Ashley's Summer Recommendations
What does bread do on summer vacation? It just loafs around. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes just loafing around is exactly what we need! But, if the dog days of summer are starting to get to you, check out a few recommendations that have helped me access more insight, connection, and joy lately…
Something to Read
Want to change the way you connect and interact with others forever? Then check out The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier. Explore eight simple yet powerful questions to help you get to the heart of everything. Learn to say less and ask more, and invite curiosity instead of rushing to action or advice-giving. This was a quick, practical read that has had a profound and transformative impact on my life and my interactions with those around me.
Something to Watch
I may be late to the game on this one, but I truly consider myself fortunate to have found my way to Ted Lasso. It is an experience not to be missed! It’s the story of an American coach who becomes the head coach of a London professional football team, despite knowing nothing about the sport. It covers all things human—connection, ego, vulnerability, love, loss, acceptance, humor, staying humble, forgiveness, belonging, not belonging, believing, not believing. The moments and lessons are real, palpable, and simply priceless. If there is one show you treat yourself to, treat yourself to Ted Lasso. Click here to check out a little teaser!
Something to Do
When was the last time you felt grass, dirt, or sand under the soles of your bare feet? It can be so easy to take the gifts of our natural world for granted. So consider this your invitation to get outside, take your shoes & socks off, and feel the earth beneath your feet.
Give yourself an hour or even an entire afternoon to experience the great outdoors with all of your senses. See how many different sensations, smells, and sounds you can notice. Perhaps you’ll feel the warmth of the sunshine or the cool respite from a light rain on your skin. Maybe you’ll hear the sounds of birds chirping or waves crashing on the shore or the breeze moving through the trees. Or maybe still you’ll smell freshly cut grass or blooming flowers. Be still. Notice. Savor. Enjoy whatever is present.
Something New to Try
If you haven’t tried active listening, there’s no time like the present to make this your new normal when in conversation. It’s quite simple. All you have to do is listen to the other person speaking with your full presence and focused attention, without any verbal or mental interruptions. Notice if you can avoid anticipating where the conversation is going and try not to create questions, judgments, or validations in your mind. Practice allowing each word from the person speaking to unfold naturally, one word at a time. Try it out and see how it transforms your ability to listen deeply and connect.
If you check any of these off your summer bucket list, let me know how it goes. Happy summer!
Mindfully yours,
Ashley