“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Everyday we have another opportunity to practice being aware. When we find time to be still and become conscious of our breath and how we are feeling, we awaken our senses and begin to heal. Ignoring our body, mind and spirit, we lose sight of our true direction and the connection to our truth. When we are aware and awake, we can see clearly, feel deeply and heal easily.
Practice for five minutes each day. Become Aware of your breath.
The breath and the mind travel together. When the breath gets agitated so does our mind. When we bring attention to our breath and breathe slowly the mind is naturally soothed.
Sit quietly. Sit straight.
Allow your breathing to settle, feel and listen to your breath inhale and exhale.
With each breath out feel your muscles and mind relax. Allow your thoughts to come in and go.
Breathe slowly and evenly, be present with everything.
Practice for five minutes each day. Become aware of your physical body.
The body reflects our physical, emotional and mental states. Joy and peace lighten our step and soften our face, whereas feeling down or depressed, our shoulders and chest collapse and we feel heavy and uncomfortable.
Become aware of your physical body, check how you are standing or sitting. Are you upright and do you have a clear airway for your breath? What are the physical sensations of your body, how do you feel? Try and change these feelings and your posture by changing your breath and your thoughts in that moment.
A thousand miles always begins with one step, one step of desire, awareness and becoming present to the gift of life.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Love this, so perfect and true: “The breath and the mind travel together.” It seems strange that something so simple and natural can have such incredible results, but then again I realize that it wouldn’t be any other way.
I agree Randall, I think we complicate our disciplines and practices at times, when in fact, it really is as simple as changing our breath each day. Thankyou.
Great advice Karen and I know from experience that it works, so why do I often forget to do it? ❤
Diana xo
I used to forget too Diana until I made it a daily practice and that’s when I started to see great results and changes. 🙂
So lovely Karen. I love Randall’s comment too. 🙂
Thankyou Val. Yes we should realise it can be simple! 🙂
I’m working on it. Not close to 5min but need to start somewhere, right!?
Fantastic! Don’t worry about how long, its great you have started and your writing reflects exactly how present you are. Feeling the raindrops and Sunshine everyday! 🙂
Karen,
Good reminder. Too often we hurry through a hectic day, only to realize that when it is over, time has run out for the truly important.
When the weather is right for outdoor leisure repose, not as often as I should, I sit on my deck with an empty chair. I, then, sit in silence and invite God to sit with me, together enjoying the beauty He has made for me; and thanking Him for the life with which to relish it.
-Alan
Sounds like a beautiful time for reflection on your deck Alan. I hope your spring weather allows for many more. 🙂
Karen I think the universe is trying to tell me something. The last two posts in my inbox were about meditation. So I will start today after my children are at school. I find it hard to quieten this active mind of mine and my father often said I talked even in my sleep in gibberish, but he said I had such an active mind. Thank you for my message today. I am off for my walk and then later I will start this five minute a day meditation.
Yes when we keep getting the same message, it may be time to listen! Five to ten minutes a day isn’t too difficult to achieve and yet, it really makes a big difference in our lives overtime. Enjoy your walk Kath and thankyou for your support 🙂
Third strike of the day Karen when I returned I was looking for my address book and pulled out a dvd of meditation for children. Message for me for sure.
Ha how good is that!? So I think you got the message…..Enjoy some quiet time. 🙂
What a great reminder, Karen. I needed it today. It’s so easy to forget and get caught in the blur of life.
I think we need it more than we realise! I hope you feel more connected and grounded after. Thankyou for stopping by. 🙂
Wow! Staying awake, I love the concept! Myself included tends to block the needs of mind, body and spirit. I need to constantly bring an alarm clock now. 🙂 Thanks for this reminder. 😉
You know it’s not such a bad idea. I have a client who sets his alarm at the same time each day to remind him to be present and breathe. We all get busy and forget, so this is a practical “wakeup call” Thanks Rommel. 🙂
You could also do mindfulness walking (Thats for Miniscule Moments:) and also try to incorporate mindfulness into each task throughout the day 🙂
apologies if my comment sounds ‘know all ish’ its not meant to be:) Its just i find that if i find it hard to settle myself into 5 mins of mindfulness I try to do mindfulness tasks instead, even if it’s just washing my hands under the tap 🙂 thanks for the reminder to practice, I can never be reminded enough 🙂
These small acts of mindfulness are great to practice and take us out of our minds. When I make an effort to connect to my breath or a walk like you suggest it does clear the busyness and allow clarity and stillness in. Thanks for your comment and suggestions.
<3<3<3 Your blog:-D
Thankyou Isabella, lovely to have you here! 🙂
Thank you:-)<3