Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, Mindful Meditation, poetry

Let your story unfold

In stillness
we find calm
Let your mind settle
and your worries flow out

It's hard, I know
my emotions sometimes feel strong
I don’t know if I can stay afloat
or if I will drown

Take a breath
and another
soon you will see
the worries
the sadness
become distant memories

While they are gone
take the time
to focus on the light within
let it shine
let it grow
this is where your story begins

Let your story unfold
in the present
not the past
Fill each page with awareness
and lightness 
but don’t grasp
Because even holding too tight
to what you have now
will rip the page
of your present
and stop the flow

Let your story flow naturally
with every breath
in and out
Ride the waves 
of the present
and let your worries flow out.
-Alexis Cress

Sometimes in our busy days, we don’t take the time to really pay attention to what is happening within us. When we have a moment to ourselves, we often choose to escape the present moment by checking social media, watching television, or reading a book. Take some time to be with you during the day. Maybe this will be a time for seated reflection, or a walk in nature, or just a moment focusing on your breath as it comes in and out. Let your story unfold naturally, and you will find calm.

Blessings,

Alexis

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love, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, poetry

Do you believe in angels?

Do you believe in angels?
I do
different shapes and colors
celebrating life with you

A puppy dog’s tail as it wags with joy
a hummingbird’s wings whirling by
the breeze as it blows at just the right time
for sure angels are here, definitely a sign!

When the sun rises and colors the sky
and the kitten purrs when swatting at a butterfly
When the butterfly gracefully floats by
wings open
colors abound
surely angels are in disguise
surely angels are around!

 What else could it mean?
So many gifts in our sight
I don’t think its magic
but God’s gifts in flight

On the wings of an angel
from heaven they come
to celebrate life with us
with each rising sun.
-Alexis Cress

Do you have someone or something in your life (humans, animals, nature’s sights, smells, and sounds) that when you notice them, your heart overflows with warmth, with light? Take a moment to experience these gifts today. Maybe they are angels in disguise?

Blessings to you,

Alexis

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education, health benefits, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, Mindful Meditation, poetry

Your Mindfulness Breath

Your Mindfulness Breath

Sit still
think of nothing
only your breath 
coming in and going out

Do you hear it
the silence in your mind 
and the awakening in your heart

Do you feel it
the warmth in your body
the lifting of the life weight off your shoulders 
and the opening of your soul

Can you see it 
the lightness before you
the path to your true calling

Can you touch it
the beauty that lies before you
beckoning you to come closer

Will you allow it
this mindfulness
this path to true discovery

Will you accept it 
this beauty and love that surrounds you

It is always there for you 
waiting in your mindfulness breath

Sit still
think of nothing
only your breath
coming in and going out.
-Alexis Cress

Have you ever tried mindfulness meditation? As my 3 part Mindful Living series will demonstrate, you can practice mindfulness doing anything and everything (which I hope you do!).

The American Psychological Association describes mindfulness meditation as paying attention to what is happening in the present moment and then accepting what is happening without judgement. For example, when you are in a seated meditation focusing on your breath, and your mind starts to wander or a specific thought comes into your mind – no worries – just become aware of this without analyzing your thought or yourself, and come back to your breath. I will discuss more about mindfulness meditation in Part 2 of my Mindful Living series, as well as in upcoming blogs. It is one of my favorite meditation practices. Stay tuned!

Be mindful today, and experience your life in a whole new, glorious way!

Blessings,

Alexis

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