Fresh Start: January 5 - 11

National Geographic Image.

Humans thrive on patterns, routine, and ritual. And yet we can never step in the same river twice. Permanence is an illusion. Life is always changing. The good news is that we can always begin again. Each moment, each breath is an invitation.

Last night, I was talking with Bill, the friend who first inspired me to meditate through his dedication to a morning practice. He confessed he had fallen off of the meditation wagon. Ironically, what a great place to be. The moment that we realize we've fallen asleep is the exact moment when we can wake up. This moment is a gift.

The poet Rumi said it like this:

Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Wonderer, worshipper, lover of leaving.

It doesn't matter.

Ours is not a caravan of despair.

Come, even if you have broken your vow

a thousand times

Come, yet again, come, come.

Click the title to hear a beautiful, musical version.

Practice

Let's do a 10 second meditation together. No need to find the perfect spot, the perfect time, the perfect mood. Right here and now will do.

Maybe close your eyes. Maybe not.

Take a breath.

Wake up to this moment.

Sense the life within as the heart beats and the lungs breathe.

For the next few seconds, don't fret about what you have to do.

Let go of where you need to be.

Take a breath.

Sink into stillness just for a second or two.

Let your mind and your body be in the same place.

Take a breath.

Pause.

And you're done.

Now just practice again and again, throughout the day, throughout the week, throughout life. See you next week.