January often arrives with big intentions: change, clarity, new habits. And yet, if you’re noticing that change feels harder than expected, you’re not alone.
One of the biggest reasons transformation can feel challenging is what’s often called the monkey mind, the restless inner chatter that distracts, doubts, compares, or gently (and sometimes not so gently) pulls us away from what we truly want.
Monkey mind might sound like:
- “I’ll start when things slow down.”
- “I don’t have time right now.”
- “Why is this so hard for me?”
- “That works for others — not for me.”
This isn’t a flaw. It’s simply part of being human.
The work isn’t about forcing change. It’s about meeting ourselves with awareness, patience, and compassion. Reiki and mindfulness help calm the nervous system, quiet mental noise, and bring us back into the present moment, where real change begins.
A January Invitation
This month, instead of striving for perfection, I invite you to practice:
- Gentleness with yourself
- Consistent awareness rather than big resolutions
- Presence over self-criticism
- Small, steady moments of grounding and breath
Even a few minutes a day, like placing a hand on your heart, taking a slow breath, setting a simple intention, can help the mind soften and the body feel supported.
You don’t need to do more.
You don’t need to get it “right.”
You simply need to return, again and again, to yourself.
May you experience GENTLENESS, CALM & PEACE – today and every day.
About Andrea Deierlein & Thrive Reiki, LLC: Andrea's work specializes in helping people transform the pain of life challenges and daily adversity through the practice of Reiki. She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety and overwhelm, to relax, calm down and breathe again. Focusing on stress management and the mind-body-connection, her clients shift out of survival mode, build focus and resilience. Connect with her on www.thrivereiki.com or follow her on Instagram @andreadeierlein
