Greetings!

Can you believe that it is September already? Time sure flies! I've been getting back into the routine again and adjusting my body, mind and soul to being back at work. It seems nothing has changed, yet so many things really have changed. The storms are brewing, rustling up anxiety and strong emotions around us.

I have so many aspects in my life to juggle, that sometimes it seems overwhelming. What I realize is when I slow down and live in the moment things flow. I notice that many of us forget to be mindful. Mindfulness is something I am very committed to being. Perhaps you'll relate to my feelings about it.

Many blessings,

Stefanie

I feel that our lives are so busy and filled with so many responsibilities, obligations and activities that we sometimes get caught up in the busyness. Many of us tend to leave our physical bodies and dwell in the mental and emotional planes. We forget to connect to who we are with and what we are doing and really be present in the moment. Oftentimes we may be thinking about the past or projecting into the future. We may be focused on what we "should" or "could" be doing.

Technology has benefitted us in so many ways and at the same time has hindered us in others. I can spend hours on the internet, surfing the web, checking my e- mail, instant messaging and hours have gone by. I can also spend hours watching my television shows or renting movies. Often this type of entertainment is a way of disconnecting from thinking and is a means to unwind and relax. An alternative can be spent in meditation, taking a walk or reading a good book. I don't believe we need to give up watching tv or spending time on the computer as a form of entertainment but I do feel we need to be mindful of the amount of time we spend there. It may become a form of escape and further disconnect us from participating in life.

Cell phones are such a blessing in allowing us to stay in constant communication with loved ones. It makes our lives so much easier in so many ways. The problem is as it brings us closer to one person, at the same time it alienates us from others with us perhaps realizing it. When we speak on the telephone while we are shopping, we are avoiding being mindful of what we are doing. We are also missing out on opportunities to connect with someone in the store, perhaps other customers, the person behind the counter or an individual we are meant to meet. We might lose an opportunity to meet someone Spirit has put in our path for us to touch somehow or we may benefit from knowing.

Being mindful that when we are with someone, either in person or on the telephone, that we really are connecting and listening to them. There may be instances we'll get another phone call while we're already speaking to someone and leave them hanging while we go speak to someone else. At other times we may be visiting and our phone rings and we will talk to someone else while the person we are with is left sitting there staring into space. It ruins the moment and disconnects us from who were are with and what we are doing.

When we were growing up there were no cell phones, so this is a whole new etiquette. By being mindful we would know that we cannot spread ourselves so thin that we ignore the feelings of the person who is in front of us. For me, unless it is my son or someone I know that really needs to talk to me or I really need to talk to them, I don't answer my phone. It's difficult because I have the tendency to want to be in all places, at all times, doing everything with everyone. By slowing down and being mindful I realize the only place I need to be is here, now.

Mindfulness is being conscious of the effects our words and actions have on ourselves and others. When we are preoccupied and rushing through life we may not realize that what we are doing or not doing is causing consequences. By achieving a level of self mastery we are aware, and present and taking responsibility for what is occurring. We need to remember we are all interconnected and what we do has long lasting effects.

When we are mindful and present in the moment we can connect with our bodies and discern the subtle and sometimes not so subtle affects the food, substance, thought, emotion, action, or inaction is having on us. Once we are aware we can than make conscious adjustments that keep us in physical, emotional, mental and spiritual alignment.

By being conscious we can connect with others on a deeper level and see how we are affecting one another. When we are rushing through our days and life we are not paying attention to what is happening around us. In this way we are not taking responsibility. In a sense we are role models for others, the way we treat ourselves and others may have long lasting consequences on our life and another's life. Our mental or emotional state is often projected to someone else which can alter their frame of mind or reference either in a positive sense or a negative one. We have the power to shift someone else's perspective through where we are coming from.

Mindfulness means slowing down, and taking one thing at a time. Mindfulness is being really present within and letting go of the racing, random thoughts and emotions. It is through this practice that you can be in the divine flow, and allow Spirit to guide your thoughts, words, and actions.

There are times we want and need to shut down. There are times we need to disconnect from others and just lose ourselves in just being. There is nothing wrong with that. It is a matter of being aware of what we are doing and why. It is a conscious decistion to strive for balance. We cannot always be available for others, that can be too draining. On the flip side if we are always preoccupied we won't ever be available for anyone, least of all ourselves.

By being mindful we can create peace inside of ourselves, which will extend to our relationships and beyond, and bring healing on many levels within and around us.

I devote myself to being mindful of my thoughts, actions and deeds. I ask for your grace to keep me in the divine flow always. I let go of my scattered way of doing things. Show me a better way, please.

I really want to be present in this moment. I want to connect with myself and others on a deeper level. I know the only way I can do that is by being here now. Please show me how to slow down.

Please guide me in opening my eyes and heart to others. I would never want to miss an opportunity to really connect with someone or myself because I am too preoccupied. Use me to benefit others.

I want to experience what is meant for me in a balanced, loving, authentic way. This is my vow to myself.

Thank you for showing me the way.

And so it is.

Amen.

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