In the Beginning
Since I started practicing yoga in 2009, at the beginning of every New Year, I would give myself a mantra to help guide me through the next 12 months. “PEACE in 09”was the first mantra I chose, way back then. That first mantra served me so well that, on New Years day in 2010, someone jokingly asked, “Is the bitch back”? Wait – what? Yikes!! That was a huge wake up call. As a result, it only made sense that because PEACE in OH NINE worked out so well, 2010 turned into “PEACE AGAIN in 10”.
How to Choose a Mantra
Most years I spend a bunch of time seeking out what the saying of the year will be. One way I do this is by looking inside to see what‘s been missing or what I’ve been doing/not doing that may need some attention. Sometimes the mantras help me to grow, while others show me how I’ve outgrown people and/or things that don’t seem to fit anymore. So, here we are, all these years later, with 2020. This year I didn’t have to look too far; this year it plopped itself into my lap. For me, 2020 is a sort of rebirth; a way to move past some things from 2019. This year deserved my full attention. No looking back to what was. No peeking into the future for what can be. My mantra this year “Be Present with 2020 Vision”.
Finding the Strength
It’s been over a month with this Be Present mantra and I have to admit, it’s not been easy. For some reason, wrestling with the past and worrying about the future comes up a lot for me. Staying in the present is not easy. But, somehow, I continue to visit those dark places of the past, or the unknown of the future. I do all that i can to fight it. It’s true, I’ve made it through all those real shitty parts of life while they were actually happening. And why consider the future when it’s not even here yet. So whether it was 10 months ago or 10 months from now, why wouldn’t we just stay right here in the now? Stay rooted in our feet and breathe. Just breathe and remember here and now those dark people and places that no longer serve me have no power over me.
Science and Giving yourself a Gift
Scientific America says “Being in the present moment shuts off the part of our brain responsible for worry, and over time can shrink it. Through mindfulness meditation, you can literally restructure your brain and lower your stress level.” Who doesn’t want to shrink the part of the brain that keeps us circling the places of pain and discomfort. It’s not at all surprising that the definition of PRESENT is “something given to someone as a gift.” This is a great reminder to give myself this gift of being present every day. And.stay.here.now. Where there is love and peace.
Try This on
To stay in the present moment when the shit hits the fan, try this exercise:
- Turn toward the discomfort and bring your attention to your breath.
- Start by counting as you inhale for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Hold at the top for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Exhale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Hold empty 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- When you notice your mind is wandering, gently bring it back to your breath.
- Continue to count your breath until you can feel your feet below you and stay rooted in the now.
So when you find yourself not HERE I offer you this. Find the strength to be present, and if right now ever gets so bad that you’re taken out at the knees, you find the grit with grace that got you through the last time. And the time before that. And every other time.