Do you have to remember to breathe?

Sometimes, I feel like I’ve lived four different lives already.

First, there was my initial career in the Fitness Industry. Eleven years of growth, ambition and the sweet taste of making a difference in another person’s life.

Then, there was the “Night Club” period. Five intense years learning about myself, learning about humanity in all its various forms, and experiencing many toe curling stories I could never commit to a well respected blog like this.

Next were my “beige” years. Basically the duration of my 30’s meandering aimlessly through every business known to mankind looking for that “one” opportunity that would financially and spiritually lift me out of my “beige” existence.

And last but not least and certainly far from over, The Mind Movies Golden era. The “one” opportunity that far surpassed any version of success I could have possibly dreamed for myself; the difference I could make in the world.

The reason I’m reminiscing my life journey here is because it’s been front of mind last week, mainly due to the arrival of my friend Darren visiting me from Sydney. I’ve known Daz for nearly 25 years and he has seen my metamorphosis throughout all these different lives.

Although, I think seeing me in my new natural habitat of the “Southern California Spiritual Bubble”, as I like to call it, has Darren seeing another new “life” beginning for me.

His baptism of fire was the first night at my girlfriend Lynn’s birthday party. Just imagine a room full of Transformational Leaders who all do amazing work in the world and heavily use terms like “God work”, “spiritual connection”, “mindfulness” and “surrender to the Universe”. These terms are a natural part of my vocabulary these days, but far from the conversations Daz is used to having in corporate Australia.

Then, there was his experience with the girl who served him in Nordie’s in Santa Monica. Daz shared his encounter with her, telling me how he noticed a tattoo on her wrist and asked her what it said.

She answered: “It says breathe.”

To which Daz humorously replied: “Do you sometimes forget to?”

She smiled and responded: “It’s a spiritual thing.”

I went on to explain that our breath is that one simple thing we can do to slow things down and center. By breathing deeply and slowly, we calm our minds and bodies, therefore eliminating any stressful thoughts and energy. Then, from this state of centeredness, we can consciously choose how to respond or proceed in that moment.

Of course, this exchange really got me thinking how far down the “spiritual rabbit hole” I have fallen…and how much I like the way it has improved my life.

Having the contrast of someone from outside the “bubble” has also brought to my attention how many terms are being bantered around like Mindfulness, Centered, Present, Dropped In and Conscious. And to me they all mean a similar thing: taking time to connect with who we truly are - our soul and God.

This probably doesn’t need to be said, but when I drop the “G” word, as the reader you simply need to insert your definition of what or who God is to you. I have absolutely no judgment as to whomever a person chooses to call God…it’s all good.

One of the bonuses I love about new age spirituality is that we take responsibility for ourselves, rather than blaming an entity outside of ourselves - that leaves us helpless to steer our lives in any direction – AND, we can choose how we connect with God.

Like when Oprah was interviewing director Brian Grazer on Super Soul Sunday about his book “The Curious Mind”. Oprah acknowledged that being curious was Brian’s spiritual practice. By asking questions and being naturally inquisitive, Brian was not only being incredibly present in his interactions with people, but he was also creating a deeper connection and showing up authentically.

How cool is that?

Personally, I love practicing being centered while doing something as mundane as unpacking the dishwasher, putting on make-up, taking Bella for a wee walk, or even cleaning my teeth can be a mindful activity. I recommend trying this next time you are doing any of these types of activities.

So, rather than trying to multi task rushing through these activities with a whirlpool of “I don’t have enough time” thoughts swirling around your mind, which as we know creates “not enough time” (c’mon, I’m not the only one that does that), be present to what you’re doing.

Feel gratitude for the fact you have dishes to unload. Appreciate the nature around you as you walk the dog. Still your mind as you apply your make-up.

Doing this is like pressing a big button in your day so you can reboot, review and reset; so you can move forward in a more conscious way.

Really, it’s as simple as remembering to breathe.