Tale of a Seaside Wanderer
A mini-retreat at a beach cottage to romanticize the end of August ☀️
Hello sweet human ✨
Summer is wrapping up (in the Northern Hemisphere) and although Capitalism is quite ready to besiege us all with the sight and scent of Pumpkin-Spiced bullshit, flannel shirts, and boots, I will resist this unnatural push by staying in the present moment and enjoying the 26 days left of the Summer season before we reach the Equinox.
In last week’s Pause, I shared with you some highlights of my August Barcelona adventures, where I continued to edit and revise my novel and had the chance to spend my birthday with my parents for the first time in over a decade.
Willing to honour the noble tradition that Catalans have of vacating the city in August and spending time elsewhere, I took myself on a mini-retreat to the Costa Daurada region, where I spent a couple of days in a cottage by the beach, just like we did with my family growing up.
It almost felt like living in my own short story: Tale of a Seaside Wanderer.
Romanticizing my life a little, I spent time slowing down, reading, listening to music, and talking to very few people - the house has very poor cell service and we kinda like it that way!
I started my days with a dip in the Mediterranean Sea and finished them with a long walk on the beach, watching the occasional sailboat pass by and the warm August Sun descend behind the 10th-century castle that presides over the hill.
For two days I allowed myself to pause and experience more space and more peace and to rejoice in every moment by the sea.
Even moving so luxuriously slowly, I managed to continue writing and I even filmed a yoga flow for beginners in the garden that I hope you will enjoy.
Wrapping Up August: Latest Resources
When I strive to live in alignment with the seasons and the natural cycles of life, I find it meaningful to take time at the end of each month to reflect and close it out.
It can be as simple as writing three things that I am grateful for that happened this month.
This ritual allows me to acknowledge both the joys and the challenges I've experienced, celebrating the fact that I'm still here, breathing, and ready to turn the page to the next chapter of the book.
✍🏾Journaling Exercise
As we close out the month, I invite you to take 5 to 10 minutes in the next few days to reflect with intention. Prepare your favorite tea or coffee, find a quiet and cozy spot, and grab your journal.
Start by looking back on your month. Write down two low points and three highlights.
These don’t have to be major events; they could be something as simple as feeling frustrated because you started your day by scrolling on social media despite wanting to break that habit, or a small win like taking a deep breath before reacting to a challenging situation.
Ask yourself: Where did I fall short this month? Write down two actionable steps you can take to improve in these areas.
Reflect: Where did I shine and excel lately? Note two ways you can carry this positive energy into the month ahead and build on it.
Finally, consider: Who or what helped me navigate challenges or encouraged me? Write down how you can nurture these supportive relationships or practices moving forward.
🧘🏾♀️Yoga for Stress Relief | Feel Calm and Relaxed in 15 Minutes
This accessible yoga practice is great for a tired body and a busy mind, and you can do it at any time of day.
Try these techniques and gentle yoga postures to calm the nervous system and do a bit of energetic hygiene as you relieve anxiety and stress from the body that has naturally accumulated through the month.
No props or equipment are required, come as you are.💛
If you rather, try one of my latest offerings on Insight Timer, a Meditation for Sleep with Affirmations, a great way to end your day, week, or month and truly let go.
🎦Upcoming Live Events
Have you joined me live yet?
Every week I have been livestreaming a variety of offerings on Insight Timer, a free meditation app full of resources to live a more mindful life.
I have some special events prepared for this upcoming week and I’d be delighted to have you join my chill, accessible, and friendly online community!
Here is when I’ll be live next:
Friday, August 30th - 10:30 am EST (16:30 CET) - 2-Hour Productivity Session with Pomodoro Method and Body Doubling for Writers, Artists & Creatives. Learn more here.
Saturday, August 31st - 10:30 am EST (16:30 CET) - Accessible Yoga Flow | End of Month Reset - 45 min. Learn more here.
🍃Prelude to September
While I'm resisting the rush into autumn, I'm also preparing for a season of growth and intention-setting. It implies a little more structure and a little less time to be a Seaside wanderer, but I am ready, baby.
Here is a sneak peek at what’s coming:
Theme of the month: Sadhana, or How to create a daily practice that is sustainable for your lifestyle.
10-Day YouTube Yoga Challenge Launch.
Autumn Writer’s Retreat with Roots.Wounds.Words.
Alright, friend!
This is all from me today. I hope that you create space to recalibrate as August ends and that you find the resources shared here helpful and inspiring.
Until we meet again pause often, breathe deeply, and be kind - especially to yourself.
Much love,