3 Breaths: October 25 - 31

Sometimes life gets overwhelmingly busy and the best of our healthy routines fall to the wayside. I'm in that spot right now. The good news is that mindfulness teaches me to not to fake it, not to go on a guilt trip, and not to pretend it is not happening. It invites me to be open to life just as it is and to explore the most compassionate and wisest way to deal with it moment by moment. So that is what I'm doing.

I wish I had 20 minutes to sit in silence, which is my regular daily practice but chunks of uninterrupted time are not available right now. Instead, I sit in stillness for a minute or maybe three. That's enough to see me through.

Since COVID, I routinely attend 3 different weekly online meditation groups. These are my weekly refuges where I connect with the most amazing and loving people. Lately, my schedule isn't predictable. I might pop in for part of a zoom meeting but miss most of the meditation and sharing. Part of me is disappointed but the bigger part of me still finds strength even when I can't fully show up, just knowing people still care about me and miss me.

Typically, I read books on spiritual growth, sign up for some sort of program to develop my practice, and attend retreats or other events. Not so much these days. But I do pause and offer loving kindness to those facing life's challenges.

My practice isn't perfect but it still comes from the heart. And that's enough (at least for now).

Practice

Here's a simple practice, that serves well when time is short and life is demanding. It is called 3 Breaths.

1. Take a mindful breath. Pay attention to the body as you breath. Breath and be aware of your physical being.

2. Take a second mindful breath. Pay attention to your feelings as you breath. Breath and be aware of your emotional being.

3. Take a third mindful breath. Ask yourself, what is the most important thing right now? Breath and be aware of your intention to be wise and compassionate.