The Present Moment

Here it is, the present moment. What are you doing with it? Are you experiencing it fully? When you take a breath are you aware of it as it enters and fills your body and then begins it's journey back into the ether? With the economy in the toilet and the holidays upon us, I wonder how many of you are living in a future moment, robbing yourself of the one you are in? Perhaps the current moment is uncomfortable and you are trying to avoid it. If this moment is the only one you can truly be in what is stopping you from experiencing it?

Whatever it is that takes you out of the present, you already have the tools you need to come back to this moment, you only have to activate them. The key lies in the union of body, mind, and spirit; yoga.

You don't have to be an athlete or a gymnast to practice yoga, in fact you don't even have to have taken a class. All you need is the ability to focus your mind on the actions of your physical body, it can be as simple as observing your breath. You can try it right now if you like:

Become an observer, watch how you breathe without changing anything. How is the air coming into your body? Through the nose...mouth...both?

When you know how the air is coming in, follow where it goes. Are you breathing using your whole body so the breath seems to go all the way to the belly? Or are you breathing more subtly with barely any noticeable movement?

When you have that awareness notice how often you take a breath. Is there a steady pattern to your breath or is it more free form? (Continue observing for several breaths.)

Now that you have that awareness, experiment with deepening the breath inhaling and exhaling through the nose. Perhaps inhaling for the count of 3, exhaling for the count of 3. Become comfortable with this pattern, inhaling 1...2...3... exhaling 1...2...3...

Now with this steady breath try closing your eyes and continuing this breathing count for a few moments. Returning to your natural breath after a few cycles of this even breath or when you feel complete.

Sit for a moment and observe body, mind, and spirit opening your eyes when you are ready. Allow your senses to bring you back to the room, continuing to be an observer. Noticing the world around you through sight, sound, smell, sensation, etc.

Watch how you feel, not just physically, but mentally, and emotionally as well. Hopefully, you find yourself breathing easier, more relaxed, more aware.

As you move through the day, take with you the knowledge that you have the tools at your disposal to be peaceful and present for whatever moment life brings you.

Namaste.