I love this line from an article on mindfulness, from the web site www.helpguide.org.
“Did you notice whether you felt well-rested this morning or that forsythia is in bloom along your route to work?”
For one thing, forsythia is one of my favorite spring-blooming shrubs.
For a second thing, paying attention to whether or not I feel well-rested is a good thing to try and do.
Both things demonstrate the importance of mindfulness and being present in your day-to-day life.
Mindfulness is generally defined as focusing on what you are doing, feeling, or thinking right now, rather than trying to think about EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME RIGHT NOW ALL THE THINGS.
Specifically, Wikipedia defines mindfulness as “the psychological process of bringing one's attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation and other training.”
If you think about it, you can probably come up with dozens of examples on your own. I can think of a few. Sitting with friends, focused entirely on the conversation instead of thinking about what’s for dinner or what’s on the to-do list for the next day. Watering plants at the greenhouse and listening to the wind and the birds and simply enjoying the sunshine and the breeze. Sitting on the patio watching dragonflies dance. (I’ve noticed that for me, many mindfulness moments come while I’m outdoors!)
When I’ve allowed myself to be mindful, to be present with what I’m doing or with the people around me, I feel calmer, more peaceful. My blood pressure drops. My mind feels more settled.
I’ve also noticed that dogs are just about the most present, mindful creatures and we could learn a lot from them. They are fully engaged with what they are doing in each moment without worrying about the past or the future. (Except sometimes when they think food should be showing up!)
The first step is to pay attention to what you are doing in a given moment. A different first step is to practice meditation and bringing your thoughts back to your breathing. A different first step…you get the idea. Everyone could have a different approach to being more mindful in their lives!
What are you going to do today to be more mindful and more present in your life?
Cheers! Here’s to your health!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/compassion-matters/201303/benefits-mindfulness
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tenzin-norbu/mindfulness_b_1789607.html
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm