This past weekend I facilitated a couple of mindful meditation break-out sessions at a women's assembly. We did a little grounding, guided meditation, reflection and discussion. During the session I made sure to have longer times of pause or quiet between statements or phrases, so that participants could really just "Be". We had spent the whole morning sitting so I threw in a body scan at the last moment to allow participants to recognize where they were holding tension, emotions, or might have small areas of tightness or other recognitions that might arise for them. They also had an opportunity to journal at the end for few minutes for reflection on how the experience was for them. When I opened it up for any thoughts or comments at the end, I was struck by the multiple comments about what an awesome feeling it was to take time for themselves and to just be in the moment, to give themselves permission to do this and how relaxing and grounding it was for them.

I am always struck by this type of comment, because we, especially women, do not always take the time to just be in the moment and reflect on what is going on in our lives at this moment. We are running from one thing to another without thinking. This time to stop, breath and just be is a gift. So, if you haven't today, for just a moment, find a comfortable position, cast your gaze down or close your eyes, and just breath. Inhale, filling your lungs and belly and exhale out tension and release the day's struggles, allow your shoulders to fall away from your neck. Inhale again, breathing in energy and blessings, exhale letting go of irritations and thinking things you are grateful for that happened today. Take a few more breaths at your own pace and just take stock of what this moment has to offer you. Once you have done this for a few minutes, take a few seconds to see how your attitude and energy may have changed.

Blessings to you! Breathe!