The idea of being mindful of the things we experience and do is nothing new.  “Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life,” the Roman emperor/philosopher,  Marcus Aurelius, wrote in Meditations (ca. 180 A.D.).  The poet, Theodore Roethke, put it this way, “I wake to sleep and take my waking slow.”

In a world always moving, ever-changing, paying attention to the how, when, what and where of our minds can help us more fully understand the why. If we take time to consciously consider our actions rather than rushing through them to get to the next thing, positive possibilities arise.

Visit Betsy’s this November for your copy of our special newsletter designed to help you discover the benefits of mindful living in your life.  We discuss what mindfulness really means, how to make it a part of your daily life, and what benefits you might expect from your mindfulness practice. We also offer some tips for learning to eat mindfully, a proven advantage for those trying to watch their waistlines.

A big part of mindful living is daily meditation. This doesn’t have to take up a big chunk of your time. It just means we all need some quiet space in every day to connect with ourselves, listening to what our bodies have to say about our state of well-being.

Here are some simple steps to follow, courtesy of Delicious Living, to help you begin a habit of daily quiet time in your hectic life. With the holidays fast upon us, this information couldn’t come at a better time.

How to start a meditation habit.

You’ve thought about meditating, but no way could you sit still or even get your mind to be quiet. Join the club. Everybody’s mind chatters, and who really has hours to meditate? Fortunately, just one or two minutes is all you need, and it’s easier than you think. The bonus? “You’ll probably feel so relaxed and happy that you quickly progress to longer periods,” says Dina Kaplan, founder of The Path, a meditation studio in New York City. “If you do this consistently, you’ll notice real changes in your day.” To get you started, Kaplan offers five simple tips:

1. Set aside two minutes every morning to meditate.
2. Sit in a chair with your back straight, the top of your head aligned with the ceiling and your feet on the floor.
3. Close your eyes. Focus on the sensation of your breath. What does it feel like as it enters your nostrils? Hot? Cold? Tingly?
4. When a thought comes to mind, smile to acknowledge it. Then gently bring your attention back to your breath.
5. After two minutes (or longer), open your eyes, smile and stretch your arms and legs. Congratulations, you’ve just started your day off mindfully.

Namaste,
Ramona

Betsy’s Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider.

How to start a meditation habit, copyrighted 2016 by Karen Asp, Delicious Living. All rights reserved. Used with permission.