Being Present - One Step At A Time
|
|
My trip to Bhutan this past spring was filled with profound and transformative experiences. Learning about the country's "Gross National Happiness" campaign was fascinating and reaffirmed my beliefs about the power of mindfulness to radically influence our quality of life.
Experiencing the beautiful people of Bhutan and immersing ourselves in their culture was absolutely magical. To be surrounded by exquisite natural beauty and engage with people who live simple, yet rich and joy-filled lives, was an awesome reminder of how life can be.
Our group participated in many wonderful activities on this trip. Many of the activities involved being out in nature, including taking several hikes. One of the hikes we took, was to the highest holy place in Bhutan. The Taktsang Palphug Monestary, ("The Tiger's Nest,") was both exhilarating and challenging all at the same time.
The temple clings impossibly to a cliff, 900 meters above the Paro Valley. To reach the monastery on foot is truly a journey!
The entire hike is at high altitude, which poses a challenge for people who are not used to it. The trail is steep, and not terribly easy to travel.
I consider myself to be a fairly fit person, but when faced with this particular hike, I found it to be incredibly challenging. The terrain, the altitude and having a bit of jet lag, all contributed to making it feel, at times, like an impossible feat!
Thank goodness for my Bhutanese guide! Not only was he there to show us the way, but he was compassionate and very encouraging. He kept reminding me to breath in... and breath out, and simply put one foot in front of the other. He modeled and counseled that by being present to each step along the way, we would ultimately reach our destination, while experiencing each moment as it presented itself - the tough, the serene, the difficult and the sublime.
|
|
|
"Note to self: every time you were convinced you couldn't go on, you did."
~ Unknown
|
|
|
I was very excited to make this trek to the Tiger's Nest. Even with my enthusiasm, there were moments when I didn't know if I was up to the challenge. Doubts would creep in to my mind, as I struggled to breath while exerting myself at high altitude. My mind would get 'stuck' focusing on various discomforts. I would wonder how far we'd come and how far we still had left to reach the monastery. Each time, I was reminded by my guide, to stay present, breath in and out, and put one foot in front of the other.
Even though I teach this very same principle every day, it is easy to forget when facing struggles or challenges. We all need reminders to 'stay present' during such times. My hike to the Tiger's nest was a deeper, more meaningful experience because I continually brought my focus back to what was right in front of me. With compassion for the struggle I was having, with self love for the effort I was requiring of my body, and with the encouragement of a guide who believed in my ability to make it... I put one foot in front of the other, focused on my breath, and made it to this most holy place! |
I am deeply grateful that I was able to visit Bhutan. I feel greatly enriched by my experiences there. The hike to the Tiger's Nest is one of the highlights, not only of this trip, but of my life. The external journey of that challenging hike was blended with a profound inner journey of self exploration and discovery that unfolded with every step, and every breath, as I made that climb.
I wish for all of us to be present to every moment of every day. Our quality of life, and depth of experience is so much greater when we simply bring our awareness back to the step that is right before us. |
Make sure and check my
event calendar
regularly for details on all my upcoming classes, lectures, workshops and Webinars.
|
|
Paul Epstein, ND
Mindful Healing: Mind-Body Integrative Medicine
(203) 226-3923
|
|
Patient Appointments Available via Skype
In addition to my local, private practice in Westport, CT, I also see patients from all over the world via Skype.
Distance and time zone differences don't need to be a barrier to getting the help you need to facilitate your healing journey!
Take the first step towards your optimum health and healing: Call today to set up a Skype appointment!
|
Mentoring Sessions Available via Skype
An important part of my work is to Mentor health care practitioners, students and physicians to become more fully Integrative in their approach to caring for their patients and clients.
Skype is a wonderful way to hold these sessions - convenient and easy!
If you are interested in learning life changing Mind-Body Therapies to add to your practice, call today to discuss a mentoring session, or mentoring program!
|
Serenity is not freedom from the storm,
but peace amidst the storm...
|
|
About Dr. Paul Epstein
|
Paul Epstein, ND is a graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), specializing in Mindful Healing and Mind-Body Integrative Medicine.
He has more than 30 years experience in private practice successfully treating patients with powerful, life changing therapies.
Dr. Epstein is currently accepting new patients into his practice. He also works with healing professionals as a Professional Mentor to teach practitioners how to work in a truly integrative fashion in their own practice.
He is a pioneer and leading voice in Mind-Body Integrative Medicine lecturing internationally to both general and professional audiences.
Dr. Epstein is an extraordinary teacher who presents compelling topics that inform, educate, motivate and inspire. His work is helping create a much needed paradigm shift in the practice of medicine and the healing arts.
Don't ever miss the opportunity to experience Dr. Epstein!
|
42 Richmondville Ave
Westport, CT 06880
|
|
|
|
|
"Connecting the cell and the self"
|
|
|
|
