Spiritual practice and meditation are often thought of as being the province of priests, monks, and nuns-- those few individuals who have retired from the preoccupations of day-to-day life. This inspiring book reveals how the simple practice of mindfulness can be a magical and transformative part of anyone's daily life. Thirty-five wide-ranging essays written by well-known spiritual teachers, therapists, and creative artists show how learning to be more present in one's immediate life can bring a new richness to ordinary activities; how mindfulness can heighten creative pursuits such as painting, writing, or playing music; how contemplative awareness enhances both physical and psychological well-being; and how meditation can contribute to better relationships with family, community, and the world at large.