Mediation is a practice that takes many forms. Over the next few weeks, you will obtain a clear and concise understanding of what meditation is and what it isn’t, as well as ultimate gifts that become available once you commit to regular practice. Discipline and diligence are essential for everyday wellness in today’s complex, fast-paced world!

According to Joel & Michelle Levey, wise elders of the mindfulness movement, there are 5 general categories for meditation:

1. Concentration Meditation: cultivating a focused mind
2. Mindfulness Meditation: cultivating presence of mind
3. Reflective Meditation: cultivating an inquiring mind
4. Creative Meditation: cultivating a transformative mind
5. Heart-Centred Meditation: cultivating a mind of loving-kindness

Each meditation builds on the first two as concentration and mindfulness are the foundation for effective practice. Whether you choose to follow up with reflective, creative, or heart-centred mediations, explore different ones to see which resonates most deeply for you at this particular time in your life. Remember that life is ever-changing. Stay centred in the present moment through concentration and mindfulness, and the gifts will spontaneously present themselves in perfect time!

Ultimately, mindfulness is not about achieving certain goals or expectations, or even maintaining certain preferences in life. Mindfulness is simply a state of spaciousness acquired through observation and open awareness. A commitment to living from a place of peace and equanimity is vital. Then, like a free flowing river, thoughts become the sand and pebbles resting on the riverbed, or large rocks we effortlessly flow over and around. Unobstructed by the perpetual activities of thinking mind, mindfulness liberates us to come home to our own true nature, our authentic self. This is one of the most challenging feats in the human journey.

Mindfulness was easy and natural when we were young. Mindfulness awaits your re-discovery every moment of your life. Sink into mindfulness and all the beauty it offers!

Mindfulness is not an action or something that you do.  It is a way of being.  Mindfulness is fully inhabiting the moment just as it is, without expectations, thoughts, stories or emotional attachment.  When you embrace open awareness, you are instantly liberated. This is the ultimate gift of mindfulness: freedom!  There is really nothing that you need to do.  You simply need to be!

Mindfulness is not just knowing what is happening in the present moment but also knowing there are things that you do not know.  When you hold space for the wisdom of unknowns, evolution, deep healing and transformation can take place.  Open your mind to infinite possibilities.  Enhanced awareness allows you see possibilities that were not visible to you before.

Last weeks post emphasized the importance of heart over mind. To further this concept and cultivate a stronger and deeper connection with heart, we must heed the wisdom of our body.  Our body and its messages are portals to our heart.  Whenever you feel off kilter, gently bring your focus back to the rhythmic sensation of breathing.  Very naturally, you will connect with your inherent ability to be mindful in the moment.

Mindfulness is not just a practice of the mind.  Mindfulness, in the deepest sense, is also a practice of the heart.  Mind and heart are one word in Asian languages.  Allow your heart to arise each moment of the day.  Bring love and compassion to all of your experiences.

Mindfulness is not only holding an open mind but also bringing kindness and compassion to yourself and all of your experiences. As we begin a new year, allow the wisdom of Derek Walcott’s poetry to sink deeply into your being.  Embrace the wisdom of honoring yourself and all of your experiences.  In doing so, 2017 may very well be the best year of your life!

Last weeks tip emphasized the importance of detaching from stories of the mind.  This final post for 2016 supports this with 1300 year old wisdom from Chinese philosopher Huineng who long ago wrote: “When we are free from attachment to all outer objects, the mind will be in peace. Our essence of mind is intrinsically pure, and the reason why we are perturbed is because we allow ourselves to be carried away by the circumstances we are in. He who is able to keep his mind unperturbed, irrespective of circumstances, has attained enlightenment.”

What is enlightenment? To offer a simple metaphor, enlightenment is like the sun.  It is seeing yourself as pure light and positive radiant energy, detached from earth’s shadows.  As we approach 2017, I wish you and your family much light for the new year ahead!

There are many misconceptions about mindfulness.  One of the most common is the false understanding that one will be free of chaos.  The truth is regardless what we do in life, chaos happens.  Chaos is a normal and natural part of the human experience.  With mindfulness however, we consciously choose to stay present in the moment and maintain neutrality.  This requires detachment and not engaging with thoughts, stories or inner dialogue that do not benefit self or others.

For instance, if you find yourself in a challenging environment, you would simply accept the current circumstances as they are and focus on releasing any judgements and negative energy that arises.  In doing so, you can stay grounded and centred in the moment and refine your capacity to float gracefully through the waves of life!

The holiday season is upon us and it’s a great time to consider all the gifts in your life!  This includes not only gifts from others, such as friendship, love and support but also gifts from within yourself.  A natural aptitude for creative problem solving, efficiency or seeing the lighter side of life are just a few examples of gifts within.  On a deeper level, there are also gifts hidden from those experiences and people we may not view as beneficial.  The gifts here are important life lessons, only if we are open to receiving them.

There is an ancient saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”  Life is one big classroom with endless lessons and free gifts to enrich ones’ life.  Become a life-long student and your life will surely mirror these gifts!