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In our modern culture, we often find ourselves looking ahead to the future, assessing stability, goals, and planning for everything– retirement, home ownership, marriage and family. As a result, it is easy to lose track of the present. And if you really think about it, the only guarantee we have in life (with the exception of death and taxes) is the present.
One of my favorite yoga instructors likes to remind her students to put on their own oxygen masks first. In life, as in air travel, we can't be helpful to anyone else if we are struggling. But we are so used to giving of ourselves to those around us that we lose sight of that. I often ask my students to give themselves permission to be completely present for our 60-minute yoga class. I encourage them to let go of whatever happened before they came to class, whether they are irritated at their boss or had an argument with a friend, and to let go of whatever is going to happen after class. Those things will all still be there and they will wait for you.
Some of us may feel selfish for taking time for ourselves and recharging our batteries by doing whatever it is that brings us joy. But what good are we to ourselves or those around us if we are only tapping into a fraction of our potential? Taking time for ourselves and being present are not luxuries; they are fuel for our spirit.
Being mindful of the present means you can be happy during your journey through life, not just when you reach your destination– whatever that is. Joyfulness should not be a reward for years of suffering and neglecting ourselves. It should be a way of life.
So, how do we go about being mindful in the present? Take a moment, find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes, and breathe. Notice the air entering your nose, fillling your chest, your ribs, your belly. And as you exhale, feel the air leaving you, emptying the belly, the ribs, and the chest. Bring your awareness to your breath and work on deepening your inhales and exhales. Maybe even count your inhalations and exhalations and work on bringing up your sama breath– equalizing your inhales and exhales. Try for a steady, six count inhale and exhale. If that's too challenging, try for a four count inhale and exhale. At first, commit to this meditation for a few minutes a day– I promise five minutes flies by when you are aware of your breath and your body. When you're ready, allow yourself to stay still and breathe for longer, as long as feels comfortable for you. When you are ready to move on with the rest of your day, softly open your eyes and check in with yourself. You may find your energy has increased and your mind has cleared of extra clutter. Keep practicing this meditation and you'll enjoy the benefits in the present and in years to come.
Newsha Mostafavi is a Yoga Alliance-certified instructor who specializes in power yoga, hot yoga, yoga with weights as well as restorative yoga and meditation. For more information, visit www.flowyogaoc.com.
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