Ways to Practice Being
"While we have found no single formula or surefire method — other than practice with patience — that allows us to convert doing into being; and because being appears to be as varied as the number of us who manifest here as individual souls, our best advice is to follow the many clues and many processes a number of wise teachers and guides have shared with humanity over the course of our history.
"Here are just a few recommendations that can assist you in remembering and learning how to be. They are offered in no particular order or level of consequence. And as always, please add as many others to this list as you can.
"• Sit without having any specific intention in mind.
"• Doodle.
"• Focus on the place where your in-breath meets your out-breath.
"• Sing or chant OM, HU, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, or another of the hundreds of sacred chants.
"• Sit and observe a tree or a flower and let it disclose itself to you.
"• Hold someone you love and breathe in and out through your heart.
"• Focus on the feeling you experience in each foot as you walk.
"• Pay attention to each color in your surroundings.
"• Listen to the sounds happening around you.
"• Follow a bird in flight with your eyes for as long as you can.
"• Watch clouds drift by overhead.
"• Pose a question and then wait patiently for an answer.
"• Do not pick up the phone until the 3rd ring; instead take a deep breath on each ring and smile.
"• Ask yourself how you feel before you speak or act.
"• Go inside the music you are listening to.
"• Go for a walk without a destination.
"• Journal — write your thoughts, observations, and feelings in a private notebook.
"• Observe people around you with clarity but without judgment.
"• Float in a pool of water.
"• Focus on each part of your body one at a time and fill it with light.
"• As you walk, keep your eyes on the most distant point on the horizon.
"• Stay focused on and aligned with (at one with) whatever task you are doing.
"• Observe yourself as you talk to someone.
"• Pray often.
"• Reflect whenever possible.
"• Meditate daily.
"• Experiment with yoga, tai chi, and other uplifting practices.
"• Be grateful for all that you are and have and the people in your life."
