Paying attention to my breath, seems to be a daily mantra-practice with me lately. Keeping myself focused in the present moment is the kindest gift, I am giving myself right now, and to those around me.

I share this all the time with students in class, “Come back to your breath.” I tell them it is the quickest way to get yourself out of the past or future, and immediately reside with each moment. We really only have continuous present moments, but we become unaware when we linger forward or backwards.

How do we be (notice I didn’t say, stay) with each moment? Sifu Gardner reminds us to be unattached, and not to label a moment, just to BE. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? You know who is really good at Being? Yes, it’s the young children in our lives. Notice, how they embrace each moment. When they play, they play; when they’re mad, they’re mad. (In other words, they do not multi-task.)

When was the last time you mono-tasked for yourself? When was the last time, you stopped what you were doing, took a deep breath, and noticed your surroundings. What do I see? What do I smell? What do I hear? What do I feel?

The more we become aware of our breath, it truly allows for spaciousness, calmness, clarity, and grace in our lives. And, let’s be honest—wouldn’t we all like that? (C’mon raise your hands.)

I ask you now, to stop reading this blog post, take three deep breathes and be aware of your mind, body and surroundings. Remember to notice, not judge or label. Keep coming back to this practice, the results may be subtle at first, but with continuously practice it can be profound.