Remembering that everything is temporary can get us through some tough moments. Clouds, waves, winds, storms, whims, thoughts, emotions, situations—everything eventually passes, though sometimes not as swiftly as we would like. In the meantime, we breathe, flow with it, and continually return to center.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

Wired with a brain and nervous system that like to be on watch for trouble, we often focus on what’s not going well. Yes, there is a lot of suffering in the world. Yes, we have our own suffering. These are important, serious, unavoidable aspects of life. Sometimes we just need to be with the discomfort.
 
And there is a lot of good in the world. And, if we’re looking, we can experience joy, even in small delights. We can balance the tough moments by focusing on what is working. As simple as the smell of rain in the air, the sound of water flowing, or the touch of a soft blanket can help us dial up the happy.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

The skill of listening takes practice. We think we hear what others are saying, but the truth is their message is often drowned out by our rather loud and persistent inner voice. We may be nodding to acknowledge that we’re listening, but internally, we’re forming opinions, we’re rehearsing what we want to say, or we’re thinking of something else entirely.

The next time you’re in conversation with someone, it might be interesting to truly listen with beginner’s ears and beginner’s mind. Try turning down the volume of your own mind and tuning in to what they’re saying, without your own agenda.

In mindful presence,
Lori Furbush

Fear is a hardwired instinct. Fear can be useful, like an alarm awakening you to act wisely. And fear can be limiting, like a harness holding you back from growth. Fear can also be a powerful motivator, an energetic adrenaline surge inspiring you to take a leap of faith. In this never-ending journey of becoming who you are, both fear and courage have a purpose.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

You have collected a lifetime of experiences. Every event of your life adds to the database of information you carry within. So you arrive in each present moment with a storehouse of opinions, likes, dislikes, concerns, and assessments based on the past. This filter then colors how you receive the moment at hand.
 
It can be interesting to meet the present moment from a fresh perspective, as if you are a baby discovering something for the very first time. As you turn down the volume of what you think you know about something, you can often hear and receive new information on an old experience, like an explorer finding new pathways and insights.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush