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

This is one of the most helpful and most difficult things I have ever learned.  It is incredible how powerful it is.  It isn't in our nature to lean towards discomfort of any kind.  What I have learned is that it is the quickest route through the pain.

Everything Is Going To BE Ok

What if everything is going to be ok?

Hasn't everything worked out so far?  Hasn't it all been ok?  "No!" You say.  I had this horrible thing happen and this other terrible thing.  Yes, we have had challenges, difficulties.

When I asked myself this same question a number of hardships came to mind.  Yes, I have lost money. I have lost cars.  I have lost  my home more than once.  I have lost friends.  I have lost family.  I have lost face.  I have lost my temper.  I think I have even come close to losing my mind.  And yet, as I sit her right now, everything is ok.

What if we knew everything is going to be ok as it is happening?  I think it is worth re-minding ourselves.  As I have worked at this it goes something like this.  The phone call comes and I go into panic.  The thing I have feared starts happening. I read the email and I start to worry.  He/she says this or that and I feel anger rising.  I begin to remind myself.  "Everything is going to be ok."  More and more I re-mind myself  more quickly.  "Oh yah.  NOW I re-memeber.  It IS
all ok."

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.