A guided mindfulness meditation on the body and breathing with Thanissaro Bhikkhu. www.dhammatalks.org Awaken The spiritual journey is the process of awakening to the precious mystery of life. The experience of presence is the essence of awakening. Right now, tune into your present moment, consciously attending to the sounds, sensations, sights, tastes, and smells in your environment. Close your eyes and bring awareness into your body, noticing where you are carrying resistance. Perhaps there is a tightness in the tongue, jaw and throat or a tension in the belly. Gently let loose and relax. Now, shift your awareness to your mind, becoming conscious of the thoughts that occupy your attention. Then, simply follow your breath, allowing a temporary quieting of the mind chatter that keeps you ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. It is this perpetual mind traffic that numbs you. Make a commitment to do one thing different today that breaks the pattern — one thing that your mind cannot immediately disregard by saying “been there, done that.” Hike to a new place, go to a new restaurant, make love in a different position, wear a new color, take a different route to work. Awaken, even if for a moment, to the splendor of the Infinite and Eternal disguising itself as Form and Phenomena. – Dr. David Simon May I and all beings be free from pain and sorrow. May I and all beings be held in compassion. May I and all beings be reconciled. May I and all beings be at true …