Age: June 15 - 21

Wednesday is my birthday.

Whether you believe in the Big Bang or "Let there be light.", the stuff of the universe is all the same age, including the atoms that make up my body. I breathe the same air the dinosaurs and the Vikings breathed. And yet many cells in my body regenerate every 7 to 10 years. In a real sense, I'm not the same person I was when I was born. Whichever the case, I agree with the psalmist, "I thank you, for I am fearfully, wonderfully made."

This birthday feels different. I've always said I love my life and there is no one with whom I would trade places. This is still true. But as I look ahead to retirement in the next few years, as my body aches a bit more each year, as my mind gets more forgetful, as more loved ones get sick and die, I'm trying to pay more attention each day to the amazing gift of life. The present moment is the only place where we live, love, and heal. That's why I send out these mindfulness messages each week, to remind us of the gift found in each breath, each day, each person.

Practice

Let's celebrate my birthday with gifts.

1. Breathe - Right now, take three steady breaths. Place your hand on your heart. Release the breath with an audible sign. Let the sound of your breath be a prayer of gratitude.

2. Unwrap the Day - There will never be another day exactly like today. Spend it wisely. Release a burden. Forgive. Play. Dream. Create. Discover beauty. Dance.

3. Give Gifts - Listen deeply to another. Show up for a friend. Hug a family member. Tell someone you love them.

Here's one more gift for you. I recorded last week's meditation so you can listen anytime you wish. It is just under 10 minutes long.