Kids can play for endless hours in this space of no limits—where imagination, creativity, and joy abound. Children are effortlessly synched with their spiritual selves: that part of us that is ageless, resilient, innovative, and open to transcendence. Mindfulness is our true nature: it’s who were were then, and who we still are, as we learn to surrender our mental chatter. I know the concept sounds foreign—but when we think of our minds as containers for thought, and our brains as the instruments through which the mind flows, it becomes clear that whatever we’re feeding our brains determines where our minds will go. We nurture these miraculous receiving stations, and we rely so much on their transmissions—until one day we find that it’s next to impossible to turn them off! Good news: we can return to this pure, childlike spirituality whenever we tune into receiving mode.

Let’s practice being mindful now: Think of a time in which you found yourself open and in the moment; relaxed, and content to stay right there. See if you can bring yourself to the place you were, and remember what was happening that allowed you to surrender there. You probably weren’t talking or texting as you were swept and carried away from the tumble-dryer of thoughts in your head.  For me, it was an evening with Doris and Rock on Turner Classic Movies—although 90 minutes of Pillow Talk isn’t the only way to find freedom from mental jabber. Mental emancipation often comes without a channel guide, and it can stay for just a flash—before our bossy mind tells us to knock it off! Wouldn’t it be nice to be able say, “Back off, dude—can’t you see I’m coasting here?” In fact, mindfulness teaches us how.