taking action but STILL not getting where you think you should be?

I have felt your pain!!

Time and time again these questions and feelings surfaced for me as I felt unbalanced, without purpose, and sadly felt alone more often than not.

In a world with billions of people in it, I found it to be such a sad experience because honestly there’s no need to experience this loneliness.

Truth is we live in developed countries yet sometimes it doesn’t feel as such because we’re constantly being told through marketing and society what we need to do, say, or wear in order to feel fulfilled and enough.

I have come to find out that instead of fighting against the status quo and wearing masks all the time to take my power back by coming to a place of inner peace, trust, and self love exactly how I am.

Within my personal practice and using my holistic balance assessment I’ve been able to arrive at a place of doing less and being more as I have released feelings of GUILT so I can focus on what’s more important; practicing self care and self respect. I have arrived at a place of feeling completely fulfilled and satisfied.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to do this inner work alone for there is immense power of health and healing, when we connect with a group of likeminded people, in a safe space and supportive environment.

I now apply these experiences and tools into my professional practice and have been leading my clients individually through my signature system called Mariposas Transformation with remarkable success.

I’ve taken a step forward and created a group online program so I can offer this to more people and to enhance the community I’ve been building.

The program is open to a small group of 10 people as I really want to create an intimate setting so everyone can be heard.

Let’s join together – combining our right and left brain, our hearts, and spirituality with holistic wisdom, fun, and inspiration in a confidential and healing environment.

Are you ready to put yourself first for a change?

Are you ready to embrace and trust your own body’s wisdom and to nourish all parts of who you are?

You’ll excel in this group program if:

• You have an intention and vision for your calling towards wholeness and wellbeing as you define what it means to you.
• You’ve made the leap and declared that you are making yourself a priority
• You’re excited about listening and speaking to others who are going through similar struggles and exchanging tools.

• You’re prepared to commit to a group process that is only limited by the amount of energy and commitment you put into it.

• You’re willing to let go of limiting beliefs, old stories, and toxic patterns so you can do what you must to become who you really are.

• You’re finally ready to devote yourself to your own unique and authentic path.

• Both inner and outer components of your nourishment need renewed attention.
• You’ve worked with me in the past and you’re ready to do this in a group program.

This group program is NOT right for you if:

• You’re at the very beginning of discovering your motivation behind creating a life that you love and don’t yet have an understanding of your personal development

• You don’t like working in a group and community setting…you prefer one-to-one support.

• You’re not coachable and are unwilling to receive feedback and insights to help you get out of your own way.

• You’re not interested in being vulnerable and truth telling about your journey.

I’ll be launching the program May 21 which is a super duper special day as it marks the day Yoli, my sister transitioned 8 years ago. I dedicate this launch to her.

Doors for the program will be closing May 15th so respond to this email today to secure your spot.

Your Investment:

Option 1: Pay in full by May 8, $450 and receive a complimentary remote energy healing session which you can schedule anytime.

Option 2: Recurring payment plan: $100 a month, beginning when you register for the program and continuing that same day every month.

First 3 people who sign up will receive an individualized guided meditation specific to your needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to hit reply and let me know.

Love and hugs,

Paty Mariposa  ​​​​​​​

My Recent Trip To Cuba

Earlier this year I set the intention to travel to Cuba again. I traveled there for the first time in 2006 on my own for 6 weeks to see it through my eyes and understand it for myself. My parents, both born and raised in Cuba yet met and married in Puerto Rico left their country at different times but for the same reason, to leave a dictatorship that took away their democratic way of life. They each suffered in various ways, my mom watched her father’s business taken away from him and then forced to work within his own shop as a state employee. My father saw many of his friends, including his brother arrested for protesting their civil liberties then each one leave the country.

Growing up in Miami I heard numerous stories of devastation and sadness about a country they loved that was taken over by a man they grew to hate which led to disgust for Cuba. However, I wanted to learn about the people, the food, and the music that I grew up with in my bi-cultural home.  Traveling in Cuba for the first time was an amazing and enriching experience. I vowed to return.

So, this year I stated it was time. I reached out to people and other resources but found it challenging so I turned it over to Spirit. Then in October, my birthday month, I received an email from a colleague announcing a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Cuba. I almost fell off my chair. I immediately reached out to the organization to apply and was approved within a day.

 Within two weeks I was able to raise over $1100 out of $1500 which covered my flight, lodging, and food while in Cuba. I also used monetary donations to take over 50 pounds of much needed supplies. From October 25-30 I volunteered with Cuba One, a non-profit founded by Cuban Americans, and numerous others to assist Cubans with donations of toiletries, bedding, over-the-counter medicine, and much more as they focused on recuperating from Hurricane Irma, a category 5 hurricane that battered many small communities along the coast.

Being in Cuba and helping however I could was moving and inspiring. Yet, the hope and dedication the communities had of coming together to help one another was incredible. It shows how in spite of any crisis situation the human spirit is stronger and can overcome anything. Spending those days in Cuba with a group of other like-minded individuals was one of the best birthday gifts I’ve ever received and I’m thankful to all those who helped me make it possible.

CubaOne representatives will continue to provide support and material to the Cubans after this trip. They’ll be returning in a few months to view the work we did and continue projects we started. If you can continue to assist with a monetary donation, which is tax deductible, rest assured the money will go straight to the communities that have been affected by the hurricane. Donate now by clicking here.

Explaining OTC meds to an elderly woman

Ophelia with her new bed and sheets, her bed was moldy and house almost collapsed

Helping rebuild a community center in Bolivia

Thank you for being a part of my expanding family.

Love and light,

Paty, La Mariposa, Hernández

My imperfect actions.

For years I’ve struggled with feeling worthy and confident. I remember my childhood spending more time behind books than talking to people because I believed they would laugh at me. There were many times I was made fun of at school and never understood why so I kept to myself because it hurt less.

Yet when I was called upon to speak in front of others, I especially recall how physically sick and nervous I felt. However, as I entered my early 20s I pushed myself through it because I felt a calling to teach and speak in front of groups, yet unsure how that would come about at the time.

My biggest test for public speaking came when I recently arrived to my new Peace Corps community in El Salvador. In their culture when they have a big announcement (which I was) they would often gather together in large groups as a way to be seen. So, true to their custom they had gathered the community (and people from surrounding areas) to meet me. I had no idea what to expect and before I knew it I was surrounded by hundreds of people all staring at me, curious as to who I was and why I was in their country. I somehow gathered my wits together and words streamed out of my mouth. It was quite a high actually and I enjoyed it.

From then on I placed myself in front of groups of all sizes as much as I could. Once I returned to the US for graduate school I continued this practice by enrolling in numerous students groups and managing opportunities to speak publicly.

Although I still become nervous from time to time I push myself through my doubts and fears as I know my message is stronger. Thank goodness because I’ve since been teaching self-care techniques like Reiki and meditation to groups of all sizes which is part of my passion.

Sometimes I stand in front of others with my mind blank and my heart full of trust, as words flow out on their own.

I’ve made so many mistakes and learned so much along my path as an entrepreneur. These experiences encourage me to continue on my path of self-healing and sharing my gifts with you and many others. It is through my challenges that I share with you what I’ve accepted so you stumble less or at least feel supported so you don’t fall as hard.

It all begins with trust and taking imperfect action. This month highlights my numerous ways of imperfect action and intention setting that has manifested itself.

I’ll highlight the main ones below because I’m so proud of myself yet also know never to do this much in a single month again. Ha ha!! Lesson learned, hopefully.

I have to admit that as busy as I appear to be I also have taken more time for myself by doing activities with friends and family as I really celebrate each moment.

I admit I put too much on my plate this month because I didn’t really understand all the work it entailed. However, I don’t regret it because I’m taking action instead of waiting on the idea that it has to be perfect.

The lessons learned and the people I’ve met who’ve helped me along this journey, plus those I’ve shared these experiences with are so worth it.

I want to encourage you that wherever you are in life, if there’s an activity that you want to accomplish but hesitant then do it anyways. Waiting for perfection will have you on the sidelines rather than on the field running around like mad.

I know what it’s like to do things on your own and it’s hard to really move forward unless you have someone cheering you on. So I’d like to offer you a chance to share it with me and together we can create a plan to move forward with at least one goal in your life with a complimentary stress less phone session.

I know I’ve pushed through this because I’ve had people encouraging me along the way. I want to offer the same for you.

Click here to book your remote session today.

October (Birthday month highlights)

October 12, Celebrating my birthday at my friend’s concert in Miami (fun and dancing)

October 15, Reiki 2 en Espanol

October 19, Journey Dance at Luna Bohemia

October 22, I will host the Natural Wellness Clinic, bringing holistic practitioners and vendors to Coral Gables for a monthly Stress Less Sunday followed by a meditation lecture and practice​​​​​​​

October 23, I will launch a new online program called Advanced Reiki Refresher with my best friend Libby of Essential You Yoga. It’s been a dream I’ve had for a couple of years and this year I made it reality.

October 25-30, my intention of going to Cuba to learn and offer service work has manifested through CubaOne’s relief mission.

Pass this blog along to someone who may benefit from it as we all need love everyday!

Thank you for being a part of my expanding family.

Love and light,

Paty, La Mariposa, Hernández

Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma is now going in the history books as the most bizarre storm in this century. She was completely unpredictable, enormous, and catastrophic for many in her path.

South Florida and then the entire state, Georgia, and the Carolinas braced for what was assumed to be the worst catastrophe because of her status as a Category 5. Some even stated she was a category 6 at one point.

The storm for many triggered memories of past hurricanes, like Hurricane Andrew 25 years ago, fears of the unknown, panic, and much more. Yet, for all the hype of how horrible it was going to be, many people came together to pray, volunteer, and help one another.

Yes, I know the news focused on the scariest moments yet social media focused on the community support. Until power went out and charging my cell phone became more problematic, I was able to keep track of the hurricane, resources, and support systems via social media.

I would post messages of hope, led prayer circles, and stayed in contact with loved ones.

For me, this hurricane brought a renewed sense of community, support, and faith. Even though I’m still without power I’m so grateful for so much. Also, without internet or tv I’ve had more time to sit back and process this entire experience has been like for me.

Hurricane Irma Lessons learned

• Group prayer can shift storms if it’s in the highest good​​​​​​​
• Daily self-Reiki helps me to remain calm even during the most critical times
• Listening to my intuition and staying in Miami was a positive choice
• Feeling over prepared is a much better feeling than underprepared
• Releasing worry and trusting the universe to provide has been positive
• Living without power is so much better than being without food or water
• Communities grow stronger after a crisis
• Self-care is important during storms such as taking time outs, going for walks, self-reiki, and listening to calming music
• Being with my family was the best gift during this storm
• Think about ways to be the least stressed and take action
• Focus on moment to moment situations that I can control and release the rest
• Be more mindful of my words, especially if I start to complain
• Find ways to assist others even if it’s just to send a kind text or message
• Appreciate the luxuries I do have and that others offer, such as external batteries to watch a movie, beer offers
• Stay outside more to meet my neighbors and engage in small talk
• Reschedule people and events if feelings of stress begin to rise
• Offer support through messages, Facebook lives, and free resources, such as www.heartmath.com/freeresources for emotional support
• I still believe that everything happens for a reason, even if I or we don’t always know what that is at the time

Since Irma I’ve been riding my bike and walking places more because I honestly don’t want to spend time waiting in lines for gas. The heat has absorbed some of my hunger so I’m eating less and smarter.

This weekend I’ll be volunteering my time in Homestead to help clean up the debris that has affected the area. I won’t be able to head all the way down to the keys or leave the country as of this moment but I am finding ways to give back locally.

If you were impacted by Hurricane Irma in any way please respond to this email about lessons learned or any experience.

Thank you for being a part of my expanding family.

Love and light,

Paty, La Mariposa, Hernández

From vision to reality!

I’ve always been a very creative person which is a blessing and also a challenge, which as a business owner this can be awesome or detrimental.

Finding a balance involves taking small steps towards any direction and pushing through fear that comes sneaking up. This also entails asking others for help and to be held accountable so I don’t b.s. my way out of it.
Can you relate to this?  

The fear I face numerous times about moving forward such as following up with potential clients or networking is because I fear rejection. I know it stems from childhood when I would be rejected for asking my wants in various ways.

This is a constant battle and one I face on a daily basis. I often give myself pep talks in order to move through the fear and once I do I am gifted with a new client or confirmation that I did the right thing.

My intention when I began Mariposas Holistic Healing in 2013 was to create a healing center where people can come and receive a variety of wellness services. I’ve had the fortunate opportunity of working in 3 different wellness center, 1 in New Mexico and 2 in Miami, one of which I’m still a practitioner in. I still have my vision of establishing my own center yet for now I’m content renting space others have. I’m thankful for each center as they have shown me different ways of working with other practitioners and within the center itself.

I primarily sought the centers so I can have a room to work out of. As I began to teach Reiki I knew that the center I would work in had to have a teaching space, which is what brought me to Gables Optimal Health Wellness Center where I now work and teach out of. Last year  I was inspired by Sheri Kaplan, founder of the Holistic Fair and Wellness Clinic in Hollywood and finally had the opportunity to participate. This year I spent about 2 months traveling up to Hollywood and offered my chakra balancing services in the clinic. It was a wonderful experience yet honestly I stopped attending because I was tired of the commute.

So, I thought about how I can manifest it in Miami. This idea has been brewing for many months until finally I took action and began to co-create it with my colleague and fellow practitioner Lina Collazos.

I’m so excited to announce that on September 7 we are having our grand opening of our Natural Wellness Clinic which will be offered 2x a month in Coral Gables.
I share this with you, especially those out of Miami, because I encourage you to take imperfect action towards an idea that you’ve been thinking about in your mind for a long time. I believe in your ability so much that I’m offering the first 10 people who respond to this email or book online a complimentary Manifestation Coaching Call, regardless of your location. You’ll end the call with at least one action step you can confidently take immediately.

All you have to do is click here for my booking calendar and choose the Manifestation Strategy Session.

With the right support you too can turn that idea into an action that transforms your vision into reality. You’ll release the need to be perfect and appreciate the steps you take.

Imagine talking with someone who will totally listen to you blurt about your idea and then empower you to create an objective that will make it real.

For those of you in Miami, please join me this Thursday, September 7 or Sunday, September 17 at the Natural Wellness Clinic. During the day you can come browse at no cost unless you choose a service from one of our gifted practitioners or products from our vendors. Then stay Thursday night as I lead a chakra balancing group Reiki meditation. Sunday afternoon we will have special guest Marley, of Meditation with Marley.

• The first 10 people who sign up will also receive a remote energy session to clear any blocks that have come up during our conversation.

​​​​​Love and light,

Paty, La Mariposa, Hernández

Personal growth is a lifelong journey.

Personal growth never ends, it only continues to expand with information you take in and you constantly take responsibility for your actions. Growth stops when you do and either you die inside as you have lost your lust for life or it’s time for you to transition. Once you open the door towards asking challenging questions and connecting with spiritual life, the door can’t be closed again because you’ve moved past ignorance to knowledge. Empowering yourself brings about many challenges and confrontations of yourself yet it leads to taking responsibility for your life as you choose happiness and health. You become you’re own superhero and stop being a victim. It’s an awakening that moves you closer to spiritual enlightenment.

One of my paths towards self discovery has been with a personal empowerment series of workshops called Essence of Being. This weekend I’ll be volunteering at the second of the series called Passionate Manifestation which is dedicated to asking for what you want and believing it will happen. I remember when I attended this workshop in 2011 and it was very powerful for me on so many levels. I faced many of my struggles and fears in a supportive environment.

Here’s a poem that was shared with me in my 3rd workshop of the series, Mastery for I believe you will resonate with it too.

The Invitation By Oriah Mountain Dreamer

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.

I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s desire.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.

I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams,
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon.

I want to know if you have touched the center of your sorrow,

if you have been opened by life’s betrayals,

or have become shriveled and closed for the fear of future pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,

without moving to hide it, fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own,

if you can dance with wildness and let ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers

and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic,

or to remember the limitations of human beings.

It interests me if you are a seeker of truth.

I want to know if you disappoint another to be true to yourself,

if you can bear the accusations of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

I want to know if you can be faithful and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it is not pretty every day,

and if you can source your life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours or mine,

and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver moon “Yes!”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up after a night of grief and despair,

weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you are now or how you came to be here.

I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.

I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,

and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

Your life is not a coincidence; it is a reflection of you.

---

Feel free to reply and share your aha after reading this poem. Pass this blog along to someone who may benefit from it as we all need love everyday!

Thank you for being a part of my expanding family.

Paty, La Mariposa

Cruisin’ with the family!

For the most part of this summer, except for a couple of weekend trips I have stayed focused in Miami so I could spend time building my business, be with my family, and enjoying my new apartment. Since moving into my new space I’ve actually felt more rooted, happier, and focused.

As much as I love traveling, I’m learning how to find a balance between it and staying settled. Part of my business plan is to travel because I love the idea of being somewhere new and getting away from my everyday routine, even if it’s just for a night or two.

What do you do to get away from routine?

Somehow August is turning into a traveling month and I’m so excited about the different trips. First I’ll be traveling with my family for a week long cruise to the West Caribbean. We’ll be visiting Mexico, Honduras, and Belize. Then I’ll be traveling with another friend to the mountains of South Carolina as I’ve been dreaming about being in the mountains for a few months now. The purpose of our weekend trip is to see the eclipse.

Finally, the last weekend of August I’ll be spending with a group of enlightened people who are seeking personal growth through Passionate Manifestation, the 2nd empowerment phase of Essence of Being, a 3 day workshop about bringing more abundance into one’s life. I have already taken this workshop and will be volunteering to staff. Yet even through volunteering one receives as one gives. This workshop is happening at the perfect time for me because I’m definitely coming into more abundance yet also facing many fears surrounding it.

My preferred way of cruising

What was your summer highlight?

Point of this newsletter is not to boast about my upcoming trips but to share that vacations or getaways I believe are a necessary part of self-care, especially if you have a family. That being said, it’s also important to find opportunities for getaways or even staycations without the kids for even one night to ensure you rekindle your romance with your partner or have time for yourself if you’re single.

If the thought of this being selfish comes up then I encourage you to dismiss it immediately. It’s not selfish, it’s soulfish, as my colleague Michelle Alva states. She’ll be speaking more about this at our free event on August 27 in Miami. For those who won’t be available, join us on Mariposas Holistic Healing Facebook Live on August 27 at 5:30pm.

Remember, before you were a mother/father/Employee, etc. you were you with your own passions and dreams. So take some time to enjoy yourself, enjoy this life, and take a trip however that means for you without guilt or judgement. Release the guilt of always having to be together because honestly that’s not healthy either. The kids need time away from you as you need from them. It’s about practicing independency for when they do finally leave home.

If thoughts of guilt rise up then schedule a complimentary session with me and let’s discuss it so we can release it. Click here for my online schedule.

PS: People in Miami check out my upcoming Reiki 1 and 2 classes. For those outside of Miami let’s discuss how you can receive Reiki through my Reiki Love On program.

Love and light,

Paty, La Mariposa, Hernández

5 tips to help you focus better!

“Focusing is a challenge for me!”

 

“I’ve been told I have ADD.”

“I get distracted easily.”

“I can’t focus and it’s stressing me out.”

Do any of these ring a bell for you? 

Have you stated one or more of these statements?

Honestly, I can say that focusing has always been a challenge for me yet it wasn’t until recently that I really understood why for me and my clients, especially as this issue has been mentioned by many them as a main stressor for them.

In order to help myself and my clients, I set out to research why we struggle with focusing. I have found that there are numerous reasons for our inability to concentrate which range from brain and hormonal imbalances and physical and mental health issues. Within my research I found a condensed article form Healthline that I’ve included by clicking here that discusses 24 reasons why we can’t concentrate.

A few of these reasons, such as anxiety, insomnia, adjustment disorders, depression, migraines, PTSD, and stress are ones my clients specifically struggle over which then impacts other areas of their lives. However, another one not mentioned here is boredom.

If any of those stressors, even boredom, are reasons you have identified for why you can’t concentrate then I want to share a few tips that I have learned to improve focus.

5 Focusing Tips

1st tip: Maintain a regular and consistent sleep schedule. Identify how much time you really need to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your day, 6-8 hours.

2nd tip: Eat a colorful array of foods; especially blueberries, fresh caught fish, organic produce as much as possible or speak to your holistic professional for a mind enhancing supplement. (Check out Whole Detox for more information, click here)

3rd tip: Incorporate at least 5 minutes of meditation/mindfulness practice a day. Here’s a 1 minute meditation that you can use to bring your mind back into focus.

4th tip: Find your reason why you are doing the work that you so you feel more motivated to do the most challenging and boring tasks.

5th tip: Block schedule the tasks you don’t like and balance them with ones you do.

Block scheduling? What’s that?

For those who don’t know what block scheduling is, this is a tip that has been helping me to really stay focused (still a work in progress). To put it simply, each day you assign specific tasks and times for you to work on those items that you struggle with. Let’s say you know your most productive time is in the morning, so schedule the most time-sensitive or most challenging activities at this time.

For example, I block at least 2 hours a month towards bookkeeping, not my favorite task but one that needs to get done. I recently created a calendar, titled block calendar, with a different color within my google calendar in which I identify the tasks I know I need to do each week. Then once I complete the task, such as bookkeeping, I celebrate with a predetermined reward, perhaps taking myself out to eat, calling a friend, taking myself out somewhere fun, visiting my godson and niece or ending my work day early and laying in my hammock watching a comedy or reading a book.

It’s still a work in progress in regards to staying focused on tasks that are a bore to me yet I’m determined to ensure that I have fun and continue to create the life that I love.

Speaking of the life that I love, I want to welcome a new group of Reiki 1 and 2 students that I had the honor of teaching last weekend in the Gables Optimal Health workshop room where I see clients. They are a reminder of why I want to continue finding support for my challenges which I know you, my tribe, also struggle with.

Eric, Susan, Priscilla, Yvette, Daniela, and Alexandra

Reiki 2: Vanessa, Lina, and Mimi

So, to recap, if focusing is an issue for you, first begin by understanding the reason why. Is it a hormone deficiency, lack of nutrients, or boredom?

If you’re unsure I’d love to help you identify which one so let’s start with a complimentary stress release session which you can book by clicking here.

Then get organized at the beginning of your work week or day by identifying the tasks you need to accomplish, both fun and not so fun. Prioritize them and then schedule them within your calendar by blocking specific times that you can dedicate to that task.

Finally, reward yourself after you accomplish the most challenging and boring tasks. This can range from time on social media, to shopping, texting, going out for a walk, etc. Remember though put this in time increments too because if not you can get “lost” or spend too much time on other activities.

I hope this was helpful. Please respond and let me know what your favorite tip was or any ahas you received from this. Pass this along to someone who may benefit from it as we all need love everyday!

Thank you for being a part of my expanding family.

Paty, La Mariposa

PS. Remember to join me for a Facebook Live every Wednesday morning (or when you can) at Our Wheels of Life Facebook page for a stress less tip of the day.