Spring, rebirth and meditation

Spring has arrived. With the longer hours of sunlight, warm breezes and blooming flowers and trees, it is a beautiful season for rebirth. If you're like me, though, springtime can also be a frenzied period of activities, tasks, travels and stress, whether good or bad.

Along with these challenges comes the opportunity to take a step back, slow down and ground ourselves in the present moment. Take a few minutes every morning and evening to just sit (or stand), completely still. Breathe and let thoughts flow over you without becoming involved in a train of thought. Breathe and repeat the mantra: "I am present," or "I am peace," over and over in your mind. If you practice this technique daily, you will notice a reduction in stress and heightened sense of well-being.