Another definition of stress is not being fully present in the moment.

The question we each need to ask is, "Is this activity helping me be fully present or fully distracted?"

I don't always have time (so I tell myself) to meditate, but I eat and wash up pretty much every day. I generally brush my teeth a couple times a day, and it's a rare day when I don't get dressed and undressed at least once.

Each of these activities is a perfect time for mindfulness. Can I wash my plate, fork and cup and ONLY wash my plate, fork and cup? Without thinking about my conference call, or the fight I'm having with my former client who isn't paying (deep breath), or what I'm going to make for dinner tomorrow, or what was the name of that actress in the Disney remake of The Parent Trap, or - oh, yeah, back to the dishes.

I can chop vegetables while talking on the phone and listening to the radio, or I can focus on putting love into the meal I'm about to serve my family.

Meditation is just shooting foul shots alone in the gym. It's practice. Being present for our lives is the real game.