When I started this newsletter nine months ago, I set out to inspire others—and perhaps, more urgently, to inspire myself—to live more consciously. Now, as I look back on my journey so far, I have to ask: Am I living more fully in the moment? Not as much as I hope. But am I more aware of its importance and how it shaped me? Undeniably. Conscious living has now become a steady pulse in my life.
I had no idea initially what to write about, but all I knew was that I wanted to write again—to rediscover the voice I’d nearly silenced. So I looked inward and found myself returning to the revelation I had over a decade ago—the moment I realized that what I want in life is conscious living and freedom. It has been my life’s compass ever since, and I had called it at some point my life’s calling to inspire it in others.
But how have I done since that revelation? To be honest, not as well as I hope. I struggle as a practitioner of conscious living, and worst as an inspirer.
Yet, this calling—to live with intention, to see the world with awe—remains a quiet thread that holds the fabric of my life. It weaves through everyday life, pulling me back to the “now” whenever I stray.
So, I started this Conscious Living newsletter with just two subscribers—my husband and my best friend—whom I added myself.
I wrote personal essays that just needed to be written, as deeply personal as my process of grieving my late father, yet I still find it strange that he is no longer here.
I am also now more aware of where I came from, how my life was changed, and how I took it into my own hands to shape it, yet I still find myself navigating the ever-shifting tides of life.
I shared my lessons on what introduced me to conscious living and how to incorporate awe into daily life, yet they remain elusive.
I wrote about the life-changing benefits of meditation, but I struggle to practice it daily.
I wrote that conscious living is the key to happiness, but often slipped away from the now.
I wrote about the inherent nature of traveling that anchors us to the present, but I cannot seem to free myself from obligations long enough to hit the road again.
I’ve grappled with the contradictions of motherhood and redefined success, balancing my drive for a mindful life with the realities of raising children, holding a job, nurturing writing, and managing everyday life.
I wrote and rewrote a thousand times before finally pressing the publish key, each attempt bringing me closer to alignment with my values. But then I slipped back into the current of life, and it swept me along, drowning me in my mortal fallibility.
I fought with my husband, and I yelled at my children. Yes, I am only human. Despite all my efforts to live consciously, I failed in many ways. In my little bubble, there is already conflict and disharmony.
Beyond my little circle, the wider world feels increasingly divided. I struggle with this disconnection, too. I feel a growing desire to explore deeper what it means to truly connect—not just with ourselves, but with one another and with the world. It is easier now to go on the path of division, but I see the need for us to converge and walk hand in hand as one humanity.
All this means is that it's a good time to deepen my conscious living practice by increasing the stakes here. I will add a bi-weekly conscious living exercise/prompt to deepen our practices. It'll focus on one topic each time, and we can work together on it.
And then, each time I write, I may rewrite a little less than before, and publishing will get easier. This time, I might, just might, brush against enlightenment. Even though I will inevitably slip back into the current of life, I may be a little more buoyant than before, keeping my head just a bit higher above the water.
You are here because something about this idea of conscious living resonates with you. Maybe it’s a longing to feel rooted in the present, a desire to rediscover yourself, or a curiosity about what it means to live with intention and forge deeper connections—with others and the world.
This newsletter is here to guide and inspire you as you take steps on your journey. It will be a space where we can support each other—celebrating every moment we stay in the present, gently pulling each other back when we stray, and inspiring and encouraging one another to keep moving forward, no matter how imperfectly.
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: conscious living isn’t something you achieve—it’s something you practice. And every moment is a chance to begin anew.
Let’s begin. Again. Together.
Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your inbox. Your support keeps me motivated, and I’m excited to bring you even more focused and inspiring content as we grow together.
What to expect
Bi-weekly: I will continue my personal essays and reflections about living a conscious and connected life, exploring themes that matter in this journey.
Alternate weeks: New shorter letters introducing a simple, conscious living practice to incorporate into everyday life. I’ll do these right alongside you, and we’ll have a shared thread to exchange insights and experiences.
Monthly: My Conscious Living Letters, which is like getting a letter from a friend, includes a roundup of what you might have missed for the month and things worth sharing.
As a small and tight-knit community, this newsletter will remain free for everyone. If you’d like to support it through a paid contribution, your generosity will help sustain its growth and keep it accessible to all—and for that, I’ll be deeply grateful.
On a final note, I’m thrilled to continue this conscious living journey with each of you. Whether you’re here for personal growth, mindful practices, or a supportive community, free or paid, I hope this newsletter brings value to your life. Let’s live conscious lives together!
This is great. Honest but human. I too practice yoga and meditation then get all grumpy and shouty at times. Doesn't always work but it all helps methinks. I just subscribed to read more.
Love the raw honesty of your post, Rachel. I look forward to future posts!