Before we begin, it can help to take a few deep breaths. But that doesn’t always do the trick.

Another technique is to take sixty seconds to look around. Take note of what’s in front of you. Beside you. Above you. Behind you.

Just visually noting — not trying to change or react to, but noting — can help to calm the mind and to help us reconnect to our own presence … and our own purpose.

And then, we go.