Krista's Book of the Month:

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

This is one of my favorite books, and one that I refer to frequently for inspiration and guidance and recommend almost daily to friends, students and clients.  This book can be a difficult read, however it will support you on any road that you are traveling on, especially on the road to wellbeing and peace. Often times when I’m reading this book, Eckhart Tolle fades away and I feel as if Universal Consciousness, that is love, is speaking directly to me, telling me how to live a fuller and happier life.  This book has been an invaluable resource on my personal journey, and I know that it will be for you too.

Krista's Meditation Lesson:

Meditation is for everyone and anyone can do it.

(August 2005 :: Part 1)

Often times I hear, “I can’t meditate because I can’t stop thinking.” Apparently, there is a common misconception that you have to stop thinking in order to be in meditation. Meditation is simply training the mind to rest in the present moment, (notice that I did not say to stop the mind from thinking). It is the nature of the mind to be in the past or thinking of the future. This creates a gap between where you are now, and where your mind is. This gap results in restlessness, worry, anxiety and fear. In meditation we heal this aspect of our lives by simply training the mind to focus on what’s happening now. We can support our meditation practice with mindfulness practice. Mindfulness practice is also the practice of resting the mind in the present moment. The difference between the two is that when you are in meditation you are physically stopping, you are calming, resting and healing. In mindfulness practice, you could be driving in your car or doing the dishes. To create a lasting sense of wellbeing and peace you need to do both practices.

Start your meditation and mindfulness practice today by following these simple yet very effective techniques over the next three weeks

1. For the first week of your practice, just take a very deep breath three times throughout your day. Notice how this practice makes you feel.

2. For the second week of your practice continue with taking a deep breath at least three times throughout your day and ask yourself, “Where am I? and What am I doing?” When you do this practice it is important that you take another deep breath and really feel yourself in your surroundings. So for example, if you’re at work you will want to take a deep breath and feel your fingers on the keys of your lap top, feel the weight of your body in your chair and your feet on the ground. Notice how this practice makes you feel

3. For the third week of your practice buy a journal, or keep brief notes in your day-timer about how often you notice your mind wandering or worrying.

These exercises are fun and easy and will add years of wellbeing to your life. But don’t take my word for it try it, and notice how they make you feel. Next month we’ll deepen our meditation and mindfulness practices by adding a sitting meditation.