Mindfulness in the midst...

Around this time of year, things start to get hectic. Children and teens are buried under a deluge of homework and extracurricular activities... adults have shifted from their free-spirited summer adventures, back to the discipline of the work-place... and oh yes, the Christmas season is lurking around the corner, with its inevitable financial responsibilities and social commitments. On top of all this, the seasonal change brings an erratic energy with its windy days and crisp nights, and our immune systems are trying their darndest to keep up to shifting weather patterns and sniffle-inducing germs.

Now, more than ever, is when we need to find our little moments of zen. Of course, the question is: when, amidst this craziness, would one have time to find a warm patch of grass, fold into a sukasana pose, and get their "om" on? The reality is, that five or ten minutes may not be easy to come across at all. Most of us, myself included, rush out of bed in the morning, zip around between work and eating and errands all day, and sink gratefully back into bed at the last possible second of the evening. And even if we did find a quick stretch of time, would we really be able to quiet our busy minds enough to reap the full benefits of a meditative session?

So, let's work within our reality. A main part of meditation is becoming aware. Awareness. What does that mean? Taking notice. Of yourself. Of your surroundings.  Of your feelings. Of your body. Of your thoughts. Of your breath. It sounds so simple, but when did we become so busy that we lost the ability to notice our very own self? With this in mind, the first step is just beginning to give a little more attention to what we're up to. While driving to work, notice how you are feeling as you face the day ahead. Take a deep breath, counting to 5 as you breathe in, and to 10 as you breathe out. Maybe try a couple more. As you sip your coffee at a traffic light, notice its temperature, see the cars around you, appreciate the sun rising higher in the sky. Smile as you sing along to the radio. Greet your coworkers cheerfully, and when you ask 'how are you doing?', stop and listen to their answer. During that stressful phone call with a client, think about the words you are choosing to use, and listen to their tone of voice... it can provide many clues into what they really want to get out of the conversation.

Never be resistant to letting peace into your day. Even in the middle of the most hectic of situations, there is always one thing that is safe, constant and controllable, and that is your breath, your actions, and your reactions. Choose thoughtfulness, sincerity and awareness in all you do, and after a few days, you will find that it becomes a habit to react with less anxiety to daily stresses. Until you have the time and mental space to enjoy an uninterrupted, enlightening bout of relaxation and meditation, take mental mini-vacations and create your own calm little pockets of peace.