“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love. “
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness is a buzzword you hear a lot today. It recently was on the cover of Time Magazine. Companies, such as Google, are embracing the concept of “training the brain” with their mindfulness departments offering classes such as “Search Inside Yourself.” It’s making its way into school systems with impressive results for students and teachers.
Mindfulness, at its best, becomes a way of living your life. If you are interested in learning more or expanding your current practice, there are plenty of places to start!
1. Take a mindfulness class in your community.
2. Check out the plethora of books on the topic.
3. Download the numerous online, guided meditations and try it upon waking. If you are a newbie, try one that is 3 minutes and remember perfection is not the goal! There’s reason they call it a “practice.” Simply becoming aware of how our minds wander and gently calling it back is good enough!
4. Take one activity each day you normally do “mindlessly,” such as folding laundry, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes. Block out the mind chatter for the few minutes and focus on what you hear, taste, smell, and see.
5. Try mindful eating. Experience the look, taste, and smell of your food with the first few bites of each meal. It provides an entirely new experience.
If you are ready to take your life off autopilot and start “smelling the roses,” give it a try!
Wishes to you for a mindful day!
