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Awakening Exercise for Chapter 1: Free Yourself from Your Mind

 
Be present in everyday activities.
The best way of assimilating the teachings of A New Earth is through reading, contemplating and slowly digesting the concepts in the book. You can also take any routine activity that normally is only a means to an end and give it your fullest attention.

Choose one or two activities you do routinely and bring your attention to them. Here are three examples.
 
  • Every time you walk up and down the stairs in your house or place of work, pay close attention to every step, every movement…even your breathing. Be totally present.
  • When you wash your hands, pay attention to all the sensory perceptions associated with the activity: the sound and feel of the water, the movement of your hands, the scent of the soap and so on.
  • When you get into your car, after you close the door, pause for a few seconds and observe the flow of your breath. Become aware of a silent but powerful sense of presence.

After the Exercise…
  • More exercises and helpful meditation instruction can be found in Awakening Exercises 

  • Practice the Chapter 2 Awakening Exercise

     

    Adapted from Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from The Power of Now (p. 21–22)