STOP FOR A MINUTE! What are you thinking?

"Stop for a minute and think about what you're saying!" These are words we've all heard growing up and most likely we still hear them occasionally from our partners, friends, siblings (and parents too...still). These words can sound like a broken record, but wait! Stop for a minute and think about what it means. When is the last time you actually stopped to think about what you're saying to the person standing in front of you- or the person on the phone- or the person you're intimate with- or the person you USED to be intimate with? Are you merely reacting or have you put thought into your words enough to let them leave your lips from a place of loving-kindness?

The other day I was having a dispute with my partner. You know the one where words come flying out only to think about it seconds afterwards in complete shock as if to say "Did that really just come out of my mouth?? Who am I? Who is this person that speaks so hastily and hurtfully with such disdain for another living being? I don't think we've met... Oh shit! It's me!" These "indiscretions" as I like to call them could happen with less frequency if we'd only just STOP. Let words flow from love instead of fear and we'll all be in a much better space for it. Wow! Dad was right all along.

Happy Father's Day Dad! Thanks for being awake enough to speak from a place of love to the ones that cross your path.

Find Zen in Everyday

Zen, defined as realizing the present moment, is not something we can only practice in the Zendo (where one sits for meditation). Just as smelling the roses isn't restricted to rose gardens. Zen can be found in the here and now. Find beauty in a smile. Find peace in a brief walk around the office.

Although it is sometimes impossible to get away from our hectic daily schedules, we can create moments of space to breathe and "just be" throughout the day. Try setting an hourly alarm on your computer or wrist watch to remind you to stretch and breathe. Practice being present for an entire phone conversation (like those conference calls for example) or a meeting with your boss; you will feel more alive. Select a daily task you would normally not pay much attention to (like making the kids' lunches in the morning) and be present throughout the task. It may not take up any more of your time, but you will feel so much more joyful for it. Give Zen a try! You and others around you will thank you for it.