How I’ve Failed You (And How I’m Going To Fix It)

Dear Reader,

I ‘m here today to apologize. You see I’ve failed you. Not by doing something scandalous on the Rob Ford or Richard Nixon spectrum. And it’s not because I told you something that is untrue about my business or me. No my sin is much more subtle.

For the past year and half I’ve been sharing my life, the lessons I’ve learned, and the struggles I’ve faced with you. And while I’ve done this with as much courage and openness as I could muster it’s not enough. You deserve better.

Recently I realized that while I’ve been sharing I haven’t done enough listening. Sure, I’ve done a reader surveys and answered your emails, but I could do more.

If I had a friend who just talked at me without asking me what was going on with me, our relationship wouldn’t last long. Alternatively, if I was dating someone who wouldn’t let me get a word in, no amount of physical attraction could overcome my disappointment. Moreover, you deserve the same level of respect and commitment.

I’m sorry that I haven’t been listening. I’m sorry that I’ve been taking you for granted. And I promise to do better.

However, I don’t expect you to just take my word for it. You see while I know saying sorry is nice, it’s rarely enough. I know that if I truly want to make it up to you, I have to put actions behind intentions. Otherwise, my apologies amount too little more than lip service.

So here are three vows I am making to rectify this error and to do a better job treating you like the kick ass community of mindfulness masters you truly are.

Vow #1 – I vow to be present and available to my community of readers and to anyone who needs help and support to live a mindful life.

How: I will host a monthly hangout called “How to Live a Mindful Life – All Questions Answered”

On the First Tuesday of each month I’m going to host an All Questions Answered Hangout where I’ll answer any and all questions about mindfulness, exercise, my story, or anything else you want to ask about.

The first session will be August 5th at 5:00pm Pacific Time
And I’ll keep doing this for the next 6 months even if no one shows up or sends in a single question. I know I’m lucky to have you as fans and readers and I need to prove it by showing up even if you aren’t there.

Why:

I’m doing this because I want to know who you are, what problems you’re facing, and how I can help. I know that I can’t coach all of you or write make every post that speaks to your specific problems, so this is my way of offering up a time that you can come and ask for what you need and get real practical help.

Vow #2 – I vow to share myself wholly and vulnerably with my community of readers on a regular basis

.

How: I will create a weekly short podcast/video post called “5 Mins of Wisdom”

5 Minutes of Wisdom will be a short video/audio post that will come out every Friday where I will talk about a issue related to mindfulness, a solution to a common problem, or a question I’ve been struggling with. I’ll also invite other people to come on from time to time to share their experiences and wisdom.

Why:

While I love writing to all of you I worry that who I am doesn’t always come through. I know that while I love reading email from my friends it’s so much more powerful to have them in front of me.
I want to make sure I’m not hiding behind my words. I want to share myself with each of you in the most transparent and vulnerable way I can.

Vow #3 – I vow to nurture and support the practice of meditation within my community of readers.

How: I will create a month long meditation course/challenge (By Jan 2015)

I am going to create a one month 5 min a day meditation course that can help anyone get started meditating. Then I will offer this course as well as a one-month meditation challenge to anyone who wants to learn to meditate or to deepen their practice.

Why:

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools to create mindfulness and change in your life. And even though I know first hand the power it offers, I still struggle to keep my practice consistent from time to time. So, I’m partly doing this as a way to support myself in strengthening my practice.

I’m also doing it because I’ve talked to so many people who want to try meditation, but don’t because they are afraid they’ll do it wrong. I want to create a course that will make meditation simple, enjoyable, and approachable for anyone.

I Need Your Help

Ok so now that I’ve stated my vows I need your help. Yes, I need you to send in questions, read my posts, and share my podcast, but that’s not the help I’m asking for right now.

What I really need you to do is to hold me accountable. I wrote this post not just to promote some new stuff on my blog. I wrote it because I really want to engage and learn more about you. So please don’t let me screw up.

I’m counting on you to DEMAND A LOT FROM ME! Because you deserve someone who is fully committed to helping you live mindfully, create space, and embody your best self. If I don’t do it, please let me know.
Email me Toku at mindfitmove.com or call me 503 394 5348 or come find me in Portland

Thank you in advance for all of your help. I hope that you will give me a chance to earn back your trust and develop a better relationship with you now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Toku


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