This time away from life as we’ve known it has offered some unexpected gifts. Among them is an increased opportunity to practice living at home with those we love; with those to whom we have made commitments and promises. During our precious moments at home, let’s grow, living after the manner of happiness and peace; making mindfulness meditation a matter of family practice. In addition to making phone calls to loved ones, making an increased effort to exercise our bodies, cutting down on how much news we consume and performing acts of kindness for other people, take time to sit quietly together, and breathe. Even children can learn to sit quietly and focus on breathing (begin with one minute per year of age, in a peaceful, pleasant way, not in the spirit of “timeout”). Such focused attention is one thing I practice. It’s popularly called mindfulness or mindfulness meditation. Call it what you will, such practice of deliberate focused attention on the moment is associated with countless physical and mental health benefits. No special facilities or membership fees are required. All it takes is your attention and a little bit of your time; just a moment to think. One thing we seem to have more of, recently, is a moment to think. While you’re less hurried with the bustling back and forth to places we don’t go anymore (for now), take advantage of a still moment. Close your eyes and breathe. Think only about your breath for just a few minutes. When we pay attention to our breath, we are learning how to return to, and remain in, the present moment. As you practice bringing your mind back into this simple focus on your breath, as your mind wanders away, what you are really doing is practicing controlling the direction of your mind, in general. It’s a very simple practice, and very tried and true: The practice of mindfulness is to learn to live peacefully in this moment and to accept what is, without judgement. It is a peaceful practice and tends to leave the dedicated practitioner feeling more peaceful. So, breathe and focus. Allow me to share: In the cool water, my face toward the sky, I see hills on every side. The tops of sycamore trees and live oaks move in harmony with the wind. One can easily forget the troubled world that seems, in such moments, far removed from where I am. That is my focus; to be only in this moment, in this place, with purpose, inside the vessel that is my body. My mind is here. There is nothing outside of this moment and place. I close my eyes: I own and control my darkness. I breathe… Be well.

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