Mindful Monday: Peace Is Possible

As I sit down to write this week’s message, I’m preparing to participate in an eight-day retreat. By the time you’re reading these words, I’ll already be immersed in it. Even in the days leading up to the retreat, I can feel my awareness turning inward, my pace slowing down, and my heart opening.

Do you ever notice that the retreat begins even before it officially starts?

Right now, my mind feels both quiet and illuminated.

This morning, it took me back to a moment at a cottage this summer—sitting by the lake and watching sunlight shimmering and sparkling across the glass-like surface of the water. In that stillness, I was reminded that silence has its own depth and brilliance.

As Rumi says, “Listen to the silence, it has so much to say.”

And of course, the mind isn’t always serene. At times, it feels more like a turbulent ocean, with waves crashing and endless activity at the surface.

Life flows like the ocean—sometimes calm and beautiful, sometimes stormy and unpredictable.

So much is beyond our control.

Choosing to be here now is always available to us, and it is profoundly empowering.

For me, my daily practice helps me stay grounded and remember that even in the storm, peace is possible.

The waves and turbulence can feel uncomfortable, yet when we trust and relax into the experience—without labeling it as “bad”—the energy will move, in its own time, allowing transformation to unfold. 

Every time we make this choice, we are building our capacity to be here now. We are deepening our connection to our true essence. 

So the focus is not on fixing or getting rid of anything, but on resting as the observer—present in the now.

For many years, I lived on autopilot—always busy, focused outward. On an unconscious level, I was afraid to pause and feel. Looking back, I have compassion for that part of me. I see now it was shaped by conditioning and life experiences. Nothing was ever “wrong.”

Today, I’m grateful for the deep longing and curiosity within my soul to know the truth of my existence, and I’m reminded that the true gift of mindfulness is carrying this awareness into the simple moments of everyday life.

Because if we aren’t present, we aren’t truly living—we’re just sleepwalking.

People often ask me how to begin.

My advice is simple...

Keep it simple. And be consistent.

Start by setting the intention to be present and more aware of whatever you are doing.

Choose just one activity and give it your full attention—brushing your teeth, feel the water fall on your skin in the shower, washing your dishes, drinking your tea or coffee, walking down the street, driving in traffic - the perfect time to take some deep breaths!

Being grounded in our body is key. Sensing your arms and legs and feeling the aliveness of your soul in the moment.

What are you noticing? Be curious.

If you are feeling a heavy emotion, breathe into the feeling. Not to get rid of it, but to support it and to support you.

Pause and breathe as you go about your day. When I wake up, the first thing I do while I'm still lying in bed is focus on my breath as it moves through my body.

Additionally, taking time to meditate helps release stress from both the mind and body, and supports us in being grounded, present, and aware as we navigate the day—feeling more peaceful, calm, and engaged.

These simple choices, practiced consistently, create a powerful shift over time.

Sometimes it may feel like mindfulness is too much or too complex. But it’s not.

Mindfulness means choosing to be aware in this moment—even while tying your shoes!

Children do this naturally.

Their full presence is why we love being around them. They bring us into the moment. They remind us of how we once were, and of who we truly are.

Mindfulness is this gentle return—a homecoming to our true nature, moment by moment.

I look forward to reconnecting with you after my retreat. Just a few days later, I’ll be guiding a new 4-week mindfulness course, sharing the inspiration and insights I’ll be bringing back with me. I’d love for you to join me. A few spots are still available—click here to learn more.

 
With love,

Diane