Joseph Goldstein, a renowned meditation teacher and one of my favorite meditation guides, says the three most important words in meditation are: begin again.

When we meditate, we focus on something simple, like the breath. Inevitably, the mind wanders. That is human.

Meditation isn’t about perfect focus or an empty mind. It’s noticing when your mind drifts, gently returning to the breath, and simply beginning again That is part of the act of meditating.

Using a mantra like begin again while you meditate is your fresh start any day of the year.

Compared to every day life being uncomfortable in yoga is easy. In yoga when the pose becomes uncomfortable we stay, we observe how the discomfort feels in our body, we observe the thoughts that pass in our minds, and we breathe. We watch the discomfort grow, dissipate and pass.

In life when you become uncomfortable and want to react you can remember these yoga moments. Pausing, noticing and acting with a calm and clear mind.

Over time, as you settle into stillness within a pose, you begin to detach from your thoughts. Instead of engaging with them, you focus on your breath—each inhale and exhale guiding your awareness. As thoughts arise, you simply notice them, acknowledge their presence, and then let them go. This practice of detachment allows you to quiet the ongoing chatter of the mind.

What remains after your practice is what truly matters—what is real.

By remaining still for several breaths in a single pose we learn how to pause.

By not responding to every thought, itch or sensation the mind and body becomes comfortable just listening and pausing before acting.

Yoga is done with both effort and ease. When was the last time you tried that?