Well, hello there. My name is Morgan Harper-Nichols. I'm an artist and a writer, and this is a space where I share words that I hope can make a little room for you to slow down and take a few deep breaths as you prepare for whatever lies ahead.

Thanks for being here today. And now on to today's episode.

As we come to the end of the week, take a moment to reflect back on how yours progressed.

Maybe it was a difficult one or something didn't go according to plan or maybe your week was just okay or maybe it was great or maybe it was a mix of several different things. As you prepare

for whatever lies ahead while so reckoning with everything that has already happened,

I hope that this episode can serve as a reminder to take a deep breath

and embrace moments of stillness in your everyday life. Miriam Webster defined steadiness as

the state of continuing without change. Steadiness is the idea that there can be a place or a mindset that sustains

itself on a constant never-ending loop. When the chaos of life feels overwhelming, when we find

ourselves on unstable ground, we can look to moments of steadiness for a sense of peace and calm. Though we don't know what

tomorrow will bring, this is also true. The moments you are devoting to mindfulness are strengthening

you. Slow down and take a moment. Think of a place or a space that gives you a sense of calm. Is it by the lake or by the ocean?

Perhaps it's a clearing in the middle of the forest. What part of that place is always constant?

What part of it brings you peace? Do you always hear the sound of water? Do you always notice the way the sun glimmers through the trees?

Notice how even your memory of this place can bring you to a moment of stillness. Notice how your breathing slows and your heartbeat finds steady rhythm.

Take in the vibrant green of the leaves, or notice the rich brown of the bark.

Maybe it's the brilliant blue of the water, clear and glistening in the morning light.

Notice how all of these things remain balanced and consistent,

even when everyday life is not. When you find yourself overwhelmed by chaos or a busy schedule,

even if it's an exciting one, or even in the midst of an awkward conversation that you don't really know where it's going to go.

Take a deep breath and remember that peaceful place.

Allow whatever is beautiful about that landscape to speak to your soul.

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