Life doesn’t always give us what we want, and the more we resist, the harder things become. Like a stream, when the flow encounters obstacles, it shifts, repositions and keeps flowing forward. If we can learn to be like the stream, we will bring much more ease to life’s ups and downs.
Going with the flow isn’t about dismissing your needs or not caring, it’s about being flexible with the inevitable twists and turns that may arise along the way. Continue Reading…
My legs find their flow, round and round in the cadence of freedom. I begin to notice beauty everywhere. Life becomes simple, existing within and for this moment only…
Mountain biking for some is like a religion, an on-going adventure, and the way to freedom. It can help us to avoid getting caught up in our thoughts and our worries; bringing a whole new perspective into focus. When riding, we remain centred, blending mindfulness with movement; the bicycle is one of the greatest teachers we have. Continue Reading…
Is all of this “living in the moment” stuff the key to a happy life, or is it working to my detriment? I’m a single-income entrepreneur trying to grow my business and my savings account, living on the expensive West Coast with a dog who eats better than most people do—does that mean I should spend more time contemplating and living for the future?
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Lately I’ve been revisiting the old classic Winnie-the-Pooh—a beloved and well-worn book that’s been gracing many children’s bedrooms for decades, and I’ve realized that no matter what age you are, the tales from Hundred-Acre Wood are truly evergreen.
Filled with nugget after nugget of zesty wisdom, Pooh inspires us with his philosophical musings and his mindful way of life. Pooh and Piglet teach us so much about what friendship is and how it’s expressed. Even through the most blustery of days, the answers are there on how to always walk beside each other… Continue Reading…
Have you ever been in the midst of a sublime full body massage, or a moment of rapture with a lover and time seemed to disappear like sand between your fingers? Conversely, have you stood in a grocery line or sat through a business meeting and time stretched on like watching paint dry? Time is a prominent subject in our lives—thoughts about the past, concerns about the future—but how well do we really understand it? Continue Reading…
I think our society puts a lot of emphasis on maximum effort and charging ahead. Whether it’s business, relationships, or sports—have you ever noticed that the more force something, the more difficult it can be to achieve? Clear thinking can’t possibly happen and good decisions can’t be made unless you—pause—and be present and mindful in that stillness. Much like golf, the most efficient way forward is to let go, release the tension, and stay calm.
It’s common to slip into a semi-conscious state when doing activities such as walking, driving or weightlifting—the body is moving but the mind is thinking about something different altogether. When this happens, you move away from the present moment, away from the direct experience of life.
Most people rarely think about how they hold their body. But the ability to tune into the way your body moves, will allow you to do everything with more grace, strength and balance.
The body is very wise: it often tells us how we are, even before it becomes obvious to us mentally. Unfortunately we’re so caught up in thought, that we hardly feel anything anymore. Our life takes place in the head.
Take a deep breath in through the nose, and out through the mouth. As you breathe out, close your eyes. Notice how your body feels. Starting at the top of the head, gently scan down through the body, noticing what feels comfortable and what feels uncomfortable. Does that area feel relaxed or tense? Energetic or tired? Feel the weight of your body on the chair or standing on the ground.
Hey guys, here’s another Recipe for your Zesty Life from my new book!
In Japan, it’s common to use nature as a way of healing. They practice what’s called “Shinrin Yoku”, which roughly translates to “Forest Bathing”. The idea is that spending time in nature allows you to experience rejuvenating benefits to the mind, body and spirit. Continue Reading…