New Year Mindfulness

As we leave 2015 behind and enter 2016, many people will be creating New Year's Resolutions, things they intend to accomplish within the next year.  I am not against setting intentionsor starting new projects, but I'm not writing another blog about resolutions either.

So much of our time is spent dwelling in the past, or worrying about/planning for the future.  Why not take some time to be mindful, and just "be here now"?  Unsure how to even start living in the present moment?  Here are a few ideas to get you started.  

1. Put your phone/ipad/laptop down! How can you be in the present moment if you are busy becoming of one mind with an electronic device?

2. Find a quiet space and close your eyes. Listen to the sound of your breath, try to feel the thumping of your beating heart.

3. Try some yogic breath work (pranayama). My students are exposed to this during each and every class and their current favorite for stress relief is alternate nostril breath. I'm including a video link to the right.

4. Take a walk in nature. Smell the smells outside, listen to the sound of the wind blowing or the stream moving. Feel the fresh air on your face.

5. Quietly enjoy a cup of hot tea. Don't do anything but experience the smells, taste, and temperature of the tea.

6. Warm up with a quiet, hot bath or spend some time in front of a cozy fire.

7. Join a meditation group.

Now I will head out to gather food to mindfully prepare dinner.  How can you fit a little more mindfulness into your life?  How can you "be here now"?

Namaste - Beth