Maureen Blaq

One of the greatest gifts of yoga is the practice of mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment, on the rhythm of our breath and the sensations in our body, we are able to quiet the incessant chatter of the mind and cultivate a sense of calm.

This reduces anxiety and helps us appreciate life's journey, no matter our age.

When we practice mindfulness regularly, just being in the present moment with our breath, no thoughts of the past or worries about the future, just being and basking in the present moment, it allows us to navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater ease, appreciating the beauty of each passing moment.

Now how does mindfulness work in practical terms?

1. Focus on your breath: Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, feeling the air move in and out of your body. Try to focus on the sensation of each breath without getting distracted by thoughts.

2. When your mind wanders: (And it probably will!) gently acknowledge the thought and let it go, returning your focus to your breath. Don't try to force your mind to stay focused, but rather allow it to gently come back to the present moment.

3. Pay attention to your body: As you breathe, bring awareness to different parts of your body, starting from your toes and moving up to the top of your head. Release any tension or discomfort as you exhale.

4. Practice non-judgment: Allow yourself to be present without judging your thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations. Mindfulness is about observing, not evaluating, not changing.

5. Take it further: Once you're comfortable with practicing mindfulness through focusing on breath, you can apply the same principles to other activities like walking, eating, or even doing the dishes!

Remember, the goal of mindfulness isn't to achieve a specific state or stop your thoughts completely, but to cultivate awareness and acceptance of the present moment.

Would you like more tips or guidance on mindfulness practices?

It's not my birthday quite yet. That's still three weeks ahead but it's got me thinking that yoga really is a practice for everyone, regardless of age!

It can increase flexibility, improve balance, and reduce stress - all benefits that become more important as we get older.

Stay tuned throughout the week as we explore the many ways practicing yoga can enrich your life, no matter where you are on your journey.

Birthdays can make you reflect on the passing of time. 5 years ago, I decided to give yoga a try, unsure if it was for me. Today, as another year is about to turn for me, I'm so grateful for the transformative impact yoga has had on my mind, body, and spirit!

So this is how this this weekend flew by? 😩😩😩
I swear that I did not get any rest this whole weekend. And only a few hours to another workweek. Na only God fit help us achieve our heart desires for this year cos the graph is not graphing at all.

I do thank God for today's service. I totally enjoyed the slowed down pace from the intense teachings of the past couple Sundays. Relationship seminars tend to be intense. But today's service emphasized worship and how it's an attitude and not an event.

I have a personal decision in that direction that I haven't had time to fully process today but I trust God for Grace. I wish you a wonderful week ahead.

I fear that gratitude is quickly eroding from our society. We have slowly lost the quality of being grateful, of being thankful, of being willing to appreciate the kindness that has been shown to us.

Gratitude to me means that I don't take any single moment of kindness for granted, that small or big favours don't go unappreciated, that opportunities merited or unmerited don't go unacknowledged.

Gratitude means being thankful for everything I have received, with or without my effort.

Gratitude means waking up everyday in appreciation for simply being alive.

PS: This is my submission for Day 1 of 30 Days Writing Challenge being hosted by Susan Ifeoluwa Adesiyan.

All power in heaven, on earth or under the earth, has been given to you.

The power of creation is within you.
But how you activate it is by faith.

You have to believe that things that are seen were created from things that are not seen.

Invisible words brings about mighty and miraculous works.

And you shall have whatever you say you will.

Happy Sunday 😊😊😊