“By living deeply in the present moment we can understand the past better and we can prepare for a better future.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

Meditation is a powerful tool for creating present moment awareness. When you slow your mind and focus on breathing, you relax your nervous system and develop a sense of calm and balance.

Neuroscientists have actually found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex–from the the stress-prone right frontal cortex to the calmer left frontal cortex. This shift minimizes stress, depression, anxiety, and even fear.

Meditation doesn’t have to involve sitting still for long periods of time. In fact, anything you do with concentration and mindfulness can be meditative. Golf, writing, driving–any activity that consumes your complete attention.

Thich Nhat Hanh suggests a series of simple movements, aligned with breathing, to calm your body and emotions: