In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

GEMS is the foundation of self-love for me. In May and June, I introduced the first two elements of my GEMS practice – Gratitude and Exercise. This month, we focus on the M – meditation.

Wow! I just opened my Headspace guided meditation app to see how long I’ve been a member – since 2015! I'd love to say that I have meditated every day for the past 10 years, but alas, the numbers reveal the gap. I am dedicated for weeks at a time, and then I lose my commitment until I start feeling "off" and get back on course. Sigh.

When I am committed to my practice, I feel better – more focused and more calm – even if it's just 10 minutes. The stillness pulls me into the present, allowing me to let go of ruminating on the past or projecting into the future.

The irony is that the busiest days, when I’m most likely to skip meditation, are the days when it benefits me the most. I’m still working on making this a non-negotiable habit. Even 5 minutes is better than 0 minutes. Tracking my GEMS daily helps me get back on track. 

My go-to is a seated meditation practice, often aided by the weight of a cat in my lap. For you, it might be prayer, walking meditation, walking mindfully in nature – something that pulls you into the present moment and calms thoughts, even just a little. 

Many folks tell me that they can't sit still, their minds are too squirrely. That was me. Start off short, and before you know it, the squirrels have calmed down and you are signing up for day-long retreats.

Taking the time to connect with ourselves and the present is self-love in action. Please share what your meditation or other practice is to connect to the present moment.

Love requires participation. 

Love requires sharing. 

Love requires action. 

Love requires commitment. 

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)