![Be present in everyday activities. Be present in everyday activities.](https://static.oprah.com/images/own/2013/anewearth/awakeningexercise/own-special-awakening-exercise-1-600x411.jpg)
Awakening Exercise for Chapter 1: Free Yourself from Your Mind
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...