You may find that you spend a good deal of energy obsessing about your body, whether you’re trying to hide it, flaunt it, slim it down, strengthen it, nourish it, or heal it. But how much time do you actually spend in your body?
 
To embody your body is to sense it, dwelling in your legs, back, belly, chest, arms, neck, and head. Interoception is the ability to sense your inner body and simply notice what is here to be noticed. Making this mind-body connection now and then throughout your day can be a grounding and centering practice.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

The concept of enlightenment may elicit connotations of vibrancy, illumination, wisdom, and achievement. Perhaps we think enlightenment is some lofty goal we should (and will probably never) attain after years of endlessly perfecting ourselves.
 
Or we can think of enlightenment as the daily work of paying attention, skillfully navigating our thoughts, words, and actions, and forever learning from our own perceived successes and failures. Perhaps enlightenment is making peace with who you already are, and accepting responsibility for your own happiness.

In mindful presence,
Lori Furbush

Strength is often valued over vulnerability. We feel strong when we feel confident, skilled, supported, grounded, and centered. We feel strong when we have an answer or a planned course of action. To feel strong is to feel safe.
 
Vulnerability, then, may feel unsafe. To dwell in that place of uncertainty is unsettling. And yet, we sometimes must let go of what we think we know, what we’re holding onto as “truth,” to open the door for new information and possibility. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a bold choice. Softening into vulnerability can reveal the seeds of strength within.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

Thoughts and emotions are important aspects of being human. They contain information, memories, and perceptions which can be useful in helping us set goals, make decisions, and interact with our world. It is easy to become so immersed in thought and emotion, however, that we “fail to see the forest for the trees.”
 
To be conscious is to be awake and aware. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to pause, pull back to a wide angle lens, and observe our thoughts and emotions for what they are—just passing clouds in a clear blue sky of consciousness.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush