When we are mindful, essentially we are present and living in the moment. It's easy to get caught up in our thoughts. We overthink past events and worry about what may come next. When we slow down, get quiet, and focus on what is in front of us NOW, our bodies relax and our minds stop spinning.

Being mindful or becoming more present in our daily lives has many benefits. When we are present we experience more joy. Mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety, and replaces negative energy with positive.

Meditation is a practice (not a perfect) that we can use to train our minds to focus on the present. And like everything else in life, the more we practice the better we get.

Meditation can be done anywhere and anytime. Nature can be a great place to get present, but any quiet, comfortable spot works. Aim to begin meditating for 5 minutes at first, and set a timer. It's not necessary, but it's hard to get present when all you are thinking about is... how much longer? Start simply to focus on your breath. When thoughts pop into your head, and they will, just return your thoughts to your breath and begin again. Most importantly, remember meditation is a practice, so be gentle with yourself.