Emotions are like people.  They like to be acknowledged and accepted without conditions.  If we deny or suppress our emotions, they do not simply disappear.  Instead, they continue to live within us until something triggers their return.

For instance, sadness may spontaneously emerge when a certain song is played on the radio.  Anger may arise when a dramatic scene is played out on television or real life.  Processing emotions as they arise is vital to on-going wellness.  Mindfulness allows us to acknowledge and accept all of our emotions as they happen and choose healthy, adaptive responses.

Emotions are vital.  They can save your life.  Feelings of fear may signal the need to reassess the situation while feelings of sadness may indicate something in your life requires attention.  Mindfulness helps us to see the value of all emotions.

Whether your mind is filled with anxious thoughts or stomach filled with butterflies, mindfulness allows you to detach from your experiences and observe without judgement.  It is in this place of open awareness where stress dissolves and access to inner peace and wisdom becomes available.

Emotions are the essence of being human.  Without emotions, life would be flat.  One might even go as far as to say, “Life would be lifeless!”

Emotions are energy!  When emotions move through us, they motivate us in one way or another.  A person who feels excitement is motivated to take action while a person who feels nothing may be despondent and lethargic.  Some emotions stay with us for long periods while others visit only briefly and sporadically.  Dark emotions such as anger and sadness may stay longer than we like, blocking our ability to live life fully.

When we hide difficult emotions or deny them, they take residence in our body.  In order to free ourselves from sticky emotions, we need to find ways to release them in a healthy manner.  Mindfulness is a highly effective tool for dealing with difficult emotions.  Anxiety, fear, and sadness can get the better of us if we allow.  The next few posts will offer insights and tips for dealing with difficult emotions and processing them in a healthy and mindful manner!

Peace is always available within.  Mindfulness naturally leads us to our inner oasis.  Through meditation, we come to realize this stillness within is always accessible regardless the level of difficulty we face.  When we accept each moment as it is,  we embrace presence on purpose.  We realize that we only have moments to live and it is in these moments that the richness, beauty and magic of life lies.  Take a deep breath and appreciate what is here right now.  Our overall health and aliveness depends on it!

Give yourself permission to slow down in life.  Stop the endless striving and allow yourself to simply be in the present moment.  Practice kindness for yourself regularly with mindful eating, mindful walking and mindful relaxation.  When mindfulness becomes a habit, life is simply more beautiful.

As you notice subtle changes in the world around you and the cycles of life through changing seasons, you develop greater appreciation for everything and everyone.  This includes yourself.  You appreciate your body more, the changing sensations within and the energy it provides you to accomplish what is important to you.  The practice of mindfulness is truly the greatest gift you could ever give yourself!

Simplified living leads to a healthier lifestyle. With increased awareness, what you no longer need or what no longer serves you well naturally falls away.  Unhealthy habits such as overeating or overindulging in external forms of gratification give way to mindful eating and mindful choices.  You catch yourself in the moment and stop before crossing the line.

For example, you catch yourself reaching for a second helping and mindfully resist the temptation.  You mindfully choose only one alcoholic beverage or none, or purchase only what you need and refrain from overspending.  Acknowledging limits while honouring health and wellbeing is truly liberating for the soul!

The practice of mindfulness naturally leads to a more simplified way of living.  When you become aware of your most basic experiences in life such as your breathing, body sensations and flow of thoughts, you naturally become more present in life.  This moment to moment awareness allows you to experience the external world in a refreshing new way, no matter what you are doing.  Whether you are shopping for groceries, preparing a meal or taking a stroll, you may find yourself spontaneously paying more attention and delighted by new discoveries.

For instance, if you are strolling a route you frequently travel , you may notice for the very first time a beautiful tree and it’s magnificent blooms.   You are captivated by the sweet scent wafting through the air and pull a branch towards you to breathe in the heavenly scent.  This simple act is powerfully enlivening as it reminds us that beauty and joy are always present.  We only need to open our minds to experience it.

When trust prevails, surrendering to the flow of life comes naturally.  You appreciate all aspects of your life, see value in adversity, and honour your self and your experiences without conditions.  As Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Full Catastrophe Living states, “Mindfulness is a radical act of love”.  There is an infinite well of love within us.  Why not tap into this free and accessible source that will revitalize you from the core and help transcend limitations beyond your current knowing.  When you are filled with love, love automatically radiates to all those around you.

Mindfulness is a way of being.  Let go of striving and trust yourself, trust others and the world around you.  Trust that what you need will come to you in perfect time and that every experience will lead you to your highest good.

Understand that this type of trust is not the result of positive thinking.  It is an attitude and deeply held belief that one embraces whole-heartedly.  Trusting from the heart ultimately frees you to live life more fully.

Mindfulness is the gateway to your potential.  Having said that, it is important to release any expectations you may have.  Mindfulness is not about achieving specific goals but more about being present with the process.  It is a process of gradual opening and enlightenment, awakening to true self.

Mindfulness is a practice that one cultivates throughout life.  The rewards are deep insights leading to true inner peace and fulfilment.  Those ‘Aha!’ moments are the jewels awaiting your discovery.  Potential and achievements, although not the focus, are the natural by-products and benefits of inner work.