On most mornings, one of my cats jumps into my lap after I bring in his breakfast, and he snuggles up and purrs. In that moment, I can feel myself relax, and I feel happy inside.

Anyone with pets has probably felt the same thing. It's that unconditional love they give - at least, I hope it's not just the cat food. Other things can make us feel good: the hug of a child, the color of flowers blooming in the garden, or the sound of a friend's voice on the phone.

These types of small moments come and go in our lives, and we may not even notice. I sometimes wonder if Americans in particular have lost our ability to stop and enjoy the moment - the "eternal now."

Caregivers can benefit greatly from learning to truly experience and feel these moments of happiness and peace. My therapist recommended that I take up yoga to reduce stress and find my happy place. When I was recently listening to National Public Radio, a middle-aged woman who suffered from chronic headaches was recommending yoga. Perhaps the universe is sending me a message.

I've never done yoga, but I've also never meditated, and that's one of the stress reduction techniques taught through the WellMed Charitable Foundation's Stress-busting Program for Family Caregivers (website located at www.caregiverstressbusters.org).

Participating caregivers learn about guided imagery and meditation. They get a meditation CD to assist them, and set aside time to practice.

The bottom line is that many of us will need help to learn how to recognize and feel gratitude and happiness, and to learn how to let go of stress and negative thoughts. It doesn't come naturally to those of us who are overwhelmed, and who think the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train.

While this may seem like one more thing that we don't have time to do, this is time we are really giving back to ourselves. The American Heart Association says that meditation can lower blood pressure. Harvard Medical School says the benefits are not just psychological and good for the brain; good things happen throughout the body. The Mayo Clinic says that yoga can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve heart function. And almost anyone can do it. We teach yoga to seniors in their eighties and nineties in our senior centers (www.wellmedgives.org/senior-centers). We may need to try different techniques to find the best one for us.

I've realized that now is the time for me to give these a try. The great news is that there are meditation exercises on the Internet, so we don't need to go anywhere special to try them. Some of our caregivers tell us the best place to mediate is in the bathroom. It's the only place in the house that they can get away from everything.

My wish for all of us on this spring day is to broaden our opportunities to feel good, and to truly experience those happy moments whenever they occur.