I used to be scared of meditating. What if I tried it and nothing happened? Then I’d feel like a spiritual failure. But then, I learned that meditating is as natural as breathing. That’s why I meditate now. And life is better for it.

Now, I breathe. When I’m in the grip of overthinking, I breathe to help myself. Paralyzing pressure fades away as I stop and focus with awareness on my breathing. Breathe, just breathe. In and out. As human beings, our bodies are gloriously wired to breathe and transport us to emotionally safer ground.

Of course, meditating can get much more intense, complex and focused. That kind of meditation is beyond me. And that’s okay because the benefits for a beginner like me are already profound.

Once I calm down, there’s room for clarity. Sometimes, seemingly random ideas pop into my head. Out of nowhere, I might hit on a solution to a problem. Or I might see a situation through fresh eyes. Usually, I just feel more centered, which is amazing enough.

I learned about mindful breathing from the famous Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. In an earlier blog post, I explained that this breathing technique helps me cope with the daily horror show coming out of the White House. This mindful practice also pulled me through last year’s nightmarish relationship breakup.

Breath by breath, I’m transitioning to exciting journeys, which I hope to share about soon.   :)

Let’s meditate now!

To meditate now, right this second, here’s a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh’s wonderful little classic book, “True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart.” 

Is that a gorgeous quote, or what? A while back, I posted it on my Instagram and my followers swarmed to the message. That’s why I decided to also share it in this space. May we feel the calm potential that comes from truly breathing. May it bless on this blog.

So I’d like to invite you to hit the “pause” or “reset” button.

Instead of rushing off to The Next Thing In My Busy Day, breathe. Allow a fresh cycle of air to fill your lungs. Then, slowly let it out. Do it a few times. Your entire being pulses with each breath. Enjoy the zone of “meditate now.”

Getting quiet takes us deep. We can makes space for people, places and things that really matter.

So….what’s coming up for you? If jotting down your thoughts would help, feel free to comment. This blog breathes with you now, as you meditate now. xo