Be Here Now
This space is about bringing a little more lightness into real life. Because life is hard sometimes. Honestly, often. And still, we can find small, meaningful ways to feel a little better inside our days.
Feeling good does not have to be big, expensive, or time-consuming. (Unless it is a fabulous vacation, of course.) Most of the time, it is the small things that add up. The daily practices. I have spent plenty of time and money chasing feeling good emotionally and physically, only to realize I was working way too hard at healing. Simplicity and slowness, it turns out, are the real deal.
For me, a “feeling good lifestyle” is devotion to the everyday things that help me feel good in my body. I used to hold onto that devotion pretty tightly, especially after dealing with health issues for so many years. I would get jokes or side-eyes for things like not drinking alcohol or not eating certain foods, but if it makes me feel worse, why would I? Energy is currency. Feeling good is currency. When it has been taken from you, you guard it closely.
But here is the thing. Holding on too tight also spends that energetic currency.
Lately, I am practicing more ease. And that starts with something very simple: being present. Bringing my mind and body back to right now. Less forward-tripping. Less replaying the past. Less “what if this causes my symptoms to flare?” (If you relate, heyyyyy 👋).
Constant worrying actually wires the brain for more worry and keeps the body stuck in a stress cycle. My only goal right now is to catch myself, a lot, and gently return to the moment.
Years ago, a Buddhist monk shared something that stuck with me. When our “monkey mind” is running wild, we are often holding our breath. His practice was simple. Ask, “Am I breathing?” Most of the time, I was not. And the truth is, many people have shallow breathing patterns, which can create a whole host of other issues.
So here is the practice I keep coming back to:
Be here now.
Sometimes I may say “Stop” if I am really stuck in rumination.
Then inhale… and take a long exhale.
(That long exhale matters.)
If needed, I orient to the room by noticing objects, sounds, or smells. But most of the time, awareness plus breath is enough to bring me back.
If you are a recovering worrier like me, consider trying this for a week to see how you feel. It can start to have real physiological benefits and helps you stay present for the moments you are already in. And how can you align with the life you really want if you are never here in this one? Presence brings peace, with practice.
Use whatever phrase speaks to you, or make up your own:
Be here now
Am I breathing?
Stop
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat it when needed.
Ground it into your life. It is a simple practice, but a powerful one. And feeling good is the vibe around here.
Need a reminder? A bright Post-it on your computer, mirror, or dashboard works wonders.
Until next time, take what works and leave the rest.
Namasté