Being Present Stories presents 'The Lion on the Path.

This is a series of stories about presence.

Birthday practice

Hello, Today is my birthday and I wanted to take the opportunity to bring to you a birthday practice. It does not matter if today is also your birthday or not. What matters is there is no better time to celebrate life than today. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for joining our practices this year!

"It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn't matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over."- Paulo Coelho

Thank you for joining our practice, and thank you to those who have been following us.

After a couple of years of so many challenges, it feels like a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the things that are truly important for us. We might still get annoyed about the not very friendly work colleague, employee or boss. You might be angry at your friend, brother, sister or parents. Anyone that you feel caused you harm. You might be annoyed about the current situation, our government and the lack of understanding, compassion and empathy the world shows around us. However, imagine that all these could be part of a dream, an untrue story that our heads stick to, to keep on making us feel bad, angry, upset or revengeful.

How would it be like to wake up today and realise that all was a dream or nightmare and that we are fine, balanced and calmed inside? This could be achieved by using the power of looking at the good things in life. Neurological science has demonstrated that the human brain is not capable of focusing on two things at the same time. Therefore, if this is the case, it might be possible that we could potentially be addicted to only negative situations, being stuck in a one-sided aspect of life. This probably means we are closer to freedom than we think, knowing that we can choose how we feel, who we get surrounded by and how to enjoy our lives.

As you know through our practice, one of the most effective tools we have to retrain our minds is by using appreciation and gratitude. If you combine mindful appreciation and connect this feeling with your body, it will become a powerful trigger for lasting change.

Practice for the Festive times

1. Prepare to let go of uncomfortable emotions or situations that kept you trapped in the shadows, the darkness, the anger and the frustration.

2. Make a list of situations or emotions that make you still feel bad.

3. Observe each one at a time, feel them. Pick one.

4. Now, acknowledge this feeling. Put your hands in your heart or your head or where ever you feel this feeling is stored in your body, and say I am grateful for having your message and now I let you be.

5. Then say thank you, thank you, thank you for having given me this message.

6. Repeat this process with each feeling you would like to be at peace with it.

For example; I pick this anger I have for my family for having maltreated me. I acknowledge you, Anger, I am grateful for telling me things were not right at the time, and for being part of my journey.

I gained strength, power, and self-consciousness, which has made me respond in an authentic way. Thank you, thank you, thank you, as I know who I am now; strong, powerful, and resilient.

Now I let you be, as I no longer need this message.

And finally, I will leave you with three questions for the year that finishes:

Did I honour myself and my commitment to my spiritual practice? Have I created deeper connections with my family and friends? Did I find the ideal balance between being and doing this year?

Have a beautiful festive time, starting now. Remember, every second of the day is an opportunity to make things right for you and others.

Be well, be fae and be grateful

Mindfulness practice 21:

Look at your list of things you appreciate. Identify which are the most important to you and write down why these things are the most important and why you are grateful for them.

Put one or both hands on your heart breathing deeply and after you read each item say “thank you, thank you, thank you” with intense emotion.

Remember the power of the heart. The more you feel and show gratitude, the more you will receive and flourish.

Every second of every day is a new opportunity to start again.

Life is change, therefore embracing change is embracing life.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening.

Be Well. Be Safe. Be Grateful.

Find out more, search ‘Being Present Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, visit our website, beingpresentpractice.com.

To leave a review in Apple iTunes, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/being-present-practice/id1541628212 and open iTunes by clicking ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts’. Thank you. 

You have made it to the end of week 3, congratulations.

Today’s mindfulness practice is simple.

1. Review your gratitude list and add 5 more things you either missed or would like to add as you reflect on week 3 and your life.
2. Look at your list and re-read each item. After each item say thank you, thank you, thank you with as much intention and emotion as possible.
3. Tune in tomorrow for the final practice.

Listen and subscribe now, and to find out more, search ‘Being Present Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, visit our website, beingpresentpractice.com.

Be Well. Be Safe. Be Grateful.

To get the most out of the Being Present Practice, David recommends:

1. Finding a fixed time during the day where you can do the practices at the same time every day. Five to ten minutes will be enough to listen to the recordings and to do the exercises.
2. Committing to doing the exercises every day for the length of the practice.
3. Keep going! You might feel that a particular day is too hard, or might not make sense, keep going as it is probably your defence mechanism trying to stay in the same state as you are and not wanting to change.
4. Changing when you do the practices. If you find the exercise hard to do, try another time in the day for that practice.
5. Not giving up on the writing exercises. Some tasks could be easier than others, however, please stick to the writing exercises. You will be surprised by how many more things you can be positive about without knowing.

To leave a review in Apple iTunes, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/being-present-practice/id1541628212 and open iTunes by clicking ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts’. Thank you. 

Mindfulness practice 19:

1. Make a list of 5 things you appreciate and the reason why you are grateful for these things.
2. Put one or both hands on your heart breathing deeply and after you read each item on your list, say thank you, thank you, thank you with intense emotion.
3. Find a time and space to take a few minutes to truly feel present. Start with your breathing then scan your entire body. As you recognise each part of your body, give thanks with emotion.

Listen and subscribe now, and to find out more, search ‘Being Present Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, visit our website, beingpresentpractice.com.

Be Well. Be Safe. Be Grateful.

To get the most out of the Being Present Practice, David recommends:

1. Finding a fixed time during the day where you can do the practices at the same time every day. Five to ten minutes will be enough to listen to the recordings and to do the exercises.
2. Committing to doing the exercises every day for the length of the practice.
3. Keep going! You might feel that a particular day is too hard, or might not make sense, keep going as it is probably your defence mechanism trying to stay in the same state as you are and not wanting to change.
4. Changing when you do the practices. If you find the exercise hard to do, try another time in the day for that practice.
5. Not giving up on the writing exercises. Some tasks could be easier than others, however, please stick to the writing exercises. You will be surprised by how many more things you can be positive about without knowing.

To leave a review in Apple iTunes, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/being-present-practice/id1541628212 and open iTunes by clicking ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts’. Thank you. 

Mindfulness practice 18:

1. Make a list of 5 things you appreciate and the reason why you are grateful for these things.
2. Look at your list and re-read each item. After each item say thank you, thank you, thank you with as much intention and emotion as possible.
3. Make a list of situations or people you would like to forgive.
4. Say, ‘(name of the person or situation)’ I have decided to let go and move on, I am forgiving myself for what happened. I appreciate it was a difficult time and I am grateful for the learning I got from the experience’. Put one or both hands in your heart breathing deeply and after saying the statement say “thank you, thank you, thank you” with intense emotion.
5. Reflect on how you feel after letting go and forgiving.

Listen and subscribe now, and to find out more, search ‘Being Present Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, visit our website, beingpresentpractice.com.

Be Well. Be Safe. Be Grateful.

To get the most out of the Being Present Practice, David recommends:

1. Finding a fixed time during the day where you can do the practices at the same time every day. Five to ten minutes will be enough to listen to the recordings and to do the exercises.
2. Committing to doing the exercises every day for the length of the practice.
3. Keep going! You might feel that a particular day is too hard, or might not make sense, keep going as it is probably your defence mechanism trying to stay in the same state as you are and not wanting to change.
4. Changing when you do the practices. If you find the exercise hard to do, try another time in the day for that practice.
5. Not giving up on the writing exercises. Some tasks could be easier than others, however, please stick to the writing exercises. You will be surprised by how many more things you can be positive about without knowing.

To leave a review in Apple iTunes, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/being-present-practice/id1541628212 and open iTunes by clicking ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts’. Thank you. 

Mindfulness practice 17:

1. Make a list of 5 things you appreciate and the reason why you are grateful for these things.
2. Look at your list and re-read each item. After each item say thank you, thank you, thank you with as much intention and emotion as possible.
3. Be conscious of the people around you and look out for the big and small achievements of others on a daily basis. When you witness an achievement you appreciate, say thank you.        

Listen and subscribe now, and to find out more, search ‘Being Present Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, visit our website, beingpresentpractice.com.

Be Well. Be Safe. Be Grateful.

To get the most out of the Being Present Practice, David recommends:

1. Finding a fixed time during the day where you can do the practices at the same time every day. Five to ten minutes will be enough to listen to the recordings and to do the exercises.
2. Committing to doing the exercises every day for the length of the practice.
3. Keep going! You might feel that a particular day is too hard, or might not make sense, keep going as it is probably your defence mechanism trying to stay in the same state as you are and not wanting to change.
4. Changing when you do the practices. If you find the exercise hard to do, try another time in the day for that practice.
5. Not giving up on the writing exercises. Some tasks could be easier than others, however, please stick to the writing exercises. You will be surprised by how many more things you can be positive about without knowing.

To leave a review in Apple iTunes, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/being-present-practice/id1541628212 and open iTunes by clicking ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts’. Thank you. 

Mindfulness practice 16:

1. Make a list of 5 things you appreciate and the reason why you are grateful for these things.
2. Look at your list and re-read each item. After each item say thank you, thank you, thank you with as much intention and emotion as possible.
3. If you are feeling anxious, stressed or you need a break from work, taking care of children, or want to reconnect with yourself and relax, find a time where you can spare a few minutes to breathe. Set an alarm if you feel you need a reminder. Breathe in for 5 counts, hold your breath for 3 counts and then exhale for 5 counts. Make sure you fill your lungs and all the way down to your stomach.

a) Breathe naturally, focusing on each breath.

b) Breathe and at the same time place your hands on your chest or stomach, or both to feel the motion.

c) Imagine breathing clean air that is cleansing your body, and then exhale stress and toxins.

At the end of each inhale/exhale cycle say thank you, thank you, thank you for being able to breathe.

Listen and subscribe now, and to find out more, search ‘Being Present Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, visit our website, beingpresentpractice.com.

Be Well. Be Safe. Be Grateful.

To get the most out of the Being Present Practice, David recommends:

1. Finding a fixed time during the day where you can do the practices at the same time every day. Five to ten minutes will be enough to listen to the recordings and to do the exercises.
2. Committing to doing the exercises every day for the length of the practice.
3. Keep going! You might feel that a particular day is too hard, or might not make sense, keep going as it is probably your defence mechanism trying to stay in the same state as you are and not wanting to change.
4. Changing when you do the practices. If you find the exercise hard to do, try another time in the day for that practice.
5. Not giving up on the writing exercises. Some tasks could be easier than others, however, please stick to the writing exercises. You will be surprised by how many more things you can be positive about without knowing.

To leave a review in Apple iTunes, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/being-present-practice/id1541628212 and open iTunes by clicking ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts’. Thank you. 

Mindfulness practice 15:

1. Make a list of 5 things you appreciate and the reason why you are grateful for these things.
2. Look at your list and re-read each item. After each item say thank you, thank you, thank you with as much intention and emotion as possible.
3. Next, appreciate yourself. Review the last week and identify situations when you ignored or were not kind to yourself. When you said 'Yes', wanting to say 'No' for example.
4. Write down 5 things that you appreciate about yourself.
5. Be kind to yourself.

Listen and subscribe now, and to find out more, search ‘Being Present Practice’ on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, visit our website, beingpresentpractice.com.

Be Well. Be Safe. Be Grateful.

To get the most out of the Being Present Practice, David recommends:

1. Finding a fixed time during the day where you can do the practices at the same time every day. Five to ten minutes will be enough to listen to the recordings and to do the exercises.
2. Committing to doing the exercises every day for the length of the practice.
3. Keep going! You might feel that a particular day is too hard, or might not make sense, keep going as it is probably your defence mechanism trying to stay in the same state as you are and not wanting to change.
4. Changing when you do the practices. If you find the exercise hard to do, try another time in the day for that practice.
5. Not giving up on the writing exercises. Some tasks could be easier than others, however, please stick to the writing exercises. You will be surprised by how many more things you can be positive about without knowing.

To leave a review in Apple iTunes, go here: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/being-present-practice/id1541628212 and open iTunes by clicking ‘Listen on Apple Podcasts’. Thank you.