Even though we spend a lot of time thinking of the past and the future, the present moment is truly the only moment in which we can live. There are countless small wonders that we only notice when we’re living in the present. And there are countless small ways we can impact the world. A smile, a kind word, or a small step forward can ripple out in all directions. 

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

To have merit is to be worthy of or earn your honor or reward. It starts with recognizing your inherent value and builds as you live in integrity and kindness.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

Is there something you’ve been putting off that needs attending? Now is always a good time to start. Set the goal, identify one small next step, and then take that step. When tackling big projects, taking one baby step at a time is the best way to feel successful and keep your commitment alive.

In mindful presence,
Lori Furbush

To physically balance, we need to ground our shoulders, lower back, legs, and feet while gently lifting heart and head. To find our mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual balance, we also need to establish a firm grounded foundation while also opening up to new horizons and reaching for the stars.

In mindful presence,
Lori Furbush

We all know that self-care is important. Self-care is not a luxury or indulgence—it is required maintenance. And not all self-care is relaxing and gentle. Sometimes treating ourselves with kindness and compassion includes expanding our boundaries, motivating ourselves, and doing the work needed for health and well-being. Discipline does not have to be grueling—just intentional focus and a firm but gentle nudge.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

We humans need to push the edge of our comfort zone just enough to create space for growth. When we say ‘yes’ to something that feels right but may also feel a bit scary, we invite unimagined possibilities for insights and learning.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

When something feels unpleasant or challenging, our brains like to close in, trying to solve the problem. Often it can help to step back a bit and view the situation from a distance, dialing down the story and emotion while opening up to possibilities. Expanding awareness can reveal new options.

In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

Every inhale is a new beginning. The last breath is gone. The next is yet to come. The breath you’re breathing now is another fresh start.

In mindful presence,
Lori Furbush

It takes great strength to allow ourselves to be soft. There are times when powerful action is wise and needed. And there are times when soft, quiet action is most effective. Water will wear away rock over time. We must be soft first in order to sense which action—or non-action—is the most skillful in the moment.

In mindful presence,
Lori Furbush

​We each have our own values regarding what is important in life. And we each have a personal sense of value, often focused on what we are lacking. It can be useful to identify a few core values you deem important, like integrity, kindness, or a sense of humor. Then recognize how you live those values within yourself.
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

​We’ve likely been hurt many times in life. It is only natural to build some armoring to protect ourselves. Sometimes that armoring is so well constructed that we find it difficult to let love and joy and peace in. We might even find it difficult to inhale with freedom. Perhaps today we can soften into receiving the breath, receiving support from others, and receiving the love we so desperately want and need.
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

It is said that “Suffering = Pain x Resistance.” When we are in physical, mental, and/or emotional pain, it is hard enough. Then we add our own resistance to the pain because we want to fix it or get rid of it. Sometimes, when it is do-able and not too overwhelming, it is useful to soften into the fact that pain is here—even to become a bit friendlier with the reality of now. This keeps us from adding suffering onto an already difficult experience and sometimes will help the pain to shift.

In mindful presence,
Lori Furbush

Caught in the mode of just getting through the day, we often miss out on wonder. How amazing it is that the earth turns and the sun appears every morning. How amazing that your breath flows in and out keeping you alive. How amazing that your body metabolizes food into energy for action. How amazing that your brain creates images, stories, and fresh new ideas.
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

Self-compassion is the ability to treat ourselves the way we might naturally treat others who are suffering. We might place a hand on a friend’s shoulder and say some kind words of acknowledgement and encouragement. We can also do this for ourselves, becoming an inner ally instead of an inner enemy. We do not thrive on criticism, so why do we think our harsh inner words will be motivating?
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

Resting in being, rather than doing, is a treasured experience that we do not often value. Certainly, pausing to just be is vital to our well-being. And for true balance, we must also set goals and take action. It is often in those moments of rest that inspiration to act arises. Pausing right now and breathing, allow an inspiration for today to bubble up to the surface. Are you wanting to tackle a task on your list? Would you like to exude joy in the world today? What is important to you right now?
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

It is human nature to want to feel valued. Quite literally, we feel safer when we feel like we belong. You have many unique qualities that contribute to the miracle of just being you. When we find ourselves feeling “less than,” it can help to remember what you do well. Are you a good friend? Do you have a special skill? Do you act with integrity? What qualities make you uniquely you?
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

As a human, we are a product of both nature and nurture—genetics and life experience. But who we are is not static. Our bodies are continually changing and our minds are continually learning. We have so much choice in defining who we are, creating our reality as we go.
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

Adapting can be defined as the ability to adjust to new conditions. Change can either shut us down with fear or open us up with wonder. When we are adaptable, we can override our initial resistance to the challenge by pausing, grounding, and breathing to regroup. This allows the brain time to explore possibilities we did not see at first, and allows us to come from a place of empowerment. Bamboo is so strong it is used as scaffolding for building construction, yet so pliable it can bend without breaking. Adaptability requires both strength and softness.
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

It is easy to get caught up in our own little world, swept into the ego mind narrating our story. To be humble is not to surrender our own needs or dismantle our healthy boundaries. Humility is the capacity to stand firmly within yourself and also to honor the wants, needs, and common humanity of others.
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush

​Even though it seems like your mind runs the show, in fact, you have great capacity to choose your thoughts, perceptions, and attitude in any situation. If we are going to evolve as a human race, we must start by using the more evolved parts of ourselves. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, it takes skill and courage to pause, assess the situation with awareness, then re-center and take wise action with an attitude that aligns with our best self.
 
In mindful presence,
​Lori Furbush