Holiday Mode and Savouring the Present Moment
“Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
There has been a brief break in regular blogging routine, as I’m thoroughly enjoying my holiday in the Rocky Mountains, USA. As you can see from the pictures here, there have been plenty of blue sky days, snowy nights and skiing adventures in the mountains.
My practice has been a little all over the place, but that’s alright. I still sit every day, sometimes five minutes in the evening before bed, other times half an hour of guided meditation on an afternoon off the slopes. The normal morning routine has slipped, but I’m actually appreciating the ease of sitting whenever I feel like it!
Informal mindfulness has been key to staying present and appreciating the time we have here. Luckily this has come quite easily this trip - it’s amazing how mindful, aware and awake you need to be when heading down a black run in the back bowls! One small slip can result in a pretty dramatic tumble, there’s nothing quite like skiing to keep you focused and present.
Instead of regular long meditation sessions, I’m savouring moments and experiences. The incredible views, exhilaration of getting back onto my skis, relaxed dinner conversation and quiet cups of tea with nothing to do but sit and enjoy.
Since arriving a couple of weeks ago I’ve indulged in many naps, hours reading on the couch, strolling through the village and jotting down ideas I have for the year ahead. The crisp fresh air and sunshine has given my mind space to come up with all sorts of plans and ideas for projects I would like to create! It has also helped me clarify what this blog means to me, and what I think I can offer you to help with your mindfulness and meditation journey.
For one thing, I decided to pull together a new course - 7 Days of Mindfulness for Beginners. This will be a collection of answers to questions I’m frequently asked, as well as 7 days of guided meditation and instruction for various mindfulness practices. It starts on 1st March and is completely free, so jump on board if you’re curious!
Secondly, I will continue to keep it simple here. Hopefully by sharing experiences, thoughts and inspiration from my own journey I can help you with yours. There are many amazing meditation and mindfulness teachers out there, but it can be overwhelming to know how to start and it can feel a little lonely practicing on your own. If I can guide you with what has worked for me, and offer a space for a community to form (am contemplating starting a Facebook group - any thoughts?) that would be wonderful.
For now, I intend to rest, write and get ready for the year ahead. I’m still sharing interesting links I come across on the Facebook page, blogging will be back to weekly regularity in March. If you are on Instagram, head on over to say hello! Finally, there are quite a few of you who have joined us since last week’s podcast, thank you for the kind words and welcome! If there are any particular meditation/mindfulness questions you’d like to ask, feel free to get in contact.
Published