To want to improve, to learn, these are two reasons we have an ego. The ego can be helpful unless it goes unchecked. Our

awareness keeps it in check. The thinking mind is where the ego resides. We want to be able to think,

to ponder, to analyze, and to do so of our own free will, to question, to connect the dots. These are all great

things. But if we are thinking all of the time, we take ourselves out of the present moment.

Once we know how to move from the thinking mind and back to awareness or the present moment,

knowing when during our day to think, and then also

knowing when to simply observe all that is around us, we put ourselves in the driver's seat of our

mind. And the ego is along for the ride wherever we choose to take it, rather being at the wheel of our mind.

When we remember to sit in awareness, to be fully present wherever we are, and knowing how to

bring ourselves to that moment, to the present moment, we let go of the thinking mind and regain control of our mind.

By being present, we discover a connection to where we are, a connection to others,

and everything that surrounds us and makes our living and breathing possible. In these moments, we realize we are

never alone and our awareness teaches us this truth. Let's begin. Go ahead and find someplace

comfortable to sit.

Rest in your gaze on someplace in front of you.

Begin to breathe naturally, in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Feel the weight of your body as it rests on your chair, on the floor, on the bed, on the bench, wherever you have situated yourself.

Keep your breathing steady and deep and pay attention to how your body feels in this moment while slowly breathing in and gently breathing out.

Go ahead and gently close your eyes and continue with your breath.

If a thought should arise, see it and then begin to count your breath,

deepening your inhale and equally matching the length with your exhale.

Feel your breath as it feels your body and return to counting to hold you in this moment.

noticing what you are hearing around you, but not being distracted by it,

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