An Invitation to Mindfulness

Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

We all know how busy the life of yoga teacher can be. We prepare for classes and workshops, write blogs, practice creative marketing, and travel from studio to studio to teach, all while manifesting more prosperity in our lives. It is common knowledge that a lot of people are experiencing huge amounts of stress every day, but it appears to be an oxymoron to be stressed and a yoga teacher at the same time, doesn’t it?

One of my favorite benefits of practicing mindfulness is the balance it brings to body, mind, spirit and emotions. When I engage with mindfulness, I feel an inner calm, serenity and harmony sweeping over me. Sometimes that only happens for short periods of time, when I am fully present with who I am and what I am doing. But even these short times remind me to come back and stay with what is happening right now. After multitasking most of my life, I’ve come to realize how the thought of the next task makes me feel agitated, distracted and scattered.

Fellow yoga teachers, you are invited to treat yourself to a moment of mindfulness.

Take a deep breath in to the count of four, pause for four, and then exhale slowly to the count of four, pause for four at the end of your exhale —
and now inhale again, counting to five, slow steady breath, pause for five, then breathe out for five, hold for five —
and we’ll do one more round.

Inhale as you count to five, hold for five — exhale for five and pause for five —

Then return to your natural breath. Gently close your eyes for a few moments and see how you feel. Welcome back to harmony.