Its amazing how few opportunities we are given in this day and age to disconnect: to turn off one’s phone, email, Facebook, Instagram, bank account.. I just got off the plane, one of the few places we are told to ‘please turn off your phones.’  It made me think.  Two thoughts were running through my head – one: The notion that so many people have such a difficult time separating from the outside world, as most of us are addicted; and two: I should do this more often, and I’ll tell you why.

I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off yesterday, as I knew I was leaving for Seattle today.  I was in meetings, seeing clients, doing errands, taking the dog to the park, and all the while I was texting, emailing, ‘Face-booking,’ in between.  And, it did feel good because I was productive and I felt connected to those I care about and wanted to be in touch with.  However, I have realized it’s equally as important to turn off your phone and computer and stop moving!  Get in touch with your inside world and see how you feel and what is going on with you.  Do you know how hard this is?  Do any of you meditate and do you do it regularly?

I was in a group healing-mediation circle a while back and the teacher asked all of us to try meditating just 10 minutes each day.  Me, being the stubborn Leo that I am thought are you kidding of course I can meditate 10 minutes a day.  Nonetheless, its harder than it appears to be because we are all so Connected to the outside world.  We are less and less Connected to the inside world, meaning our own little beings.  Once you find a way to meditate, in other words, sitting quietly for just 10 minutes here and there, you will quickly be surprised at how many realizations you come to.  Its sort of like sleeping in the sense that your muscles repair and bodies reenergize at night; when you quiet your mind, yet remain awake and present, you are able to solve so many of your own quandaries.  It is amazing!

I challenge all of you to turn off your phones and meditate for just 10 minutes each day.  If that seems like too much, try doing it 2 or 3 times a week.

And by the way, if you are sitting here saying I don’t know how to meditate, it sounds scarier that it is.  Meditating, is just a fancy way of saying; sitting with yourself, in your own thoughts.  If your mind starts to wonder to your ‘to do’ list try and bring it back to being in the present moment.  The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with your own thoughts, and the experiences will grow more enlightening and rewarding.