I was fortunate many years ago to attend a 5 day mindfulness retreat with meditation teacher, peace activist, and poet Thich Nhat Hahn, much admired world wide for his work, including the book Present Moment Wonderful Moment. Our days were spent in walking meditation, sitting meditation, mindful eating, lectures, and small group meetings.

One of the powerful techniques I learned is a simple meditation that can be done quietly, nearly anywhere, at any time, using three stones. Take the three stones (which you can easily carry around in the pocket) in your hand, and hold them one by one, using a breathing meditation on each one:

• Stone 1: Breathing in, I see myself as a flower, breathing out I feel fresh (repeat 3x)
• Stone 2: Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain, breathing out I feel strong (repeat 3x)
• Stone 3: Breathing in, I see myself as still water, breathing out I reflect things as they are (repeat 3x)

By the time I’ve finished the third stone, I feel more fresh, stronger, with equanimity/calm. I might do this before making a presentation, or any time I feel especially stressed.

So I’ve been walking around with these three stones in my pocket the last month, and have the idea that I can always have these stones on hand, ready to give a friend in need or anyone who could feel more fresh, strong, or calm.