DAILY OM MEDITATIONS

Gift of Winter

There is a quiet humility about the earth in the winter months, as animals and people retreat inside

to do their deep work.

In fall, the earth begins the process of releasing all the things she has been holding onto
throughout spring and summer, and by midwinter she has let everything go. She sits clean and
undecorated in her simplicity, free of the frenzy of life that defines her in the warmer seasons.
There is a quiet humility about the earth in the winter months, as animals and people retreat
inside to escape the wet and sometimes freezing cold that takes hold. Inside our homes we create
abundance and warmth in response to being effectively kicked indoors by the dark and cold that
permeate the outdoors.

We burn fires in fireplaces and make heavy, hot foods to keep our bodies warm and insulated. We
may find ourselves sleeping longer hours and yearning for downtime, just like the animals deep
inside their caves and warrens taking a winter-long nap. Even if we live in a warmer climate, the
longer nights and shorter days have the same effect on our cycles. If we surrender to this time as
nature intended, we allow ourselves to slow down, sleep more, and lower the volumes on our
busy minds. At the same time, we crave company in our dwellings, and the insulated warmth of
the hearth tends to bring people together, creating more warmth and fostering connections that
last through the coming year.

We laugh, eat, and talk, sleep, or catch up on reading, while outside our windows the earth grows
dark earlier and stays cold longer, accepting as always of the process of change and her place
within it. We might remember to learn from her as she so gracefully surrenders to the emptiness
that precedes all form, the peace that precedes activity, the darkness that precedes the light. For
everything she gives and teaches, we might offer a blessing, extending a goodly portion of the
gratitude of this season her way, holding her in our hearts and thanking her for our very lives.

Allowing Ourselves to Receive

By allowing ourselves to receive, we are given the gift of seeing through another person's eyes.

Giving and receiving are part of the same cycle, and we each give and receive in our own ways.
But we can lose our balance when we try to be too controlling on either side of the cycle. On the
receiving end, we may feel that we don't deserve the effort made if what we gave was easy for us
to give. But perhaps there is a different lesson there for us. We may be receiving not only
gratitude, but a chance to see the world through the eyes of another. We may be learning that just
because we gave easily, it doesn't diminish its value. Or perhaps the universe is giving us an
example to hold close to our hearts, to encourage us on some future day when our own generous
act of giving is not met with a visible act of receiving. When we can allow ourselves to receive as
well as give, we do our part to keep the channels of abundance open for ourselves and others.
Sometimes we may find ourselves struggling to respond to others' gifts in the same ways -- like
responding to an expensive present with something equally expensive, or feeling like we have to
throw a dinner party for someone who has thrown one for us. But when these are done out of a
sense of obligation, their energy changes from something that shares to something that drains. If
this sounds familiar, we can decide next time to allow ourselves to receive with arms, minds and
hearts open and simply say thank you.

Accepting a person's gift is a gift in itself. Sincere appreciation for their acknowledgment and
their effort joins our energy with theirs in the cycle of giving and receiving, and nurtures all
involved. If ever we find we are still having difficulty, we can decide to allow ourselves to be
conduits for gratitude and accept on behalf of a loving, giving universe.

Following Nature's Cycles

We cannot have harmony and balance in our lives if we forget to include the earth and natural

rhythms in our lives.

Nature, in all its myriad forms, is the most powerful force on earth. Although mankind has tried,
we have not found a way to match its awesome power, but we have found ways to work with it.
Science often confirms the wisdom of the ancients who observed and then harnessed nature's
rhythms and cycles to shape and enhance their lives. We can begin to do this in our own lives by
first paying attention to our own natural rhythms, such as when we wake or when we feel the
need to sleep. If possible, we may want to try to rise and sleep with the sun or live without
electricity for a weekend and then monitor how we feel. We can make the choice to eat the foods
of the seasons and to seek fresher, locally grown, or organic produce whose own cycles have not
been tampered with by technology.

We can create harmony in our homes by making a smooth transition between our indoor and
outdoor spaces. By bringing some of the outdoors inside and taking some of our indoor décor out,
we can simultaneously enjoy nature and the comforts of home and the feeling that our living
space is expanded. Then, whether inside or out, we can lounge on a comfortable piece of furniture
and feel the wind, inhale the scent of deeply breathing plants, listen for the many songs of life, and
observe the moon and the stars. As we do this more often, we may find ourselves noticing the pull
of the full moon on bodies of water, as well as the water in bodies, or the music of the night acting
as a lullaby.

When we seek balance in our lives, we want to balance not just our roles in life but also the
natural elements in our spaces. Having representations of the elements in the colors, shapes, and
textures of our homes will appeal to our mind, body, and spirit. We may find that when we sync
ourselves with nature's rhythms, we ride the waves of energy to feel more in harmony with life
and the world around us.

Analyzing the Path

When we take the time to recognize when we are happy and what that feels like, it becomes easier
 to recreate.

Those of us on the path of personal and spiritual growth have a tendency to analyze our
unhappiness in order to find the causes and make improvements. But it is just as important, if not
more so, to analyze our happiness. Since we have the ability to rise above and observe our
emotions, we can recognize when we are feeling joyful and content. Then we can harness the
power of the moment by savoring our feelings and taking time to be grateful for them.

Recognition is the first step in creating change, therefore recognizing what it feels like to be
happy is the first step toward sustaining happiness in our lives. We can examine how joy feels in
our bodies and what thoughts run through our minds in times of bliss. Without diminishing its
power, we can retrace our steps to discover what may have put us in this frame of mind, and then
we can take note of the choices we've made while there. We might realize that we are generally
more giving and forgiving when there's a smile on our face, or that we are more likely to laugh off
small annoyances and the actions of others when they don't resonate with our light mood.

Once we know what it feels like and can identify some of the triggers and are aware of our
actions, we can recreate that happiness when we are feeling low. Knowing that like attracts like,
we can pull ourselves out of a blue mood by focusing on joy. We might find that forcing ourselves
to be giving and forgiving, even when it doesn't seem to come naturally, helps us to reconnect
with the joy that usually precedes it. If we can identify a song, a picture, or a pet as a happiness
trigger, we can use them as tools to recapture joy if we are having trouble finding it. By focusing
our energy on analyzing happiness and all that it encompasses, we feed, nurture, and attract more
of it into our lives, eventually making a habit of happiness.

Filling Imaginary Voids

The need to fill an imaginary void by shopping is a symptom of disconnection from our true selves.

In our culture today, we are constantly encouraged to consume. This includes food as well as
purchasing ever newer items that we may not need, often using money that we may not actually
have. It could be that we are trying to fill a void we feel within ourselves, but if we take the time to
examine it, we know deep inside that this is not the solution. We may notice how quickly the joy
fades after our purchase or once the food we've enjoyed is gone, and how soon we feel the urge to
do so again. This is a symptom of disconnection from our true selves, so the first step toward
balance is connection to our center.

When we connect to our center, we access the fullness of who we are as an individual spirit. We
also connect to the energy source of the universe, from which nothing can be lacking. It could be
that we have been energetically starving ourselves but trying to feed the need physically,
outwardly. Once we make the decision to reconnect, we have the ability to examine the behavior
from a higher place within ourselves. We can look, without judgment, at the thoughts and feelings
that occur before and after our indulgences to find a pattern. We may want to keep track of these
observations in a journal so that we can go back if we lose our way.

Often boredom is the main cause for the desire to eat or shop. But when we connect to our center,
our intuition can more clearly guide us to the places where our energy can best be used. We can
replace the boredom with a meditation practice, a class, a project, seeking a new job, or getting
involved in a charity. We may even want to begin planning an adventurous trip. Whatever inspires
us tells us the direction we should go. When we find the place we are meant to be, we become so
consumed by its constant creation that the frivolous filling of an imaginary void becomes a thing
of the past.
Gift of Winter

There is a quiet humility about the earth in the winter months, as animals and people retreat inside

to do their deep work.

In fall, the earth begins the process of releasing all the things she has been holding onto
throughout spring and summer, and by midwinter she has let everything go. She sits clean and
undecorated in her simplicity, free of the frenzy of life that defines her in the warmer seasons.
There is a quiet humility about the earth in the winter months, as animals and people retreat
inside to escape the wet and sometimes freezing cold that takes hold. Inside our homes we create
abundance and warmth in response to being effectively kicked indoors by the dark and cold that
permeate the outdoors.

We burn fires in fireplaces and make heavy, hot foods to keep our bodies warm and insulated. We
may find ourselves sleeping longer hours and yearning for downtime, just like the animals deep
inside their caves and warrens taking a winter-long nap. Even if we live in a warmer climate, the
longer nights and shorter days have the same effect on our cycles. If we surrender to this time as
nature intended, we allow ourselves to slow down, sleep more, and lower the volumes on our
busy minds. At the same time, we crave company in our dwellings, and the insulated warmth of
the hearth tends to bring people together, creating more warmth and fostering connections that
last through the coming year.

We laugh, eat, and talk, sleep, or catch up on reading, while outside our windows the earth grows
dark earlier and stays cold longer, accepting as always of the process of change and her place
within it. We might remember to learn from her as she so gracefully surrenders to the emptiness
that precedes all form, the peace that precedes activity, the darkness that precedes the light. For
everything she gives and teaches, we might offer a blessing, extending a goodly portion of the
gratitude of this season her way, holding her in our hearts and thanking her for our very lives.

Allowing Ourselves to Receive

By allowing ourselves to receive, we are given the gift of seeing through another person's eyes.

Giving and receiving are part of the same cycle, and we each give and receive in our own ways.
But we can lose our balance when we try to be too controlling on either side of the cycle. On the
receiving end, we may feel that we don't deserve the effort made if what we gave was easy for us
to give. But perhaps there is a different lesson there for us. We may be receiving not only
gratitude, but a chance to see the world through the eyes of another. We may be learning that just
because we gave easily, it doesn't diminish its value. Or perhaps the universe is giving us an
example to hold close to our hearts, to encourage us on some future day when our own generous
act of giving is not met with a visible act of receiving. When we can allow ourselves to receive as
well as give, we do our part to keep the channels of abundance open for ourselves and others.

Sometimes we may find ourselves struggling to respond to others' gifts in the same ways -- like
responding to an expensive present with something equally expensive, or feeling like we have to
throw a dinner party for someone who has thrown one for us. But when these are done out of a
sense of obligation, their energy changes from something that shares to something that drains. If
this sounds familiar, we can decide next time to allow ourselves to receive with arms, minds and
hearts open and simply say thank you.

Accepting a person's gift is a gift in itself. Sincere appreciation for their acknowledgment and
their effort joins our energy with theirs in the cycle of giving and receiving, and nurtures all
involved. If ever we find we are still having difficulty, we can decide to allow ourselves to be
conduits for gratitude and accept on behalf of a loving, giving universe.

Sight Versus Vision

Vision comes from within and shows us how to navigate the realms of thought, feeling, and emotion.

Sight is the ability to see the physical world while vision is the gift of seeing beyond it. Sight
enables us to take the physical world in so we can participate in it with knowledge. It brings us
pleasure through our eyes, which perceive the colors and shapes of all the myriad expressions of
nature and human beings. It helps us feel in control, allowing us to see what is coming toward us,
which way we are going, and exactly where we are standing at a given moment. We are able to
read signs and books, navigate the interiors of buildings with ease, sense and perceive how a
person is feeling by the expressions that cross her face.

As anyone who has lost their eyesight can tell you, though, there are things that are clearer when
you cannot see the world through your eyes. One of the reasons many meditation instructors
advise sitting with the eyes closed is because we automatically become more in touch with our
inner world when we are not distracted by the outer world. It is in this state that vision becomes
our mode of seeing. Vision comes from within and shows us how to navigate the realms of
thought, feeling, and emotion. It enables us to see things that aren't yet manifested in the world of
form, and it also connects us to that part of ourselves that exists separately from the world of
form.

As we age, even those of us with perfect eyesight will generally lose some of our acuity, but this
loss is usually replaced with inner vision. This is the time of life when we are meant to turn inside
and take what are sometimes the very first steps of a journey that cannot be traced on a map. We
call upon intuition and feel our way along a path that ultimately carries us beyond the realm we
can see with our eyes and into the land of spirit.

Following Nature's Cycles

We cannot have harmony and balance in our lives if we forget to include the earth and natural

rhythms in our lives.

Nature, in all its myriad forms, is the most powerful force on earth. Although mankind has tried,
we have not found a way to match its awesome power, but we have found ways to work with it.
Science often confirms the wisdom of the ancients who observed and then harnessed nature's
rhythms and cycles to shape and enhance their lives. We can begin to do this in our own lives by
first paying attention to our own natural rhythms, such as when we wake or when we feel the
need to sleep. If possible, we may want to try to rise and sleep with the sun or live without
electricity for a weekend and then monitor how we feel. We can make the choice to eat the foods
of the seasons and to seek fresher, locally grown, or organic produce whose own cycles have not
been tampered with by technology.

We can create harmony in our homes by making a smooth transition between our indoor and
outdoor spaces. By bringing some of the outdoors inside and taking some of our indoor décor out,
we can simultaneously enjoy nature and the comforts of home and the feeling that our living
space is expanded. Then, whether inside or out, we can lounge on a comfortable piece of furniture
and feel the wind, inhale the scent of deeply breathing plants, listen for the many songs of life, and
observe the moon and the stars. As we do this more often, we may find ourselves noticing the pull
of the full moon on bodies of water, as well as the water in bodies, or the music of the night acting
as a lullaby.

When we seek balance in our lives, we want to balance not just our roles in life but also the
natural elements in our spaces. Having representations of the elements in the colors, shapes, and
textures of our homes will appeal to our mind, body, and spirit. We may find that when we sync
ourselves with nature's rhythms, we ride the waves of energy to feel more in harmony with life
and the world around us.

Analyzing the Path

When we take the time to recognize when we are happy and what that feels like, it becomes easier

to recreate.

Those of us on the path of personal and spiritual growth have a tendency to analyze our
unhappiness in order to find the causes and make improvements. But it is just as important, if not
more so, to analyze our happiness. Since we have the ability to rise above and observe our
emotions, we can recognize when we are feeling joyful and content. Then we can harness the
power of the moment by savoring our feelings and taking time to be grateful for them.

Recognition is the first step in creating change, therefore recognizing what it feels like to be
happy is the first step toward sustaining happiness in our lives. We can examine how joy feels in
our bodies and what thoughts run through our minds in times of bliss. Without diminishing its
power, we can retrace our steps to discover what may have put us in this frame of mind, and then
we can take note of the choices we've made while there. We might realize that we are generally
more giving and forgiving when there's a smile on our face, or that we are more likely to laugh off
small annoyances and the actions of others when they don't resonate with our light mood.

Once we know what it feels like and can identify some of the triggers and are aware of our
actions, we can recreate that happiness when we are feeling low. Knowing that like attracts like,
we can pull ourselves out of a blue mood by focusing on joy. We might find that forcing ourselves
to be giving and forgiving, even when it doesn't seem to come naturally, helps us to reconnect
with the joy that usually precedes it. If we can identify a song, a picture, or a pet as a happiness
trigger, we can use them as tools to recapture joy if we are having trouble finding it. By focusing
our energy on analyzing happiness and all that it encompasses, we feed, nurture, and attract more
of it into our lives, eventually making a habit of happiness.

Filling Imaginary Voids

The need to fill an imaginary void by shopping is a symptom of disconnection from our true selves.

In our culture today, we are constantly encouraged to consume. This includes food as well as
purchasing ever newer items that we may not need, often using money that we may not actually
have. It could be that we are trying to fill a void we feel within ourselves, but if we take the time to
examine it, we know deep inside that this is not the solution. We may notice how quickly the joy
fades after our purchase or once the food we've enjoyed is gone, and how soon we feel the urge to
do so again. This is a symptom of disconnection from our true selves, so the first step toward
balance is connection to our center.

When we connect to our center, we access the fullness of who we are as an individual spirit. We
also connect to the energy source of the universe, from which nothing can be lacking. It could be
that we have been energetically starving ourselves but trying to feed the need physically,
outwardly. Once we make the decision to reconnect, we have the ability to examine the behavior
from a higher place within ourselves. We can look, without judgment, at the thoughts and feelings
that occur before and after our indulgences to find a pattern. We may want to keep track of these
observations in a journal so that we can go back if we lose our way.

Often boredom is the main cause for the desire to eat or shop. But when we connect to our center,
our intuition can more clearly guide us to the places where our energy can best be used. We can
replace the boredom with a meditation practice, a class, a project, seeking a new job, or getting
involved in a charity. We may even want to begin planning an adventurous trip. Whatever inspires
us tells us the direction we should go. When we find the place we are meant to be, we become so
consumed by its constant creation that the frivolous filling of an imaginary void becomes a thing
of the past.

Walking through Your Fear

Frequently, in walking through our fear, we discover that the strength of our fright was out of sync

with reality.

The situations, activities, and individuals that frighten us remain static. Their relative intensity
does not change. Fear, on the other hand, self-magnifies. It is when you are afraid and envisioning
all that might go wrong that the energy underlying your fear grows. A tiny flicker of anxiety can
easily develop into a terror that manifests itself physically and eventually paralyzes you into
inaction. Though frequently, in walking through that fear, we discover that the strength of our
fright was out of synch with reality. And we learn that doing what frightens us can lead to great
blessings. Confronting your trepidation head-on will help you accept that few frightening
scenarios will ever live up to the negative disasters that we sometimes play out in our minds.
Though fear is literally an evolutionary gift meant to sharpen your senses and energize you
during times of great stress, it can nonetheless become a barrier that prevents you from fulfilling
your potential by causing you to miss out on rewarding, life-changing experiences. During the
period before you face your fear, you may have to deal with a barrage of negative thoughts and
emotions. Walking through it, whether your fear is public speaking, taking part in an activity that
makes you nervous, or asserting yourself when the odds are against you, may be equally as
difficult. But once you have emerged unscathed on the other side, which you will, you will likely
wonder why you assumed the worst in the first place. As you spend time worrying about what
might happen, it's good to know that your fear probably won't happen at all. It may feel like a
great weight has been lifted from your shoulders, and you will likely feel a sense of passionate
pride. Walking through your fear can mean taking risks and can require both practice and
patience. Since it is challenging to act when you are gripped with fear, start small.

Each step you take into fear will strengthen you and help you confront future fears with poise,
courage, and confidence. You will also find that when you are willing to stare your fear in the face,
the universe will always offer you some form of aid or support. When you see the heights of
accomplishment and personal evolution you can attain when you walk through your fears, your
faith in yourself will grow, allowing your next step to be easier.

Sharing Grief

Grief is part of the human experience, and sharing our vulnerability helps create truly close bonds.

When we experience something that causes us to feel shock and sadness, we may feel the urge to
withdraw from life. It may seem like remaining withdrawn will keep us protected from the world,
but during these times it is important to reach out to those trusted and precious people who care
about us the most. Even with our best information and reasoning, we never know when someone
else's experience or perspective can give us additional information that we need. The universe
speaks to us through many channels, and when we open ourselves up to receive its messages, we
also receive nurturing care from a loving partner in life's journey.

Grief is part of the human experience, and sharing our vulnerability is what creates truly close
bonds in our relationships. Opening ourselves up in this way gets to the core of our being, past all
of our defenses and prejudices. When life seems to crack the outer shell of our world, we are both
raw and fresh at the same time. It is then that we discover who is truly willing to walk with us
through life. We also see that some of those sent to us may not be the ones we expected to see.
Regardless, we learn to trust in the universe, in others, in our own strength and resilience, and in
the wisdom of life itself.

Sharing grief allows us to ease our burden by letting someone else help carry it. This helps us
process our own inner thoughts and feelings through the filter of a trusted and beloved someone.
We may feel guilty or selfish, as if we are unloading on someone who has their own challenges.
Although, if we think about it, we know we would do the same for them, and their protests would
seem pointless. Remember that not sharing feelings with others denies them the opportunity to
feel. We may be the messenger sent by the universe for their benefit, and it is on this mission that
we have been sent. By sharing our hopes and fears, joys and pains with another person, we accept
the universe's gifts of wisdom and loving care.
 The Feeling Underneath

Apologizing chronically can be a sign that you are not feeling that you have much

self worth.

Many people suffer with the tendency to apologize all the time, chronically, for everything. On the one
hand, apologizing is a social convention that keeps interactions between people polite, and in that way
it can be very helpful. On the other hand, if we find ourselves apologizing for everything, it might be
time to look at why we feel compelled to say "I'm sorry" so often. Ultimately, saying you're sorry is
saying that you are responsible for something that has gone wrong in the situation. Whether it's
negotiating a parking spot, moving through the aisles of the supermarket, or reaching for what you
want, there are times when sorry is the right thing to say. But there are other times when "excuse me" is
more accurate.

Sometimes saying you're sorry is like saying that the other person in the equation has more of a right to
be here than you do. Of course, it's true that using the word sorry can simply be an innocuous way of
defusing tension. However, if you find that you say sorry all the time, you might want to look a little
deeper and see where in your psyche that might be coming from. If it's a pattern, breaking it may
simply take some awareness and practice.

The first step is observing yourself each time you say it, without being hard on yourself about it.
Throughout your day simply notice when you apologize. At first, you might be surprised to see that you
do it even more than you first realized. After a day or two of simply observing, try to tune in to what it
is you are feeling right before you say it. You might be feeling threatened, embarrassed, intensely
anxious, or a variety of other feelings. Over time, try to stop yourself before the words come out and
just be with the feeling that's there. You may recognize it as one from your childhood, one that's been
with you for a long time. The more you are able to see it, the freer you will be not to be sorry all the
time.

I am my own best friend

Life tends to expose us to many negative people and influences. We all know people who act like they
have the weight of the world constantly upon them every day. We find them at work, at school, in
grocery store lines, even while we are stopped at a red light. We also are continually exposed to
overwhelming negative stimuli like newspapers, television, the internet, all of which bombard us daily
with all the new ways the world seems to be struggling. Clients, customers, parents and children
complain to us. They grumble and use negative words to express their plights. If we let them drive our
bus, we can become fearful, anxious, and depressed, and these are states which can lead to relapse. We
can also be our own worst enemy by isolating and slipping into loneliness. In the face of all of this
negativity, an excellent way to keep a positive attitude and therefore stay sober and serene is to say
short positive messages to yourself. Dr. Emile Coue’ was a noted physician in the 1920's. He described
how he helped his patients heal themselves from such diseases as rheumatism, tubercular sores,
paralysis, fibrous tumors and ulcers by autosuggestion. He is credited with the phrase, “Day by day, in
every way, I am getting better and better.”
To-do:
I’ve found that I can turn around a negative or nervous thought by repeating the phrase, “I feel
physically good." See if this phrase works for you, or perhaps you can create your own. Just the act of
physically smiling can help you feel better. Smiling also attracts other happy people to you. You can
draw on autosuggestion quickly, and it can change your attitude so that you can feel more relaxed no
matter what bad feeling you are experiencing.

Finding Time for You

We can excel easier in our lives when our own spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs are fulfilled.

Within each of us, there is a well of energy that must be regularly replenished. When we act as if
this well is bottomless, scheduling a long list of activities that fit like puzzle pieces into every
minute of every day, it becomes depleted and we feel exhausted, disconnected, and weak. Refilling
this well is a matter of finding time to focus on, nurture, and care for ourselves, or "you time."
Most of us are, at different times throughout the day, a spouse, a friend, a relative, an employee, a
parent, or a volunteer, which means that down time, however relaxing in nature, is not
necessarily "you time." Though some people will inevitably look upon "you time" as being selfish,
it is actually the polar opposite of selfishness. We can only excel where our outer world affairs are
concerned when our own spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs are fulfilled.

Recognizing the importance of "you time" is far easier than finding a place for it in an active,
multifaceted lifestyle, however. Even if you find a spot for it in your agenda, you may be dismayed
to discover that your thoughts continuously stray into worldly territory. To make the most of "you
time," give yourself enough time on either side of the block of time you plan to spend on yourself
to ensure that you do not feel rushed. Consider how you would like to pass the time, forgetting for
the moment your obligations and embracing the notion of renewal. You may discover that you are
energized by creative pursuits, guided meditation, relaxing activities during which your mind can
wander, or modes of expression such as writing.

Even if you have achieved a functioning work-life balance, you may still be neglecting the most
important part of that equation: you. "You time" prepares you for the next round of daily life,
whether you are poised to immerse yourself in a professional project or chores around the home.
It also affords you a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, your needs, and your tolerances
in a concrete way. As unimportant as "you time" can sometimes seem, it truly is crucial to your
well-being because it ensures that you are never left without the energy to give of yourself.

Learning to Slow Down

When we rush through our days and lives, we fail to notice the simple beauty of

living.

Throughout our lives, we are taught to value speed and getting things done
quickly. We learn that doing is more valuable than merely being, and that making
the most of life is a matter of forging ahead at a hurried pace. Yet as we lurch
forward in search of some elusive sense of fulfillment, we find ourselves feeling
increasingly harried and disconnected. More importantly, we fail to notice the
simple beauty of living. When we learn to slow down, we rediscover the
significance of seemingly inconsequential aspects of life. Mealtimes become
meditative celebrations of nourishment. A job well-done becomes a source of
profound pleasure, no matter what the nature of our labors. In essence, we give
ourselves the gift of time -- time to indulge our curiosity, to enjoy the moment, to
appreciate worldly wonders, to sit and think, to connect with others, and to
explore our inner landscapes more fully.

A life savored slowly need not be passive, inefficient, or slothful. Conducting

ourselves at a slower pace enables us to be selective in how we spend our time
and to fully appreciate each passing moment. Slowness can even be a boon in
situations that seem to demand haste. When we pace ourselves for even a few
moments as we address urgent matters, we can center ourselves before moving
ahead with our plans. Embracing simplicity allows us to gradually purge from
our lives those commitments and activities that do not benefit us in some way.
The extra time we consequently gain can seem like vast, empty stretches of
wasted potential. But as we learn to slow down, we soon realize that eliminating
unnecessary rapidity from our experiences allows us to fill that time in a
constructive, fulfilling, and agreeable way. We can relish our morning rituals,
linger over quality time with loved ones, immerse ourselves wholeheartedly in
our work, and take advantage of opportunities to nurture ourselves every single
day.

You may find it challenging to avoid giving in to the temptation to rush,

particularly if you have acclimated to a world of split-second communication, cell
phones, email and overflowing agendas. Yet the sense of continuous
accomplishment you lose when you slow down will quickly be replaced by
feelings of magnificent contentment. Your relaxed tempo will open your mind and
heart to deeper levels of awareness that help you discover the true gloriousness
of being alive.

Taming Monkey Mind in Meditation

We all have the endless chattering and noise in our head often referred to as the monkey mind.

It's been called the monkey mind—the endless chattering in your head as you jump in your mind
from thought to thought while you daydream, analyze your relationships, or worry over the
future. Eventually, you start to feel like your thoughts are spinning in circles and you're left totally
confused.
One way to tame this wild creature in your head is through meditation—although the paradox is
that when you clear your mind for meditation you actually invite the monkey in your mind to play.
This is when you are given the opportunity to tame this mental beast by moving beyond thought
-- to become aware of a thought rather than thinking a thought. The difference is subtle, but
significant. When you are aware of your thoughts, you can let your thoughts rise and float away
without letting them pull you in different directions. Being able to concentrate is one of the tools
that allows you to slow down your thought process and focus on observing your thoughts.

To develop your concentration, you may want to start by focusing on the breath while you
meditate. Whenever your monkey mind starts acting up, observe your thoughts and then return
your focus to your breath. Some breathing meditations call on you to focus on the rise and fall of
the breath through the abdomen, while others have you concentrate on the sound of the breath.
Fire can also be mesmerizing, and focusing on a candle flame is another useful tool for harnessing
the mind. Keep the gaze soft and unfocused while observing the color, shape, and movement of
the flame, and try not to blink. Close your eyes when you feel the need and continue watching the
flame in your head. Chanting, devotional singing, and mantras also still the mind. However you
choose to tame the monkey mind, do so with firm kindness. The next time the chattering arises,
notice it and then allow it to go away. With practice, your monkey mind will become quiet and so
will you.

Learning To Follow

When we approach children with the awareness that they can teach us, we automatically become

more present ourselves.

As grown-ups, we often approach children with ideas about what we can teach them about this
life to which they have so recently arrived. It's true that we have important information to convey,
but children are here to teach us just as much as we are here to teach them. They are so new to
the world and far less burdened with preconceived notions about the people, situations, and
objects they encounter. They do not avoid people on the basis of appearance, nor do they regard
shoes as having only one function. They can be fascinated for half an hour with a pot and a lid,
and they are utterly unself-conscious in their emotional expressions. They live their lives fully
immersed in the present moment, seeing everything with the open-mindedness born of
unknowing. This enables them to inhabit a state of spontaneity, curiosity, and pure excitement
about the world that we, as adults, have a hard time accessing. Yet almost every spiritual path
calls us to rediscover this way of seeing. In this sense, children are truly our gurus.

When we approach children with the awareness that they are our teachers, we automatically
become more present ourselves. We have to be more present when we follow, looking and
listening, responding to their lead. We don't lapse so easily into the role of the director of
activities, surrendering instead to having no agenda at all. As we allow our children to determine
the flow of play, they pull us deeper into the mystery of the present moment. In this magical place,
we become innocent again, not knowing what will happen next and remembering how to let go
and flow.

Since we must also embody the role of loving guide to our children, they teach us how to
transition gracefully from following to leading and back again. In doing so, we learn to dance with
our children in the present moment, shifting and adjusting as we direct the flow from pretending
to be kittens wearing shoes on our heads to making sure everyone is fed and bathed.