Mindfulness Insights: Reclaiming the "Wild Woman" Within
Beyond the To-Do List
Mindfulness is the act of being aware of your thoughts and honoring them as they come. Recently, I became aware of a part of me that was feeling neglected. It wasn't a physical neglect—I was eating well and exercising—and it wasn't a lack of self-care. It was a spiritual detachment. In filling many roles and tending to many responsibilities, I had forgotten to nourish the "wild woman" in me.
Finding True Belonging
While navigating this feeling, I found myself reading Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown. Her message about "True Belonging"—being your authentic self even when it means standing alone in the "wilderness"—provided the push I needed. It reminded me that going with your own flow, even when it varies from those around you, is where the true reward lies.
The Wisdom of the Water
I followed the universe’s nudge to a music festival, but I went with firm boundaries. At the festival grounds, I swam out into a quarry and floated. There is a specific peace in letting your breath do the work, suspended between the sky and the earth with the water muffling the outside world. In that stillness, I heard the insights I needed:
"You don’t have to say goodbye; you can welcome the past parts of you."
"You can do what feels best for you."
"What will best serve you?"
The Metamorphosis
Stepping back into my body, I felt a sense of "welcome" to a new chapter. That night, the music fed my soul, and I flowed in a way that brought me back to life. I am learning how to embrace my many professional and personal roles while still honoring that wild, authentic self.
What has been most beautiful is how mindfulness brings us together with others who share that same passion—women who accept authenticity, hold space for vulnerability, and encourage growth. Whether it’s heightening the taste of a piece of chocolate or opening the door to a new life chapter, mindfulness starts with one simple act: listening.
About the Author
Sarah Lacy, LPCC is an EMDR Specialist and Life Coach based in Rocky River, Ohio. She provides in-person support to the Lakewood, Westlake, and Bay Village communities, as well as Telehealth sessions throughout the state.
If these words resonate with you, reach out to take the next step in your healing journey.
