― Thich Nhat Hanh
Upon opening the first page the reader is greeted with a magnificent invitation, "Every twenty-four- hour day is a tremendous gift to us. So we all should learn to live in a way that makes joy and happiness possible. We can do this."
As Hanh extends this invitation to the reader he goes on to share that a basic morning practice of following his breath allows for him to live more fully and presently aware. "The way to maintain your presence in the here and now is through the mindfulness of the breath."
Perhaps take a pause and as you breathe in, say to self, "Breathing in, I know that I am breathing in. As you breathe out, gently say, Breathing out, I know that I am breathing out."
Find kindness and space in the breath in, and gentleness on the breath out. Open yourself up to the possibilities of expansion and love. Allow the energy of the breath to continually connect you with the present moment. Allow yourself to abide in this moment without rushing to change or fix anything. Be with all the qualities of the 'self.' The mere fact that YOU are breathing is a miracle.
As you move throughout the day and through your week, may you be encouraged to live more mindfully through your breathe. Perhaps adopt a mantra that anchors you to the act of breathing in and breathing out.
Wishing you all presence and peace as you make way for great joy and happiness in your life.
May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah