Episode 102
Mindfulness & a Peek into the Women in the Arena Program with Kathryn Stoneman
“I don’t know if business owners stop often enough to really evaluate how they are managing their energy, stress, and emotions.” - Sonya Stattmann (5:51 - 6:03)
Kathryn Stoneman is a children’s movement & mindfulness trainer, and she is the Founder of Bearfoot Yoga. She has taught movement and mindfulness to hundreds of children along the Central Coast of Australia and now trains early childhood educators to deliver movement and mindfulness program within their schools. It is her life purpose to bring the many benefits of movement & mindfulness to as many kids as possible.
Mindfulness is incredibly beneficial for children, but also for entrepreneurs.
Mindfulness is a practice that involves taking some time during the day to slow down and focus on your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. It could also mean a quick movement session to move your body gently and let go of stress. It is a practice that has been around for ages in different traditional cultures across the globe, and it has been gaining in popularity in the West over the last few decades. There are many benefits of mindfulness practices for both adults as well as children.
The impact of mindfulness is quite amazing when children start practicing at an early stage. Young kids are generally running around all day, and it is often difficult to capture their attention. When they take a few minutes to sit down and focus on their breath or to do yoga, they immediately feel the effects. They end up with a calmer mind and body. They play better with other kids, and they are more joyful throughout the day. When they start mindfulness practices at a young age, it becomes a part of their routine as they get older.
So many entrepreneurs can use these lessons in their day-to-day operations, taking the time to slow down and be more mindful of their actions and reactions in business.
Kathryn has been a participant in the Women in the Arena program and talked first hand about having a coach and support group.
“It was incredible to have the support of a coach and to hear that it was OK to slow down. Now I have more space in my mind during the day, and I feel like I’m making more impact with less work.” - Kathryn Stoneman (14:03 - 14:20)
As business owners, we often start our days with a to-do list and go all day without having a chance to stop. Naturally, we end up exhausted at the end of the day and can often struggle to feel like we are fully present with our families. Incorporating a meditation, mindfulness or movement practice can empower us to be able to be the best versions of ourselves. As little as 15 minutes of self-regulated breathing or visualization can have a significant impact. When we clear up space in our minds and calendars, it is completely possible to get more done with less effort. This freedom will have a positive effect on our businesses, and our relationship with our families.
The Women In The Business Arena program helps entrepreneurs be more mindful.
It can be easy to recognize the benefits of daily meditation or movement, but really difficult to feel like we have enough time to actually fit the practice in our schedules. It can feel like there are never enough hours in the day to finish everything. However, it’s quite possible that you are working harder than necessary to achieve the results you desire. When you’re emotions are overly attached to your business, you can work too hard, and find yourself speeding towards burnout.
When we’re in our businesses, often it can be difficult to take an objective look at the work we’re doing. Finding a coach to come alongside and evaluate your business can be one of the most valuable decisions made. Coaches have the perspective needed to make sure there is a solid foundation for branding, messaging, target audience, and other crucial aspects of your business. With help, it’s possible to refocus on tasks that bring the highest returns and eliminate the ones that are just taking up space on the already-too-full calendar. Entrepreneurs often end up making more impact with less effort after working with a coach.
With more time on our hands, we can make space for mindfulness practices. We have the ability to slow down, listen to our gut, and make business decisions that are aligned with our mission. Investing in a coach can bring returns that have a positive effect on more than just the business. When your mind is free of stress, and you know the company is running efficiently, you can be more present for your family as well.
“I make all my educators do something lovely for themselves every week. Whether that's a bubble bath and wine, or its a walk on the beach by themselves, they all have to do something lovely for themselves.” - Kathryn Stoneman (28:39 - 28:55)
Too many entrepreneurs are doing too much. Many of us have developed a habit of being perpetually busy. Working with a coach and incorporating a daily practice like yoga or meditation helps to simplify business and life. These tools help to create more time and open up the headspace to give the freedom to operate from a place of peace and relaxation. Consequently, we can end up with better physical and emotional health, a fulfilling family life, and a thriving business.
Find More Support For Women In Business:
- For more episodes + information about the podcast & the hosts, visit www.womeninthebusinessarena.com
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