I savored the silences and my morning cup of coffee, as I gazed out the window to take in a view of the mountains. It’s why dawn happens to be my favorite part of the day. In the quiet of the morning, in the here and now, there is an enormous space within the Self that opens up to hold everything that passes by; every thought, every emotion, however turbulent it may be. It’s here for a reason, and I welcome each of them.

My heart felt a tad bit heavy, as today marked the 6th month of Mom’s passing and so an “anniversary reaction” was expected leading up to it. One step, one moment at a time, I reminded myself.

As I picked up the now-empty coffee mug, something caught my attention and I curiously peered inside it. The residue had dried up into the shape of a heart, and I smiled.

“I love you too, my coffee mug,” I smiled and said, as I came back to the here and now. And over the course of the day, I flitted along, being in the lap of nature, being carried by life, just as it is meant to be. Always. You just have to trust in it.

I hugged myself as I posed with one of the fourteen A-Mazing-Laughter sculptures on my morning run, giggling away at how the playfulness emerged.

Later, as I walked to see the sunset over the ocean, my mind was lulled into silence. I had chosen to take each step mindfully; paying attention to my breath, to the beat of my heart, and taking in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the surroundings: the orange and pink skies, the cool breeze, people with their loved ones, a guitar strumming in the distance while two teenagers sang “Wish you were here,” the artist drawing out the sunset on his canvas, and my breath again with its ebb and flow.

The next day, I chanced upon a “Locking in Hope” structure by a riverfront. People had written love notes on padlocks and hung them on this sculpture/structure.

A few steps ahead, someone had written “You are loved” on the beach. A stop sign with the word “Estil” (in the native language of the area) caught my attention. It literally means “Be Still.” How beautiful is that, I thought.

I continued to see the world with child-like wonder. Moments that were unfolding through the days were teaching me about love, particularly self-love, hope, stillness, and being mindfully aware and present.

Mindfulness.

It’s a way of life I strongly encourage. One way of seeing its benefits first hand is to make it a norm every day. To be fully present, aware of where we are, what we are doing, and even when we feel overwhelmed by thoughts or emotions, to just stay centered.

So here are 5 of my favorite mindfulness mantras:

1.  You are not your thoughts: Have you noticed how we get sucked into our own thoughts? About self? Others? Our relationships? Life in general? And before we know it, the cascading effect has led to analysis paralysis and feelings that may range from sad, angry, anxious, vulnerable, fragile, insecure, unloved, abandoned, rejected. You get the drift. It is possible create a distance between YOU and the thoughts and see how life unfolds.

2.  Just Be…In the Here & Now, with your breath as an anchor: Often, we find ourselves living in the past, or worrying about the future. That doesn’t mean you repress thoughts and feelings but create a welcome space to let everything pass, without judging them, without identifying with them, without latching onto them. Let them come, and let them go. Focus on your breath, however it is, and realize that with each breath you take, you, as the observer are the constant, the one who is witnessing the coming and going of every experience. Spend a few minutes everyday, with yourself. Meditation is always a good tool to bring awareness to your inner world.

3.  Be Mindfully Present & Aware: Yes, it’s worth repeating. Be mindfully present with your loved ones, while you engage in work, or are by yourself. Multi-tasking and constant doing to distract yourself are overrated. Become a better juggler, but only if you have to.

4.  Always, always show yourself compassion and loving kindness: You are with yourself 24/7, 365 days a year. Are you your own best friend? Do you love yourself for all that you are in the now, despite the scars and the transient experiences. Through the heart breaking into a million pieces, falling down and getting up, of feeling vulnerable and/or insecure, and back to being, who carries you through it all? Who believes in you? Who has the answers?

5. Take time out for yourself by stepping into nature: Go for a walk, or just sit and be; and observe with curiosity what you see, hear, smell, taste, feel. Bring attention to your sense of being. Refresh, energize, rejuvenate.

Are you in the Here and Now, with me?