Alive and Kicking

Not only a fantastic song from 1985 by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, but also the way I feel when I choose to remain in the power of NOW!

At the risk of sounding culturally trendy or cliché, I am just way too excited not to share this with you!

Yes it feels like I'm jumping on some kind of proverbial repetitive bandwagon writing yet AGAIN about the importance of being fully present in the moment, practicing mindfulness.

But perhaps the reason people talk so much about this powerful meditation concept is because it is accurate, helpful, healing; empowering us to truly experience happiness "alive and kicking" regardless of external stressors or circumstances beyond our control such as the past or the future.

In keeping with an attitude of gratitude, focusing on one precious gift at a time, such as breathing, music, heartbeat, muscle movement, tastes, sounds, sights, textures, and scents allows us to smile in the present moment at simply being alive.

Even pain, physical or emotional can be experienced with a mindful awareness of curiosity, observing the sensations as they come and go in waves like the ocean. Occasionally the metaphorical or literal waves fearfully knock us down and tumble us around. We get to feel exhilarated with enormous relief when we are able to surface and catch our breath once again reminding us that we are indeed alive and kicking.

Do you ever find yourself smiling to yourself at the pleasure you are currently experiencing with a deep cleansing breath, listening to your favorite song, savoring a rich entree or dessert, inhaling a relaxing aroma, or stretching out the muscles?

Would you be willing to add more examples of your own examples to the list above?

If not here, then perhaps you can write them in your own personal journal instead.

Life is full of choices. Choose wisely. Choose gratitude in the NOW. Or don't. The choice is yours.

Choose to BE HAPPY WHERE YOU ARE.

A strategy from "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson:

Until next time, Take Care.

Gwen