During an eight-hour workday we each take about 8,000 breaths. This is great news. We have 8,000 opportunities to touch peace, creativity and productivity.

My 13 year old came home from school one day frustrated. Over the kitchen table he told me of his troubles but I was miles away. My mind raced between thoughts of my three children, husband and career.

I'm glad to share this letter I received from a “Savor  Aficionado” expressing her gratitude for our book.  She reads Savor regularly as a resource and support for her mindful eating and daily meditation practices.       

- Lilian

I’ve been meditating and practicing mindful eating regularly for the last 10-15 years and am still amazed at the power of mindfulness to free me from unhealthy behaviors.

Are you snacking on the run, cramming lunch down during a ten-minute break or mindlessly munching in front of a screen? If so, you’re not alone. Speed eating is all too common in our society. But this habit has many unhealthy side affects: poor digestion, weight gain, discomfort after meals, fatigue.  If practiced over time, speed eating may lead to obesity and a severe disconnection with our food, which affects not only our physical but also our mental and emotion health.

Five reasons to slow down:

Mindful movements offer tremendous benefit to the mind, body and spirit. Breathing consciously through a physical flow, our entire being is present - connected and working in whole, for greater well-being. 

Our global community is stuck in a cycle of unhealthy suffering. We treat our bodies like afterthoughts, and as a result, we are in the midst of a tragic obesity epidemic. It is clear that diets aren’t working, yet we continue to deprive ourselves of food, only to gain more weight. (For statistics on the inefficacy of dieting, watch the Hungry for Less video below.)

Have you been waiting for a little extra motivation to get outside and exercise? Luckily, spring is the season of activity for a cause and there are hundreds of events in the coming months dedicated to supporting nonprofits through gifts of time and physical activity.

When we see a blooming flower, its natural beauty and fragrance never fail to lift our spirit no matter which corner of the globe we are in. Flowers bring us much joy and are a universal expression of love and appreciation for others, both in celebration and memorials. Yet a flower withers shortly after it blooms- a profound reminder of the impermanence of all life. Being with a flower mindfully is a deep meditation.

Photo by Federico Stevani from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Regular physical exercise improves our health more than any other single factor, aside from the decision not to smoke. Exercise also has a profound impact on brain functioning.