If you’re like me it’s easy to spend an entire day submerged in Zooms, emails, my own tangled thoughts or meme/doom/cute-animal-video-scrolling on social media.
When this happens I end the day with my shoulders around my ears and a sense of deep dissatisfaction even if I’ve ticked off eleventy-million to-do list items.
Time sliding unconsciously becomes kryptonite for our peace of mind.
Unlike kryptonite though, there is an always-available antidote.
Back in 2013, I committed to a “Year of Noticing”.
Every day, I practiced being present with my thoughts + emotions and whatever showed up in my world and shared it on Facebook with the words, Today I noticed…
I loved it (even on the sucky days) and many friends practiced alongside me. It created a sweet sense of community and helped me move through the year with greater self-awareness and less self-judgment.
Fast forward to 2021, the second year of a global pandemic that changed…well, everything. (I’m guessing you remember it.)
The news was bleak.
The struggle was real.
I had a yearning to put something simple and tangible into the world. Something that would make me feel like I was adding to the goodness that still – always – exists, instead of being pulled under by stress, worry, negativity, and despair. Something that would help other people do the same.
The result is this little book.
30 days of noticing is a mindfulness journal that invites you to be present to both your inner and outer world. To keep your eyes and heart open.
To stay curious, be kind, and have fun.
Though it’s a simple practice, it is potent.
Spending time every day noticing will…
- move you out of your head and into the moment
- teach you about your thoughts, feelings, patterns, habits, values, and boundaries (or lack thereof)
- help you see the world around you more clearly
- help you act instead of react
It has so much potential…for developing compassion, for your own growth, for greater self-acceptance.
It’s like a deep breath for your mind + heart + soul.
While I offer suggestions and guidance, there is plenty of room to make the practice work for you.
With this slim volume, Alana invites you to explore the vastness of your life. All you need do is pay attention, which isn’t always easy in a world full of distractions. But, there are delights to be found when you do. You’ll see.
~ Lynae Steinhagen
You can write words or sentences, poems or stories. You can draw or paint or collage (I recommend doing those on a sturdier piece of paper and pasting it in).
You get to decide.
You get to play.
The only requirement is to pay attention.
Simple. Powerful. Doable.
Like, really REALLY doable. (Because who needs another thing sitting beside the bed making you feel guilty about your lack of follow-through? Noone. No thank you.)
Alana Sheeren’s “30 days of noticing” is a wonderful tool for cultivating presence. It’s simple and lovely and inviting. I’ve journaled throughout my life and a blank page can be daunting and sometimes stop you before you even begin… the formatting of the workbook, a simple prompt on a pretty page, really helped start the flow every time I picked it up. Whether you’re trying to work your way through something or just be more present in your life, this workbook is a great tool.
~ Nicole Growden, Owner, Temple Pilates Studio
They make a perfect gift for friends, family, employees, clients or yourself.
If you’d like a signed copy, please contact me directly here (scroll down) and I’m happy to do that for you.
If you’d like to order a large quantity (corporate gifts! retreat welcome bags! party favors! encouragement for your clients!) or carry them in your indie bookstore, gift store or stationary shop, please reach out.
Available via the publisher here, on Amazon here (currently out of stock) and on Barnes & Noble here.
May this practice bring you grace + goodness.
With love,
Alana xo