You have probably heard the Buddhist term “mindfulness” and some of you may remember the book “Be Here Now” by consciousness leader Ram Das.

My Sufi teacher called this state -- “being in the moment.”

But what does that really mean and why does it matter?

Being in the moment is a natural way of accessing an alternative state of consciousnesses. It is a focus on the present that quiets the constant stream of thoughts.

When thought stops, the mind expands. This is not just a metaphor. You actually feel a spaciousness in your head that is intoxicating and exquisite. 

Athletes and musicians call this state “the zone.” In the zone you are completely focused and connected to what you are doing. You are able to see, feel and move with exquisite clarity and ease.

This is the state I enter each time I teach the Friday Sufi meditation class. It enables me to make each movement, each choices, each change, with certainty, from moment to moment. Nothing is planned -- not the movement, not the sequencing, not even the music. And everyone in the class can attain the same state.  

What are the advantage? Being in the moment gives you a much needed break from the constant worries, planning and future projecting that occupy much of daily life. It literally shifts your brain and makes new neural connections that promote creativity -- new ideas, new solutions, new perspectives. 

The more you practice being in the moment the easier it is to enter that state even in the midst of crisis and challenge. The body calms, the breath slows down. Everything feels better and anything seems possible.

When you meet someone else who is present and you are present, a resonance occurs that actually multiplies the effect for both parties. That is why group meditation is so much better than doing it alone even when on Zoom.

It takes time to develop ones capacity for presence. Events of daily life are always trying to pull us back to the default mode. The more you practice presence, the more resilient you become to the bumps of life.

Are you ready to be here now, mindful, and in the moment? Join me tomorrow, May 5 at 8 am PDT for 90 minutes of exercise, dance and sound and enjoy the shift.

I am also teaching this Sunday, May 7 as well as Friday. 

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89999494833?pwd=V2pOS28yYUdXM3hkaW1rVWIvSjBUdz09

Meeting ID: 899 9949 4833

Passcode: SUFI

8 am PDT is early morning for the west coast! A great way to start any day.

Here's a time converter link if you need to check the time in your own location.

Come 5 minutes early if this is the first time you are coming. Let me give you a quick orientation and answer your questions.

Please give yourself some extra time between this class and other meetings as you will likely feel very different at the end.

Be brilliant,

Dr. Michelle Peticolas

Life Transformation Coach

Empowering Women to Reinvent Their Life after Loss

Secrets of Life and Death

https://www.facebook.com/secretsoflifeanddeath.com