This time last year I embarked on Mindful in May, a month long program of practising daily meditation and mindful awareness. It was timely and apt as the whole world slowed down in response to the pandemic of fear that swept the globe. Amongst it all, sprang the start of a different kind of journey for me.
Although the whole concept of mindfulness and meditation isn’t new to me (I’ve dabbled with it, on and off, throughout my life) it was the first time I stuck with it consistently.
It wasn’t always easy and at times I thought I’d give up. But I didn’t miss a day and over the following months, as the program ended, I committed to making it a part of my life. In June we had short lived freedoms again and enjoyed a few weekends away, relishing in what we’d once taken for granted. Amongst it all, the meditation was there in the background.

Then we entered 111 days of strict lockdown. Fundamentally and externally we had our freedoms stripped yet within my inner core, and perhaps because of the meditating, I still felt free. It was during this time I began to question the narrative. I delved, switched off the news, went deeper and started learning things on a whole new level.

When I look back at the past year it feels surreal. What was real and what was illusion? For me it was about finding a balance in life that continues even today. Not allowing the outside dramas to dominate but finding the beauty and gratitude in each day, regardless of what’s happening in the world.
I journal at night and meditate in the morning. Amongst all the every day responsibilities and scenarios, weekend trips away and writing travel stories for various magazines, there’s an underlying sense of a much bigger picture emerging.
Everything is changing. We’re on the brink of a new and expanded consciousness, a frequency that’s shifting everything we once knew, bringing it all to the surface.
It’s Mindful in May time again but this year I didn’t sign up for the program. Instead I’m choosing to go it alone, although truthfully, we’re never really alone. There’s always support out there, real and virtual friends, messaging, online hookups and ways to connect. In short, there’s a world of love and learning, inspiration and kindred spirits, if we look beyond what’s known and familiar.
Most recently I’ve been taking part in ThoughtsNLife 30 days of meditation. Bella shares a series of short meditations from the Release Your Wings Channel. Another fellow blogger Barbara Franken from MeMyMagnificentSelf offers wisdom and inspiration of a lifelong journey discovering our magnificent selves. There are so many bloggers out there who inspire me.
For something that may challenge your perception of love and God, I invite you to watch a powerful collaboration below. This five minute video feels like a blanket of beauty, that wraps you up in a heart mind connection, through words, music and uplifting images. “A Word From God…” is performed by JC Kay and Mark Attwood and the words are based on the works of philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1632 to 1677). I hope you enjoy this message of love.
So step outside and see the world with new eyes. Focus on the future you want to see and make a conscious choice to live in joy. When you shift your perception everything changes. No matter where you live, no matter the circumstances, we all have free will. Perhaps we’ve been spellbound by the conditions of our past and felt shackled by what’s been told to us, and our own limiting beliefs, but it’s time to let that go. There are so many possibilities of what can be if we keep our heart and mind open.
Love is the most powerful energy. It trumps fear, doubt and frees us from our conditioning. We’re not meant to live a confined, fearful, restricted life so let’s be mindful and raise our consciousness with our collective energies and higher vibrations.
We’re here to live a life of passion, so love yourself, love others and love all of creation. Fill your heart with wonder at being alive. And play a part, as we help rebirth a new Earth, for love is the energy that unites us all.
In light and peace

Seems there is no need to signup for the program because you realize the benefits that you discovered by returning to your ways of mediation and reflection. It’s obvious that it has freed up your thoughts! Well done, Miriam.
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Thanks Frank. You’re largely right, though I must admit that maintaining that discipline to meditate daily is an ongoing challenge. But worth persevering with!
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It’s wonderful that you’ve discovered this. Anything that brings peace and clarity is a gift
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It sure is.
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This is wonderful, Miriam. I’m so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s quite inspiring.❤️
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Thanks Jill. I’m happy this inspired you. Quite honestly, a lot of people inspire me these days. 🙏❤️
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Beautiful post, Miriam, meditations are always a struggle for me, sometimes I go into it straight in a roll, others I can’t sit still for a second. I follow Bella, and I’ll check out the other links, maybe I’ll get inspired again.
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Thanks Elizabeth. The guided meditations that Bella shares are short and a perfect way to ease into meditation in a gentle way. I hope the other links inspire you too. ❤️
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Lovely mindful love post. Wonderful photos.
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Thanks Tim.
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So great that you found something that has helped you to remain free even in lockdowns.
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Daily walks in nature helped too, a different form of meditation.
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Walks restore me too. The dog is a willing companion.
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Oh yes, so’s my Harry. 😊
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Einstein: He said he believed in “Spinoza’s God” – referring to Baruch Spinoza, a 17th-century Dutch thinker – “who reveals himself in the lawful harmony of the world, not in a God who concerns himself with the fate and the doings of mankind” I recently read this. And now your blog post 🙂
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Don’t you just love these synchronicities. Perhaps pointing to the idea of a new truth about God. Love it!
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Thanks for championing love, freedom, and mindful living Miriam. Let’s enjoy our lives and spread more love.
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Yes! Absolutely Brad and I know that you and I are both on the same page. Here’s to spreading the love my friend.
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It’s funny how time slips away regardless of how much of it we have. Mindfulness is everything! Thanks for the fab photos and words, Miriam.
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Time sure is slipping by, it’s hard to believe we’re already in May! All the reason to live every day with purpose. Thanks Susie.
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Thank you so much dear Miriam for your profound, motivating and impactful post. Captivating pictures as always and loved the way you said EARTH & HEART are one and the same as we are all connected. The Universe is not somewhere outside of us nor is our Heart. It is all within.
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So very true Kamal and so beautifully summed up. Everything is indeed connected and lies within for we’re all made of the same consciousness of love.. Thanks so much for your wonderful words. 💙
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Yes Miriam we are all made from His love and light. All are One. Always welcome dear. Take care and stay safe ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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“We’re on the brink of a new and expanded consciousness, a frequency that’s shifting everything we once knew, bringing it all to the surface.”
Then the current must be a painful birth, because it is madness! I love the photo of you facing the sun.
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Every birth is a painful one Rob, (and yes even tinged with madness) but there’s always something beautiful waiting for us at the end.
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A wonderful endeavor
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Yes, definitely.
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I love the journey you’re taking, Miriam. I can’t wholeheartedly buy into it, but I do believe in love, and I think we’re fed a load of rubbish that sidetracks us. Be true to yourself. Be true to this earth. And love! Surely that can’t be wrong? 🙂 🙂
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You’ve nailed it Jo. Fundamentally that’s all that really matters, when we listen to our heart and live with love. Cheers my friend. 😊
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I recall your “Mindful in May” last year. You often carried me along with you, Miriam. Interesting concepts “surreal” and an “illusion.” And, yes…”inspiration and kindred spirits…”
I am heading out for my evening walk. A perfect time to reflect on your words and raise my vibration. The Earth and Heart gave me goosebumps.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Just watched the video. No words……..just feelings…….❤️
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Enjoy your evening walk Erica. I’m about to head out shortly too. And yes that video, it definitely has all the feels! ❤️
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Earth and Heart – thank you for pointing out how they are connected 💛 your post is so beautiful and profound, pictures and perspectives, just what my heart needs.
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That’s so kind of you to say, thank you Pragalbha. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. 💙
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You are very welcome 💛
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I have been sensing your blossoming Miriam this past year! How you have embraced all of yourself, all of life, integrated it all… the darkness and the light, and created a wonderful life for yourself… inspiring us all on your journey birthing NewEarth. I was overwhelmed seeing my name mentioned🥰 thanks so much for sharing my blog. AND the video is awesome! Much love and gratitude 🙏 ❤️
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What kind words Barbara! In truth I feel like I still have so much to learn and to integrate in myself, but I’m getting there, slowly. And I’m learning all the time. It’s a pleasure to share your blog and your journey as you’re one of many that have inspired me. Thanks for visiting today. With love and gratitude back to you. ❤️🙏
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I must get back doing Mindfulness awareness It is so good and so helpful The video is so beautiful I believe in so many of the statements there God is everywhere I have always believed in it Thanks for the lovely post I love reading your articles. You are amazing! Cris
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Thanks so much Cris for your kind words and your amazing support. I’m so glad you enjoyed this! And yes, God Is everywhere. xx
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Another beautiful post, dear Miriam. And that video…just wow. Some very profound thoughts there. Thank you for sharing 😘🌸
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It’s my pleasure Dianne. And yes, I found that video quite profound too. Thank you for reading and watching. xx 🌸💗
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Such a beautiful post, Miriam! It left me feeling hopeful and inspired. (like your posts always do!) It’s freeing to remove those barriers, thinking we can’t do something or that there’s only one way to do it. We can shape our own path, our own journey. Take care! xx
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Oh yes! We really can. But so often we doubt ourselves or make excuses or we fall back into old patterns and limitations. It’s so good to remember. Thanks so much Jeni. xx
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Hello my lovely lioness amica!! Another wonderful post… you are such a master -creatrix in uplifting us, I always feel more connected to what really matters, and to my core, when I read your beautiful and important work!! Gracias del corazon!! I loved how you stressed that we are never really alone, and how powerful it is to shift our focus on the good, and on what we want to create! I also enjoyed the video, and agree with some of its messages. I don’t feel it has to be either/or…I feel we can get a sense of the divine also in temples and through books… and I feel that it is good to praise the divine and also to believe in something beyond the limited human form… but that’s just what my heart tells me is good for me:) I definitely agree on the importance of shedding the hurt that organized religion has created, and on focusing on joy and love as guiding principles! I really love what Alberto Villoldo and his shamanic lineage teaches about our times… because it embraces the light we are as well as the shadow (collective and individual) that needs to be transcended… we can only feel our full joy once we have also felt or embraced our other emotions… is another principle I believe in. I also believe that easier times are on the horizon:) Thank you my dear friend, for inspiring me with your writings once again! Love ya heaps!! 1000 baci e molto amore!!!💗💗💗💗💗💗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 Here is to gratitude, joy, and love! xoxoxo
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Hello beautiful amica, how lovely to hear from you and what a thoughtful and profound response to my post. It was certainly one that allowed whoever was interested to think more deeply about what we believe in, and for me as well. Life’s rarely black and white and that goes equally with our inner world, our core beliefs and our spirituality. I grew up going to church, practising the Catholic faith and believing unequivocally in its principals, but it’s only recently that I’ve started questioning what’s been preached and indoctrinated into us. You’re right, we follow our heart, focus on joy and embrace all those parts of us, including the dark and the shadows.
Like you, I also feel that easier times are on the horizon but I do believe we need to do our part in manifesting a brighter future. Much love my dear friend and heartfelt thanks once again for your in-depth comment. It means the world. Big hugs, tanti baci and happy weekend to you. xxx 💫💗💗
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Thank you lovely!! Lol I grew up as a Catholic, too…even went to a school led by nuns… yes, it’s good to find our own truths and work towards a brighter future while giving thanks for all the good we already have. Big hugs and enjoy the rest of your weekend xxx will answer your other comment these days xxx So much love cara 💫💗💗
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I enjoyed reading about your mindfulness journey, Miriam. It’s wonderful that you made meditation and journaling part of your life. It’s a great way to keep us centered among the chaos! Thank you for sharing. ❤
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I love this post Miriam! “Allow nature to teach you stillness and in that stillness you’ll find peace.” Love that, and the video gave me goose bumps. Thanks for continuing to share your journey, when I came back to WP last year during lockdown, yours was one of the first blogs that inspired me, really enjoy reading it 😀
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That’s such a nice thing to say Kellie, thanks for the kind words. I’m so happy to be able to inspire you. Stay well. xx 😊
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Hi Miriam, the deeper we go inside, and take power from God, we gain a contentment, an inner peace, a strength, a satisfaction of life. And a feeling with God by my side I can handle it all.
It is so lovely to read you beautiful journey of mindfulness, Meditation and Inner happiness with God and yourself.
I love your routine journaling and Meditation- great combination. Journaling helps us figure out us, Meditation heals us, lifts us, feed us.
I love your journey
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Hi Bella. It’s so true, this inner journey leads into a place of peace and contentment but it takes effort and commitment and it’s continual, never ending. Thanks for all you share. 🙏
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Never end but a place of sanctuary I feel.
Always welcome
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Thanks for the gift of you, Miriam! It has been a crazy year full of many challenges. And it is hard to believe that 2021 is almost half over!! I hope things continue to open up for you there and that you will be able to keep traveling. I have booked a couple getaways and truly look forward to it. I didn’t realize how much I traveled until I didn’t!!
Sending lot of love and light! ❤
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I agree Lorrie, the year is flying by so quickly, it’s crazy. So glad to hear that you’ve got a couple of getaways planned, I hope you have a wonderful time. It’s so nice to have something to look forward to isn’t it. We’re heading away in five weeks time for a three month trip around Australia. To say I’m excited is an understatement!! Big hugs and love sent your way. 💜
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WOW! Miriam…that is so exciting!! I’m certain you will have so much material that you will be writing articles for a long time! It is exciting to have things to look forward to. Like I said…I didn’t realize exactly how much I traveled but after being home for over a year I truly missed it! I have 4 excursions planned and am trying to see where it makes sense to add a 5th! I am Blessitude!
Stay well my friend! 🧡
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Oh Lorrie, you should definitely add a 5th!!! Life’s too short not to. I’m sitting here at my laptop composing my next column for my magazine editor and already feel excited at what lies ahead. So start planning my friend. That’s half the fun!! xx 😊
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I love it!! You NAILED it Miriam! The whole planning process IS part of the fun. And I agree…we should live each moment. I have decided to add more adventure to my life and to be open to YES!
Sweet Blessings 🌞
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This is beautifully written.
I am grateful that covid has allowed you to go within and shed some sleepy layers that were there B.C. (before covid)
I am unsure of another time where so many people raise there consciousness at the same time.
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Thank you so much for reading and your kind words. I agree, this has been a time of awakening for so many. May it long continue. 🙏
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🙏🙏🙏
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You are so right, love is indeed the most powerful energy. And if we combine it with mindfulness, you have everything. Great post, Miriam.
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Thanks Otto. And yes, absolutely. If people put more energy into love, so much division would fade away. Here’s to a more loving world moving forward. 💜
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Absolutely agree with you Miriam. I enjoyed reading you as always. Wishing you the best. Much love! -Dominique
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Thanks so much Dominique, how lovely to hear from you. Hope all is well in your world. Much love back from me. xx
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