Well, kind of. Mindful Mornings is now The Way Back. Let me explain why…
In April 2018, I attended a week-long meditation retreat in Loveland, CO. My boyfriend dropped me off after-hours and a few seconds after he left, I realized I had left my purse in his car. So, I had no money or identification. When I tried calling him, I realized there was also no cell service in the area. I looked down at my little backpack and then up at the vast property in front of me. I knew no-one. I was completely alone without any financial means, way of identifying myself, or technology that could save me. What a way to begin the retreat!
Anxious thoughts began to arise. “When I go to the office to check in tomorrow without an ID, what if they kick me out?” “How can I go all week with no money?!” “They’ll likely put me to work…maybe this is just where I live now.”
The property was keyless, so I went into my room. I noticed it was adjoined by two other bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living room. I went to sleep not knowing my fate. The next morning as I tried to run from the bathroom to my room in my robe, an elderly gentleman was sitting on the couch reading the paper. He joyfully exclaimed, “Hello there!” Startled, I mumbled “hi” and ran to my bedroom. After I finished getting ready, I exited my room and the man was still sitting on the couch, smiling enthusiastically. He said, “Did you notice there’s no soap or anything in that bathroom?” I replied, “I brought soap – I left it in the bathroom. You’re welcome to use it.”
As we began to talk, I learned that his name was David. He was a gay pastor in his 80’s from Kentucky. The week prior, he had suffered a widowmaker heart attack that should have killed him. But, he lived. And he was the happiest person I had ever met. In the evenings, he would look up at the sky and say, “Have you ever seen a more beautiful sunset?” His joyous expression (see featured image) was constant. When he learned about my ordeal, he calmed me down by generously offering to take care of any expenses that arose. I had, after all, provided the soap.
I made so many wonderful connections at this retreat. Although each of us arrived alone, by the end of the retreat, we all had lifelong friends that I’ve kept up with to this very day.
What does this story have to do with the transformation to The Way Back?
This experience was the beginning of a transformation in myself and Mindful Mornings. It was during this time that, more than ever, I truly realized we were meant to be in connection with one another. That we come from tribes for a reason. And, it occurred to me how far from this way of living we have shifted.
We live in a world where online communication and passive interactions have become the norm. The Way Back more accurately describes the purpose of this practice: to get beneath the surface to genuinely connect with those around you and be seen for who you truly are. It’s so much more than mindfulness. And connection can come at any time – not just mornings.
What is The Way Back?
The Way Back is a weekly shared practice that cultivates meaningful connection and allows us to be heard and seen for who we truly are.
How does The Way Back work?
Exactly the same way as Mindful Mornings, except the prompts are weekly instead of daily.
How is The Way Back different than Mindful Mornings?
Since the launch of Mindful Mornings in 2016, I’ve had a ton of feedback and suggestions from folks. I’ve incorporated these incredible insights into The Way Back.
- Each of the three volumes includes a year’s worth of weekly (rather than daily) sparks.
- Each spark includes a curated quote, written passage, and prompt to get your conversation started.
- Kindling pages have been provided throughout to encourage individual reflection and actions to take to connect more deeply and meaningfully with your tribe and the world around you.
- Book customization packages are available to align our books with your organization’s values, mission, and visual branding.
- Bulk book discounts are available.
- Safe Space Principles have been added in order to keep your gatherings encouraging and respectful.
Whether you gather a tribe in your neighborhood, workplace, senior living center, school, or another organization, The Way Back can help you get beneath the surface to genuinely see those around you and be seen for who you truly are. Join me in this modern-day version of sitting around the fire with your tribe.
Keepin’ the joy,
Patti Bryant
