Calming the Mind

calmingthemind

The path to tranquility is “all in your head.” Try this experiment: Clear your head of your to-do list and live in the moment. Cliché? Yes, but so true.

Your mind is a very busy place. It’s challenging to keep it quiet. How do you get rid of all the extra stuff floating around? It’s a non-stop whirl of what you have to do next, what you just did, and what you see and hear around you.

Try this:
1. Block out distractions; bring yourself to a level of internal quiet.
2. Be intentional – just say no. When thoughts pop in – close the door to them.
3. Open your mind to this moment and this moment only.
4. Open your eyes and notice sights and sounds that normally would have passed you by.

You’ll find contentment takes hold and you experience the true meaning of living in a magical moment. Kind of like prayer – don’t you think?

- Debbie Winton

Appoggiatura

In Italian there is a
lingering note that precedes
the fugue of living.
Appoggiatura - a sustained tone
that cuts into the time
of the next chord.
Sometimes it's called a grace note
alternately, a time-stealer.

There's a whole constellation
of distractions in my repertoire.
Things I tell myself
I must accomplish before
I let joy settle:
That last ten pounds
That college degree
That nest egg.

Please help me take
Your words to heart -
that grace is a gift,
and life is to be lived.
Right now.