There's great beauty in the simplest moments and most humble experiences. Even washing the dishes, brushing our teeth, and walking a dog can be profoundly wonder-full moments when we slow down enough to be present with them.

Is there something that you actually need to do right now, but you could rush through mindlessly or try doing it full presence? If so, try it with presence and see how it feels. Start small. Instead of deciding that you'll make dinner mindfully, consider being totally present while you peel the onion. If you enjoy it, let yourself chop it mindfully, too. 

If you're using yesterday's mantra practice, bring it into these small moments. Contemplate the mantra, I fully and completely love and accept myself as you peel the onion. Explore it, maybe also loving the onion just as it is, or loving the tears in your eyes, or the dinner you're beginning to prepare, or those who will eat it, or those who grew the onion, or everyone who's peeling an onion right now.

This is it, the official beginning of our Heartful August. This month is going to be all about the heart. My own practice will be focused on living in my heart, and I want to share it with you. It'll be all about kindness toward to ourselves, our families, and the world. We'll practice gratitude and acceptance of the present moment just as it is. Every day I'll share a simple practice, insight, or offering that is part of my journey and invite you to try it along with me.

Today, let's start with a simple affirmation/mantra, I fully and completely love and accept myself. Or if and when that feels too hard, we can use the variation, I am open to loving myself just as I am.

Wondering how to use this? I like to use it during my formal meditation. I start with being aware of my body and doing my alignment (more on this soon), then I say the mantra to myself and feel it. I shift into my regular practice (for me, usually this means staying aware of the present moment but it could also be mindfulness of the breath, body, whatever you like). Each time I notice that I've gotten caught in a thought or feeling, I remind myself of the mantra and return to awareness. In regular life, I use the same words when I get caught in stories, judgment, resistance, etc.

Would you like to join me?