Summer is supposed to be about taking a dip in the pool, strolling alongside a lake, getting lost in a book, kicking off your shoes and soaking up the rays. Do you remember summers as a child? What happened to those carefree days? Seems like we’re all rushing around in a hurry and getting swept up in the hustle and bustle of day to day living. Even when we know what’s good for us, we still get wrapped up in doing versus having fun. I hold those summery memories like picking passion fruit, catching crayfish, and swimming with my cousins, close to me. And wonder why I don’t do more of it.

I’m reminded of my first year as a graduate student. I took a course on stress management and was blissfully happy when I learned the entire quarter would be about relaxing and meditation. And that’s what we did. Every class, we spent time either talking about meditation or practicing it. For homework, I meditated an hour every day and was mindful while eating, showering and walking. I’ve never been more relaxed, calm and well-rested in my life. But if you ask me how much I meditate today, I’d be too embarrassed to tell you. It’s somewhere between once a week and none.

The thing is, no matter how busy we think we are, there’s always time in our life for play, rest and meditation. In fact, I’m hoping these top five posts will motivate you, as it’s motivated me, to make the time and start today.

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