"Mindfulness is about being fully awake

in our lives. It is about perceiving the

exquisite vividness of each moment."    

- Jon Kabat-Zinn 

Hello Beautiful Soul,

The arrival of cherry blossoms signals the onset of spring, bringing hope, renewal, and a sense of rejuvenation after the long winter months. 

The short bloom time of cherry blossoms teaches us to be mindful and enjoy the present moment, remembering that everything in life is temporary.  

As a member of the Portland Japanese Garden, I receive their weekly emails with updates on the progress of the cherry blossoms in the garden this time of year.  

At the beginning of this month, they reached peak bloom.  

So, my husband and I planned a trip to Portland, and spent an afternoon strolling through the garden, enjoying the beautiful flowering trees, as well as the exhibits inside the museum.   

While waiting for him to photograph one of the trees in the courtyard after we first arrived, I noticed a sign on the side of the gateway into the garden, and paused to read it, and then took a photo because it really struck me.  

It said, 

"THIS PRESENT MOMENT:

Use caution, there are steps beyond this point.  

Pathways are winding and uneven to slow down your pace and allow you to be present in this moment." 

It's not a new sign, but of all the times we've visited the garden, I've never stopped to read it before. 

I've always been in a hurry to get off the shuttle and into the garden and see everything we want to see before they close.  

I had to laugh at myself.  

What a wonderful reminder ... even for someone like me who practices and teaches mindfulness! Lol  

I spent the rest of the afternoon slowing down my pace, being more mindful of my steps, feeling "fully awake", and enjoying my surroundings in a fresh new way. 

For most of us, mindful moments are often unexpected, maybe while walking on a mountain trail on a crisp autumn day, or being so focused in work or play that you are not thinking about the past or future, or connecting with someone in a way that makes it seem like time is standing still.  



This state of being alive and whole in the present moment is always available, but it typically eludes us, especially in times of difficulty and external pressures.

I encourage you to think about how you can slow yourself down, and create more mindful moments in your day. 

In order to reap the benefits of

increased levels of mindfulness,

we need only commit to a regular practice.

Boost your Well-being with This Fun and Easy

Mini Mindfulness Exercise

Five Senses

This mini mindfulness exercise can easily be done anywhere, anytime, and likely without anyone noticing you are doing it.

Look around you and notice five things that you can see… for instance, in this moment I can see my computer screen, a cup of tea, a card from my husband, a prayer flag on the wall, and the trees outside my window. 

Now, notice four things around you that you can hear. 

I notice the sounds of the furnace, my fingers typing along the keyboard, the birds in the backyard, and the wind blowing a wind chime.

Now, pause to observe three things that you can feel or touch. 

For instance, I can feel the smoothness of the keyboard on my computer, the softness of the cushion on my chair, and the hardwood floor beneath my feet.

Now, observe two things that you can smell. 

I can smell the scent of daffodils in a vase on my desk, and lavender lotion on my hands. 

Now, pause to see if there is one thing you can taste in the present moment. 

For me, I can still taste the green tea that I recently sipped.



This mini mindfulness exercise is a fun and simple way to become more attuned to your sensory experiences in the present moment.

Consider challenging yourself to practice it each day.

A Few of the Many Benefits Associated with Mindfulness

• You will be better able to live in the present moment, as opposed to dwelling on the past (which is unchangeable) or the future (which is subject to change).
• You will be able to strengthen your emotional intelligence, which means greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as their impact on others.
• You will develop a greater sense of overall well-being, including reduced stress levels and mood disturbances, as well as a greater sense of empathy and likelihood to engage in altruistic behaviors.

Bring your energy back into balance with high-vibe accessories, effective stress reduction techniques, and spiritual practices that help you reclaim your power, embrace your full potential, and live through your higher Self.

With focused intention and the right tools, you have the power to change your experience.

Come into my shop, or visit my website to learn more about how energy healing products and services can help you create positive change in your life.

From my Anahata (Sanskrit: अनाहत ) heart chakra . . .

to yours . . . . .

Namaste,

Jen

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