Deanna Thomas’ Soulful Journey to Simplicity and Mindfulness

Deanna Thomas

A former public school educator in California, Deanna Thomas has transformed her life into a beacon of simplicity, mindfulness, and soulful living. Her story is a testament to the power of slowing down, seeing magic in the mundane, and embracing life with trust and joy. 

Now living in Jamaica, as a mother, 2x wife, public educator, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, yogi, and licensed massage therapist she utilizes her unique skills to empower others on their journey so that they don’t burnout AND and are able to navigate the inevitable ups and downs that life will surely bring. 

From a young age, Deanna was driven by a sense of duty and ambition. As the first in her immediate family to graduate from college, she dove into teaching with zeal. By the age of 26, she was a full-time teacher and a mother of two young children, navigating life on autopilot. This phase of her life was marked by unhealed childhood trauma, poor boundaries, and a constant state of stress and busyness.

Her life took a pivotal turn in 2011 when she divorced her husband of 18 years. This new beginning opened her eyes to the possibility of change. She started to realize that life didn't have to be a constant grind and that she could make choices aligned with a more fulfilling way of existing. However, by then, she was on the brink of burnout.

In 2017, Deanna made a significant decision to leave school administration and return to the classroom as a teacher. This move was a part of her journey towards healing and simplicity. She began to let go of material desires, gradually reducing her possessions and focusing on what truly mattered.

By 2018, Deanna's journey took a bold leap when she moved to Jamaica with only two carry-on backpacks and her retirement savings. With no long-term plan, she embarked on a true journey of simple living, rebuilding her life from the ground up with careful intention and consciousness. Her personal version of simple living focuses on returning to basics, being content in each moment, and quelling the desire for more.

Living in Jamaica, says Deanna, has brought its own set of challenges, the most significant of which being the inconsistent availability of running water. This challenge has become one of her greatest teachers, deepening her spiritual practice and teaching her reverence and gratitude for the simple things in life. 

For her, each drop of water is treasured, which reinforces the importance of mindfulness and appreciation for the mundane.

Through her community, Simple, Mindful Living for Wellbeing, Deanna has impacted many lives. Although she may not always see the direct transformation in others, she knows that every spark and resonance from her writing opens doors for potential change. 

Her favorite and easiest way to infuse mindfulness into everyday life is through daily household tasks like laundry and sweeping. These tasks, once resented, have become opportunities for meditation and presence.

Deanna advises those beginning their journey into simplicity and mindfulness to explore their personal why. She suggests starting with small, practical mindfulness practices, such as being fully present during daily routines like showering or brushing teeth. She emphasizes the importance of actual practice over the continuous reading and researching of theories.

Looking ahead, Deanna plans to continue fostering her community through kindness, compassion, and heartfelt interactions. She responds thoughtfully to questions and messages, letting the needs of her community guide her future writing. While she has many ideas for new projects, she cradles them like a newborn butterfly, discerning which to give flight to.

In the spirit of her journey, Deanna is working on an e-book about meditation for those who think they can't meditate, among other ideas that will unfold in their perfect timing. Her journey from a busy educator in California to a mindful, soulful living advocate in Jamaica is a powerful reminder of the beauty and richness that come from embracing simplicity and mindfulness.

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