Now that the coldest weather has lifted, I am determined to take a mindful walk each day. Though I admit, sometimes my walks are not mindful; mindless is more like it. My mind wanders. I plan. I drift off and get stuck in old conversations or thoughts about the future. Presence to self eludes me.

And then I remember. It is time to be here now.  To be fully present to myself and this precious moment. My phone is off. I vow to do nothing but walk, just walk. 

One step, then another. One breath, then another. Easing into the rhythm of walking and breathing. Feeling my foot meet the pavement. Noting bird song in the distance. Beauty to my left and to my right. Be here now. 

And just when my mind begins to meander once more, there it is, looming up in front of me. A sweet smiley face someone has taken the time to draw on the walkway. "Hello, I see you," it says. "Do you see me?" And I do. I am grateful for this humorous reminder to come back once again, to surrender to walking. 

"Just walking" is one of the best ways I know to offer presence to myself, especially on a Corvid-19 day when so many thoughts and emotions can press in.

The same can be true for you, for any of us. May our walking bring us back home to ourselves. 

Today, I have a gift for you, a short, guided practice (MP3). I call it "Inner Smile Practice." It's perfect for walking, or when you're at the grocery store, or whenever you feel the need to be more present to yourself and others.

To receive this practice, SUBSCRIBE to this blog. The link to download will be sent to you in the subscription confirmation email. SUBSCRIBE by entering your info in the green box on the right side of this page. That's it! Thank you for joining me in the practice of Presence. 

If you are viewing this post on your phone, scroll down until you locate the green subscription box.

How to cultivate presence for yourself at this time? Lots of options here, friends. Here's one of them: a little secret about the breath.

Today, I have a gift for you, a short, guided practice (MP3). It's a gentle "dive" beneath the storm of thoughts to a place of peace beneath the sea.  

To receive this "90 Second Blessing for Calm," SUBSCRIBE to this blog. The link to download will be sent to you in the subscription confirmation email. SUBSCRIBE by entering your info in the green box on the right side of this page. That's it! Thank you for joining me in the practice of Presence. 

If you are viewing this post on your phone, scroll down until you locate the green subscription box.

Dear Friend, 
This video says it all. I am thrilled to be back Vlogging, Blogging, and Podcasting on a topic that feels so timely, so vital to our personal and communal well-being: Presence. Specifically how we cultivate this within ourselves for our personal benefit and the benefit of others?

Please take a few minutes to receive this transmission from my heart to yours. What does Presence mean? Lean in and I'll tell you. 

Please enjoy this Guided Meditation I've just created to guide you into an experience of cultivating and holding presence for yourself. 
​(13 min.)

Listen here:
http://www.awakenedliving.com/PresenceBlog/CultivatingPresenceforYourself.m4a
Or by downloading below.

In 2014, I created a full-day, Stay-at-Home Retreat. With so many of us staying home and working from home due to the Coronavirus, this seems to be the perfect time to offer it to you as a gift. The focus of this retreat is Metta—Lovingkindness practice. 

A complete schedule of activities and all materials needed to do the retreat are provided. The retreat kit includes links to 12 mp3s, most of which are guided practices & meditations, 6 handouts (pdfs), including invitations to express your creativity (through art), walking meditation and mindful eating. 

To receive this at-home retreat (with my audio guidance), SUBSCRIBE to this blog. The link to download will be sent to you in a welcome letter. SUBSCRIBE by entering your info in the green box on the right side of this page. That's it! Thank you for joining me in the practice of Presence. 

If you are viewing this post on your phone, scroll down until you locate the green subscription box.