“Sometimes, the most productive thing that you can do is to step outside and do nothing… relax and enjoy nature.”
― Melanie Charlene

We are in the heart of summer, a beautiful time in the North.  Here in Michigan, nature is at its best.  Trees and plants are bearing flowers and fruit, the bees, birds and squirrels are busy feasting on nature’s bounty.  It’s also a time for vacations, family, fun and friends.

This summer, we are all facing the effects of COVID-19.  Our world has changed, and so have we.  Some have lost loved ones, and many are struggling financially or emotionally.  This is why I thought it would be a great time to share two of our favorite Smart Women Talk interviews to raise your vibration, move you from fear to flow, and teach you how to be in a high vibration no matter what is happening in your life.

Remember, this too shall pass, and besides keeping ourselves safe, the only thing that we can really control is how we react.  Consider using this time to be kind to yourself by slowing down. When you wake up in the morning, take a moment before you get out of bed to express gratitude for what is good in your life.  This really works so well and raises your vibration.  If you can, get outside in nature.  Take off your shoes and connect with Mother Earth.  Meditate.  Breathe. 

I thought July would be the perfect time to share an encore conversation that I had with Effortless Mind Mediation Founder, Ajayan Borys, who will share his experience of travelling to mediate in a cave 10,000 feet in the Himalayas.  He will also share a secret to make your mediations effortless every time.

I also wanted to share the author of Fear to Flow, Andria Corso’s tips on what it means to live life in the flow.  Several years ago, I was in Brazil for a two-week spiritual retreat.  One of the presenters came over to me and said she noticed that I always seemed to be “busy” doing something and for the mind to be healthy, it needs 8 hours of focus, 8 hours of rest and 8 hours of allowing the mind to wander. 

 Her comment haunts me to this day because I still have a hard time just being present. You may experience this, too.  It’s so important to get out of our head and into our body.  One of the best ways I’ve found to get grounded during the day is to simply remember to breath.  Breathing deeply is free, and it can have a profound effect in our lives.

 This month’s ezine is our gift to help you move into flow and ease no matter what is going on in your life.  I invite you to visit the Smart Women’s Academy for a very special 10-part mediation course that was donated by my spiritual coach, Julia Griffin.  Julia is the host of The Power of Inspiration and Awakening Radio and a long-time contributor to Smart Women’s Empowerment.

I hope you come visit the Smart Women’s Academy to see all the new courses we have created.  We are so grateful to our donors and expert contributors who make it all possible.  You can access these resources for free.  We just ask that you “pay it forward” by sharing them with women you know and love.  Have a blessed month.  Enjoy nature’s bounty and don’t forget to breathe. 

Katana Abbott, CFP®, is a Retirement Coach, founder of the Smart Women Companies, and the host Smart Women Talk Radio with over a million subscribers.  For over 30 years, Katana has shown women how to take charge of their life and finances and believes it’s never too early to plan for expected and unexpected events like retirement, encore careers, moving abroad, or preparing for long-term care.  She has written several books, created a financial literacy course, and is a popular speaker. Katana has been honored by NAWBO as one of Detroit’s Top 10 Business Women, receiving the Breakthrough Award. To download her new ebook, The Five Biggest Money Mistakes Women Make and How to Fix Them, visit www.katanaabbott.com