As we well know, the only constant is change. But some changes are beyond our control. All we can really change is our relationship to the situation, and to embody that change within. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.
—Viktor E. Frankl There are many opportunities to put up a good fight and take action...but not every minute of every day. Peace is what we feel when we stop fighting what is around us and within us, and just rest. Letting go of resistance and avoiding allows space for peace. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Happiness depends on conditions being perceived as positive; inner peace does not.
―Eckhart Tolle Even when life is one big challenge, there are many small blessings to be found. Whether it is a simple kind word from a friend, a quiet moment in the chaos, or the nourishing feeling of a deep soulful breath, there are always pleasant experiences available. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed.
―Mary Oliver The mind is a storehouse of information gathered over a lifetime. We need our thoughts, preferences, opinions, and wisdom to help us survive. The body is another great source of information. The “gut instinct” and sensory experiences are also vital. The balancing act is listening to both thoughts and sensations without being overpowered by either. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
—Dan Millman To persevere is to continue through a situation in the face of opposition or challenge. We humans usually resist discomfort by fighting it, striving for something else, or distracting ourselves. Perhaps we don’t need to add more discomfort to an already challenging experience. What happens if we soften and adapt as we persevere? In mindful presence, Lori Furbush The best way out is always through.
—Robert Frost When we’re having a hard time getting motivated to do something, outlining a step-by-step plan can help. Even something as simple as preparing a meal is not that simple. We must choose what to cook, find a recipe, make a grocery list, go shopping, unpack the groceries, prepare the ingredients, and create the meal. That’s a lot of little steps. Tackle your next goal making a list of steps and focusing on one small action at a time. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.
—Eleanor Roosevelt It’s astonishing to notice how much time we spend in our minds, rather disconnected with our bodies. We generally notice the body only when it is in discomfort. There are so many ways to practice living in the body. We can move and stretch and walk with awareness of even the most subtle physical sensations. In stillness, we can always dwell in the sensations of breathing. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.
—Jim Rohn True power is not overshadowing or ruling others. It is the ability to rest within yourself, owning both your strength and your vulnerability. To shine with vitality, we must learn to value recharging with acts of self-care. What are you doing to take back your power today? In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Self-care is how you take your power back.
—Lalah Delia Moving slowly is not often valued in our frantic modern world. The value of moving a bit more slowly is that we give ourselves space and time to think more clearly, act with wisdom, and process events. We may even notice the small wonders all around us. Breathe slowly now. That’s all it takes. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson Dwelling in between two opposites, we can discover the oneness within the two. Between anger turned outward and shame turned inward is a place of compassion for self and others. Between fighting to the death and totally giving up is wise action. Between movement and stillness is a state of both energy and peace. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Everything in moderation, including moderation.
—Oscar Wilde Life can surely be challenging. If it were easy, we would never have the need to toughen up, to stretch outside of our comfort zone, or to learn something new. We can shift our reactivity to challenges. Rather than thinking of a challenge as a problem, we might look for the opportunities. This actually activates parts of our brain that can see possibilities we didn’t know were there when we were stuck in denial and resistance. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
—Unknown Doing the work of being a good human is a day-to-day, moment-to-moment practice. Consistency is the practice of continually realigning our thoughts, words, and deeds with our values. We are all works in progress. It takes great courage to show up and be open to the perfect imperfection that you are. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Consistency is more important than perfection.
—Unknown To be human is to rest into who we are now and at the same time know that we are ever evolving in experience and wisdom. The brain is always learning new patterns. What is one small achievable goal you’d like to meet today? In mindful presence, Lori Furbush You are never too old to set new goals or to dream a new dream.
—C.S. Lewis Maybe in Confucius’ time life was simpler. It is surely beyond complex today. And we do have that habit of making it even more complicated and difficult. Clarify yourself in the moment by doing something simple. Be really present while putting on your shoes or looking out the window. Simple is here, too. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
—Confucius The simple act of smiling releases endorphins, lowers blood pressure, reduces pain and stress, and strengthens the immune system. Life can surely be difficult. In the midst of whatever chaos is here, explore the possibility of turning up the corners of the mouth and breathing. And if today is a good one, share that joy wherever you go. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Be the reason someone smiles today.
—Unknown Each of us is already complete, exactly as we are. We simply need to drop the wanting, gripping, and resisting that fools us into thinking we are not. Rest into your powerful whole self. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Stillness, insight, and wisdom arise only when we can settle into being complete in this moment, without having to seek or hold on to or reject anything.
—Jon Kabat-Zinn Embodying the body and the present moment is a skill and a gift. Rather than constantly moving forward, resting into the present moment can feel both grounding and spacious. Dwell in your body on the earth. This is the only moment in which you can live. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush It is better to travel well than to arrive.
—Buddha Bold acts of bravery make headlines. Sometimes courage is quieter, like sitting with a friend in pain or calmly but firmly drawing a boundary in a relationship. Notice today how many times you call upon the gentle strength of courage. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
—Mary Anne Radmacher We all have an inner voice, narrating every experience, often in harsh words and tone. While it can sometimes be helpful to give ourselves motivation and encouragement, we can also soften the narrative. If harsh words would not motivate a friend, why would we think it would motivate us? In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Talk to yourself like someone you love.
—Brené Brown Fear shuts us down. Instinctively, we constrict ourselves behind barriers when something is frightening. If it is not an immediate emergency in this moment, we might recognize that we’re closing in with fear and instead invite an opening. Open the lungs, take a breath, and create space for possibilities. In mindful presence, Lori Furbush Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear.
—George Addair |
AuthorLori Furbush teaches Qigong, Yin Yoga, & Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She weaves MINDFULNESS & RELAXATION into every moment. Archives
July 2024
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