The secret of health, for both mind and body, is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles–it is to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

(Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi)

Most of us have heard about the power of living in the moment. Most of us have heard about the health of those who live in the present. David, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Theresa; they all preached about it.

So how come only a few of us actually do it? How come so few of us can claim the quiet peace and focus we all seek?

The truth is that we all used to–when we were children. Last week Jenny and I gathered with family and watched some old movies. Nothing can bring out instant tears of joy like watching your kids when they were younger. What struck me this time was the beauty of their focus. Nothing mattered, nothing existed, other than the toy in their hand. Or the meal on their plate. Or the dance of the day.

You and I, this year, are going to learn to practice that childlike appreciation of the moment. You and I are going to learn how to breathe out the worry, breathe in the hope, and pause in the moment between.

Call it meditation, call it centering, whatever. Let’s just call it our main goal for the year, to practice the pause that leads to peace.

My kids, even though they’re almost grown, still need a calmer me. Same goes for my wife, my friends, my team, and all of you.

Care to join me? Start here.