Advent: December 10 -16

For Christians, these weeks in the liturgical calendar are called Advent. Advent means "coming" or "arrival."

Many of us are waiting for many things. Some dream of winning the lottery. I'm looking forward to the day I retire. Some want that special event to arrive or that special person to come into our lives to make a difference. But what if we have it all backwards. Advent has already happened. What if the universe is waiting for us to wake up and recognize that love is already fully present and available?

Practice

Throughout the year, we’ve practiced coming into the present moment. Let’s mindfully breathe once again and see what arises.

Use the breath as an anchor. Breathe in and know that you are breathing. Sense where the breath is most present in the body. Is it the nostrils, the throat, the belly? Arrive within your body.

As thoughts arise, return your awareness to the breath. This is the basic practice. Thoughts will surface over and over again. No worry. Thoughts are not distractions but invitations to return to awareness of the breath again and again. Returning to awareness is the essence of mindfulness.