31 Ways to Appreciate The Present Moment

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~Arthur Ashe

It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

You dream of a life where you have more freedom—your work nourishes your mind and soul, your home is organized, and you have ample time to exercise and eat right.

It’s not that your current situation is awful, but you long to do more of the things you love. Yet when you contemplate radical changes, your heart rate quickens, and you convince yourself it’s just not the right time.

So you keep waiting for the big moment when you can make that big change that will lead to happiness.

Well, you’re wasting your time …

Our ability to feel happier comes from inside ourselves, not from external circumstances. You don’t need to quit your job, move to an exotic location, or lose weight to be happy. You can embody happiness right now.

Over the years, I’ve gotten better at aligning my life activities with my purpose.

I teach at my own yoga studio. I assumed this would make me happy 100 percent of the time, but I get derailed sometimes. I ruminate about the small things like our cluttered house, and the endless details of running a yoga studio. I forget the big picture. I forget all that I have. I get grumpy and start to nitpick.

I have to catch myself and find my happiness from within again. It might take a few minutes, hours, or days, but I use these mini-habits to help me get there. They cost little to nothing and are portable.

No matter your situation, you can start right now. The following habits will help you stand a little taller, smile from your heart, and shine a little brighter.

For Your Mind

1. Breathe deeply.

Inhale deeply, and exhale completely ten times. Deep breathing slows your thoughts, relaxes your nervous system, and brings you closer to your own intuition.

2. Use a mantra to change your mind-set.

Sha is a Sanskrit root word meaning peace, as in “shanti.” Say “sham” slowly ten to twenty times. By combining sound, breath, and rhythm, mantra channels the flow of energy through the mind-body circuit and calms your nervous system and mind.

3. Zone out. 

Spend a few minutes daydreaming. Your logical mind, the prefrontal cortex, is constantly planning, analyzing, and thinking about the future. Give it a rest, and just be for a little while; you’ll feel refreshed.

4. Express your love.

Write a note or tell a loved one how you appreciate them. Communicating positive emotions lowers stress hormones, bad cholesterol, and blood pressure, and it strengthens immunity.

5. Rejuvenate your mind.

Close your eyes for a few moments. What do you see in the darkness of your mind’s eye? Notice the patterns that form. This is a simple meditation that rejuvenates and refocuses your tired mind.

6. Explore healing aromas.

Plants like rosemary, lavender, and sage can improve our moods. Create your own natural spa. Put your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle with a little water.

7. Swap a thought.

Make a list of your positive traits and attributes. When you criticize yourself, refer to this list. Keep this pattern up and you’ll transform your inner dialogue.

8. Allow yourself to be.

Accept all your feelings about your present situation. They are valid, whether you like them or not. Accepting your current situation is the first step to feeling happier.

9. Loving-kindness meditation.

Loving-kindness builds positive emotions, which increases mindfulness and purpose in life. Spend a few minutes letting feelings of love and kindness for someone wash over you.

10. Meditate.

When thoughts come, return to your breath without judging. Deep breathing clears your mind and decreases your stress levels, which will allow you to feel happier.

11. Declutter one spot.

Declutter one surface or area. Starting small is easier. But when your home and workspace are clear from clutter, your mind feels more spacious.

For Your Body

12. Lighten up.

Once a day, laugh at yourself. When you make a mistake, see the humor in your error. Laughing is great medicine, it improves your mood, and it relieves stress and tension.

13. Stretch your body.

Sitting in a chair? Push away from your desk. Inhale, and as you exhale, bend forward, moving your ribs toward your thighs. Breathe deeply. Get out of your mind and into your body and the present moment.

14. Stretch your breath.

Hold onto the back of your chair, and breathe deeply. This opens up your rib cage and lungs, allowing you to breath more deeply. The added oxygen to your brain will make you feel alive and alert.

15. Give yourself a massage.

Use coconut oil or sesame oil on your skin, massage it on your whole body, and then take a warm shower to help your skin absorb the oil. This is a home spa treatment that is used all over India. Touch is calming, and you can reap its benefits without buying expensive massages.

16. Take a bath.

Relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of a warm bath. Light some candles, and put on your favorite music. Soothe your body with this simple ritual. Why dream about getting away when you can create a calming environment in your home?

17. Place your palms over your eyelids.

This relaxes your eyes and mind. This is especially helpful if you have a headache or feel fatigued.

18. Practice Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep).

Take ten minutes to relax your whole body completely and then each part of your body in turn. This magical practice is as efficient as taking a longer nap.

19. Eat with complete attention. 

Put away all your screens. Savor your meal by noticing all its tastes and textures. You’ll improve your digestion and feel more relaxed as a result.

20. Move every day.

Even if you have very little time. You only need five minutes to stretch or walk outside. Building a little movement into your day is better for your health than one longer weekly workout.

21. Hug someone or something. 

Like your friend, pet, or even yourself. Soothing touch is relaxing and calming.

For Your Spirit

22. Stop and pay attention.

Are birds chirping? Horns blasting? Voices passing? Notice your world right now, and see the beauty that is unfolding under your nose. You’ll feel a little better about your situation.

23. Make a mini-gratitude list.

What are three things from the past twenty-four hours that can go on your list? Making gratitude a permanent trait is proven to make us happier, healthier, and live longer.

24. Give thanks for your meals.

Saying thanks for having enough will remind you of how much you have. Remember that eight million people don’t have enough food to lead a healthy, active life.

25. Get outside and unplug.

Spend time outdoors without your digital devices. Notice the small details of your surroundings — the flowers, the trees, even the small ants on the sidewalk. You’ll feel peaceful and calm as a result.

26. Spend time with friends.

Socializing is a secret of the world’s longest-lived people. Set a weekly meeting. Go for a walk, drink tea, or simply enjoy each others’ presence.

27. Listen.

When people talk, listen to them. Be 100 percent present with your company, and you’ll get their appreciation in return.

28. Love your furry friends.

They can be our best friends and show undying loyalty. Spending time petting a dog can improve your mood and even strengthen your heart.

29. Find a beautiful natural thing around you.

Pick a flower, leaf, twig, or fruit. Remind yourself of all the natural wonders that surround you right now. It’s easy to overlook the beauty in the present moment.

30. Take a mini-vacation.

Once a week, I take my toddler and dog to the park for a picnic lunch. We relax and listen to the birds. Leave your busy life for a few moments to be with loved ones who are crucial to your happiness.

31. Give a little bit.

Carry canned food for people asking for food. Make eye contact. Recognize the common human spirit in every person you meet, right in your neighborhood.

Read more about this article published by Tiny Buddha and created by Jessica Blanchard HERE

Life Is Happening Right Now ... Feel More Alive

"I wouldn't put it past me to fling myself off the side of a mountain."

We were talking about hang gliding, in case you're wondering.

There's something I love about the things in this life that remind me how small and insignificant I am. That, in the grande scheme, I don't really matter. Things like mountain peaks that tower so high above me I momentarily forget to breathe, and the ocean that runs so deep it throws off my sense of balance just to try and comprehend. And the stars... oh, how I love the stars.

I think it's this same appreciation for immensity that triggers my inner daredevil. A desire to do the things that make you feel alive and remind you just how fragile life really is. That cause your entire body to buzz as every single cell is activated. Snapping yourself instantly out of the daze of the day to day and into the moment like you rarely ever experience.

Nope, I wouldn't put it past me to fling myself off the side of a mountain.

There are often times as I'm climbing mountain trails and pausing to appreciate the many peaks that surround me that I think this very thing. How I just want to fly off the side of a mountain. That I want to see the world from the sky and feel the exhilaration that comes with barreling towards the earth.

But there are better ways to feel alive... Simple ways really, and they all begin with presence and courage.

Presence is about being here now.

Presence is experiencing everything the moment has to offer... from the miracle that is breath to the beauty that is a sunset to the pain that is heartbreak and loss. Seeing the detail in the things that litter our everyday and the uniqueness of every individual that graces us with their presence. Feeling the feelings and experiencing the richness that is this life and world. Presence will make you feel alive and allow you to tap into a space in yourself that guides you to passion and love and fulfillment.

Miracles and inspiration and beauty are in the tiny details we often overlook because we're in too much of a hurry to get on to the next. Depth and connection are in the simple looks and subtle phrases we can't seem to register when we're multitasking or thinking about our response. Divine guidance and intuitive hits exist in the body, which we fail to connect with when we're mentally juggling the to do list and dinner menu and the calls we forgot to return last week.

Presence is about living life fully and completely, moment to moment. Because as cliche and overused as it may be, this moment is all we have.

Courage is about showing up fully.

It's not just reserved for those that go to war and run into burning buildings. Courage is something we can all choose, every single moment of every single day. It's about putting ourselves out there and risking what feels safe and comfortable for that which feels passionate and truly fulfilling on a cellular level. Courage is about putting yourself on the line and, as Brené Brown says, "vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage."

And the fact is, you're not really living if you're not getting vulnerable. Exposing your heart to the ones you love. Expressing your fears and failures. Speaking your truth and owning your story. You're not living if you're playing it safe.

The thing about flinging yourself off the side of a mountain is that you're forced to face the moment. You're forced to face the things you've been avoiding and the dreams you tucked aside. You're forced to see that life doesn't last forever, and that time really is limited.

Life is happening right now, and chances are you've lost yourself in the day to day and the many items that make up your to do list.

I'm not asking you to throw out the to do list or fling yourself off the side of a mountain. I'm simply asking you to pay attention as best you can... to bring yourself into the moment as fully as you're able, and to be a little more courageous with the people in your life.

To live life a little more fully, and with a lot more intention.

Created by Stephenie Zamora Media and published by HuffPost GPS of the Soul 

Why Not You...

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?

Today is a new day!

Many will seize this day.

Many will live it to the fullest.

Why not you?”

Created by Steve Maraboli

9 Cool Things to Do in the Province of Girona

One of the most beautiful regions of Spain, Girona is full of stories to tell. From the Pyrenees mountains to the incredible blue of the mediterranean coast and sky, this region will make you feel loved. Medieval towns, great food, amazing scenery, wonderful culture with traditions and so much more to explore, every twist and turn brings pure delight. 

Here are our 9 Cool Things to Do in Girona Province:

1) Stay in Moli de Mig Hotel, a rural modern beautiful property located in Torroella de Montgri , offering comfort and great service in a relaxed, trendy ambience. An old water mill converted into a hotel of 23 rooms, with garden suites and now a new extension of 8 brand new suites. The casual restaurant offers a fabulous a la carte option, for lunch an open air Bar-B-Q is waiting for you in the sage of the beautiful Morera Trees. 

2) Looking for a fishing village full of character?. Visit Port de la Selva, a traditional fishing village located in the Cap de Creus, north of Costa Brava, only about 20 kms from France. This beautiful town of little white houses offers a traditional holiday experience with charming surroundings.  A small bay, which forms a natural harbour, the town is sheltered by the surrounding mountains, making for a less harsh climate during the winter months. The town has a good network of shops, bars and restaurants, all within walking distance. Friday is market day so if you can plan your visit on this day, you will really enjoy it.  Try Ca La Paquita, a well located casual and traditional ocean view restaurant with some of the best fish dishes in all the area. Daily fresh products are used to prepare the most beautiful dishes with local fish. 

The beaches are beautiful, some of them specially popular for windsurfers offer the perfect white sand blue sea experience. Visit Cala Tamariu, our favorite secret corner to feel the paradise on your feet.  On walking distance you can explore some other small calas located along the coast to the Golf The Roses. 

3) Visit the medieval village of Pals, only few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful village was built around a lovely old quarter, declared a Historic Artistic Site. In the Gothic quarter of Pals, pretty cobbled streets full of majestic houses await you. the village  is famous for the unique Rice cultivated in the surrounding areas. 

To taste one of the best rice dishes you will ever try, please visit El Pedro, located in a  beautiful  medieval building with internal terraces and corridors. El Pedro offers the best Mediterranean and homemade cuisine of Pals, utilizing the best rice from the local fields. This is a true family establishment with the Mother in the kitchen and three sons in front of house, the boys were born in the actual building that houses this fabulous restaurant, really not to be missed.

4) Visit the beautiful Coast town of Begur, a colourful and exuberant town, with narrow streets of Moorish and Spanish architecture topped with the ruins of a medieval castle that has views along miles of coastline. The town is a combination of most stunning neoclassical mansions,  fishermen's huts, art deco constructions and some  other new more modern buildings. The  coastline of Begur is full of charming Calas (small beaches) such as Sa Tuna and Sa Aiguafreda, offering great eating options, some more casual than others.  In Cala Aiguafreda try Vermut a really casual tapas bar with great food and drinks, for a more fine dining experience try Sa Rascassa, where the menu ranges from a deliciously fresh lobster to modern takes on traditional Catalunian dishes. Seafood is the speciality. 

Also a scenic 10 min walk around the coast to the call of SaTuna and you will find  more options for great culinary experiences, Try Hostal Sa Tuna, a fresh casual option full of passionate cooking and fresh local products. Also offering wonderful rooms, minimalistic and extremely tastefully done.  

5) Visit the Dali Museum in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, and home to the globally renowned Dalí's Theatre-Museum.  Dali's art can be seen all around Girona, the main points are the villa of Port Lligat and the town of Cadaques in  the North of the province. The best way to understand the ideas behind Dali's creations is to visit the museum and then take a  drive around the region exploring the natural monuments that inspired this incredible Spanish artist. 

6) For a day of beach and enchanting nature, visit Cala Montgo, a sandy cove located in the beautiful forest's of L'Escala coast. The beach is only 200m long, calm and surrounded by beautiful views. 4 great restaurants to enjoy, but our favorite is Restaurant Oreig, the perfect place for a late lunch after a great beach day. Speciality in fish dishes and traditional cuisine, a must in this magical paradise. 

7) Despite the touristic side of Peratallada, we recommend you to visit this gorgeous village, a true gem of the region. Beautiful narrow streets, heavy stone arches and amazing old houses make this a romantic place to walk. You can find products from all the entire province here on sale. Colorful restaurants and bars with great Tapa's menu, Catalonian food and local products will ensure that you enjoy a memorable night out, and bring you back again.

8) Visit Gore de Ter road that ends in a beach for dogs, located just outside of Torroella de Montgri, this long sandy animal friendly beach, is perfect for travellers with pets, peaceful, tranquil and with so much space, you can relax and know that your pet's will be having a blast, even the non water loving ones will be enticed into the peaceful lapping sounds of the Med.

9) For a fun time with friends, try Par 3 Pitch and Put for fun, also located just outside of Torroella de Montgri, this is a fabulous small yet challenging 18 hole par 3 golf course, with full range and putting practice facilities, you can hire clubs there, enjoy the restaurant or the chilled comfort of the 19th hole, inexpensive and a must for travelling golf lovers, the challenge is to play only once.

Prepare your next travel escape around this area, you will love it.. 

Created by Huellas de Luz Blog / D.Oballos 

The 7 stones of Simpler Living

When I was a kid, my parents would sometimes take us to a campground called Paradise Park. It was a little camp in the California foothills: a woodsy reserve dotted with old oak trees sloping down to a well-shaded river.

Most of the time, it wasn't much more than a stream. But its bed was thick with well-worn river stones, testimony to uncountable seasons of floods and the persuasive nature of water. Over the centuries, the river had slowly carried away mountainsides, tumbling and cracking rock, reducing boulders into a rainbow of smooth, flat stones the size of a child's hand. We'd spend hours picking through the best of them, finding the perfect rock to skip across the river. Invariably, we'd build little stacks of stones along the bank.

There's something deeply satisfying about stacking stones. It's a common motif in Zen gardens, which seek to create order out of nature's seeming chaos. In doing so, they highlight the harmony and balance of our place in the world.

It's not difficult to find a lesson in the stones for those of us trying to simplify our sprawling lives. We've chosen seven from the riverbed for you today — ideas that can help you live a lighter, healthier, more sustainable life. Stack them as you will.

1. Reduce your consumption

Anyone who thinks they can shop their way to greener living has been watching too much television. Sure, responsible consumerism matters. Every purchase is a choice. But the key to simpler, greener living is pretty straightforward: consume less. A simple way to cut back on unnecessary purchases is the one week rule. Unless you have a real show-stopper, write down the things you need and sit on them for seven days. Stores are designed to encourage impulse spending, so staying away as much as possible is good news for your bank account. After a week, round up the items you still need and group them together with an eye toward combining as many trips as possible. Then stick to your list. While this all sounds very simple, you'll quickly realize how chaotic our spending habits can be — and how much money you can save through better planning.

2. Reduce your waste stream

We call it garbage; other nations might call it wealth. There's no end to things we send to the landfill. Recycling helps, but the sheer volume of waste generated by the average household is overwhelming. From obsolete electronics to that mason jar you casually tossed in the trash last night, we're flooding our landfills while robbing ourselves of things which might be put to another use. Start by thinking twice when you purchase something: is whatever you're buying too heavily packaged? Do you need it all? Think again before putting anything in a trash or recycling bin. Nobody expects you to become a packrat, but that jar could easily be repurposed as a water bottle or something to pack a snack. Food scraps belong in the compost heap. Maybe that cardboard, too. For some idea starters on keeping things out of the bin, check out this helpful list from No Impact Man.

3. Trim your energy use

Energy prices have relaxed over the past few months as a direct result of the worldwide economic slowdown. But electricity, gasoline, natural gas and heating oil still represent a hefty portion of the average family budget. Unless you're fortunate enough to live in an area already invested in renewable energy, every unattended TV or flick of the light switch means you're burning fossil fuels. That means you're directly responsible for the air pollution and all the related consumables it took to bring that power to your wall socket. Learn to weatherize; replace or retire inefficient appliances; consider more energy-efficient lighting; and rearrange your living spaces so they take better advantage of natural heat, lighting and cooling. Switch things off and pocket the change. You'll probably enjoy the peace and quiet.

4. Prepare and grow your own food

If there's one lost art in the past decade or two, it's cooking real food. By "cooking," we don't mean warming up packaged food from the grocery store. We're talking about preparing meals from fresh ingredients. That's how our parents and grandparents did it. Admittedly, society has changed: with dual-income households and ever-expanding work schedules, it's easy to fall back on processed meals and fast foods. And that's a shame. Making a meal — whether it's just for yourself or a whole family — is the one of the little rituals which forces us to slow down and be mindful of what we eat. It's also healthier, and an enormous money saver. Not too handy in the kitchen? Take a class, or spend time cooking with someone you love. Real food needn't be complicated. And consider growing some of what you consume. Even if you're not blessed with the space to plant a garden, you can grow a satisfying crop of herbs and vegetables in modest containers.

5. Reduce your reliance on automobiles

We love our cars. And why not? Virtually everything about modern living — particularly in the United States — assumes automobile transportation. Think how much blacktop and concrete there is within a hundred yards of you right now. Our cities sprawl across what used to be countryside. Stores and businesses which make provision for bicycles and mass transit are the exception, and we feel inconvenienced if there's not plenty of parking within a few paces of wherever we travel. Dust off that bicycle or grab a backpack and get walking. Perhaps you could start by taking our 10-mile pledge. The more you leave your car parked, the more money you'll save and the healthier you'll feel. Start small, establish new habits, and you'll be surprised how much you can get done without burning a drop of gasoline.

6. Reduce your personal stress

It's not an accident that virtually every one of our "simplicity stones" has a meditative component. You have to make time to prepare food, choose walking over a car trip, or even make a proper shopping list. This is a good thing, because it forces you to unburden yourself of something else. We are hopelessly overstimulated. Living a greener life is less about learning new things than letting go of the old. Think about all the tasks you do in a week that take longer than 30 minutes. Look most carefully at social obligations, hobbies — even the time you spend online. Have any of these become a chore? What could be jettisoned? It could be something as simple as dropping a social network, or a repetitive task which could be delegated to others. You could probably find a few extra hours a week in this manner. Don't be in a hurry to fill them. Pick up a book, talk a walk, or putter in the garden. Light physical activity is a great way to trade stress for a little extra serotonin. If you're doing a good job saving money, you might be able to afford that once-a-week massage. Now, at least, you'll have time to fit it in.

7. Learn to give back

You've reduced your consumption. There are a few extra dollars in the bank. Your environmental footstep gets a little smaller from month to month, and you've managed reclaim some time from the chaos of your week. Now you're ready to give back. How you join in is a personal decision. Teach your newfound skills to others, help people find jobs, or assist a faith or social group. As you learn to slow down and simplify, chances are that opportunities to serve will find you.

Seven stones — but, of course, there are more.

This great article was originally published by Mother Nature Network, and created by By: Chris Baskind. Read the original article HERE