The Art of Arriving

Each day I become a little more aware of a simple fact – Peace is directly related to our ability to be present and participate fully in our current moment experience.  Full engagement with life happens when we stop telling stories of what was, what should have been, what may be, and what we hope for.  A mindful life is a life fully lived.  When we are lost in thought, we are not fully engaged with life. 

Notice:  Where do you go when you have drifted away from Now. Depression thoughts are often rooted in the past and give birth to feelings of hopelessness.  Depression tells a story of being stuck, heavy, and without purpose.  Anxious thoughts are often rooted in fear.  Anxiety tells a story of perfectionism, not-enoughness, and I must do more.  When you take a moment to be with your thoughts, notice where it is that you go.  What are your habitual stories? What are the sticky thoughts that stop you from arriving in the current moment?

Art of Arriving: Once you have identified your habitual patterns of thought and begun the practice of noticing – the next step is to practice letting go into this very moment. When you feel anxious or depressed, sit for a moment and ask yourself “where do I feel this in my body?” Scan your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes – when you arrive at a feeling, label it. Shakey, tight, numb, hot … you choose the word. And then focus on that area of your body as you breathe.

• Let your inhales be deep.
• Let your exhales be slow.
• Let each exhale be a wave of Peace washing over your body.
• Feel yourself soften and relax as you feel safe and at home in your body.
• Practice. Practice. Practice. As often as necessary, practice.