Paths to Your Center

Since we live in an information age, often times we are not up to speed with the world around us. This creates disharmony, and we tend to get down on ourselves when we can’t keep up with all the latest technology, news, advancements and so on. To center myself and unleash my inner potential, wisdom, compassion, and patience – I chant “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.” The translation is “I devote myself to the law of cause and effect through sound.” In the morning, I chant thirty minutes to an hour. I feel more in rhythm, calm, and centered. Whatever cause I make in word, action, or deed has an effect. Though I may not recognize that effect immediately, chanting helps me concentrate on which action to take.  After I chant, I rarely curse at drivers who cut me off, and tend to take things in stride. It really puts things in perspective when you train yourself to meditate in this way. –Suzanne

Zen foot bath for 2

When the man in my life and I feel like the world has gotten the best of us, I will often fill the tub with a mix of hot water and relaxing salts and oils. Lights off, candles lit, with a mug of hot tea or chocolate for each of us, we roll up our jeans and sit tubside, quietly soaking our feet and swishing the water around. Have a warm (nuked) pair of cotton socks for each ready for padding around the house in afterwards. - Daina

Follow your dog’s lead

Some animal experts believe than when you allow your dog to follow his nose, sniffing, stopping, sniffing, following some mysterious trail, that they are actually getting caught up on what’s been going on in the neighborhood — sort of like reading the paper in human terms. My dog Jake gets so involved that he froths at the mouth totally focused on his path. Taking a cue from him, I have learned to give him the lead, stopping to “sniff” the flowers myself, noticing the trees, taking in my neighbors homes, looking at the cracks in the sidewalk, taking deep relaxing breaths, and always smiling at the passer’s by. Ten minutes into this lovely outing, each of us is already having a much better day. – Calliope