The 2015 election season is beginning to move into high gear. And it promises to be a pretty interesting year of Louisiana politics. Electing a new governor, which many residents are looking forward to after eight years of Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, is at the top of the list.

This year’s Krewe of Highland parade will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 15 and is free and open to the public. The parade runs through the heart of the historic Highland neighborhood, where the architecture and openness of the diverse people who live and work there give it a distinct feel that delights visitors.

It’s not easy being an elected official for a governmental entity these days at the national, state and local levels. To be sure, things will not change for the better for elected officials in 2015. It might be wise, if you care how your tax dollars are spent, to stay informed and pay attention this year to what these entities are doing.

How does it work? If you pay close attention to your mind, you’ll find that it has a mind of its own. All day long, the mind brings up thoughts you didn’t ask for. Much of your thinking is as voluntary as breathing or circulation. Unfortunately, a lot of the stuff your mind regurgitates is negative.

Yet recent news reports in our nation seem to tell a different story today, and it’s one that seems increasingly obsessed with the colors of our skin, rather than the content of our characters; of what divides us, rather than what strengthens us.

The primary benefits of meditation are immediate relaxation and a better understanding of how your body, mind and spirit work together so that you can handle stressful situations. Over time, you will gain greater peace for yourself and those around you.