It's been a crazy fall at casa still + life, and I've been guilty of living forward, back and everywhere except right where I am. The Buddhist monk, Thich Nhåt Hanh has taught mindfulness living for most of his life. He teaches that the best way to live a full life is to be present in each moment. He says, "Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment we can not be in touch with life."

Look. Let's face it. I'm not the best at this! No one could ever say I'm many steps along the path to enlightenment! But when I'm feeling most muddled, either from looking too far forward or too far back, I know it's because I'm not living fully in my present moment. I'm not fully present in my life. It's time to take another breath.

“Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.” ~Thich Nhåt Hanh

It's about time to kick off our annual Thanksgiving journey, and in keeping with this spirit of staying in the present moment, I think I'll sign off for the week. I want to spend the next few days with my family and friends, mindfully. It'll do us all a world of good I think.

With that mindfulness comes gratitude. and I'm filled with so much of it for each and every one of you. May your worries be few and your holiday be bright.