This episode kicks off our May theme: “Slow Down, You Move Too Fast.” And wow… this one is personal. I’m sharing the story of my very first meditation — and how, even though it was only 10 minutes, it felt like torture. (Yes, I genuinely thought I might die… and no, I’m not being dramatic.)

For most of my life, I didn’t know how to slow down. I was always in motion, chasing the next thing, hoping I’d eventually land in a place of peace, contentment, or security. But what I didn’t realize is that what I was searching for could only be found in the present moment — and I had no idea how to access it.

In this episode, I unpack:

• Why slowing down can feel so confronting (especially if you’re not used to it)

• The myths we carry about what meditation should look like

• How discomfort is often the doorway to real transformation

Whether you’re brand new to mindfulness or just need a reminder of why you started, this is your invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself — without judgment, pressure, or perfection.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, I’d love for you to join the Journey Forward podcast community, where we take these conversations even further.

Want to go deeper on your journey? Join the Journey Forward podcast community — a space for deeper conversations, guided practices, and soulful connection, where we integrate the content with guided meditations, reflections, and tools to anchor into your most authentic self: https://joreerose.com/journeyforwardpodcast/

Connect with Joree Rose:

• Website: www.joreerose.com

• Instagram: @joreerose

• Subscribe to her podcast: Journey Forward with Joree Rose

• Join the Podcast Membership: https://joreerose.com/journeyforwardpodcast/

Connect with Joree & John for relationship work:

• Website: www.loveisntenough.net

• Instagram: @loveisntenough33

• Subscribe to their podcast: Love Isn’t Enough

• Join our relationship Master Class series: https://loveisntenough.net/masterclass/