A book, a song and a quote for you…
I recently went away with my partner and kids to have some time out and some space to allow creative ideas to emerge.
On our trip, we went crab hunting and FWD on Fraser Island saw our first dingo and were mesmerised by breaching whales.
It reminded me how important it is to try and get a regular dose of nature in my life.
When was the last time you got out into nature and surrounded yourself with trees and birdsong?
It’s so medicinal.
Travelling with young kids has been both precious and challenging…
My partner and I were laughing about how it shifts from delightful and precious to exasperating. There have definitely been some mindfulness practice challenges, managing the long drives and occasional sibling rivalry. I had to revisit this book to remind me how to skillfully manage those moments.
Here are some things I’m enjoying at the moment that you might like too:
What I’m reading…
I’ve finally had time to read a book that’s been on my book list for years. Leonardo’s Brain by Leonard Shlain (who’s an extraordinary writer and was also a vascular surgeon so it offers a very fascinating perspective). I’ve learned some really interesting things about Leonardo: he was an “illegitimate son” of a noble father and peasant mother; he was left-handed; wrote backwards in mirror image style; was a vegetarian (way before it was in vogue!) and was an incredible polymath, equally genius in the field of art and science.
On a meta-level, I love the story about the writing of this book. It took Leonard, 7 years to write this book and in the last year of writing, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. He determinedly worked on it until a week before he died and with the help of his family completed his work. It’s a real testament to finding and following one’s passion. Writing this book literally kept Leonard alive…
What biographies have you loved?
What I’m listening to…
I’ve been creating a new playlist on Spotify of classical music. Recently I came upon this piece by Brahms No.3 in F Major, Op 90 and have been listening to it on repeat. What are your favourite classical songs? I’d love to know, hit reply and share your top recommendations.
A quote
“The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you think you can only do a little.” ~ Zig Ziglar
"If we wish to be healthy, happy and clear-minded, we need to upgrade our “inner technology”of attention to meet the demands of our increasingly complex world. That's where mindfulness comes in.."
- DR ELISE BIALYLEW
about the HOST AND FOUNDER OF
MINDFUL IN MAY:
DR ELISE BIALYLEW
Elise Bialylew is the author of the bestselling book, The Happiness Plan, and founder of Mindful in May, the world’s largest online global mindfulness fundraising campaign.
A doctor trained in psychiatry, turned social entrepreneur and mindfulness expert, she’s passionate about supporting individuals and organisations to develop inner tools for greater wellbeing and flourishing, and offers workshops and training at The Mind Life Project.
Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, New York Times and on Australian Television. She was recently recognised by the Australian Financial Review as a 2019 AFR Women of Influence.
Keep in touch with us
Sign up to access additional resources, mindfulness tips and to find out about upcoming events.
When you submit your email you are opting-in for our emails and relevant upcoming updates from Elise. You can unsubscribe any time.
