Present Moment
This morning I listened to a short meditation on my Chopra app. It was titled "Observe the Mind." Less than 10 minutes long and a very simple technique. As you inhale, you think "Present Moment." As you exhale, you think "Peace." I have learned to appreciate simplicity. When I got out of bed, I found myself silently using these 2 simple phrases as I brushed my teeth, fixed tea, and dressed for my walk. I walk 20-30 mins every morning and using this technique as I walked drew me to clearer awareness of what I was feeling in my body as well as what I was seeing and hearing. I was immersed and enamored by each moment. 10 or so minutes into my walk, I was fully in the present moment.
Matching the words with the inhale and exhale was more natural when sitting. I chose a different technique when I walked. It was simpler to match the individual words with individual steps.
It went like this:
Left: Present; Right: Moment; Left: Peace
Right: Present; Left: Moment; Right: Peace
And so on...
If my mind wandered to making a to do list, I took a breath or two and began again:
Left: Present; Right: Moment; Left: Peace
Right: Present; Left: Moment; Right: Peace
I found myself smiling at the early morning sun filtering through tree limbs or a squirrel scampering across a lawn. As I approached my apartment, peace, love for life and for the beauty of this world filled my heart and mind with joy and gratitude.
As I invite you to give this a try, I also remind you that doing it for even 4 or 5 breaths is a strong beginning. Release any tendency to do this (or anything) perfectly. Let it be a gentle way to begin your walk. Then immerse yourself in nature and re-visit PresentMoment/Peace when it feels good to you.
May Love, Joy, and Peace bathe your heart & mind today.
Contact me with questions, appointment requests, or whatever is on your mind and heart: [email protected] Please consider joining my online meditation groupπ
