Although it’s essential to develop a regular meditation practice to stay grounded, focused, and calm, there are many moments during the day when we can stop and reconnect with ourselves.

Whenever you feel yourself getting pulled in a lot of different directions, try one of these methods:

• Slow your breathing. Breathe in for four counts, hold for a count or two, breathe out for four counts, hold for a count or two. Do this for a few minutes.
• Find a focal point—any object will do. Now let your gaze become softer. Continue to take in the object but notice what’s around it as well. Then return your focus to the object again. You have the power to focus on what you choose.
• Use the STOP acronym: Stop what you are doing or thinking about; take a breath, open your senses—notice what you are seeing, hearing, touching, tasting or smelling. Then proceed.
• Close your eyes and connect with the energy that is always flowing through you. Try to sense the spaciousness that is within.
• Rub your hands together to create a feeling of warmth. Close your eyes and cup them with your palms. Allow the darkness to replenish you. Feel your eyes sinking back a little into their sockets. Breathe deeply and slowly.

“Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson