Over here counting koalas (join me!)


Tap your fingers.

Wiggle your toes.

Notice your whole body – standing, lying down, sitting in a chair backwards like AC Slater.

Take a massive inhale through your nose.

Try it…

I’ll wait…

Waiting…

Inhale even more air at the top.

It’s there – we rarely use our full lung capacity.

Hold the air at the top for five seconds

1 koala
2 koala
3 koala
4 koala
5 koala

Exhale slowly through your mouth for five more seconds.

Listen to the breath leaving.

Ready to level up?

Do it all again, but close your eyes.

Inhale for 5.
Hold for 5.
Exhale for 5.

Tap your fingers again.

Notice the surface underneath, or grip a wad of clothes in your hand and feel the fabric.

Wiggle your toes.

Are they barefoot? Are they in shoes?

Notice.

Because you’re here.

You’re alive.

And you’re present in this moment.

Now go forth and give presents.*

Or joy, or love, or peace.

Or — just be. Even for a second.

And remember this moment (and the koalas) are always here for you.


Maura


ps – I’m curious, did you try it? Report back and let me know how it went. Or, maybe bookmark this for when you need a festive pause and would rather count koalas than dirty dishes.

Also... happy holidays and cheers to you, friend. Thanks for being on this Sketching Adventure with me. Here's to us bringing it in 2024!

*If for any reason this time of year is hard for you, I see you. And I’m sending so much love your way.


Something I learned this week*

It's happening! My orientation for my health & wellness certification program was this past week.

So, what exactly is a health coach?
A health coach helps you discover and utilize your internal strengths to set achievable health goals. They use their expertise in behavior change theories, motivational strategies and health education, to guide you to make lasting, positive changes in your life – all while being your personal cheerleader.

One of my favorite parts? Health coaches respect that each client is the expert of their own life. They're there to empower you to use your own wisdom while providing personalized, judgment-free support on your journey to better health.

*I’m currently doing MindBodyGreen’s Functional Nutrition Course, and I'm starting their Health Coaching certification in 2024. So I’m taking you along for the journey by sharing some goodness I learn along the way!


Maura Kelpy

Come on a Sketching Adventure! An illustrated reminder to keep doing life your way. You’ll also be the first to know when a new blog lands at veggiesandvodka.com.

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