As we rush through our busy lives trying to fit as much as humanly possible into the short hours of the day, you wonder: There must be a way to actaully enjoy all these hours, minutes and seconds. We are so busy planning what we will be doing in five minutes, tomorrow, or a month from now, that we forget about the present. We forget how wonderful it is to simply breath, take in the scenery, and to actually exist in the present moment. So much of our lives pass us by because our minds are whirling with tons of thoughts, concerns, and analyzations of the past and future. The key to enjoying one’s life is to actually be present in life. Makes sense, huh? This is mindfulness.

“Mindfulness frees us of forgetfulness and dispersion and makes it possible to live fully each minute of life. Mindfulness enables us to live…You should know how to breathe to maintain mindfulness, as breathing is a natural and extremely effective tool which can prevent dispersion. Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever you mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”- Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness

Concentrating on one’s breath focuses the mind and draws one back to the present moment and out of the clouds of swirling thoughts in the mind. Much like meditation aims to clear and calm the mind in order to restore and rejuvinate, mindfulness offers a way to maintain and practice a focused, clear mind through out the day so the mind is “available” to enjoy life to it’s fullest.

To be mindful is to keep you attention focused on the task at hand, to be alert and ready to handle ably and intelligently any situation which may arise. A simple way to practice mindfulness is to bring attention to your breath. By practicing being present with your breath you can work on feeling and living every moment. Here are some simple mindfulness exercises to give you a jump off point!
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Posh is apparently looking to get in shape using Pilates. While I love Pilates and think she (and anyone) can benefit immensely from practicing, I think she definitely misunderstands what it’s like to learn Pilates. Ms. Beckham explains:

““I really don’t like the gym, in fact I can’t stand it. Maybe it’s the whole getting sweaty thing, but it’s just not me. I tried cycling in Spain but maybe my bum’s too small as it just wasn’t comfortable. I want to get fit, though, so I’m exploring some different options. I like what I’ve heard about Pilates - just sitting in a room, stretching and breathing. Sounds much more civilized.”

Well, I’ve got news for you hunny…Pilates is not about sitting in a room, stretching and breathing! If performed correctly, a Pilates class or private will have you sweating all over and sore in places you didn’t even know existed. Especially if your working on the Reformer or other pieces of equipment. Yes, Pilates does involve stretching and breathing, but doesn’t lack the strength training and sweat factor. I think Posh needs to reconsider here “get in shape” attitude. You have to sweat to get in shape!

Plus does Posh really need to workout more? She is already way too thin!

This video made my day! The question is, has dance really changed or is it just the music? You tell me. This dance video is straight out of the 1960’s, staring Gwen Verdon and choreographed by the infamous Bob Fosse. Here’s the version with “Walk It Out” by Unk:

And here’s the real soundtrack:

These women really know how to shake it! Work those hips girls! Their moves aren’t that different from some of the moves you see on hip hop dance floors today. LOVE IT!!

There is nothing better than taking the time to look up at the stars. Realizing how vast the Universe is and just how insignificant we are, puts everything into perspective. Forget about the arguments, chores and stress of daily life and go star gazing. Tomorrow morning, August 28th, 2007 is the perfect chance to watch some prime lunar entertainment. Starting at 2:52am Pacific Standard Time, the moon will eclipse, turning a shade of red or brown. For those of you night owls, you’ll have a little over an hour of viewing pleasure. So grab some of your buddies and a cozy blanket and hit the roof. For more information on the eclipse viewing in different time zones check NASA’s page.

These days you can pretty much recycle anything. Companies around the globe have united to recycle, reuse, and redistribute all of the stuff you can’t wait to dig out of the closet. Instead of throwing away shoes, clothes, batteries, computers, and even make-up, use Lime.com’s recycle guide. Just plug into the guide the item you want to throw away and it will atomatically generate where to recycle and what marvelous new products they will make out of your junk.

Ditching that old worn out pair of running sneakers? Pass them along to Nike’s Reuse-a-shoe Program where they are ground up to make new sports surfaces like soccer and football fields, basketball and tennis courts, tracks and playground surfacing.

The How To Recycle Everything Guide also shows you the charitable organizations that will use your junk to fight diseases like breast cancer. Though it may be hard to part with your beloved wedding dress, think about donating your dress to “Brides Against Breast Cancer.” You will enable brides-to-be to find one-of-a-kind gowns at discount prices and the proceeds will help grant a wish for a woman with terminal breast cancer.

So get started weeding through that closet, and clearing out clutter. Now you know what to do with it all!