In a world where distractions are easily accessible and at our disposal it is hard to focus on being present in the moment. It takes focus and effort to not let the past dictate your present and not worry about your future. The art of practicing stillness and meditation can be of great assistance in being present in the moment. Meditation can lift your mood, decrease stress levels, strengthen the immune system, help with a variety of health conditions and psychological conditions. The key to reaping the benefits of meditation is to develop a regular, daily practice, no matter how brief. Make a commitment to never going to work or going to sleep without having meditated that day even if it's just for a minute or 5 minutes.

There are several types of meditation the most common being Mindfulness Meditation. Find a comfortable place to focus where you won't be disturbed and can be relaxed and alert, whether it's walking, sitting, standing, or laying down. Take a big breath and relax with your eyes open or closed. Bring awareness to the sensation of breathing. Don't try to control the breath, just let it be whatever it is. Count to ten and start over and go back to counting if your mind wanders. It's normal if your mind wanders and when it does let it go like a balloon and just return to the breath. Be kind and gentle to yourself. Be aware of whatever comes into your mind, thoughts, feelings, wishes, plans, images, memories, etc. let them be what they are; don't get caught up in them, struggle or get frustrated with them. Have a sense of acceptance and kindness towards whatever passes through this awareness. I hope these quotes inspire you to make meditation and stillness apart of your everyday life.

1. “Meditation is not to escape from society, but to come back to ourselves and see what is going on. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. With mindfulness we know what to do and what not to do to help.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

2. “The thing about meditation is: You become more and more you.” – David Lynch

3. "The quieter you become, the more you can hear." – Ram Dass

4. “The goal of meditation is not to get rid of thoughts or emotions. The goal is to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions and learn how to move through them without getting stuck.” – Dr. P. Goldin

5. “To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.” – Buddha

6. “It does not matter how long you are spending on the earth, how much money you have gathered or how much attention you have received. It is the amount of positive vibration you have radiated in life that matters,” – Amit Ray

7. “Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.” – Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

8. “The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you.” – Anonymous

9. “Meditation is a vital way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body.” – Deepak Chopra

10. “Meditation is a way for nourishing and blossoming the divinity within you.” – Amit Ray

I wish you all many of blessings on your continued journey of stillness and meditation. Namaste

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