The broke the pattern…
Nine times out of ten the story behind the misbehaviour won't make you angry; it will break your heart." - Annette Breaux
Once a month, I have the honor of leading meditation at a men's addiction recovery house. Approximately 30-40 men attend these sessions, where we sit together in a circle, share, and learn from one another. While I teach them about the science of meditation, they teach me about courage, love, and resilience. The meditations guide new perspectives on experiencing peace, love, and freedom and together we all experience shifts that leave us better than we came.
These men are truly incredible individuals. Many have endured hardships, both inflicted upon them and self-inflicted, yet they continue to show up determined to heal, grow, and serve in good ways.
We can all learn from their journey. Each of us carries something we may not want others to know about. The things we keep hidden often manifest in our behaviours, knowingly or unknowingly. While the addictions these men are recovering from may have visible signs, many of us grapple with silent private addictions that can effectively be kept hidden. Whether it is food, alcohol, porn, smoking, cannabis, shopping, or social media, these hidden struggles impact our behaviour and hinder our presence. What we keep buried takes energy and becomes a barrier to freedom, love, and our fullest potential.
Witnessing these men show up with courage and vulnerability is inspiring.
Remember, no matter what your story is, it is welcome here. Everything belongs, and it is all loved.
“Today’s Invitation is to notice your judgments and then play with the opposite of that judgment. With compassion and curiosity ask “Without my initial judgment, what new thought and response can I act on right now?” Play with breaking the patterns. Change requires change. You are the change in the world today. Play with it, experience it.”
Side note: At the exact moment I was writing this a young 13-year-old girl sat next to me at the sunny bar-top window seat in the coffee shop. Without thinking twice, she greeted me with a chipper "Hello!". A few minutes passed, and she joyfully asked in an eager, child-like voice "What are you writing today?" Admittingly, I first felt an undercurrent of annoyance, followed by a string of thoughts, "Don't engage her, keep your answer short, stay focused on your writing." Then I paused, caught the irony of the moment, and did the exact opposite. I engaged her and asked her questions in return. I learned she is the same age as my son, goes to school in the same suburb as him, and she is also a writer of fantasy stories. She was a ray of sunshine and a gift to my day. We chatted for no longer than a few minutes - they were an abundant few minutes filled with love and connection. She finished up her hot chocolate with marshmallows and ham and cheese croissant and said "Well, I better let you get back to your writing. Have fun with your article today!" Then, just like that she hopped off the seat and carried on with her day. She broke the pattern. She did the opposite of what most people do. And I chose to follow her lead.
Those 40 men and this young girl both interrupted and broke patterns. They became the change.
If this message touched you, and you are ready to break some patterns and experience more let's connect!
A little over a year ago I shared my story of addiction and the secret I kept hidden for over a decade.
The keeping of this secret impacted my life in ways I never fully understood. And, the revealing of it brought more unconditional love than I ever imagined.
What I have learned is Love does not exclude. In love, everything is welcome and belongs.
All of you belongs and is welcome here.
Want to know my story? I invite you to watch my award-winning talk Mirror of the Soul.
Discover even more flow, freedom, and success in your life and leadership.
Reset your nervous system, change patterns, and experience deep release and relaxation for healing and clarity.
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Journal Prompts
What am I currently hiding from people in my life? (i.e. thoughts, insecurities, hidden agendas, addictions, etc.)
Where is one place I can tell the complete truth?
Where or with whom can I bring more compassion and curiosity to the relationship?