MPDR Archives Blog Post #652 - July 9, 2016

image by M. Lee Freedman Walk Slowly  by Danna Faulds It only takes a reminder to breathe, a moment to be still, and just like that, something in me settles, softens, makes space for imperfection. The harsh voice of judgment drops to a whisper and I remember again that life isn’t a relay race; that we will all cross the finish line; that waking up to life is what we were born for. As many times as I forget, catch myself charging forward without even knowing where I’m going, that many times I can make the choice to stop, to breathe, and be, and walk slowly into the mystery.   Wishing you many mindful moments as you move through the day Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #651 - July 8, 2016

Pause Be aware of the sensations of breathing in and breathing out for the following three breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman "paying attention is the most basic and profound expression of love." -Tara Brach     Wishing you moments to pause and pay attention to loved ones Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #650 - July 7, 2016

With an attitude of kindness and curiosity direct your attention to feeling the sensations of your next 3 breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman "Love is the most durable power in the world. This creative force is the most potent instrument available in mankind's quest for peace and security." -Martin Luther King Jr.   Wishing you peace and loving kindness Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #649 - July 6, 2016

Step out of auto-pilot mode  and into this present moment  by enjoying 3 mindful breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman “The art of living is neither careless drifting on the one hand or fearful clinging to the past on the other. It consist in being completely sensitive to each moment, in regarding it as utterly new and unique, in having the mind open and wholly receptive.” - Alan W. Watts     Wishing you mindful moments throughout your day Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #648 - July 5, 2016

Pause for 3 Mindful Breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.  These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.  Beautiful people do not just happen.”   -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Wishing you mindful moments in your evening Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #647 - July 4, 2016

Pause for 3 Mindful Breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman "Pause briefly and repeatedly throughout the day. Just shifting your attention from whatever is going on to the act of taking a single purposeful breath can make a meaningful contribution to managing stress." -Deborah Schoeberlein (excerpt from post "Why MIndful Breathing Works") http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-schoeberlein/mindfulness-stress_b_2131482.html   Wishing you many opportunities to pause for a mindful breath today Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #646 - July 3, 2016

Pause to FEEL the next 3 breaths  flowing in and out of your body

image by M. Lee Freedman "I see your true colors Shining through I see your true colors And that's why I love you So don't be afraid to let them show Your true colors True colors are beautiful, Like a rainbow" -Cyndi Lauper from song “True Colors” “…we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.” -John F Kennedy  "It is times for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." -Maya Angelou Wishing you and all beings on this earth  peace, love, safety, and awareness of the strength and beauty in diversity  Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #645 - July 2, 2016

Pause for 3 Mindful Breaths  to experience what it feels like to be alive

image by M. Lee Freedman "Being grounded in my physical body helps me experience the here and now. I can feel where I am- the sun on my face, the wind whipping around me. I see where I am- the trees bordering the road, the faces of people walking by. I hear the world around me- the birds chirping, the trucks rumbling, children laughing. Being in my body allows me to fully experience life. Life is only happening right now, in this moment. When we leave the moment by getting distracted by our thoughts, we lose the opportunity to experience what it feels to really be alive. We can easily get caught fixating about a past hurt or worrying about a future concern. But when we can bring our focus back to this moment, we have the opportunity to heal." -Shakti Sutriasa (excerpt from post "The Power of Presence: 3 Simple Ways to Harness Mindfulness") http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shakti-sutriasa-lcsw-ma/the-power-of-presence-3-simple-ways-to-harness-mindfulness_b_7346158.html Wishing you many moments of being present to your experiences today Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #644 - July 1, 2016

Pause Gratefully notice  the act of breathing in clean air  for the next 3 breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman  Welcome back to receiving mindfulness practice daily reminders after a 3 week pause. The  June 12th reminder included the following passage: "Pausing is a foundation for the practice of mindfulness.  Pausing provides us with the space to see more clearly, then consciously choose a response to what is observed. Consider using this pause to reflect upon the intention of the daily reminders, and your personal intention for subscribing. "  I invite you to reflect on your reason(s) for continuing to receive mindfulness practice daily reminders,  as a reminder to be aware of the breath? as a reminder to pause and be in or return to the present moment? as a reminder to cultivate mindfulness qualities such as kindness, patience and curiosity?  as a reminder of your connection to a community? other reason(s)? Now, reflect on whether receiving daily reminders in your email inbox continues to be helpful, and consciously choose whether or not to continue to receive them.   Wishing you many mindful moments and a happy and peaceful evening  on this 149th birthday of Canada  Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.

MPDR Archives Blog Post #643 - June 12, 2016

PAUSE for 3 mindful breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." -Viktor E. Frankl   Please note that I will be pausing the act of sending mindfulness practice daily reminders for the rest of June. Pausing is a foundation for the practice of mindfulness.  Pausing provides us with the space to see more clearly, then consciously choose a response to what is observed. Consider using this pause to reflect upon the intention of the daily reminders, (http://mpdr.ca/) and your personal intention for subscribing.  Then consciously choose either to continue receiving them in July or, if they are no longer helpful, to unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.   Wishing you many...  moments of mindful awareness  moments of well-being   moments of peace moments of meaningful connection moments of joy    Lee M. Lee Freedman, MD, CM, FRCP(C) To view the MPDR archives, click here.