Experience a greater presence and joy by living in the now moment. Getting rid of day-to-day worries and focusing on the task at hand brings the present moment into focus. Being present in the moment may sound simple, but it takes persistence. If practiced, a sense of well-being and peace can be achieved.
Constantly thinking of past events and about the future robs us of the present experience. It is the present that is our only real experience. The past and future are illusory. The past can seem transitory and the future elusive.
Focusing on the moment brings ordinary daily experiences alive with vivid reality. Sounds, colours and things we normally take for granted take on new meaning. By fixing our attention on the moment, the mind can de-clutter itself and become aware of things we would normally not notice.
The effect is nothing but positive. Removing worries and concerns and being ever present to the moment increases our alertness and brings peace and contentment. By not worrying about the past or the future we are taking a great deal of stress away. This is beneficial for us and enhances our experience of healthy living.
Easier said than done? It can be a challenge to remove thoughts of worry and to control the tendency of our mind to drift to the past or the future. It takes discipline to achieve living in the now. The first step is awareness. We have to learn to be conscious of the mind and what its focus is on. With awareness comes the next step: consciously focusing the mind on the experience known as the ‘present moment’. When the mind strays from the present we can gently steer it back to the present.
Don’t be discouraged. Keep practicing being mindful as part of your daily experience. Notice how the sun reflects off the landscape, listen to the delicate sound a robin makes and give your undivided attention to the task at hand. Enjoying these details of life gives us a sense of the greater presence within us.
Buddhism teaches mindful meditation to centre oneself in the here and now. Being mindful means being aware of our actions, thoughts and environment. In this type of meditation, we are taught to let go of judging our thoughts and to be one with our circumstances. This meditation grounds us in the present and teaches us to enjoy just being.
There are times that we have all experienced mindfulness where we become so focused on the present activity that nothing else wanders in. Living with presence means that each day we commit ourselves to being present in the moment and letting our worries melt away. With each day that we practice living in the moment comes less stress, greater peace and realizing the joy of living. Through our grace we come to the understanding that each moment is precious and should be experienced to its fullest.
Being present does not mean that you can never visit the past or look to the future. However, when you do access the past or the future, do so with complete awareness. We often look to the future by imagining what the future may hold. Imagination is a great gift that we all possess. Through our imagination we can direct our creative energies. When we use our imagination we should do so with conscious awareness. When we fix our imagination on the areas that we wish to enhance in our life we can bring into existence positive experiences and conscious creation.
We should also access the past with care and conscious awareness. The past is a source of memories both positive and negative. We should use the past as a means of learning, healing and with our imagination to direct positive experiences for the present. If we can look at the past and future without attachment to the result, we will be more grounded in the present.
The present is our only real experience. Live with presence and truly participate in this beautiful dance called life!
“I have arrived, I am home,
In the here, and in the now.
I am solid, I am free,
In the ultimate I dwell.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Namaskar
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Plain of Six Glaciers
There are certain places that we have all experienced which provide us with a glimpse of a deeper connection to a greater whole. Some places by their nature can have this effect on us. It might be the energy of the place that gives us a sense of connection to the environment and to our inner self.
We would like to share some places which are special to us. We plan to regularly post some special places that we have found. We hope that you would share some of your stories about places that are special to you.
The Plain of Six Glaciers located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is a beautiful place in the incredible Canadian rocky mountains. To access the Plain of Six Glaciers a hiking trail rises from the tranquil sapphire waters of Lake Louise up towards a teahouse with a stunning rocky mountain view. We have always loved this area; the combination of alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and sub-alpine forests provide a symphony for the senses.
The high mountains of the continental divide provide an astounding backdrop. A stark contrast of craggy rock, glacier ice and blue skies provide stunning beauty. There is a particular sense of permanence and a peaceful serene silence in these mountains. The mountains are overpowering in their presence and loom overhead reminding of their everlasting nature. There is something about this area that is rejuvenating giving a feeling of strong positive energy.
Venturing beyond the teahouse, Mount Lefroy, Victoria and the Mitre dominate the skyline. You instantly get the feeling that these glacier-clad mountains in their looming silence are communicating their permanence. Although we know that landscapes are ever changing these silent beauties provide peace, which invites contemplation. There is a feeling that by enjoying this alpine panorama that we too are part of this peaceful beauty.
“The birds have vanished down the sky. Now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains.”
Li Po
Beautiful Lake Louise looking towards Mt Victoria
Looking towards the Plain of Six Glaciers from the top of St Piran
Namaskar
We would like to share some places which are special to us. We plan to regularly post some special places that we have found. We hope that you would share some of your stories about places that are special to you.
The Plain of Six Glaciers located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is a beautiful place in the incredible Canadian rocky mountains. To access the Plain of Six Glaciers a hiking trail rises from the tranquil sapphire waters of Lake Louise up towards a teahouse with a stunning rocky mountain view. We have always loved this area; the combination of alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and sub-alpine forests provide a symphony for the senses.
The high mountains of the continental divide provide an astounding backdrop. A stark contrast of craggy rock, glacier ice and blue skies provide stunning beauty. There is a particular sense of permanence and a peaceful serene silence in these mountains. The mountains are overpowering in their presence and loom overhead reminding of their everlasting nature. There is something about this area that is rejuvenating giving a feeling of strong positive energy.
Venturing beyond the teahouse, Mount Lefroy, Victoria and the Mitre dominate the skyline. You instantly get the feeling that these glacier-clad mountains in their looming silence are communicating their permanence. Although we know that landscapes are ever changing these silent beauties provide peace, which invites contemplation. There is a feeling that by enjoying this alpine panorama that we too are part of this peaceful beauty.
“The birds have vanished down the sky. Now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains.”
Li Po
Beautiful Lake Louise looking towards Mt Victoria
Looking towards the Plain of Six Glaciers from the top of St Piran
Namaskar
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Living a simpler life.
Today it seems that people are increasingly caught up in the complexities of life. Many people describe feeling overwhelmed, stressed, out of control, not able to catch up and unable to get everything done. This is a society of multi-tasking. We put a high value on work and less value on taking care of ourselves or spending time where it really matters.
Happiness can seem elusive. Cell phones, computers, email, work and mass consumerism can absorb our lives leaving, little time for anything else.
We all want to live a simpler life and to be happy. Sounds like an unreachable ideal but can this be achieved? One thing that we have to realize is that we all have a part to play in creating the crazy busy society that we live in. Is there a way that we can slow down the pace and create a life where we do not feel rushed and overwhelmed? After all, we should be enjoying the splendor around us!
Living a simpler life is questioning whether we need to be living our lives at such a frantic pace. We have to stand back and look at ourselves from the perspective of an observer. From this vantage point we can see ourselves in a new light and start to question what is necessary. Here are some ideas on how to live simpler:
• Slow down
We need to find time for ourselves each day. By living each day at a fast and busy pace we can lose sight of the things that are really important. We can be left with a feeling that life is passing us by.
Finding time to be alone with our thoughts without any distractions helps us to focus on what is important in our lives. Slowing down helps us to enjoy the little things in life that we would normally take for granted. Going for a walk, meditating or even reading a book can help us to slow down and enjoy the moment.
• Cut out the clutter
We have so much clutter. Clutter in our homes, clutter in our minds, clutter in our relationships and clutter in our multi-tasking. Cutting out clutter will simplify our lives and help us to see what is really important. Releasing our attachment to things is not only freeing, but it can also promote emotional healing.
De clutter your living space. This will help you discover what you really need in your life. It is quite amazing at how much excess stuff we can accumulate and think that we cannot live without. Room by room assess all of your stuff and make the following piles: What you want to keep, what you can toss out, what you can recycle, donate, give away or sell. You will find that this activity will give you a sense of freedom and be cathartic in its effect.
De clutter your mind. Learn to focus your attention on one thought at a time. Meditating can be effective at helping to focus the mind on the moment and leave the busy thoughts behind.
• Do one thing at a time
Stop multi-tasking and complete one activity before you start another. Driving and talking on the cell phone may seem like a good way of getting needed phone calls done. However, it takes away from the task at hand driving which needs our complete attention.
By focusing our energy on one task at a time, we can accomplish more. When we put our energy to one thing that activity gets all our attention and we will become more effective at getting it done without the added distraction of a second activity.
• Rejuvenate
Take part in an activity that leaves all the day’s busy events behind you. Maybe running helps you unwind, or it could be knitting, reading or meditation. When we focus on one activity to rejuvenate us that helps us to slow down and cut down on stress.
• Live in the moment
Don’t worry about the past or the future so much. Try to live in the present moment and enjoy each moment for what it is. Being centered in the present increases our alertness and gives us an appreciation for the grace of living.
Living simpler should be more than just a goal, but something to live by everyday.
Namaskar
Happiness can seem elusive. Cell phones, computers, email, work and mass consumerism can absorb our lives leaving, little time for anything else.
We all want to live a simpler life and to be happy. Sounds like an unreachable ideal but can this be achieved? One thing that we have to realize is that we all have a part to play in creating the crazy busy society that we live in. Is there a way that we can slow down the pace and create a life where we do not feel rushed and overwhelmed? After all, we should be enjoying the splendor around us!
Living a simpler life is questioning whether we need to be living our lives at such a frantic pace. We have to stand back and look at ourselves from the perspective of an observer. From this vantage point we can see ourselves in a new light and start to question what is necessary. Here are some ideas on how to live simpler:
• Slow down
We need to find time for ourselves each day. By living each day at a fast and busy pace we can lose sight of the things that are really important. We can be left with a feeling that life is passing us by.
Finding time to be alone with our thoughts without any distractions helps us to focus on what is important in our lives. Slowing down helps us to enjoy the little things in life that we would normally take for granted. Going for a walk, meditating or even reading a book can help us to slow down and enjoy the moment.
• Cut out the clutter
We have so much clutter. Clutter in our homes, clutter in our minds, clutter in our relationships and clutter in our multi-tasking. Cutting out clutter will simplify our lives and help us to see what is really important. Releasing our attachment to things is not only freeing, but it can also promote emotional healing.
De clutter your living space. This will help you discover what you really need in your life. It is quite amazing at how much excess stuff we can accumulate and think that we cannot live without. Room by room assess all of your stuff and make the following piles: What you want to keep, what you can toss out, what you can recycle, donate, give away or sell. You will find that this activity will give you a sense of freedom and be cathartic in its effect.
De clutter your mind. Learn to focus your attention on one thought at a time. Meditating can be effective at helping to focus the mind on the moment and leave the busy thoughts behind.
• Do one thing at a time
Stop multi-tasking and complete one activity before you start another. Driving and talking on the cell phone may seem like a good way of getting needed phone calls done. However, it takes away from the task at hand driving which needs our complete attention.
By focusing our energy on one task at a time, we can accomplish more. When we put our energy to one thing that activity gets all our attention and we will become more effective at getting it done without the added distraction of a second activity.
• Rejuvenate
Take part in an activity that leaves all the day’s busy events behind you. Maybe running helps you unwind, or it could be knitting, reading or meditation. When we focus on one activity to rejuvenate us that helps us to slow down and cut down on stress.
• Live in the moment
Don’t worry about the past or the future so much. Try to live in the present moment and enjoy each moment for what it is. Being centered in the present increases our alertness and gives us an appreciation for the grace of living.
Living simpler should be more than just a goal, but something to live by everyday.
Namaskar
Sunday, January 6, 2008
More on travelling…
What is it about travelling that can be so uplifting?
Are journeys just about the place visited or are they more than that? The effect on the traveller can be profound. It opens the door to new experiences through the art of discovery. Travelling helps us to get in touch with our inner self and gives us different perspectives.
When we think of travelling we usually visualize going to far away exotic locales. However, travelling could be as simple as going to a different restaurant on the other side of town. Arguably, even the Internet could be used as a means of travelling. Wherever the destination may be, the idea is to experience new things with an open mind and to develop a fresh perspective. If we are open to new experiences and seeing things from new perspectives this will help us in developing our own inner peace.
When we explore the world, we are also exploring our inner self. When we see things from a new view point we are also looking at ourselves in a whole new light. We discover something about ourselves, possibly our connection to the place experienced.
One thing for sure, travelling can bring us together and help erase differences. If we experience different cultures with our mind open to the experience we expand our perspective and hopefully our tolerance. This expansion of our perspectives can lead to an understanding of our inner self and lead to inner peace.
As Mark Twain said,
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
So go and explore this world, welcome differences and celebrate the uniqueness of different places. By so doing you will come to a greater knowledge of yourself and your connection to the world.
Namaskar
Are journeys just about the place visited or are they more than that? The effect on the traveller can be profound. It opens the door to new experiences through the art of discovery. Travelling helps us to get in touch with our inner self and gives us different perspectives.
When we think of travelling we usually visualize going to far away exotic locales. However, travelling could be as simple as going to a different restaurant on the other side of town. Arguably, even the Internet could be used as a means of travelling. Wherever the destination may be, the idea is to experience new things with an open mind and to develop a fresh perspective. If we are open to new experiences and seeing things from new perspectives this will help us in developing our own inner peace.
When we explore the world, we are also exploring our inner self. When we see things from a new view point we are also looking at ourselves in a whole new light. We discover something about ourselves, possibly our connection to the place experienced.
One thing for sure, travelling can bring us together and help erase differences. If we experience different cultures with our mind open to the experience we expand our perspective and hopefully our tolerance. This expansion of our perspectives can lead to an understanding of our inner self and lead to inner peace.
As Mark Twain said,
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
So go and explore this world, welcome differences and celebrate the uniqueness of different places. By so doing you will come to a greater knowledge of yourself and your connection to the world.
Namaskar
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