Awareness In The Moment

Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different.  Enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will) and being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).  ~James Baraz

Being mindful, focusing and paying attention in the moment is a life changing skill when practiced.  Every day, every moment gives us an opportunity to practice this skill.

As a society, we are so distracted by so many things competing for our attention.  It has been said that most people are distracted 2 ½ hours – 3 hours on things that don’t really matter much to them.  That is so much time wasted, and not invested in things that are important to you.  I want to encourage you today to start being mindful about where you put your energy, time and focus. Here are some ways to practice mindfulness:

Whether you are working, cleaning, cooking, exercising…be all in where you are.  Hold your mind and attention on whatever it is you are engaged in and put your best into it.  You will find more enjoyment when you practice this.

When eating, just eat. Slow down, chew your food, and enjoy your meal.  Do not eat on the run, out of a bag, or doing other activities.  Your digestive system will thank you for mindful eating.

Always do one thing at a time.  You will be more productive, less scattered, and more energized when concentrating all your efforts on one thing at a time.

Take a walk outside every day. Nature has a way to ground us automatically.  Notice the sounds around you, focus on your breath, take in the sites of nature.  This type of walking meditation has been shown to train our mind to focus on the moment.

Mediate on a calming mantra.  Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and breathe.  On the inhale, repeat “let’ and on the exhale repeat “go”.  Try to make the exhale a little longer than the inhale.  The benefits of meditation are spectacular.  But you can’t give up on it.

So remember we have only one day at a time to live, so let’s live this day consciously and deliberately, and choose well!