Focus on what makes you happy, and who makes you happy - as Julie Potiker leads you through this guided meditation of peace and love. She begins the meditation with the reading of the poem, "Hold Out Your Hand", by Julia Fehrenbacher. She completes the meditation with her poem, "So Much Love," by Julie Potiker .

Hold Out Your Hand, by Julia Fehrehbacher

Let's forget the world for a while

fall back and back

into the hush and holy

of now

are you listening? This breath

invites you

to write the first word

of your new story

your new story begins with this:

You matter.

You are needed--empty

and naked

willing to say yes

and yes and yes.

Do you see

the sun shines, day after day

whether you have faith

or not, sparrows continue

to sing their song

even when you forget to sing

yours.

Stop asking: Am i good enough?

Ask only: Am I showing up with love?

Life is not a straight line

it's a downpour of gifts, please--

hold out your hand.

So Much Love, by Julie Potiker

I sit tucked under the eaves

cozy in my flannel pajamas, soft from so many washings

The late December sun is throwing shadows across the pages of the poetry book

Delivered in the mail

Signed by the poet’s hand

My oatmeal man hands me a painted Mexican ceramic bowl

cinnamon and peanut butter wafting from the steaming oats

I love that man

Love the bowl bought on vacation

Love the nourishing oats

A House Wren is trilling

It’s astonishing that sound can emanate from a creature that could fit in the cup of an upturned hand

I love the Wren

Glancing back at the book in my lap

I notice how synchronis the moment-

“Staying in Love” by Julia Fehrenbacher

So many little triangles folded down

Her love waiting to be shared by me

I love that I can do it.

Find out more about using mindfulness in everyday life through Julie's books, "SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". Both are available on Amazon.com.

Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.com

This podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.