There is no doubt that doubt is a normal part of being human.  Doubt is a state of uncertainty that rises and falls with the ebb and flow of life.  When you find yourself in a pool of doubt, there is only one question you need to ask yourself and that is, “What do I fear?”  Afterwards, take yourself out for a nice long walk in a soothing environment.

For example, if you are at a turning point in your life and cannot decide which path to take, you may eventually come to realize a deep seated fear of making mistakes.  Acknowledge the paralyzing effects of fear and call upon your compassionate heart to help you walk through it.  Stay open to what arises within you.  Gentle, loving-kindness is the order of the day.

News and images of catastrophic events flash across the screen.  Footage of people in despair and engaged in rescue efforts flood your awareness.  Our body shakes with the news, as the world shakes.  Our hearts reverberate, echoing the pain of others.

At times like this, it is vital that we strengthen our love and commitment to peace, for ourselves and others.  Focusing on breath, we can say to ourselves with each inhale and exhale:

“May I be” (in breath), “at peace.” (out-breath).  Continue doing this until you feel a sense of calm within.  Then expand your wishes to others by saying:

“May you be” (in breath), “at peace.” (out breath).  When you feel a deeper sense of calm within, expand it even further by adding:

“May our world” (in breath), “be peace.” (out breath).

If you feel compelled to do so, light a candle for those who are suffering.  Send loving energy and allow any rising tears to flow.  Breathe in love.  Breathe out peace … and become peace.

Spend time in nature every day.  Allow yourself to be completely absorbed by your surroundings.  Stand under a tree, next to a creek or a flowering shrub.  Use all of your senses to fully appreciate what is before you.

Notice details you may not have seen before, smell different scents, feel the air against your skin and hear the rustling of leaves from trees high above.  Be delighted by the kiss of a dew drop, the scent of fresh pine, and crackling sounds of pine cones toasting in the afternoon sun. Awaken your senses to the moment and sink into mother nature’s embrace.  Revel in her magical ways!

Today marks the beginning of a fresh new start!  With 200 mental fitness and mindfulness tips published, we consciously turn the corner and step right onto the path of mindful living. Mindful living is the path with heart.  Loving-kindness, compassion and grace are our companions along the way.  Come journey with me, one step at a time, embracing new habits for a simpler and more peaceful way of living.

The more you do it, the easier it gets!  Regular practice is key!  Consciously commit to cultivating mindfulness in your daily life.  This weeks’ tip is to spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breath and grounding yourself in the moment:

Pick one activity you regularly do, such as brushing your teeth, boiling water, or eating a snack.  Take 5 minutes before or after the activity to simply be with yourself.  Focus on your breath and the sensation of air going in and out of your body. Allow any mental chatter to settle naturally.  This is fundamental to grounding yourself in the moment and synchronizing your mind and body.

Breathing is so automatic that we often taken it for granted.  This practice reminds us of the gift of breath and helps us to appreciate our physical body.  Breathe in love and appreciation for the gift of life everyday.

Desires can be a source of tremendous suffering if based solely on having our own way.  Whenever we try to control the moment and resist ‘what is’, we unconsciously create difficulties for ourselves.  Non-acceptance is tension in itself and may lead to an endless loop of wanting and not having.

At times like this, it is helpful to ask yourself: “What is it that I really want?” and “How will I know that I have achieved it?”  It is not necessary to come up with an answer right away but to simply ponder the question and allow it to settle gently in your heart.  During this time, other questions may arise such as “What steps can I take to move toward more peace and harmony in my life right now?” and “Can I be happy right now without this want?”

Asking yourself questions is a powerful tool when practicing mindfulness.  The mere act of inquiry creates space for you to accept the moment as it is, knowing that you do not have to know the answer immediately or even have your desires met right now.  This is the magical moment of transformation, where change is born and tension gives way to inner peace.

Awareness is the gold mine of mindfulness.  Whether struggling with physical or emotional pain, awareness is the place you arrive when you accept the moment exactly as it is.  Without resistance, you release any desire to control the moment and land in grace: a field of compassionate intelligence.

Like a mother who soothes her child, providing compassion, peace and perspective, you too can rest within your heart to find comfort and reassurance for yourself.  Cultivate mindfulness in your heart and nurture the part of you that suffers as if caring for your own child.  Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer another. Compassion has no limits and knows no boundaries.

Mind Master is pleased to present its first full day seminar!

Treat yourself to a day of connecting deeply with your heart:

Organic Living: the Path to Wholeness takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2015   9:00 – 4:00 pm at  Douglas College, David Lam Campus, 1250 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam.  Room #A2050   Cost $95+GST/seminar only or $115 +GST including wholesome organic vegan lunch. (Please specify any dietary needs/allergies with Fay@WiseSistersConsulting.ca)

Wholeness is a state that involves mind, body and spirit, integrating your true self with your most natural ways.  Experience a full day of deep connection with your heart as you are gently guided through soothing and enlightening meditations, meaningful self-exploration exercises and compassionate dialogue with others for healing, personal growth and spiritual advancement.

Discover your unique path to improved balance and vitality when you align your inner and outer worlds with your natural energies. Profound insights await as you adopt a new way of ‘seeing’ life and embrace a new approach to living well.  Greater joy, inner peace and satisfaction are just a few of the many rewards when you step onto the path of Organic Living!

Register on-line, by phone 778-387-0257, or e-mail Fay@WiseSistersConsulting.ca

BONUS! Register before May 2, 2015 and receive a complimentary 60-minute Walk & Talk at no extra cost!  Valid June 7 – July 31, 2015 at Lafarge Lake or Como Lake in Coquitlam, or Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.

Your wise response to challenges may involve action or no action.  Surprisingly, no action can be the most powerful and effective choice in certain situations.  Non-action reflects an open and relaxed state of mind that affirms “Let be”.

When you rest in silence and allow space for inner wisdom to arise, you are in essence, bowing gracefully to the natural course of life.  Without any resistance or struggle, you mindfully choose the path of inner peace.  This transformative process brings endless opportunities for creativity and inspiration, vital parts of the healing process.

Healing happens when you take ownership of current realities.  You may need to check in with yourself repeatedly and ask,”What are the facts?”  “What is the reality of this moment?”  “What do I know for certain?”

Since many of us live our day entirely in thoughts and perceptions, it is common to be out of touch with reality.  When we check in with ourselves, we realize that it is only our experience in the moment that we can be certain of.  For instance, you may answer, “I am alone.  I feel angry.  I feel frustrated.” Acknowledging the reality of the moment opens you to receive insights on current options available.  Choosing the path with heart always leads to the path of healing.

Let go.  Let be.  And be your natural loving self.  Meet each moment with genuine care and compassion.  Take responsibility for yourself and your life.  Face the circumstances of each presenting moment with unconditional acceptance.

Acceptance does not mean passive resignation.  Acceptance means embracing awareness of the big picture.  When you rest in spacious awareness, you can assess the situation objectively and be totally honest with your feelings.  Thus, the wheels are set in motion for personal transformation.  This is the moment where healing takes place.