Tag Archives: mindful living

Throwback Post: Meltdowns All the Way Around

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**THROWBACK POST**

December 11 2017:

After an extremely rough afternoon, what a blessing to receive a sweet, loving, kind, and generous message. Just the push I needed to bring on the sobbing so I could connect and release.

When you have one with difficulties in the executive functions area, it is nearly impossible to suggest spur of the moment activities. In Lillian’s case a meltdown is going to happen 95% of the time.

Yet, I continue to try. We have a blu-ray Christmas movie to watch from the library as they had no regular DVD of this movie.

I figured we could watch it at the lodge in the theater as their equipment will play blu-ray. (I use a really old portable DVD player plugged into a projector for our movie watching as we don’t have a TV.)

I looked on the library website and saw we would have to return the movie on Wednesday so I suggested we head on over and watch it. Well, at the same time, I must have given my patience a vacation. And, invited every worry and concern that has been bothering me over the past three months.

Two kids having meltdowns, one mom having an outburst, and two hours later. We are still out of sorts but this wonderful and generous message was exactly what my heart needed.

Sharing for anyone else who is having an off day, anyone who gave their patience the day off, or anyone who invited worry and concerns to cloud their day. From one human to another; I share a loving, warm, heart hug with you. And say, You are not alone. Be still. And know. xoxo

Follow up thoughts:

I find for myself when I am already in “Why me victim mode” and my thoughts are full of worries and concerns that having nothing to do with a current incident. That’s when I lose it. So when not in that meltdown moment I practice mindfulness and meditation and walks in nature so that I can have a balanced and peaceful perspective most times. Yet, we are human, so that’s not going to happen every time. And. That. Is. Okay. xoxo

I have felt incredibly out of sorts and in a huge fog lately. Along with some anxiety. I know when I feel anxiety it is usually due to something surfacing that it would be best for me to connect with so as to release. Sometimes I forget that, though, and resist.

Most times if I would quit trying to row the boat and just let that sweet little boat float through life, peace would be more consistent. For, I fully believe that life knows what its doing and has my back. xoxo

**November 2022 Update** I simply want to add that five years later we’ve come a long way. My perception of life has shifted a bit from where I was in 2017. That was the place I need to be in that moment. 

Throwback Post: Every Breath is a Miracle

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**THROWBACK POST**

July 23 2015

View from Little Washoe Lake yesterday …

I share these words from the heart space, a place of compassion and love and of wanting the same for all of you. I have been practicing Loving Life and letting Life Love me in return. Some of this has to do with loving-kindness for one’s self, some to do with loving each other, the Earth, nature, and animals.

Life really loved on me yesterday. I embraced some fears yesterday morning, knowing that they are a part of me and not trying to push them away or crush them. I just let them be and in turn they did not stop me! Then I went on to have an absolutely wonderful day.

I found out that we would be able to stay in Salt Lake City from Friday to Friday as we originally planned and would not have to cut it short. I had loving interactions with everyone I came across … at Mill Street Tire getting the oil changed and tires rotated, an impromptu stop to see a friend, and getting Thomas a haircut.

As we were checking out at Whole Foods, two women came up to me and thanked me over and over again for the kindness of my son as he had helped them get something they could not reach (I was not aware of this.). Thomas was confused on the drive home and kept asking why they kept thanking him (and me).

Then when we got home, I had a message asking if I’d be interested in contributing a 2,000-4,000 word article to a multidisciplinary government journal having to do with intellectual disabilities.

Later, I began to feel guilty. I chose to connect with that feeling, to see what I needed to learn from it. I learned that when good things happen, I begin to feel I am not worthy. Well, not anymore. I am worthy and so are YOU! We do not have to accomplish spectacular things, be a certain way, look a certain way, have a certain amount of money and prestige. And if you have all those things … You are worthy too!

We are all worthy, because we are breathing and every breath we take is a miracle. Love is indeed the answer … xoxo …

The Chromosome 18 Blog is Live – Dear Meltdown by Camilla Downs

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April 13 2022

The brand new Chromosome 18 blog is now live, with one of my older writings having been posted. It’s the writing I submitted to, and was accepted by, Elephant Journal back in the day.

Dear Meltdown…

Anger is like a storm rising up from the bottom of your consciousness. When you feel it coming, turn your focus to your breath. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Dear Meltdowns,

Welcome and Meet My Friend Mindfulness

Sometimes I’m able to sense when you’re lurking in the shadows. Sometimes I’m not. And you sneak up like a cat stalking its prey.

You penetrate the peace of an otherwise tranquil day like an earthquake suddenly rocking and rolling in the middle of a quiet night’s sleep. You are the complete opposite of fun and joy.

You are loud, aggressive, physically harmful, and verbally malicious. You lack compassion, empathy, and kindness. You take all actions and words personally.

What I want you to know is that I welcome you. Not like I’d welcome my best friend coming over for coffee and chatting. I welcome you like one later appreciates a grumpy relative during the holidays knowing that being around this person can help us to learn more about our own triggers.

You are helping us to know what emotions and …..

https://www.chromosome18.org/dear-meltdown-camilla-downs

 

Throwback Post: Ask for Help – A Pebble for Your Pocket

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**THROWBACK POST**

August 13 2015:

Ask for help and you shall receive …

Thomas got angry the other night and it was spilling out of him in unkind ways. He asked me for help in getting past the moment and was not liking anything I suggested. It was time for our nightly reading and “A Pebble for Your Pocket” is what we are currently reading.

I opened to where we had stopped the night before and this is where we were to begin again, “When We Are Angry”. Thomas stopped me after reading the title and halfway through the first sentence and said that I had chosen that on purpose. “No, Thomas, I did not. This is where we stopped last night. You asked for help and here it is.”

I felt his energy shift just from hearing this. He was glued to the entire section. May you be open to receive the answers you ask for too! LOVE!! xoxo

Book Musings: Touching Peace

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Touching Peace – practicing the art of mindful living

Transforming our Compost – one of the chapter titles in the book. Sums it up! Specific, practical instructions ar given for extending our meditation practice into our daily lives.

I’ve not read a Thich Nhat Hanh book I didn’t love. Good stuff.

My Entire Life Dissolved by Camilla Downs

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December 11 2018:

Last Tuesday my entire life dissolved. It simply disappeared like sugar in boiling water. Who I am, who I thought myself to be disintegrated. In my mind’s eye, I could see creations and events literally crumbling. Have you ever had that happen?

Being me, I view this as the only way I know how … As a deeply spiritual experience. And I am grateful to be traveling this path … uncomfortable experiences, and all.

It left this one saturated with confusion and pain. I had been …

My Entire Life Dissolved

 

Making Decisions from a Place of Love

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**THROWBACK POST**

December 18 2015:

This morning’s theme from a client session had to do with acting and making decisions from a place of love, rather than a place of fear. This sounds simple on the surface. Upon stopping and accessing decisions and choices made, it’s easier to see that we do make some decisions from a place of fear. It’s actually a slight shift, the decision made may even be the same whether it’s made from a place of fear or love. However, the effects internally can be drastic.

I’ll use myself as an example. I have made the choice for myself and family to eat organic, non-gmo foods without artificial ingredients and low to no processed sugar. Have I made this choice due to my fear of illness, disease, and weight issues or have I made this choice because I love and enjoy this body and want to nourish it in the best way possible? The root of how this decision is made matters. It matters tremendously. The success of a decision hinges on whether or not it is made from a place of love or fear.

Another example: Am I accepting this job or this work because I fear having no money or am I accepting it because I am passionate about it and I know it’s my purpose to do this? This can be applied in relationship decisions also. This is not to say that one suddenly make the shift to making all decisions from a place of love and not fear. It’s enough to simply stop and note the root of the decision. And if you feel moved to make this shift for yourself, start small. Make it easy so that you can successfully shift to making all decisions from a place of love. xoxo

So grateful I get to share of myself in this way. When I meet with a client, I set the intention that the session will unfold organically and what needs to be said and shared will come forth. We message ahead of the meeting to know 1 – 3 areas to be discussed. During the session I ask questions and offer thoughts and techniques relating to mindfulness and emotional connection. Good stuff!!!

Sharing My Journey with Reno Sunrise Kiwanis

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**THROWBACK POST**

December 28 2012:

WOW!!! What an amazing group of people!! Just got the privilege of sharing my journey and path to happYness with the Reno Sunrise Kiwanis. GOOD stuff y’all!

Camilla Presenting at Kiwanis 12.28.12

Thank you Skip Benton for your kind words … I just saw this! Had a GREAT time meeting all y’all!

“One of the interesting things about Facebook is I ended up “meeting” people I would have never met in any other medium. I have been reading about Camilla Downs for a long time. I’m thrilled I finally get a chance to meet and hear her speak. I’m so impressed with people – especially woman – who end up coping with a really bad situation and then turn it into a positive ….” -Skip Benton

Where Did Mindfulness Originate

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**THROWBACK POST**

October 8 2014:

I had fun researching for this blog post! What is the meaning of mindfulness? Does it make your eyes roll even thinking about it? Or, does it bring feelings of peace just thinking about it?

I was curious just where the word originated, where the practice of “mindfulness” originated and what does it mean in the current Western civilization. I researched what it means to be mindful, the skills of mindfulness, and a few mindfulness exercises. I also found a great mindfulness quiz and share my results with you! Have fun!

“Mindfulness has its origin in ancient meditation practices. According to Dictionary.com the term mindful originated in in late Middle English around 1375 and is defined as being attentive or aware. Before that, in 1200, was a now obsolete term of mindiness. It’s not clear from researching … ” Go here to read more …

Inspired Living: What Does Mindfulness Mean

 

One Way We Use The Gift of Nature

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**THROWBACK POST**

February 9 2016:

“I think, Lillian worries, Camilla just is.” – Thomas wisdom shared last night as we were reading in my bed before going to sleep …

He had a rough day yesterday. He made a choice at school that caused an un-lovely consequence.

On the ride home I let him know he could not use his digital time as he overused it in the morning. By the time we got home he was in much distress. He had a full blown meltdown when he got home and I knew we needed to go for a walk.

I shared how unhealthy it is to not let oneself feel and experience anger and other negative emotions. That we must find that place where we can let ourself feel it physically, being with it, and without hooking into the story of the negative emotion; which can cause us to be harsh with others.

Nature is a wonderful guide during times like these, times when we resist feeling the rawness of life. About an hour after our walk Thomas had settled into acceptance and we had a great night. May you take advantage of the gift of nature when needed. xoxo

Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 2.19.16