advocacy, animal rescue, love, Mindful Activities, Mindful Eating, Mindful Living, poetry

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Are we looking? Have you ever had one of those weeks where humanity and its actions (or inactions) really get you down? Whether it’s reading about the never-ending violence in the world, witnessing the continued inhumane treatment of animals, or watching the many migrants crossing through the country with the look of desperation and fear in their eyes. This world definitely shows its sadness for all to see. That is, if we are looking.

But love is here. Yet, I also read about and witness everyday the MANY amazing people and organizations who continue to fight for and give refuge to those who need it most – they are sanctuaries.

No act of kindness is too small. To be a sanctuary, your actions don’t have to be huge, just big enough to make a difference for one person, one animal, one being. Maybe today, this action is just a simple smile given to someone who other’s walk by and ignore. Or it could be an action of present awareness to your family and friends, by truly listening to them with love and support. Maybe you say no to a burger or another form of animal meat, maybe just for today. Or, you finally sign up to volunteer at the local animal shelter. There are so many small (which turn into HUGE) ways to make a difference everyday.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Blessings to you❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

Standard
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

Standard