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!

Once you have identified your needs, take immediate action.  This is the next critical step.  When you feel out of balance, mindfully shift from your usual reactions to something that you would not normally do.  Make this a priority and beware of old habits of procrastinating and delaying self-care, or downplaying your experience.  Act out of love and compassion in the moment.  This is key to positive change and transformation.  Greater joy and happiness awaits!

It is very important to know your limits and what serves you well. How much of your time and energy can you give at this stage in your life?  Is there a happy medium that can benefit all, without neglecting your own needs?  Perhaps you need to pull back and commit to self-care.  Making time for recovery and rejuvenation is a vital part of healthy balanced living.

Assert yourself and your needs.  Set boundaries for wellness by expressing your needs clearly. You might choose to say “I’ve been feeling very tiredly lately.  I need to spend time practicing self-care.”  In addition, you might want to add more specific details such as, “I can still be available Mondays and Thursdays.”  Be ready to negotiate a win-win outcome.

Boundaries are essential to wellness. Setting limits for balance is essential in life.  Over the next few weeks, there will be tips for identifying, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in order to experience greater joy and vitality in daily life.  Today’s tip involves self-awareness.  Knowing yourself is key!

Ask yourself “What situations deplete my energy?” Your responses may range anywhere from “When I give too much” to “When others or the environment overwhelms me.”.  Take time to reflect deeply and honestly on this question.  It may help to think back to times when you felt confused, lost, anxious, stressed, fearful, unloved or tired. These offer valuable insights into where and when boundaries need to be set.  Common areas that require attention for many include challenging relationships, unrealistic expectations and deadlines.  Assess fluctuations in your level of wellness with each situation.  If you discover there are moments when you feel extremely vulnerable, setting boundaries needs to be a priority.