This one fact changed how I move through the day
Sometimes, we encounter a piece of information that rocks our world a bit.
For example, at some point we learn that people and animals die and don't come back (oof, hard one), that a map of the world from a generation ago has different countries on it, or that the North Star we see tonight is really the North Star as it looked in the year 1702 because of how long it took the light to reach our eyes (that one still gets me!!).
Equally mind-blowing for me is this fact:
Every single moment that we're awake, we are practicing something.
Neuroplasticity means that our brain is constantly changing in response to what we do, think, and experience. So, when we're awake and engaged in anything (even just thinking a certain way), we are essentially "practicing" and reinforcing certain neural patterns. Here's how this plays out:
What Neuroplasticity Means Practically:
"Neurons that fire together, wire together" — When we repeat an action, thought, or feeling, the brain strengthens the neural connections involved.
This happens all the time, not just during formal learning. Even passive habits like scrolling our phone, ruminating on worries, or getting annoyed easily can reinforce those mental pathways.
So every moment we're awake, our brain is being shaped. We're either reinforcing old patterns or creating new ones—even if unintentionally.
Implication:
We're always practicing something—whether it's calmness, anxiety, focus, distraction, kindness, impatience, or procrastination.
If we're not consciously shaping our mind, it's still being shaped—just not necessarily in the direction we want.
Good News - Actually Great News: We have the ability to notice what it is we're practicing, and to shift it.
I like to do this by pausing when I notice I've boarded a thought train. Several times throughout the day, I wonder, “What am I practicing right now?”
Even pausing to ask myself this question is a way of practicing present moment awareness.
Maybe I've caught myself delighting over a big fluffy cloud in the bright blue summer sky. Interesting! That means I'm practicing present moment awareness, awe, and connecting with nature. I might want to make sure I'm also practicing looking where I'm going so I don't bump into the people coming toward me!
Maybe I've caught myself cringing over the goofy comment I made that landed awkwardly in the group chat. Ouch - practicing self-flagellation again! Perhaps a shift toward self-compassion and a sense of humor would be more productive and enjoyable.
I find it really helpful to remember this isn't a test, or an exercise I need to get right. It's an opportunity to change my future. The most important point is that regardless of what I have been practicing, I have the power to choose what I practice now.
With love and wonder,
Erika Long
Human Being, Work in Practice
practice a 12 Minute Body Scan Meditation with CMP Facilitator william
Every week we have free and open community group programs in person and on zoom just for YOU! All are welcome.
We also host special programs like those below which we encourage you to register for!
The Mindful Circle
A monthly mindfulness support circle in Bridgeport for nonprofit staff, caregivers, first responders, healthcare professionals, and more. We're creating space for connection and expansion — and plan to bring this offering to Stamford and Norwalk in Sept - stay tuned!
Register now — our next circle is August 14 at Burroughs Center.
Intro to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Course
Join us this September/October on Zoom for this foundational, research-based program rooted in the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. This seasonal series offers a deeper dive on tools for stress reduction, nervous system regulation and resilience building.
Register now — spots are limited for this for a deeper dive training.
Urban Forest Bathing Mindfulness Program
Reconnect with your senses and the present moment through this 4-week outdoor mindfulness series at Fodor Farm in Norwalk. Nature offers its own kind of wisdom.
Register now — Join us there for one or all 4, Sundays in October.
CMP News: Meet JoJo, our summer Intern!
Jouvanna 'JoJo' Brame joined the Community Mindfulness Project this summer as our Marketing & Operations intern. A Norwalk native now living and working in Bridgeport, she brings experience in and passion for behavioral health and community care. Through work with Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse, Bridgeport Prospers and more JoJo has been exploring the intersection of mindfulness and resilience—especially in underserved communities. We're thrilled to welcome her to the CMP team!
“Healthy communities begin with healthy individuals.”
Read more about JoJo and her journey