Fete Lifestyle Magazine August 2015 | Page 40

Step 3 - Get Out and Get Grateful

Yoga and meditation can help us realize that when we stop, slow down and put away our phones, we open our eyes to the beautiful world around us. Gratitude is also self-fulfilling. When you recognize and are grateful for the good things in your life, you realize just how many things there are to be grateful for. Trivial annoyances will fall away and it becomes easier to deal with obstacles because you can see that something wonderful is around the corner.

The best way I have found to be happy, healthy and grateful, is to get outside! After my morning juice, I take my dog Max for a walk on the beach. I always stop and do a few yoga sun salutations or, if I'm tired, I just sit and meditate for a few minutes. Meditation is easy, and you can receive the benefits by meditating for just a few minutes a day. The stress relief you feel will do wonders for your body and mind. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down, close your eyes, take deep breaths through your nose and try to quiet your mind. Don't attach to thoughts, and when your mind wanders, just think about your breath. Try visualizing someone, something or a place that makes you really happy. When you feel relaxed, open your eyes, take a look around and notice the beauty around you, smile. You don’t need to live on the beach. Big cities have the sunrise, fluffy clouds, birds and even the skyline. For more advice on meditation, I recommend any book by Deepak Chopra.