photo by adwriter

As busy as our lives are, it probably won't surprise you to learn that your mind is equally as busy.  Thoughts are constantly bombarding us: what to make for dinner; what time to pick up the kids; when to pay that bill; deadlines for work; worries about keeping your partner happy. A way of relieving the stress of everyday living is to practice a mediation technique in which you focus on your breathing.

Meditation on the breath doesn't require anything but ten to thirty minutes of quiet time. Relax your body and concentrate on your breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils. Count each breath up to ten. Concentrate on nothing else. That is your focus. If a stray thought enters your mind, which it invariably will, mentally note what it is and then let it go. Each time a thought interrupts you begin counting from one again.

Your first attempts may be frustrating. You will be surprised at how many things cross your mind and how difficult it is to focus on a single subject. Meditation on the breath is an eye-opening exercise in recognizing how scattered our thoughts can be and how little we experience true relaxation and peace. As you continue to practice you will find yourself able to count more and more breaths without interruption. It's the first step to regaining true peace of mind and perhaps developing an interest in the many forms of meditation that exist.

photo by myyorgda

Can't swim? Don't have a body of water? Can't afford a boat? Don't let these discourage you from becoming a recreational sailor. You can always try land sailing, also known as land yachting, to experience the excitement of riding the wind.

Land sailing is typically found in desert regions or other areas with flat, hard land such as parking lots or beaches. Three-wheeled crafts typically made of fiberglass are outfitted with sails that are very similar to those of sailboats. A rider or 'pilot' sits or lies in the vehicle and then uses pedals or hand levers to control the sail and thus guide the craft as the wind catches the sails.  Land sailing speeds can reach up to 50 mph, although more expected speeds are from 20 to 40 mph. The land sail world speed record, however, is 116.7 mph!

The North American Land Sailing Association sponsors clubs and events for amateur and professional sailors, and there are international land sailing clubs as well. Anyone from children to the wheelchair-bound can participate. Instructors explain proper safety techniques before you set out to help ensure you’re carried with the wind without harm.