I think this may be one of the purest and most natural forms of "living in the now," truly feeling every aspect of the present moment without controlling it or allowing it to control. After Jaime and I lost our dad, I quickly started to emphasize that life and the pain that comes with it simply comes in waves. And I think in this piece, it is obvious that Jaime let go of trying to control the strong waves of discomfort and fear that were exhausting her, and instead decided to float until the roughness of the water broke (or in this case, HER water broke! ... too soon for jokes??) Welcome to the family baby Ellie! :)

- Amanda

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To kick off this month (and new year) we sent out a long list of anti-pet peeves that was created by contributions from a wide variety of community members. However, some people joyfully sent way more than one or two to potentially add to the list. So I figured I would keep the practice going with high spirits by sending out a few of these longer lists written by certain people... These small communications of mindfulness help me re-shift my perspective for the better. Hope everybody had a magnificent start to 2019!

- Amanda

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I am always left feeling more present, grounded, and at peace after reading Jaime's poetry. And with the holidays coming up, I hope to fill the gaps and space between my family and loved ones, in a physical and emotional sense :) What a wonderfully refreshing read, especially at this time of year! Thank you Jaime.

- Amanda

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This poem by Jaime brought tears to my eyes sort of immediately ... I guess partly because I felt like she was talking to our dad who has passed away and partly because each line holds so much depth in itself. As my emotions stirred while reading, my father came so vividly to mind. I found that interesting. But Jaime never states who she is talking to in the poem. I wanted to know. But then I ended up thinking... it's kind of cool to leave it up to the reader to allow whoever comes to mind sit with them for a bit.

-Amanda

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Here at UF, in my small apartment with my three roommates, we have a little fish and a large dog. Our large pup, Stella, gets attention all day long when we get home from class, when visitors stop by, when the maintenance staff come in to work... but as much as I enjoy affectionate cuddles from our friendly pooch, I'm always sure to give attention to our little Betta fish which we've had for a year now. I like the way he slowly swims to the side of his bowl to say hi EVERY time I'm doing the dishes, and I pause what I'm doing to put my finger up against the side of his little home. He's very interactive and always seems very curious about me. And even though he is a small part of our home, he is a peaceful reminder for me to be gentle and curious. As was your piece below, Jaime. Thank you :)

- Amanda

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Jaime Posa feels so so deeply.

Jaime Posa has a capacity to let me know myself… much better

Jaime creates a space with her first words that allows me to check in and quit rushing… to slow slow slow…

…down

…and then I decidedly settle in…

To…

…learn from her…

I am not sure Jaime knows that she creates all these effects

I am so thankful you do Jaime… I am so grateful…

…Pip

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My sister, Jaime, helps to lead gardening classes once a week on Sunday's with the organization Intergenerate. It's a family gardening class with kids between the ages 4-12. The garden is a giving-garden meaning that everything they grow is contributed to the Neighbor's Link subsidized Farmers Market. So cool !

- Amanda

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My sister and I's favorite things summed up in three words: kids...and nature :) Thanks for sharing this short but sweet little reminder, Jaime!

- Amanda

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My sister's piece reminds me of a moving video on empathy I watched in a psychology class a couple years back. One little animal in the video was crying and pouring his heart out to the other big animal. The big animal looked a little uneasy, unsure of what to do or say to make things better. So he just remains silent, and the video ends with a big bear hug. And that was all that was really needed.

- Amanda

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People probably wouldn't think my sister Jaime and I are related by her strong dedication to practicing yoga and stretching and for me...when it comes to flexibility, I can lean down with my arms and reach to just about below my knees.

BUT after reading your piece Jaime, I was able to get to the ankles! It's that power of non-forceful lengthening and letting go... :)

- Amanda

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I usually like to add at least one more quote to my collection of positive quotes each day. Today's was from Refinery29, the news and media company my OTHER older sister works for. It said, "It's a good day to have a good day if you want a good day." Simple--but I liked it and figured it'd be an easy reminder to repeat in my head every so often. This piece from Jaime reminded me of it again. I've always really believed it's the little things that make one's day, and also the attitude you carry with you as you go. :)

- Amanda

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This piece written by my sister Jaime has me further reflect on the importance of how we communicate with those around us, especially when we want to mediate a conflict. Perhaps by recognizing the emotions of others and reminding ourselves of the vast amount of similarities and common goals shared between each of us, we can re-create and maintain more peaceful spaces that can also serve as opportunities for growth.

- Amanda

#proudsister :)

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