Have you ever fallen in love? Usually when we think about falling in love, we think about falling in love with another person, which of course is simply divine when it occurs. But sometimes, life gets in the way and it can be difficult to sustain the feeling of “being in love”.

But you know, I try to fall in love with the keeper of my heart and many other things and people each day. The key is to realise that when you open your eyes, you open your heart.

In mindfulness, we are always endeavouring to remain fully aware of this moment, the only moment actually available to us, the only moment where our life truly exists. And yet we’re often running through life at a head-spinning, heart-racing pace, focusing on getting the next thing done before we’ve even completed what is in front of us.

“That’s the pace of life these days!” I hear you cry. But it’s not healthy: it’s exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally – and I’m here to say life doesn’t have to be like that.

You can prioritise finding some quiet time to rest in stillness each and every day, no matter how busy you are and if you do so consistently, you will fall in love with stillness – and that is a game-changer in life.

Falling in love with stillness will help you to feel and to focus better, so you might find you can get through your daily agenda a little quicker; but more importantly, a lot more pleasurably. And who wouldn’t want that?

But as with all mindfulness, it’s much better being experienced rather than being written about or read. So your mindfulness exercise this month is to try to begin a courtship with stillness.

Mindfulness Exercise

First of all, find a place and space where you won’t be disturbed. I find it useful to practice this exercise laying down to begin with. So it naturally follows that it’s helpful to practice this in bed before you begin your day and again at nighttime in order to aid a thoroughly restful sleep; and as many times as you feel like during your day.

Place one hand on the tummy, one hand on the chest and then slowly begin to focus upon your breath. If you find your mind is really busy, notice that, but kindly and firmly bring your attention back to the breath.

Spend a few minutes watching the way the breath moves the body. You don’t need to do anything else except watch the way the tummy, chest and collar bones lift on the inhale and fall on the exhale.

After a few rounds, try to see if you can notice the gentle pause that exists at the end of your inhale before you being exhaling. Then try to notice how still the body is in the pause, how still you are. You are touching off and noticing the stillness within you. Try to rest your attention here for as long as you can before you start your day or fall in to a truly nourishing sleep.

Something To Ponder

Open your eyes and you will find yourself opening your heart. What if you looked at the people you love (including yourself!) with your eyes fully opened and really saw them as they are, rather than seeing your expectations, frustrations and perhaps disappointments, which you attach to them? Anytime you struggle with this, fall back into stillness, even for a few moments, and try again opening your eyes and opening your heart.

Embrace all love and fall in love with this life. CL

>> Exercise of the month: Shavasana

While it looks like we’re just lying down on our backs, Shavasana can often be one of the most challenging poses in yoga practice. This is the ultimate act of conscious surrender and it’s normal for the mind to try to resist this deep relaxation by wandering off to the future or into the past. But the moment you notice your attention has wandered off, kindly but firmly bring it back to the present moment.

Stretch out on your mat, bed or floor and try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Keep a little space between the feet and allow them both to drop out to the sides. Allow the arms to fall down by the side of the body, keeping some space between the arms and the body with the palms facing upwards.

Close the eyes and try to allow the body to relax. It’s important, however, not to try too hard to relax, as this often just introduces more tension into the body. Take a deep inhale followed by an audible exhale, which will help to signal to the body that it’s time now to rest and rejuvenate.

Mentally scan through all the parts of your body and try to make them feel heavier. Try with each exhale to allow the body to sink a little further into the mat/floor. When the mind wanders off, just bring it back to focusing upon your body and upon your breath. Some days will be easier than others and that’s part of the practice. See if you can be still, at ease and simply trusting the breath will carry you to the next moment.

Watch for those peaceful moments of quiet between the thoughts. Over time, they will get longer and you will find more inner quiet. Stay here for as long as you like and then when you’re ready, on an exhale, slowly open your eyes. Take a moment to notice how you feel more rested, awake and alive than before.