Labyrinth

The image above is a finger labyrinth similar to a labyrinth you might find to walk in a cathedral or out in nature.   Using the finger labyrinth is a mindfulness practice you can print out and carry with you.  Simply use your finger to trace the path beginning at the opening at the bottom.  

The labyrinth differs from a maze in that you do not need to figure it out.  Simply by being present to the path you will arrive at the center, the core.  Enhance your mindfulness experience by using conscious breathing, being aware of your breath as it moves in and out.  

The labyrinth can be used over and over as a daily practice or at a time when you feel you need to re-center.  

This and more printable labyrinths can be found at http://www.quietmeadows.org/finger_labrynth.htm

Enough

One way I like to bring myself back to center is to read a page or two in a book that I love and then take something from the reading into a mindfulness moment.  Maybe just a few minutes or longer if that feels good.  The image above is from one of my all time favorite books, Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh.  A friend gave me this book 22 years ago and I have read and re-read it several times.  It nourishes my soul and always provides for some great re-minders.

Breathing Re-minder

Gratefully some part of us continually remembers to breathe.  Yes, sometimes we catch our selves holding our breath and remembering to allow the natural flow is helpful.  You don't need to try and control the breath at all.  No need to make it deeper or different in any way.  Just be present with it. It may be helpful to consciously say to yourself, "I am breathing in.  I am breathing out."  You might use this mantra just as a means of noticing and remembering our natural rhythm as opposed to controlling.  Allow it to bring you present. It amazes me how the simple act of consciously connecting to our breath brings us present. Brings us to understanding. Brings us to peace. Can bring us to relief.

"Being aware of your breath forces you into the present moment - the key to all inner transformation." -Eckhart Tolle

Now Is How

How do I incorporate Now is How into my life?

The answer to any Now is How question is Now is How.

Be present with the situation, event, whatever is going on.  Stop.  Be with it.  Breathe into it.  Accept it as it is.  Be with it on the surface level where all the whirling dervish energy is flying around.  This doesn't mean join it.  Just be with it.  Listen. Observe. Notice.  Don't react.  Respond.  Remember, sometimes response is non-action. 

Sink down into the core of it.  The core where the peace is.  From that place extend love to the part that is whirling.  Be willing to love the part of yourself that is drawn to whirling, is whirling, sometimes whirls, always whirls.  Love this part of yourself unconditionally.  It is a quiet process. Listen.

Breathe.

Release.

Be.

The Next Step

Making plans and organizing your life is great, and remember, when you have your whole day all planned out and then your computer goes down - breathe. Yes, first take a nice deep breath (in and out through your nose) and then start with the next thing in front of you.

Plans are the right brain's way of creating a feeling of security, being in the process is the left brains way of re-minding us to live in the mystery. The cool thing is that within the mystery is the security of knowing that even though I don't know what or how all IS well.

Overcoming Limitations

I’m sitting at a beautiful resort collecting my thoughts for a writing workshop I am attending. I notice fear, anxiety, awe and excitement whirling inside of me. I am thinking I don’t know where to start writing.

The avoidance part of me is looking for other fun things to do INSTEAD of writing. The shaming part of me is telling me all sorts of stories about how I will never finish this project so why start.

I re-mind myself to breathe. I am breathing. Breathing is good. What I would like to be doing is writing. (“That is typically what one does at a writing workshop,” the shaming me adds!)

A friend at the workshop quietly hands me a piece of paper with a writing by Abraham Hicks on it, “all limitations are self-imposed.” Oh yah. I needed that re-minder I think. All those voices are me. I can love them all for the gifts they bring, and remember they are just trying to help.

“I don’t need your help,” I tell shame and avoidance. Thanks for loving me so much you would do anything possible to keep me from pain. I am willing to face the fear, the anxiety and even the pain today. “Are you sure?” They ask. Yes, “I AM.”

…..and I begin writing!