Thich Nhat Hanh says the way to lessen our fear is to wrap it tightly in compassionate arms and squeeze. But before we can embrace our fear, we have to meet it. Yes - consciously call our fear up from the depths of hiding, to say hello.

Fear often comes with companions; anxiety, resistance, excuses. That’s ok. We can accept them too.

In SAVOR, we discuss the notions of self and other that mislead our understanding of the true nature of reality.

I offer you this blog as a place to begin if you are new to mindfulness, and a place to return if you are a meditator who has fallen out of practice. We all face hardships that sometimes block us from our internal light. Please use this post to touch base with yourself and begin afresh. In this moment, you have everything necessary to live fully and truly.

Do you find yourself stuck somewhere between making healthful New Year's intentions and implementing them? Mindfulness practice can help bridge this gap. When we are aware, we can change long-ingrained patterns without condemning or depriving ourselves.

Suffering is universal, and if we really think about it, we all know what makes us suffer. Often we are stuck to it, and we feel that we have no power—no courage—to cut off from the roots of our suffering.

But we can cultivate the spiritual power to transform our cravings, our anger, our frustration, our suffering and our despair!  We can transform all of our afflictions, because like everything else in the universe, they are impermanent.

When we are able to cut off from suffering, we become free people.  In this freedom, we find happiness.

 The past is gone. 

The future is not yet here. 

Life can only be found in the present moment.

Mindful breathing, in and out, can bring you back to the present moment instantly.

Meditation by Laura Smeaton 
Photo by Tracy Powell
 

For me, bicycling is a mindfulness exercise. 

When I’m bicycling – whether commuting, running errands, training for fitness, or just riding to meet friends --all I’m doing is bicycling.  No chatting on the phone, watching TV/videos in the background, or listening to music… just bicycling. 

My senses are honed and focused --- looking and listening for obstacles to avoid.