Meditate Every Moment

"If every 8 year old in the world were taught meditation, we would eliminate violence from the world within one generation."

Dalai Lama

As we watch the growing chaos and uncertainty in the world, we may feel overwhelmed by the despair and violence that is happening around us on a daily basis. We may wonder what we can do on a personal level to bring healing to the world, and at the same time, cultivate our own sense of peace and joy as we go about our lives. One of the greatest tools we have at our disposal, and one that is highly recommended by just about every spiritual heavyweight who's ever walked the earth, is daily meditation.

Watching our breath while being still and quiet, for even 10 minutes a day, can increase our own calmness levels exponentially, while giving us the ability to bring that peace and happiness into the world and thus to every being that we encounter. But just as important as sitting still for 10 minutes a day, is to practice meditation in every moment of our lives; to be absolutely present to whatever is happening RIGHT NOW, with complete openness, love and acceptance. Living from a state of 'zen' (the Japanese word for meditation), means to be completely focused on THIS moment and to do whatever your doing right NOW with a sense of total care and appreciation for the way your life is showing up in front of you. After all, where else can you be, but right here and now?

When we dedicate ourselves to living with this kind of mindfulness, we begin to feel the sacredness of every moment as it arises, and we find ourselves actually awake to the miracle that is unfolding here and now. To be awake in this way, we find it easy to bring this caring and compassion to all those who cross our paths, and thus contribute to the general well-being of every creature we meet. All that is necessary is to take a mindful breath and begin, right where you are.